Mike Simpson

"*Next time - you doubt yourself - next time you feel blinded by rage - think. Think what would Sarah want you to do. Let her be your guide. Because she'd still have faith in you. So have some faith in yourself. I know I do.*"
—Mike to Benjamin Taylor[src]

Mike Simpson is a supporting character as well as a survivor of the outbreak in Route to Paradise. He was Benjamin Taylor's personal assistant pre-apocalypse, and would continue working alongside him after the outbreak, creating a base out of the Willamette Museum.

A few weeks into the apocalypse, after Benjamin is finally reunited with his daughter that'd been missing, she dies in his arms, causing Benjamin to start a war with The Rastas. After a couple of days of non-stop fighting, Benjamin's right-hand man, Shane Haywood, overthrows Benjamin and kicks him out. Mike is the only man who remains loyal to Benjamin and goes with him.

Over the next few days, Benjamin and Mike settle down into a house, and eventually come into contact with Edward Remar and his group, teaming up with them for the ultimate goal of killing The Rastas' leader, Damerae Badrick. The group travels around for a while, before finally settling down at the Willamette High School. It's here that Mike begins to worry about Benjamin's bloodlust against Badrick. He tries and fails to persuade Benjamin to let Badrick succumb to his wounds.

Eventually, the group discover Badrick's location and go out to attack him. But things don't go according to plan, leading to Mike and Benjamin being pinned down by Rasta gunfire. Mike sacrifices himself so that Benjamin can get out alive and achieve his goal of killing Badrick.

## **Pre-Apocalypse**

Mike Simpson was Benjamin Taylor's longtime personal assistant before the outbreak.

## **Post-Apocalypse**

After the outbreak, Mike travels to the Willamette Museum with Benjamin and his private militia that he'd hired, setting up a base.

### **Season 1**

#### **"Eagle Eye"**

As he walks through the Willamette Museum, Mike hears his name being called to the office. After grabbing an apple, he heads over there. Benjamin Taylor, his boss, tells him and Shane Haywood that they need to speed up the search for his daughter, Sarah. Mike is informed that he'll be in charge of overseeing the museum and keeping all supplies in check. Meanwhile, Shane is to continue leading the search for Sarah, saving the giant mall for last. Robin Clarke is called into the office and informs Benjamin that they were able to ram an ambulance off the road and loot it of its supplies. Mike says that he'll start a journal where all contributions are written down, and that he'll go run a check of their resources immediately. He and Shane then both leave. Mike walks down the hall and enters a back room where he begins writing down all of their supplies onto a notepad. As he's writing everything down, he suddenly has a knife put to his throat and has his mouth covered. A man's voice tells Mike that he knows his people stole medical supplies from an ambulance, and he wants it back. Mike nods his head, agreeing to it. The man pushes Mike forward, and he gets to gathering up the medical supplies they stole. As he puts everything into a case, Mike turns around to see one of the guards being quietly stabbed and killed from another man. Mike frowns, but remains quiet. The two men take the case and tell Mike to stay in the room until they're gone.

After they leave, Mike quickly bolts up and hurries to Benjamin's office. He rushes inside and tells Benjamin what happened. He immediately orders a group of men to go out and follow the two men. Mike explains that he was held at knife point and that they took the case of medical supplies.

### **Season 2**

#### **"Promise"**

Mike comes alongside Benjamin and his group to the train station in Willamette, and he stays back as they open fire on a group of attackers on Damerae Badrick's train. Afterwards, as the group is unloading the supplies from the train for Badrick, Benjamin tells Mike to make sure they keep two truckloads of supplies for themselves.

Later, Mike, Benjamin and the others arrive at the town hall with Badrick's supplies. Benjamin demands to get his daughter back, but Badrick once again refuses. He also tells Benjamin that if he finds any of his supplies missing, he won't hesitate to kill Sarah. Mike radios the two trucks that he'd directed to the museum, and tells them to come back to the town hall.

While sitting inside the museum, Mike notices a man carrying a little girl outside, who he instantly recognizes as Sarah Taylor. He rushes into Benjamin's office to tell him. Benjamin jumps out of his chair and Mike follows him out. Outside, Mike picks up a gun and helps fend off the attacking group of Rastas'. When it's clear, he picks Sarah up and hurries inside with her. Benjamin takes Sarah and sits down with her, asking how she managed to get out. She explains that Clyde Rollins and Edward Remar helped to break her out. Benjamin ensures that both of them will be rewarded for this. He then turns to Mike and tells him to go get Sarah a drink. Mike does as he's told, getting the girl a glass of water. When he returns with the water, he finds that Sarah has gone into a coughing fit, coughing up blood even. Mike yells for a doctor, but it's too late. Sarah dies in Benjamin's arms.

#### **"Fractured Beyond Repair"**

As the war between Benjamin and The Rastas' continue on the streets, Sarah's funeral is held inside of the museum, Mike in attendance. Benjamin addresses everything in the crowd, saying that they will eradicate those who did this - the Rastas'. He then introduces Derek Monroe, and explains that he told him about the locations of different Rasta outposts that they will take out. Derek himself elaborates further by telling everyone that the two outposts he knows of is an old junkyard, and his hotel. Benjamin concludes by promising that they will avenge all of their fallen friends, before lighting Sarah's body on fire. After, a man, who Clyde instantly knows is Edward, enters the building, weak and bloody. Mike orders that a soldier go help him over to a table. After taking a seat, Benjamin approaches Edward, who tells him that The Rastas' put him in the condition he's in, and that he wants revenge. Benjamin asks him where he plans to go, and he replies by saying that he'll go to the mall. Benjamin explains that he and the mall group have bad blood, but Edward states he can fix it. Mike steps forward and asks if he can speak to Benjamin. Mike is taken aside and tells Ben that he's concerned about the number of men they have left, most being dead, injured, or lost. Benjamin shuts down his concern by saying that they're extremely close to catching Damerae Badrick. Mike understands, but is still worried about the aftermath. Mike then leaves the conversation, heading for the office, where he pours himself a cup of coffee.

#### **"Family Business"**

Mike is walking around the museum when he notices Shane, Robin, and a group of men marching towards Benjamin's office. Curious, Mike questions them, but is only told that there's a "change of plans". Mike follows them into Benjamin's office. Mike is just as confused as his boss is. Shane and Robin tell Benjamin that they are taking over and kicking him out. They've had enough of Benjamin's war against the Rastas' and want to end it. Mike joins Benjamin's side, disgusted at the betrayal of Benjamin's two most loyal men. They inform Benjamin that he'll be given a vehicle and some supplies to go on his way. Benjamin, along with Mike, leave the office and out into the vehicle. Before they leave, Robin says that if they ever see Benjamin again - action will need to be taken.

### **Season 3**

#### **"On the Move"**

Mike and Benjamin spend the next couple days on the road before landing themselves inside of a house. While Mike is upstairs, Benjamin calls for him to come downstairs. Mike heads down and is asked to board up the door again, as he had to tear the planks off to let people in. He follows his boss's instructions and begins boarding the door up with planks and bolts. As he's doing this, a zombie reaches it's hand through, but Mike manages to take care of it with his a silenced pistol. When he's finished, he packs everything into a case and walks into the lounge where Benjamin is speaking to the people he let in - one of them being Robin. Benjamin looks over at Mike as he enters and says that Mike is the only true loyal one to him. He explains to Edward that once he and Mike kill Damerae Badrick, they'll be going on a journey to find Cornelius Dance. Edward wants to know who Mr. Dance is, but Benjamin isn't willing to tell them just yet. However, Benjamin says he'll help them with refueling their bus the next day.

#### **"The Golden Goose"**

Mike emerges into the living room the next morning, looking at everyone. Benjamin and Robin bicker back and forth until Edward and Clyde intervene. Mike removes a pistol from his case an holsters it, then going over to wait by the front door. The others join him and they promptly leave headed for the gas station.

On the walk there, Benjamin and Robin's feud worsens. Mike stays out of it, insteading protecting the group by taking out a zombie. When they arrive at the gas station, Mike, Benjamin, and Edward focus on clearing out the zombies while the others gather up gasoline. When enough has been gathered, Mike retreats back into the bus and they drive off.

#### **"State of Mind"**

Returning to the house, Mike enters and takes a seat. After being constantly questioned, Benjamin finally tells everyone that he had a part in creating the virus. Mike listens, already knowing the story. He explains that after losing his wife to cancer, he funded a group of scientists led by Cornelius Dance to help create a cure, however, those scientists instead worked on creating a devastating virus. He then concludes by saying that his journey to Denver is to locate those scientists and coerce them into creating or giving him a cure. Before that though, he must kill Badrick.

#### **"Reunion"**

After spending another day in the house, Benjamin tells everyone that they're leaving. As he's explaining why they're leaving, gunshots are heard outside. Mike draws his weapon. Edward storms into the backyard to find Robin shooting at glass bottles. He yells and curses at him and hits him with his cane. While this goes on, Mike heads up the stairs to find a guitar case. Inside it, a submachine gun. Mike loads it and points it towards the front door as zombies bang on it. After Robin goes over and opens the door, Mike begins firing on the zombies, but there are too many. He retreats out the back and around into the bus. He covers the back windows, firing at any of the approaching zombies.

The bus makes it's way to a brewery. Mike joins everyone inside for a drink.

#### **"The Mist"**

After enjoying some time at the brewery, a horde nearby sends everyone back into the bus and back on the road.

Mike sits in the bus as Robin drives it through a blizzard. After he hits a zombie and begins driving unsafely, Benjamin demands the bus be stopped. Robin slams on the brake, sending every flying forward in their seats. After Edward gets up and demands to drive, Robin instead speeds forward, slamming into a wall and crashing the bus. Furious, Edward lunges with a knife, but Clyde holds him back. All the while, Mike remains seated, looking out the windows.

After some time, the group all leave the bus, but are separated when zombies attack them. Mike is left separated from everyone else.

#### **"Red Asphalt"**

It's revealed that Mike made his way to the others at a nearby bowling alley. Benjamin asks him if he saw any sign of Jared Kellings on his way here, but he hasn't. He also tells them that the bus can't be fixed.

#### **"What Comes After"**

Still at the bowling alley, Mike assists the group by helping a seriously wounded Clyde and making coffee for everyone. When Benjamin asks Mike to find them a new ride, he says he'll get right on it. Before he heads out, Mike listens in on Benjamin and Edward's conversation. Benjamin agrees to stay with Edward and not go on the journey to Denver *yet*. Mike then heads out with Claire Noble to find a vehicle. Some time later, they return with a truck that can fit everyone.

As they drive through town, Benjamin looks on at Willamette High School which has been damaged badly. He tells Mike to stop the truck, and he does. Mike stays with the truck as some of the others head inside to check it out.

### **Season 4**

#### **"Gunpoint"**

Mike follows Benjamin through into the school foyer, where he lays out a map of the area. Benjamin points to a football stadium and suggests that they drive there. The others agree with the plan, but they need to speak to Dean Howards before they go. Mike heads out into the courtyard with the others. He listens to Dean fumble around with his words until he's able to say that Badrick was the cause of all the destruction at the school. After, Mike walks off with Benjamin. They take a seat nearby, and Mike goes to talk with Benjamin. Benjamin mourns the death of his daughter, and Mike consoles him. Benjamin is thankful for Mike's loyalty throughout everything, but he's still out for revenge on Badrick. Mike tells him that the best thing to do is to let Badrick succumb to his wounds wherever he is. Benjamin appreciates Mike's advice, but is firm on killing Badrick himself. Mike accepts this, and will stand by Benjamin no matter what. The two then stand up and head back in.

Mike enters the school libraby, where Michael Hall is seated on the couch, a serious gunshot wound to him. Mike opens up a case and puts on a pair of gloves before going ahead to treat Michael. He treats the gunshot wound with bandages and antispectic spray, before going onto inject painkiller into Michael's body. After he's finished, Mike heads outside to the truck.

The group drive down the rural roads of Colorado for a while, getting closer and closer to the football stadium. Before they make it there, they come across a crashed car on the side of the road. Mike slows down and stops the truck. He exits the truck with the others to investigate. Two men sit by the wrekc, Daniel Rockwell and Lolida Windfield. They explain that they come from the football stadium, and that they were driving Damerae Badrick to a nearby dockyard where he was supposed to meet a group of Rastas' arriving via boat. Edward and Benjamin are in agreement that they head back to the school, pick everyone up, and drive to this dockyard to finish off Badrick and the Rastas' for good.

#### **"Consequence"**

At the school, Mike opens up a large cargo box - inside, an RPG with four rockets. Edward grins in excitement, saying that they'll be able to sink their ship with the rockets. After everyone who's able to fight is rounded up, they head outside and get back into the truck.

The group move on foot once they get close to the docks. Hiding in the trees, they look on at Badrick and all of his Rastas'. Mike hold his submachine gun as they move closer and get ready to attack. Edward picks up the RPG and fires it at the ship, the battle was on. Mike immediately starts firing at The Rastas'. As the fight rages on, Benjamin and Edward are keen on moving up and finding Badrick. Mike doesn't like the idea, but goes along with them. When they find Badrick, Edward uses another rocket to try and take him out, but Badrick dives out of the way. Mike continues fending off Rastas'. Eventually, the group start to become surrounded by the enemy. Mike takes out some of his dogtags and passes them to Benjamin. He tells Benjamin that he and Sarah will be waiting for him. He tells Benjamin that on the count of three, he make a run for it. Benjamin tries to talk him out of it, but it's too late. Mike counts to three, then jumps out of cover running and spraying his gun at the Rastas'. Benjamin escapes, but Mike is riddled with bullets. He collapses, and Delroy Shakir approaches him. He stabs Mike through the chest with a machete, killing him.

#### **"The Beginning"**

In a flashback, Mike stands by a limousine waiting for Benjamin to enter. He notices that Benjamin looks stressed and asks him how Sarah is. Benjamin replies, "The same.". Mike then enters the vehicle and drives off towards the Taylor & Co building. They arrive a short time later. Mike waits inside the building for Benjamin. When he returns from a meeting, Mike is ready with a coffee for Ben. He takes it and thanks him. Benjamin then answers a phone call, and after hanging up, instructs Mike to get the vehicle ready immediately, telling him that Sarah had a minor stroke. Mike rushes off and starts the limousine. They drive off to the hospital.

## **Death**

Killed By
* The Rastas' *(Caused)*
* Himself *(Sacrifice)*

Mike, seeing that he and Benjamin are becoming surrounded, sacrifices himself, allowing time for Benjamin to escape. He is riddled with bullets by Rastas'.

* Delroy Shakir

After falling to his knees and bleeding profusely, Delroy approaches Mike and stabs him through the chest with a machete, killing him for good.

## **Killed Victims**

* Several Rastas'
* Numerous counts of zombies

## **Appearances**

Any episode with a checkmark over it signifies Mike Simpson appearing in any way.