EOTC: Blue Spruce Ridge
EOTC: Blue Spruce Ridge
It took two days to clear Camp Wilson of the undead, and another week to scour the surrounding desert for stragglers. Lt. Mikado and his flyboys stayed through the entire ordeal, refusing to leave until the last corpse stopped moving. By the end, nearly a hundred friends, family members, and townsfolk had perished. No one escaped the grief of losing someone they loved. Of all the people who used to visit Shep during his library days, only Kar didn’t survive. Injuries were everywhere. The old rumor that zombie bites were always fatal turned out to be mostly myth; “Only one person had a bite become infected and turn them.” Others amputated limbs to be safe. Most simply endured.
After Nico and his crew departed, Shep focused on helping Nova recover. She returned to something close to her old self, though her skin stayed pale, her eyes a strange orangish‑yellow, and her body temperature perpetually low. The townsfolk kept their distance. Only Reggie spoke to her regularly. Still, she visited Shep whenever he stopped by the library, where Susan always greeted him with a new book and a smile.
Before long, Shep felt the pull of the horizon. He packed his belongings, climbed into the Silver Eagle, and set out to explore beyond the 'lines.' The first stretch was easy; scorpions, snakes, and vultures were the worst he encountered. After several days wandering through a surprisingly colorful stretch of desert, he considered turning back. His rations were half gone, and civilization seemed nowhere in sight.
Then he saw a distant light.
Curiosity won. The light led him to a small settlement built inside a massive blast crater nearly half a mile wide. The townsfolk were wary when he descended, but Shep’s calm words eased their nerves. He explained he meant no harm and was only passing through. Once they warmed to him, he learned the place was called Basinview. No one seemed to know much about its origins.
He stayed long enough to restock supplies and get a decent night’s sleep in the tiny six‑room inn. But the longer he remained, the more unsettling the town became. Many residents bore strange mutations or deformities. No one lived past middle age. Even the wildlife avoided the crater. His suspicions force him to eventually leave, fearing radiation affecting the population. He didn’t linger.
A day later, he reached another settlement. A placed called "Checkpoint." No one knew why the population was mostly human, with a scattering of mutants and a few obvious d‑bees. The cactus‑like people were especially bizarre. Shep restocked again, took iodine pills just in case, and replaced anything that might have been contaminated.
Weeks passed as he learned their customs, but eventually he moved on. He crossed a vast canyon, climbed into a rugged mountain range, and finally descended into a forest, which is the first real forest he’d ever seen outside of books. The journey was slow and exhausting. He could have flown, but he’d quickly learned not to draw unnecessary attention.
Deep in the woods, he discovered a small logging town called Blue Spruce Ridge. The locals were cautious at first, but soon welcomed him with free food, drink, and a month of lodging. He grew close to many of them, including several mutants. For the first time, he witnessed someone move objects with their mind. The town was humble, not much larger than Camp Wilson, and its leader, a friendly man known only as "Hatchet," took a particular interest in Shep and his power armor.
The townsfolk spoke often of Silvereno, a bustling trade hub and mining town to the north. Beyond that lay the Baronies: Hope, Testament, Wilmington, Charity, New Durango, and finally the edge of civilization, called Rifle Ridge. Shep found Spruce Ridge peaceful. He helped with logging and occasionally flew search‑and‑rescue missions for teenagers who wandered too far. Most buildings were wooden, and a fifty‑foot watchtower overlooked the surrounding forest. The townspeople deliberately left trees standing around the perimeter to give the place a comforting, sheltered feel. Shep felt it immediately.
But peace never lasted. More than once, he caught strangers trying to steal his power armor, unaware that only he could operate it. It kept him alert, though no one had yet tried to harm him directly.
After several weeks, Shep sat with Hatchet discussing an upcoming trip to Silvereno. Hatchet hoped Shep would join him. During the conversation, he asked Shep’s surname. When Shep answered, Hatchet’s usually wrinkled frown suddenly brightened.
“Wilson?” he said. “Like descended from Andrew or Carl Wilson?”
After Nico and his crew departed, Shep focused on helping Nova recover. She returned to something close to her old self, though her skin stayed pale, her eyes a strange orangish‑yellow, and her body temperature perpetually low. The townsfolk kept their distance. Only Reggie spoke to her regularly. Still, she visited Shep whenever he stopped by the library, where Susan always greeted him with a new book and a smile.
Before long, Shep felt the pull of the horizon. He packed his belongings, climbed into the Silver Eagle, and set out to explore beyond the 'lines.' The first stretch was easy; scorpions, snakes, and vultures were the worst he encountered. After several days wandering through a surprisingly colorful stretch of desert, he considered turning back. His rations were half gone, and civilization seemed nowhere in sight.
Then he saw a distant light.
Curiosity won. The light led him to a small settlement built inside a massive blast crater nearly half a mile wide. The townsfolk were wary when he descended, but Shep’s calm words eased their nerves. He explained he meant no harm and was only passing through. Once they warmed to him, he learned the place was called Basinview. No one seemed to know much about its origins.
He stayed long enough to restock supplies and get a decent night’s sleep in the tiny six‑room inn. But the longer he remained, the more unsettling the town became. Many residents bore strange mutations or deformities. No one lived past middle age. Even the wildlife avoided the crater. His suspicions force him to eventually leave, fearing radiation affecting the population. He didn’t linger.
A day later, he reached another settlement. A placed called "Checkpoint." No one knew why the population was mostly human, with a scattering of mutants and a few obvious d‑bees. The cactus‑like people were especially bizarre. Shep restocked again, took iodine pills just in case, and replaced anything that might have been contaminated.
Weeks passed as he learned their customs, but eventually he moved on. He crossed a vast canyon, climbed into a rugged mountain range, and finally descended into a forest, which is the first real forest he’d ever seen outside of books. The journey was slow and exhausting. He could have flown, but he’d quickly learned not to draw unnecessary attention.
Deep in the woods, he discovered a small logging town called Blue Spruce Ridge. The locals were cautious at first, but soon welcomed him with free food, drink, and a month of lodging. He grew close to many of them, including several mutants. For the first time, he witnessed someone move objects with their mind. The town was humble, not much larger than Camp Wilson, and its leader, a friendly man known only as "Hatchet," took a particular interest in Shep and his power armor.
The townsfolk spoke often of Silvereno, a bustling trade hub and mining town to the north. Beyond that lay the Baronies: Hope, Testament, Wilmington, Charity, New Durango, and finally the edge of civilization, called Rifle Ridge. Shep found Spruce Ridge peaceful. He helped with logging and occasionally flew search‑and‑rescue missions for teenagers who wandered too far. Most buildings were wooden, and a fifty‑foot watchtower overlooked the surrounding forest. The townspeople deliberately left trees standing around the perimeter to give the place a comforting, sheltered feel. Shep felt it immediately.
But peace never lasted. More than once, he caught strangers trying to steal his power armor, unaware that only he could operate it. It kept him alert, though no one had yet tried to harm him directly.
After several weeks, Shep sat with Hatchet discussing an upcoming trip to Silvereno. Hatchet hoped Shep would join him. During the conversation, he asked Shep’s surname. When Shep answered, Hatchet’s usually wrinkled frown suddenly brightened.
“Wilson?” he said. “Like descended from Andrew or Carl Wilson?”
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: EOTC: Blue Spruce Ridge
Shep blinks, surprised despite himself, then gives a small, cautious smile. “Not many people know those names,” he says. “Yeah. They’re family.” He studies Hatchet, not hostile, just measuring. “How do you know Andrew and Carl?”
Re: EOTC: Blue Spruce Ridge
Shep blinks, surprised despite himself, then gives a small, cautious smile. “Not many people know those names,” he says. “Yeah. They’re family.” He studies Hatchet, not hostile, just measuring. “How do you know Andrew and Carl?”
Hatchet gives one of his half grins, unable to fully smile, thanks to a condition called Bell's palsy. "No, not personally." He takes another sip of whiskey, "A young lady passed through here several months ago, Said she was looking for two towns that her ancestors founded. One to the north, founded by Andy Wilson. Another one southwest, called Fort Wilson or something like that, founded by Carl. Apparently were brothers and heroes of their day and age," he takes another sip. He then pours Shep a small glass and hands it over. "Her name was Marie or May Lee or something like that. She was heading north towards the Fort. Haven't heard from her since she left. She kept a journal about her family. I read a few pages when she wasn't looking. I think she was writing a book. She's quite fascinating and bright. You know her?"
Hatchet gives one of his half grins, unable to fully smile, thanks to a condition called Bell's palsy. "No, not personally." He takes another sip of whiskey, "A young lady passed through here several months ago, Said she was looking for two towns that her ancestors founded. One to the north, founded by Andy Wilson. Another one southwest, called Fort Wilson or something like that, founded by Carl. Apparently were brothers and heroes of their day and age," he takes another sip. He then pours Shep a small glass and hands it over. "Her name was Marie or May Lee or something like that. She was heading north towards the Fort. Haven't heard from her since she left. She kept a journal about her family. I read a few pages when she wasn't looking. I think she was writing a book. She's quite fascinating and bright. You know her?"
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: EOTC: Blue Spruce Ridge
Shep tries to think of who Marie or May Lee Wilson might be in his family tree. "Let me think, the name sounds kinda familiar." he says as he stalls while he tries to remember: OOC: I don't see any mention of Marnie in the past Shep threads, but does Shep know about her?
Re: EOTC: Blue Spruce Ridge
Shep tries to think of who Marie or May Lee Wilson might be in his family tree. "Let me think, the name sounds kinda familiar." he says as he stalls while he tries to remember, however, he can't place a face or history to her name.
"Well, she's probably mid to late twenties. Brunette. Very pretty and intelligent." He kicks his feet up, thoroughly soaking up the view of the town from the balcony. It's quite impressive that they have all of these balconies high up in the perimeter trees, with adjoining elevated, wooden bridges between the balconies. OOC: Picture the Ewok villages of Endor, looking over an old west town of log cabins.
Off to Shep's left, is a full bar, covered by a canvas canopy, with a bartender ready to mix drinks on command. Someone like Hatchet rarely pays. He's very well respected amongst the community and seems quite intelligent. He finally pries his eyes away from the scenery, "She bought a horse here for quite cheap. Not sure how far she'll get with that stubborn thing. But, I'd say she won't make it very far past Rifle Ridge. The terrain up there is deadly, especially with winter setting in." Reminding Shep that he can see his own breath, barely.
"So, what do you think?" Hatchet inquires, swooping his greasy, gray hair back, "How's the drink? And would you like to head to Silvereno tomorrow? You could learn more about the area there."
"Well, she's probably mid to late twenties. Brunette. Very pretty and intelligent." He kicks his feet up, thoroughly soaking up the view of the town from the balcony. It's quite impressive that they have all of these balconies high up in the perimeter trees, with adjoining elevated, wooden bridges between the balconies. OOC: Picture the Ewok villages of Endor, looking over an old west town of log cabins.
Off to Shep's left, is a full bar, covered by a canvas canopy, with a bartender ready to mix drinks on command. Someone like Hatchet rarely pays. He's very well respected amongst the community and seems quite intelligent. He finally pries his eyes away from the scenery, "She bought a horse here for quite cheap. Not sure how far she'll get with that stubborn thing. But, I'd say she won't make it very far past Rifle Ridge. The terrain up there is deadly, especially with winter setting in." Reminding Shep that he can see his own breath, barely.
"So, what do you think?" Hatchet inquires, swooping his greasy, gray hair back, "How's the drink? And would you like to head to Silvereno tomorrow? You could learn more about the area there."
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: EOTC: Blue Spruce Ridge
"Marie or May Lee Wilson... yeah, the name sounds kinda familiar, but I'm drawing a blank on the face. Could be family." He takes another sip and stares out at the town for a moment, like he's pulling old memories. "Give me a night to think about it. The older you get, the longer it takes to remember things." Then he turns back. "What did she tell you about where she was headed? Anywhere in particular?"
"Hmm... this is pretty good, thanks." he says as he feels the warmth of the alcohol making it's way down his chest. "Helps take the chill out of the bones. I could definitely take a trip with you. Doing a little guard duty, as it were."
"Hmm... this is pretty good, thanks." he says as he feels the warmth of the alcohol making it's way down his chest. "Helps take the chill out of the bones. I could definitely take a trip with you. Doing a little guard duty, as it were."
Re: EOTC: Blue Spruce Ridge
"Marie or May Lee Wilson... yeah, the name sounds kinda familiar, but I'm drawing a blank on the face. Could be family." He takes another sip and stares out at the town for a moment, like he's pulling old memories. "Give me a night to think about it. The older you get, the longer it takes to remember things." Then he turns back. "What did she tell you about where she was headed? Anywhere in particular?"
"Like I mentioned, most of it I snooped from her diary. He ancestors founded two towns. I can't remember the name of the one up north. I just know that it's beyond the Baronies. Her like super triple double quadruple great grandfather had founded the town over a dispute with his brother, Carl. They disagreed on how to handle the d-bee situation back then. So they parted ways. They both worked for some gang called NEMA." He downs his whiskey, "There's lots to do in Silvereno and you could probably restock parts and ammo for your custom SAMAS." He nods behind himself, to the north, "That way? You might find parts and ammo. But mostly fugitives, mercs, d-bees hiding from the Coalition and bounty hunters. Buuut it can be a bit of fun. I'll admit, I've gone that way a few times for some good drinks, loose women and some intense games."
"Hmm... this is pretty good, thanks." Shep adds as he feels the warmth of the alcohol spreading it's way down his chest. "Helps take the chill out of the bones. I could definitely take a trip with you. Doing a little guard duty, as it were."
"That would be much appreciated, Mr. Wilson. If it turns profitable, then I could cut you in on the profits to pay for your protection services." he pours another drink and raises his glass to cheers Shep, "Or if you like, I could have some of the boys look her up to see if she's still in the region."
"Like I mentioned, most of it I snooped from her diary. He ancestors founded two towns. I can't remember the name of the one up north. I just know that it's beyond the Baronies. Her like super triple double quadruple great grandfather had founded the town over a dispute with his brother, Carl. They disagreed on how to handle the d-bee situation back then. So they parted ways. They both worked for some gang called NEMA." He downs his whiskey, "There's lots to do in Silvereno and you could probably restock parts and ammo for your custom SAMAS." He nods behind himself, to the north, "That way? You might find parts and ammo. But mostly fugitives, mercs, d-bees hiding from the Coalition and bounty hunters. Buuut it can be a bit of fun. I'll admit, I've gone that way a few times for some good drinks, loose women and some intense games."
"Hmm... this is pretty good, thanks." Shep adds as he feels the warmth of the alcohol spreading it's way down his chest. "Helps take the chill out of the bones. I could definitely take a trip with you. Doing a little guard duty, as it were."
"That would be much appreciated, Mr. Wilson. If it turns profitable, then I could cut you in on the profits to pay for your protection services." he pours another drink and raises his glass to cheers Shep, "Or if you like, I could have some of the boys look her up to see if she's still in the region."
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: EOTC: Blue Spruce Ridge
“Nah, her business is her business,” Shep says as the clink of their glasses fades into the night. He takes another small sip, catching a subtle note of caramel. “After our Silvereno trip, maybe I’ll head north and see if I can track her down. Don’t have many relatives left. Least none I know where they’re at.”
He sits in quiet contemplation for a few minutes as he finishes the whiskey. “So what time are we heading out in the morning, and how many days do you figure we’ll be gone?”
He sits in quiet contemplation for a few minutes as he finishes the whiskey. “So what time are we heading out in the morning, and how many days do you figure we’ll be gone?”
Re: EOTC: Blue Spruce Ridge
“Nah, her business is her business,” Shep says as the clink of their glasses fades into the night. He takes another small sip, catching a subtle note of caramel. “After our Silvereno trip, maybe I’ll head north and see if I can track her down. Don’t have many relatives left. Least none I know where they’re at.”
He sits in quiet contemplation for a few minutes as he finishes the whiskey. “So what time are we heading out in the morning, and how many days do you figure we’ll be gone?”
"As soon as we're ready. I'm not on any solid schedule. I figure we'd be there at least a day, maybe longer if anything interesting keeps me there," he inhales deep, enjoying the smell of the forest, "I think either you'll like it or find it to be too much, depending on how much hustle and bustle you can take. There's quite a bit to do and plenty of people... and d-bees..."
Hatch, as most call him, downs his drink and stands up, nodding towards the bartender, "Give this man as much as he wants tonight. It's on me."
The bartender, a younger man, well shaven with perfectly groomed hair, laughs, "Well, sir. It's free for you anyways."
Hatch drops ten credits on the bar, "Mostly..." He waves to Shep as he begins crossing the bridge to the ramp back into town, "See you in the morning, old man."
He sits in quiet contemplation for a few minutes as he finishes the whiskey. “So what time are we heading out in the morning, and how many days do you figure we’ll be gone?”
"As soon as we're ready. I'm not on any solid schedule. I figure we'd be there at least a day, maybe longer if anything interesting keeps me there," he inhales deep, enjoying the smell of the forest, "I think either you'll like it or find it to be too much, depending on how much hustle and bustle you can take. There's quite a bit to do and plenty of people... and d-bees..."
Hatch, as most call him, downs his drink and stands up, nodding towards the bartender, "Give this man as much as he wants tonight. It's on me."
The bartender, a younger man, well shaven with perfectly groomed hair, laughs, "Well, sir. It's free for you anyways."
Hatch drops ten credits on the bar, "Mostly..." He waves to Shep as he begins crossing the bridge to the ramp back into town, "See you in the morning, old man."
"I plan to live forever. Or die trying..." Vila - Blakes 7
Re: EOTC: Blue Spruce Ridge
"Just one more," Shep says, lifting his glass toward the bartender. "It's good. What is it?"
Taking the refill, he settles back out of the way and pulls out his harmonica. The melody drifts out quietly into the cold night air—an old tune called Red River Valley. Something his father used to hum.
.oO About leaving people behind and wondering if you'll be remembered. Seems fitting these days. Oo.
Taking the refill, he settles back out of the way and pulls out his harmonica. The melody drifts out quietly into the cold night air—an old tune called Red River Valley. Something his father used to hum.
.oO About leaving people behind and wondering if you'll be remembered. Seems fitting these days. Oo.