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Unlife on Mars; Grrr, Arg.
Topic Started: Mar 9 2015, 11:45 PM (7,959 Views)
Gene Hunt
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*Four months have gone by since the first case broke out. Four months since their lives all turned upside down. London fell first, then Manchester afterwards. Gene'll forever be proud of that. All those posh hoity-toity Southerners, coming up 'ere, bringing their diseases! But it's nothing to laugh about, not really. The virus spreads fast, claiming every city, town and village in the country. Nowhere is safe, or so the radio says. Stay in your houses, lock the doors, don't go out for any reason. But of course that instantly sent everyone into a panic, and now the roads are clogged with abandoned and burnt out vehicles, unpassable even with Gene's extensive knowledge of the city's backstreets.

They were all in the station when it went down - reports of crazed citizens biting and savaging other members of the public. News reports from London had prepared them all for what was to come, but seeing it in the flesh was another thing altogether. Mrs Peterson from the local offie, knawing on Mr Sajib's leg like a chicken drumstick, blood everywhere... They knew they'd have to put her down, but shooting at a familiar face, eyes white and mouth red, hissing and gargling coming from her throat? Nobody could have been ready for that.

They did what they could with the resources the had until finally the city collapsed and chaos took over. Looting and fires, death and destruction were everywhere. People fleeing to the country, people arriving fleeing from the country, people barricading themselves indoors, camping out on rooftops... It was like something from a film.

With half of the force already bitten and turned, the remaining police had no choice but to lock themselves in the station and sit it out for a while. And though he hated sitting about and waiting, Gene had to admit that the station was the best place for them to be. There were secure areas like the cells, a canteen with a mostly full larder. Enough storeys for them to watch the city and stairs for when the power finally was cut to the lift.

The power switching off was part of what finally did it. The fridge and freezer warmed, ruining half of the already dwindling food supplies. Everybody had known that the station couldn't be a permanent fortress from the horrors outside, and it was now time to venture out. The running water went with the electricity, and people were needing to go out on food and water collections. That lasted a couple more weeks until finally the lack of supplies began to turn people on each other. Then they hear the battery operated radio crackle. Salvation, a fortified camp up north. Only a few hours drive on a clear motorway, but with no vehicle it'd take weeks to walk it. More, considering the slow and cautious pace they'd have to take. But with supplies running low and morale at breaking point, it was a risk they'd have to take.

Appointing himself leader (as if anyone would have objected) and Sam as second on command, Gene posed an ultimatum. Anyone who wanted to fight for a chance to survive could join him. Anyone who wanted to waste away in this godforsaken building could starve to death on their own.

What was left of CID and a few other officers accepted, filling their police rucksacks with as much bottled water and canned food as they could reasonably take from the others, guns - lots of guns, and set off, bound for the various shops they needed things from. Pop up tents, knives, more weapons, toothpaste, matches... Anything of use.

A few fell during the mission, but mostly the run was a success, lasting a few days with them using a shop as a Base.

And now, Gene walks next to Sam as they navigate their way through yet another car-obstructed road. They're out of Manchester now, but the shelter is still weeks away. Progress has been slow. Humans have turned out to be just as dangerous as the bloody zombies so far - ambushing anyone they could for supplies. Vince was bitten on the leg not far out of the city. It took 12 hours for the fever to finally finish him off, and then another whole five minutes for Gene to pull himself together enough to strike the final blow. He won't have one of his own walking around like one of those monsters.

With their slowly diminishing group in tow, they keep walking. Night'll be setting in soon... Two hours or so and it'll be dark.

Gene turns to Sam, chin peppered with stubble and dirt smudged on his face, voice rough with the effort of keeping his legs moving*

S'gonna get dark soon... Should try to find somewhere to sleep.

*looks past his partner at the dark abandoned houses on one side of the street, focusing on the one at the end - more windows for escape routes that way. *

Think Mr and Mrs Undead'll mind if we squat for the night?
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Gene Hunt
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*Bugger. And however much Gene just wants to laze here for the whole day, he knows that Sam is right. They need to move.*

Don't suppose there's a wheelbarrow round 'ere? You could cart me off like washerwoman's baggage.
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam shakes his head with a little huff*

No such luck, I'm afraid.

*He glances up to the bits of sky he can see through the leaves.*

The more ground we can cover before it starts raining, the better.

*Sam reaches down, picking up his backpack and pulling his trusty weapon from it - the steel pipe. It's covered in blood and other stains, but just holding it makes Sam feel more confident.

Next, he holds out his hand to Gene, ready to help him up.*
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Gene Hunt
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*With a sigh, Gene takes Sam's hand and starts to push himself up stiffly.*

Ngghh!!

*grabbing onto Sam tightly he manages to balance on his good leg enough to make it upright. He's panting a little at the end of it, but he's up and that's an achievement.*

It better NOT rain. Things are miserable enough without us getting sodding soaked as well!
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam grabs a proper hold of Gene as soon as he can and does his best to take as much weight as possible, acting as a living crutch for Gene. They need to get going and maintain a good speed... And Sam is determined to give Gene all the support he needs.*

At least we're alive.

*Sam looks ahead, trying to hear whether there are any walkers or other enemies in the vicinity... If they encounter anyone, he'll have to let go of Gene and defend him with everything he has.*

...ready?
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Gene Hunt
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*grunts, shifting his weight around*

No. But we'll be going anyway!

*leans down to heft the other rucksack up onto his back, holding onto Sam as he does. It's going to be a bit of a rough walk, but they have no choice. It's onwards they go.

They walk for almost a day, trudging and limping along the empty roads, checking the wrecked cars they come across for supplies and finding none. Gene's leg demands they take regular breaks, the muscle spasming and almost sending him down several times - but despite this they make relatively good ground.

It's just about to turn to dusk by the time they get to the outskirts of the town, a large duel carriageway ahead of them, linking two suburban areas together.*

What d'you reckon? Think we should take the road? Or cross the countryside? Undead humans or undead moo-cows, take your pick.
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Through the entire day, Sam keeps his guard up - steadying Gene whenever he stumbles, trying his best to find good spits for looting (unsuccessfully), skirting around undead as far as possible without disturbing them.

But now, they've arrived at this place, and Sam can't tell what would be best. Another night in the country would be dangerous - their supplies are going to run low much faster. On the other hand, staying in areas like this makes them more prone to attack...

... But Gene needs to be as comfortable as possible...

...

Sam squares his shoulders a little.*

Let's go find an empty house... We might get lucky.
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Gene Hunt
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*panting and tired, Gene agrees. He's tempted to go on, to cover as much ground as possible... But he's already pushing it with his leg. If he pushes TOO hard it may not heal properly. And in this world now having a crippled leg permanently would be a definite death sentence. It's bad enough temporarily, but permanently would be the last straw. Especially if he only has himself to blame.*

Fine... But only 'cos you're tired. You know... Skinny legs and all.
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam huffs without humour and sets off again, supporting Gene as much as he can. He's moving more slowly now, scanning the area and trusting that Gene is doing the same. They need to find directions shelter quickly... The longer they loiter, the more likely it is that they'll be discovered. Their encounter with the cannibals is still far too present for Sam to be less cautious than this.

As they move, he murmurs*

You know that if something happens, I'll 'ave to let go of you temporarily.

*pauses for a moment, listening to a noise he thinks he heard, before adding even more quietly*

You've got a knife handy?
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Gene Hunt
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*grunts, lugging himself along as they approach a likely looking house*

Yeah, got one in my belt. M'not gonna just drop dead, don't worry.
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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Good.

*Knowing that Gene is ready to defend himself makes this a little bit easier for Sam.

They approach the house, keeping to the shadows and protected seas for as long as possible. But now, they will have to step out into the open...

Sam stops, listening hard again for any suspicious sounds. If they are caught in an ambush now, it'll be bad, so very bad... *
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene limps onwards, clinging onto Sam for stability. There's a funny atmosphere building - as they approach the house, his gut starts to protest. Something doesn't quite feel right...

He whispers,*

Not the front door. The back.
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam can immediately feel that Gene grows tense - and he himself can feel it as well, the shift in atmosphere.

So he follows Gene's direction without question, skirting around the house as widely as possible before slowly approaching the back door.

As quietly as possible, Sam murmurs*

Seems like it's safe enough outside... I'll have to go in alone and see what the situation is. If we go in together I can't defend both of us...
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene drags himself alongside Sam as they approach the building - but as Sam proposes his plan, he stops, a disbelieving laugh escaping his lips*

Alone?? You're having a laugh! I'm perfectly capable!!
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Shit - why does Gene still have to argue?! They've been over this kind of situation so many times by now...!*

You can barely walk on your own, let alone stand! I can't move quickly enough while still supporting you!

*His voice is still low, though it's taken on an urgent edge. Sam's eyes are trained on the door as they get closer and closer.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene's grip on Sam's jacket shifts, changing from a desperate, pain-charged cling into something echoing the way he used to grab Sam in the past. His fist curls into Sam's lapel, and if there'd been a filing cabinet within sight he'd surely have slammed Sam into it by now.*

Then I'll stand on my own! That's what adrenaline's for. You try and leave me out here and stabbed leg or no stabbed leg I'll be kicking your arse to the moon!
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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!!

*Sam's eyes widen as he feels Gene's grip on him change - it's muscle memory kicking in, because yes, he still remembers that kind of grip.

But they are in a much more dangerous situation now than they ever might have been in the past. Sam isn't going to back down from this - not this.

So he grabs onto Gene's wrists, deliberately letting go of him so that Gene has to try and stand on his own right then and there.

He hisses*

You can't protect yourself! No one's out here, you'll be safe. We go in there together, I can't fight for the both of us. Chrissakes, Gene, be reasonable!
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Gene Hunt
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*As his hands leave Sam's jacket, Gene is forced to shift his weight. His bad leg goes down, the muscle screaming as soon as he's standing on it, sending him staggering back a step. But with gritted teeth and a body tense with defiance and determination, Gene manages to catch himself just barely. And, caught mid-limp, Gene balances there and glares hard.

The pain of standing alone makes his voice tremble slightly, but his stance is determined.*

I can still aim a ruddy gun! You go in there and get ambushed, what's gonna happen then, eh? The noise'll bring those undead bastards knocking, I'll get turned into a Happy Meal out here while you get stabbed to bits in there! *nods at the house*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Shit - Gene has just gone and proven Sam's point. He reaches out immediately, grabbing Gene so he doesn't have to stand up on his own anymore. Seeing him in this much pain... Sam can't stand it.

What Gene says gives Sam pause, his expression turning stoney. Gene thinks they've still got their guns...*

We don't have a gun. The cannibals took both of them and I couldn't find them again.

*He shakes his head, gritting his death. He doesn't want to take Gene in there. Anything could happen in enclosed space. But what Gene is saying is true as well...

... Dammit.*

... You'll have to stay by the door. Please. Please, Gene, just... Let me protect you. Don't make this harder than it already is.
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Gene Hunt
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*they don't have guns??

Jesus... He must have missed that in his fever. What else has he missed??

And it does back up Sam's point a little. Dammit.*

..... Fine. The door. And you stay in my sights. You go into the next room and I'm following you.
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam nods tersely.*

Deal.

*He readjust their positions, supporting Gene once more. Then he pauses, simply listening. They must've made quite a racket... But he can't hear any sounds from inside the house.

Reaching out, Sam grips the door handle and slowly presses it down, to see if it's unlocked.*
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Gene Hunt
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*He really isn't happy with this, but what else can he do? If he can't shoot all he can do is fight with a knife, and for that you need agility. And as it is, Gene can barely stand up on his own. He'll stand back, but if Sam needs help there won't be any stopping him. If Sam's in trouble, Gene's fighting no matter what's wrong with him.*

Okay. Don't be a bloody hero.

Go.
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam merely nods at this. Adrenaline is starting to pump through his body, his senses sharpening.

Slowly, Sam pushes the door open, eyes widening to take in as much as possible. His heart is starting to beat hard as he peers into the gloom inside, starting to inch inside.*
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Gene Hunt
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*One hand still holding onto Sam, Gene edges closer too. Sam may have made him promise to stay at the door, but he's going to stay beside Sam for as long as he can before that.

As the door slowly swings open, the room inside shows itself to be empty, luckily. Gloomy and lived-in, but empty. There are blankets strewn around as well as finished cans of food and water bottles - people have clearly been staying here - but for how long and how long ago?

Gene releases his grip on Sam finally and hangs onto the door frame for support - his other hand gripping the knife in his belt, ready.*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam can feel Gene letting go, and one quick glance to the side tells him that his partner is sticking to the plan - thank God.

Sam takes a breath and takes one slow step after the other into the room, scanning the area. He doesn't dare to use the torch - if someone is upstairs, and they haven't been alerted to their presence yet, this would give the two of them away.

So, his trusty iron bar at the ready, Sam cautiously makes it into the middle of the room, stepping over the blankets and cans. Something about the sight lets alarm bells ring in Sam's head - surely no one would leave behind valuable blankets... Unless they were in a hurry... *
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene similarly notices the signs of recent activity. Maybe they were right to be this cautious. But now they've started, they'll have to carry on - to turn around now could mean they turn their backs on an approaching threat.

Plus, it could still be empty.

Limping and pushing himself away from the doorway, Gene makes his faltering way over to Sam.

He whispers*

What d'you think? Could've buggered off if a hoarde passed through?
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam murmurs back, his tensions clearly audible in his voice*

No signs of destruction or a hasty departure...

*Shit, he's got a bad feeling about this. Sam's eyes flick over to where he thinks the doors are. Shit. Shit shit shit... *
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Gene Hunt
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*following Sam's gaze, Gene turns to look at the door too - and his heart stops.

There are three figures, carrying bags and staring straight at them with wide, surprised eyes.

After a second, the one at the front drips his bag and yanks a knife out of his pocket, flicking it open.

"What--! What're you doing in here!?"

Gene, currently between Sam and the group, staggers back a step, closer to Sam. His attempts at looking big and intimidating don't really work at the moment, and the way his heart is racing doesn't exactly help either*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*SHIT.

Sam very quickly moves over to where Gene is standing, positioning himself between him and the strangers. At the same time, he raises his hands in a pacifying motion. These people haven't attacked yet, so there might be a chance that they can get out of this unharmed.*

Just looking for shelter - didn't realise this was taken already. We'll be on our way.

*God, he hopes his voice is sounding calm enough... *
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Gene Hunt
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*the man at the front of the group is clearly quite panicked. He drops his eyeline to the ground, scanning for anything that's missing - anything that the intruders might have taken. And then something catches his attention.

He points the knife at Gene's leg, taking a cautious step forward.

"Wait, he's bitten!! You been contaminating our stuff?!"

From behind him one of the others urges,

"Dan, shh, let's just get 'em out!"

But Dan is already taking another step forward, fear in his eyes.

"Listen, mate - that one isn't gonna last. Not with a bite like that. You put 'im down and you can stay here, try anything and I'll put you BOTH down. What's it gonna be!"*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*As Dan takes a step forward, Sam simultaneously steps back, forcing Gene to back up as well. Panic is washing off that man in waves, setting Sam's already alert nerves entirely on edge, making the hair at the back of his neck stand up. This is not good. They need to get out.

And at the same time, Sam can feel anger, no, fury rising inside him. How dare this guy assume that Gene is bitten? How DARE he talk about putting him down?! Making demands like that--!!*

No one 'ere's bitten. That's a stab wound from over a week ago.

Just let us leave quietly, you won't see us again.

*He meant to sound pacifying, but there is a distinctive edge to Sam's voice. And furthermore... He has now raised his bloodstained bar towards the trio, in response to Dan coming closer and pointing his knife at Gene.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Dan, tense and panicked, holds the knife a little higher and stands his ground. To let them out means to back away from the house or to walk further in, and both options could be dangerous given the stand-off.

Ignoring the hushed urgent whispers from his mates, Dan snarls back,

"We've heard that before! Nobody admits it when they're bit. Not 'til they're just about munching on your shin bones!"

He drops his bag and grips the knife with his other hand too, calming the shake a little.

"And how do we know you're not gonna come back, eh? Bring a larger group, torch us whole we sleep? Eh??"*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Shit, that idiot won't back down. Sam can feel anger surging through him - they're not trying to pick a fight...!

Barely keeping his voice under control, Sam growls*

We don't want any trouble. We're trying to survive, just like you.

*He gives a terse nod in the direction of Dan's companions*

Listen to your mates and let us go. We can all do without a fight.

... Please.

*Please, before I forget myself...! *
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene's staring at Dan with an intense glare. This doesn't look good. He's seen a desperate man enough times to know how this is going to end.

Dan shakes his head. He can't just let them go - he can remember what happened before, in another town. He can't let that happen again.

He steps forward again, alternating his knife-aim between Sam and Gene.

"Turn around! Hands behind your heads! On your knees, too!"*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*If this were another time - before the bite, before the ruddy zombie apocalypse - Sam might have followed Dan's order, just to de-escalate the situation. He might have negotiated, might have done his best to talk Dan out of his fear.

But he is beyond that by now. Dan's threat of 'putting them both down' is too present, the threat to Gene too immediate. It makes Sam's blood boil, his jaw clenching.

As Dan steps forward, Sam pushes Gene back a little, grabbing his weapon with both hands and pointing it at Dan like a sword. At the same time, he widens his stance - ready to defend the both of them, and more importantly, ready to attack.

His eyes blazing, his anger palpable, Sam grits out*

You take one more step and I'll cave your bloody head in.
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Gene Hunt
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*Dan's mates are following him, unwilling to participate in his stand-off, yet also unwilling to leave him alone. They're a group, and Dan is the leader... He's kept them safe so far, they can't undermine him....

Dan shouts suddenly, taking a fast step forward.

"ON YOUR KNEES!"*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Something inside Sam's mind snaps.

He doesn't even shout this time - he simply surges forward, and with deadly precision swipes his pipe to the side, aiming for Dan's hand holding the knife. The blow carries enough strength to break that hand.*
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Gene Hunt
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*That blow seems to set off a chain of events. Dan screams as the knife chatters from his hand, the bones fractured. But it doesn't stop him from advancing, using his shoulder to stumble into Sam with as much force as he can muster. His friends shout in shock, rushing forward as well - partly to pull Dan off of Sam and partly to help defend him against any more attacks.

Gene, being behind Sam, gets the second hand impact of Dan's charge, and with a pained grunt his back hits the wall, leg barely managing to hold him up. Seeing the oncoming scuffle, he holds his knife tightly and shifts himself forward a step, trying to intercept the other two before they can pile on top of Sam.

At the same time, he shouts.*

Sam!?
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam doesn't hear Gene's shout. All of his sense are now focused on Dan and his two mates - on the attackers. The threat.

He stumbles back just a few steps before shoving against Dan with all his might, sending him staggering away and into the other two. Without even pausing, he readjust his grip on his weapon and charges with an animalistic growl, this time bringing it down on Dan with the intent of following through with his earlier threat and smashing Dan's head to pieces.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene freezes at the sight of Dan's skull splitting. He's seen many a zombie killed in this way, but... Dan was a human. He was alive.

Eyes wide, he stares at the pooling blood on the ground. Then, he looks up at Sam. And what he sees scares him.

Dan's friends shout in fear, scrambling away clumsily from Sam. One, feeling a sudden surge of anger, cries into Sam's face.

"You killed him!! You KILLED him!!!"

He makes a grab for Sam's weapon out of desperation.

"You bastard!!!"*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam doesn't stop.

The rage has taken over, and he won't stop until he has eliminated all the threats. And that means the bastard now shouting at him, making a grab for the pipe. Sam's anger spikes again, makes his eyes flare with it.

Sam swings the pipe back, away from the man's grasp, only to smash it towards him with rage-fuelled strength, aiming for the guy's midriff.*
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Gene Hunt
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*The pipe to his midriff completely incapacitates the guy, cracking ribs and doubling him over. With an agonised cry he tumbles to the ground.

Shocked gaze flicking between Sam, Dan and the injured bloke on the ground, Gene takes a step forward. He has a bad feeling about this--!*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*The next strike follows immediately - even as the man falls to the ground, Sam follows up with a bone-shattering blow to his back, and another, and another, hitting whatever is in his reach--

He can't allow them to hurt Gene, he can't give them even the slightest chance, how dare they, HOW DARE THEY--*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene stares in horror as Sam smashes the bar down on the man's back, clearly breaking it in one sweep - and Sam doesn't stop there... He brings the bar down again and again, smashing and destroying...

Sam just killed a human... An innocent human... And he isn't stopping!

What's happened to him?!

Gene lashes an arm out, grabbing at Sam's right arm. He needs to stop this! Needs to make Sam see that this is too far! Way too far!!*

SAM, STOP!
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Sam Tyler
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*Sam is so caught up in his rage that he doesn't register who it is who's grabbing him, and he whips around, ready to defend himself, to attack whoever it is grabbing him --*
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Gene Hunt
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*the look in Sam's eyes... He looks... Like one of those things. There's nothing of his partner left in there at that moment - just a mess of rage and inhuman aggression.

Gene's staring into the dead eyes of his partner.

And as Sam whirls round, the pipe follows. It catches Gene's arm, knocking him off balance. The momentum forces Gene to step back onto his injured leg, the muscle crumpling immediately under him and sending him sprawling backwards onto the ground in an explosion of pain.

God Sam, don't--!! *
Edited by Gene Hunt, Jan 14 2016, 11:36 PM.
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*Sam is this close to lunging at Gene. This close.

But despite that rage, that red mist, he's not completely senseless yet, and he knows who he needs to protect. And that someone just collapsed to the ground.

Sam freezes, his weapon half raised already. He's staring down at the man - - Gene - - his partner.

He...

... Oh. God.

Sam's eyes widen with sudden shock and he takes a step back, lowering his pipe.

Shit - did he just--?!*
Edited by Sam Tyler, Jan 14 2016, 11:44 PM.
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*As Gene rides through the wave of pain flashing through his leg, the remaining intruder taking the momentary pause in violence to turn and flee. His friends are dead... Their refuge has been taken over... He's terrified.

Gene can see Sam lowering the pipe, but that doesn't quite put him at ease yet - that flash of pure rage he saw in his partners eyes... What the hell was that...??

Still quaking slightly, Gene speaks through it.*

You... You done??
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*Still high on adrenaline, Sam turns his head as the man scrambles away and out of the house, and the grip on his weapon tightens, but he doesn't follow him.

Gene's voice draws his attention back to his partner - and that is what really matters right now, the fact that Gene is lying on the ground, obviously in pain, and Sam can't be completely sure how that happened. He just doesn't know.

Ignoring the two corpses, the blood he's treading through as he makes his way over to Gene, he drops to his knees next to his partner, putting down his bloodstained weapon before reaching out to help Gene up.

His voice is strangely rough as he says*

... You alright?
Edited by Sam Tyler, Jan 15 2016, 10:27 PM.
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*for a moment Gene just stares at Sam, the offered hand spattered with tiny drops of blood. Is Sam not going to say anything? He's not going to say anything about what happened at all??

Ignoring the waves of pain rolling up his leg, Gene replies in as steady a voice as he can manage*

No! You just killed two people! Two living people, Sam!
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*Sam blinks. Looks over to the corpses, then back at Gene.

When he speaks, his voice is low, and there's a hint of... Of confusion. The adrenaline is ebbing away very slowly, as is the rage that fuelled him to do what he did, and he did exactly what was necessary. *

...they were gonna to kill you.

*He withdraws his hand a little, and it curls into a first without Sam even noticing*

I had to protect you.
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*Gene shakes his head slowly. That's only half a truth. Yes, one of them was acting aggressive, but not both of them. They were idiots, yes - but they were just survivors. Scared, just like Sam himself was.*

Soon as you hit that first one we were safe. You didn't need to-- *gestures down at the second, more innocent man*
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*Sam can feel anger slowly starting to build up again, flowing into his chest like lava. Why is Gene questioning him like this? Why isn't he grateful--

No, no, that doesn't matter right now. Sam needs to help him up - it was Sam himself who knocked Gene over, and he's still worried, still scared that Gene might have been hurt...

So, ignoring what Gene said, Sam swallows and reaches out again, shifting and sliding his hand between Gene's back and the ground, attempting to help him sit up. His hands are trembling slightly.*

C'mon, let me help you up...
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*Still wary and confused, Gene allows Sam to help pull him up, grunting with the effort of pushing against his stiff muscles. Sam doesn't even seem to see what he's done... *
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*Relieved that Gene isn't protesting anymore, Sam pulls him over to the nearest wall so that he can sit up properly. For a moment, Sam's hand lingers on his shoulder, squeezing it almost possessive.*

Are you hurt?

*He's still fighting to regain control over himself - there is no regret over what happened, not yet, but there's a niggling feeling of wrongness at the back of his mind, trying to break free and take over. What he did was wrong-

No it wasn't, it was necessary-

It felt good-

Sam's grip on Gene's shoulder becomes tighter for a second.*
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*Sam's worried, he can see. And so he should be! You know things are screwed up when it's Gene trying to persuade SAM that he's gone too far.

Catching his breath, Gene shakes his head.*

Arse is bruised, but that's it.

*frowns at Sam once more, trying to catch a glimpse of that rage. That animalistic force that took him over just seconds before.*

What the bloody hell got into you!?
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*Sam stares back at Gene. What got into him indeed? He doesn't know. It feels like nothing happened. Nothing out of the ordinary.

But it was wrong--

It was right--

Sam's hand falls away from Gene's shoulder. The more he thinks about it, the more all these warring sensations inside him surface, making his heart beat faster, not allowing the adrenaline to ebb away. But now isn't the right moment- Gene is safe... It's over, for now...

More quietly than before, Sam speaks, having to work hard to keep his voice calm and controlled*

... I had to protect you.

*with this, he gets up to his feet, turning away. He needs to clean up the mess, prepare the house for the night... *
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*Indeed, Sam had to protect them both... But there was a line!*

Was that poor bastard gonna kill me? *points at the innocent man now laying dead on the ground* 'Cos to me it looked like he was on our side!
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*Sam stops for a moment, his back to Gene. Why does Gene keep insisting...?! It's bad enough that he has to clean up two corpses now--

Sam's hand curls into a first, then relaxes again slowly. His voice is still low, but there is a clear edge to it now.*

He attacked me. It was self-defence. And there was no telling if they weren't gonna turn on you as well.
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THAT one attacked you - *points at the first body*

THAT one didn't. *points at the second man*

And I think if you hadn't knocked me on my arse you'd have bashed HIS brains in too! *points at the door where the third man'd fled*

*and then, because Gene does understand the fact that they're both still alive thanks to Sam's actions, whether Gene agrees with some of them or not, he calms his tone.*

We agreed when we set out, remember? We stay human. We don't become the bastards who'd 'ave offed us at first sight.
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*Despite Gene's attempt to diffuse the situation a little, his words didn't do the trick. In fact, they achieved the exact opposite.

"We stay human."

Sam's posture becomes completely rigid before he whips around and takes a step towards Gene, every little motion oozing with barely restrained violence and anger. There it is again, that spark of rage.*

Shut up. It's not that bloody simple. You have no idea--

*He breaks off, his hands, curled into tight fists, trembling visibly, his chest heaving. God, no, what is he doing, he shouldn't be angry at Gene of all people, but Sam can't stop it. He grinds his teeth in an effort to stop himself from snapping at Gene even more. And it takes all his faltering willpower to keep himself stood in place, to stop himself advancing on his partner.*
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It IS that bloody simple! You kill the dead ones and the corrupted ones - not survivors who look in just about as dire straits as we are!

*Sam's stance and anger aren't escaping Gene's attention, but he can't just let this go. Sam wasn't himself - it wasn't him. When has Sam ever lost control like this??*

You need to calm your arse down!
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*Sam all but shouts back*

You are the one who isn't letting this go! I gave them plenty chances to stop, I did all I could, they gave me no bloody choice! The first one was going to kill us, the second one wanted revenge for his mate - I had no bloody choice!!

*He doesn't even realize that he's advanced on Gene again now, standing above him. He can't take this - the tension of the attack, the horror and satisfaction that are battling inside him, Gene igniting the fight - it's too much, control is slipping, and is he only imagining the reddish tint that's settling on everything he sees?*
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*determined not to back down, Gene shouts back - this is important, dammit!*

You always have a bloody choice! Sam, don't you start turning into one of them! You start down that path and you'll never come back!
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*Don't start turning into one of them.

Turning.


Sudden, indescribable fear floods through Sam - and then, the red intensifies. He can't listen to this any longer, it needs to stop, stop, stop--

From one moment to the next, his movements fast and strong, Sam grabs Gene by his throat, fingers squeezing, his mouth pulled into a furious snarl. Gene needs to stop talking, it's unfair, no, what is he doing--*
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*Sam's sudden attack leaves Gene stunned. As the hand closes around his throat, Gene shoots his own hand up to try and push it away, but he only has one to spare. Fear shoots through him - Sam's eyes, they look... Animalistic... It's happening again!

Visions of what happened to the last two men to cross his partner flicker at the back of mind as he tries to gasp against the pressure on his neck. Sam won't-- Sam won't hurt him, surely??

Jesus, but this isn't Sam. Not right in this moment!

Genuinely scared that Sam might just take this further, Gene screws his eyes shut and freezes. He can't fight back, not like this. And he can't hurt Sam...!!! Not even in self defense.*
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*Sam's grip increases in pressure as the hand shoots up, and he growls deep in his throat--

But then, his victim stops fighting, and there's momentary confusion and more rage, why isn't he fighting back, why isn't Gene--

Gene, Gene, Gene, oh God--

Sam pulls his hand back as though he burned himself, staggering to his feet and a few steps back, eyes wide with shock. Thoughts are tumbling through his mind chaotically as he takes in the state of Gene, the bruise already forming on his neck. The red mist is gone, and with it that inexplicable rage, leaving only ice cold shock and guilt.

He almost-- he--

Sam's breath hitches and he turns, stumbling out of this room and into an adjacent one, almost catching his foot on one of the bodies in the process. Blindly he staggers on until he hits a wall. Sam collapses against it and slides to the ground slowly, folding in on himself. His heart is racing, his breath coming out in shallow gasps, and through the chaos in his mind, one thought emerges-

What have I done, what have I done, what have I DONE--
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*Gene coughs and doubles forward as suddenly he can breathe again, his throat throbbing from the forming bruise. Sam did this. Sam could have-- if he hadn't stopped he could have--!

Sam isn't right. Something's wrong with him.

Swallowing against the ache, Gene opens his eyes and rubs at his throat carefully. He'd missed Sam's stumble, but he can see him now, sitting against the opposite wall, panting and gasping with the realisation of what he's done.

At least Sam's back in the room... This is his partner now, not... Whatever that was before.

Voice croaky and rough, Gene speaks up, determined to make a point*

... Welcome back.
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*Sam flinches at the sound of Gene's voice, the rough scrape in it only serving to drive home what Sam nearly did. Instead of replying, he curls in on himself further, burying his head in his knees and wrapping his arms around himself, trying to make himself as small as possible and disappear from Gene's view. He can't stand it, Gene looking at him, God, he nearly killed Gene, he knows he could have gone through with it, and then thought scares him shitless.

Another hitching breath, and Sam realizes he's shivering with shock and self-disgust. His brain is still struggling to keep up, so he doesn't reply to Gene, staying where he is. He can't go near Gene now, not now, not when he nearly killed him, it was so close, so damn close, God--*
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*Gene takes Sam's silence as an admittance - something is definitely wrong, and Sam knows it. At least he can see it now.

It takes Gene a good few moments to recover - the force Sam used was harsh... He really would have gone through with it, wouldn't he... Shit...

And now Sam's in a state...

Okay, okay... First thing, get Sam stable... *

Sam.
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Sam Tyler
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*Again Sam flinches when Gene says his name. It's the fact that Gene addresses him directly, associates what happened with Sam, that hammers it home, the events of the last few minutes flashing in his mind over and over, making Sam's stomach churn with horror.

I nearly killed him I nearly killed him oh God oh GOD what did I do why did this happen oh God Gene Gene Gene nearly lost him oh God oh God oh God--

He's shaking properly now, shock taking hold of him. Sam's eyes, obscured by his arms, fill with tears, and a moment later a sob forces itself from his chest.*
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*Shit... Gene needs to get over there, do something. Sam's shaking, traumatised...and then the sob.

There's no questioning that it's Sam now. The monster in his eyes has been well and truly cowed. And the regret Sam must be feeling... Damn... He killed an innocent man... Could have killed Gene himself.

He wants to get over there, throw his arms over Sam and comfort him. Show him that it's okay, this is another thing they'll get through together. But the first attempt at pushing himself to his feet just doesn't work. With a grunt he falls back against the wall, panting. Determined, Gene tries again, shifting himself awkwardly onto his good knee and supporting himself on his hands. It's an effort... But maybe he'll be able to just... Shift himself over there.... *

Ngghh... Sam...!
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*This time, Sam doesn't react when Gene calls out - his voice doesn't register properly anymore. The whirlwind of shock, horror and guilt in his mind is blinding and deafening, and Sam tries to make himself as small as possible, even though he knows it won't help, nothing will help, what has he done what have I done what have I done how could I what am I becoming no no no no no--

The shaking won't let up, and Sam faintly realizes that he's going to start hyperventilating very soon.*
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*a lump in his throat, Gene realises that he's got no choice. The door to the outside is still open, and they've all made a fair old racket... They're not safe here any more... He needs to get Sam up, get him back in his right mind.

Breathing heavily through gritted teeth, Gene starts to drag himself across the ground.*

Sam... Don't you dare tap out, you hear me? Look at me,
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*Sam can't hear Gene, his voice is being drowned out by the rush of blood in his ears, the sound of his frantic breaths. It's too much, this entire situation - Sam had been pulling himself together with the last of his mental strength during the last week, but now it's all coming apart. His mind is a storm of thoughts, voices, yelling at him, how could you, how could you?!

A strangled little noise escapes him as Sam presses himself against the wall without even realising what he's doing.*
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*No response... Dammit.... Gene pushes himself harder, dragging himself across the dirty floor as fast as he can. The bodies of the men are still laying there in the centre of the floor, blood pooling around them. Gene focuses forward, valiantly ignoring the gore and mess beside him - trying not to pay attention to the warm wetness that seeps into his sleeve as he accidentally gets too close.

Finally, with an effort, Gene makes it to Sam's side. Panting and tired, he reaches out and grabs onto Sam's shoulder*

Tyler, snap out of it!
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*Sam flinches under Gene's touch, but he's backed himself into a corner, there's nowhere to duck away to. His arms shift, revealing Sam's face - ashen, eyes wide and glassy, pupils constricted to the size of pinheads. His gaze lands on Gene for a moment, but Sam doesn't see him at all, his vision having narrowed down to a tiny point, his breathing coming faster and faster, God, air, he needs air--*
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*dammit! No choice! Gene manoeuvres himself up onto his good knee, balancing as best as he can with just his bad leg to stop him falling down, grabs onto Sam's shoulders and gives him one violent shake*

SAM. GET A RUDDY GRIP AND LOOK AT ME!!
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*Sam gives a startled gasp, and for a moment it seems like he'll try to back away. Gene's words are muffled to his ears, almost drowned out by the sound of his own heaving breaths. It's the violent shake that makes him stare at Gene, though his vision is still nothing but a narrow tunnel - he can barely make out the face in front of him.

Nobody should get near him-- he nearly, nearly--

His chest is still heaving with breaths that are too short, not enough, causing Sam's mind to spin even worse, a choked sound escaping him.*
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*desperate, Gene grabs Sam's head, one hand on each cheek. He angles Sam's head up, forcing Sam to face him. He needs to get through to him...!*

SAM. Look at me. You're okay, you're alright. We'll sort this out. But you've gotta get your head back in reality! If you don't, it'll be the end of both of us!! Okay??
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*It must be the direct skin-to-skin contact that gets through to Sam, at least somewhat. A dark blur appears in his narrow field of vision and his pupils widen and constrict again visibly in an attempt to focus on Gene's face, tears dripping from his eyes without Sam even noticing, dripping onto Gene's hands. He can make out a few words - "Sam -- sort -- back -- end of--" and he unconsciously latches onto that, desperately tries to pull himself away from the brink of this abyss he's teetering on.

Still very close to hyperventilating, Sam chokes out*

I-I--

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*urging Sam to continue, Gene gives his shoulder a squeeze, one hand still on Sam's cheek to keep him steady*

What?
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*His breath stuttering, Sam blindly follows where Gene is coaxing him, fighting to get the words out.*

I-I didn't-- m-mean t-- t-to--

*Sam breaks off with a choked sob, followed by a gasp - he isn't getting enough air, he needs more, tries to break away from Gene, although his movements are too uncoordinated, and there's nowhere he can go, nowhere to hide.*
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*Gene gives Sam just enough space to breathe, but he keeps a hold of him. If Sam bolts or does something equally unpredictable Gene needs to be ready.

Then there's Sam's statement. He didn't mean to. Does he mean Gene or the two men cooling on the ground...?*

..... I know. I know, Sam. But it's done. We need to deal with it and move on. Okay?

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*It's done.

Sam's breath hitches. For some reason, those two little words make the reality of it all crash down over him. And it's not the thought of having killed those two men that leaves Sam devastated - it's the fact that after that, he went for Gene.

He was panicking before, replaying that moment over and over in his mind until it was spinning and pulling him away from the present. Now, with the sensation of Gene's hand on his cheek, his vision still blurry but just focused enough to make out Gene's worried and pained face, the abject horror that had sent him into his panic attack turns into crushing guilt and regret. Sam's face crumples, and the sobs start coming out in earnest as he stops resisting Gene's grip and squeezes his eyes shut, tears streaming down his cheeks.

The last time Sam cried like this, it was when he failed to kill himself and thus failed to spare Gene from having to that job for Sam.

Now it's because he failed to control himself and nearly killed the one person in his life who still matters.*
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*Sam's first sob feels like a knife in Gene's heart. It wasn't that long ago he saw Sam cry like this, and it doesn't get any easier. The shock and guilt of what happened is clearly hitting him hard - Killing two men when they could have gotten out of it... And then the attack on Gene himself. God knows how he must be feeling.

One eye on the open door, Gene can only hug Sam close and try to encourage him to ride it out. The open door makes Gene twitchy, as does the man who escaped - but Sam is the most important thing right now. Getting this out is the most important thing.*
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*Sam is clinging to Gene as though his life depended on it - and in a way, it does. The fact that Gene is willing to be close to him like this at all is a miracle, and while on the one hand Sam wants to yell at him to get away, not to trust Sam, at the same time he's desperately grateful. After what happened, he doesn't deserve that sort of kindness...

He doesn't know how long they remain like this, on the floor of an abandoned house with two corpses cooling not far away from them, but finally the full scope of their predicament comes back to Sam. After what happened, they need to move, find a different spot for the night. God knows it's going to be difficult, but they simply can't risk it. They've already been here for too long.

Survival instincts taking over again, Sam takes a shuddering breath and carefully disentangles himself, raising his gaze to look at Gene. His eyes feel sore and his head is pounding with a raging headache, but none of that matters now... It doesn't matter when, even in the gloomy twilight, Sam can see the bruises forming around Gene's neck, a stark contrast to the pallor of his skin.

Sam wants nothing more than to reach out and place a hand on Gene's cheek, kiss it better - but he's lost that right. The thought almost threatens to undo him again, but he swallows it down and instead whispers brokenly*

... m'so sorry...!
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*Gene stays still, hugging Sam until he feels as though his partner's expelled all he has. And then those broken words... God... Those are meant for Gene, not for the two bodies on the floor.

His voice is hoarse from the bruises and thin from the way he's having to balance on his leg, but he speaks anyway. Sam needs to know this. That whatever happened they'll talk about it. They're still partners, nothing changes.*

C'mon. You can be as sorry as you like later when we talk about this. First things first, let's get out of 'ere while we still have all our body parts.

*because they WILL talk about this... But once they're in a safe place. Sam needs looking after now and his safety is Gene's number one concern.*
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*Even Gene's voice is testament to what Sam did, making Sam wince. However, the fact that Gene is talking to him at all... Sam doesn't deserve it, but it gives him a sliver of hope anyway, even though he really isn't looking forward to talking about what happened. He doesn't want to think about it.

So he nods, then rubs his eyes with the back of his hand and arm quickly. It leaves a smear of blood on one side of his face, but Sam doesn't notice it - now that he's no longer on the verge of a full-blown panic attack, he knows he needs to do what he can to get them to a safe place for the night. Without him, Gene is practically defenseless.

So Sam shifts, sniffling just once, until he's on his knees and next to Gene's bad side. He hesitates a good few seconds before winding his arm around Gene's back, encouraging him in turn to place his arm around Sam's shoulders. He's going to help Gene stand up as best as he can...*
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*Seeing Sam pull it together a bit is a huge relief - but there's still the fact that he hasn't said anything. That's a worrying thing in itself. But Gene hopes that means that Sam's just focusing on the task at hand - getting them out of here. And so Gene sets his jaw and allows Sam to help pull him up. With the recent activity, his leg isn't feeling quite so steady any more, but with a firm grip on Sam he's able to stand.

Breathlessly, Gene nods at the door.*

We can't stay here... We've made too much noise, not to mention the bloke that ran off.

..... I say we gather what we can from their old camp and try another house further up.
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*Sam is indeed focusing on the task at hand, supporting Gene as much as he can. He nods at his words - getting out of here has to take priority. And as for any supplies they can salvage... Sam scans the room quickly, blinking and rubbing at his eyes again when he realises that his vision is still slightly blurry. It's almost completely dark by now, and it's hard to take stock of the room, but from what Sam can see, it doesn't look too good. The floor is mostly covered in blood by now, and it's contaminated most of the things lying around. Shit. They don't have the time to go sifting through everything to find something useful.

Sam licks his lips and clears his throat awkwardly before speaking - it doesn't help much, his voice still sounds shaky.*

... we should go. There's too much blood, they'll sniff us out if we take anything.
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Gene Hunt
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*In the gloom, Gene looks down at the floor - and notices the pool of blood has snaked it's way towards where the camp supplies must have been kept.

He sighs. Looks like they can't even salvage one thing from this damn situation.*

Shit.

*He nods, turning his gaze back towards the door.*

Yeah, let's just sod off out of here. Sick to death of this place already.

Feeling the urgency all over again, Gene takes a hobbling step forward, counting on Sam to step along with him.*
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam doesn't answer this time, simply concentrating on keeping Gene upright and supporting him as they make their way out of the house. By rights they should set fire to it, to keep the zombies away from the corpses... But Sam can't do it, not right now. He feels utterly exhausted, his head is aching as though he's going through the worst hangover of his life, and most of all, he needs to get Gene to safety.

But who's going to keep him safe from you?

Sam grits his teeth and trudges on. Through an incredible stroke of luck, there is no one outside, and there are no suspicious sounds in the vicinity either. So now all they need to do is find another abandoned house...

It's only once they're a good few yards away from the house that Sam realises that he left the pipe behind.

His first reaction is to go back, because he needs to be able to protect Gene - but then, suddenly, the thought of gripping that cold metal again, of seeing the dark stains on it makes Sam's mind recoil with horror, and his stomach clenches with sudden, fierce nausea. Sam takes a shuddering breath and for a moment he falters. But no, Gene, Gene takes priority, Gene needs to be safe, he has to keep going, they have to find shelter...

So Sam grits his teeth and soldiers on, trying to breathe through the nausea as best as he can.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Sam's moment of faltering passes Gene unnoticed - it's taking all his strength to haul himself along with Sam away from that house. The rush of adrenaline is slowly ebbing away, leaving him with a bone numbing exhaustion. His leg hurts, his throat hurts and his mind won't stop replaying what happened. How when he looked in Sam's eyes his partner wasn't in there any more.

He shudders and looks up through the gloom at another house, just a few steps away now. It's probably not far enough from the one they've just left, but they can't stay outside any longer. They need shelter.*

That one - What d'you think?
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam can feel Gene slumping against his shoulder more and more, and it's taking all his remaining strength to keep his partner upright. Shit, he must be in a considerable amount of pain... Guilt twists Sam's insides, adding to the nausea.

He merely nods and gives a grunt in response to Gene, not trusting himself to open his mouth right now. They close in on the house and Sam slows down, trying to listen for suspicious sounds over their own laboured breathing. The door they're approaching at least looks to be in good shape - not broken open, still in its hinges... that's a good sign.

Still, even though neither of them have the energy for a proper sweep, Sam can't put care aside entirely. Instead of heading for the door itself, Sam coaxes Gene along to one of the windows, hesitating for a moment before peering inside, shielding his eyes and trying to see whether or not anything is moving about, or whether there are suspicious shapes on the ground.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene watches as Sam inspects the interior through the grimy window, trying his best to get a look in too. It's not exactly tidy in there from the look of it, but it's not a state either. Just the kind of mess left behind by a family in a hurry to leave - lock the house up behind them as though there'll be something to return to eventually. The driveway is empty as well - whoever lived here must have locked up and driven off. That's as safe a scenario as he can think of right now.*

Looks safe enough. You wanna go through the door or round the back?
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*The place looks safe enough indeed... It's the best they could have hoped for, given the situation.

Taking a deep breath, Sam forces himself to grit out*

... Back door.

*And he moves, needing to get Gene inside as quickly as possible. He'll need to check upstairs as well, he knows that... He just hopes he'll be able to. Sam's head is throbbing with pain, making lights flash in front of his eyes, and the nausea isn't dying down. Every step Sam takes becomes more urgent as they close in on the back door. God, hopefully these people won't have thought to lock it...!!*
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Gene Hunt
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Right.

*Gene limps along with Sam, carefully getting closer to the back door. Sam still doesn't seem completely right, and that's worrying Gene as much as them being exposed in the dark. When they get in he's going to have to make Sam explain what happened back there.

But all Gene can really hope for now is a comfortable sofa to sleep on, or a downstairs bedroom.... *
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*It's an incredible stroke of luck that, when Sam reaches out and turns the doorknob, the door is in fact unlocked. He exhales audibly before slowly opening the door. Another few seconds pass during which he listens hard for any suspicious sounds - but it's deadly silent in the house. Breathing in, all Sam can smell is stale air; no sign of anything decaying. And, scanning the floor of the lounge they've just stepped into, there's nothing that would hint at anyone having set up camp here recently, and not a sign of zombie-induced destruction.

Someone like him doesn't deserve that much luck. The thought is in Sam's head before he can prevent it, and his insides clench again. Suddenly it's like he isn't getting enough air, his stomach roiling. More quickly than before he leads Gene inside, towards the dusty sofa.*
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Gene Hunt
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*Gene can sense that something's still wrong even as they limp towards the sofa. Eyes firmly fixed on Sam as he begins to disentangle from him, Gene asks in a wary voice.*

You okay?
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Sam Tyler
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Gladys
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*Sam can only shake his head, not daring to open his mouth. The moment Gene is sat down, his stomach gives a lurch and Sam gags, clamping a hand over his mouth. Within a few seconds he's out of the room again and through the backdoor, and not a second to soon - barely supporting himself against the wall as he heaves up the sparse contents of his stomach.

Sam doesn't know how long it takes, but finally the spasms subside and he's able to straighten up slowly, trying to get his breathing under control. With shaking hands he reaches into his backpack, pulling out one of the water bottles. He knows he can't waste too much of the precious water, but he has to rinse out his mouth...

Once that is done, Sam wipes the sleeve of his shirt over his face to get rid of the worst of the tears and sweat, and then finally he staggers back inside, closing the door behind him. A crushing exhaustion is coming down on him fast, but as he approaches the sofa, Sam slows down, until he comes to a halt a few feet away.

He can't... he can't bring himself to sit down next to Gene.*
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