Long Trip Ahead

At the Prime Zeus Corps Facility, Ryder is in his office, before uploading files to his holographic laptop. The holograph shows the entire globe, which is now becoming infected with radioactive fluids.

Ryder: We can figure out a solution.....we can.....

Ryder looks inside his drawer to look at a photo of himself and his children. Ryder looks down, before placing the portrait back into his office. Ryder gives a look of sadness and distress to see what he has been reduced to. Back on the road, the RV is stops as the survivors step out as Nathan gives an angered look.

Nathan: Shit!

In front of them, a bridge above them. The truck is on the bridge with its fuel tank hanging, blocking the path of the road.

Nathan: Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! FUCK! FUUUUCK! Fucking fuck!

James: We could try walking.

Nathan: Shut the fuck up, James. No one's walking.

James: I was just-

Billy: Nathan....the kid was just making a suggestion.....we could probably move it....

Ashley: How?

Walter: We could try shooting the tank.

Nathan: That thing's not full of piss and moonshine, Walter. It's filled with gas. Something's that likely to explode.

Billy: You've got to relax yourself, son....this is still a group.

Nathan walks up to Billy.

Nathan: This isn't a fucking thing.

Suddenly, two people on the bridge yell down the survivors, causing Nathan to reach for his pistol.

Beth: Hey, you people keep screaming like that and you're going to draw some unwanted attention!

Caleb: Y'all going to be any trouble? Because we can keep walking.

Kyle: No! We're friendly! 

Kyle turns to Nathan.

Kyle: Put your hand down, Nathan.

Caleb: Yeah, that's what everyone says, but the moment they get a chance to kill you.

Kyle: Yeah, we know.

Beth: Caleb, let's give these guys a break, okay? They don't look like Blood Hogs.

Caleb: Uh-huh.

Beth: You guys got a problem with your RV?

Nathan: Yeah, you're standing in front of it.

Beth: Hey, it's a truck. Not our fault. It's not that bad from up here. Why don't you send tall, black and lanky up to have a look?

Kyle: "Tall, black and lanky"?

Beth: Uh....no offense!

Kyle: None taken, puff ball!

Beth: Okay, that hurt.

Caleb: Told you to straighten your damn hair.

Kyle prepares to walk, but Nathan raises his hand.

Nathan: This goes south, those two die.

Kyle approaches the ladder on the bridge.

Kyle: Just so you know; I am armed so don't try anything.

Caleb: So are we!

Kyle climbs up the ladder as Caleb and Beth are talking.

Beth: We need a bigger group.

Caleb: No. We're doing fine.

Beth: Yeah, but now, what about when it's us two with our backs against the wall?

Kyle approaches Caleb and Beth.

Beth: Hey, I'm Beth. This oaf is my twin brother, Caleb.

Kyle: Kyle.

Caleb: What's wrong with your RV?

Kyle: Nothing. There's just a damn truck blocking the way. Look, you want to help us out?....we could use a hand getting this RV moving.

Caleb: What's in it for-

Caleb notices Ashley climbing up the bridge.

Beth: Whoa! You guys have a teenage kid with you!

Kyle: What are you doing up here?

Beth: You know how many years it's been since I've seen a teenage kid?! A girl at that! Shit! What's your name, girl?

Ashley: Ashley. That's my brother, Nathan down there and my sister, Sarah.

Caleb: Hmm....you guys aren't all family, are you?

Kyle: Do any of us look related?

Beth: Fair point.

Caleb: What's the story with you people?

Kyle: We've been on the road for a few days....It's been rough....I'm still getting used to being a part of group.

Ashley: He's being modest. He saved my sister's life at a Butcher shop a few days ago.

Beth: You guys encountered Butcher's and lived?! Whoa! 

Beth turns to Caleb.

Beth: See, Caleb?! They're capable of handling themselves! When's the last time you ran into a group of survivors who escaped Butchers?

Caleb: What about the rest down there?

Kyle: Walter's a capable guy. Billy's our old eyes and ears....correction; eye and ears...James is young and smart.....Nathan...he just lost someone close to him....his girlfriend and Sarah...big sis of this one here.

Ashley: Naive.

Kyle: Hey, be nice.

Ashley laughing.

Ashley: just sayin.

Beth: Sorry to hear about your recent loss, though. We know how that is. Losing people.

Caleb: Well, we always have to worry about new people coming around.

Beth: We used to like meeting new people.

Kyle: Yeah, so did we....and there were more of us.

Beth: We're sorry you guys are going through this. It's good you guys have an RV.

Caleb: It's not the truck that's the problem. It's the tank. We can't try shooting it. The explosion would destroy the bridge and RV.

Kyle: Yeah and us.

Caleb: We'll help you, but if we don't see anything we don't like....we're moving on. Deal?

Kyle: Deal.....we appreciate the help.

Caleb: If we can disconnect the tank from the truck, the rest should be easy.

Kyle: Sounds like a plan.

Kyle, Ashley, Caleb and Beth climb down to meet up with Nathan, James, Billy and Walter.

Kyle: Guys, this is Caleb and Beth.

A moment.

Beth: Not big on "hi's"?

Kyle: Like I said, we could use some people.

Beth: We just wanted to say "Hi" and your RV is amazing.

Caleb: but we're not looking for a shoulder to lean on.

Beth: We could help you guys though.

Caleb: Maybe.

Beth: So....with that....hi...again...

Kyle: The plan is to cut that tank down so we can move forward....without causing it to explode.

Nathan: Good plan enough to me.

Beth: You want to start on that tanker?

Nathan: Why don't I show you and Sarah how to repair at RV? In case, something happens.

Walter: You up for it, Nate?

Nathan: Yeah, it's probably for the best.

Nathan steps into the RV.

Nathan: Someone might want to look inside the station too.

Kyle: I'll go.

Kyle makes his way towards the station ahead. Suddenly, Ashley is seen walking up behind him.

Ashley: Can I come with you?

Kyle turns his head to Ashley.

Kyle: You sure your brother would be okay with that?

Ashley: No, but.....he's busy teaching Sarah and Beth on how to fix the RV.....he'll be fine.

Kyle: Okay....stay close, okay?

Kyle and Ashley make their way towards the station and check the perimeter, finding an S.O.S painting on the rooftop.

Kyle: Well, that didn't help.

Kyle finds Ashley trying to open a door.

Kyle: You should wait. Check inside before opening a door. You don't know what's in there.

Ashley: Sorry...

Kyle: Luckily, it's locked. Let's try opening it together.

Kyle tries to kick the door down, before taking a break.

Kyle: Shit.....

Kyle spots a window open above the door.

Kyle: There's a window open, but I'm too big to fit through it.

Ashley: Maybe, I can.

Kyle sighs.

Kyle: Okay, but just peek in, okay?

Ashley: Got it.

Kyle puts his hands together.

Kyle: Put your foot here and I'll boost you up.

Kyle boosts Ashley up as she looks inside, spotting nothing, but boxes, crates and other equipment.

Kyle: What do you see?

Ashley: A lot of crates.

Kyle: Maybe we could jimmy the lock or find a key....something to knock this door down.

Ashley manages to reach in and open the lock on the door.

Ashley: I think I got it.

Kyle: wait. Seriously?!

Ashley: Yeah! It's open!

Kyle lets Ashley down as the two open the door.

Kyle: Well, I'll be goddamned.

Ashley: Well, let's get moving then and watch yourself.

Kyle: aren't I the one who's supposed to tell you that?

Ashley laughs.

Kyle and Ashley enter the station, finding it completely dark.

Kyle: Goddamn, it's dark.

Ashley: I could hold the door open for some light.

Kyle: No....if someone who's hostile comes along, could give them easy access. I'll prop it open with something.

Kyle pulls out his knife and puts it underneath the door, holding it in place and showing light into the station. Kyle finds a cellar that is locked.

Kyle: Damn it...it's locked up tight. Whoever was in here did not want outsiders getting in.

Kyle looks inside the cellar to find a blowtorch inside.

Kyle: bingo!

Ashley: Found something useful?

Kyle: Yeah, a blowtorch!...how do we get in though?

Kyle notices a small opening on top of the cellar.

Kyle: There's enough room for someone to climb through.....Hey, Ashley, I'm going to need your small self again.

Ashley: I'm starting to feel like a height whore.

Kyle: Is there such thing as a height whore?

Ashley: I don't know.

Kyle: You okay going over the top of this fence?

Kyle boosts Ashley over the fence. Ashley drops as she gives a look.

Kyle: Grab the keys, Ashley....go on. Get.

Ashley's expression turns fearful.

Ashley: Kyle! Behind you!

Kyle turns around to notice two different kind of Skinners.

Kyle: Shit!

Kyle pulls out his pistol, but is attacked by the first Stitcher, causing his pistol to slide on the other side of the closed cellar. Kyle backs away from the Stitchers and grabs his knife, holding the door in place, before stabbing one of the Stitchers in the mouth, killing it. The second Stitcher grabs Kyle and a struggle ensues. Kyle manages to bludgeon the Stitcher with the butt of his knife, before stabbing it through the head. Kyle takes a moment to catch his breath, before looking at Ashley, who is aiming Kyle's weapon. Kyle approaches the cellar, reassuring Ashley.

Kyle: You okay?

However, a Stitcher inside the cellar advances towards Ashley.

Kyle: Get the keys! Now!

Ashley grabs the keys from the desk, before handing them to Kyle, who unlocks the cellar door. Ashley runs to Kyle, who grabs the pistol and shoots the Stitcher in the head.

Kyle: Shit....

Ashley: That didn't go as planned.

Kyle: No, it didn't, but we're safe....we're safe....

Kyle and Ashley look at each other for a moment, before laughing. Caleb's voice is heard on the other end of the door outside.

Caleb: What's going on? I thought I heard a gunshot.

Kyle: We're fine.

Caleb enters the station, armed with his 12-gauge shotgun, looking at the bodies of the Stitchers.

Caleb: Fine, huh?

Kyle shrugs.

Ashley: I've never seen Skinners like these before.

Caleb: These are Stitchers. Skinners who have been exposed to radiation. They're more feral....you and an sixteen year old girl versus three of them? I don't fucking believe it.

Kyle: That's a fine 12 gauge you've got there.....

Caleb: Yeah....it was my Dad's.....been in my family for generations....he died some time ago.....he and my mother....

Kyle: Before or after...

Caleb: Wish it was before....anyways, I'm going to go make sure the noise didn't drawn anyone or anything.

Ashley: Yeah, I think that's a good idea.

Caleb walks to the door, but then turns to Kyle.

Caleb: You guys know what you're doing?

Kyle: We're alive, aren't we?

Caleb: Touche.

Caleb leaves as Kyle speaks to Ashley.

Kyle: You sure you're alright?

Ashley: Yes....a little shaky, but...it's just...when those things were getting near you....what if I missed and hit you by accident?

Kyle: Ashley, stop....you did good....you took out a Butcher back at the Butcher Shop all by yourself and those Zeus Corps Soldiers?

Ashley: Kyle.....I don't want to remember that....

Kyle looks inside the cellar and acquires the blowtorch before Ashley examines the Skinner.

Ashley: Is this what was going to happen to Nora?

Kyle: Yes.....yeah it was.....

Ashley: Nathan won't talk about it....was it you or him?

Kyle: He wanted to.....but he couldn't....because he loved her.....so I did it...but we learned something though-

Ashley: Don't hesitate or they'll kill you.

Kyle: Exactly. Fear is the thing that causes us to hesitate and when we hesitate, we die.

Ashley: Got it.....

Kyle and Nora make their way back towards the RV as Nathan and Sarah walk out.

Nathan: Ashley! What the hell? Where were you?!

Ashley: I was with Kyle...we were checking out the station.

Nathan: He could've handled it by himself!

Ashley: I just wanted to help!

Nathan: How can you help?! You don't even know how to shoot.

Ashley: Christ, man.....Kyle and I just got a blowtorch...how about a thank you?

Ashley, stressed, walks off, before Nathan talks to Kyle.

Kyle: I'm sorry, man. Don't be mad at her. Be mad at me. I brought her along-

Nathan: goddamn it, Kyle! I'm trying to protect my family here....just get that tanker out of the way so we can get out of here.

Nathan walks off, before Sarah speaks to Kyle.

Sarah: Hey, Kyle....don't worry about it...he's grateful...really...

Kyle: (sarcastically) Yeah, he's really showing it...

Kyle prepares to walk, but Sarah touches his arm.

Sarah: Kyle.....about Nora.....it wasn't your fault.....I just want to let you know that....

Kyle: There were three Skinners back there....Ashley had my gun in her hand, preparing to shoot.....when we find a home, Sarah, promise me that you and Nathan will train her on how to shoot without hesitation.

Sarah: I promise.....one more thing; thank you....for keeping her safe.

Kyle: You're welcome.

Beth approaches Kyle.

Kyle: I've got the blowtorch. Should make uncoupling this tanker quicker.

Beth: Nice! I'll go up there with you to have a look.

On the bridge, Kyle attempts to start the blow torch, but the fuel is low.

Kyle: Damn. There's a leak in the hose.

Beth: Well, turn it off. I don't want my hair to burn off.

Kyle: Sorry.

Kyle turns off the blow torch, before searching around for something to plug the leak in. Kyle searches the vehicles on the bridge, only to find nothing. Kyle calls down to Walter.

Kyle: Walter!

Walter: Yo!

Kyle: Any tape in the RV?!

Walter: Not that I know of!

Kyle: Can you look?!

Walter looks inside the RV to find a roll of tape, before Walter steps back outside.

Walter: Think fast!

Kyle: What?! Hey!

Walter tosses the roll of tape at Kyle, who manages to catch it.

Kyle: Jeez!.....(quietly) The fuck you throw the goddamn tape for, asshole?

Kyle wraps the tape around the house leak, before standing up.

Kyle: that should hold.

Kyle uses the blowtorch the melt off the coupling.

Beth: Damn! Look at it go!

Kyle: Almost there!

The truck begins to slide as Beth rushes to Kyle's aid, pulling him back.

Kyle: Whoa! Quick thinking there! Thanks!

Beth: Don't mention it.

Kyle: Crap. We melt this thing down and the whole truck goes with it.

Beth: So how do we get the coupling off?

Kyle: Hmm.....

Kyle smiles.

Beth frowns, discovering what Kyle has planned.

Beth: oh, no...no....no...no....hell motherfucking no...

Kyle dangles Beth over the bridge as she attempts to melt the coupling off with the blowtorch.

Beth: This is fucking bullshit.

Kyle: Shut up and cut!

James is sitting on top of the RV, before standing up to notice a massive infected horde behind them.

James: Uh....guys...there's a lot of them coming our way!

Beth: What the fuck?

Kyle: Shit...there must be hundreds or thousands of them.

James: We have to leave now!

Kyle: Fuck! Beth! Cut! Now!

Beth continues cutting into the coupling.

Beth: It's going! Pull me up!

The tanker is severed as it falls to the ground. Billy, Walter, Caleb, Sarah and Ashley get into the RV while Kyle and Beth manage to make it down and run to the RV.

Kyle: Nathan! Drive!

The tanker has been busted open, causing the fuel inside to leak into the ground. James attempts to hang on, only to fall off the speeding RV. Ashley notices this.

Ashley: James!

James stands up and attempts to wave at the others.

James: Hey! Hey! Fuck!

Armed with his crossbow, James runs into the forest before using the rest of the blowtorch fuel to craft incendiary arrows. James shoots the tanker, causing it to explode and decimating most of the Stitcher horde. The explosion is seen by the survivors who sadly assume James' death. James recovers and catches his breath leaning against a tree.