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2023

"With all due respect sir - I'm here for a different reason." You can tell he's listening intently. "I know that we have recently expanded our perimeter to the South into the water. I'm concerned it may be a hole in our security."

Obreal smiles. "I'm glad you came to me about this. It's nice to see someone who cares, soldier. I can assure you that the South is completely secure. We built a wall down into the water. Zombies can not swim, soldier. They would have one hell of a time getting in and then we have Guardsmen posted on either side."

Obreal's face suddenly seizes up. "What you just asked me made a mockery of my work. You think I've been here this long - fortified all of Metropolis - and can't secure one wall? I respect your concern, soldier, but I want you out of the tent now."

You are taken by surprise and after the shock sets in you take one unbalanced step towards the door. Obreal glares at you.

How should you walk from the tent to keep your dignity in his eyes? You've always looked up to Obreal. Maybe it was a test?

You bring up your shoulders and walk confidently from the tent. You know Obreal's eyes trailed you, but didn't give him the satisfaction of checking. Maybe he wasn't the hero you thought he was?

You stroll from Obreal's quarters, lost in thought. What a fucking bastard! You were trying to look out for Metropolis. You are aware that one of the Guardsman from earlier is rapidly approaching you. You swivel your eyes to the ground while you walk, pretending to see him at the last moment so you can avoid those awkward feelings of the encounter.

"Hey...", he states coolly, "Master Obreal's got a lot on his mind. He has some good reason for it to." Then unprompted, "Follow me."

You ask him where, but his face is stoic. He walks slowly and deliberately, which makes the journey uncomfortable.

He stops outside of the old Hellguard forest, where The Guard was born and where Obreal had rallied his recruits and fought for survival. There was something to be sought in that kind of life - blowing holes in zombies without getting caught up in the politics.

The Guard says, "I'm Paul. Keep following, please."

You follow Paul into the middle of the forest, where he opens the door to a rusted car. With a motion from Paul to get in, you peer into the car and see a ladder protruding from blackness.

"I'm not going in there unless you tell me where it leads." You demand.

Paul answers, "This is one of STOP's meeting places. Now, please, enter."