Quietly They Slipped Into Madness

Once the group made it back to the safe area of Ottawa, they paused for a moment. Many members threw up after witnessing that kind of display.

"Ghost, what the fuck was that."

"Even I don't know Bash. Whatever the hell that thing is, it isn't human."

"Good news homebase, we rescued Chas, Jaiden, Luke, the Perez Twins, Jacko, Maisen, Misty, Taylor, Bobby, Lil Bubba, Zach, Michael and Clarie. We do have bad news, but we'll share when we get back."

As the group made their way back to Natplate, the trucks were waiting for them.

"Overlord, we managed to gather supplies, food, and sleeping gear from around here."

"Good, get us home."

As the trucks drove back to the Caves, everyone sat in silence, not a word was uttered. With every turn, questions filled Overlord's mind. "What the fuck was that thing? Why did it kill Tre? What would they do about it?"

He shook his head, there would be time to sort all that out later. As the group approached the gates, the guard opened them and let them inside.

Before cheers could be uttered, Ghost stood up upon the rock and broke the news of Tre's death to the group. Then he broke the worse news of the unknown creature that had taken Tre's life. The group was uneasy, some scared and frightened, but not Overlord. He took to the rock and addressed his people.

"Listen, we can't explain what we saw, but I'll say this. That thing...It's scared, because it took one of us! We are hoodrats, Party People, Stoners, Drinker, Trippers, and people of all types, but Lots united all of us! Not a single one of us thought any less of someone, and when someone we didn't know or fuck with would show up what did we do?"

"We fought." said Bash

"We protected everyone." stated Ghost

"We had each other's backs. said Overlord. "Never once did we question why, we protect our own! Now it's from the Government and their new pet, but we still have each other!"

The others began to cheer softly as Overlord stepped down off of the rock. Ghost looked at him and nodded in approval of his speech. A bit later, the Ghost, Overlord and key figures from lots all had a private meeting to discuss their next move.

"I'm glad we can all meet to discuss what come next for our group."

"Likewise, Overlord. While I've been here, we need to begin some form of expansion project. We can't keep all this as it is, we're gonna run out of room." stated Jon

"What would you propose? We can't take over any towns so long as we are outgunned." rebuked Ghost.

"Why not begin taking down trees and build a natural-looking base. Harder to find, easier to build." stated Jacko

"Does anyone object to Jacko's plan?"

Everyone shook their heads no.

"Good, then we'll start on the in the morning."

"I propose we issue guns only to appointed guards, as most of the people we have here haven't wielded a firearm." stated Ghost.

"We can't just leave everyone unprotected." rebuked Bubba

"I agree, that's why we'll train them using BB guns and once they've passed, we get them real weapons. stated the Busch Hunter

"Anyone disagree with the motion proposed by Ghost and Busch?"

The group shakes their heads no.

"Good, now in the morning, I propose we hold an election, see who the people want to lead them."

"No, I've asked around, everyone agrees, you're the Lots Overlord, and you'll still lead us."

"Seriously? Everyone?"

The group nods

"Well, I'll do my best. I promise to keep the same style of leadership I had when I was leading lots."

The group laughs and cheers, "WHATEVER THE HELL WE WANT!"

Night sets in leaving only the guards and the Ghost patrolling the area, rotating in shifts till daybreak. Tomorrow would bring change to the Lots group.