The Sitting Alive - Season 3

Episode 6 - As The Light Fades

Dan and Charlie, as well as the rest of their friends, we're engaged in their watch. Everyone had to be on watch at all times, they couldn't let the Marauders slip through. Their faces lit by the soft moonlight glow. The night was still, and the air carried a chill, but the presence of each other brought a sense of warmth and familiarity. They had been through so much together, and tonight, amidst the uncertainty and danger, they found solace in each other's company. "Things have changed so much, Dan. Sometimes I wonder how we managed to survive this long." Charlie broke the silence.
Dan glanced at his friend "It's because we stick together. We watch each other's backs. And we've got a great group of friends who do the same."
Charlie sighed, running a hand through his hair. "True, but it's getting harder. Every day feels like a new battle, and now with these marauders... I just hope the rest of the guys can find something useful at Pinewood and hopefully put an end to this shit."
"They will. We've got to believe in them. And we've got to stay strong here, for everyone else." Dan reasurred.
Charlie looked down, then back up at Dan. "What do you think their exact plan is? Skullface and his crew?"
Dan's face hardened. "I don't know. But whatever it is, it can't be good. They sound like a bunch of psychos."
There was a moment of silence as they both contemplated the uncertain future. Then, Dan spoke again, his voice softer. "You know, even with everything that's happened, I'm glad we still have each other. You've always been like a brother to me, Charlie."
Charlie smiled, his eyes glistening slightly. "Same here, Dan. We've been through hell and back, but as long as we've got each other, I think we can face whatever comes next." In that moment, they felt ready to face it all, knowing they had each other to lean on.
"Let's make a pact, Charlie. No matter what happens, we stick together. We protect our group, and we find a way to beat these fucking marauders."
Charlie extended his hand, a determined look in his eyes. "Deal. Brother." They then performed their signature handshake.

Rubin, Colin, and Ethel moved quietly along the perimeter, their flashlights cutting through the darkness as they scanned the area for any signs of intruders. The recent discovery of Skullface on the security footage had everyone on edge, and the trio was determined to ensure the safety of their group. Rubin kept his eyes sharp, "I don't like  one bit. If Skullface was near here, who knows how close the rest of his gang might be."
Colin nodded, his expression serious. "We've been lucky so far, I'll just say that".
As they continued their patrol, they talked about their friends who had set off for Pinewood. Ethel's voice was filled with concern. "I hope Fluff, Audrey, Chloe, and Sam are okay. It's a long journey, and we don't know what they could come across."
Colin reassured her, "They'll be fine. They're resourceful and tough. And they're doing this for all of us. If they can find out more about the virus... or hell even the marauders, it could give us the edge we need."
They reached a small clearing and took a moment to rest. Rubin glanced up at the sky, the stars twinkling faintly through the canopy. "You know, I used to hate the quiet. Now, I find myself craving it. It's the only time I feel like we have a moment to breathe."
Ethel smiled softly. "I know what you mean. But we can't let the quiet lull us into a false sense of security. We have to stay alert."
Colin stretched his arms, then stood up. "Come on, let's finish this patrol. The sooner we know everything's clear, the sooner we can get some rest."
Rubin led the way, his determination unwavering.
Colin and Ethel followed closely, their resolve matching his.

As the night deepened, tension hung heavily in the air at Glynne. Rubin, Colin, and Ethel finished their patrol and regrouped with Dan and Charlie. Everyone was on edge after the discovery of Skullface on the security footage. The group gathered to discuss their next steps. "We need to stay vigilant," Dan began, his voice steady but laced with concern.
"We gotta keep doing these watches, we can't afford to sleep at a time like this" Nodded Charlie.
Lily and Taylor, having just returned from their watch at the gate, joined the conversation. "We didn't see anything unusual, but we need to stay sharp," Taylor said.
Lily added, "We should also consider reinforcing the barricades even more. Make sure every entry point is as secure as possible."
The group then divided into teams, each taking a section of the school to fortify. As they worked, the quiet of the night was punctuated by the sounds of hammering and moving furniture to block windows and doors. The air was thick with a mix of anxiety and determination. Rubin, Colin, and Ethel took the west side of the school. Dan, Charlie, Lily, and Taylor focused on the east side, using whatever they could find to reinforce the doors. "This should hold for a while," Dan said, stepping back to inspect their work. As the night wore on, the group rotated shifts, ensuring someone was always on watch. The hours dragged by slowly, each minute filled with a sense of foreboding. The stillness of the night was unsettling, but the group remained vigilant.