Louie turned and headed out of the Med Wing. She didn't bother to check and make sure Peyton fell into step behind her. She assumed he was dying to be anywhere but his bed, and assumed right when he took a few long strides to catch up. Soon they were walking among the flow of traffic, following the footpaths clearly marked on the ground. Around them, the Compound buzzed, with the rumblings of everyday life.

"What do you mean I'm head security consultant?" Peyton asked.

"I will answer that in due course, for now I am instructed to give you a tour of the compound," Louie said.

Louie waited, half expecting Peyton to push her for more answers but he remained silent, his eyes darting around, taking in the lay out of the Compound, as if making a mental map.

"The compound used to be a warehouse of some sort before we took over and converted it so it was live-able. The first people who set up the Compound, twenty years ago, were able to live off the supplies held here while a barrier was built around the building. Crops were slowly established afterward," Louie said.

Peyton nodded, his eyes still absorbing the details of the large building. The crowd moved around the pair as they headed towards the Storage section, all eyes landing on Peyton briefly, some accompanied with nods, others with pleasant hellos.

"What's going on here?" Peyton asked.

The center of the Compound was in a state of high energy chaos as people bustled about, setting up tables and what looked like a makeshift platform. Louie paused momentarily, turning back to the commotion.

"They're are getting ready for the celebration tomorrow."

Peyton frowned. "Celebration?"

Louie gave him a neutral look, her hands clasped behind her back.

"Yes, a welcome party of sorts for you, the new comers. We hardly have a reason to be excited about most things and so we delight in what we can," Louie said, her face remaining emotionless.

Peyton started to give her a curious look but before his thoughts could be fully formed Louie spun her heels and marched off.

"Follow."

Louie kept a steady pace, and though Peyton's face showed nothing, she could tell in his gait that his body was struggling with the movement after being stationary for so long.

Louie took Peyton to the far end of the Compound, starting with Storage and working her way from there. Storage was rows of metal shelves packed with extra supplies and equipment. The sound of fork lifts rumbled off the concrete floors as shouts dotted the space.

Burly men moved about, the weight of carts and supplies tightening the muscles of their arms. Louie explained briefly how the section worked before moving over to a large man positioned in the center of the space.

"Hello Jacob," Louie said.

The bearded man, that resembled a bear more than a man, turned, nodding to Louie but making no other sign of respect.

"Jacob, this is Peyton Jones, he will be working with you within the next few days," Louie said, taking Jacob's silence in stride.

Jacob's full attention fell to Peyton, something in his eyes sparking with a look of respect.

"Jacob Owens." Jacob said, stretching out his hand.

Peyton shook it, but said nothing.

"Rumors say you led the group across four states, impressive seeing how you're barely older than a pup."

Peyton said nothing, though his posture straightened slightly and his jaw flexed.

"How old are you?" Jacob asked, his eyes searching Peyton's features, looking for the answer in the weather worn face and messy black hair.

Peyton looked as if he wouldn't respond, but his posture relaxed.

"Twenty," Peyton said.

Jacob let out a deep belly laugh.

"Alright son, you ain't too bad then. We could use more people like you."

Peyton nodded at the compliment and Louie turned away, back stiff.

"Thank you, Jacob." Louie said.

She started walking, letting Peyton hurry to catch up. The Kitchens came next, the large open space filled by ovens with waves of heat rising off them, refrigerators that sent out clouds of frigid air, and dishwashers that purred gently. There was a constant hum coming from the Kitchens that added to the warm aroma that flowed from it, mixing with the light tones of its workers.

The place was a hive of never ending activity, as the end of meals were cleaned up and the beginnings of the next were started. A short, round woman in her late forties stood off to the side of the area, calling out instructions. Louie gave Peyton a quick run down of the Kitchens and how they worked as they waited patiently for the woman to finish her commands before stepping up.

"Hello Marie," Louie said.

Marie turned, her eyes landing on Louie, but darting almost instantly to Peyton, a smile breaking into her cheeks.

"Marie, this is Peyton Jones, he will be joining your staff within the week for a short time," Louie said.

"Hi there sweet cakes, how are you doing? We're glad to have you here." Marie said, her voice like a warm hug or a cup of hot tea.

Peyton involuntarily smiled, as Marie took his hand and grasped it in both of her's.

"It's nice to meet you, Marie."

Marie winked at him, teasingly.

"Let me know if you ever want some extra helpings, sugar. I have an in with the woman who runs this department and can make it happen," Marie said.

Louie scowled slightly, rations weren't something to play around with and she didn't need Peyton thinking that this department handed out extra servings without a second thought.

"She's joking," Louie said.

Marie smiled wider.

"Come on Louie, this man needs more than what he's getting, he almost starved, we need to put some meat on those bones."

Louie's attention shifted quickly to Peyton, though he had put back on the weight that he had lost, Louie could see Marie was right.

"I agree and as his nurse I will make sure he's given extra to help his recovery," Louie said.

Marie gave Peyton another wink.

"See I told you I could help you out."

Peyton nodded in thanks.

"We need to keep moving, thank you Marie," Louie said.

She spun away, Peyton falling into step beside her, as Marie called out.

"Come visit anytime dumplings."

"She's friendly," Peyton commented.

Louie nodded.

"Yes, she's also a good cook and keeps a well run kitchen," Louie said.

Louie stopped only briefly to point out the school section, where rows of long tables were crowded with a wide range of child, all bent over books, reading and whispering quietly to each other. She gave him a quiet run down of shower schedules at Sanitation and introduced him to the head of the department before moving on.

When they stopped by security, Peyton's usual blank expression flickered with something as his eyes landed on the collection of knives stored away on a far table.

"Morning ma'am," Marc said, with a nod to Louie.

"Marc, this is Peyton Jones. Peyton, Marc Rhodes, head of security and the Searchers," Louie said.

The two rough hands met and shook.

"Searchers?" Peyton asked.

"The group of men that patrol the perimeter and the reason that you are still alive," Louie said.

Peyton nodded, but made no remark.

After a quick description, Louie led Peyton away, Marc's eyes trained on Peyton, his stance rigid. They moved through the current of bodies, finally entering housing.

"This is Housing."

Louie stopped and gestured to the long lane of sky high bunks. Three rows wide and fifteen long, each bunk rose almost twenty feet off the ground, the top compartments only a few feet from the ceiling of the Compound.

"Whoa," Peyton said.

He stared upwards in amazement. Louie led him through the maze, explaining the system as she went.

"These bunks used to hold large quantity items. When the founders first settled, they immediately set up the bunk system while they were still fortifying the front gates. If there was ever going to be an attack, and since Crawlers can't climb, it was a safe place for the civilians."

"Smart." Was only Peyton's reply.

His gaze kept jumping around, taking in the whole scene.

"All of the newcomers will be assigned a bunk somewhere in here. You have been assigned a bunk in the Cage," Louie said.

"What's the Cage?"

Peyton stopped by one of the bunks towers and inspected the compartments.

"The Cage is a large fenced room area near the front gates. That's where council meetings are held and where only a few people stay. Predominately people in power."

"I'm guessing that's where you sleep?" Peyton asked, a sly smile coming to his face.

Louie turned and kept walking. "That would be correct."

They moved through Housing, heading back towards the center of the compound and to the Cage.

"Everyone works here in the Compound. No one is exempt except those who are sick or injured. Since you are on the mend you will not be required to do the same work as other's," Louie said. "We can't risk your health. But that doesn't mean you will be lying on your butt all day doing nothing. Over the next couple of weeks you will be surveying activity here in the Compound.

"Depending on how fast you learn, every couple of days or so you will be assigned to a different section, a different department leader. Your job is to take everything in, see how the Compound works, how it flows. Your main focus is to prepare for your real job, which begins once you are better."

They moved out of the silence of the Housing section and back into the busy throng, their conversation silenced by the noise of constant conversations and the thundering of treads. Peyton worked to keep up with Louie's even strides, a grimace on his lips speaking of the ribs that weren't fully healed. Louie emerged into the Cage, heading down her row before pausing and turning back towards Peyton.

"This is your bunk, mine is just there," Louie said, pointing to a bunk opposite his and one bunk up.

Peyton nodded and leaned against the nearest bunk, his arms crossing over his chest.

"You need to understand, I'm not staying here," Peyton said.

Louie nodded.

"I understand but until you are well enough to leave then we will put you to work here."

Peyton gave a resigned sigh and nodded.

"What's my job assignment? What do you need me to do?" Peyton asked.

Though they were alone, the din of the Compound distant, Louie took a step closer to Peyton, lowering her voice.

"Your job is to know everything about this place, every movement, every conflict, every process, every person. You need to know this Compound just as well as I do. I need you to see every flaw, every crack in our system, every chance of danger or risk, the things we have lived with too long to even see. Once you see all that, you tell me where we're wrong, where we're vulnerable."

Louie took a slight step back, her hands once again folding behind her. Peyton furrowed his brow, his thoughts racing through his mind.

"What makes you believe that I'm the right person for this job?"

Louie gave him a long frank look.

"Because I'm not stupid, nor am I blind. You've survived leading a group of civilians through the most dangerous wilderness on the earth. Which means you know how to spot weaknesses and how to prepare for the worst. I think you'll be fine." Louie smirked.

********************

Louie entered the Med Wing, her boots tapping out an even rhythm as she walked along the rows of cots, nodding at nurses as they cared for the few patients there, mainly bandaging cuts.

Louie had left Peyton with instructions to get settled at his new bunk and report to Storage where he could pick up his sheets, clothing items and any extra supplies he might need.

At the end of the line Louie stopped by the two cots still containing the last of the newcomers, one a man in his thirties still unconscious and a small girl about thirteen who had recently woken up. Teresa knelt by the girl, her voice low and soothing as she checked the girl's vitals and looked at the healing wounds.

The girl's eyes flickered to Louie and was treated to a rare reassuring smile, that the girl only responded to by blinking, shock still holding her lips closed. Teresa stood and the girl rested back on the cot, cradling herself into a tight ball. With a small signal, Teresa moved over to Louie, standing beside her, her eyes trained on the small girl. Louie turned away from the cot, her voice quiet.

"When did she wake up?" Louie asked.

Teresa followed Louie's lead and turned away from the girl, their bodies blocking their voices.

"This morning."

"How's she doing?"

"She is stable, still in shock and has spoken very little, though that's normal with what she's gone through. She can't remember much before she fell and hit her head the night she was brought in with everyone, but that's to be expected after having been unconscious for so long."

Louie nodded and glanced back at the huddled figure, then to the cot next to the girl, holding the still unconscious man.

"And the man?" Louie asked, looking back to Teresa.

"Yes, the doctor."

"How do you know who he is?"

"Peyton Jones has made a point to come and check on him everyday since he arrived here and was able to get out of his bed. The first few times he did it, he was barely able to walk on his own and I had to force him back to bed. Nonetheless he still seemed determined to check up on his friend. Referred to him only as Doc."

"Good to know. How is he doing?"

"His vitals are normal, his heart rate and blood pressure are stabilized, he should be waking up sometime soon. He suffered a pretty bad head wound, but its healing nicely. I think with his advanced age and the recent trauma he's just survived, his body is letting him rest."

"Okay, sounds good. Let me know the minute he wakes up. And alert Peyton as well, I'm sure he wants to talk to his friend as much as I do."

"Will do."

Louie gave the man one last look before she headed to the far side of the Med Wing, picking up a med case. Her fingers expertly moved through each item checking that everything was there before lifting the strap over her head and heading out. Louie made her way to the Cage, nodding at the few people walking out. She paused as she came to the door to the office, her knuckles rapping out a short tap against the wood. A soft "come in" floated through and Louie pushed the door open.

"Good morning Chief," Louie said, grabbing an extra chair and placing it besides the Chief's.

Chief glanced at her over his glasses and set down the piece of paper he was holding.

"Good morning, Elouise. I see its that time of the week."

"Yes, sir."

Chief let out a tired sigh, removing his glasses and rubbing his eyes. Louie rummaged through her med bag as Chief rolled up his sleeve and extended his arm.

"Is it really necessary to do this check up every week? I'm doing fine," Chief said.

Louie started to take his blood pressure and only responded with a flat look, that he smiled at, waving away his last comment.

"As your primary caregiver, I need to make sure you're alright, sir."

"Elouise, please, don't call me sir when we're in private. I understand you need to call me sir in front of the Compound, to show respect. But it's just us two. Please, just call me dad. It doesn't make me sound as menacing or authoritative as 'sir'".

"Okay, fine...dad." Louie looked up from her work for a second to smile up at him, which he returned. "Now if you will please undo your collar, I need to check your heart."

Chief did as he was asked, Louie made swift work of listening and taking his pulse. A smile crinkled the corners of Chief's mouth as he watched Louie.

"Your mother would be so proud of you, following in her footsteps."

Louie met his gaze with a sad smile. The office fell silent again as Louie moved the stethoscope over his lungs and listened, her shoulders relaxing, her face flooding with relief. By the time she was finished her features had schooled themselves back into a neutral look.

"All set," Louie said, stowing her equipment back into the Med bag.

"Already? That felt like it went faster than last time." Chief said, buttoning his shirt.

Louie nodded and put the chair back, settling into the chair on the opposite side of the desk.

"It helps when you don't squirm so much."

"I can't help it. All these tests, the protocols, they make me uneasy."

"I understand," Louie said, her tone gentle.

Chief dragged a wrinkled hand down his face, a weary expression flashing across his features for the briefest of instances, before the look vanished and he gave Louie a small smile.

"How much longer do you think I have?"

Louie shifted in her seat, folding her hands on top of the med bag.

"You're doing a lot better," Louie said, her voice bright.

Chief gave her a steady look, the dark brown eyes Louie saw every time she looked in the mirror, holding her in its stare.

"Elouise, I appreciate you trying to be optimistic but it is an unrealistic notion that will do me no good. How much longer?"

Louie took a deep breath, letting it out in a heavy sigh.

"The doctor doesn't know," Louie said, "your lungs are still sounding healthy for the moment, but he doesn't know how fast the cancer is spreading. You could have months, maybe even years, but he fears that if you get sick then you could have days. Your body is already battling one disease if more was added than he doesn't know what the time limit would be then. We're doing everything to keep the cancer at bay, but we can't be too certain of much of what we are doing is really working."

Chief nodded solemnly, staring down into his hands, his eyes distant, his shoulders curved with the weight of her words and the truth that his body knew. After a long pause he straightened his shoulders and looked at Louie, the determined glint, that so clearly marked him as the man in charge, coming back into his eyes.

"Alright, then it's a good thing that you are so well trained to take my place."

Louie sat up straight, his statement falling heavy on her shoulders. Chief rested his hands on his desk and surveyed the office but didn't see it. Louie stretched out her hand and placed it on top of his, a small understanding smile slipping across her face. Her father looked down at the thin fingers and placed a loving hand over her's, returning the smile. The moment lasted but a few seconds then they pulled away.

"How did the tour of the Compound go with Mr. Jones?" Chief asked, settling back into his leather chair.

"Good, he is getting settled now," Louie said. "He was well received by all the heads, I don't see any problem from them. He's eager to get working though he is still not in pique physical condition to do hard manual labor, he can still be useful in whatever department he is assigned to."

Chief nodded, then rested his chin on steepled fingers.

"Good, keep a close eye on him and inform me of anything that comes up."

Louie rose with a curt nod, lifting her Med bag over her shoulder. She was at the door before Chief pulled her attention back.

"Elouise."

Louie turned, her hand still on the doorknob.

"You're doing an excellent job and you are going to be a great leader over this Compound one day."

Louie felt her throat tighten and she bowed her head in gratitude.

"But not for a long time," she said.

Chief gave her a sad smile.

"Exactly, not for a long time."

Louie pushed open the door and walked out.

***************

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