7/16/2025 Kick Recap - "Maybe We're Already Walking That Path"
Saab recaps Lang on how many tries it took them to get the buggy operational (3 tries). Cuddles texts Lang some scary poetry, Saab thinks that CJ would fit better as a scribe/historian. They are happy with Zeek being the rat (snitch), and Clark being the sheriff. Lang texts Cuddles questioning why she's texting him so ominously, but she calls claiming she found faith and believes in the spirits. Lang grows frustrated trying to decipher what she means, so he hangs up. Clark shows Lang his early version map, Lang is impressed. Lang reads Elena's application to them, and then reads out the current roles taking suggestions. They agree for Lang to have a one on one with Andi (new buy-in) to see if she holds any resentment towards Cypress, and to see if she passes the vibe check. He wants to speak to Zeek next, so he calls Zeek down.
Zeek and Lang chat about what role he sees himself in. Zeek has 3 ideas: merchant, hunter, or therapist. Lang suggests for him to be the spy (the rat), Zeek seems hesitant, but agrees to keep an eye on people. Lang sends Clark to handle Cuddles in case she does something rash, Yaya shows Lang the vast food supply, and CJ shows Lang a recap she wrote with hope that she can take on the role of Archivist (someone's coming for my job). Lang pulls Sebas aside to chat about his motivations and where he fits best. He's not sure as of yet, but speaks highly of those who are committed to the cause (whatever the cause may be).
Lang shows Saab the 3 trailers he was able to purchase last night. Benny is motivated to organize their supplies, Lang takes him to the water to give him inspiration (spawns in other vehicles they will make later). Lang and Saab drive to city hall to get some keys cut, they come across a gang shooting at the cops outside the hospital. Saab brushes it off as a non-issue, Lang drives them both back to New Babylon.
Benny holds a short meeting informing everyone of a boat race happening in the lake nearby. Lang pulls Edgar aside to get an update about the mission, and then admits to the deal with Dark Stone. He gives Edgar the note, and then tells Edgar the story of how Dark Stone saved Lang and the others during a failed Talon Mission. Lang makes contact with them via a burner phone in the Rooster's basement, he decides to take Edgar there. Lang has Edgar wait upstairs while he gathers up all the phones from the basement, unsure which one is which. Edgar spirals in concern about how the mission is going to go, Lang isn't sure he's going to be contacted at all. Lang heads back into the basement to return the phone, and then they both leave the Rest.
They continue to chat on the way back to New Babylon, Edgar tries to convince Lang that the Faceless steal fears Talon. Lang thinks that Talon has failed, they haven't been able to rebuild since the first generation. Lang details the failure in CJ's training, and how harsh the process is to develop into a valuable member of Talon. Edgar persists, claiming that he continued work while Lang was lost in the desert. He believes not only in Lang, but in the opportunity he was given. Edgar speaks prophetically about Lang, and what's to come of the city. They circle back to Talon and the path of a student and Lang tries to explain what it takes. Lang is worried about doing the song and dance all over again, referencing Yeager and CJ (other students). Edgar tries to say that he's ready, but Lang walks away.
Lang checks in with a few people and get's the second version of Clark's map (now including details and a legend). Lang drives down to the Refinery and speaks with Michael (the Blacksmith) about his progress and potential application. Returning to New Babylon, Lang checks in with CJ who was recently shot, and then Benny and Skipper to show them a musket. Lang scares the dog nearby, it tries to bite him so he shoots it… (<:Sadge:892901993180446780>)
