Wrench
Where have you been? Taking another nap? God almighty, you snooze more than an alarm clock on Saturday.
Well, if you’re up now, you might as well head on out to town. Got a big day in front of you.
They say there’s some good hunting spots out east if you can find ’em.
Trying to get that old radio to work is gonna take me all night. Maybe you can talk to Junebug about getting some spare parts.
I know the Pastor’s a little bit heavy-handed with scripture, but I still like going to church on Sundays. Father time may be a bastard, but Father Thomas a good man.
Lowry’s dog is pretty mild-mannered, but you know me. I can’t deal with animals. Goes back to the time I got chased down by a molerat when I was a kid.
Molly
You know the deal. If you know someone who wants to stay the night, tell ’em to put the money in the can and grab a bed.
I thought Wrench was letting you stay at his place? You get fired already?
The sign says “Motel” but it’s more like a bar. Only way to sell the beds is to make people so drunk they can’t find their way home.
Not much to do around here except swat flies and drink moonshine.
Nobody trusts Officer Lowry. Guy’s way too friendly. It’s like he’s got something to hide.
Officer Lowry
The law is man’s best friend. But my canine pal is pretty close.
I’m having a tough time winning some of these folks over. I’ve gotta find ways to be nicer, and friendlier! That’ll fix things for sure!
I feel like the law’s just about the most important thing in a civilized society.
Without the law, all that’s left is chaos. We can’t let chaos win, friend.
I know this isn’t a police uniform, but it’s about as close as I could find.
Scenes
How are things Molly?
Just fine officer.
You can call me by my name, Molly. We’ve known each other for years.
Officer will do.
***
I heard a noise the other night from the motel. Is something the matter?
That’s none of your business.
As an officer of the law, it’s my duty to check on any suspicious activity.
Do you have a warrant?
Well no, but…
Then I suggest you back off.
Pastor Thomas
Let us enjoy another glorious day in God’s embrace.
Here in town, you are protected from the evils that lurk in the desert.
I’ve heard stories you’re considering leaving town to seek your fortune out there, in the devil’s cradle.
Do not be tempted by his whispers. Greed is not the path to salvation.
May God’s light shine forever on this town.
Armitage is not the wicked creation some think. He is proof that even machines can be taught scripture.
Sermon
I will remind you, those who have gathered here today, to ignore what the heathens tell you of the outside world.
Beyond the borders of this town exists nothing save sin and wickedness!
From Dry Gulch to the Safari live those who have turned away from God’s light! They spend their days boozing and whoring and fornicating with the devil!
They shall not be allowed inside the gates of God’s kingdom! Oh no, for they have abandoned our Lord!
But you, the blessed, you shall ride into the garden of Eden on the wings of angels! This I promise you!
Sermon 2
For those who question the healing power of faith, learn the parable of Armitage!
He began as nothing but spare parts in the back of Junebug’s shop, and now he walks the earth as one of God’s children!
If he who has no soul can find the warmth of God’s embrace, then we as a society have no excuse not to do the same!
Armitage
Some may question my presence here, but the Pastor says I am a miracle.
I am not sure what I am, or what my primary function is. But perhaps God has a plan for me.
The Pastor has given me this weapon, so that I may protect the church from the evils that endanger us.
In human history, I am told there are examples of religious warriors who are allowed to break God’s tenets in order to serve his ultimate will. This paradox puzzles me.
Junebug
Let me guess. Wrench sent you here because he wants the parts for his damn radio.
Well, you can tell him to wait.
Caravans haven’t been by for weeks. Safe to say we got bigger problems than what kind of music we can listen to.
Mayor’s thinking about sending out a search party. You should head on over to City Hall and see if they need a hand.
Owned this garage since before I turned ghoul. Used to be a chop shop. But now that there’s no cars to chop, it’s just a regular old shop.
I sell whatever parts I can buy from the traders. I’m too old to go out hunting for stuff on my own.
Annabelle
Running this diner’s just about all I do these days.
I used to have dreams about going to the city and becoming a big star. Only problem is, the city’s gone. We’re pretty much all that’s left.
I can cook you up a hot meal, but there ain’t no menu. You more or less gotta eat what I serve.
My ma taught me how to cook. That and this diner are just about the only thing she left me.
In another life I was probably an actress. But serving people is a lot like acting. If someone’s rude, you gotta pretend like you didn’t spit in their food.
Daisy’s bakery is fine if you got a sweet tooth. You come here if you want something cooked with grease.
(quest – rivalry with Daisy)
Doyle
Annabelle makes the best steak and eggs. Just don’t ask what kind.
Annabelle’s got the best diner in town, hands down. Hands up too.
In fact, it don’t matter where you put your hands, so long as you’re grabbing a plate.
Lowry’s the town cop. Friendly guy. Seems kind of lonely though, if you ask me.
Some of the boys and I like to play poker at the motel on our off days. It’s a pretty loose game. A lot of drinking.
Madame Zhao
The Johns with the limp dicks are the best. They don’t dirty up the goods, and they keep coming back because they got something to prove.
The Pastor’s lost his mind letting the android in the church. But hey, the more people skip church, the more money gets spent in here.