04x01 - What's Your Story?

[bunniefuu]

( crickets )

( crickets chirping )

( crickets chirping )

( crickets chirping )
(

( crickets chirping )
( fire )

( crickets chirping )
( fire crackling )

( rustling )

Someone there?

I mean... not one of the passed?

( clears throat )

I haven't used my voice in a while.

Uh...am I talkin' loud?

I am.

Maybe, sir or madam, you are not there, but it is something to hear your voice after a bit.

Just saying words.

Platypus.

Pasta.

Potable. Hmm.

If you are there, you can come out.

We can sit. Split a can of Pecos strawberries.

Have a little...badinage, my mama used to say.

That's just a fancy word for chat.

It's been...

I don't know... maybe a year.

( clears throat )

I had a place where I was before.

I had a good metric ton of popcorn.

I've still got a lot.

I could make some.

I just read books.

I... I watched movies mostly.

But I read-- I read books now.

I got a few with me... if you have a need for reading material.

( sighs )

Well... since there is no one there...

hmm... before I... go quiet again for maybe another year...

I might as well tell you that I--

I did talk to someone.

She wasn't just someone.

She came to my door.
Just showed up.

I let her stay.

And we fell...

We had feelings for each other.

One day we allowed it.

One day.

I just thought I'd say that.

'Cause I supposed I would see it when I said it.

And I did.

And that was nice.

There ain't been a lot of nice.

( growling )

( g*nsh*t )

( thud )

♪

So...what's your story?

♪


( water )

( water splashes

( pounding on door )

Jesus: If you're gonna hit me with your stick, don't open the door.

Well, you know... if you're gonna try.

( sighs )

Looks like you've settled in... out here.

I thought maybe we could continue our acquaintance.

"Here" and "there" are just labels.

It's all one place.

You could do all this somewhere else.

Or... well... in the same place... somewhere else.

- ( chuckles )
- Come on.

The reason we fought is 'cause you wanted to protect people.

You care about people.

You should be with them.

♪

( pounding on door )

Carol: It's me.

Come back to the Kingdom.

You helped me.
You did.

Let me help you.

I don't want to tell you what to do.

( sighs )

But you know who I am... and I know who you are.

You belong with people who care about you.

( banging on door )

Rick: Come on, Morgan!

You can hide... but you can't run.

Look, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. wouldn't.

I was hurt.

( sighs )
You brought me in.

You didn't have to.

Morgan, you don't have a g*nsh*t in your side, but...

hurt.

Come back with me.

Don't wait this time.

Don't...waste one more second.

You're alive.

You're part of the world.

Look, I'm here now-- a lot of people are here now-- because you helped me.

Right at the beginning.

That's not me anymore, Rick.

♪

It is.

You'll end up with people one way or another.

You're connected.

It'll be a shout from outside that door.

Me askin' for help...

Maggie.

You're a part of the world already.

You'll find your way back to it,

'cause it will find its way back to you, so just... come back.

( chuckles )

Well, like I said, you can hide... but you can't run.

♪

( door clanks, hinges creak )

( door closes )

♪

( bird squawks in distance )

Rick: Thanks for lettin' me in.

You don't have to be out here....

- I came for you before.
- ( voices echo )

Don't wait this time.
Don't waste one more second.

You're alive.

Thanks for lettin' me in.

You can hide... but you can't run.

You know what it is.

You know what it is.

♪

♪

♪

( taps car window with stick )

( Infected growling )

( taps car )

- ( crackling )
- ( engine turns over )

( gear clicks )

♪

( birds chirping )

( distant chatter )

♪

( bird squawking )

( crickets chirping )

( glass breaks )

( Infected growling )

( tapping car )

( man shivering, coughing )

( coughing continues )

( shivering )

( bag unzips )
- ( man wheezing )

Man: Take that sh*t home.

- Take it back!
- I'm just trying to help.

Looked like you were on your own.

We're always on our own.

Shut the door.

( shivering )

( rain pattering, thunder rumbling )

♪

( Infected growls )

♪

Man: I just thought I'd say that.

- ( wheezing, growling )
And I supposed...

I would see it when I said it.

- ( growling ) ( man continues )

( g*nsh*t )

Man: So what's your story?

I'm just passin' through.

Well, why don't you come on and sit a spell?

I don't know how much you heard, but I--

It's been a while since I talked to someone.

I'm John.

John Dorie, like the fish.
But I-E, no Y.

- Morgan.
- Morgan.

Are you hungry, Morgan?

'Cause I could cook you something.

I got beans and I got beans.

No, thank you.

Hey.

( wrapper crinkling )

It's tasty.

No.

Where you from?

Back east.

You walk?
- I ran.

( chuckles )

Hey.

In your travels, did you, uh... come across a woman carrying a p*stol like this?

Identical, in point of fact.

I've been looking for her... for some time.

Not seen anybody like that.

I'm gonna go.

Wait-- Hey, there-- there's no sense in settin' out this time of night.

Why don't you take the back of the truck?

I'll take the cab.

Or vice versa.

I think having a covered place to lay your head would give you some relief.

Having come as far as you have.

Yeah.

♪

( Dorie snoring )

( snoring continues )

( cab door closes )

( object strikes )

(

( rustling

( rustling )

Oh.ing )

- ( clicks )
- Whatever you're thinkin', don't.

This looks handy.

You some kind of karate man?

I'm just passin' through.

Keep the food.

Give me back the rest, and I'll be on my way.

Afraid you ain't exactly in a position to bargain.

We just can't have you telling folks about our little mousetrap here.

I got nobody to tell.

I don't know anybody here.

Don't wanna know anybody.

- ( g*nsh*t )
- ( man groans )

- ( g*n clicks )
- John: I got no beef with you gentlemen.

I'm just lookin' out for my friend.

We have friends, too.

♪

I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize for sh**t' your g*n.

Karate man... and a gunslinger.

How about that?

- ( clicks )
- Now, that's an antique.

Only one other one like it.

So I'd appreciate it if you'd--

- ( clicks )
- ( stutters )

( truck approaching )

( brakes hiss )

( engine stops )

Thought you didn't drive at night, Al.

Was parked nearby.
Heard a sh*t.

Wanted to see what was what.

So what's what?

He said he was on his own.

His friend damn near sh*t my hand off.

Al: New people.
I like new people.

Just keep driving, Al.
We're good here.

You don't look good.
You look hungry.

I got a case...
Cup-O-Noodles in the back.

Korean brand.

It's got that kimchi powder you mix up on top.

- Not enough, Al.
- I'll throw in a case of Pall Malls.

I know how you love your Pall Malls.

You got your hand on the lever?

Why in the hell you actin' like we have a choice?

There's always a choice, Leland.

- ( creaking )
- ( clanking )

( metallic rattling )

This just happens to be an easy one.

♪

Hey, thanks for givin' us a hand back there.

- Al, is it?
- Althea, actually.

There's a candy for you.

Thank you.

Leland and his boys have gotten pretty desperate.

Seems like every store, kitchen, and pantry from here to Tyler is picked over down to the studs.

I'm guessin' from your vehicle that you are or were an officer of the law?

Not exactly.

I'd like to get out of here, please.

Anywhere along here is fine.

Sorry, guys.

Didn't rescue you out of the goodness of my heart.

You guys owe me.

♪

( rattling )

( brakes squeal )

Uh, I don't mean to be ungrateful, ma'am, but my truck's parked in that town back there?

( car door slams shut )

All right.
Who wants to go first?

- ( g*n clicks )
- John: Ho.

- You're quick.
- I am.

Well, easy there, cowboy.

- ( bag unzips )
- I didn't save you so I could k*ll you.

I just want to ask you a few questions.

- Questions?
- Yeah.

What you've seen.
Who you've met.

Where you've been.
Where you're going.

- Why?
- It's for a story.

I'm a journalist.

Al: You were alone at the cabin.

- John: Yeah.
- Before Lauren showed up?

Laura.

- Right. Sorry.
- Nope. Nobody.

I talked to myself a lot.
But I had to quit.

Al: Why?

Because I started enjoying that conversation too much.

( chuckles )

What else can you tell me about Laura?

In case we ever cross paths.

Mm...
she enjoyed a Black Jack.

- Card player.
- Taffy.

Licorice. I never much cared for 'em before.

And now?

I don't mind 'em.

You think you'll find her?

I know I will.

How exactly did you get split up?

( inhales )
Um, I'm afraid that's not a very happy story.

- Most aren't nowadays.
Ours will be.

This one will be.
Once we find our way back to each other.

Was that...?

Great. Thank you.

Sure.

How about you?

How long you been on the road?

What does it matter?
These questions--

There's no news stations left.

I saved you.

Noodles and effort.

You owe me.

No.

I don't need that.

I need your story.

Al: What brought you out here?

You goin' somewhere?

Getting away from something-- I didn't ask you to save me.

I'm gonna go.
Or are you saying I can't?

John: Hold up.

Hold up, friend.

Hey, you've been held at gunpoint with somebody,

I think you earned the right to call him friend.

I don't want to answer any more questions.

I just want to be left be.

Well, I just want to give you something.

OK? Clean socks.

Worth their weight in gold.

'Course, gold ain't worth much nowadays.

I seen the pair you was wearing 'round the campfire.

I think it's time for an upgrade.

Thanks.

Apologies about the corn.

Especially since they're for your feet.

You sure you're gonna be all right out there on your own?

This world... we're always on our own.

Wait. Wait.

♪

Leland: Morning, Al.

( approaching footsteps )

Hands.

OK.

Leland: I wouldn't do that.

Yeah, you're not so tough without the lever. Huh?

Leland:

This

This doesn't

This doesn't have

This doesn't have to

This doesn't have to be

This doesn't have to be hard,

This doesn't have to be hard, Al.

This doesn't We just want the truck.

Why don't you give us the keys?

Hands.

Hands.

Let's go.

( thud )

Stick.

- I ain't gonna ask twice, now.
- ( clicks )

( grunting )

- ( g*nsh*t )
- ( groans )

( g*nshots )

- ( glass shatters )
( g*nshots )

♪

Uhh!

( groans )

( g*nf*re )

( g*nf*re continues )

( Infected growling )

( b*ll*ts ricochet )

( all growling )

( jingling keys )

No!

( g*nshots )

( Infected growling )

Al!

( g*nshots )

( g*nf*re continues )

( grunts )

( snake hissing )

( screams, groans )

( g*nsh*t )

- ( groans )
- ( g*nshots )

( groans )

( clicks )

♪

( yells )

( both grunting )

( groans )

Aaah!

( Infected growling )

( screams )

( screaming )

( groans )

( Infected growling )

( man screaming )

( screaming )

Ahhh!

( loud expl*si*n )

- Al: Are you OK?
- Go.

- Go!
- John: Get to your van.

( Infected growling )

(

( Infected

( Infected growling

( Infected growling )

- ( bangs )
- ( Al grunts )

Keys don't work, sweetheart.

( keys jingle )

'Cause they go to my footlocker, assh*le.

Ahh. Aaaah!

- ( growling )
- ( g*nsh*t )

( groans )

Morgan!

( panting )

- Aaah! Ohhh!
- Get up.

Hand over the keys.

You don't look so hot.

- The keys!
- Al!

( g*nsh*t )
- ( screaming )

- ( Infected growling )
-( Leland screaming )

- ( g*nshots )
- ( yelling )

Get down!

John!

John!!!

( a*t*matic w*apon fire )

( clanking )

( panting )

( both groaning )

- Oh, my--
- ( pants )
Everybody in one piece?

Ohh!

Boy, I tell you what.

That is some ugly mustard.

( panting )
Gets the job done.

Thanks for the assist.

That guy-- that was a unique kind of assh*le.

But I did not want to k*ll anybody today.

( grunting )

- Anyone know what that 51 means?

Markers like that had been popping up around here the last few weeks, but never anyone around to ask but the dead.

The dead?
I call 'em the passed.

Call 'em walkers
where I'm from.

Look at that.
A piece of personal history.

You still owe me.

Then pull over.

Al: Your name?

Morgan Jones.

Where do you come from?

Atlanta and, um... then Virginia.

How'd you get here?

I ran.

Then I walked, drove... walked again.

Were you part of a settlement in Virginia?

A couple.

Can you tell me about them?

( chuckles )

One of them was called Alexandria, and then there was a place... called the Kingdom.

Actually had-- had a king.

A king?

- ( laughs )
- Even had a pet tiger.

- ( laughs )
- ( John chuckles )

All right, we're gonna have to sidebar that one.

These settlements, were they good places to live?

They were safe places.

Good people inside.

I had been with some of them for a while.

It--

Al: What happened?

There was a fight.

With another group.
It was a big, big group.

We won.

But you didn't stay.

I already left... before I left.

I don't understand.

Did they do something?

Or did you?

I told you things, and that was the trade.

You told me you were with good people in Virginia, and then you left.

Why? Were you trying to get something?

Get away from something?

How about you tell me about you?

Like, um, how'd you get this van?

And why asking total strangers questions like this is so important to you.

Huh?

- Look, I saved your ass.
- And we saved yours.

Well... I want to thank you both for your help.

But I think it's time that I was going on my way.

- What about your leg?
- No, I'm fine.

- Morgan. fine.

Tell me one real thing, then we'll call it even.

Why'd you leave Virginia?

( sniffles )

I lose people and then I lose myself.

( staff thudding on ground )

( sniffles )

(

( footfalls

( tapping )

Anybody there?

( breathing heavily )

( growling )

No.

- ( Morgan panting )
( Infected growling )

- ( panicked grunts )
- ( staff hits ground )

( growling )

You were wrong... what you said before... about bein' on your own.

( sighs )

Here.

( groans )

There you go.
OK?

Thank you.

Morgan.

That walker--
I need to know.

All right. Hey, hey!
All right. Wait, wait.

Wait. All right.
Give it to me.

Come on.

All right.

Thank you.

( growling )

OK.

( growling )

( taps ground with staff )

( snarls )

( inhales, exhales )

♪

I'm glad we found you.

I'm just travelin' with you till this leg heals up.

And no more questions.

I'm not gonna stop asking you questions.

Especially about that tiger.

- No more answers, then.
- ( laughs )

Fair play.

Come on.

It's tasty.

Where we headed?

Well, Al took me back to my truck, but it wouldn't start.

Now she's taking me to look for Laura.

In exchange for more of his story.

That's right.

That's right.

I don't know if I'll find her.

I don't.

I just don't think about it that far

'cause it don't do me no good.

But I recognize it as truth.

Truth is something you can't get around.

No, you can't.

- There's somebody up ahead.
- What?

John: Oh, come on.

( John grunts )

Thought you said there weren't a lot of people 'round these parts.

There aren't.

( air brakes hiss )

( engine shuts off )

- Take this.
- Can't.

I don't k*ll.

( chuckles )

Come on, dude, answer some of my questions at some point.

I don't k*ll either.
At least I try not to.

Great moment for both of you to share this fact.

( woman wheezes )

( woman crying )

( crying continues )

( woman grunts )

( panting )

Are you injured?

( whimpering,
moaning )

- She all right?
- Al: Can you bring the first aid kit?

( crying, panting )

What happened?

( panting )

♪

There are--
There are bad people.

( breathing heavily )

- There are bad people...here.
- Where?

- ( g*n clicks )
- Drop it.

Hey, hey!

Drop it!
Drop it!

- Drop it.
- OK, OK.

- Drop it!
- ( staff clatters )

( groans )

( g*n scrapes pavement )

So what the hell's your story?

♪