Chapter 21- "Mark of the Beast" - Part 3

**clarkie** · May 9th, 2011, 02:21 PM

I might be reading way to deeply into this, but with the Airplane reference I picked up two things:
- Abortion - possible hint towards Lizzy's (possible) pregnancy? (Think this has already been mentioned.)
- Also, in Airplane doesn't someone with no commercial flying experience end up having to land the plane? Perhaps this is a hint to a future event in which something happens to one of the towers pilots mid-flight and someone else has to land. Or maybe it's just a nod to the fact that someone with little/no flying experience will have to fly one of the copters anyway...

**Leedo2502** · May 9th, 2011, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by Kn1ckerb0cker33

Even though this was used by the U.S. Army, if it's a large helicopter I'll take a guess (after some googling) that it might have been a Sikorsky S-61R or a Sikorsky MH-53. It sure looks damn big =P

Saul said "Coast Guard" when he saw the aircraft. And I may be reading into this but the fact that it wasn't the S-92 has me a bit excited, and maybe looking into the conspiratorial undertones of the Outbreak. To the best of my knowledge the USCG doesn't have any SH-53's (neither does the Army, mainly it's a Navy/USMC and USAF aircraft).

I don't want to come off at the stickler for the "true to life" details I know that in this format KC has to take for dramatic and stylized liberties with military tactics/technology (such as the claymores "beeping" for the dramatic effect) but this could be a big clue in this episode.

Or it may be me reading into stuff LOL!!

**Blood & Ice Cream** · May 9th, 2011, 02:54 PM

when i heard kalani mention helicopters, the first thing that i thought of was the coast guard, but i thought the biggest helicopter they use is a Jayhawk (max 10 people tops), unless its an old HH-3F Pelican (carry all of the tower occupants)

btw - the coast guard does have a base at LAX, but thats for the smaller Dolphin helicopters

**nikvoodoo** · May 9th, 2011, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by Leedo2502

Saul said "Coast Guard" when he saw the aircraft. And I may be reading into this but the fact that it wasn't the S-92 has me a bit excited, and maybe looking into the conspiratorial undertones of the Outbreak. To the best of my knowledge the USCG doesn't have any SH-53's (neither does the Army, mainly it's a Navy/USMC and USAF aircraft).

It is an interesting point and one not too many people would be able to readily make. Now, could it be for dramatic effect? Sure, writers always have free license to create what ever reality that they want.

But that might be an explanation as to why that chopper is riddled with bullet holes and why mp5 casings are on the ground. If the dolled up Military chopper to look like USCG was used to disperse whatever started this whole mess that could be a good enough reason to start a fire fight with anyone. And mp5's I know are used by law enforcement in some cities....I just don't know what the LAPD 's weapon of choice is.

However, I think it's best to speculate more once Kc reveals the exact model of helicopter it was as he said he would. But I'd certainly stick a flag in this theory in case it holds water. Then you get to say I told you so to many a peeps if they come to fight you on it.

**HardKor** · May 9th, 2011, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by Rock Daddy

Or... Pippen IS really who he says he is, but the mallers are holding his family as ransom until he betrays the tower.

Interesting point. In 20-3 Scratch did say "we still have her" in the middle of the Pippen/Rat conversation with Tardust. I'd been thinking maybe "her" was the original rat's family member and was being held hostage, but she could be someone who was with Pippin. He did say he was camping with friends.

**WestonWisdom** · May 9th, 2011, 03:24 PM

I haven't seen this mentioned so far, but perhaps the shooting of the helicopters fuel supply was a de facto quarantine? Not enough time for ritual slaughter, just pop a few rounds into the neighboring helicopter whilst taking off.

As for the lack of zombie clean-up, we have to presume that the zombies are at least semi-concerned with self preservation, an open area like that would be too risky to clean up, there could easily be people watching from the aircraft control tower etc.

**HardKor** · May 9th, 2011, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by WestonWisdom

As for the lack of zombie clean-up, we have to presume that the zombies are at least semi-concerned with self preservation, an open area like that would be too risky to clean up, there could easily be people watching from the aircraft control tower etc.

The zombies have only ever cleaned up the bodies not the blood. And really how long has it been since the last rain storm? It was pretty early on in the story I think. So the attack on the helicopter could have happened as far as a couple of months back.

**WestonWisdom** · May 9th, 2011, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by HardKor

The zombies have only ever cleaned up the bodies not the blood. And really how long has it been since the last rain storm? It was pretty early on in the story I think. So the attack on the helicopter could have happened as far as a couple of months back.

Have we ever seen human corpse/zombie interaction?

Sorry, I have only had the chance to listen once,but I distinctly remember there being no mention of the smell, perhaps the corpses being dragged back were human, if it was even blood to begin with.