Virus Z | Book 1 | Before The Outbreak

by Stewart, K. M.

  Frank's dad is also a scientist. His dad isn't a virologist like my parents. His dad specializes in technology. Specifically, weapons development for the government. Our parents worked on a couple government projects together. Since it's super top secret, we don't know what they were doing.

  Frank is hogging the microscope. It's in a separate room down the hall from the classroom. We only have one in the school. It's very expensive so we all have to share. This can see what a basic microscope can't. It's not the type of microscope you get from a hobby shop. It's the same one used in laboratories. It's a very powerful microscope. I get impatient and go take more samples.

  When it's my turn with the microscope, I see a lot of things you would find on everyday surfaces. Common bacteria. Then I get to my last sample. It was Ben Hudson's pencil. Ben wasn't feeling well. He was sick with the common cold, or so he said. There was something I'd never seen before. It definitely wasn't the common cold.

  I ran back to the classroom to announce my findings. I burst in and shouted “Mrs. Norris!” I said it three times to get her attention. “I found something. On Ben's pencil. I've never seen it before. I think I discovered a new virus. Come look.” The whole classroom burst in laughter. It was at that moment I knew I made a big mistake. Before Mrs. Norris could say anything, Ben Hudson stood up. “You're just like your parents. Don't know when to keep your mouth shut and always causing trouble. My dad said your parents didn't die in a car crash. They probably went crazy and staged the car accident. Or they were imprisoned by the Chinese or Russians. It’s suspicious that their bodies weren't found. They were about to say something crazy just like you and had to be shut up. You'll probably end up like them.”

  Before I thought Ben Hudson was just annoying. Now I hate him. I felt so angry. I'm tired of the conspiracies that plagued the death of my parents. Mrs. Norris stood up and pointed to the door, “Ben Hudson get out of my classroom and go to the principal's office now!”

  The laughter died down, but I could still hear some giggling. I hear whispers. I don't like that they talk like I'm not here. I scribble in my notebook and pretend I can't hear them. I heard Katie and Jack whispering back and forth, “Maybe it's true. The conspiracies. Maybe they did weaponize a virus.” Katie said.

  “Governments have been doing that for forever. Biological warfare isn't new.” Jack replied. I appreciated Jack's logical response. Except my parents would definitely not be involved in biological warfare. If they were involved, it wasn't a concept they created. Another student joined the conversation. “Maybe it was a zombie virus they created.” Debbie

  said.

  Katie replied, “A different theory is that her parents didn't create the zombie virus. They were the ones trying to find a cure at first. They were close but weren't successful. Who would want to cure a half dead human anyway? Could you imagine suddenly you're not a zombie anymore and half your face has rotted away? Or your missing vital organs? So, they tried to find another way. A better way. So, they created another virus. One that would give people the power to defend themselves against zombies. The details are vague on how it worked. It wasn't a vaccine.”

  Debbie asked “Is it magic? Or superpowers? Whatever it is, I bet it's amazing!”

  “Zombie magic? Give me a break. Katie, I think spending all your time reading conspiracy theory blogs clouds your judgement. Are you listening to yourself? That's crazy talk. Who writes this stuff anyway?” Jack said, rolling his eyes. Katie leaned back and crossed her arms “It's not conspiracies. It's true.”

  “The people who write this stuff claim Elvis is still alive and aliens are real. They don't have any proof for what they claim is true. Where's the proof? Besides, their research is gone. Emma's parents probably discovered a cure for cancer. That would make sense. Big pharma would want them silenced. A cure would be bad for business. If you keep reading tabloids, it might rot your brain. Then you might become a zombie.” Jack said as he started imitating a zombie. Debbie laughed.

  “Who is Elvis?” Katie asked.

  “You're always being so logical. Don't you have an imagination? Your just Mr. Common sense because your dad's a cop.” Debbie said.

  “My dad says that logic and common sense are the first step in solving any mystery. My dad might become a detective.” Jack said.

  I was glad someone had common sense. But I couldn't help thinking about what Katie said. Did my parents discover that someone created a zombie virus? Did they try to create a cure? What was this other virus they were talking about? I've heard the zombie conspiracy before, but never this other virus. I've always ignored the conspiracies. I never read tabloids. How could people defend themselves against zombies without weapons? Most importantly, are my parents still alive? Were they imprisoned somewhere? I always knew my parents wouldn't make anything to hurt people. That's probably why their projects with Ben's dad were short lived. Who knows what weapons the government was trying to create? I'm certain my parents wanted no part in it. Maybe that's what they were going to reveal. Something dangerous and wanted to warn the public.

  Just then the bell rang. Mrs. Norris came up to my desk. “Let's look at that sample tomorrow at the science club. You will be there right?”

  I knew aunt Susan would be furious again. But I had to go. I needed Mrs. Norris's help. I don't know exactly what I found. Maybe it's nothing. Either way, I want to know.

  Chapter nine

  Officer Andrew Gibson, ten years ago

  M y cell phone rings. “You didn't hear this from me. But the FBI is here at the warehouse. You know the one at the end of Sans Blvd. It’s blue with a brown roof. I'm not sure exactly what's inside the building. It might have been Tom and Karen's lab.”

  “You said this was Tom and Karen's lab? I'll be there ASAP.”

  “You better get there quick. Patrick is here with two ERT's.” ERTs are FBI's Evidence response team.

  “Yep. Don't show up until I call.” I replied.

  “First the car accident and now this.” I mutter under my breath. The accident was hard enough. Everyone thinks I'm crazy. I usually go to the first logical answer. Even though there was an extensive search, no bodies were found. Yes, the car was in the water. It was found in Elliot bay. All windows open, seatbelts unbuckled. It was just too dang suspicious if you ask me. I suspect a clever kidnapping.

  Everyone says I just can't accept that Tom and Karen are gone. Tom was my best friend all through high school. As we became adults and took separate paths, we spent less time together. But we were still best friends. I know they are out there somewhere. None of this adds up. Now something is amiss at their lab. I will get to the bottom of this. I know if special agent Patrick is there, it's going to be trouble. I put my lights and sirens on and hit the gas. I don't need the GPS. I know exactly where the lab is at.

  I pull up and see special agent Patrick and two of his ERTs. I get out of my cruiser and start shouting right away. “What's going on here? Why am I the first on scene here? You didn't call us. You should have called me first.”

  “Oh, not this again. Since I didn't call you, I suppose someone tipped you off. The FBI has jurisdiction over you. This case is for us. Shouldn't you be writing speeding tickets? I don't need you here.” Patrick said.

  An ERT walks out and hands Patrick something. “The place is empty except for this. Here's a folder.” Said the technician. The folder was in a plastic evidence bag.

  “Hand it over.” I sternly said.

  “Andrew, you and I both know that's not going to happen.” Patrick replied.

  “That evidence is police property. Hand it over or else.”

  “Or else what? You'll shoot me? I know everyone is on edge after Karen and Tom's accident. But I can't give it to you. This here belongs to the F-B-I.” Patrick says each letter separately. He’s waving the bag in front of my face taunting me. I'm furious.

  Then I see it. The other ERT came out pushing a Gurnee. On top is a black body bag. I shout at the ERT and take big strides to
wards him, “Who’s in that body bag?”

  He opens his mouth to reply “It's-”

  Patrick raises his hand, and shouts to interrupt. “That is for the FBI to determine.”

  I lose it. “I'm not asking you again.” I point it at the ERT. “You there, stop.” He stops pushing the Gurnee and looks at Patrick, then me, unsure of what to do. Patrick starts digging through his pockets. I look at the body bag. Now I know I'm going crazy. Something inside it is moving. It's moving very slowly. I blink. It's not moving now.

  “Calm down Andrew. It's not Karen or Tom. Don't even think of opening the body bag. Lucky for you this never happened.”

  “What do you mean this didn't happen?” He pulls a paper from his pocket.

  “Here's a gag order with your name on it. Everything you saw, even us here. It didn't happen.” I don't say anything. I knew he had won then. I don't take my eyes off that body bag. It doesn’t move again.

  Patrick continued “Now that we are done here. You can call your people. We didn't find much of anything. I don't see evidence of a break in. But if you find something, call me.”

  “Don't count on it.” I replied.

  Chapter ten

  science club

  I decided to go to the science club. I would deal with aunt Susan later. Mrs. Norris goes over more advanced topics for those who are interested. She also has other basic experiments for those who want to join in for fun.

  “Now, let's all take turns looking at the samples taken by Ben and Emma today. “Mrs. Norris said. We look at all of the samples but save the best for last. The students look one by one. They all start chatting amongst each other as to what they think it is. Some more student walk in. “Welcome to science club Jack, Katie and Debbie. You missed our first sample. The more the merrier, anyway.” Mrs. Norris said.

  “I wouldn't miss the zombie virus,” Katie blurted out. Jack stepped on Katie's foot. He whispered “Enough zombie talk. I swear you're obsessed.” The students started laughing.

  “Ok everyone settle down and we’ll begin.”

  Mrs. Norris and Emma chat while the students are taking turns looking at the microscope. “Your parents would be proud. A scientific discovery is a big deal.”

  “Well I guess so. Why did you mention my parents?” I asked.

  “We went to the same college.” Mrs. Norris replied.

  “You knew my parents?” I asked. I was shocked to have never known. It was Katie's turn. “I'm not a science geek but this is really cool.”

  Jack took a look “Yep. I officially don't know what this is.”

  “Do you know anything about viruses?” Debbie asked.

  “Nope.” Jack replied

  “Mrs. Norris, it's your turn. Come look.” Another student said. Our conversation was immediately interrupted as she walked over to the microscope.

  Mrs. Norris looked and said “What an interesting find. It's a virus of some sort. Not previously discovered. I'm almost certain. This is an interesting find indeed.”

  The room was silent for a moment. Until Katie started it “Emma, you’re going to be famous! Let's call every news station!”

  “Forget the news, call a reality show.” Jack said.

  “I think the CDC would be a better choice.” A student in the back of the room said.

  “What about the president?” Said another.

  “Those are all valid suggestions. But for now, let's keep it amongst ourselves. Until we know more about what this is.” Mrs. Norris said. All of the students agreed, nodding their head.

  “Katie, I trust you can keep this to yourself.” Mrs. Norris asked.

  “Am I that much of a blabbermouth?” Katie asked

  “Yes.” Jack and Debbie said almost at the same time.

  “Aren't you guys glad I made you come? I told you science club wouldn't be boring.” Katie said.

  I went to ask Mrs. Norris about what I found. “It could be dangerous. It could be nothing. We don't want something dangerous in the wrong hands. I know some people we can trust. I will consult with them. Not all people can be trusted, Emma.” Mrs. Norris said. I agreed.

  "Come with me Emma. I need to show you something. I think you're ready. " Mrs. Norris said.

  I feel like this is the start of something new. Whatever the future held, I was ready.

  THANKS FOR READING !

  Here is the book series in order, so far. It’s not over yet, so it’s best to sign up for the newsletter.

  Before the outbreak

  Patient zero

  Creation and execution

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  Virus Z, Patient Zero

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