Elena is going over to her parents’ place on the other side of town tomorrow. She says she feels a bit nauseated and complained that she feels a stomach-ache coming on. I told her that it was probably her nerves and probably nothing. I have an upset stomach too. This is enough to upset anybody’s stomach, no?
Chapter Twenty-one
October 26, 4:15 P.M.
Depression.
People are ruled by their emotions. When faced with losing all the normality of their world, and the terrible personal toll on family members, and the absence of any kind of hope, that emotion is depression. Is life worth living when you’ve watched your children die?
A TEMPORARY STUDIO is the new setting for Channel Eight News. It appears like the studio is set up in a trailer of some kind.
“We continue our coverage from our new location in the safe zone.” Tammy had been broadcasting all day. Strands of her hair have escaped the tight ponytail, and viewers can see bags under her eyes. The ticker at the bottom screen continues to display neighborhood names and phone numbers.
“Here are today’s highlights.” There are no graphics to accompany her words.
“We have first-hand confirmation that the dead are rising.” This sentence, as unbelievable as it sounded, was spoken in a sober way, with a serious expression. Tammy was not leaving any doubt. This was for real.
“Many people that have succumbed to the syndrome are re-animating. They seek out and attack the living. We do not know why they attack the living, but the latest hypothesis by the World Health Organization is that the dead are aware that they are deceased, and this makes them highly unstable emotionally. They are attracted to the living and attempt to lash out at us. There is no proof to substantiate this.”
“They seem to revert back to base aggression. They bite and scratch and hit. They do not seem to know how to use tools or weapons.”
“The undead continue to attack the living and will continue to attack until the person is dead, or unresponsive. At that point they leave the body and attempt to find another victim.”
Tammy shuddered. This was clearly making her uncomfortable. But she was a professional and continued.
“In our city, the rescue of uninfected people has been going on for a couple of days now. Three to four times a day, multiple convoys of busses leave for their intended area, to pick up folks from their homes. We do not have an accurate count but estimate that between eight to ten thousand people have made it to the safe zone so far.”
“Army officials have been tight-lipped over their own operations, but there are multiple reports detailing staggeringly high infection rates amongst our armed forces. One leaked report contains the following:”
HAPS infection rates for all full-time military service branches is currently estimated at 99.5%
Military services are anticipated to lose operational and combat effectiveness within 72 to 96 hours. We recommend that military forces be given carte blanche authority in use of force, in order to meet mission objectives. We have no time for, and can not allow, any delay.
“We have heard that there have been incidents between civilians in vehicles and army units. The army is doing everything it can to keep the primary roads and highways clear, and anybody that tries to take these roads are ordered to turn around or get off the road.”
“The people that are here at the safe zone have told us stories of busses running over people, both dead and alive. We have also heard many times about troops firing on people. Safe zone officials have had no comment regarding these accusations. I have also witnessed first-hand the gathering of several zombies outside of the very fences around our safe zone. Security personnel seem unsure on how to handle this.”
THE INTERNET WOULD provide answers to questions that officials refused to answer. One of the websites that quickly grew in popularity was “Syndrome end of days.org”.
The website offered a simple forum for posting messages. Peter Delonge had posted something recently. He was on the inside, as it were. He had been picked up in one of the first extractions and was residing in a safe zone. His post this evening was short and to the point.
Don’t come to the safe zones!
People here are scared. There have been several confirmed cases of people infected with HAPS inside the this so called ‘safe zone’. Their scanners ain’t worth shit! Let me tell ya. Fact is, if you got a tummy ache, then you probably got the HAPS. Well, guess what; A lot of people here got tummy aches!
And where’s all the army folks? When I first got here there must have been a thousand of them running around, but now I figure there’s less than a hundred! Where’d they go? I’ll tell ya. They got infected just like the rest of us!
People, if you truly don’t have the HAPS then you got to hide somewhere! I’m gonna try to get out of here. But truth is, I got a tummy ache too...
Chapter Twenty-two
October 27, 11:45 AM
Acceptance.
When the world around you has gone to shit. When the virus boils in your gut and you know there is no escape. When you have seen loved ones suffer and die – from matriarch to the youngest child. When there are things outside your door that seek to harm you. You struggle to your feet, stumble to the door, and open it to accept the embrace.
PRESIDENT CLARKSTON made another televised address to the nation. He was clearly at a different location. The wall behind him was concrete, and the desk in front of him, while still a fine desk, was far less ornate than his English oak desk at the white house.
“My people.”
He stared straight at the camera for a few seconds without another word. It is clear to anybody that this man had a great love for his country and its inhabitants. It is also clear that this was all weighing very heavily on this man’s shoulders.
“I am speaking to you from one of our bunkers. I hope that you are also in a safe environment.”
“I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to all of our public servants, our armed forces, our first responders, our police services, and the many people and organizations that support our country from behind the scenes. Our federal and state employees have worked tirelessly to organize the safe zones, in which an estimated sixty million civilians have taken refuge. Many of our people have worked countless hours to keep this country running. ... Thank you for your service.”
“Many of us are infected with the syndrome. I, myself am infected.”
This shocking admission stunned an entire nation. However, David Clarkston was not a man given to melodrama. He continued.
“It is estimated that over eighty percent of our population is currently infected, and I have been told that this number is bound to rise. I am told that the level of infection is in direct correlation to the onset and severity of the symptoms. Many people have started feeling the symptoms over the last 24 hours. Like myself.”
“It is further estimated that close to one quarter of the people that are infected with the syndrome have succumbed to the virus and have re-animated. These undead are very dangerous! They are not contagious but avoid them if at all possible. They will attack any living person.”
“I have instructed our remaining armed forces to form up into brigades at our bigger cities, and regiments at our smaller cities and rural locations. These groups are to focus on the elimination of the undead. I am doing this in order to protect our living, uninfected people.”
“It is time for me ... for us ... to prepare for the future. Yes, we will have a future.” The president stated this as if trying to convince himself. His eyes betrayed him though. They display a combination of hopelessness and anger.
“I have been in communication with the leaders of many nations and we have all agreed on a plan, which we have already set in motion. The first part of that plan is to ensure that all strategic, power, and governmental installations and facilities are shut down safely. At this time, we have already put most of our nuclear power plants into shut down mode and are also working on shuttin
g down refineries and other power plants. The same thing is happening all over Europe, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Argentina and Canada. Furthermore, efforts are being coordinated to enter zones that have gone dark and shut down facilities there. This includes Mexico, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Brazil.”
The president grimaced slightly and reached for a glass of water. He took a sip and swallowed, looking at the glass in his hand before lifting his eyes back to the camera and continuing.
“The reason we are taking these measures is not because we are giving up. We are not giving up! We’re doing this because we believe in the future. We hope that one day soon, the survivors of this tragedy will emerge. These people should get every opportunity to rebuild this world. Starting with our nation – the greatest nation on God’s good Earth!”
“We are leaving certain power stations, water treatment facilities and other key infrastructure operational at ten percent capacity. I have been told that this will allow these facilities to run on their own, for at least several months, barring natural disasters. In other words, the utilities should still be running for any survivors out there, depending on where you are.”
The president softened his expression. “We want to give you the best chance to make it through this. It’s not safe out there... I hope that each one of you has found a safe place to try and ride this thing out. My science advisors have told me that the threat–” He abruptly stopped. The president sighed deeply.
“Sorry folks. I know that a lot of you have lost somebody you know, or somebody you love, to the syndrome. And it is harsh that these same people we loved are now trying to hurt us. It’s hard to accept. So, let me tell you this. These things. They are not the same people anymore. They are nothing more than the husk of our deceased loved ones, controlled by an evil force. We have to hide from them, until they stop functioning or fall apart. ... I hope that we have set you up to do just that. Outlast them.”
“The facilities that are shut down can be started up again. Instructions have been left behind, should qualified personnel be unavailable. We have also stocked many locations throughout the country with all the necessities for our people to survive and prosper. Instructions for reaching these depos are going to be broadcast soon, by the remaining elements of your government.”
“My people. Many of us are doomed. That is the harsh reality. We do not know how this happened, or why. One day, justice will be served.”
“It is my wish...”
The President hesitated.
“No, that’s not right. I didn’t say that right.”
“I know!” He stated with a spark in his eyes. “I know that those people who survive this will rebuild. You have ambition, bravery and perseverance. Those are the trademarks of the American people. You will bring our nation out of the ashes.”
He clearly liked that, and a small smile crept onto President Clarkston’s face.
“You will rise out of the ashes and shine bright, like the legendary phoenix!”
He smiled some more. Partially at himself, partially at some folks off-screen. His smile turned melancholic as he faced the camera, and his serious countenance had returned by the time he spoke again.
“God bless you all. May He keep you safe, and may He forgive our sins.”
THE BROADCAST ENDED, and Tammy appeared back on the screen. The temporary studio at the safe zone was visible behind her.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the preceding Presidential statement was recorded last night, and we have been repeating the message every hour since we received it. It is obviously quite unsettling for all of us to hear our commander in chief speak this way, but we too have faith in our nation.”
She was silent for a second. Tammy looked very different from the fresh, clean, and absolute professional of a week ago. Those people that had been watching her broadcasts since before this all began could see her exhaustion and stress. They could see the drawn face, the smudges on her clothes, and above all else her eyes. They betray the turmoil in her soul. Her fear.
“We at Channel Eight will do our best to keep doing our part. Here are the highlights of events at our safe zone”
“The army is still busy with the evacuation of healthy individuals. It is estimated that we have over ten thousand people here at this safe zone.”
She swallowed before continuing.
“Patrols have been moving through the safe zone to identify any people that appear to be infected with the syndrome. These folks are moved to a separate quarantine area for further observation. People that are noticing the onset of stomach issues are asked to come forward and identify themselves. Our own Cindy Cho took a turn for the worse yesterday and has moved to the quarantine area. Unfortunately, she was not allowed to take a camera with her. We have been asking around, and some people have noticed strange noises and what they believe may be gun shots taken with a silencer coming from the quarantine area. The Channel Eight family send their thoughts and prayers out to Cindy...”
In a very uncharacteristic fashion, she shuddered and rubbed her face with her hand. After a moment she collected herself and resumed.
“There has been a steady increase of undead at the gate, and indeed at all the fences surrounding our safe zone. We are told that they are likely attracted by the noise and activity. These undead get very agitated when they see a person and can be seen pushing and striking each other in order to get closer to us.”
“Safe zone management has assured us that the fencing will hold, but also advises residents to refrain from traversing to the external fencing. In the meantime, the military is formulating plans on how to best remove the potential threat.”
“Earlier today I had a chance to speak with an army reserve, who agreed to tell me a few things off the record.”
Tammy hesitated for a second.
“As I just mentioned; this information is strictly off record and unsubstantiated. We have not approached safe zone management or any senior military official to confirm or comment on this. However, this information is corroborated by dozens of other residents that we have spoken with and therefore we choose to share it with our viewers.”
“We have a high degree of confidence in the accuracy of this first piece of information. The interviewee stated that the undead can only be killed by destroying the brain. Our source stated that this was experienced firsthand. This was also confirmed by the leaked footage we aired two days ago.”
“The second item of information corroborates what we have heard from our President. Our source informed me that a lot of regular army are no longer here at the safe zone. The source did not know why but guessed that they are being pulled back in order to safeguard other key military installations.”
“Our source additionally admitted noticing many of them suffering from intestinal problems. This correlates to some of our earlier findings, regarding infection rates within our armed forces.”
“The final item that was shared with me is that, according to our source, the extractions of civilians have been slowing down rapidly. The number of excursions has declined from four or five to one per day. The interviewee was not sure if this is due to the dwindling resources, or if there are less people calling in.”
Tammy picked up the notes in front of her and aligned them by tapping the stack on its side. She did this despite all the note pages being aligned already. The nervous habit of the newsreader...
Tammy looked at the camera. Those intensely blue eyes never left the camera as she goes off-script.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am going to be completely candid with you and tell you that I personally believe that a large portion of the people staying in this safe zone are infected with the syndrome. They have made it through the screening process, possibly before they started having symptoms.”
“I also believe that some of the infected people here in camp are hiding from detection. They are fearful of what happens to them, as there have been rumors that people are being summarily executed when they are tak
en to the quarantine building.”
Tammy couldn’t continue for a second. She raised her hand to her face but hesitated as she realized she was on the air. She lowered her hand and continued.
“I do not have symptoms, but Josh; our cameraman, does. As does Beckie; she handles our sound. Also, Stef and Pete, who work behind the scenes as director and editor.”
“We don’t understand why I am symptom free while they appear to be infected. They have all decided that, when it gets bad, they will turn themselves in to the authorities here at the safe zone. For now, they are helping me so that we can stay on the air as long as possible.”
“I imagine there are lots of people that are scared as they are no longer symptom free. But these people must understand that they will endanger the other residents of the safe zone if they try to hide!” Tammy’s blue eyes bore into the camera. “So, I implore you to turn yourselves in. Before it is too late.”
“As I mentioned earlier; our own Cindy Cho turned herself in earlier today.” Tammy’s eyes shimmered as they welled up. “We know that she made this sacrifice for the rest of us. For anybody that is not suffering from the syndrome. For me...”
Tammy finally broke. She started to weep. Somebody rushed over to comfort her. After a few seconds, the broadcast was shut down. Channel Eight news would be off the air for a few minutes.
Chapter Twenty-three
#SRigazze
October 27, 10:00 AM. Bari, Italy.
Apocalypsis Immortuos | Book 1 | Syndrome Page 11