The 0714 Files: File #1 Inferno (Remake 2)

Chapter 6

A dozen pair of eyes squished into the operations room stare at where I stand in the front beside the podium. The chalkboard stands behind me, a map with a section of the city is drawn on, labeling central street and parts of downtown. Most likely where they planned to set up the bomb. A bomb that if they successfully did just detonate it, means blocks worth of main street are no longer there.

John sits in the corner with gauze taped over his nose, Rita and Marvin are standing off to the side of me. Ready to listen, prepared to back me up on what I'm about to say to the others because while they undoubtedly believe me now. Many still don't.

"We have to discuss what's happening outside before we can attempt an evacuation," I start and they listen intently. "I'm not stupid I know you all think S.T.A.R.S. is insane, that what we went through in the forest is some story we fabricated. Made up for attention or whatever else bullshit lies were spread. I'm not though and the others aren't. Don't think I haven't noticed the stares some of you've given me as I pass you in the hall, or are giving right now."

Some of those I call out actually have the gall to look away as if in shame. Disregarding their refusal to meet my eyes, and leaning an arm on the podium. "I don't really care, because you guys are going to listen, and if we're going to make it. You have to believe me now." Silence. If anyone wants to stop me, they don't.

"The night we went to rescue Bravo team we were attacked by half-rotting, undead men. Men we learned were scientists who worked in the mansion we'd run to for safety. They worked for Umbrella, making viruses. They tested those same viruses on animals and people, but in May they fucked up and the T-Virus leaked. They all became infected and either killed each other or just died off before coming back from the dead to attack those who remained. That is why the cannibal murders started in May."

Tick. Tick. Tick.

"They were zombies. They infect through bites and if you hesitate to shoot, they will kill you—"

"Marvin, are we seriously going to listen to her?" someone interjects and the Lieutenant raises his hand, silencing the objector. Staring at me as I explain myself and the story that for too long nobody wanted to believe, in what I'm now nervous is a useless attempt.

Marvin and I search for the person behind the complaint, Paul. I know him, he's one of the same people I just referenced. He constantly gives me untrustworthy eyes whenever I pass him in the hall. "Listen to her, officer," is all Marvin says, his tone making it clear he doesn't want to hear it.

But Paul pushes, "So what? You believe those crazy asses now?" he gives a mocking laugh, "Sir, I'm sorry, but S.T.A.R.S. was fired for a reason, we can't—"

Out of frustration at what's happening outside and there's still people in here with their heads in the sand. I bang my hand on the podium, cutting him off. "Then I want you to go outside and see it for yourself! Just like we did, Paul. Because we did. We were trapped in that forest for over twelve hours, Bravo team was there for a whole day! And not one, but two teams who were this city's best were nearly wiped out. So, you can all keep laughing, you can keep mocking me and the others on that team. But I promise you, we didn't make up the living dead for a fucking joke then. And I'm not making it up now as this city falls apart."

His face goes slack like my words are actually making a dent in his thick skull. I point behind me, "That man back there who punched John? When he asked for my help, he said he was bitten outside. It means he's been infected and is already showing signs he'll turn, and I know there are others sitting on those cots who are bitten too. We have enough infected people to overrun this station if we don't get a handle on them."