Apocalypse

Studies

"Avi, this is Dr Adams. She's our lead scientist here and has been studying the virus since the outbreak." Max introduced her to a young, brunette woman wearing a white lab coat.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Dr Adams." Avi smiles, shaking the woman's hand.

"It's intriguing to meet an infected with her own will still in tact. I look forward to working with you, Avi." Adams smiles ear to ear.

"What kinda studies are you gonna do on her?" Danny asked, having come along to meet the scientist that would be studying his best friend.

"Oh don't worry, we won't be doing anything dangerous. We'll simply be running blood tests and experimenting with different species." She explained, quite certain nothing could go wrong.

"I'll be fine, Danny. You don't have to worry so much. Besides, as long as my head stays intact, I can't die a second time." Avi tried to reassure him, but Danny was still unsure.

"I'm staying for the testing. I wanna keep an eye on you two."

"Alright. Suit yourself bud."

Dr Adams led Avi to a chair, similar to that you would find in a dentist's office. Motioning her to sit, Dr Adams walked over to a tray with different syringes laying across it and picked one up that was labeled "Testing."

"You're going to feel a slight pinch, but it only lasts for a second. Now take a deep breath." The Dr instructed and Avi did as she was told.

Holding her arm steady, Dr Adams stuck the needle through the thick skin that covered Avi's body. She was met with a struggle though. The needle wasn't long enough to penetrate the thick skin that the infection had mutated.

"Is everything alright Dr?"

"Yes, just give me a moment. I need a longer needle."

After about 3 minutes of searching, the Dr returned for another attempt. This time it was a success, but something became very wrong and very apparent. Avi became lightheaded, and her breathing grew thick and disturbed. She clenched her fists on the chair as she started shaking her head uncontrollably. Startled, the doctor quickly pulled out the needle and Avi snarled at her, rising to her feet in an awkward motion.

"Avi stop!" Danny's voice penetrated the odd silence.

"I-what happened? I blacked out- Dr Adams!"

"I'm ok.. just startled. It's fascinating. You have the mind and will of your human self, but your instincts and defensive styles have completely changed to accommodate the mutation the infection had caused! This is incredible!"

"Incredible? Doc, I don't know if you realized this, but my friend ALMOST BIT YOUR ARM AND CAUSED YOU TO MUTATE!" Danny chimed in. "How is that incredible?!"

"This is a scientific breakthrough young man. If her DNA was altered because of the mutation, causing her to obtain different traits, then we can find those traits and alter them. It's not a complete cure for the infection or the virus that caused it, but it can make it possible for your friend and other zombies to live amongst the living without flaws. All that needs to happen now is Avi needs to learn to control her urges and impulses."

"But how do I do that? I just blacked out and can't remember any of what just happened."

"Dr Adams, can we cure my sister?" Max chimed in, leaning against the wall.

"It's possible that with enough time and research, and with avi's help, we may be able to find a cure to this virus and stop it once and for all."

"Then that's our goal. You up for that little sis?"

"I think I can do it, but I'll need a little help so I don't react on impulse and bite anyone."

The conversation was cut short. A loud alarm split the silence and blasted into their ears.

"What is that?!"

"It's the base's alarm system! We're under attack!" Max cried in reply as he raced out of the room. Avi looked to her friend and he nodded in agreement without either having to say a word.

"Stay here doc!" Danny exclaimed before following pursuit of Max.

"Stay hidden and stay quiet. You'll need one of these if they break in." Avi tossed the defenseless scientist a small handgun. "Safety's on so make sure you don't turn it off before you aim!" And with that, she ran off to help in the defense.

The three raced up to a lookout tower and what they saw over the horizon shocked them and made max and Danny pale with dread. A huge hoard was making their way to the walls and gates, their snarls and moans filling the air. Bella, Trixy, and Isaac all emerged from the lookout stairs and Bella held her little brother tight as they too saw the horrors that awaited them.

"Get everyone to the emergency bunker, women and children especially! I need all soldiers in their posts! Get my father and tell him to prepare. Don't just stand there, go!" Max ordered men upon men in a hasty, authorial tone. "Bella, take your brother to the bunker with the others. Danny, Trixy, I need you two on machine guns and bombs with the rest of my men, and Avi I need you down there holding back as many as you can. We're under siege, and this battle is not going to be won without casualties."