Flesh: Slovakia

The Truth Seekers

Marek checked his laptop screen and saw a new message from his online contact, codenamed Raven. Raven was a hacker who claimed to have access to classified information about the zombie outbreak that had ravaged the world for the past year. Marek had been exchanging messages with Raven for a few weeks, hoping to find out the truth behind the catastrophe.

Raven: I have something important to tell you. Meet me at the Bojnice Castle tomorrow at noon. Come alone and bring a USB drive.

Marek: Why Bojnice? That's over 200 kilometers from here. And why do I have to come alone?

Raven: Trust me, it's worth it. I have proof that the outbreak was not an accident, but a deliberate act of bioterrorism. And I know who is behind it.

Marek: Who?

Raven: I'll tell you when I see you. But you have to hurry. They are onto me. They might try to stop me or silence me.

Marek: How do I know you're not lying? How do I know this is not a trap?

Raven: You don't. But you have to decide. Do you want to live in ignorance and fear, or do you want to know the truth and fight back?

Marek stared at the screen, feeling a surge of curiosity and anxiety. He wanted to know the truth, but he also feared the consequences. He looked around his apartment, which was filled with survival gear and weapons. He had been living in isolation for months, avoiding contact with other people and zombies. He had seen enough horror and death to lose hope and faith in humanity. But he also felt a spark of resistance and defiance. He wanted to expose the evil that had caused this nightmare. He wanted to make them pay.

He typed his reply.

Marek: OK. I'll meet you at Bojnice. But how do I get there? The roads are blocked and dangerous.

Raven: I have a plan. I'll send you the details soon. Be ready to leave tomorrow morning.

Marek: OK.

Raven: And Marek, be careful. They are watching.

Marek closed his laptop and packed his backpack with the essentials. He grabbed his shotgun and his machete and headed to the door. He had to tell his friends about this. He had to convince them to join him. He knew he couldn't do this alone.

He opened the door and saw Zuzana standing outside, holding a bag of groceries. She smiled and hugged him.

"Hi, Marek. I brought you some food. How are you doing?"

Zuzana was a nurse who worked at the University Hospital of Bratislava. She was one of the few people who still cared for the sick and injured, despite the risk of infection and attack. She was also a devout Catholic who believed that God would protect her and her loved ones. She was friends with Marek and often visited him to bring him supplies and comfort. She was the only person he trusted.

"Hi, Zuzana. I'm fine. Thanks for the food. Listen, I have something to tell you. It's important."

"What is it?"

Marek told her about Raven's message and his plan to go to Bojnice. He expected her to be shocked and scared, but she was surprisingly calm and supportive.

"Wow, that's incredible. Do you think he's telling the truth?"

"I don't know. But I have to find out. I have to go to Bojnice."

"OK. Then I'll go with you."

"What? No, you can't. It's too dangerous. You have to stay here. You have to help the people at the hospital."

"Marek, I'm not leaving you alone. You're my friend. And I want to know the truth too. Besides, you'll need my medical skills. You never know what might happen on the road."