Remainers

To Those in the Future, Part 10

John remained in shock for several minutes, so much so that his distress was clearly visible to Kath.

"So you finally read it," Kath remarked, knowing full well what could have shocked him so strongly. "I don't even know what to think myself."

"So we're doomed, are we? We were shipped underground to avoid dying on the surface, but it turns out we're going to die anyway."

"Don't lose heart so quickly. There might be some way of counteracting it."

John was doubtful, but there was little reason to argue, so he decided to continue on. The two decided to read together, and as the report continued, it began to go into details about the virus's behavior. After some rambling about physiology, the report stated something that caught his attention.

The virus does not activate on its own. Instead, it lies dormant within the brain, where it attaches itself. Like this, the virus has little effect on the body. However, should the brain experience large amounts of adrenaline, the virus is activated.

John looked up with a hopeful expression. "So there is a way to minimize the virus's effect!"

"Shh! Keep reading!"

John looked back at the screen and continued reading.

The amount of adrenaline needed to activate the virus is usually more than a normal person might experience in a normal day-to-day routine. However, once it is activated, it cannot be stopped. The virus begins stimulating the brain to produce more adrenaline, creating a sort of leak. The constant flow of adrenaline causes the host to act erratically, and eventually leads to death.

"I see... so that's how the virus kills its victims," Kath remarked. She scrolled down the report some more, but eventually closed it. "I don't see any more interesting information. I think we've gotten everything we needed to know anyhow."

"I agree. To think that everyone's already been infected by this odd virus... still, I'm glad that death isn't guaranteed."

"In any case, this is vital information," Kath declared as she closed up her terminal. "The people need to know about this as soon as possible."

"What? Are you crazy?!" John nearly leaped up to his feet if it weren't for the low ceiling. "Didn't you read the same report I did?! If they learn that they've been infected by a potentially deadly virus, they'll start panicking, and that might cause the virus to activate!"

"There are already people who have experienced enough panic or excitement to trigger their viruses. Think about how many people might accidentally end up doing the same if they're not aware. Besides, the people have a right to know what's happened to their bodies, and what the Ackertons are hiding from them!"

"Even if that's the truth, do you really think no one will panic just from knowing? You realize the possibility of creating even more casualties exists, right?"

"So we should let the Ackertons get away with trying to sweep this under the rug?!"

The two of them glared at each other for a moment, then broke away in a huff. They remembered that they were technically hiding, and that if they were too loud, their little hideout might be discovered. After taking some time to calm down, Kath addressed John once again.

"Take a few days to think about it, okay? And I mean really think about it. Go about the shelter and look at the people living here. I'll do the same too, so don't slack around."

John responded with a silent nod. After waiting the usual ten minutes for Kath to disappear, John emerged from the alcove and descended the stairs once he was sure no one was around. Still somewhat shocked by what he'd learned, he decided not to drop in on the bar and instead went straight back to his room to sleep.