Godead

XVI

As the six fled the scene, a shady looking man sat in a dark room, cigarette burning as he peered through his glasses at a pile of disheveled documents laid out before him.

Monday, March 19, 20XX

Research has commenced on the "Paleface Virus", an unknown strain recently discovered in the United States. Little is known of the virus' origins, though it was first discovered on the carrion of dead raccoons. The virus is highly contagious, though its symptoms are minor, and include effects similar to the common cold.

One notable exception is the change in pallor one goes through when struck with the virus. The areas surrounding the eyes darken as complexion of the skin grows pale, hence the virus' name. The virus leaves the body after two to four days, and has no apparent long-term effects. The virus seems fairly benign, and is currently being treated as a mutation of the Rhinovirus.

The man sat in silence, flicking an ash as he shuffled to the next document.

Thursday, April 26, 20XX

Research has ground to a halt due to lack of funding. The government refuses to invest in further research despite repeated requests for additional assistance. The virus is more dangerous than previously thought, and could pose serious threats to infants and children.

The virus has been confirmed to be transmitted through mosquitoes, bot flies, and other small insects, though further carriers may also exist. Most humans are susceptible to the virus, though those with the rare AB-negative blood type have shown exceptional resistance to it.

The man quietly blinked, turning to the next sheet of paper.

Wednesday, May 9, 20XX

Virus shows incredible strength and resilience, even against the strongest antibacterial agents. Though symptoms of the virus last only several days, traces of it lie dormant in the carrier long after recovery. The Paleface Virus is unlike any previously documented, and could very well be the discovery of the twenty-first century.

Our research team has petitioned for additional funding, but is repeatedly turned down, as further experiments would require the use of stem cells.

The shadowy man slowly shook his head, putting out his cigarette before standing up, heading to a window at the north end of the room.

"...Foolish government. They never listen till it's too late," he said, pushing up his glasses with one finger, light reflecting off the lenses as he peered out at the ruined landscape below.

Back in the sewers, the group traipsed through the darkness, soon reaching a manhole cover leading outside. Blair climbed the ladder, opening the cover before warily looking around. Realizing it was safe, the six climbed outside, taking a look at the empty streets surrounding them.

"Great. So there's zombies in the streets and giant bugs in the sewers. This day just keeps getting better," Claude said.

"Nowhere is safe in this city. We should get out of here," Blair replied.

"Yeah, but go where? You heard what the news said. Everywhere is supposedly like this, now."

"...Maybe. It could be safer outside the city limits, though."

"...Perhaps. But how are we going to escape? We lost track of your patrol car," Claude said.

As the group looked around, Blair paused, suddenly spotting an old microbus off in the distance. She approached it, warily looking around as the others followed her, soon reaching the vehicle as Claude looked it over.

"...Heh. Far out, man," he said sarcastically. Abby folded her arms.

"...Ick. Such tacky colors. Are we seriously gonna ride around in this thing?" she asked, looking over the groovy orange vehicle.

"If we can even get inside," Blair said, noticing the door was locked.

"Don't worry. I can get it," Claude said, taking out a lock pick before popping open the door.

"...Wow. Nice job, Claude. Where'd you learn to do that?" Misty asked.

"The Internet. I was bored one day and looked it up. It actually came in handy a few times after I ran away. Like now, for example," Claude replied.

The six then got in the vehicle, Blair climbing into the driver seat.

"Well getting inside's one thing. Starting the engine's another," she said, once more turning to Claude.

"...Hey, don't look at me! I might pick a lock from time to time, but I've never stolen a car, before," he replied. Blair then sighed, looking around before noticing the overhead mirror. She flipped it down, the keys suddenly falling from above.

"Phew. Looks like we lucked out on that one," she said, soon starting the engine. "What's not so lucky is how low on gas this thing is. The needle's close to the bottom," she said, looking to the dashboard. She then put the car in reverse, backing out as they soon drove away.

As the group drove down the road, they noticed a gas station near an intersection. Blair pulled into the parking lot, getting out as she slowly filled the tank with gas. As the six warily surveyed their surroundings, Claude and Travis went to the store's checkout counter, noticing the store in shambles.

"Looks like the place's been looted, already," Claude said.

"...Yup. Still got that gas station smell, though, don't it?" Travis asked. Claude smiled.

"Heh. Yeah. That strange combination of tobacco and cleaning ammonia. It's gross, but I'll take that over the stench of those zombies any day," he replied.

"Fer sure," Travis replied, hopping over the counter before taking a pack of cigarettes from the shelf.

"What are you dorks doing in here?" Abby asked, entering the store through the broken glass door.

"Nuthin'," Travis replied, taking out a cigarette before lighting it.

As the three shot the breeze inside, Blair stood outside filling the tank, keeping an eye on things as Misty and Sara waited nearby.