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Thursday - September 16

The streets of Atlanta are cold and desolate. The arrival of dawn signals the sirens to blast; a ritual that soon becomes a habit. Some of humanity lingers within their shelters, while others venture out only when the need arises. Newly fallen snow erases the footprints of a society that once struggled to live daily; now struggles to stay alive at least for one more day. The military convoy remains on duty, prowling for anyone who may fit the description of a person, or persons unknown. They, too, as well as the governments, haven't a clue as to what's happening; least alone how.

Instead of thousands populating the streets, only hundreds surface from their havens to venture out to acquire their needs. Stores do not open immediately. Merchants open for business only when a line of people stand outside their door front, hoping that the store has supplies. All of the stores officially close by 3:00 p.m., in fear of not making it home in time before curfew.

Those who do venture out, make it a point to stop at a store with a public monitor display, so that when they return to their lair, they can report the current news of the devastation that has swiftly annihilated ten percent of the Earth's population.

While the Sun warms their backs, onlookers shuffle around, rubbing their hands together as they try to keep warm, waiting to watch the early Morning News. There is absolute silence in the crowd, until a voice in the back raucously yells, "Make room! Coming through! Make way!" Some people stretch their necks and stand on their tiptoes to see what's happening. A gap opens up among the crowd when two men hastily walk side-by-side carrying a barrel between them. When they arrive at the curb in front of Wyler's, the men set the barrel down. One of the men throws a lit match into the barrel, as observers watch the fire ignite. Only those encircled around it can feel the warmth it generates. The crowd's chattering begins to fade as everyone directs their attention to the Morning News.

"Good morning, I'm Alycia Cavanaugh. Thank you for watching the Morning News," announces the slender, radiant, bronze skin, scarlet lip anchor woman. The crowd's being attentive to her every word, as well as to her stunning beauty. Alycia clears her throat, and in a grim tone announces sadly, "The pandemic that's sweeping across nations has officially eliminated one billion of the world's population. The numbers continue to rise, and officials guesstimate that it will be doubled within forty-eight hours." The anchor woman continues to speak, as the crowd mumbles amongst themselves. Someone bellows out, "Quiet!"

"The CDC has yet to announce any news of what's happening. Yet with the pandemic in our midst, the Population Control Administration Conference, which begins at 9:00 a.m. this morning at the Atlanta Conference Center, hopes to have some answers from many of their distinguished guests. One of those guests, Dr. Franz Neudorf from Hamburg University, the world's foremost leading scientist on human biological germ warfare, is expected to share his findings on this vile malady, and how he believes that chemical warfare may be the source behind the cause. To hear more about this, let's turn to Leslie Gatewood, reporting from the Atlanta Conference Center. Leslie."

Leslie Gatewood stands in front of the Atlanta Conference Center with a fake smile emitting from her cheerful countenance. The center, as like all other centers, is owned and operated by the Population Control Administration. Twenty-five years ago, the Population Control Administration felt the increased population would squatter themselves into large facilities, such as the conference center. Since then, centers are patrolled and well-guarded against the public.

"Good morning, Alycia, and welcome everyone to the 25th Annual Population Control Administration Conference!" announces Leslie, as she throws her arm out in a master of ceremony fashion.

"As you can see," she continues, "there are many dignitaries arriving as preparations commence for today's historical summit. While many topics will be presented for the Population Control Administration's consideration, one topic that most definitely will be presented is the alleged biological germ warfare that Dr. Franz Neudorf from Hamburg University believes is the cause of the Earth's current gruesome blight. Many hope that Dr. Neudorf's findings will be the answer to end this ungodly nightmarish dilemma to help save us all."