Human Extinction

Chapter Four: The Prime Minister's Announcement

In Nathan's Apartment, Mike (Nathan's Flatmate) is watching the evening news. The news pans to a segment of the Prime Minister of Australia, Richard Charters.

"Today, we all are victims of an event that will redefine our nation, change our lives and shape the generations to come. Tragedies of this vast scale are rare in this society we Australians have strived to build. The utopia we created near to 200 years ago is now under threat of self-destruction. I cannot express the serve feelings of grief plaguing my heart for the million Australians suffering. But let be known, these acts of terror will not weary us. Similarly to our mother country, we will rebuild, we will persevere and we will survive. Epidemics of this size haven't been seen in centuries... however, we now have the technology to create a cure. As for those infected now, for those dying now, I need your consideration and patience. God be damned I'll let this disease take out my entire country. My brothers, sisters who share this land with me, I am on your side. A cure is being tested. I just need time to ensure its safe. My prayers go out to all Australians. Unity will push us through these tough times. Thank you."

"What - fucking - bullshit" Mike spat, waving his middle finger towards the middle-aged man on the television. "Fuck you" he hissed. Emerging into the living room where Mike sat was a clothed but wet haired Nathan, fresh from a shower.

"I'm convinced the worst thing about the apocalypse is the cold showers" he chuckled before taking a seat next to Mike on their beaten brown leather couch. With one glance at the screen, Nathan gagged, "this old fucker again?"

"It's unbelievable how gullible the human race is. He's a madman! He's going to wipe out the female population-" Mike rambled on, clenching his teeth.

"They don't know, Mikey," placing one of his hands on Mike's shoulders, Nathan continued, "we both know if they did, there wouldn't only be riots, there would be a war."

Mike's gaze towards the television softened, "How's Dawn? I miss her annoyingness."

Nathan smiled for a second but it soon disappeared after realising the changed girl he saw that afternoon. "We're breaking her out tomorrow, I've already called Jarrod and he's driving down tonight from Bundaberg" Nathan paused, staring at the riots flashing on the television screen, "she's crazy man, she thinks 'God' told her to".

Mike cocked his head towards Nathan, "What? You're joking..."

"I wish I was..."

"Then why are we wasting our time and resources to break out a religious psychopath?" Mike said, absolutely horrified. Nathan reached for the television remote and muted the audio. The silent footage of riots changes the atmosphere in the room. Without the news anchor reassuring it will all end soon, everything feels the slightest bit scarier. Reality is finally setting in for everyone. These riots aren't across the world but on our streets. The sick people aren't strangers, they're our neighbours. The bravest people are becoming scared. The Government is barely keeping its shit together. The world is changing.

"We need her, Mikey."

Mike knew deep down what he meant, but kept silent. Nathan sighed and swivelled his body to he's facing him.

"She's crazy, Mikey, but she's the figurehead - the leader of an army of millions." Nathan extended his arm towards the television, where an endless sea of people continues to fight policemen. "Do you see the number of people going against the government?" He pauses.

"That there Mikey is the next generation of Australia."

Mike, frozen in place, murmurs, "Earn Dawn's trust, eliminate her then..."

"We become the new leaders of a new nation." Nathan finishes.

"This could go awfully south mate. Does Jarrod know? How are we going to kill her mate? I don't-" Mike mumbles brushing his fingers through his hair. 

"Hey. It'll be fine. Do you want someone like Dawn leading a nation?" Nathan questioned.

Mike grabs Nathan's hand, bringing him in for a hug. "I'll start packing for tomorrow." Mike, without a word, got up and started walking towards the hallway.

***

Close to 2 in the morning, a loud knock pounded on the front door. Nathan and Mike, both equally sleepy, grumble towards the front door. They open it to find Jarrod Reinermann, self-taught lockpicker, technology whiz and hacker.

"Ahoy boys!" Jarrod exclaimed, the bags under his eyes similar to those of a panda's.

Upon arriving at their residence, Jarrod had carried three duffle bags to their front door.

Duffle Bag 1 was a khaki colour with a large my little pony sticker on it. It contained equipment that would allow them to disable military-grade security.

Duffle Bag 2 was a dark olive colour. It was stuffed with guns, ammunition and other goodies that blow up.

Duffle Bag 3 was a blue camo pattern with a big, white 'J' spray painted on the side of it. Jarrod later explained it was a surprise and would be used later after Dawn had been retrieved.

For the next few hours, Nathan and Mike explained the plan to break out Dawn, however, did not mention what was to happen afterwards.