The Lost

Chapter One - The Outbreak

Two years later...

Braelyn had left the military to take care of her now six-year-old daughter.
It had been two years since Braelyn had found the note from her husband. She hadn't heard from him since. She had called in many favours with her Military Intelligence friends to see if they could track him down but all had come up empty-handed. He had completely fallen off the grid.

Braelyn had assumed her husband dead for nearly five months now. She wished she was wrong - hoped - but she couldn't figure out any other reason for Daryl to have left them. He wouldn't do that. Not the Daryl Dixon she knew and loved.

            Braelyn was sat on her parent's sofa in Atlanta, on one of the many visits they had made since the disappearance of her husband. Temperance was snuggled into her side, fast asleep, while Braelyn watched the news channel, watching out for more news of the Virus that was spreading.

'Breaking News: We're sorry to interrupt your scheduled program.' The news broadcaster started the announcement.

Braelyn leaned forward slightly, paying close attention. Temperance woke up as she felt her mother moving, her Georgia Blues fluttered open softly, her long eyelashes grazing her cheeks gently. Braelyn smoothed her daughter's hair back and kissed her forehead, gently telling her to go back to sleep. Temperance climbed onto her mother's lap and leaned her head on her chest.

'The deadly disease that has spread across the globe has reached Georgia. There have been reports of the dead coming back alive and biting people in Atlanta. The local authorities are trying to handle the situation as we speak, but have suggested that everyone stay in their homes until told otherwise. Be safe, and stay home.'

The broadcast switched back to the local news channel. The reporter looked quite fearful and was sweating profusely.

Braelyn frowned, concerned for her family and decided that the best thing she could do right then was to ring her old Captain and see what he could tell her about the situation.

Reaching for her phone on the coffee table, she automatically dialled the number from memory. After a few minutes, her Captain answered.

"Dixon, now isn't the time."

"I know, Captain, and I am sorry but I need to know what's going on. What can you tell me?" Braelyn didn't bother correcting him about her last name; she had gone back to her maiden name a year after Daryl had left. Though her daughter's last name was still Dixon, Braelyn hadn't heard the name out loud for nearly two years as it was still a sore subject.

"Honestly; not much. We have no idea what this virus is - if it's even a virus at all."

"Sir, can you at least tell me if whatever this is can be contained?"

After a long pause, her Captain sighed heavily. "No, it can not be contained. We have tried everything, and there is no cure that we know of. Listen, Braelyn, as your friend, I suggest that you take your family and get as far away from Atlanta as you can, as soon as possible. As far as we know, there is only one way to put these bastards down: a headshot. Damage the brain, do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. I have to go, Dixon."

"Sir, one last thing. Is there a safe zone?"