Chapter 1: Day 1 - It Starts Bright and Early

There’s no way to tell if it was a factor or not, but kitty-corner to Abernathy’s Scientific & Educational Supply House was a Greyhound bus station.  In fact all four corners would lead to the quick spread of the virus.   It’s origins we do not yet know.  Everything is speculation and a bit of conspiracy theory at this point.  Still, it all worked out a little too well.  Millions would die quickly.

       
        On a third corner was a branch of the Bluegrass Community Credit Union.  That part had to have been just plain bad luck.  On the same day it started there’d been some unexpected violence to help spread the virus amidst the panic. 

       On the final corner was a business more likely a part of the plan, the East Jonesboro Clinic.  These days it’s much more a hospice center helping those dealing with death, mainly from cancer, their specialty.  50% just elderly, 50% terminal cancer.

            As is usual for a day like this one, a gentle breeze is blowing.

***

Chapter 2: Day 1 - It'll Be A Long Day

            The dark green Global Delivery Services truck pulls up into the delivery pick-up and drop-off zone outside the office building.  Trevor slides open his driver’s side door, grabs the overnight package from the passenger seat, and drops down to the asphalt below. 

            Briskly he enters the grey-toned building.  This executive suite is one of his usual stopping points.  With twelve different tenants, including lawyers, accountants, architects, and various other consultants and salespeople, he’s always picking something up, or dropping packages off.

            Trevor approaches the reception desk.  “Hey, Jess.  Only one today.”

            Jess is the usual greeter during business hours.  She smiles.  “Hey back.  And I’ve got three for you.  How’s the day treating you so far?”

            “Not bad.  Had one cranky one about half an hour ago, but otherwise, a very nice day.”  Trevor starts the routine of logging the delivery and pick-up’s onto his e-pad.

            “Everyone should be happy, the weather’s great.”  Jess watches as she waits to give her signature.  Trevor squeezes at his side and shows some discomfort despite attempts to hide it.  “You OK?” she asks.

Chapter 3: Day 13 - The Israeli Front

           When the virus hit the Western World, the automatic reaction was to blame someone in the Middle East.  Old prophesies were dug up, and conspiracy theories sounded even truer. 

            But, within a day and a half, the virus hit several Middle Eastern counties ending much of that suspicion.  Would they hit their own country, their neighbors, or many who shared the same religion?

            Then with the Middle East facing vast casualties, suspicions turned towards Israel.  The border of the hot zone approached Israel, but seldom crosses any of the disputed borders.  Was this a part of an Israeli plot?  But would they hit the United States too?  Why India?  Some of the other zones could be plausible.

            Regardless, theories were varied, but the death spread so quickly, not much time to research any of them.  Then again, who needs evidence in global politics?

            This region will eventually be names “Ground Zero.6 – Middle East” by the western media.

Chapter 4: Day 16 - Newswire

           Richard Tighe leans back against the headboard of his bed.  There’s a laptop propped up against his arched legs.  He’s scanning various news sites and blogs.

            He’s trying to keep his mind off of his sore muscles and blisters.  He’s been doing a lot of running and walking the last two weeks.  A lot of building and moving too.  He’s not sure news on the End-of-the-World is the best diversion, but it’s the bulk of the news right now.

            Today was still a partial work day even though it’s Thanksgiving, 2011.  Not too much time to watch live football on TV.  It’s tough for these refugee survivors to remember what they should be thankful for, but they try.  They are alive, but so many of their friends and family are not.

            A dinner of some traditional foods with some new friends helped some.  They had to raid several markets to find enough frozen turkeys and pies to feed the current population of ninety-four.  Yesterday a helicopter retrieved six of their oldest and sickest.  The strong stay behind for now until better rescue efforts are better managed.

            For now this high school serves as their fortress.  Luckily the kitchen is industrial sized so it was able to cook enough turkeys for ninety-four.

Chapter 5: Day 3 - Occupy South Ohio

            It’s about 6:30am and very cold out.  The older make car pulls off the crowded highway and makes its way along a less busy side road.  Inside is a young man and his girlfriend.  Both college juniors.  They’ve been living in this car for the last 22 hours.  Took forever just to get out of Kentucky.  Now they’re looking to meet up with friends in southern Ohio.

            Amber picks up her cell phone.  Still reception.  Their friends in Ohio said to send them a text as soon as they get off the highway no matter what time.  She sends off a quick message.  “I just still can’t believe this.  You OK to keep driving?”

            Jake’s been driving for the last six hours so that Amber could get some sleep.  With the roads so pack they didn’t want to stop and lose their place in line.  Seems like roads kept getting closed, or blocked by accidents, right on their heels.

            “I can keep going.  We’ll be there in a few more minutes.”  Jake wonders if he should just keep driving.  Zombies haven’t been spotted this far north yet, but it’s been spreading.  But they do need some food and rest and his friends said they can hook them up.

            Amber and Jake spent the last of their cash buying some gas at $8.00 a gallon last night.  What little food they had at their apartment they threw in the back seat with their clothing and some blankets.

Chapter 6: Day 1 - The Day Just Won't End

            Adam Giancarlo has an increasing feeling he’s being surrounded.  He hasn’t felt this way since his days in Iraq.  After leaving the service he hadn’t felt that exact way again, until today.

            Behind him there’s been some gunfire in the nursing home.  No update yet from the three men they sent inside.  In front of them they still have a hostage situation going on with confirmed gunfire and casualties.  As the best marksman in the police department his job is to keep a clear view of the credit union’s front doors and the front glass windows in case the gunman becomes visible.

            Adam remains poised behind a customers car, rifle readied.  The remaining four members of the Jonesboro Police Department are inch closer to the front door.  No one inside has answered the phone calls inside so they only know what those two escapees reported to them. 

            One officer has gotten very close to the front and is now hiding behind a large concrete planter.  He waits for something.  The town’s too small for a SWAT unit, so they’ve called neighboring counties looking for more experienced assistance.  They’re not here yet.  For now, it’s just the five of them until they find out what’s happening behind them.