Five Days
Day One
Grim 10.30am
Handles. Turn on your TV.
Handles
I'm busy. What is it?
Grim
Turn on your TV. You're not going to believe it.
Handles
OK. Its on. What am I looking for?
Grim
Channel 6. Breaking News.
Handles
Those rumour mongers?
Grim
Just do it!
Handles
Holy Shit!
Grim
What did I tell you.
Handles
WTH?
Grim
They thought it was a case of road rage. But then one of the guy's starts eating the other guy's arm.
Handles
Where is this?
Grim
The bridge on MacAuley Road.
Handles
Where are the cops?
Grim
That's the thing. Just watch.
Handles
What are they doing?
Grim
Just watch.
Handles
Geezus Grim. You could have warned me.
Grim
Hey. I didn't know the cops were going to blow his head off.
Handles
What's it all about?
Grim
Dunno. Police are keeping quiet.
Grim
Not a word so to speak.
Handles
That's weird. What about social media?
Grim
SM is going crazy. Literally.
Handles
How?
Grim
More conspiracy theories than a UFO convention.
Grim
Loudest one is its the start of the Zombie Apocalypse.
Handles
Really?
Grim
My personal favourite is that the guy went crazy because they banned sugar in soft drinks.
Handles
?
Grim
Yeah, I know. Love it, don't you? Weird shit happens and all the crazies start baying at the moon.
Moses 10.49am
You saw the clip.
Handles
Hey Moses. Yeh. Grim put me on to it.
Moses
Something's not right.
Handles
Why?
Moses
Just finished my shift at County General and we had a dozen people brought in. Never seen anything like it.
Grim
What did you see?
Moses
At first we thought it was bad drugs. But people were totally out of control. Nothing helped. Had to sedate the lot.
Handles
Did they find out what it was?
Moses
Not yet. Pathology should give us a clue. Hopefully we'll know in the morning.
Jules 11.03am
Hey Guys. Another report coming over Channel 3. Some kind of attack.
Grim
What's happened?
Jules
A bus I think. People on board killed and injured. Perps fled into Briar Park.
Handles
Cops all over it?
Jules
Hell yeah. Must be every blue uniform in the city. They reckon nine people died. About a dozen wounded.
Moses
Just got the call. All hands on deck. I'll let you'all know what's happening if I get a break.
Grim 11.15am
Another report coming up on my news feed. People attacked in a park near downtown.
Handles
That miles from Briar Park.
Grim
Yeh. Witnesses are saying it was their local Pastor. Just went berserk.
Jules
What the Hell is going on?
Handles
No idea. I'm gonna watch some of the broadcast. See what they say.
Handles 11.52am
Well that wasn't enlightening. No info except talking heads telling us nothing to worry about.
Grim
I saw it. They're hiding something.
Mika 12.32pm
Hey Handles.
Handles
Greetings Earthling. What's up?
Mika
Just got some random goss.
Handles
About the attacks?
Mika
Affirmative. A researcher at Central College reckons the attacks are being caused by infected inviduals.
Handles
Infected with what?
Mika
A Rabies variant. Spread by dogs and fleas.
Grim
How could he know that?
Mika
Apparently been working on isolating the disease for months.
Mika
Found it first in some sewer rats. Nobody believed him of course.
Handles
Do they now?
Mika
Don't know. Broadcast was cut short by power outage.
Grim
Power outage?
Mika
Yeah. Sus as hell.
Jules
What does it all mean?
Handles
Who knows.
Handles
Hold on. Something going on outside.
Mika
Handles?
Jules
What's up?
Handles 12.41pm
Sorry guys. Had to deal with something. Dog catcher in the street out front. Shooting every dog he could find. Even the one's he'd caught.
Mika
Town Hall must have been watching.
Handles
Guy went crazy though. Idiot put a bullet right through my fence.
Grim
What?
Handles
No joke. Gave him a piece of my mind but be just drove off.
Jules
You'll have to complain. That's way dangerous.
Grim 1.57pm
Got something on the internet. A blog called Truth or Dare.
Handles
What do they say?
Grim
Got an insider in the Governor's Office no less. Says it is a virulent Lyssavirus variant.
Mika
A what?
Grim
Rabies. But this one is super fast acting. Sends the patient into mania within an hour of infection.
Mika
Sounds like what the researcher was saying.
Grim
Yeh. Apparently that guy's been arrested.
Jules
Don't believe it. Why would he be?
Grim
Dunno. Just reading what they're saying.
Henry 2.14pm
Chiao, Dung Shovelers.
Grim
Oh, damn.
Handles
Hey Henry. Seen what's going on?
Henry
Yeah. Bad business all round.
Handles
You're with the weekend cops aren't you?
Henry
Police Auxiliary actually. But not for a while. Got a few friends still there.
Handles
Can you give them a call. See if they know anything?
Henry
Sure. Get better info than Grim's internet crap.
Grim
Just for the record Henry. You suck.
Henry
Ouch. Don't know how I'll ever survive such a stinging rebuke.
Grim
Asshole.
Henry
As soon as I know anything I'll get back.
Handles
Don't let him get to you Grim. Let's see what he digs up.
Grim
Hopefully it'll be his long lost personality.
Mika
LOL
Mika
What should we do now?
Handles
Nothing yet. No real info. Could just be something localised.
Jules
Should wait and see if Henry can find out anything.
Grim
Never liked that guy.
Handles
Yeh. We figured that.
Jules
Anything else on the box?
Grim
GNN is reporting scattered violence. Mostly through northern suburbs and midtown.
Grim
Just seen video of cops breaking into an apartment block near airport. Lots of shooting.
Grim
I'll check all the sites. See if anybody knows anything.
Handles 8.12pm
Grim. Found anything?
Grim
Been going over the usual feeds and blogs. Can't find anything of value.
Jules
That's weird.
Grim
You aren't kidding. Should be loaded with rumour and second-hand gossip but there's nothing.
Handles
What do you thinks happened?
Grim
No idea. Every site has gone cold. Nothing since this morning.
Jules
How is that even possible?
Grim
You tell me and we'll all know.
Grim 11.51pm
Hey Guys. Got something.
Grim
Came through on one of those alt-right sites.
Handles
What was it?
Grim
Just a snip of a video clip. They had disguised it as a cat video.
Handles
?
Grim
Yep. Only stayed up for around 20 seconds then it was killed.
Mika
What was it?
Grim
Drone footage of a large crowd moving along main street.
Handles
What were they doing?
Grim
Not sure. Looked damn angry though. Some were armed.
Mika
Guns?
Grim
No. Clubs and machetes mostly. Pretty scary crowd.
Mika
Where were they going?
Grim
That's the thing. Clip ended before there was any context.
Grim
Whoever killed the vid doesn't want anyone to know what's happening.
Mika
I don't think anybody knows what's really going on.
Handles
You can be sure that somebody does. They just aren't telling us.
Mika
Don't you think they'd put out a statement or something?
Jules
Maybe they're waiting for the morning. Getting pretty late.
Handles
Geez. Look how late it is. Gotta get some decent shuteye. See you guys in the morning.
Grim
Later.
Mika
Ditto.
Jules
Sayonara.
Handles
Geez Jules. You're never gonna let me forget you went to Tokyo last Xmas are you?
Jules
Nope.
Day Two
Moses 6.15am
Handles. You up?
Handles
Just. What's going on?
Moses
Only got a few minutes. Nobody's going home.
Handles
What's happened?
Moses
Riot in Downtown. ER got flooded with injured. Half of them going total nuts.
Handles
You OK?
Moses
Yeh. One of them scratched me but only superficial.
Handles
Any other intel. We've got nothing here.
Moses
No. Everything's still sketchy at the moment. Definitely a disease though.
Handles
Are u going to get out?
Moses
Can't. Roads are blocked around the hospital. Everybody's needed.
Jules
Something's up on the TV. Channel 6.
Moses
I'll get back to you in a few.
Handles
Thanks Moses. Be careful.
Handles
Just putting the TV on.
Mika
You up?
Handles
Yeh. Looks like a media conference.
Grim
Have you seen your socials this morning?
Handles
Had no time yet. Spoke with Moses. Definitely a virus spreading.
Jules
Conference is on.
Handles
Get back to you once its over.
Grim 7.01am
Well that was nothing.
Handles
How can they say there's no danger? Shouldn't we be getting out of town?
Jules
I don't think they know what to do.
Grim
What do you mean?
Jules
See the look on that cop's face. He knew exactly what was happening but had no clue what to do about it.
Grim
Don't they have protocols or something?
Henry
Won't matter. If the whole population's going crazy there won't be enough cops in the world to stop it.
Handles
Henry. What did you find out?
Henry
Nobody down at the station was able to talk. Everybody's been ordered into the city.
Jules
What did you find out.
Henry
Spoke with that blogger who writes for Truth or Dare. Awful shit going on.
Henry
Mass rioting in centre of city. National Guard's been called out. Army's on its way.
Handles
What are they expecting?
Henry
According to the blog guy its a total meltdown. Police have been ordered to shoot to kill.
Mika 9.23am
Guys! Another newscast. Hospital has been overrun. Huge crowd of rioters making for Midtown.
Handles
I'll see if I can get Moses on the phone.
Handles
No answer. Cell's completely off the grid.
Jules
Anybody been able to contact their families?
Mika
Mine are in Italy.
Handles
Can't get any answer. I think they're upstate.
Henry
Mine are leaving this afternoon. Only way out is south.
Henry
Word is all the other roads have been closed down by the military.
Jules 10.44am
Just had an emergency broadcast. Martial law now in effect.
Mika
What does that mean?
Jules
If you're on the street they'll shoot you.
Grim
How do we get out then?
Jules
They say the Army will evacuate everyone. Just have to remain inside.
Henry
Screw that. Do you know how long that'll take.
Mika
No.
Henry
Weeks. This is one big town. Population is over 200K.
Handles
I don't think we've got any choice.
Henry
Well I'm not waiting weeks. Give it till tomorrow then I'm off.
Grim
Say hello to the Army for me.
Henry
Screw you Grim.
Handles 11.16am
Anybody able to contact Moses?
Jules
Nothing yet.
Mika 11.45am
Guys. Channel 3 has something.
Handles
What is it? Powers gone out here.
Mika
Huge crowd of rioters moving towards Midtown.
Jules
Yeah. But look at them. They don't seem right at all.
Grim
Crap! The cops are shooting.
Mika
OMG. They're gunning them down!
Jules
What happening? Powers just gone out here too.
Mika
The rioters are going down in waves, but the rest are charging at the police.
Grim
Geezus. Camera crew got caught up in it. They're being torn apart.
Mika
All black. No broadcast.
Handles
OK. Everything's got real now. What do we do?
Henry
I'm not sure we can do anything during daylight.
Grim
Wait till night then get out?
Handles
I'm in. We can use my old SUV. Big enough for all of us.
Henry
Better chance in just the one car. Where will we go?
Handles
Rochester my best guess. Got a cousin there. Has an old boarding house.
Handles
Should be able to stay with him until this is over.
Jules
Sweet. I'm gonna pack.
Handles
Yeh. Can't do anything more till dark. Everybody get back to me at seven.
Jules
Got it.
Mika
Yes.
Grim
Can't wait.
Henry
I'll get some maps and supplies.
Grim
Does that prick have to come with us?
Handles
Just get ready.
Moses 5.30pm
Handles?
Handles
Geez Moses. Where are you?
Moses
On a truck making for Adleton.
Handles
Why?
Moses
Hospital got overrun. Evacuated this morning. I'm with one of the critical care patients.
Handles
What happened?
Moses
Everything went to crap in about twenty minutes. Never seen anything like it.
Moses
We were trying to treat the infected but they just went ballistic, biting everyone and tearing into the other patients.
Moses
National Guard turned up and pulled us all out. Once the staff and patients were out they started shooting.
Handles
What?
Moses
Moved into the building and gunned down everything that moved. I kid you not.
Moses
What's your plan?
Handles
Me and the others are going tonight. Taking the SUV.
Moses
Don't.
Handles
Why?
Moses
All the roads out are covered. You try and the Army will shoot you down.
Handles
But we're not infected.
Moses
Doesn't matter. Try and you'll die.
Handles
What should we do?
Moses
Hunker down. Get into your basement and wait it out.
Handles
Are you sure?
Moses
Positive. The Army'll be moving in first thing tomorrow.
Handles
And?
Moses
They aren't going to be selective about who survives.
Handles
Is it that bad?
Moses
Handles. They're losing control. Governor has put out a statement. Whole county may have to be quarantined.
Moses
Most of the police have been killed trying to keep it all together. Stay low and wait.
Handles
Copy that.
Moses
Tell everyone else.
Handles 5.41pm
Guys. Change of plan.
Mika
What's happened?
Handles
Got a message from Moses.
Jules
Is he OK?
Handles
Yeh. Says that the Army is taking control of the city. If you're moving you're going to be shot.
Mika
What!
Grim
Moses is right. Truth or Dare says the same thing.
Jules
Anybody watching the box?
Grim
What is it?
Jules
Mass of people moving on midtown. National Guard hit them with machine guns and rockets.
Jules
Video's gruesome. People kept on coming. Overwhelmed the Guardsmen. Worst thing I've ever seen.
Mika
WTF is happening?
Grim
All things considered we may need a new plan.
Henry
When is the Army moving in?
Grim
Daybreak.
Mika
I don't have anywhere to hide. Apartment living sucks sometimes.
Handles
No problem. Basement in my place is as big as the house.
Handles
If you can all get here we'll wait it out together.
Jules
Sounds like a plan.
Handles
Don't have much food though. Bring whatever you've got.
Mika
Thanks. I'll be there in a half. Already packed.
Jules
On my way.
Grim
I've got food. Do I have to give any of it to Henry?
Henry
Asshole.
Handles
Get here as quickly as you can.
Handles 7.30pm
Henry. You still got bars?
Henry
...
Handles
Grim. Where are you?
Grim
Sorry Guys. No can do. Swarms of people in the streets. Can't move. Way too dangerous.
Handles
Mika is here. Haven't heard from Jules or Henry yet.
Grim
Doesn't surprise. Dunno what its like out there in the burbs but here its murder.
Handles
What will you do?
Grim
Blocked up the door with furniture. Power's off so place is dark.
Grim
Any power there?
Handles
Patchy. was able to get a full charge on the phone but that won't last.
Grim
How's Mika?
Handles
Terrified. Got bitten by some random in her foyer.
Handles
Cleaned it up but it looks pretty sore.
Grim
Watch her.
Handles
She seems fine. Hopefully we'll only be down here for a few days.
Henry
Handles. You there?
Handles
What's up. Where are you?
Henry
Got as far as the freeway. Army is already on the move. Pulled up a whole bunch of people and started shooting. Just got out.
Handles
Where are you now?
Henry
Too far away to get to your place.
Henry
Found an abandoned shop with a solid back room. I'll have to hunker down here.
Handles
What a mess.
Henry
Not so bad. Found some food. When the fuss passes I'll get moving.
Handles
Jules. You there?
Jules
...
Moses 10.17pm
Hey Handles. Army's moving into the city. Couldn't wait any longer. Don't move.
Moses
Anybody else there?
Handles
Just Mika. Haven't heard from Jules. Grim is blocked in. Henry is somewhere but alive.
Moses
Stay low. Word is the Army will be active for three days.
Moses 10.51pm
Another statement has come out. Governor's office has confirmed a three day operation.
Handles
Still going to shoot?
Moses
Reading between the lines. Its going to be bad. Army has been given full authority to bring the town back under control.
Handles
Thanks for the head's up. Any other info let us know.
Moses
No problem.
Day Three
Handles 8.30am
Grim. You there?
Grim
Barely. Everything has turned to shit.
Handles
Same here. Had Army in the street. Machine-gunning all the houses.
Grim
Worse here. Mobs everywhere. Attacking anything that moves.
Handles
You still inside?
Grim
Hell yeah. I ain't moving until it gets a lot less rowdy.
Henry
Glad to hear you're still with us.
Handles
Still in the shop?
Henry
No. Had to move. Barely got out a back window.
Grim
What happened?
Henry
Fell asleep. Something hit the door hard. Broke it off its hinges.
Henry
Must have been a dozen infected after me. Ran for it.
Handles
Where are you now?
Henry
Junkyard near Olsen. Just trying to keep away from the Army. Still shooting everything.
Handles
Can you make it here?
Henry
I'll try.
Handles 9.44am
Any new reports?
Grim
Tons. Nothing from the Police or City. All Social Media.
Handles
What's happening?
Grim
Losing control everywhere. People are beginning to think its not a random event.
Handles
What do you mean?
Grim
Supposed to be Rabies but infected seem to be working to a plan.
Grim
Truth or Dare says the infected have systematically taken key parts of town.
Grim
Choked off access to main roads and set fires to cover their movements.
Handles
How could they do that?
Grim
Nobody can say. Theory is that the infected are acting as a hive mind.
Grim
Some form of communication keeping them all in step.
Handles
Seems pretty far out.
Grim
Yeh. Crazy times.
Handles
Grim. Any chance you can get here?
Grim
None. Roads are covered in bodies and debris.
Grim
Wouldn't make to the end of the block.
Handles
OK. Hunker down and keep out of the way.
Grim
Copy that.
Grim 12.35pm
Hey Handles.
Handles
Yeh?
Grim
You seen any Army about?
Handles
No. Two trucks came down the street earlier but nothing since.
Grim
Must all be here. Quite a ruckus.
Handles
Still fighting?
Grim
Gotten worse. Could only take a quick look out the window.
Henry 1.22pm
Grim, you still at the same apartment block?
Grim
Yes?
Henry
I've been forced back towards midtown. Could sure use a safe port.
Grim
Ok. Could do with the company.
Henry
Great. See you in ten.
Handles 1.55pm
Anybody heard from Jules?
Grim
Got a message earlier. Something wrong with connection. Just got an encrypted garble.
Handles
Anything at all?
Grim
Just rubbish. Definitely from Jules though.
Handles
Mika asks if you have any food?
Grim
Enough for today at least. Power and water are off.
Grim
How's Mika's arm.
Handles
She says its better. Hold on, something is happening outside.
Grim
You there?
Grim
Handles?
Handles 2.18pm
Army just moved in. Tanks in the street. Soldiers going through the houses.
Handles
Next door are putting up a fight. One explosion. Geezus. They're shooting everyone. House up in flames.
Grim
Get down and don't make a sound.
Handles
We're cool. Basement is secure. Something strange though.
Grim
What's that?
Handles
One of the soldiers is using an RF detector.
Grim
Shit. Handles. Turn off your phone. Turn it off!
Handles 6.30pm
Back again. You were right Grim. How did you know?
Grim
Internet. Witnesses are saying Army tracking people by their phones.
Grim
Are they gone?
Handles
For the moment. We have to get out of here.
Grim
Copy that. No food and no water here. Much rather take the risk and get out.
Handles
Agreed. How though?
Grim
Henry. Where are you?
Henry
Sorry Guys. Got caught up again. Haven't been able to move for hours. Soldiers all over.
Handles
Have you tried talking with them?
Henry
No way. One woman tried and got shot down in front of me.
Henry
I'm with you. Let's get out of here.
Handles
We're going to need food and water.
Grim
And a safe way out.
Handles
That may not exist yet. Any more intel Grim?
Grim
Only that rumours are spreading that the infected have a leader.
Henry
Really?
Grim
Yeh. A woman they call Ellena.
Handles
How could anybody possibly know that?
Grim
No idea.
Henry
So what do we do?
Handles
Talked with Mika. We need a place to meet.
Handles
Somewhere near the edge of town.
Grim
How do we get there?
Henry
Have to be at night. Less chance of being shot.
Grim
Don't like the idea but I can't stay here.
Grim
Where will we meet.
Handles
Everybody know that derelict carpark near the racecourse?
Grim
Sure. Was abandoned years ago.
Handles
Its out of the way and deserted. Edges the river.
Handles
With luck we can get there then follow the river out of town.
Henry
Its a plan.
Grim
Always like a good plan. When should we be there?
Handles
Don't start moving until after midnight.
Handles
We'll wait in the carpark until everyone's made it.
Henry
See you then.
Grim
After midnight.
Handles
Be careful.
Day Four
Handles 4.30am
Grim. You there?
Grim
Still on the move. Trying to find a way.
Handles
What's happening?
Grim
Way more dangerous than I thought. Soldiers everywhere. Mobs of people on the streets.
Grim
Found heaps of survivors in a bowling alley.
Handles
What are they doing?
Grim
Just laying low. Waiting for a chance to get out.
Handles
Have you heard from Henry?
Grim
Nothing for a while.
Handles
Any sign of the Army getting out yet?
Grim
None. Seen helicopters overhead and there's been a series of big explosions to the north.
Grim
Pretty sure that there's fewer of them where you are.
Grim
Are you at the carpark?
Handles
Yeh. Got Mika with me and a few others we found on the way.
Grim
Is that a good idea?
Handles
Had no choice. They just followed us.
Grim
Everyone likes a good plan, eh? :)
Grim
Still going to wait?
Handles
Hell yeh. Not going anywhere until you and Henry get here.
Grim
Thanks for that.
Handles 6.15am
Henry? You still out there?
Henry
Had to hide for a while but on the move again.
Henry
Got fire all over. Seems almost deliberate.
Handles
What do you mean?
Henry
Huge plumes of black smoke. Survivors using it to move east.
Handles
Towards us?
Henry
Yeh. Only direction away from Army.
Handles
How long do you think you'll be?
Henry
Can't say. Lots of others with me. Hopefully not long.
Henry
Do you have any food there?
Handles
Some. Got a few people out looking for more.
Henry
Great. Feeling a bit peckish.
Grim
Peckish?
Henry
Hungry you idiot.
Grim
Well I am peckish also. Leave some for me.
Grim
See you soon.
Mika 1.03pm
Got hungry people here Handles. More coming in from the burbs.
Handles
Is there anywhere close you can look for food?
Mika
I think we passed some shops down on Manchester. Could try there.
Handles
Take some people with you. Don't get seen.
Mika
No worries. Don't feel like being shot today.
Mika 3.26pm
Nothing at the shops. Seen a church a few blocks down. Could find something there.
Handles
Be careful. I can hear helicopters. Keep out of sight.
Mika
Don't worry I'll be careful.
Handles 8.43pm
Dark as hell. Where are you Grim?
Grim
Only a few blocks west. People still there with you?
Handles
Yeh. More coming.
Grim
How's that?
Handles
All of them had their phones. Ringing friends, family.
Handles
They've been turning up all day.
Grim
Crap.
Handles
What?
Grim
Army's on the move. Heading your way.
Handles
Shit.
Henry
Anywhere to hide in the carpark?
Handles
Upper floors maybe. Beyond the third level we should be out of sight if we lay low.
Grim
Get them moving. Only two minutes max.
Grim
How many floors on that carpark?
Handles
Five. I think.
Grim
Enough for everyone?
Handles
Should be. Must have hundreds here.
Handles
Mika has them on the move. Kids and all. Surely they won't shoot?
Henry
I've seen some heavy shit going down Handles. Anything is possible.
Henry
Good luck.
Grim
I'm going to follow the trucks your way. See if I can get to you.
Handles
Try and get closer but don't get seen.
Grim
No problem.
Handles 9.15pm
Grim. You still there?
Grim
Watching from the trees.
Handles
That was close.
Grim
Closer than you think.
Handles
Why?
Grim
Couldn't see any of you from here. Officer was about to send a team into the carpark when they all ran back to their trucks.
Handles
What happened?
Grim
Dunno. But it sure saved your bacon. Huge flashes to the north.
Grim
Looks like a battle raging.
Grim
Explosions lighting up the town to the north and west. Burbs are going up.
Handles
I'd say a good reason to get moving.
Grim
I'll only be a moment. Just having something to eat.
Handles
Bring it with you. We'd better get going.
Grim
Sweet.
Henry
Leave some for me.
Grim
...
Henry
Another group of survivors coming your way.
Henry
I'll show them where you are.
Day Five
Grim 1.48am
When are we moving?
Handles
Few minutes. Henry has found more survivors.
Grim
This is daft. Must be two thousand people in this carpark.
Grim
How are we ever gonna make a stealthy exit?
Handles
What do you want me to do. Leave them here?
Grim
I don't know. Maybe we should.
Handles
Our responsibility now Grim. No options.
Grim
Great. Just great.
Mika
Found some more food.
Handles
Where?
Mika
Supermarket two blocks down.
Handles
Can you bring it back here?
Mika
Sure. Enough for about a day. Enough to get out.
Handles
Need any extra help.
Mika
No. Got help. Found some more survivors.
Handles
OK. Bring them back and we'll go.
Ellena 2.13am
Is that Handles?
Handles
Yeh. Who are you?
Ellena
Ellena. Trying to organise the evacuation of survivors.
Grim
Internet says you're the enemy. Why should we listen to you?
Ellena
Shouldn't believe everything you read.
Handles
Where are you?
Ellena
Small town called Burkitsville. Just south along the railroad.
Handles
I know it.
Ellena
Plenty of food and outside the quarantine zone.
Handles
How do we get there?
Ellena
If you're still at the racecourse you need to go south, then west to the tracks.
Ellena
Follow the line south and you'll be out.
Henry
What about the Army?
Ellena
They're busy in midtown. They won't be bothering you.
Grim
How do you know that?
Ellena
New arrivals tell us everything. Do you have food?
Handles
Just got some. Enough to walk out at least.
Ellena
Great. Remember. Go west then south along the tracks.
Handles
Why should we trust you?
Ellena
Because at the moment I'm the only one in this world that wants to keep you breathing.
Grim
Good point. Definitely one worthy of consideration.
Mika
Are you sure we can trust her?
Handles
No idea, but if south is safer we should go for it.
Grim
She is right about the fighting.
Grim
I'm on the roof and I can see flashes all over midtown.
Handles
Then we should get going.
Handles
Me and Mika will lead. Henry you make sure nobody strays. Grim you take up the rear.
Henry
Sounds like a good job for Grim.
Grim
STFU Asshole. Why do I have to be at the back?
Handles
Because you're good at it.
Grim
Since when?
Handles
Since I said you were. Keep any stragglers with the group. OK?
Grim
Geezus.
Handles
Let's get going.
Mika 3.07am
Found the tracks.
Handles
See anything?
Mika
Nothing. Ellena was rght about the way being clear. No Army, no Police.
Handles
Great. Henry?
Henry
Here.
Handles
Pass the word. We'll use the tracks to go south.
Henry
Great. I can't see anything in this light.
Grim
Better hurry. I can hear trucks.
Handles
Are they coming this way?
Grim
Dunno. Distant. Probably at the carpark.
Handles
Well if they are, they'll be able to track us here.
Grim
Good reason to move faster.
Handles
Agreed. Henry, Mika. You hear that?
Mika
Passing the word.
Henry
Ditto.
Grim 4.16am
Handles?
Handles
Yeh?
Grim
Trucks on the move. Using the access road. Getting close.
Handles
Damn. See that factory.
Grim
The one with the three stacks?
Handles
That's it. Make for it. We should all be able to get inside.
Henry
It'll be tight.
Handles
Better than being found out here in the open.
Henry
Copy that.
Handles 4.21am
Grim. You see anything?
Grim
Trucks are on the other side of the tracks. Can see lights. Shadows moving in the dark.
Grim
They're searching the line further south. We're gonna have to lay low here for a while.
Handles
OK.
Henry
Factory was a good call. Nothing like a few thousand people suddenly disappearing.
Grim
LOL. Army must be scratching its collective head. Hold on. Movement at the station.
Handles
What now?
Grim
Flares to the east, near the river. Trucks moving off. Soldiers running.
Ellena
Have they gone?
Handles
Yeh. How did you know?
Ellena
Trying to get you out. Saw an opportunity.
Ellena
Still a few miles to go. Up for it?
Handles
Just a few minutes. Found some food here. Will get moving in ten.
Ellena
Don't take long.
Ellena
Any of that food still walking?
Handles
Most of it.
Ellena
Good. Tell your people not to eat the dead ones if they can help it.
Mika
Why?
Elenna
Too much will make you go berserk. Have to keep a clear head if you want to get out.
Moses 6.55am
Handles. You there?
Moses
Don't know if you're still alive. I hope you get this.
Moses
Wherever you are, don't go south. Reports of a massive infected herd following the tracks.
Moses
Two thousand strong at least, making for Burkitsville.
Moses
They're using their cell phones to communicate. Don't know how but they are.
Moses
Dammit Handles. Why don't you answer?
THE END
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