2019: The Rise of Scorchers

Chapter 1: Mr and Mrs Campbell

New York Hospital. 26th of March 2019. I am having my rounds. I knock gently on a door and step into Mr. Johnson's room, a ray of morning light streaming through the window. "Good morning, Mr. Anderson. How are you feeling today?" I inquire, my voice filled with genuine care.

Mr. Anderson musters a weak smile, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope. "Good morning, Dr. Campbell. I'm... I'm a bit sore, but overall, I feel better than before. Thank you for everything."

A surge of gratitude washes over me as I approach his bedside. "You're welcome, Mr. Anderson. I'm relieved to see you on the road to recovery. The surgery went well, and we expect your condition to improve gradually," I reassure him, my voice brimming with optimism.

Mrs. Anderson, his wife, approaches me with a grateful expression etched upon her face. "Doctor, we can't thank you enough for your exceptional skill and expertise. You've given our family a glimmer of hope during this challenging time."

I meet her gaze, humbled by her words. "Thank you for your kind sentiments, Mrs. Anderson. It's my duty to provide the best care possible. Your unwavering strength and support for Mr. Anderson have been truly remarkable throughout this arduous journey," I express with heartfelt sincerity.

Their son, a young boy around the same age as my youngest daughter Ariana, chimes in enthusiastically. "Yeah, Doctor! You're like a superhero! You fixed my dad!"

I chuckle softly, touched by his innocent admiration. "Well, I appreciate that comparison, young man. It's my responsibility to give my best and aid people in their journey to recovery. But let's not forget your dad's immense bravery and unwavering positive attitude - they have played a significant role in his remarkable progress."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Mrs. Anderson utters, her voice quivering, "We can't begin to express how grateful we are, Doctor. You've not only tended to Mr. Johnson's physical health but also provided solace and reassurance to our entire family."

With gentle empathy, I respond, "It's truly a collaborative effort, Mrs. Anderson. The dedicated hospital staff, compassionate nurses, and I have all worked tirelessly to ensure your husband's well-being. Your unwavering support and trust have been invaluable, and it fills my heart with joy to witness the remarkable strides he has made."

Mr. Anderson, his weak smile widening, interjects, "Doctor, you've given me a chance to be here for my family - to watch my son grow up and to be there for my wife. I can't thank you enough."

Moved by his heartfelt words, I place a comforting hand on Mr. Johnson's shoulder. "Mr. Anderson, it's moments like these that make my profession so deeply fulfilling. Your recovery stands as a testament to your remarkable strength and resilience. Just remember to follow the post-surgery instructions diligently, take your medication as prescribed, and attend the follow-up appointments."

Mrs. Anderson speaks with determination, her voice filled with gratitude and resolve. "We will ensure he adheres to every instruction, Doctor. We are wholly committed to supporting his recovery every step of the way."

I offer an assuring smile. "That's wonderful to hear, Mrs. Anderson. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or questions. Your husband's well-being remains our top priority."

Mr. Anderson's son, filled with gratitude, exclaims, "Thank you again, Doctor! You're the best!"

Returning the warmth of their gratitude, my smile grows wider. "You're most welcome, young man. It has been a genuine pleasure taking care of your family. Now, I'll leave you to rest and continue your recovery. Take care, Mr. Anderson."

Mr. Anderson's eyes shine with appreciation as he softly says, "Thank you, Doctor. Your expertise and compassion have made a world of difference. We are forever grateful."

With a final nod and a heart brimming with satisfaction, I exit the room, knowing that within these walls, hope and healing continue to blossom. The Abderson family's gratitude fuels my dedication to the noble art of medicine, reminding me of the profound impact we can make on the lives of those entrusted to our care.

New York Hospital. 13th November 2019. I frantically tend to my patient, horror etched on my face as he recounts the harrowing encounter. The mere thought of an unprovoked attack by a deranged woman sends a shiver down my spine. Something sinister is at play, and I must act swiftly.

Taking a deep breath to steady my trembling hands, I approach the deep bite mark on his arm, my eyes narrowing with concern. The wound is grave, a potential gateway for infection and something far more sinister. Every second counts.

As I prepare to clean and dress the wound, a sudden jolt courses through his body. I watch in disbelief as he convulses violently, his once calm demeanor replaced by the convulsions of a seizure. Panic surges within me, my mind racing to summon the necessary resources.

"Nurse! Prepare the emergency kit! Mr. Johnson is experiencing a seizure!" I bark out the command, my voice laced with urgency. The room springs into action, a flurry of nurses bringing forth the life-saving equipment while I struggle to stabilize my patient.

"Stay with me, Mr. Johnson! We're going to get through this!" I reassure him, though uncertainty taints my own voice. The struggle intensifies, his movements growing more erratic, as if an unseen force is taking hold of him. Dread seeps into every corner of the room.

In a bone-chilling moment, the transformation occurs before our very eyes. His body contorts, his features contorted into a grotesque semblance of a human. The room falls silent, nurses frozen in fear as the creature—a monster—reveals itself.

"What... What is happening?!" one of the nurses trembles, her voice laced with terror. Panic spreads like wildfire, threatening to consume us all.

Without hesitation, the abomination lunges towards me, primal hunger gleaming in its lifeless eyes. Instinct takes over as I push back, my training kicking into high gear. The adrenaline courses through my veins, sharpening my senses and fueling my resolve to survive.

"Doctor, watch out!" the nurses cry out in a mix of fear and desperation. The battle against the once-human creature becomes a fight for our very lives. Teeth gnash, claws swipe, and the air fills with the stench of decay.

Managing to fend off the relentless assault, I swiftly analyze the situation, realizing the dire consequences if we fail to contain this nightmare within the hospital walls. Swift decisions must be made to protect both the innocent and ourselves.

"Lock down the ward! Call for security and inform them about the situation! We have a Code Red!" I shout, my voice piercing through the chaos. Nurses scramble to carry out my orders, their eyes reflecting a mixture of terror and determination.

Covered in a sheen of sweat and spattered with the blood of the undead, I burst out of the room, the tumultuous sounds of panic echoing through the dimly lit corridors. The hospital, once a sanctuary of healing, has transformed into a battleground of survival.

"This can't be happening..." I mutter to myself, the weight of the situation bearing down upon me. Lives hang in the balance, and I am their last line of defense. I must navigate this treacherous landscape, containing the outbreak before it consumes us all.

With each step fueled by determination and a sense of duty, I race against time, weaving through the labyrinthine halls of the hospital. The flickering lights cast eerie shadows, and the distant cries of the infected send chills down my spine.

Though my heart pounds with fear, my resolve remains unyielding. Lives depend on my every decision, and I will not falter. For in this fight against the encroaching darkness, hope is the beacon that guides me, pushing me forward into the heart of the unknown.

26th March 2019, Lexis SciRe Laboratories. I look at my wristwatch, less than three hours before our newscast.

I am honored to interview this man. I lean forward, holding a notepad and pen, eager to capture every word of this groundbreaking discovery. "Good afternoon, Dr. Johnson. I am Angelina Campbell of USBC, pleased to meet you," I greet. "I heard you made an incredible breakthrough in the Arctic. Can you enlighten us about these newly discovered organisms?" My curiosity piques as I await his response.

Dr. Johnson sits back, adjusting his glasses with a thoughtful expression. "Good afternoon. Yes, it's quite remarkable," he begins, reaching for a file on his desk. "We recently conducted an extraordinary expedition to the Arctic and unearthed a range of unique organisms within the icy depths." He hands the file to me, a tangible representation of his team's remarkable journey. "These organisms possess properties that hold tremendous potential for medical advancements."

Excitement courses through me as I flip open the file, scanning its contents. "That sounds absolutely fascinating, Dr. Johnson. Could you delve deeper into these properties? Are there any specific breakthroughs on the horizon?"

Dr. Johnson nods with conviction, his eyes alight with passion. "Absolutely. Our initial findings indicate that these organisms harbor compounds with extraordinary anti-cancer properties." He gestures towards a chart adorning the wall, inviting me to explore further. "They exhibit potent cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines, making them potential candidates for developing innovative treatments and therapies." He pauses, allowing the significance of his words to sink in. "Furthermore, these organisms demonstrate promising attributes in combating other terminal illnesses."

Intrigued, I place the file gently on the desk. "That's truly groundbreaking, Dr. Johnson. Can you shed some light on the research process? How do you plan to harness these properties for the betterment of medical science?"

Leaning forward, Dr. Johnson clasps his hands together, his eyes filled with determination. "Our team is currently engrossed in comprehensive laboratory studies to unravel the intricate molecular mechanisms behind these organisms' remarkable properties." He motions towards a microscope resting on the table, a symbol of their meticulous investigations. "We are isolating and analyzing the compounds responsible for their anti-cancer effects, allowing us to further evaluate their potential as therapeutic agents and design targeted treatments." A smile graces his face, reflecting the profound optimism he feels. "It's a complex process, but we are confident in the potential outcomes it holds."

Eager for more insights, I lean in closer. "It's awe-inspiring to contemplate that these Arctic organisms could hold the key to curing cancer and other debilitating illnesses. What are the next steps in your research?"

Dr. Johnson leans back, his mind focused on the path ahead. "Moving forward, we will continue to delve deeper into our investigations, determined to unlock the full potential of these organisms." He reaches for a folder brimming with scientific possibilities. "Our team plans to collaborate with pharmaceutical companies and esteemed medical researchers, conducting extensive testing and clinical trials." He hands me the folder, a testament to their commitment to rigorous evaluation before any potential treatments reach the hands of patients. "This ensures that the derived therapies undergo thorough scrutiny and adhere to stringent protocols."

Taking the folder in my hands, I absorb the weight of responsibility that comes with these life-altering discoveries. "That's reassuring to hear, Dr. Johnson. Can you provide any estimated timelines for when we might witness these breakthroughs being implemented in the medical field?"

Dr. Johnson pauses, his gaze fixed on the horizon of scientific progress. "It's challenging to provide an exact timeline, as research of this nature demands meticulous evaluation and adherence to rigorous standards," he explains. Leaning forward, he meets my gaze, his determination shining through. "However, we are hopeful that within the next decade, we will have made significant strides in translating these findings into tangible treatments." His resolute expression underscores the dedication required for such transformative advancements. "It's crucial to remember that the development of new therapies demands time and careful consideration."

Closing the folder gently, I acknowledge the weight of this transformative journey. "Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for graciously sharing these groundbreaking developments. This is undeniably a remarkable discovery, and we eagerly await further updates on your momentous progress."

Dr. Johnson stands as well, extending a hand in gratitude. "You're most welcome, and thank you for your unwavering interest. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration and harnessing the potential of these Arctic organisms to revolutionize human health." His warm smile radiates hope and gratitude. "It's an exhilarating time for medical research, and we deeply appreciate the support and attention that these discoveries receive."

As I walk away from the interview, the weight of the world's hope rests upon the shoulders of Dr. Johnson and his dedicated team. Their unwavering commitment to unraveling nature's secrets leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the vast possibilities that lie ahead in the pursuit of medical advancement. The world awaits the dawn of a new era, where the Arctic's frozen embrace holds the key to a brighter future for all.

New York Capitol. 13th November 2019. I stand among my fellow reporters, microphone in hand, as the tension thickens in the room. The governor, his face plastered with a practiced smile, addresses our questions with calculated responses. But something feels off—a sinister undercurrent that lingers beneath the polished facade.

"Governor, can you comment on the recent allegations of corruption within your administration?" I inquire, my voice steady despite the churning unease within me.

He takes a moment to compose himself, his eyes darting across the room before locking onto mine. "Thank you for your question, Angelina," he responds, his tone dripping with false sincerity. "These allegations are baseless and politically motivated. We remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency and will cooperate fully with any investigations to clear our name."

His words are like a thin veneer, barely concealing the dark secrets that lie beneath. The air crackles with tension as I press on, determined to shed light on the truth.

"And what about the reports of mismanagement in the education sector, Governor? What steps are you taking to address this issue?" I probe, my voice unwavering.

A flicker of annoyance passes over his features, swiftly replaced by a carefully rehearsed smile. "I appreciate your concern, Angelina," he replies, his voice smooth as silk. "Education is a top priority for our administration, and we have implemented various reforms to improve the system. Teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure upgrades are just a few of the measures we are undertaking to provide the best education for our students."

Just as the governor prepares to address the next question, a deafening commotion erupts outside the capitol building. The piercing screams of terror slice through the air, sending a chill down my spine. Panic seizes the room, turning what was once a gathering of journalists into a frenzied struggle for survival.

"What's happening? Is something wrong?" I gasp, my voice trembling with a mixture of shock and dread.

Henry, my cameraman, his eyes wide with fear, grabs my arm urgently. "This doesn't look good, Angelina. We should get out of here—now!"

Together, we witness the unthinkable—a horde of zombies descending upon the capitol. The once-loyal guards, now grotesque abominations, attack without mercy. The world crumbles around us, shattering the illusion of safety we once held.

Desperation fuels our every step as we follow the governor and his protective entourage, clinging to the sliver of hope they represent. Their bodyguards create a shield of flesh and steel, pushing through the chaos with unwavering determination. Henry and I, fear-stricken, trail closely behind, our instincts screaming at us to keep moving, to survive.

One of the governor's guards turns to us, his face etched with a mix of concern and uncertainty. "You two, stay back! We can't guarantee your safety!"

But the governor intervenes, his voice resolute. "They're with me! Let them through!"

Relief washes over us momentarily as we're granted passage. Our hearts race, our breaths coming in ragged gasps as we navigate the treacherous path carved by the governor's desperate escape plan.

"I can't believe this is happening! What do we do now?" I exclaim, my voice quivering with a potent blend of fear and disbelief.

Henry, his eyes darting frantically, locks his gaze with mine. "We stick with the governor. He seems to have a plan. We can't afford to lose sight of him."

Minutes stretch into hours as we navigate the labyrinthine halls of the capitol, each passing moment further plunging us into the abyss of uncertainty. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the governor's group reaches a secured area—a temporary sanctuary in this nightmarish landscape.

The governor turns to us, his face etched with determination amidst the chaos. "You two need to find a safe place to hide," he instructs, his voice a solemn command. He hands us an access card, a glimmer of hope in this bleak darkness. "This will grant you access to the emergency shelter. Stay there until help arrives."

Gratitude wells within me, mingling with the gnawing fear that claws at my insides. "Thank you, Governor. Please stay safe," I utter, my voice laced with a mixture of appreciation and concern.

The governor's guard tries to protest, to shield their leader at all costs, but the governor silences him with a determined gesture. "They're journalists doing their job," he asserts, his eyes fixed on mine. "They deserve a chance to survive. Now go!"

With a final nod of gratitude and determination, Henry and I separate from the governor's group. The weight of responsibility settles upon us as we clutch the access card tightly, our only lifeline in this apocalyptic nightmare.

We race against time, our hearts pounding in our chests, desperately seeking refuge within the shelter's fortified walls. Fear gnaws at our heels, urging us to move faster, to overcome the odds stacked against us.

As I cling to the faint hope that my husband and daughters are safe, I forge ahead, guided by a relentless determination to expose the truth and fight for survival in a world overrun by darkness. Every step taken is laced with adrenaline, every breath drawn is a reminder that the line between life and death has blurred beyond recognition. But amidst the chaos, a spark of resilience ignites within me—a flicker of hope that refuses to be extinguished.