Page 1

Two years into the epidemic of the living dead, the government organized groups consisting of scientists and military personnel to search for a cure. Many of these groups were killed when their supplies ran out forcing them to return to the surface in search of food. Others failed as members of the group began to suffer severe mental breakdowns resulting from their prolonged confinement. Communications eventually ceased and the remaining groups were no longer in contact with the government, or each other. Fearing that they were the last of humanity the remainder of those groups abandoned their posts and lived the rest of their lives enjoying what little time remained.It was during the first year of this program that a cure for the disease that causes the bodies of the deceased to rise up and feed on human flesh was found.

Transmission from Post 192-4W (Colorado):

We have discovered strange protein sequences in the DNA of reanimated corpses. Scientists under the direction of Dr. Max Connor are currently developing an antisense to reverse the production of these proteins. This strategy may also help to locate and deactivate the genes that are responsible for the abnormal protein expression. These genes will then be replaced with their correct versions in human donors to hopefully reverse the process. At this time it is not necessary to risk your safety by travelling to the compound. Any and all developments will be forwarded to you the minute they are discovered.

"I hope this doesn't spook them." Dr. Connor spoke, "You realize that this transmission is too early."

The soldier beside him leaned back in his chair. " I understand your concerns doctor but I was instructed to relay any progress to Washington."

Connor rose from his chair and exited the communication room. Upon opening the door he was met by two other medical personnel in lab coats.

"Did it go through?" Dr. Sharpe asked.

"Yes"

"Do you think they got it?"

"Hard to tell really. I haven't heard a thing on that clunker in two weeks."

Dr. Connor's other assistant Katie handed a chart to her boss. Without acknowledging her he flipped through the chart and ordered more blood drawn. Max continued down the corridor leaving Katie holding the chart. Dr. Sharpe looked back at her and shrugged his shoulders. As the trios' work on the treatment progressed Max fell under greater stress.

"Jim I haven't been able to get a moments rest since I told the captain about the recent developments."

"They're just desperate to get out here," Jim returned, "hell we all are. If I spend another night in this government sewer I'm gonna crawl out and beg them to take me."

Max laughed for the first time in while. His smile quickly faded allowing his face to continue displaying the toll of the whole ordeal. The pair continued walking down the corridor and finally arrived at the lab. Dr. Sharpe turned the lights on revealing a zombie tied to a chair. Seeing the lights the zombie opened his mouth and began to wail.

"You think he would know by now that he can't eat us."

"Just like a baby Jim," Max spoke moving closer to the chair, "always crying."

As Dr. Connor approached the corpse he grew quiet again. It watched as the doctor read paper emitting from instruments attached to the chair. Dr. Sharpe began assembling a tape recorder and camera to record the day's events. Removing a recorder from his own pocket Dr. Connor began his dictation.

"This is Dr. Connor today is Wednes…oh hell I don't know. Journal entry number uh…233. The subject shows no change. Of course he doesn't. A little agitation but I assume it to be the result of Dr. Sharpe's choice of tie."

"Very funny."

Katie entered the room with the blood work and the corpse stared at her. His breathing slowed and his head began to rock back and forth.

"I think he likes you." Max spoke shaking the blood.

He continued his dictation.

"The subject's blood was drained this morning and he is still very much alive. The blood was mixed with serum XR4 property of myself, the exact dosage per units of blood is located in my journal."

Katie handed Dr. Connor the transfusion equipment and quickly moved away. Though her presence seemed to calm the corpse, she still feared what it would do to her if she ventured to close.

"I will now began transfusion."

Dr. Sharpe came towards the corpse holding a restraining pole and bit to place over its mouth. Recalling this familiar routine the zombie awakened from his trance and began to scream loudly. Pulling against his restraints the chair shook with each of his movements. Quickly Dr. Sharpe moved behind the corpse and forced the pole between its teeth. Pus and drool ran from the corpse's mouth as the pole was pulled from the back. His movements were so violent causing Max great difficulty with the injection. With a sudden pull the zombie freed one arm and slapped the transfusion equipment to the floor.

[ Continue to page 2 ]