CHAPTER 14 MINDLESS
Inside a privately owned mansion in Paris, a man with long brown hair stood on the balcony, wearing a white robe. He appeared to be in his late forties, and a concerned expression covered his face as he spoke on the phone.
"What do you mean there's a problem? Did the experiment fail?" Brian asked.
"No," the hollow voice on the other end replied. "In fact, the experiment was a success."
"Then what's the situation?" Brian asked.
"Well, we've gotten ourselves into a dire situation. As I said earlier, the experiment was successful. Well... ninety percent successful. We made a mistake."
"Will you just get to the point already?" Brian said, his anxiety growing with every second.
"You see, one of the biggest challenges we faced was that the subjects' bodies couldn't withstand the experiment. Their bodies began eating themselves apart and tearing from the inside. After multiple failed subjects, we finally found a way for the body to adapt by injecting the solution gradually over the course of one to two weeks.
"We solved the problem of the body accepting the treatment, but we completely overlooked whether the human mind could endure it. That single mistake has cost us everything."
"Just get to the point, Stark!" Brian shouted.
"The subjects have turned into mindless creatures, Brian. The treatment caused catastrophic neurological instability, destroying the higher functions of their brains while leaving the rest of the body active. As quick advice from a friend and business partner, stay indoors, lock every door, stock up on as much food as possible, and hire highly trained security personnel."
The call ended abruptly.
"I've got to call Jake," Brian muttered before immediately dialing his son's number.
---
A black taxi pulled up in front of the gates of a massive mansion. Before the driver could even honk, the gates opened automatically, clearly controlled from inside.
The taxi drove through a beautifully maintained compound lined with trees, flowers, and neatly trimmed bushes before entering the garage. The garage doors opened on their own, revealing several luxury cars parked inside.
Jake and Arthur stepped out of the taxi and entered the mansion through a door connected to the garage. Waiting for them was a man in his fifties dressed in a formal black suit, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Welcome back, Young Master. It has been a while," the man greeted with a respectful bow.
"It's nice to see you too, Joe," Jake replied.
"Joe, activate the defense mechanism immediately," Arthur ordered.
Joe blinked in confusion.
"Are we under attack, or is someone trying to kidnap the young master?"
Before Arthur could answer, Jake stepped forward.
"Yes, Joe, we're under attack. Honestly, it would've been better if it were humans, but no. We're being attacked by zombies, so hurry up and activate the damn defense system."
"Right away, sir."
Joe hurried into a nearby control room. Moments later, loud mechanical noises echoed throughout the mansion as thick metallic panels descended over every door and window. Within seconds, every entrance and exit was completely sealed.
Joe returned to the living room, only for Jake to immediately begin firing questions at him.
"Joe, how long will the food supplies last for the three of us?" Jake asked.
"It should last around three months. Possibly longer if we're careful with our rations," Joe replied.
"What about electricity if the city's power grid goes down?"
"We have about ten gallons of fuel for the generator, enough to keep it running for roughly two weeks. We also have a solar power system, so as long as the sun keeps shining, we'll continue to have electricity."
Arthur looked at Jake in surprise.
"I'm impressed. You know a lot more about survival than I expected."
"Well... I've watched a lot of zombie movies."
Jake said letting out a tired sigh.
"Do me a favor. Take a shower and brief Joe on everything that's happened. I need to speak with my dad,well again "