STATUS REPORT: ONE FUNCTIONAL LAB LOCATED
PERSONEL ARE BEING TRANSPORTED AS WE SPEAK
LAB LOCATION IN THE HEART OF THE INFECTION: NORTH DAKOTA
A boy sits on a tree within a forest. It's quiet, peaceful even.
"They can't get me up here- I'm safe! ..Until I need to get food. Ughhhh, dammit!"
He goes an exaggerated sigh, glancing around the grassy ground.
"Seems pretty clear.. screw it, let's do this!"
The boy climbs down the tree, landing on the ground. A grin grows on his face as he see's just how clear the area is. He takes a moment to breath, before he begins checking out the nearby bushes for berries.
Before long he has a handful of safe berries, idly popping some in his mouth. The grin never leaving.
"Mmh- This tastes great!" He exclaims carelessly, not a care in the world. That feeling shifts as a scream rings through the forest. He pauses, dropping his berries.
"Shit- was that a..?"
He goes silent for a moment. His conciense taking him over as he runs to aid whoever was in the woods.
"If I'm quick maybe I can help them!"
He thinks to himself, picking up the pace as he approaches the source of the screaming, a woman fighting off one of the damned. The boy quickly slides a pocket knife out from his pocket.
"MOVE YOUR HEAD!"
The woman stammers, doing as asked, letting the kid bring the pocket knife down on the damned mans head. It goes through, the figure going limp, but the blade doesn't come out.
"Shit! Oh god. Oh uh, you alright miss?" His expression seemed to drop for a moment at seeing the damned body, but he quickly hides it. Putting on a look of confidence for the woman despite almost being out of breath from the run over.
"Y-Yes, I am." She nods, giving the boys young features another glance over before her expression grows concerned and surprised.
"You- you're just a kid! How are you..?"
He pauses for a moment, "Oh- uhm.. the trees. Those things can't climb! Wait- what are you doing out here lady?"
"I- well, I was looking for food. We're running low.."
"We?"
"Yeah- my group. Some college friends I was with when everything went down."
The woman paused for a moment, giving the boy another look. "If-.. if you want I could try and bring you there. We're low on food- but I'm sure we have space for one more! Besides.. I can't leave someone as young as you seem alone in good conscience. You saved me.. right? Let me repay it."
The boy looks at her, thinking for a long moment. Seeming conflicted. Eventually, he gives a hesitant nod.
"If- if you're sure I can come, then okay!"
He gives a somewhat forced smile.
"If you want, I could take you there now!"
"Uhm- wait one sec. You said you all were running low on food right? You don't seem to have anything on you. But- I know a spot nearby with safe berries! We could go grab them, and then head out!"
"Oh- uhm, if you're confident they're safe, then sure!"
He nods, giving a rushed motion for the woman to follow him. She obliges. Together they gather berries. The woman stores them in a basket she brought, while the boy keeps some in his hand, idly eating one or two as they walk through the woods.
"I never asked your name kid. I'm Kara."
"Ash! Or- Ashton Myers if you wanna get specific!"
"Right Ash. Uhm- forgive my asking. Are you the only one out here? No friends.. parents?"
His expression drops, his blue eyes glancing around the forest.
"..Touchy subject?"
"No- no sorry. I uhm- yes I'm alone. Never knew my parents, and my friends disappeared when this all happened."
"Oh- I'm.. I'm sorry."
"It's fine- I got used to it quick"
He's quiet for a long moment, before quickly switching the focus. "Uh- what about you Kara? What's your story?"
"Well- I was with my parents in Tennessee growing up. When I was 18 I moved out to North Dakota to get a degree at the college here. Made some friends, then this all came."
She pauses for a moment, "I don't wanna get into anything else. I don't wanna make someone as young as you listen to my sob story. Speaking of.. how old are you kid?"
"I'm thirteen."
"Oh- Jesus. I'm sorry that you have to deal with this at such a young age.. no child should go through this."
He goes silent for a long moment, changing the topic quickly. "Look- the sun. It's getting late, we should hurry back."
"Oh yeah. Alright, let's go kid."