Chapter 1: Radioactive
October 11, 2037
"This virus has destroyed over half of the nation in a matter of days...and it's affects are being seen not only throughout America, but throughout the entire world. I speak to you; not as the President of the United States, but as a witness to this epidemic. Survivors must flee to the Eastern Coast as quickly as possible. Safe Haven's are being posted in New York; and starting tomorrow, New Jersey as well. I hope that you; the people of America, keep your strength and bravery...God bless you all." The president turned from the video camera and faced his colleagues. Terrified expressions plastered their faces.
"Go home to your loved ones. Brace yourselves for what is to come." He said to them with weary eyes.
As soon as he was alone he sat back down at his desk and carefully opened one of the dark wooden drawers. He grasped the silver pistol in his shaking hand and slowly lifted it to his head.
March 26, 3005
Shay lifted her head from the dusty pillow beneath her and shut her eyes tight. Overcome by dizziness she held her throbbing skull in her hands; her two steel fingers grazing her forehead.
After the Red Disease had taken three fourths of the world's population scientists and doctors frantically searched for a cure. About four years after the virus started they discovered that metal prolonged it's affects. All of New York and it's surrounding areas had been transformed; buildings and roads were completely covered in metal sheets, and all other appliances were made of metal. Society was reestablished by once powerful survivors and what remained of the human species clustered together. Nothing was left of the world that was. The New Age, as the elected Leader Judd Nim said, had begun. Patients that had been infected were treated with metals. At first doctors tried injecting it into their systems; only to find that they perished shortly after. So instead metal was plastered onto the infected areas; arms and legs were coated with steel and copper while smaller limbs were entirely replaced. Of course this did not cure anything; just delayed the inevitable. That is until Dr. James Hayland discovered a cure. A vaccine called FVR1 was soon put on the market. Society became hectic. The only problem was that Dr. Hayland was not trying to save the human race, he was trying to rob it. Only the rich could afford the cure; and so society was split. The poor ventured to the outskirts while the privileged enclosed themselves to ensure their "safety".
Shay sat up and rested her arms on her legs. She sighed heavily and made her way to the mirror that sat against the deteriorating wall. As she looked at her reflection she noticed a large dark spot on her left shoulder. A cold sweat swept through her. She knew what that spot meant...the infection was spreading. It had already taken her ring and pinky fingers on her right hand, the sight from her left eye, and now it would take her left shoulder as well.
Shay began to put on a gray tank top and a pair of jeans. She swept her long brown hair over her shoulder and pulled on her black leather bomber jacket; the only thing she had left of her mother. Shay then grabbed the rusted keys that rested on her steel nightstand and shut the door behind her.
She lived in an old apartment building that time had gotten the best of. Since she shared the building with twenty-five others her room was about the size of Leader Jonathon's bathroom.
As she descended the narrow staircase her boots clunked against the aluminum that blanketed it. When she reached the bottom she opened the large copper door to her right and found her 2029 Yamaha; now thoroughly cloaked in steel.
The small garage door creaked and moaned as it forced itself open and Shay ventured out into the city.
Hundreds of people crowded the newly polished streets as they hustled to their jobs; heavy smoke fogging the sky above them.
Most low class people found their work at the cities power plants or metal foundries. Shay was one of these. She worked at New New York's Power plant since she was nine.
She turned abruptly as she reached a small copper building with a large sign addressing SMELTER. Shay stepped off her bike and made her way inside.
"Hello Shay. What can I do you for?" An middle aged man said as he pushed up his bifocals.
"I found another spot." She said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
The man looked up from his work and frowned.
"I don't need your pity, I need your help." She sighed.
"Of course, just let me finish up here." He said as he continued to examine his patients metal coated leg.
"Well I replaced your hinges Mr. Smith. Just be sure to oil them twice...daily." He said to the man as he helped him up.
"Absolutely, thank you Miles."
Shay watched as the man limped out of the door.
"Now let me see." Miles said grabbing back her attention.
Shay sat down next to him and removed her jacket.
Miles gasped.
"How long have you had this?" He asked.
"I found it this morning." Shay refused to look at him.
"Shay are you sure? This looks like it is quite progressed." He mumbled.
"Yes I am sure Miles." She replied bitterly.
Shay looked down at her feet and exhaled.
Miles shook his head and grasped her hand.
"I can fuse you again, but your infection is spreading faster than I predicted. I'm afraid there is nothing that can be done." He whispered.
Shay licked her dry lips and squeezed her eyes shut.
"How long?" She asked finally.
Miles shook his head again.
"How long?" Shay demanded a little louder.
"A few months, three at the most; and that's if I fuse you." He said softly.
Shay nodded as she excepted his words.
"Thank you Miles; I should be on my way." She said as she stood to leave.
"Shay." Miles glared at her. "Let me help you."
Shay shook her head.
"I will only be prolonging the unavoidable. And anyways I don't have the money."
Miles grabbed her shoulders.
"Shay you are only twenty; don't give up yet. Let me help you the best I can...no payment needed."
"No, I can't ask that of you!" She protested.
"You're not asking, I'm offering." Miles gripped her tighter.
"Then I can't accept." She detested further.
"Fine, then you can pay me when you get the money."
Shay was silent for a moment.
"I don't like owing people." She pressed.
Miles huffed.
"Well that's too damn bad. Now sit down."