Author's Notes: 200+ fanfics and going strong. Great job everyone. After a
vacation, helping my parents' pet shop relocate, and battling a small bout
with writer's block, I have returned with my latest fanfic. The inspiration
for this fic came from my first viewing of the inexplicably cool 28 Days
Later, the first good "zombie" movie to grace theaters since Resident Evil.
Afterward, my creative juices began to flow. Then they stopped. Then they
flowed again, although not quite as smoothly as before. And so, I began to
throw ideas haphazardly onto the notepad program I use to write with. Those
ideas eventually were melded into the story you will now read, unless you
decide you really don't want to read this fanfic. Whatever floats your
boat. I hope that this fic will be as successful as my last one, Operation:
N.I.N.J.E.R.K. I apologize to WynterBlossom if this fic of mine bares any
resemblance to her recent works. I've been working on this for about three
weeks and I didn't know other fics similar in nature to this one would be
submitted by the time I finished this part. For the legal folks out there,
I do not own Codename: Kids Next Door. This is simply a fanfiction created
as a tribute of sorts to the cartoon and to 28 Days Later which I also do
not own, so please don't sue. Anyway, enjoy.
Codename: Kids Next Door
"Operation: V.I.R.A.L."
Virus Infects Random Adults Ludicrously
Part 1: False Blessing
The Kids Next Door gathered around their central video communications station, eagerly awaiting an incoming call from central headquarters. All five of them had a look of worry etched into their features. Though informed of their situation, they couldn't feel completely comfortable until they heard from their own, more reliable resources.
One hour before...
"Guys guys guys!!!" yelled Numbuh 2 as he emerged from the main elevator and ran into the central lounge quarters. His friends ended their conversation in mid-sentence. "Hey 2, what are ya' so worked up ova'? Ya' look like the world just announced it's supply of chocolate chunk ice cream vanished." commented Numbuh 4 with a smirk. The pilot shook his head from side to side, then paused thoughtfully. "I guess that'd be pretty bad... but this is even more important than chocolate chunk! Here, see for yourself!" he said as he grabbed the remote for the 60-inch television and lit up the massive screen with the All News Channel. An attractive anchorwoman with short brown hair, fair skin, and a lavender business dress sat behind a huge blue and white desk. Her face was pale with illness, which struck the five young operatives unnervingly. Her drab tone of voice was no less comforting.
"... the virus had spread rapidly throughout the southern regions of Canada and into the northern and central parts of the United States in the shocking span of only twelve hours. Sources have no information on the exact cause and source of this bug but the possiblity of terrorism has been ruled out, 'as a virus unleashed by a terrorist group would no doubt have had a much more devestating effect.', as stated by secretary of the Department of Homeland Defense. This virus has been identified as a new and highly contagious strain of Influenza, but does not carry any lethal symptoms aside from the usual bouts of stomach cramps, fever, and hot and cold flashes. However, what is unusual about this virus is the nature of infection. This airborne strain seems to only infect adults, specifically those twenty-five years of age and older. Research is being conducted to determine if the virus, nicknamed the 'Pappy Flu' due to the unusual nature of infection, is capable of inducing any ill effects on teens and adolescents. Although it is being hailed as the fastest-spreading illness in recent American history, researchers say that the Pappy Flu outbreak is no more than 'a reasonably harmless result of an especially nasty flu season'. We will keep you posted on any further developments in the Pappy Flu investigation. Until then, infected adults are advised to stay in bed and drink plenty of fluids until recovery."
The television fell silent as Numbuh 2 pressed the power button on the remote control, as did the whole treehouse. Numbuhs 1, 3, 4, and 5 were all in a state of shock. "Whoa..." was all Numbuh 4 could utter with eyes rivaling the size of grapefruits. Numbuh 3 shuddered and hid behind Numbuh 5. "I'm scared." she wimpered. "D-d-does this mean we're all gonna' get sick?" "I don't think so Numbuh 3. If what they're saying is true, only adults can be infected." replied Numbuh 2 matter-of-factly. "Wow. All the adults in North America are gonna' get sick. That's kinda' strange if ya' ask me." said Numbuh 5 as she tried in vain to pry Numbuh 3's painfully gripping hands off of her shoulders. "Sounds to Numbuh 5 that this ain't no regula' flu season-- ow!! Can someone get this crazy girl offa' me??" "Yeah, 5's got a point there. Whaddya' make of this Pappy Flu thing 1?" asked Numbuh 4 as he held up an oatmeal raisin cookie which Numbuh 3 pounced on and munched happily, letting go of a sore and thankful Numbuh 5 in the process. Numbuh 1 fiddled with his trademark shades as he thought, a nervous habbit he recently picked up that he was trying to kick. "Well, this adult-exclusive virus DOES sound rather bizzare. I think we should consult our top scientists in this situation. The healthy adults are doing all they can, but I believe our researchers can help shed further light on this so-called Pappy Virus." The other four operatives nodded agreeingly and made the call to the Kids Next Door homebase on the moon.
Present time...
"Ah, Numbuhs 1 through 5. I was starting to wonder when you guys would call." said a young brown-haired boy in a white labcoat and large spectacles on the video monitor. A name tag on his right chest pocket read "Numbuh 376". Behind him was a scene of near-chaos in an enormous laboratory filled with video phones going ballistic and other small scientists rushing back and forth with various papers and research equipment in their arms. Numbuh 3 giggled. "Wow! Are you having a party?" "Umm... not exactly, Numbuh 3. Although a party would be a much better place to be in than this madhouse." replied the small researcher as he pointed a thumb to the hustle and bustle behind him. In the backround, a pudgy scientist slipped while carrying a stack of papers twice as big as himself. The result was a shower of recyclable research notes.
"I see that the news has spread even faster than that virus. The communications network must be going crazy with calls if it took this long to get a connection." commented Numbuh 1. "Precisely." sighed Numbuh 376 as he snatched a piece of paper off of his head. "I'm sure you all want to know what this Pappy Flu is exactly and where it came from, so I won't keep you waiting. The adults for the most part have got everything right. The virus apparently does not have any effect on children and teenagers, but it exhibits stomach flu-like symptoms in infected adults." "Flu-like? You mean it's not a stomach flu?" asked Numbuh 2. "Correct. In fact, this isn't a strain of influenza at all! Although whoever created it did a pretty darn good job of making it look like one." said 376 as he looked down at the clipboard held in his left hand. Numbuh 5 smirked with her arms crossed. "Ha. I jus' knew it couldn't be no natural bug!" she said. 376 nodded agreeingly and adjusted his spectacles.
"The Pappy Virus, as it's so affectionately called, originated somewhere in central southern Canada. Because it is airborne, the virus has had a chance to spread very rapidly throughout the area of its creation and much of central America. Therefore, we have no way of knowing the exact location of it's true origin. I wouldn't doubt that other nations will contract Pappy Flu as well. The American and Canadian governments don't see it as a major threat, so a quarantine will not be necessary in their eyes. But... I'm a little worried about the true nature of this virus. Pappy Flu appears to be modeled off of the Influenzavirus A H1N1 strain, then drastically altered. Someone has taken great care in masking its RNA and because of the unknown and unstable nature of this virus, we could be dealing with a multitude of potentially dangerous symptoms in the human anatomy!"
"... it... uhhhh... certainly sounds bad judging from what you just said Numbuh 376, but I'm afraid I'm not very knowledgeable in the ways of viruses and, umm... everything else you mentioned." said Numbuh 1 with a raised eyebrow. The young researcher rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. "In other words, there's something else to the Pappy Flu that we don't know yet; something that might not be dangerous now but could be later. Unless we solve the mystery of what else this virus is capable of, the world's adults could be in serious jeopardy." "Ewwww! I hate that game! Very boring." cried Numbuh 3 with a look of disgust.
"Well doesn't the government know anythin' about this cruddy virus?" said an alarmed Numbuh 4. "I mean, with all that's goin' on with our country and everythin', don'cha think we'd be putting a little more effort into studyin' it?" "As said before by just about every news station imaginable, the American and Canadian governments believe this is just another run-of- the-mill flu outbreak, not a terroist attack. It's doubtful either would put any serious investigation time into this epidemic unless it was something much more devestating. Besides, the true nature of this virus is very well hidden. We're lucky that we even came across the fact that it isn't natural!" Numbuh 376 said as he held up and pointed a finger to a complex-looking diagram.
"Hmm. Now that we know what's going on, I suppose the real question now is what can we do about it?" questioned Numbuh 1. The other four operatives wondered the same exact thing. Numbuh 376 sighed. "I'm afraid there isn't much you or any of the other teams can do at the moment. Try not to worry too much about it though. Let us researchers handle the important stuff." The five young operatives were all inwardly dissapointed. It wasn't difficult for Numbuh 376 to notice. "Hey, why not take this time to unwind a little? I'm sure you could use some relaxation from all of those missions. Speaking of which, I don't believe there will be any missions to perform at all since the adults are all bedridden anyway. And if anything new turns up, you will be the first group I'll contact. Okay?" 376 said in the most reassuring voice he could muster. Numbuh 1 forced a smile. "Agreed. And if anything happens down here, we shall not hesitate to contact you and inform you immediately."
Numbuh 376 smiled back and the video transmission monitor fell blank as the conection ended.
"So what do we do now?" asked Numbuh 3. The group thought for several moments until Numbuh 5 spoke up. "Well, there's 'sposed to be a fair goin' on right now. With no adults there, maybe we can score us some free rides?" "That sounds good. But... are we really supposed to go anywhere now that our parents and all the other adults are sick? I mean, they might need our help." said Numbuh 2 with a worried look. Numbuh 4 stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Ah, don't be fussin' about that 2. That Numbuh 376 guy told us we got nothin' ta' worry about. 'Sides, they're adults. They can take care of themselves." "You're right, Numbuh 4." said Numbuh 1. "Numbuh 376 suggested that we take this time off to relax, and since there's nothing we can do about the Pappy Flu situation for now, I suggest we follow that suggestion. Do we all agree?" "Well... I guess a little vacation time wouldn't hurt anyone." said Numbuh 2 with a smile. With that, the five Kids Next Door took the main elevator down to the ground level and headed off for the town fair. Other kids from around the neighborhood and the rest of the town who had the same idea joined them. Thousands of other kids also enjoyed the freedom of their adultless towns and cities. America and Canada now belonged to the little people, and it was as if the life-long conflict between the adults and children vanished without a trace. Freedom had come at last.
Except for Numbuh 821 of Toronto, Canada. For him, freedom had flown out the window when his parents got up from their beds and chased him to his room with animalistic fury. Their skin had changed into a strange shade of purple when Numbuh 821 went into his parent's bedroom to check on them. Now he was trapped in his own room, the door barricated from the inside by his bed and dresser. The door shook violently behind the makeshift barricade as growls could be heard from the other side. Numbuh 821's blonde hair and blue t-shirt was drenched in sweat. His 13-year old frame shook with terror as he fumbled with his HAM radio, desperately trying to contact his team mates or anyone for that matter. When that failed, he sent out one final message in the hopes that someone would recieve his transmission and understand what danger the world was now in. Numbuh 821's message was cut short when the barricade gave way and his parents rushed in.
As the icy, purple hands of his former parents firmly grasped his arms, Numbuh 821's screams ceased when everything around him became translucent purple, then black.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Codename: Kids Next Door
"Operation: V.I.R.A.L."
Virus Infects Random Adults Ludicrously
Part 1: False Blessing
The Kids Next Door gathered around their central video communications station, eagerly awaiting an incoming call from central headquarters. All five of them had a look of worry etched into their features. Though informed of their situation, they couldn't feel completely comfortable until they heard from their own, more reliable resources.
One hour before...
"Guys guys guys!!!" yelled Numbuh 2 as he emerged from the main elevator and ran into the central lounge quarters. His friends ended their conversation in mid-sentence. "Hey 2, what are ya' so worked up ova'? Ya' look like the world just announced it's supply of chocolate chunk ice cream vanished." commented Numbuh 4 with a smirk. The pilot shook his head from side to side, then paused thoughtfully. "I guess that'd be pretty bad... but this is even more important than chocolate chunk! Here, see for yourself!" he said as he grabbed the remote for the 60-inch television and lit up the massive screen with the All News Channel. An attractive anchorwoman with short brown hair, fair skin, and a lavender business dress sat behind a huge blue and white desk. Her face was pale with illness, which struck the five young operatives unnervingly. Her drab tone of voice was no less comforting.
"... the virus had spread rapidly throughout the southern regions of Canada and into the northern and central parts of the United States in the shocking span of only twelve hours. Sources have no information on the exact cause and source of this bug but the possiblity of terrorism has been ruled out, 'as a virus unleashed by a terrorist group would no doubt have had a much more devestating effect.', as stated by secretary of the Department of Homeland Defense. This virus has been identified as a new and highly contagious strain of Influenza, but does not carry any lethal symptoms aside from the usual bouts of stomach cramps, fever, and hot and cold flashes. However, what is unusual about this virus is the nature of infection. This airborne strain seems to only infect adults, specifically those twenty-five years of age and older. Research is being conducted to determine if the virus, nicknamed the 'Pappy Flu' due to the unusual nature of infection, is capable of inducing any ill effects on teens and adolescents. Although it is being hailed as the fastest-spreading illness in recent American history, researchers say that the Pappy Flu outbreak is no more than 'a reasonably harmless result of an especially nasty flu season'. We will keep you posted on any further developments in the Pappy Flu investigation. Until then, infected adults are advised to stay in bed and drink plenty of fluids until recovery."
The television fell silent as Numbuh 2 pressed the power button on the remote control, as did the whole treehouse. Numbuhs 1, 3, 4, and 5 were all in a state of shock. "Whoa..." was all Numbuh 4 could utter with eyes rivaling the size of grapefruits. Numbuh 3 shuddered and hid behind Numbuh 5. "I'm scared." she wimpered. "D-d-does this mean we're all gonna' get sick?" "I don't think so Numbuh 3. If what they're saying is true, only adults can be infected." replied Numbuh 2 matter-of-factly. "Wow. All the adults in North America are gonna' get sick. That's kinda' strange if ya' ask me." said Numbuh 5 as she tried in vain to pry Numbuh 3's painfully gripping hands off of her shoulders. "Sounds to Numbuh 5 that this ain't no regula' flu season-- ow!! Can someone get this crazy girl offa' me??" "Yeah, 5's got a point there. Whaddya' make of this Pappy Flu thing 1?" asked Numbuh 4 as he held up an oatmeal raisin cookie which Numbuh 3 pounced on and munched happily, letting go of a sore and thankful Numbuh 5 in the process. Numbuh 1 fiddled with his trademark shades as he thought, a nervous habbit he recently picked up that he was trying to kick. "Well, this adult-exclusive virus DOES sound rather bizzare. I think we should consult our top scientists in this situation. The healthy adults are doing all they can, but I believe our researchers can help shed further light on this so-called Pappy Virus." The other four operatives nodded agreeingly and made the call to the Kids Next Door homebase on the moon.
Present time...
"Ah, Numbuhs 1 through 5. I was starting to wonder when you guys would call." said a young brown-haired boy in a white labcoat and large spectacles on the video monitor. A name tag on his right chest pocket read "Numbuh 376". Behind him was a scene of near-chaos in an enormous laboratory filled with video phones going ballistic and other small scientists rushing back and forth with various papers and research equipment in their arms. Numbuh 3 giggled. "Wow! Are you having a party?" "Umm... not exactly, Numbuh 3. Although a party would be a much better place to be in than this madhouse." replied the small researcher as he pointed a thumb to the hustle and bustle behind him. In the backround, a pudgy scientist slipped while carrying a stack of papers twice as big as himself. The result was a shower of recyclable research notes.
"I see that the news has spread even faster than that virus. The communications network must be going crazy with calls if it took this long to get a connection." commented Numbuh 1. "Precisely." sighed Numbuh 376 as he snatched a piece of paper off of his head. "I'm sure you all want to know what this Pappy Flu is exactly and where it came from, so I won't keep you waiting. The adults for the most part have got everything right. The virus apparently does not have any effect on children and teenagers, but it exhibits stomach flu-like symptoms in infected adults." "Flu-like? You mean it's not a stomach flu?" asked Numbuh 2. "Correct. In fact, this isn't a strain of influenza at all! Although whoever created it did a pretty darn good job of making it look like one." said 376 as he looked down at the clipboard held in his left hand. Numbuh 5 smirked with her arms crossed. "Ha. I jus' knew it couldn't be no natural bug!" she said. 376 nodded agreeingly and adjusted his spectacles.
"The Pappy Virus, as it's so affectionately called, originated somewhere in central southern Canada. Because it is airborne, the virus has had a chance to spread very rapidly throughout the area of its creation and much of central America. Therefore, we have no way of knowing the exact location of it's true origin. I wouldn't doubt that other nations will contract Pappy Flu as well. The American and Canadian governments don't see it as a major threat, so a quarantine will not be necessary in their eyes. But... I'm a little worried about the true nature of this virus. Pappy Flu appears to be modeled off of the Influenzavirus A H1N1 strain, then drastically altered. Someone has taken great care in masking its RNA and because of the unknown and unstable nature of this virus, we could be dealing with a multitude of potentially dangerous symptoms in the human anatomy!"
"... it... uhhhh... certainly sounds bad judging from what you just said Numbuh 376, but I'm afraid I'm not very knowledgeable in the ways of viruses and, umm... everything else you mentioned." said Numbuh 1 with a raised eyebrow. The young researcher rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. "In other words, there's something else to the Pappy Flu that we don't know yet; something that might not be dangerous now but could be later. Unless we solve the mystery of what else this virus is capable of, the world's adults could be in serious jeopardy." "Ewwww! I hate that game! Very boring." cried Numbuh 3 with a look of disgust.
"Well doesn't the government know anythin' about this cruddy virus?" said an alarmed Numbuh 4. "I mean, with all that's goin' on with our country and everythin', don'cha think we'd be putting a little more effort into studyin' it?" "As said before by just about every news station imaginable, the American and Canadian governments believe this is just another run-of- the-mill flu outbreak, not a terroist attack. It's doubtful either would put any serious investigation time into this epidemic unless it was something much more devestating. Besides, the true nature of this virus is very well hidden. We're lucky that we even came across the fact that it isn't natural!" Numbuh 376 said as he held up and pointed a finger to a complex-looking diagram.
"Hmm. Now that we know what's going on, I suppose the real question now is what can we do about it?" questioned Numbuh 1. The other four operatives wondered the same exact thing. Numbuh 376 sighed. "I'm afraid there isn't much you or any of the other teams can do at the moment. Try not to worry too much about it though. Let us researchers handle the important stuff." The five young operatives were all inwardly dissapointed. It wasn't difficult for Numbuh 376 to notice. "Hey, why not take this time to unwind a little? I'm sure you could use some relaxation from all of those missions. Speaking of which, I don't believe there will be any missions to perform at all since the adults are all bedridden anyway. And if anything new turns up, you will be the first group I'll contact. Okay?" 376 said in the most reassuring voice he could muster. Numbuh 1 forced a smile. "Agreed. And if anything happens down here, we shall not hesitate to contact you and inform you immediately."
Numbuh 376 smiled back and the video transmission monitor fell blank as the conection ended.
"So what do we do now?" asked Numbuh 3. The group thought for several moments until Numbuh 5 spoke up. "Well, there's 'sposed to be a fair goin' on right now. With no adults there, maybe we can score us some free rides?" "That sounds good. But... are we really supposed to go anywhere now that our parents and all the other adults are sick? I mean, they might need our help." said Numbuh 2 with a worried look. Numbuh 4 stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Ah, don't be fussin' about that 2. That Numbuh 376 guy told us we got nothin' ta' worry about. 'Sides, they're adults. They can take care of themselves." "You're right, Numbuh 4." said Numbuh 1. "Numbuh 376 suggested that we take this time off to relax, and since there's nothing we can do about the Pappy Flu situation for now, I suggest we follow that suggestion. Do we all agree?" "Well... I guess a little vacation time wouldn't hurt anyone." said Numbuh 2 with a smile. With that, the five Kids Next Door took the main elevator down to the ground level and headed off for the town fair. Other kids from around the neighborhood and the rest of the town who had the same idea joined them. Thousands of other kids also enjoyed the freedom of their adultless towns and cities. America and Canada now belonged to the little people, and it was as if the life-long conflict between the adults and children vanished without a trace. Freedom had come at last.
Except for Numbuh 821 of Toronto, Canada. For him, freedom had flown out the window when his parents got up from their beds and chased him to his room with animalistic fury. Their skin had changed into a strange shade of purple when Numbuh 821 went into his parent's bedroom to check on them. Now he was trapped in his own room, the door barricated from the inside by his bed and dresser. The door shook violently behind the makeshift barricade as growls could be heard from the other side. Numbuh 821's blonde hair and blue t-shirt was drenched in sweat. His 13-year old frame shook with terror as he fumbled with his HAM radio, desperately trying to contact his team mates or anyone for that matter. When that failed, he sent out one final message in the hopes that someone would recieve his transmission and understand what danger the world was now in. Numbuh 821's message was cut short when the barricade gave way and his parents rushed in.
As the icy, purple hands of his former parents firmly grasped his arms, Numbuh 821's screams ceased when everything around him became translucent purple, then black.
TO BE CONTINUED...