City of the Dead

Ryan awoke in the back of a parked jeep, he was still on the same street that he crashed on. He raised up and saw hundreds of unmasked-armed soldiers. Unlike the cleaner troops, these men didn't wear helmets or black tactical gear. They all had beige colored pants and SWAT looking vests. For a minute Ryan thought that help had finally arrived, until he saw the Isis logo on a pack of supplies sitting next to him.

"Ryan Bartlett" A voice from his left called.

"Yeah?" He asked.

"Lieutenant Kevin Keel, Isis recovery force, its come to my attention that you know about all that is going on" For a minute Ryan thought about gunning it out of there, until the soldier spoke again. "Its also come to my attention that Blair wants you dead or alive...But, with what we know about Blair, pardon my French, but Fuck Blair" The soldier smiled.

Ryan didn't trust them at all; they were still a part of the enemy.

"How long have you been in the city? Since the outbreak I mean" Keel asked.

"For about a couple of days, and don't play nice with me, I know what you're all about you fucking murders" Ryan said angrily.

"Let me tell you a story Ryan, when Blair and Isis united, Isis was experimenting with a miraculous wonder drug that boosted immunity and replicated white blood cells, it was ultimately the cure to all of the known viruses and diseases. Blair and Isis began research together, but a deranged scientist by the name of Piers spliced the formula and created the virus that has caused " The soldier explained.

"We've been onto Blair's plans for a while now, so we set up our prime research areas in the town of Gaines, we experimented with vaccines and cures to wipe out Piers' virus and it's spawn, but unfortunately there was an operative working for us, he informed Blair of our whereabouts and they immediately came here to obtain all our research" Keel said.

"But...Their work cannot be completed without our research and the embryos of all their B. O. W., that is why we are here, and I've been informed that someone named Jarred Orr, Nathan Law, and David Sunderland are vital to their plans, do you know them?" Keel asked.

For a minute Ryan hesitated to respond, he didn't trust them at all, and he didn't know if he should believe his story, but then again, it was backed up by all the information Ryan already knew. He thought for a minute and then spoke.

"Yeah I know them" He said reluctantly.

"Well, we have to keep them protected and as far away from Blair as we possibly can, do you know where they are right now?" Keel asked.

"Um...Not really, but I can find them" Ryan said holding back what he really knew.

"Well, here take some of our supplies, and take this radio, so we can keep in contact with you if you find them...I know its hard to trust us with the stuff you know, but believe me, we're only here to help" Keel said.

Ryan took several med kits and ammunition. Keel gave him a nod and Ryan ran off down the street, leaving the Isis troops behind. He had no idea if they had their own hidden agenda. Ryan was too confused to think about it, he set his sights on finding the others...

Dr.William Birkin

David stood on the street, doubled over and gasping for air. He had been running for what seemed like forever, trying to reach the bomb shelter entrance to city hall. But something didn't seem right to him...no...the cleaner troops had pulled back and left the barricades unmanned. David didn't like what he was seeing, and he knew the answers to his questions were closing in on him. Ducking behind a car he heard a jeep full of soldiers pass by. "So...looks like the Isis boys want to party." said one voice. "GOOD...I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR A REAL FIGHT..chasing some civies around this shit water excuse for a town ain't my idea of a suppression operation!" responded the other soldier. "I hear you on that one.." laughed the other voice, and the jeep sped off. Well...now there's Isis here....just GREAT..my day just went from nightmare to living hell..... thought David, standing up slowly. He looked at the street sign. The rusted and bloodied marker read "Cotton Ave."

Pulling the charging handle back on the submachine gun, David pressed onward. He was tired, and he was angry, and soon he was going to show Markenson just how big a mistake he had made...Just hold on a little longer Alex...I'm coming......

The security monitors flashed the locations of the soldiers onto a positively morose director of security Markenson, project silver, the event he had dreaded the occurrence of ever since he'd heard of its existence, had just gone to hell. His troops were dead, one of his most promising recon personnel had gone rogue on him, and even if he was still in training, David Sunderland represented a major threat not just to Markenson personally, but to Blair itself. Markenson shook off his depressed thoughts, realizing he had to get out of here, had to kill Sunderland..had to escape. "Sir? Sir, I thought you might like to know that the target has just come into the perimeter of this installation..." said a soldier, handing Markenson a report. "Huh? Oh..right...well, that's just great...now we get to die by his hand...." said Markenson quietly. "DIE?! Don't make me laugh...that idiot couldn't hit anything if he tried...granted he was able to outflank some of your rookie cleaner troops, but once he hits the more...er..."experienced" guards we have patrolling around here..they will never even find his body.." replied Piers, still viewing this as some sick game of chess. KILL HIM....kill him...and then destroy this command post...take a squad..and get out..you can win this one Brian... thought Markenson, and he smiled for the first time all night. He would make it out of here alive...and Sunderland...Piers...the test subjects..they could all go to hell..and he would make sure they did....

Carlos Oliveira

Nathan ran pulling Winsor behind him. He fired a few rounds to clear the way and continued down Riverside.

"This way!" yelled Nath as he pulled her down First St. Taking a look she saw why. There were around a dozen or more zombies ahead blocking them. Nathan took a right onto Cherry St. came to a dead stop when he came to New St. There before them was the Police station. Nathan grinned at Winsor and rushed her over to it. Shooting a few zombie cops outside took the grin away from Nathan as he opened the entrance to the station.

"Now what?" Winsor asked.

"Now we find the garage and get us a car!"

"What? Are you serious?"

"Yup! As serious as I was about my feelings for you." he answered with a wink as he grabbed her hand again, not giving her the chance to comment, and started down the hallway to the underground parking. Having been here a few times with his father Nathan knew it well. After shooting a few cops and some civies he found the garage and started looking for keys. There were about 4 cars here but only two looked operational. One of them had no roof lights and looked unmarked. Nathan started searching the room next to it when Winsor walked in with her hand held out waving a set of key at him. With a smirk she said,..."Looking for these?"

Smiling Nathan rushed over to her taking the keys and smiled wide.

"Winsor I could kiss you!" he exclaimed.

Before she could say anything he spoke again,...."Actually I think I will." and with that he leaned over a stole a quick kiss before grabbing her hand again and leading her to the car.

"Come on!"

"Awww gawd. Don't kiss me again or I'll shoot you understand!?!" yelled Winsor.

Nathan looked at her and smiled.

"Fine shoot me later. Right now we are getting out of here!"

They both got into the car and started it up. With a roar the engine came to life and the car pulled away. Nathan stepping on the gas he started driving up Georgia Ave. towards the church when suddenly a man came running into view. Nathan swerved and slammed on the breaks. With a screech of rubber on asphalt the car came to rest as Ryan ran up and started banging on the window. Nathan looked up and smiled as Ryan opened the back door after Nathan unlocked it. He climbed in and smiled.

"Back ups here Nath but I'm not sure if we came trust them."

"What!?! Back up? Who? And where are the others?" Nathan asked.

Ryan explained what had happened and Nathan drove to the church. Nathan wasn't sure what to think about Isis. From what he knew they were all on the same side and just recently started fighting over who gets to announce their findings and claim the glory.

"What are we doin' here?" asked Ryan.

"Isn't this where everyone was headed? That's what David told me."

"No I dropped them off at the GPD!" Ryan replied.

"Shit!" Nathan exclaimed.

With a squeal of rubber on asphalt, Nathan spun the car around and raced back....

Jill Valentine

The tall Brick Building stood four stories high; revealing all it's power and significance to the City of Gaines. It shone magnificently under the pale moonlight, and the metallic glint of the letters which were positioned boldly across the front of the building read, "Gaines City Police Station."

Vanessa and John, holding a fatigued and half conscious Jarred, staggered into the building, hoping to find sanctuary from the evil torments that threatened their only chance of survival.

"Well, what are we going to do now? Half the cops in this building are probably already dead!" John cried, an anxious sign heaving from his exhausted chest.

"Probably?"Vanessa muttered, a smile curving up the corner of her lips. "They are dead my friend..."

John didn't seem too amused by her comment, but faked a smile anyway. His only security from the insanity that plagued the edge of his mind was laughter. Without laughter, nor a sense of humor, he would of already been out of his mind, and darn right crazy.

Their soft footsteps tapped lightly on the ceramic tiled floor; sending an ominous echo throughout the large, decently built lobby of the Police Station. In the center of the lobby, there stood a large oak reception desk, that stretched across the front of the lobby, curving slightly at the edges. Vanessa and John gently set Jarred to the ground, while they decided to explore the area more thoroughly.

"I'll check on the left, you check on the right ok?" John suggested, the slow easy hand movements signaling their positions.

Vanessa nodded in agreement, approaching the right side of the reception desk; a rotting, bloody corpse coming into view as she stepped forward.

"Ughh..that smell..."

Covering her mouth and nose, Vanessa drew the berretta from the slot in her, navy and white checkered skirt. With the trigger snuggly under her finger, her clench around the gun tightened as she hopped over the desk and into the police office...

"Look out!" came a painful moan from Jarred as he lay on the floor. Vanessa quickly spun around, her eyes widened in horror.

"What the fuck!?"

Raising her berretta higher, it met the painful gaze of another lost soul; a young rookie police officer that bared the exact same fearful glance in his eyes as she did.

"Wait," he cried, raising his arms up in a threatened gesture. "I'm a human! I'm...I'm a cop...don't shoot!"

Vanessa soften her facial expression, lowering her weapon, carefully examining the man's face. He had a long broad face, deep blue eyes covered by the short golden bangs that strung over his face, and there was a distinct scar that stretched across under his chin. He was a rather attractive looking man, but she had felt like she recognized him from somewhere, but she just didn't know where.

"Who are you? What's going on?"Vanessa demanded, still unsure of who the man was.

The man stuttered as he spoke, and it seemed that he was heavily shaken by whatever creatures he had encountered.

He identified himself cautiously.

"I'm...Richard Greenwood...."

Richard Greenwood? I know him, he used to work for my stepdad back at the station in George Town...We became really good friends before I had to move here, to Gaines..What is he doing here??

"Richard?" she said, surprised at his

response. "Richard it's me, Vanessa!"

Richard narrowed his eyes in a cautious gaze, before a wide grin plastered across his rugged expression.

"Vanessa!" he cried, scooping up her small body in a warm embrace. "It's good to see you!"

John had heard the threatened yelps, then the joyful cries, and quickly dashed out to see what all the commotion was about.

"What's going on here?" John asked, a stricken look plastered across his demanding expression.

"John, this is Richard, Richard this is John. And that's Jarred over there." Vanessa said, warmly introducing him to her new-found friends.

"Nice to meet you...Hey Jarred..sorry I scared you like that.."

Jarred had a crooked smile of disappointment creasing his wounded, bruised face.

"That's ok..." he replied through painful gurgles.

John and Richard formally shook hands, as Richard began to explain the situation.

"...and then this thing bit me, it hurt for a while, but I've grown immune to the pain some how.."

John and Vanessa stared blankly at Richard, as he blurted out the words. He was infected by a zombie. And it wouldn't be long until he had turned into one....

"Well you have to show me where you guys keep all the weapons and stuff...and I will also need ammunition, and first aid supplies." Vanessa asked, following Richard into the office which was set conveniently behind the reception.

"John, you stay here, and look after Jarred, I will be back as soon as possible."

"No way man, that guy can turn into one of them any second, I'm not leaving you alone with him!" John insisted.

Vanessa let out an aggravated sigh, pulling out her berretta.

"I've got protection. Anyway, we can't leave Jarred alone, you need to protect him. I promise you I'll be fine."

John nodded, slowly sitting down next to Jarred, watching Vanessa slowly disappear into the office....

-------------------------

-Thirty minutes later-

Vanessa had gathered most of the supplies in a convenient back pack which held all the weapons, ammunition, first aid and even some food that she and the others desperately needed. She cautiously watched out for Richard, incase he would turn on her; as his heavy breathing and increased temperature indicated the first steps of the horrific side-affects that would soon take place.

"Ahh.." Richard gasped, holding tightly onto his abdomen. "I have a burning pain..."

Vanessa slowly approached him, placing a firm, sympathetic grip on his shoulder.

"Are you alright? I think you need some serious medical attention..."

Vanessa knew she was lying just for his sake, but how else could you tell a friend of 5 years that he was going to turn into a mindless zombie? It was just too much for her to take...

Suddenly his skin turned a sickening purplish tint, and his pupils rolled to the back of his head, with lifeless veins throbbing all over his mutated body. Blood spurted out from his eyes and mouth, as he hungrily gripped onto Vanessa, releasing his weight over hers, knocking her to the ground.

"Noo!!" she screamed, tears falling from her fearful young eyes. "Get the fuck off me!"

With all her strength, she pushed the corpse away from her, not hesitating to run from it.

"Why does this always happen at a bad time?!" she muttered to herself, twisting and turning through long corridors as she desperately tried to find the exit to the lobby. Coming to an abrupt halt at the end of a hall, she glanced sideways noticing there was a three way intersection of two other corridors.

"Shit! Which way was it..Left or right..."

Her friend who was once Richard Greenwood was not far behind her, and Vanessa had to make her decision fast if she wanted to make it back to Jarred and John alive.

"Fuck it!" she screamed, turning into the right hallway, sprinting as fast as she could. Still running, she burst through the door at the end of the hall, heavily landing on the slanted carpet floor that descended down into the main office.

"Gotta go now, gotta go fast, don't stop.." she chanted to herself, breathlessly sprinting through the narrow, curvy pathway created by the numerous rows of desks and computers covered with thousands of stacks of documents and papers. Typical Rookie desks they were... Before exiting the office, Vanessa noticed a picture of her step-father and Richard sitting on one of the end desks; the silver, metallic spark of the car keys catching the reflection in her eye.

"Yes, thank you Richie!"

Grabbing the keys, Vanessa shoved the picture in the slit of her skirt, exiting the office and running into the lobby.

John and Jarred were still safe; they had fallen asleep from such a long wait for her return.

"Guys, get up!" Vanessa yelled, her voice booming around the hallow lobby."We gotta go now, I got us transport and supplies, and we can get to the church!"

John winced at the tall figure that stood over him, recognizing that Vanessa had returned.

"Ughh, ok...let's go then!"

Scooping Jarred up from his sitting position, Vanessa and John headed towards the exit of the Police station.

"Shit which car is it...." Vanessa muttered, peering around the parking lot. "Well, here goes nothing..."

Pressing the immobilize button, a high pitched beep sounded the car's security system; a silver BMW-A432 in sight.

"There we are, going to the church in style!"

John smiled to himself as he and Vanessa dragged Jarred over to the fancy-looking vehicle. Gently placing Jarred in the comfortable, gray leather seats that lined the back of the car, Vanessa jumped into the driver's seat, fixing the mirrors to her suitability.

"Have you ever driven a car before?" John asked, anxiously pulling the seatbelt over his shoulder.

"Yeah," she replied, turning the key in the ignition, hearing the locomotive spark sound the car's engine. "And the first time I crashed."

John gulped, swallowing back the build up of fear in his throat; he was not too sure if it was such a good idea that Vanessa drive.

"I think I should drive..." John pleaded.

"No, it's fine...I won't kill you, cause then I will kill me!" she joked, slamming her foot down on the accelerator. A high pitched screech of the tires was followed by a trail of gray smoke emerging from the back, as the car smoothly glided around the corner, speeding down the highway. She prayed that Ryan was alright, and had safely found his way to the church. There was also a tight feeling of hope that welled up in her stomach, for she didn't want to encounter that Nemesis monster on the way, since she knew that was the one way she would get them killed....fear....