History

[Aftershock]

history

keep your feet ready, heartbeat steady, keep your eyes open

03.22.2027 We have recently begun studying a new disease. Currently, it presents predominantly in mammals, though it doesn't appear to spread very easily. Monitoring the cases, it has been determined that the rash of unexpected, sudden deaths all had contact with a clearly infected creature shortly before cardiac arrest. The disease appears to be fast acting, killing those who contract it within a matter of hours.

04.14.2027 The disease has spread rapidly. Studies have shown that the virus creates a toxin in the blood, preventing the infected from obtaining oxygen. Nothing more is known at this time, however some human cases have not encountered an infected animal prior to death. There is a possibility of carriers. If we can isolate such specimens, there is potential for a preventative vaccine to be formulated.

09.03.2027 The virus has spread internationally. We have determined a way to test for it, but so far no humans have tested positive as carrier. Many mammals, particularly domesticated animals who have regular contact with each other, have tested positive. There has been no success in determining the factor which prevents them from displaying the traits of the infected. Work is being done worldwide, but I fear we may not determine a vaccine quickly enough, as the sheer number of carriers suggest that the virus spreads much more easily than originally thought.

02.19.2028 Over half of the world's population has been infected, and more are infected by the hour. Governments have begun to create quarantine areas for the healthy, while officials wearing appropriate protection gear gather all domesticated mammals. The virus still has not mutated to affect other creatures. They plan to cull the animals, regardless of whether they are carriers or not. The animals appear to know something is wrong, though. Even the most docile creature has fought back with all it can. Many animals are escaping and running for their lives. I shall continue to work on creating a vaccine, but hope is dwindling.

04.28.2029 The Earth's population has fallen considerably, and we are far outnumbered by the amount of strays that litter the streets. Cities have fallen into disrepair and people congregate in the largest city they can safely reach, wherever they are. However, progress has been made and a vaccine found - for now. At the risk of the human race becoming extinct due to a mutation in the virus in the future, it has become international law to kill and burn the body of any mammal spotted. There have been some I have seen, children of the carriers no doubt - and they frighten me. Their eyes are unusual in shade, and some have oddly colored pelts that appear to have a faint hue of another shade over the natural blacks, browns, reds, golds and whites. I am uncertain if this is true of all offspring, but I cannot research this further. I must protect myself and my race, as must we all. However, I cannot help but hope that, somehow, these extraordinary creatures somehow manage to survive, for they are stronger, faster, and smarter than any I have seen before. Perhaps, somehow, nature has spoken and removed us from the top of the food chain - I suppose only time will tell.

04.02.2031 The start of Hysteria's calender.