Fort Hood, Texas
It has been several days since they landed on the military base. Since their arrival, they have been placed under strict quarantine protocols to prevent the potential spread of the infection.
However, the authorities have recently lifted some restrictions, allowing most of the quarantined family members to go outside and stretch their legs, except for Arthur, whose condition remains uncertain and closely monitored.
The scientists and government officials are deeply curious about Arthur's bizarre resilience. They are puzzled as to how he remains seemingly unaffected emotionally and physically, even after being bitten by a zombie, a creature known for its deadly infection.
Officially, they are unable to conduct detailed research on him because the powerful Reignius family has placed guards around him, preventing any unauthorized testing or probing.
Occasionally, a radical researcher or scientist attempts to secretly obtain a blood sample from Arthur, risking being suppressed or eliminated. These clandestine efforts often end in failure, with those attempting to gather samples mysteriously disappearing without a trace, making it clear that the Reignius family is willing to go to great lengths to shield Arthur.
Meanwhile, Christopher is not confined to quarantine. Today, he walks through the sterile, dimly lit corridors toward the marshal's office to report on his mission progress and his personal safety.
He approaches the door, then opens it quietly. Inside, he salutes the figure seated behind the desk, a stern, aged man in military attire.
"Sir, Marshal," Christopher greets respectfully.
The man, Marshal Edwin Reignius, looks up from his paperwork, a warm smile on his face. "Just call me Uncle Edwin when we're not on duty, my nephew."
"Hah hah hah..." Christopher laughs awkwardly, feeling the formality lighten between them.
Marshal Edwin, the older brother of Christopher's father, is a respected figure, a seasoned military officer, and head of the Reignius family clan. His kinship with Christopher's family runs deep, and he's considered a paternal figure as well.
He gestures toward a chair, inviting Christopher to sit.
Christopher complies, settling into the chair comfortably. "So, how is your family doing? I trust they're not suffocating in the quarantine zone?" Marshal Edwin asks with genuine concern.
"It's okay for now, Uncle"
"Thanks to your arrangements. We're comfortable enough, considering the circumstances," Christopher replies, a hint of gratitude in his voice.
The two men engage briefly in conversation about Christopher's family, updates on their health and well-being, and the conditions within the quarantine zone.
After a while, Marshal Edwin shifts the discussion to a more serious topic. "So, how's Arthur's condition? I hope the military research equipment can give us some answers," he inquires.
Christopher's expression darkens slightly. He shakes his head slowly, showing fatigue and concern.
"Still the same result. He's infected, but remarkably, his brain is still functioning like that of a normal human," he explains.
He elaborates, "Despite the infection, Arthur maintains a surprising level of autonomy. We've tested him multiple times. The virus hasn't overtaken his mind entirely."
The zombies are more diverse than portrayed in movies. Their capabilities include regeneration, unnatural strength, and mutated ability.
Many research tests show that zombies typically operate on instinct, driven by hunger for flesh, and possess a horde mentality. Their memories are wiped out, replaced by sheer instinct and driven by the virus's control.
"But Arthur's case seems different" Christopher said. "He appears to have some level of autonomous thought, similar to a zombie lord"
The zombie lord is the apex of the zombie hierarchy, the most dangerous special zombie that has control over zombie hordes and mutated abilities that are dangerous to fight, they are also the main source of the virus.
The government scientists classified zombies into two categories: Infected zombies, who look mostly normal but deteriorate over time, and special zombies, who have deformed or mutated physiques, often reflecting their previous physical capabilities.
Marshal Edwin nods thoughtfully. "That's concerning. I hope this doesn't hinder the growth of the child," he says seriously.
Christopher feels a wave of worry but nods in agreement. "Me too, Uncle, I hope the infection doesn't affect Arthur"
"Speaking about the zombie lord," Marshal Edwin said, a flicker of anger flashing across his face as he recalled recent events.
"The officials have a mission for you," he announced.
"They want you to exterminate and extract the bodies of zombie lords in Australia, Taiwan, and Japan"
However, the body of the zombie lord in Hawaii, Witch, is not enough as a sample for their purposes"
"Additionally, the leaders of these countries have personally requested our president to deploy the Special Forces to assist the local populations in dealing with the zombie threat."
Christopher, listening intently, stared at Marshal Edwin with intense, almost deadly eyes when the topic of the mission was brought up.
"Are they f****ng with us?" he demanded, his voice edged with anger and disbelief.
Marshal Edwin, maintaining a serious demeanor, responded calmly, "Major General Christopher Reignius, your wordings."
Christopher exploded with rage, standing abruptly and shouting, "Are they f****ng idiots? Do they not realize what hell I just escaped from, carrying a corpse?!"
"My family is constantly in danger because they refuse to rescue us promptly!" His voice echoed with frustration.
"Now, what? They expect me to jump into the slaughterhouse again?! What do they think they are? A white pig full of crap?!"
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he reached a boiling point, though a few minutes later, he began to calm down. Marshal Edwin, looking tired, massaged his forehead to ease his headache.
"Are you done?" he finally asked.
Christopher nodded, still annoyed.
"Good. Now sit down and listen to me, you fool," Marshal Edwin said firmly.
Christopher hesitated but complied, though his face remained annoyed.
"Uncle, I want to resign. My family needs me now more than those corrupt mot*********s in the government," he declared.
"What about your oath?" Edwin inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"My oath is to protect my country only, and not those leeches," Christopher responded defiantly.
Marshal Edwin sighed tiredly, "You've never lost an argument, huh?"
Then, more seriously, he added, "Even if what you say is true, our country needs you to lead this mission. Here are the files you need to review before you make your decision."
Christopher looked at the files and examined the information, noting the appearance and details of the zombie lords from another countries.
"What is this, Uncle?" he asked, confusion evident. "As you can see, these are the intel gathered by themselves during evacuations," Marshal Edwin explained.
"But the most important part is understanding how the zombie lords command their hordes. Look at the files again." Picking up the documents, Christopher studied them carefully, shocked by how uniquely each zombie lord can use their abilities to control their hordes.
In Hawaii, he was locked in a brutal battle with the zombie lord Witch. Despite achieving victory, there were casualties among the survivors.
The Witch can use a corpse to create a zombie even is totally dead. Make the combat psychologically difficult.
After reading thoroughly, he questioned the contamination of the seas
."Are the seas already contaminated?" he asked.
"Yes, ocean water sources are unsafe for human use, and global leaders have already imposed bans on fishing in the seas," Marshal Edwin replied.
"Will America be affected?" Christopher inquired.
"I don't know, but the city bunker is still not ready to receive residents," Marshal Edwin responded.
Christopher hesitated before saying, "I accept the mission, but I don't want to be backstabbed by government officials again, Uncle."
"It's okay. Our family's subordinate will join the mission, and I will make sure no one can betray us this time." Marshal Edwin reassured him
"Thank you, Uncle." Christopher smiled faintly and said