Albert Peterson - The Hibernia Strain

“Emma get out the emergency exit,” I manage to spit out.

I feel her let go of me. Good. Run!At least you might get away safe. You might even think I sacrificed myself to hold these mutants up to give you time to escape. It’s the usual story. I dream of being a hero, but when it comes down to it my imagination is as far as my heroism gets. I’m such a pitiful loser.

The wretched Toma is practically upon me. All I’m able to do is close my eyes in anticipation of what’s to come.

Whoosh! It sounds as though a jumbo jet has flown by my right hand side. I feel cool droplets speckle across my face.

I open my eyes and before me is a white fog. Thick and scented like chemicals. The realisation of what’s happening takes a second for my brain to register but as Emma flings the emptied fire extinguisher towards the front of the bus I snap out of my daze.

“Move,” she barks. I back away from the filthy choking coughs emanating from in front of me and we both make a hasty retreat towards the exit beside the back seat.

I pull the bar to release the door and push it open but don’t go any further because awaiting us outside is a mob of at least six more of these infected. A fire extinguisher won’t be enough to save us this time.

The gang of miscreants is gathering outside the exit in a huddled group. Not attempting to climb to us. Instead, they’re waiting for our inevitable attempt to flee from the bus.

Our options are limited to say the least. We can either descend into the menacing band of monsteroids or stay on board and somehow try to overcome the other three. The outcome of the latter, I’m sure, will simply result in more swarming onto the bus so I can dismiss that as a choice.

I realize it’s my turn to grow a pair and give Emma a genuine chance of escaping. If I hurl myself into the group I might be able to make a big enough gap in the crowd for her to follow me and make a run for it.

“My turn,” I announce in my bravest voice possible.

I glance quickly in her direction, not letting our eyes make contact as I’d rather she doesn’t see the watery fear building up in mine.

I return my attention to outside the door and pick a spot to bombard with my torso.

“Follow me and run away as fast as you can,” I shout as I ready myself to jump.

I go for it, but find myself needing to grab hold of the door frame as an unexpected impact knocks me backwards.

Mangled bodies are sent flying in every direction. A huge, shiny 4x4 jeep with bull bars on the bumper has rammed into the group, decapitating some and pinning others against the side of the bus.

I don’t recognise the vehicle, but as the passenger window rolls down I hear a familiar voice, over the howls of annoyance and pain emanating from around us.

“You fancy moving your arse there mate.” Shawn has finally decided to make an appearance.

“With pleasure,” I respond grabbing Emma’s hand and pulling her with me as I jump into the open trailer part of the jeep.

Once were safely aboard, Shawn floors the accelerator and the jeep lurches into life. We hold on for dear life as we get bounced around the back as Shawn powers away from the bus leaving a furious looking Toma standing in the doorway.

When we’re a safe enough distance away, he pulls up and lets us in.

“New friend?” he greets as we pile into the front seat.

“New wheels?” I answer. He grins with a wry smile.

“Yea but it’s only a loaner. It suits me huh?”

”Oh to a tee,” I say mockingly. He gives me the finger as he grins.

I make all the necessary introductions.

“About time you got yourself a girlfriend.” I blush profusely.

He locks the doors before I can reply and starts driving again. He continues, “We have to keep moving. It draws their attention if we stay in one spot too long.”

Their attention? He seems to know more about what’s going on than we do.

“So do you have any idea what’s happening?” I question.

“To put it simply, it seems there’s been some sort of outbreak, and we poor saps are stuck slap bang in the middle of it. This shit seems to take control of ya and turns you into some sort of friggin’ zombie, like your friends back there on the bus,” is his unbelievable reply. Unbelievable yes, but it certainly would explain everything that’s been happening. But how did this all come about?

As if he was reading my mind, Shawn suggests, “Turn on the radio, and it will explain everything in more detail.”

I oblige and twist the volume button, but there’s only static, the same as the radio at Emma’s apartment.

“There no reception,” I argue.

“Tune it to the 89.6 frequency. It’s a government emergency broadcast.”

I tune it in and sure enough there’s a reception. A clear voiced man is speaking. I recognize it as being our president’s voice. He must be safely sheltered away somewhere with our other government officials. Standard protocol in a disaster situation I presume.

“How did you know to tune it in to that frequency?” I question.

“Earlier when I couldn’t get a signal I just did an auto scan and the radio locked on to it. Simple enough really, even an idiot could figure that out”.

I feel my cheeks burning.

“It’s good to see that even in a disaster you’re your usual sarcastic asshole self,” I say with furrowed eyebrows. He’s intentionally trying to embarrass me in front of Emma. I know it shouldn’t even register in my thoughts after we’ve just had such a narrow escape from a dangerous situation, but I can’t help wanting to look good in Emma’s eyes.

“Yep, well I did learn from the best,” he sniggers back. I let out a chuckle.

“Ok start listening now.”

I stare at the radio and listen intently. I hear the president’s voice stop. There’s a crackle, and he starts again. It must be a recording playing in a loop.

---“This is your president speaking. As of one AM Sunday the 3rd August, Ireland is in a declared state of emergency. Information as of yet is limited, but what we do know is that a highly contagious viral outbreak has occurred and citizens are requested to remain in their homes.

Emergency and communication services appear to have been compromised but please rest assured that if you remain in your homes then this situation will be resolved with minimal casualties.

We have made contact with our allies overseas via military communication systems and assistance protocols are being negotiated.

The army is currently being deployed to assist so do not worry help is at hand. I ask you to follow any orders they may have without fuss.

In circumstances where staying at home is not a viable option, it is advised that you make your way to the nearest Garda station or town hall. These areas will act as safe zones for the duration of this epidemic.

As for the virus, our top scientists have been able to learn that it is spread via human body fluid exchange so avoid contact with saliva, blood and any other fluids. It does not appear to be an airborne contagion.

You can trust that your safety is my primary concern, so that is why I’m urging you once again to stay indoors. This is a life or death situation so please do not treat it in any other way. Ration any food you may have to last for as long as possible.

I will provide further broadcasts as I receive information. So for the moment lets all pray for a speedy and safe conclusion to this affair. That is all for now. Godspeed”---

There’s a crackle, and the loop begins to repeat again. I turn the volume down. Nobody says anything.

State of emergency huh? Things must be really bad. Hmmm, I guess we just witnessed firsthand how bad. Stay indoors. That’s good advice and here we are travelling around town like fools. Can they figure out a cure? Is a potential cure even possible to concoct?