The Demonicus Strain - Pt. 1

The news of the discovery spread worldwide, announced through way of the internet. The site displayed a cover page from the internationally known tabloid (The Prophet.) When I first saw the page, I had my doubts of its sincerity. It looked like yet another clever hoax pulled off by someone trying to get attention. God knew the internet had its share of frauds and phonies. A great example would be most of the videos on the popular site 'YouTube.'

I sat at my computer desk and examined the set of photos. These photos were supposed to be of a decayed, humanlike creature of unknown origin. One of its most interesting features was a set of horns that protruded from its forehead. The pictures claimed that each horns measured twelve inches from tip to base of the skull.

My attention was drawn to a small window that popped up with a message inside.

"What do you think?"

My fingers glided over my keyboard in response. "Not a bad job. Who did the special effects or is it CGI?"

"I don't think it is bullshit."

"Why?"

"Doctor Steven Travis, does the name mean anything to you?"

The name indeed meant something to me. It meant that what this was is real.

"I haven't had time to read over the entire article. Where was it discovered?"

"Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania."

"That's only about fifty miles from here."

"Dr. Stevens sent you the photo. He wants you on site as soon as possible. He also said not to strain yourself but it's urgent."

He had just used the password, which was the word strain. It meant that I had to be there, the very welfare of our world could depend upon it.

"Tell him to expect me in three hours."

"One more thing, he said to make sure you wear a suit."

The word suit was yet another password used to warn about certain situations. Situations that needed to remain hidden from all that could be monitoring. The man I spoke to was Dr. Stevens' messenger. He knew nothing of the doctors' true intentions.

“I have the perfect suit. The strain will be taken into consideration.”

I switched my computer off, and wiped sweat from my brow. I knew such a situation would arise eventually. Stepping into my bedroom, I opened my closet, slid away my business suits. A computer panel loomed before me on the wall. I had hoped that I would never have to use it.

After I entered my numeral code, the panel awaited my palm for further identification. I placed my palm face down on the scanner. A green beam swept from the top of my hand to the bottom. Then a confirmation light lit up on the panel, and a secret door slid open to reveal a hidden room.

The room held my hazmat suit put together it protected me from the most deadly viruses. Who knew what it might have to keep out this time? The last time it was Ebola. I packed the hazmat suit away in a special suitcase and then left for Pittsburgh.