Silent Escape
A Halloween Story
Chapter 1
by 
SilverSpectre006
December 31, 2029
"And that concludes our morning broadcast. I would like to take this time to share a personal thank you for sharing this wonderful year with us and we look forward to enjoying a brand decade of history together."
"That's right John, we-oh! We interrupt this broadcast to bring you current footage of what appears to be some sort of disturbance near the Meridian Bay at Susano'o Central near Japan."
"That makes it our third this month with still no comment from investigators."
"I'm sure we'll receive some sort of explanation soon."
"Might have to wait the rest of the year for an update on this one."
"You kidder."
January 6, 2030
"This just in, we are getting reports of another unidentified creature caught in Fisherman's Paradise once again. As you can see-ew!"
"Gah, that's not the prettiest worm is it?"
"I don't know what that is but... I'm sorry, I can't review this. Can we change the subject, can someone get me some water?"
"Oh? That's alright, I'll take the notes from here. Another unidentified creature caught by local fishermen, this time seemingly attached to salmon. Researchers claim it to be a new parasite of some kind, authorities have cautioned any consumers of sea food to be wary. How are you doing, Sue, you want me to close for today?"
"No, I can handle that. Ahem, and that closes us off for another morning newscast. I'm Susan Whitney."
"And I'm John Barlow saying, Good Morning America!"
February 2, 2030
"Another alarming spike near the eastern coast as Rhode Island recently updated their number of sick patients today raising the number to an estimated 300,000 this week, nearly one-third the state population."
"The FDA has called for food inspections primarily targeting seafood, leading many to speculate that this may be more than food poisoning happening around the coasts."
"It's not just in the United States, as you can see here this chart displays the rate of patients treated for similar symptoms including upset stomach, fever, high blood pressure and discoloration in Great Britain, Japan, and Italy. Local officials have now classified this as an ongoing epidemic as distant continents are beginning to show these symptoms as well. Back to you after these messages."
March 6, 2030
"Another homicide case this morning, this time between a father and his son. Police were called yesterday at 4:45pm in a local neighborhood at Houston, Texas. We have news reporter Ana Wong at the scene, Ana what do you have for us today?"
"Hello Susan, we are here at the scene of a once calm and peaceful neighborhood where police were called to the scene. Witnesses reported sudden screaming accompanied by gunshots, the screaming was described as ravenous and 'not human'. Police arrived at the house where two bodies were found. One body was identified as Houston Elementary teacher Sophia Haddenson, the other remains unknown. Police believe their 18 year old son Garfield Haddenson to be responsible for the gunshots as he was discovered holding a hunting rifle and hiding in the tool shed at their backyard. Police believe Garfield had just returned home from school before the shooting occurred. Neighbors claim that Garfield never displayed any signs of discomfort or anger, one did mention that their father had gotten sick after returning from a fishing trip last weekend. When questioned, the police only disclosed that Garfield was caught in a shaken state, rambling to himself repeatedly and I quote, 'I had to put it down, that thing killed ma, it was going to kill me. He made me promise.' This is Ana Wong, back to you Sue."
"Thank you Miss Wong, let's not forget last week's report where a double homicide took place in Florida as well. Iceland and Australia have both issued a nation wide quarantine, closing all airports and refusing any personal contact outside to be made. Still no report from South Korea regarding the epidemic, John?"
"Huh? Oh sorry, I've just been getting the worst migraine today."
"Haha, can someone get John a glass of water please? This is Susan Whitney."
"And I'm... John Barlow, thank you."
"Saying, Good Morning America!"
"Crap, that was my line. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. It happens."
March 24, 2030
"Several states have now began to enforce a statewide quarantine blocking all borders in an effort to reduce the growing epidemic. Still no information but speculation has increased around social media with several groups claiming it is an unidentified parasite that has become the cause of this world wide issue. The FDA has prohibited all sea food from being sold and has caused hundreds of markets to shut down as of last week. Ana would you mind showing us what's going on downtown today?"
"..."
"Ana? Ana are you there?"
"..."
"Is there a camera malfunction or something? You can't get in touch with her? With no one? Okay, yea no I got it. We seem to be having some technical difficulties, we will be right back after these messages."
April 4, 2030
"This is Susan Whitney reporting to you with another-Aaah!"
"Oh my god, he's bleeding. Someone call an ambulance!"
"Uhh we-we appear to be having some technical difficulties today. We'll be right back after these messages! Does he have that thing on him? Oh god, call the pol-"
April 7, 2030
"Good morning everyone, this will be our final report until further notice. We at the station felt it was worth sharing this bit of news before evacuating. The claims of a parasite are true, we do not know what type of species it relates to, as of now it is a new discovery. What we do know is that they affect cognitive functions and physical mutations, and that exposure to the parasite can occur through biting or ingesting contaminated food. Be sure to boil or cook your food safely. The CDC has confirmed that heat can kill the parasite and ensure a safe meal, and to avoid anyone displaying odd or suspicious behavior. There is a cure underway-"
The television screen turns to static.
April 10, 2030
The static is replaced by a black screen with large white text in display accompanied by an eerie siren.
Beeeeeeep!
Beeeeeeep!
Boooooooooooooooooooooooop!
National Alert!
- Report unusual behavior.
- Barricade your homes.
- Avoid all contact with infected individuals.
- Wait for official instructions.