Through Rough Times - A Zombie Apocalypse Adventure (alternate-timelines.com Edition)

[gillan1220]

Original thread here

---

---

Through Rough Times
A Zombie Apocalypse Adventure

Genre: Horror/Adventure/Drama/Friendship/Romance/Tragedy

Written by:
gillan1220 
ukron

---

Acknowledgements

A special thank you to all my online friends that supported this project that ran for two years.

To my airsoft buddies, for lifting me up when I was depressed as to give an avenue of venting my frustrations the correct way.

To ukron, for continuing the story so it will not fade into necromancy, for contributing knowledge of French politics, military, and society, and for funny memes and moments during the writing of this book.

To those who corrected my grammar and mistakes for the improvement of this story as well as my personal skills.

And of course, to the zombie genre itself for making this story possible.

---

Preface:

This is an online novel co-written with my friend ukron from France. We first wrote this around October 2018 as a draft via private conversation until we decided we could publish the first chapters as we fleshed out the storyline. Believe it or not, this story was a product of me trying to get my head off some personal issues that occurred at the time I was writing this. Months later, I liked the outcome and hence I decided to continue it.

For those wondering, this a zombie apocalypse drama adventure story that heavily borrows elements from The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Highschool of the Dead, and Resident Evil. Along the way, we have inserted some references from other movies or pop-culture media. Try to spot them and feel free to comment.

Note that despite being the story set in 2018 where modern pop-culture zombie genre exists, it was really a challenge for me to write this since that would have contradicted the outbreak from going to global proportions. But hey, if we make too realistic there wouldn't be a story right? LOL. Plus, in zombie apocalypse stories, there are always plotholes why the virus would spread. So yeah, I tried to make this as realistic as possible.

This edition will have some differences from the version over at alternatehistory.com. 

Feel free to comment and criticize it.

---

Dedicated to the applicants, rookies, and members of USC Mountaineers, Inc. Batch HAIT (Filipino for sharp) 2016-2017 and Batch Rookies n' Creme 2019-2020; 2020-2021. Congratulations to the newly promoted members last July 2021.

[lordroel]

Aug 15, 2021 11:49:23 GMT gillan1220 said:

Original thread here

---

---

Through Rough Times
A Zombie Apocalypse Adventure

Genre: Horror/Adventure/Drama/Friendship/Romance/Tragedy

Written by:
gillan1220 
ukron

---

Acknowledgements

A special thank you to all my online friends that supported this project that ran for two years.

To my airsoft buddies, for lifting me up when I was depressed as to give an avenue of venting my frustrations the correct way.

To ukron, for continuing the story so it will not fade into necromancy, for contributing knowledge of French politics, military, and society, and for funny memes and moments during the writing of this book.

To those who corrected my grammar and mistakes for the improvement of this story as well as my personal skills.

And of course, to the zombie genre itself for making this story possible.

---

Preface:

This is an online novel co-written with my friend ukron from France. We first wrote this around October 2018 as a draft via private conversation until we decided we could publish the first chapters as we fleshed out the storyline. Believe it or not, this story was a product of me trying to get my head off some personal issues that occurred at the time I was writing this. Months later, I liked the outcome and hence I decided to continue it.

For those wondering, this a zombie apocalypse drama adventure story that heavily borrows elements from The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Highschool of the Dead, and Resident Evil. Along the way, we have inserted some references from other movies or pop-culture media. Try to spot them and feel free to comment.

Note that despite being the story set in 2018 where modern pop-culture zombie genre exists, it was really a challenge for me to write this since that would have contradicted the outbreak from going to global proportions. But hey, if we make too realistic there wouldn't be a story right? LOL. Plus, in zombie apocalypse stories, there are always plotholes why the virus would spread. So yeah, I tried to make this as realistic as possible.

This edition will have some differences from the version over at alternatehistory.com. 

Feel free to comment and criticize it.

---

Dedicated to the applicants, rookies, and members of USC Mountaineers, Inc. Batch HAIT (Filipino for sharp) 2016-2017 and Batch Rookies n' Creme 2019-2020; 2020-2021. Congratulations to the newly promoted members last July 2021.

Nice cover.

[gillan1220]

Aug 15, 2021 12:13:27 GMT lordroel said:

Aug 15, 2021 11:49:23 GMT gillan1220 said:

Original thread here

---

---

Through Rough Times
A Zombie Apocalypse Adventure

Genre: Horror/Adventure/Drama/Friendship/Romance/Tragedy

Written by:
gillan1220  
ukron

---

Acknowledgements

A special thank you to all my online friends that supported this project that ran for two years.

To my airsoft buddies, for lifting me up when I was depressed as to give an avenue of venting my frustrations the correct way.

To ukron , for continuing the story so it will not fade into necromancy, for contributing knowledge of French politics, military, and society, and for funny memes and moments during the writing of this book.

To those who corrected my grammar and mistakes for the improvement of this story as well as my personal skills.

And of course, to the zombie genre itself for making this story possible.

---

Preface:

This is an online novel co-written with my friend ukron from France. We first wrote this around October 2018 as a draft via private conversation until we decided we could publish the first chapters as we fleshed out the storyline. Believe it or not, this story was a product of me trying to get my head off some personal issues that occurred at the time I was writing this. Months later, I liked the outcome and hence I decided to continue it.

For those wondering, this a zombie apocalypse drama adventure story that heavily borrows elements from The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Highschool of the Dead, and Resident Evil. Along the way, we have inserted some references from other movies or pop-culture media. Try to spot them and feel free to comment.

Note that despite being the story set in 2018 where modern pop-culture zombie genre exists, it was really a challenge for me to write this since that would have contradicted the outbreak from going to global proportions. But hey, if we make too realistic there wouldn't be a story right? LOL. Plus, in zombie apocalypse stories, there are always plotholes why the virus would spread. So yeah, I tried to make this as realistic as possible.

This edition will have some differences from the version over at alternatehistory.com. 

Feel free to comment and criticize it.

---

Dedicated to the applicants, rookies, and members of USC Mountaineers, Inc. Batch HAIT (Filipino for sharp) 2016-2017 and Batch Rookies n' Creme 2019-2020; 2020-2021. Congratulations to the newly promoted members last July 2021.

Nice cover.

Thank you! Also I forgot to mention, my story is self-insert so I am the OC. It is inspired from this other self-insert Highschool of the Dead fanfic where-in a retired firefighter self-inserts himself in the story. Don't worry, the other characters are fictional.

[lordroel]

Aug 15, 2021 12:19:26 GMT gillan1220 said:

Aug 15, 2021 12:13:27 GMT lordroel said:

Nice cover.

Thank you! Also I forgot to mention, my story is self-insert so I am the OC. It is inspired from this other self-insert Highschool of the Dead fanfic where-in a retired firefighter self-inserts himself in the story. Don't worry, the other characters are fictional.

Well no problem, i do hope your alternate version survives all of what is coming.

[gillan1220]

Chapter 1: The Reality of Life

There's no reason, there's no rhyme

I found myself blindsided by

A feeling that I've never known

I'm dealing with it on my own

Phone is quiet, walls are bare

I drink myself to sleep, who cares?

No one even has to know

I'm dealing with it on my own

I got way too much time to be this hurt

Somebody help, it's getting worse

What do you do with a broken heart?

Once the light fades, everything is dark

Way too much whiskey in my blood

I feel my body giving up

Can I hold on for another night?

What do I do with all this time?​

- LANY - Malibu Nights​

October 12, 2018
Los Angeles, California

A delegation of Filipino students visiting California were given a week of liberty after touring around the place. They were enjoying each other's company. Two pairs splintered to be on their own. One of them wanted alone time.

The two of them sat in bar.

"She dumped me yesterday man," Gillan sulked as he chugged the beer on his mug.

"Who?" Asked his friend Mike Riviera.

"Kimberly. She finally did it. Declared Clyde her 'boyfriend'. Saw it from her Instagram stories. Don't know if it is legit that they are together but I'll assume the worse. I already have been anticipating this since July when I saw they were getting closer and closer while she kept on making excuses that she could not meet me. Yes we met in a Korean Restaurant last August 29 but it was more of a send-off ceremony since she and Clyde started 'dating' but mate tell you what, it still has an impact." The 22 year old said, as he poured more beer on his mug.

"I'm so sorry to hear this Gill." Mike replied. "The last time I tried hitting on a girl, she broke my heart. Funny thing, her name also started with a K."

"Welp, that makes the two us. Cheers!" Gillan sarcastically said as both of them toasted in memory of the ones that got away.

"Hey bro, it's alright," Mike said, trying to console his friend. "Don't let that ruin the trip."

----

Venice Beach
Los Angeles, California

Gabrielle walked with her boyfriend Charles in the sprawling beach walk of Venice. The place was lined up with shops, stalls, and souvenir stands along with trendy teens, tourists, and young adults. It was the perfect date for the young couple, having graduated this year with a degree in accountancy and having passed the board exams last May. She was now a CPA and moved on the next phase of life: work.

For Gabrielle, it was the happiest moment of her life. Having rid of that asshole boyfriend she had the previous and whom she had dated for 11 months before breaking up, it was a sign of moving on. This newer guy, who happened to be her classmate in college as well, was nicer and kinder.

As they walked, they noticed one homeless man appearing pale and greyish clutching a wound in his arm. By instinct, the pair moved away from the hobo. "Must have been involved in an altercaration." The guy said as he circled his arm around Gabrielle's shoulder.

"Let's not get to easy with these folks, Gabrielle," He said.

True, Los Angeles was full of freaks and dangerous people.

The pair continued to walk and take pictures in this iconic area facing the Pacific Ocean. The sunset was beautiful. Using her GoPro, Gabrielle took a selfie of both of them with the background of the sunset.

"This would be go Coupled by 9GAG on Instagram tonight," Gabrielle said as she kissed her boyfriend on the lips.

----

Los Angeles Police Department Main Headquarters

The armory of the LAPD Metropolitan Division was full of operators donning in vests, loading magazines, and checking the status of their weapons. One of them, an Asian-American named Francis Cunningham, placed several 30-round magazines for his HK416 and five mags for his Glock 17. He had checked his gear since they were out to be deployed to South Central Los Angeles where gangs of African Americans and Latinos have began fighting again.

Minutes later, he along with his fellow SWAT officers assembled at the back of an armored van where Commander Miller was briefing them on the situation.

"Alright men, so apparently, things have gone to shit in South Central. Residents are reporting of melee battles between Latino gangs and African American gangs. We've been tasked to provide backup for the LAPD riot officers. Reports are 10 have been killed in the violence, cars have been set ablaze, while several shops have been looted. I ask you guys to stay sharp and look at each others back. Am I clear?" The commander said.

Sir yes sir!" The men shouted in unison.

"Good. Now we take the streets from these lowlife bastards." The commander muttered.

There were a total of two SWAT vans accompanied by five police cruisers backed by a police helicopter for air support. The convoy sped through the busy streets of Los Angeles, their red, white, and blue neon lights flashing the scene as onlookers watched the speeding law enforcement vehicles raced down the road.

----

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

21 year old Spencer Logan from Chicago to attend a pinball convention held at the convention center this month. This was his hobby since he was kid. In addition, he loves arcade games. Back home, he has two pinball machines, including The Simpsons, and Konami's obscure horror arcade shooter called Evil Night (which is basically a rip-off of The House of the Dead). He also scored on of the highest in The House of the Dead back in one of the arcades in Illinois.

Arriving at his hotel, Spencer was excited to see his fellow competitors and explore the city's famous landmarks. He was also excited to see one of his friends in the Marines, Trevor Allen, who was stationed at Camp Pendleton down in San Diego.

"Welcome to the West Coast, Spencer." He told himself, since the liberal culture of the Western Seaboard was distinctively different from back in the MidWest.

[gillan1220]

For those wondering, the alternate-timelines.com version won't have all the maps and and video embeds as I intend to have it as a Writer's Forum format. All the maps and video embeds can be seen in the original thread on alternatehistory.com

[american2006]

This looks cool. Gillian maybe I could write in my own experiences here in this ATL like you did with Butterflying the Bat, if your ok with it.

[gillan1220]

Aug 15, 2021 15:05:49 GMT american2006 said:

This looks cool. Gillian maybe I could write in my own experiences here in this ATL like you did with Butterflying the Bat, if your ok with it.

Feel free to do so.

[gillan1220]

Chapter 2: The Two Frenchmen

October 12, 2018
Pasadena, California

"Curse this hangover," Jules growled.

He checked his watch. It was 7:00 AM in the morning. The young French army reservist had a problem with the alcohol. It was obvious that he drank too much in his eyes but he was on vacation in the USA; California to be specific. It was cool and that would let him rest before going back to school and joining the professional army.

"Dylan, where are you my friend?"

Dylan was also a French reservist, but in the air force. The two friends knew each other by Facebook and had built strong bonds by common interests like aviation or Aerospatiale, moreover this was the main reason for this trip as the planned to visit the JPL Pasadena along with some friends who studied at CALTECH.

"I am here, buddy," answered Dylan.

"Remind me not to believe that California wine is not as good as that of Burgundy."

The night before, the two French had supported to their American friends that the Californian wine was not as good as the real wine, the French wine.

"Do you see what happened at home?" asked Dylan.

"Nope," replied Jules. "I never read the news when I am on vacation. It's too depressing."

"Well, they said that the Paris suburbans was engulfed in riots after a shooting between police and unknown aggressors,"  said Dylan, his voice sounding serious.

"Oh fuck," Jules exclaimed. "I hope that army don't call us back. I want to enjoy this trip."

He did not want to report to duty yet.

"Yes, me too," his buddy agreed. "We still have plenty to see or do."

[gillan1220]

Chapter 3: Living Our Moments

October 14, 2018
Beverly Hills
Los Angeles, California

"Happy 22nd Birthday my love," Charles said as the waiter brought their USDA Rib-eye prime steak to their table.

It was Gabrielle's 22nd birthday. No longer a cringey teen that used to post teenage videos on YouTube, Gabrielle was already a full-fledged woman (as with all people who were born in 1996 and turned 22 this year). Tonight, her boyfriend treated her to one of the expensive steak houses in Beverly Hills.

The waiter then approached and poured complimentary red wine on their wine glasses.

Together, the couple hit their wine glasses before taking a sip.

"Thank you my dear," The birthday celebrant said.

----

Dave n Busters Arcade
Torrance, California

Gillan and Mike visited Dave n Busters to test out SEGA's latest release in the arcade: House of the Dead: Scarlet Dawn. The two have been loyal fans of SEGA's The House of the Dead franchise, having played it back in Timezone in the Philippines when it was still plentiful around the 2000s and the early 2010s. It had been years since SEGA released a new addition to their series, the last one with The House of the Dead 4, and its expansion pack, 4 Special, around 2005-2006.

The line for the game was long, as many of the fans of The House of the Dead, now grownups, anxiously waited for the series to come back. Finally, it was the turn to try out the new shooter. Entering the booth covered by ripped tarp, the two best friends inserted their tokens and began the game. Mike chose two extra lives while Gillan chose one extra life and grenade launcher, just in case the game would spam zombies on the screen. Mike was 1P while Gillan was 2P.

As the game began, the two then shot at the approaching zombies and battled bosses. Of course, the game was difficult so both players died several times. However, they had prepared several tokens for this game. It took at least 15 tokens to defeat, coinciding with both beating the boss called The Moon. To their dismay however, the game showed the villain named Thornheart survived.

"It's impossible to change a predefined future. Your ordeal has only just begun."

The villain initially known as "The Mystery Man" by loyal fans taunted the players.

"THE STORY CONTINUES IN THE NEXT HOUSE OF THE DEAD..." A text appeared on the screen.

"Is that it?" Gillan said disappointingly. He had expected a lot for SEGA in regards to Scarlet Dawn.

"Unfortunately yeah, it was anti-climatic." Mike said. "However, we already know that the villain will survive since Scarlet Dawn is set 13 years before the events of 3."

The two were then exited the cabinet and went on to the snack bar to get some Cookies n Creme shake. The past days, Gillan was still trying to cope up with being dumped by Kimberly. Spending time with Mike definitely took things off the hook.

"What is not mine is not meant for me," Gillan told himself.


Right now, he just wanted to forget her. Both of them then continued to talk about life in general or talking about memories in high school in the early 2010s.

----

"Man shot by police after apparently eating a cat and refusing to heed officers orders."
- KTLA Headlines, October 14, 2018

"CDC investigating rumors of 'cannibal disease' and 'PCP Drug epidemic'"
- Small article on The Los Angeles Times, October 14, 2018

----
LAPD Fatally Shoot Man After Violent Attack At Residence
Jason Gibson, Staff Reporter

LOS ANGELES – On Sunday evening Los Angeles police officers shot and killed an assailant who attacked the officers after allegedly assaulting four members of his own family, an LAPD spokesperson said.

Officers David Moran and Ryan Fornabaio responded to a domestic disturbance call at the Culver City residence of Patrick Sutherland, 38, at approximately 6:30 p.m. The officers entered Sutherland's home where they found Sutherland's family hiding inside the master bedroom closest. They observed that "a lot of things" had been broken and that the entire house was in disarray. They at first suspected a home invasion but then discovered Sutherland in the back alley of the home, covered in blood, and devouring a neighborhood cat.

"Officers suspected Sutherland might have been under the influence of  hallucinatory drugs," the LAPD spokesperson stated. "However, when approached by officers, Sutherland discarded the cat and came at them with intent. He disobeyed police orders and refused to stand down."

The officers fired several shots at Sutherland. Neighboring residents said they heard a dozen gunshots. The shooting shook the family of neighbor Emily Harold. Her 7-year old daughter was outside playing, watched over by her 18-year old son, John Harold, and his girlfriend, Melanie. The couple was brought to West Hollywood division to provide witness statements.

Mr. Sutherland was declared dead at the scene.

The Los Angeles county coroner is awaiting toxicity reports to indicate the presence of any psychoactive substances in Sutherland's system. His family reports that he had no history of drug use but had been feeling ill for several days prior to the bloody rampage.

Sutherland's aggressive episode is the eleventh in a series of violent attacks that have been reported across this nation this week.

----

[gillan1220]

Chapter 4: Safety First

October 15, 2018 (8:00 AM)
Pasadena, California

Dylan closely watched the news updates on his iPhone in the dark.

"it's bad for eyes," said Jules. The screen light will destroy your retina."

Dylan did't answer back immediately.

"Do you see what is happening?"

"You are missing the holidays," replied Jules. Somehow, he wanted to escape from all the bad news of the world. He reminded his friend Dylan to not pay attention to that until they got home.

"The holidays are yet fucked up," added Dylan. "Watch this."

Dylan's iPhone was open on Youtube. It was broadcasting a video of the riots in Nantes and Paris.

"We saw an emergency doctor being bitten by a patient," the anchorman on the video spoke.

"What's this thing, another fake news?" asked Jules.

"It's more serious than you think, Youtube is overwhelmed by this kind of videos."

"So what?" Jules added. "Little jokers are trying to dramatize riots a few weeks before Halloween, what do you think?"

"Probably nothing but you do not find it disturbing that the government makes no statement about it?" Dylan argued. "They are probably trying to hide the problem."

"Oh, not yet the conspiracy theory," Jules sighed. However, he did not want his friend to worry. "We're going to the consulate and I'm going to show you that you're just a big paranoid."

"Okay but if I am right, you will excuse yourself for the 'big paranoid.'"

"Sure, buddy."

----

LYON, FRANCE (18:00): MULTIPLE CASUALTIES IN LYON AFTER A RIOT, DEVELOPING
- AP Headlines regarding the situation in France, October 15, 2018, Central European Time

----

AFP Source: "Police confirm multiple casualties after aggressive suspects attack mob."

"Suspects have been see as they try to bite other people."

"Lyon Municipal Police deny rumors about military deployment in the streets."

"Merde!" Jules shouted upon seeing the news on his phone.

"What the fuck is going on?" asked Dylan.

"Just to be sure, we got to contact the French Consulate and inform them we are safe and what is the safety of our families," Jules replied. The two then hopped on board on a sedan they rented and drove to the French Consulate in Los Angeles.

----

October 15, 2018 (11:00 AM)
Santa Monica Blvd

The main artery of the City of Angels was completely blocked. The rental car of the two French might not get very far, which was the most disruptive it was the huge number of police cars and ambulances, tempting to fight their way through the traffic. There appeared to be a vehicular accident 

"That's sure it will not help the fight against pollution," said Jules.

Looking to his right while doing humor, Dylan did not answer he was too absorbed by the scene that was unfolding in front of them.

"Oh my God!" Dylan shouted.

"What's going on?" Jules asked.

It was then that he saw the scene, a man disarticulated and covered with saliva and blood limped forward towards them.

"Stop now or I shoot!" shouted the LAPD cop but the man was still walking, unperturbed.

It was then that the two French tourists heard the sound of the Berreta 92F unloadin. A bullet lodged inside the belly of the man followed by another in pelvis. The man was struggling to drag his casings on the macadam.

"But what is it?" exclaimed Dylan.

The man was crawling towards the cop, a third detonation was heard but nothing changed. The creature approached dangerously the cop and the car of the two French. Jules then opened wide his door tilting the head of the man, the latter blew a big blow and he fell dead.

"God, I killed him," Jules squared to Dylan and the Policeman who approached.

"Fucking junkie," exclaimed the cop. "It's the fifth of the day on Santa Monica."

"It's not possible that it's a junkie be able to do that," said Dylan. "This guy had the intestines spread out of his belly."

"It's not the first time I saw this," the cop replied. "Yesterday, we were called for an assault, the supsect had half of the low belly strewn along the sidewalk. These people, they barely resemble any humans."

"Well, I imagine you're going to stop me, sir," said Jules.

"Why? You just do not want this son of a bitch to kill you or hurt you," the cop spoke. :Besides we are overworked with these assaults. If you go somewhere to avoid Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, a lot of assaults have been reported."

"Thank you sir," the French replied.

A start of panic had touched the occupants of the cars nearby. Yhey had hurriedly left their cars, definitely blocking the road.

"Damn," said Dylan. "We'll have to do it on foot."

"Where are you guys going?" The cop asked.

"At the Consulate of France, in the area to avoid."

"Try to reach the area near the Cedars Sinai Medical Center. We have set up an operational center, can you be able to escort you through the area."

"Thank you."

"Good luck."

The policeman went away, sheathing his Beretta back to his holster.

Dylan and Jules took their few belongings and decided to cut through the completely blocked freeway of cars and into Fairfax Avenue where dog patrols of the LAPD were inspecting the crowd. Most people were getting worried. The pair could hear their words.

"They say that it is also produced in San Francisco. in a bar, 6 people killed by a crazy covered with blood."

"It's not possible," began to shout a female voice.

"Fucking Mexicans," argue a Masculine voice.  "I'm sure it's them."

A K9 dog began to pull out the cros and growl. Something was definitely wrong in the city of Angels.

[ukron]

Great! Thanks gillan1220,

[gillan1220]

Aug 25, 2021 14:52:47 GMT ukron said:

Great! Thanks gillan1220 ,

You're welcome!

[gillan1220]

Chapter 5: Strange Occurences

October 15, 2018 (10:00 AM)
Anaheim, California

I just remembered that exactly five years ago I was in Bohol when the earthquake hit. I was only 17 back then and a cringey college freshman. I will surely write that in my blog tonight. Today, however, Mike decided to take me to a shooting range. It would be a good way to to let off some heat.

Entering the range, we paid for the gear and rented an AR-15, an civilian AK-47, a SIG Sauer P226, a Heckler & Koch P2000, and an M870 shotgun. I specifically requested the AR-15 have a Magpul CTR stock, an PTS angled foregrip, and an EOTech 551 Holographic sight. Mike requested the AK have an M4 stock, an Aimpoint red dot sight, and a vertical foregrip. The next two hours was spent on capping rounds on paper targets. Mikel and I also practiced shooting at the center mass and the headshot. Somehow, something in my mind was telling me to practice headshots. I had a weird feeling I would need that in the future. Just my paranoia I guess.

Time at the range was meaningful. The more I got busy, the more that the depression won't come back. That is what my friends online told me. I'm glad to say it has been working out greatly.

Afterwards, both of us drove to a nearby Chinese restaurant to get some lunch. Along the way, there was an accident encountered. Two cars apparently collided. From what we could see, there were two dead bodies covered in a body bag. The police apparently seal off the area from a crowd of onlookers so we could not see properly.

"Could be drunk drivers," Mike said as he drove past the blockade. "Idiots wasted their own lives."

"Possibly," I said. "You think this is the PCP everyone was talking about?"

"Dunno. Maybe yes, maybe no," Mike muttered. "Place got to fix their shit. Just like the politics in this country."

"Just like what's going on in Europe with all these refugees and political correctness." I replied. "Did you see those riots occurring in France on the news? Must be a sick prank for the upcoming Halloween season."

"Europe gotta fix their shit like here in the U.S," Mike replied with angry tone on his voice. "We have our own problems back home."

----

October 15, 2018 (10:30 AM)
Malibu

"God damn it!" Charles said as he slammed his fist on the dashboard of his car. "This police roadblock is just making things worse!"

In front of him and Gabrielle was a California Highway Patrol checkpoint with the officers ordering the passengers of each car to disembark for "inspection."

"Calm down my love," Gabrielle said in a reassuring tone. "They're just making sure everything is safe." 

"Yes, but how can we enjoy the Pacific Coast with all these police roadblocks?" Charles said in disgust. Two more cars later, now it was their turn to be inspected.

"Sir, ma'am, please step out of the vehicle and submit yourselves for inspection," The highway patrolman said.

At first, Charles was reluctant to go out but Gabrielle persuaded him. The two stepped out of the vehicle before being patted down. Gabrielle presented her passport issued by the government of the Republic of the Philippines. Charles being an American did not need to so.

So one of you is a tourist?" Asked the officer.

"Yes, sir," Replied Charles. "My girlfriend is from the Philippines."

"My apologies for being this rough," said the officer. "However, there have been random cases of violence occurring throughout the state. Could be drugs so we are just making sure."

A few moments later, one officer came with German Shepherd that sniffed both Charles and Gabrielle. The dog did not show signs of aggressive, meaning they were negative for contraband or whatever shit the police were looking for.

"Alright, you two are clean," The officer said. "You may now get back to your vehicle."

With that the pair returned to the car as Charles continued to drive the highway.

"Charles, do you think this violent events mean something?" Gabrielle asked, her voice showing concern.

"Honey bun, I'm sure the police will have this settled out. It must be the lowlifes again." Charles replied.

"Hmm, just to be sure, I gotta call my family. They're up in San Francisco." Gabrielle said as she dialed the number on her phone to contact her family.

----

The line for the pinball tournament was long as security was tight. Kinda odd for just a pinball event. Spencer thought. The police as well as the security were inspecting everyone that entered the convention center for weapons and contraband. Spencer heard of the odd news about people high on drugs suddenly attacking others but he brushed the news aside. The day before, he stopped by at the Dave n Busters in Torrance and played House of the Dead: Scarlet Dawn. Afterwards, he chatted via FaceTime with his friend Trevor from the Marines, who told him that they may be soon deployed. Spencer did not ask any further and just wished his buddy good luck and God bless.

Spencer was then subject to inspection. He entered the metal detector, followed by pat-downs by police officers, then finally through a police dog which showed no signs of aggression.

"He is clean," said one of the officers. "Let him pass."

Spencer then proceeded to where the pinball machines were held as he lined up. The tournament was about to begin as his excitement to participate in it rose up.

----

South Central Los Angeles

"Jesus," said Ray McKinley, a fellow SWAT officer and a friend of Francis. "I have never seen anything like it."

Both of them were starring into a partially mangled body of a victim of one of the PCP attacks. The assailant was dropped dead by a police officer who shot both of the bodies in the head.

The entire block was sealed by the police. An ambulance came by as the paramedics wheeled the bodies in body bag. Onlookers were watching from afar, behind the yellow police tape.

"This is strange, the cases have been rising right now. It's not just us here in Cali, but our neighboring states are reporting it too."

Francis said as he checked the EOTech 552 of his HK416. "I don't know why these cases are popping up simultaneously."

"Beats me mate," Ray replied.

"I have feeling that there are more that meets the eye." Francis added as he looked up above to see an LAPD helicopter hover right above them.

[gillan1220]

Chapter 6: Just Tourist Things

October 16, 2018 (2:45 AM)
Cedars Sinai Area

The night was abnormally lit in Los Angeles. Sirens were getting everywhere: police cars, ambulances and fire trucks were crisscrossing the city.

Dylan and Jules had finally managed to reach the hospital known as Cedars Sinai. It was saturated by the wounded, too such that the doctors were obliged to sort out superficial and urgent wounds from the parking lot.

A very embarrassing situation for Dylan, who had experienced the events of the Nice terrorist attack two years before, from his window. The police forces framed the area where people were flocking with wounds, some even had open wounds, gaping as a wild animal had bitten.

The two friends could not wait for any help from the police or the emergency services. They were obvious that the only logical solution was to try to go to the French consulate, but it was obvious that without vehicles, they would take huge risks. Hunger and thirst tormented the two French. Happily they were in America, the supermarket country, and it turned out that Cedars Sinai was right next to the Beverly Center where they could find food and water.

The front doors were already billed, showing that the looting had already begun. The presence of the LAPD police cars could have discouraged them but they were deserted; only flashing re-and-blue lights idly and eerily illuminated the area. Dylan grabbed an iron bar, dragging and breaking the window of the back door of one of the police vehicles.

"You're crazy or what?" exclaimed Jules. "You want us to kill?"

"Nope, I'm saving us my friend," said Dylan as he was removing two SWAT Bushmaster M4A3 rifles from the back seat.

Dylan handed Jules one of the weapons and said, "Junkie, or looters, I do not think we want to take risks."

"Sure, but breaking the window of a police car and stealing assault weapons in the USA has never been a good idea."

Jules somehow was terrified of what his friend did. The thought of being arrested was horrible. Deportation back to France would have been kinder but because of this act, the two may be blacklisted to the enter the U.S. within five or ten years.

"Do you want to eat?" asked Dylan. "We can go through the area without being armed, after all the cops had not to abandon their weapons here."

"Unit 13, do you receive me? Rioters near the Zimmer's Children Museum are reported. Several reported victims..." spat out the radio of the broken car by Dylan's care.

The two French approached before they jumped, a horrible cry of agony from the Beverly Center came from can be heard.