Panic gripped the world like a vice, squeezing the world like a vice, from city to city and town to town.
Suddenly, Charlotte's father urgent voice sounded again. "We need to leave now. We will be safer there and I am needed to oversee operations."
As they prepared to leave, Dr. Taylor received urgent update from North Sector's command centre in his secure phone.
"Sir, Perimeter fences are secure, but refugee influx is overwhelming our registration teams. Awaiting your instructions."
Commander Taylor's expression turned commanding:
"Inform all teams, I am arriving shortly to take charge. Prepare my vehicle to my address."
In short time, their vehicle arrived and was waiting outside – a secure convoy escorted by North Sector guards.
Charlotte climbed beside her parents, wondering what North Sector would be like…
As they were going through the once peaceful street, Ambulance screamed down the empty streets, siren piercing the air like mournful wails, flashing lights casting an eerie glow on abandoned sidewalks.
As the virus claimed more lives, societies collapse and created new rules "do whatever it takes to survive."
Grocery stores were looted, shelves stripped bare in mere hours – canned goods scattered everywhere, like a tornado had ripped through aisles.
Broken glass crunched underfoot, sparking like ice in faint sunlight. Desperate survivors clawed for the remaining food or resources, fist flying as they fought over scraps.
Bank closed abruptly, ATMs spitting out "OUT OF SERVICE" slips like cruel joke – people pounded on lock doors, screaming for access to life savings.
Governments issued frantic broadcasts, urging calm – but it was too late – president and prime ministers appeared on TV, faces grave with concern. They spoke of "temporary measures" and "return to order," but citizens knew better.
Rioting continued unabated, a deadly symphony of anger and fear. Families barricaded themselves indoors, parents clutched weapons – baseball, kitchen knives ready to defend loved ones from the chaos.
As Charlotte removed her gaze from the vehicle window, Tears pricked out from her eyes as she thought of her friends, school and life before the chaos.
Mrs. Abigail noticed her tears and felt heartbroken.
"Sorry, honey everything will be alright. Your Dad and I will make sure to protect you amidst this chaos."
"Yes." Charlotte father agreed without hesitation.
Charlotte finally calmed down not wanting to make her parents worried.
As they approached the North Sector's entrance, Alex saw a massive crowd of desperate refugees, thousands of them pressed against the fence, pleading to be let in.
The guards in tactical gears stood firms, rifles ready as sector leaders debated entry protocol.
Charlotte heart sank as she couldn't help but speak out, "would there be room for everyone?"
"Not sure yet, we are still making a decision."
Charlotte signed, hearing pitiful cries of the survivors at the gate entrance.
Dr. Taylor's convoy was waved through the gate, bypassing the crowd.
Guards saluted him as he stepped out of the vehicle. As soon as Charlotte saw Emily she ran up and hugged her, having been to the same nursing college they have been friends for years.
"Thank God you are safe Emily"
"Commander Taylor welcome back. Refugees population exceeds capacity of the base." Captain Lewis reported the situation.
Dr. Taylor's expression turned grave as he assessing the situation and began issuing orders.
"Captain, establish a secondary medical tent immediately. Emily, oversee medical operations. Also increase food and water rations – we need to keep people strong.
Security teams - maintain order and show compassion, these people are desperate and be understanding.
And Charlotte stay close to your mother…"
"Dad I want to stay with Emily and help out in medical operations, remember am a nurse – I want to help out" Charlotte interrupted desperately."
"Husband, I will join Charlotte to help out, don't worry I will take care of her." Abigail supported and winked at Charlotte.
"Hmm… okay…" Commander Tylor reluctantly agreed.
Suddenly, a sector announcer's voice boomed across the loud speakers.
"Attention all Residents and refugees, Commander Taylor will address the sector at sundown. Gather at the central plaza."
*TO BE CONTINUED…*