Episode 103.4 - As The Knob Turns

The doorknob begins to slowly turn, and suddenly I can’t take my eyes off it. Doubt creeps in as my finger tightens around the trigger. Did I lock it? I’d peeked into the hallway once or twice, I know. Did I remember to just flip that little lock? My eyes finally, reluctantly, scan up to the chain. Yes, that at least is in place. My breathing slows as my mind works to force out the panic. The chain is in place. I don’t lock the chain unless I’ve turned the main lock. It’s an order. A system. A pattern.

The panic resolves itself into calculation. The door is locked, but will it hold? The chain is at best an illusion of security depending upon the strength of whoever is standing on the other side of that door. I need to reinforce it. At the very least, it’s the only way in without some serious effort on the part of a would-be intruder. I live three flights up, so as long as I can secure the front door, I should be okay. Should be.

All these thoughts pass through my mind in an instant, and while they do, I register a change in the situation outside my door. The knob is no longer being turned.  There is a knock, small but urgent, and a voice. The voice of a child.

“Hello? Is there anyone in there?” It’s barely above a stage whisper. A girl, I think.

I hold my breath. Independently of my will, my gun hand slowly drops.

“Please. If you’re there. Please help us.”

Episode 103.3 - Broken News

“Authorities in and around metropolitan areas are still advising people stay in their homes if at all possible. The Governor, meanwhile, is the latest to declare a state of emergency and has officially called on Washington for assistance as violence and chaos grow more widespread. This, a mere two days after, presumably, every Cryo-facility in the world experienced inexplicable malfunctions and released billions of medical clones into the population.

“There is still no official word on why these clones have reacted so violently, but some experts are suggesting there may have been a miscalculation in the regular doses of vitamins and steroids used to grow them into their adult states. Others theorize this may have been sabotage from the beginning, planned by whatever forces are responsible for the release itself.

“Authorities have asked that you not use the 911 system to report missing family members, including chil…--.

“Excuse me. To report missing family members, including children, as the service is already dealing with more calls than it can handle at this time. Instead, you are asked to wait until it is safe to leave your home, and file a report with the nearest Police station.

“As for… I… Listen, Keisha, Andre, Daddy needs to know if you’re okay. You stay where you are, you hear me? You stay wherever you are and you lock those doors, and call me here, and I’ll come find you. Call me or… I don’t know… tell me where you are, and Daddy will get you. Stay safe. Daddy will find you.

“...

“This is Walt Davis, Zombie Radio Morning News.”