Sunday, April 17, 2011

Finale

Amazing job Survivors.  Simply amazing.

Even with the odds stacked incredibly against you, you prevailed.

The final battle was indeed of epic proportions.

The zombie:human ratio was nearly 2:1.  You guys fought, and won, and now we are all safe.  With the brave efforts of the Survivors, we were able to contact the outside world and get help. Yes, sadly there were many casualties, but they were not in vain.  From what I've been told it seems like with the re-enforcements the vaccine has been located successfully and all those who have been infected have been rounded up.  We can expect all of them to start treatment by tomorrow.  There is no way of knowing how long it will take for the vaccine to completely stop the zombie virus, and it will take some time for all the victims to recover from any other injuries, malnutrition, and dehydration, but rest assured that we will have our friends back soon.  And it's all thanks to you guys. 

Now its time to try and get back to our regular lives.

Thank you all so much for supporting this blog and reading it and keeping up with everything.  I know 700 pages views doesn't seem like a lot in the blogosphere but to me that means a ton.  This was a great event and you all are awesome.

Love, Rachael

Saturday, April 16, 2011

End of Day 6

Hello Survivors.  Sorry for getting behind on the updates.  A lot has happened over the last couple of days.  3 different missions with mixed results.

Day 6:
Yesterday's mission was to retrieve the vaccine we had learned about on Thursday.  The team made their way to Peik hall to search.  Due to some lack in communication, the team had to split up.  The zombies took advantage of this and starting picking off humans one by one.  10 people were infected.  One couple that was left ended up abandoning the mission altogether.  The vaccine was not found and so far there are no future plans to try to retrieve it.

Today:
Part 1 of today's mission was to rescue two Survivors who had sent a distress call.  They were trapped in the library and needed to get to equipment they had so they could contact a chopper. The mission was a complete success and, thankfully, no one was infected.

Part 2 of this mission was finding the aforementioned equipment.  The Survivors had to recover a radio part, called a transponder.  This mission was another success.

Now onto the bad news.  It looks likes the zombie count is starting to grow exponentially.  The official count as of today is zombies: 97 Survivors: 72.  Although there is not a drastic difference in numbers, there is no question the zombies have the advantage.  They currently rule the outside world.  Able to freely walk outside, while we have to stay indoors and cower?? I don't think so!!

It makes me sick.

Tomorrow there is a plan in progress to finally get all of us out of this mess.  All Survivors meet at Northrup Mall at 5:00 pm.  We need to fight.  We need to WIN.  We cannot let the zombies take over.  Don't stay inside and hide, come and help.  NO FEAR!

Good luck Survivors, I hope to see you all tomorrow.

Love, Rachael.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Facts and Myths

As of 5:30 pm April 4th, the advantage has turned to the zombies.

Right now the count is zombies: 87 humans: 82

Because of this I figured I should give some advice and clarify a few things for all the Survivors still out there.

Zombie Facts:


Zombies are undead: These things running around did not die.  They are not dead.  They are infected.

There is a possible cure to the virus:  Because of information from last night's mission, we can safely assume there is a cure to the virus plaguing the zombies.  Whether not we can get to it in time is the only question...

You can only be turned into a zombie if you are touched by one:  Being in close proximity to a zombie will not necessarily infect you.  A zombie breathing on you will not infect you.  However, don't assume a zombie has to bite or wound you in order to infect you.  On a similar note, don't kiss zombies.  If you loved one has been infected, don't kiss them goodbye.  Kissing is touching.  Also, don't have sex with zombies.  I feel like this should have been obvious....

Zombies can stradegize:  They may be stupid, but they know how to work together.  Zombies have the ability to smell each other and seek each other out.  It is becoming more and more common to see zombies hunting in groups.

Zombies can communicate:  It doesn't appear they can use English, but primitive gestures and grunting seems to be enough to say "Hey look, that human over there seems unarmed and alone."

Myths:


Zombies are slow: This virus seems to have no effect on physical ability.

Zombies think like humans:  Whether it is because another zombies has eaten a part of their brains, or the virus has some kind of effect, the thought process of zombies is not the same as a humans.  Their instincts are more primitive.  They do not care about loved ones.  They do not sympathize.  It has been noticed that zombies may have "personalities" of sorts.  Some being hunters, some followers, some cautious, some brave, but this is not the same thing.

Zombies are look decomposed:  There is no evidence that whatever is affecting the zombies decomposes their skin.  They are also not dead as I mentioned above.  Besides the obvious marking on their forehead, most of them look like normal humans.  Disregarding the lust for human flesh and brains in their eyes.

Zombies can be killed if they are hit by a car: I think it's been pretty well established that zombies do not die by injury alone.  Luring a zombie into the street or chasing one down in a car is ineffective at best.  You could hurt yourself, or others.  You can hurl a zombie into an unsuspecting Survivor and infect them.  At worse you could launch a zombie into a building, letting them run rapid on people who thought they were safe indoors.

Zombies can be killed with fire:  Like I said before, injury does NOT kill a zombie.  Whoever thought of this tactic needs to locked up for their own safety.  Lighting a zombie on fire will only produce a screaming, flaming, mess of destruction that will probably end up burning the whole campus down.  STOP LIGHTING THINGS ON FIRE!

Love, Rachael

Thursday, April 14, 2011

End of Day 4

I regret to inform you that the scales are close to the tipping point.  As of tonight the official zombie count is 78.  Only 91 Survivors are left.  I fear that by tomorrow the advantage will be in the hands of the un-dead.

Another bit of bad news, the "dead" zombies found yesterday were not actually killed.  They were only severely stunned.  Because of this no tests were able to be done.  We can only assume that there is no way to kill these creatures.

I've gathered a few new bits of information over the course of the day.  It seems as if the zombies have made the campus a kind of home base.  Because of this they either cannot or will not leave.  It also explains the lack of rampant zombies in neighboring areas...

Thankfully I have some good news to share.  Tonight's mission was a huge success.  A group of Survivors made their way to the Armory to try and rescue the injured scientist mentioned in the note found last night.  They successfully found the scientist and had to carry her from her previous hiding spot to her computer lab inside of Coffman Union.  As it turns out, the scientist was also infected, so the team had to move fast.  They carried her from the Armory to Coffman.  Of course they were ambushed, but due to the greater numbers in the rescue group less people were infected tonight.  Once they had made it to Coffman, the scientist had to be protected, but once she was safe she disclosed some information.

It turns out the vaccine is being stored somewhere around the grassy area between Peik Hall and the bus stop.

I can only assume another group will be called to mission again tomorrow to retrieve this vaccine.  Maybe we are closer to survival than we originally thought.

Advice:
It has come to my attention that there is a new hazard among all the others that surround us.  There have been an increased number of Survivors suffering from a disorder I have decided to call Zombie Induced Insanity.  This seems to be caused completely by large amounts of paranoia and access adrenaline.

Symptoms can include:
Insomnia
Trouble focusing
Loss of Appetite
Singing/Mumbling/Talking to Yourself
Vocal or Physical Spasms
Paranoia
Hyperactivity
Hallucinations
Seizures

To avoid getting ZII remind yourself that you are safe when indoors.  Find safe zones and safe routes to where ever it is you need to go.  Stay with people to keep things in perspective.  Help others, don't be too introspective.  Get outside if you can.  Staying in a small space like a dorm room all day can drive a person mad, and now with the added dangers outside this affect is increased ten fold.  At the very least open a window and get some fresh air.

If you think a friend is suffering from any symptoms of ZII take action as soon as possible.  Get them some food, water, and make sure they sleep.  Get them to a safe location and protect them.  Suffering from ZII will distract a person rather than help them.  Keeping a level, logical, head is the best way to approach this entire situation.

Be careful everyone.  It seems like there is a solid lead on a cure.  Everyone help tomorrow if you can.

Good luck Survivors. STAY ALIVE.

Love, Rachael.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

End of Day 3

Hello Survivors.  This is Rachael again.

As of tonight the official military count is 55 zombies.  There are only 108 Survivors left.

A stroke of luck though, 2 zombies were found deceased late tonight.  This means they can die.  We are not yet sure how this happened, but more information is planned to be released after testing tomorrow.

Some other new information has become apparent about the zombies.  First, they cannot use any sort of transportation.  We can assume that due to lack of intelligence, the zombies to not have the ability to turn on cars, ride bikes, push skateboards, or anything similar.  They also are not able to board buses

On the flip side of this, the zombies can run.  This is not Hollywood, slow zombies do not exist.  I personally don't even understand this misconception.  It takes more than a couple of hours for a body to start decomposing, so therefore, if someone has just  been infected, they will have the same athletic ability as they did pre-infection.  Let's all hope we don't come across a former cross country runner...

Now on to tonight's mission. Tonight the humans had to investigate the note from the people they were in contact with last night.  Due to the urgency of the note from the previous night, the group decided to take a shortcut down a narrow passage way to get to their destination.  All other paths seemed unavailable anyway.  As it turns out, this was a trap.  Zombies had filled the passage and approximately 6 people were infected.

That's right folks.  The zombies are learning to strategize.

When the Survivors arrived at there destination, another note was found left behind by the same party. According to the note there was just one survivor who was planning to meet up with a scientist.  This scientist claims to have a vaccine.  Apparently zombies caused the scientist to flee and infected the man or woman who had left the note. If whoever is in possession of the note would send me a picture it would be much appreciated.  No word yet on who exactly this mystery doctor is, or the name of the person that left the note.

My Day:
After today's initial shock, I decided to lay low.  I am not a big action person myself, but rather would like to try and gain a larger perspective on the situation.  It seems like the lowest concentration of zombies is the St. Paul campus.  I saw none when I was up there today.  On East bank the highest concentration is defiantly still Coffman Union and Northrup Mall.  No sign of any zombies on the bridge today, but I would still be cautious when crossing.  The largest amount, however, was on the West Bank.  Around the time of the mission I spotted two separate groups of five zombies each, and many single zombies wondering around.  Whether or not they were going to help ambush the rescue mission I don't know.  It is a very dangerous place nonetheless.

Advice:
I haven't been doing this long enough to gather any new evidence, but I'll see what I can do.
It seems as though zombies need sleep, and they do this at night.  This is probably due to whatever human instinct is left inside of them.  Traveling at night is a safe bet.  This being said, you don't want to miss zombie coming your way, so stay away from dark alleys, sketchy corners, etc.

Be prepared.  I know it's cliche, but it's true.  Wear shoes you can run in.  If its sunny, wear sunglasses for better visibility.  The last thing you want is to be taken out by a zombie because of something stupid like the sun.

As for this doctor.  Let us all hope there is a cure on the way.  It may be possible to bring back our loved ones and friends. Like Grace.

That being said.  If you see someone that once was a friend, but is now infected, do not going easy on them. Do not sympathize with them.  Do NOT be fooled.  They are not the same person they once were.  They will not remember you.

Thanks for reading everyone.  I will try my best to stay under the radar and bring you more news as I get it.

Good luck Survivors, you're going to need it.  STAY ALIVE

Love, Rachael.

Some Bad News...

Hello everyone.  I regret to inform you that today at approximately 1:00 pm Grace, the original author of this blog, was infected.

My name is Rachael Anderson. Shortly after Grace was infected, she called to tell me.  I couldn't pick up at the time, but eventually received a voice-mail.  She informed me that she had been attacked and to watch out for her.  She also asked me to take over this blog so that others wouldn't make her mistake.

I made my way to her dorm room as soon as I could to check things out.  She must have left at some point, because I found her room both unlocked and deserted.  After a little hunting I found the blog's password on her computer and figured I should inform the rest of you about the unfortunate event.

All Survivors please stay safe.  For the little Grace got to tell me, it sounds like she decided to fight when she should have run and hid.

If you don't have a weapon or reinforcements, don't be a hero.  Keep watch for each other.

Good luck Survivors.  STAY ALIVE.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

End of Day 2

What has now been dubbed as "Day One" was a mess.

My sources haven't yet found much information on the zombie virus, but for what ever reason last night it did not take any visual effects.  Everyone infected was a carrier, and because of the lack "zombie appearance" no one was safe.

As of earlier today the official military zombie count was 22.  Tonight it has risen to 29.

Luckily we now have more Survivors joining us.  Earlier the count was 128 and now it is up to 136.

Here are some things I have so far learned about these zombies:

They cannot. I repeat CANNOT open doors.  They must have lost a lot of brain power during infection because it seems they do not have the mental capacity to be able to turn a door knob or pull or push a handle.  This means all buildings are, thankfully, safe.

It seems the infection gives the zombies a strange malformation.  The virus causes a bright orange ring to form around the zombies forehead.  This is your safest bet on identifying them.  Not all zombies are going to be decomposing, bloody, or dirty.  Do not assume this.  The faster you identify a zombie the better your chance at getting away.

I will give more information on zombie abilities and virus symptoms as I get or discover them.

In other news I was told today's mission to find a missing group of human survivors was unsuccessful. A group of Survivors made it to the supposed location where the group was staying, but found it deserted.  There efforts were not in vain however because a note was found indicating the group had moved to another spot.  We have high hopes that they are all still alive.  One person in the rescue group was infected, however.  Let us all take a moment to show respect for their bravery and selflessness.

There is another rescue mission scheduled again for tomorrow night.  If you are able to go and help, please do.

My Day:
I had a late start to the day and had to travel to the West Bank.  I decided to take the bus for safety purposes.  I saw no zombies on my way their, but my luck was soon to change.  On my way back I met up with a fellow Survivor, lucky because I had little to fend off zombies myself.  As it turned out, there was one on the outside of the bridge, just....waiting.  He spotted us as we came past, inside the bridge ourselves.  We moved fast, but he chased us to the end of the bridge, where luckily, he was shot.  After this incident I was able to make my way back to my dorm safely.  On a later excursion I sadly found that two members of a cast I am apart of had been infected.  I am not sure how the zombie brain works, but something was still making them come to rehearsal.  Also during rehearsal I was stalked by two other zombies.  They waited around an hour or so for me, but must have given up eventually.  I got a head start on my un-dead cast mates, and made it home safe, but I fear I will cross paths with them every night and escape will prove to be harder each time.

As for advice for you all: It seems like zombies like to cluster around places around large traffic.  If you must walk take extra caution when crossing the Washington St. bridge.  They like to hide around, but mostly on the outside walkways.  Also, Northrup Mall.  It is a large space, and easy to hide.  Keep your eyes open.

Travel with a friend, or find someone going with you.  Keep something on hand to deflect them.  So far it doesn't seem like anything can kill them.  But wounding them will keep them off you for a few minutes.  If you have no weapons, duck into a building and wait it out.

I'll be updating constantly all week, so please keep checking in.  If you have other advice or updates, share them.

Good luck Survivors.  STAY ALIVE.

Update: I have obtained a picture of the note from the rescue mission
If you can't tell, there seems to be two muddy footprints on the top and some bloody smudges on the bottom...