Chapter 2: 002: A Helping Hand
2006.
Days Till Outbreak: 100.
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The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels created a hypnotic soundtrack as Jon Doeth found himself in a time capsule hurtling back to the year 2006. The familiar pulse of the past embraced him, and he marveled at the landscape beyond the window, a tableau of moments frozen in time.
His gaze wandered through the compartment, landing on a young woman seated a few rows away. Marianna, oblivious to the chaos that awaited in the future, immersed herself in a book, her eyes dancing across the pages with an infectious passion for storytelling.
As Jon observed Marianna, an older man in the same compartment cast a shadow over the serene scene. The man's unwelcome advances disrupted the tranquility, and Jon's sense of justice stirred within him. Without hesitation, he confronted the harasser, a heated exchange of words filling the air.
"Leave her alone," Jon declared, his voice a firm command cutting through the tension.
The older man's arrogance clashed with Jon's determination, creating a brief but intense standoff. The passengers watched the unfolding drama, their faces reflecting a mix of discomfort and curiosity.
In the end, Jon's unwavering stance prevailed, forcing the harasser to retreat. As the tension subsided, Jon turned to Marianna, who had been the unintended center of attention. Their eyes met, and Jon offered a reassuring nod.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentle yet resolute.
Marianna, startled but grateful, nodded. "Thank you. That was... unexpected."
"No one should have to endure that. We're all in this together," Jon replied, a spark of humanity connecting them.
As the train continued its journey through the echoes of 2006, Jon and Marianna engaged in conversation. They spoke of dreams, aspirations, and the simple joys that colored their lives. Marianna's eyes glowed with passion as she shared anecdotes about her love for literature and her dreams of exploring the world.
The train announced an impending stop, and Jon seized the moment to navigate toward the airport gate. Turning to Marianna, he sought her guidance.
"Excuse me, do you know the way to the airport gate?" Jon inquired, his eyes reflecting determination.
Surprise flickered in Marianna's eyes. "You're heading to the airport too?"
Jon nodded, a sense of purpose guiding him. "Yes, I've got a mission to attend to."
A genuine smile illuminated Marianna's face. "Well, lucky for you, I'm headed that way as well. Let me show you the way."
As they traversed the train station together, Jon and Marianna delved into the intricacies of their lives. Jon, in this moment of the past, was not burdened by the knowledge of the impending outbreak. The weight of responsibility lifted, allowing for a genuine connection to flourish.
"I'm Jon, by the way," he introduced himself, a warmth in his smile.
"Marianna," she replied, her name carrying the rhythm of a melody.
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The plane touched down in Mexico, and Jon Doeth disembarked into a world pulsating with vibrant colors and the rhythmic beat of a culture unfamiliar yet welcoming.
The warm embrace of the Mexican sun marked the beginning of Jon's investigation into the origins of the virus that would one day engulf the world.
As Jon navigated the bustling airport, he found himself standing beside Marianna, their paths intersecting once again.
The serendipity of their shared journey had brought them to this new destination, and the genuine smile on Marianna's face reflected the excitement of returning to her roots.
"It's been a pleasure traveling with you, Marianna," Jon remarked, the camaraderie they had developed evident in his tone.
Marianna grinned, her eyes reflecting gratitude. "Likewise, Jon. Take care, and maybe our paths will cross again."
They exchanged a brief but heartfelt farewell, and Jon, with a newfound sense of determination, headed into the heart of Mexico City.
The bustling streets, adorned with vibrant market stalls and the aroma of street food, created a tapestry of life in its purest form.
The mission remained clear in Jon's mind as he sought to uncover the origins of the virus.
The clues pointed him towards a research facility situated on the outskirts of the city.
As he delved deeper into the labyrinthine streets, the pulse of Mexico's rich history intertwined with the urgency of Jon's quest.
In the midst of his investigation, Jon's thoughts turned to Marianna.
A sense of responsibility lingered, prompting him to ensure her safety in this unfamiliar setting. Pulling out a recently acquired Mokia phone, Jon navigated through the contacts, adding Marianna's number with a simple message:
"Marianna - Mexico"
With the digital tether established, Jon continued his journey, guided by the rhythm of the city and the echoes of the past.
The research facility loomed ahead, a relic of scientific endeavors that had set the course for an unforeseen apocalypse.
As he approached the facility, Jon reached for Bulbhul, activating the device to aid in the investigation.
The familiar synthetic voice resonated through the air.
["Hello, Jon. How may I assist you today?"]
"Bulbhul, I need information on the research facility near Mexico City. Anything that could be related to the virus outbreak," Jon commanded, his gaze fixed on the imposing structure.
["Searching database for relevant information,"] Bulbhul replied, its screen displaying a stream of data.
["Clue 1: Facility known for genetic research and experiments involving viruses."
"Clue 2: Unusual seismic activity reported near the facility in the year 2006."
"Clue 3: Former scientists of the facility suspected of clandestine operations."]
The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, painting a vivid picture of the facility's involvement in the genesis of the virus. Armed with newfound knowledge, Jon steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead.
"Thanks, Bulbhul. Keep monitoring for updates. I'm going in," Jon stated with unwavering determination.
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