The Last Dawn
Chapter 5. Unusual Silence

Logan awoke to an unusual stillness. As he stepped out of his apartment building, he was immediately struck by the eerie quiet that had enveloped the city. The bustling streets, usually filled with the sounds of early commuters, were strangely desolate. The silence was so profound that it felt like a heavy blanket had been thrown over the cityscape.

He walked towards the subway, his footsteps echoing unnaturally in the empty streets. The absence of the usual morning rush, the lack of cars on the roads, and the deserted sidewalks gave the city an almost post-apocalyptic feel.

The air was crisp, and a faint mist hung low, further adding to the ghostly atmosphere. Logan quickened his pace, unease growing with each step. The abnormal quietness of the city was unsettling, and he couldn’t shake off the feeling that something significant had occurred while he was asleep.

As he approached the subway station, he braced himself for what he might replace, or not replace, within. The events from the previous day at BioCorp flashed through his mind, intensifying his apprehension about the day ahead.

Logan’s journey to BioCorp was unnervingly quiet. The subway ride, usually a hive of activity, was nearly empty, and the few passengers aboard were silent, lost in their own thoughts. As he exited the subway station and approached the BioCorp facility, the sense of foreboding grew.

The building, a beacon of scientific advancement, stood ominously quiet. The security checkpoint, which was always manned, was deserted. The gates were ajar, an unusual and alarming sight. Logan’s ID badge seemed unnecessary as he walked through unchallenged.

He entered the main lobby, which was typically bustling with employees and interns. Today, it was desolate. Papers lay scattered across the floor, and a few chairs were overturned, as if left in a hurry. The usual ambient noise of conversation and movement was absent, replaced by a deafening silence.

Logan’s steps echoed through the empty halls as he made his way to the lab area. A growing sense of dread filled him. He couldn’t help but think about the COVID-2193 project and the strange events of the past few days.

As he reached the lab, the scene was even more chaotic. Lab equipment was knocked over, papers and glassware were strewn about, and a lab coat lay discarded on the ground. It looked like the lab had been evacuated in a rush.

Logan stood there, trying to process the scene before him. The disarray was unlike anything he had seen before at BioCorp. It was as if everyone had suddenly vanished, leaving in the middle of their work without a second thought.

He felt a mix of fear and urgency. Logan knew he needed to tread carefully, but he also realized that whatever had transpired here could be crucial to understanding the mysteries surrounding COVID-2193. With a deep breath, he stepped further into the lab, ready to uncover whatever secrets it held.

Logan stepped into the BioCorp building, the silence enveloping him as he walked through the normally secure turnstiles, now unmanned and eerily still. The lobby, a space that usually buzzed with the energy of innovation and collaboration, was in disarray.

Papers were scattered across the marble floor, some fluttering in the gentle breeze from the air conditioning. A few chairs were overturned, one lying on its side as if knocked over in a hurry. Logan’s footsteps echoed in the vast, deserted space, adding to the surreal atmosphere.

He scanned the lobby, noticing a spilled cup of coffee staining the floor, its contents long since cold, and a half-eaten sandwich abandoned on a table. The digital displays, which typically showcased the latest scientific achievements of BioCorp, flickered sporadically, some frozen on half-loaded images.

The reception desk, always manned with a smiling face ready to assist, was deserted. Papers and files were left open, a pen still resting on an open notebook, as if the receptionist had been called away abruptly.

Where the hell is everyone? He thought.

A sense of unease washed over Logan. He moved cautiously, his eyes scanning the lobby for any sign of what might have caused such chaos. The normality of the previous day at BioCorp seemed like a distant memory, now replaced by a scene that was almost post-apocalyptic.

With a growing sense of apprehension, Logan made his way toward the lab area, each step taking him deeper into the mystery that had enveloped BioCorp. The chaos in the lobby was just the beginning, and he braced himself for what he might replace next.

Leaving the empty lobby behind, Logan proceeded towards the lab area, his heart rate increasing with each step. The hallways were dimly lit, some of the overhead lights flickering, casting long shadows that added to the ominous atmosphere.

Upon reaching the lab, he was met with a scene of chaos. The lab, usually a model of order and precision, was in disarray. Microscopes and other delicate instruments were knocked over, papers and research notes scattered across the floor, and glassware shattered.

As he moved through the lab, Logan noticed a whiteboard with hastily scribbled notes – formulas and data that seemed to have been abandoned mid-calculation. A computer screen was still on, displaying a graph with a steep, alarming curve.

He approached the containment area, the heart of the lab where highly sensitive experiments were conducted. The door, usually secured with an access code, was ajar. Inside, the containment units were open, and samples appeared to be missing.

This is serious. Logan thought. It’s as if they left in the middle of important experiments. But why?”

In one corner of the lab, Logan found a lab coat on the floor, stained with what looked like blood. Nearby, an emergency medical kit was ripped open, its contents strewn about in haste.

Blood? Logan’s confusion growing.

The eerie silence of the lab was broken only by the hum of the still-operating equipment. Logan’s mind raced with possibilities, an accident, a containment breach, something related to COVID-2193?

He took out his phone to take pictures of the scene, evidence of the chaos and potential clues. However, he found no signal, adding to his sense of isolation.

With a mix of fear and determination, Logan continued to explore the lab, looking for any further clues that could shed light on the mysterious and alarming events that had taken over BioCorp.

With a deep breath to steady his nerves, Logan pushed open the door to the containment lab, a highly secured area that housed the most dangerous pathogens and experimental compounds. The sight that met him was unnerving.

The lab, usually pristine and orderly, was in complete disarray. The containment units, designed to safely store hazardous materials, were left open, some shattered, their contents ominously absent.

“This is bad. Really bad.” Logan whispered stepping over broken glass.

On one of the lab benches, he saw a series of petri dishes scattered, some broken, with samples spilled across the surface. Vials of unidentified substances lay strewn on the floor, a few leaking their contents.

As he cautiously moved further into the lab, Logan’s eye caught something particularly alarming — a secure storage refrigerator was left open, the lock broken. Inside, several slots where high-risk viral samples were stored were now empty.

In the corner of the lab, he noticed a hastily abandoned biohazard suit, as if someone had left in a hurry. Nearby, a digital recorder lay on the floor, its red light blinking, indicating a recording in progress.

Maybe this will help. He thought.

He pressed play, and the lab filled with the sound of panicked voices, lab equipment clattering, and a final, chilling message: “Containment breach! Evacuate immediately!”

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Logan. Whatever had happened in this lab was clearly linked to the chaos throughout BioCorp. He realized that the implications could be far-reaching, potentially even catastrophic.

With a mix of fear and determination, Logan decided to search the lab further for any clues or evidence that could shed light on what had been contained here and what might have been released. He knew the answers lay within the chaos of this lab, and he was determined to uncover them.

Shaken by the discovery in the containment lab and the implications of the recorded message, Logan knew he needed to alert the authorities immediately. He pulled out his phone, his fingers trembling slightly as he dialed the emergency number.

“Come on, come on, pick up...” Logan said frantically.

To his dismay, the call wouldn’t go through. He tried again, but all he got was an endless series of beeps, indicating a failed connection.

“Why isn’t this working?” Logan said in a panic.

He tried other numbers, the local police, BioCorp’s internal security but each attempt met with the same frustrating result. It was as if all lines of communication had been cut off, leaving him isolated in the midst of the crisis.

Feeling a growing sense of panic, Logan realized he was on his own. He needed to replace another way to get help, or at least to get out of the building and replace someone who could.

I can’t be the only one who knows about this. I need to replace someone else, someone who can help. He thought.

He quickly gathered his belongings, preparing to leave the lab. As he did, he noticed the facility’s internal messaging system, a backup communication tool used for in-house announcements. Logan rushed to the terminal.

He typed a quick message about the discovery in the lab and the need for immediate assistance, then sent it to all available departments. There was no way to know if anyone would receive it or if it would make any difference, but he had to try something.

With a deep breath, Logan left the lab, stepping back into the eerie silence of the BioCorp building. He was determined to make his way outside, hoping to replace someone, anyone, who could shed light on the situation and help contain whatever disaster might be unfolding.

Having done all he could to alert someone about the situation, Logan knew it was time to leave BioCorp. The sense of urgency was palpable as he hurried through the desolate hallways, the echoes of his footsteps a stark reminder of the building’s eerie emptiness.

“I need to get out of here, replace help, figure out what’s going on.” Logan said aloud.

He made his way to the main exit, but with a sinking feeling, he noticed it was locked. Panic surged within him. He tried his badge, but there was no response from the security system.

Great, now what? He thought.

He remembered the emergency exits and quickly made his way to the nearest one, marked by the faint glow of an exit sign in the dim corridor. As he approached, he was relieved to replace the door unlocked.

Pushing the door open, Logan stepped out into the fresh air, a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere inside BioCorp. He took a moment to catch his breath, his mind racing with questions and fear about the situation he had just escaped.

The city streets were still unusually quiet, adding to the surreal nature of the morning. Logan decided his first move should be to replace the nearest police station or public facility where he could report what he had discovered.

As he walked, his phone still showed no signal, leaving him cut off from the digital world and any updates about the situation. He quickened his pace, every instinct telling him that time was of the essence and that the events unfolding at BioCorp could have far-reaching consequences.

With a mix of determination and apprehension, Logan hurried through the empty streets, eager to replace help and anxious about what he would discover next in the city that now felt as unfamiliar as the chaos he had left behind in the lab.

After many attempts to replace help in the desolate city, Logan decided to return to his apartment complex. The streets, still eerily quiet, seemed to mirror his growing sense of unease. As he approached the building, he noticed that the usual liveliness of his neighborhood was replaced by a tense, uneasy quiet.

Upon entering the lobby, he found some of his neighbors gathered in small groups, talking in hushed, anxious tones. Their faces were marked with confusion and worry, mirroring Logan’s own feelings.

“Logan, you’re back. Have you seen what’s going on outside? It’s like the whole city has shut down.” Rhonda said.

“Yeah it seems to be. I couldn’t replace any help.”

“Hey, I’ve been trying to reach my family. Phone lines are down.” Sarah said approaching Logan in the hallway.

“Yeah I know, I tried to call the police. Something happened at the lab.”

“What was it?” Sarah asked.

Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden loud explosion in the distance, causing the windows to rattle and everyone to fall silent.

Logan jumped at the rumble of the building. Ceiling tiles fell from the ceiling exposing wires and conduit.

“What the fuck was that?” Logan yelled covering his ears.

“That’s the second one today.” Rhonda explained trying not to cry.

Logan looked out the lobby window, seeing a plume of smoke rising against the skyline.

“I don’t know what’s going on. Get to your apartments and stay safe.” Logan demanded.

“Should we try to leave the city?” Sarah asked becoming more scared.

“I’m not sure yet Sarah, go to your place and pack a back just in case. Come get me if you need anything.” Logan said reaching out. Sarah reached out grabbing his hand for a brief second as reassurance.

Sarah nodded and forced a smile.

Logan started walking to his apartment, his mind racing with the day’s events. The explosion, the city’s eerie silence, and the chaos at BioCorp were undoubtedly connected. He needed to figure out what was happening and how to keep safe. His mind drifted to Sarah, he wanted to make sure she was okay.

As evening settled in, Logan tried to distract himself by preparing a simple meal, but his mind was too preoccupied with the day’s unsettling events. Every noise from the street below seemed amplified, fueling his anxiety. He ate in silence, his thoughts focused on the mysterious happenings at BioCorp and the city’s strange quiet.

After cleaning up, he sat on his couch, attempting to read, but the words blurred before his eyes. His attention was drawn to the window by the sound of distant sirens, their wailing a reminder that the situation outside was far from normal.

His contemplation was abruptly interrupted by a loud explosion, much closer than the one earlier. The sound reverberated through his apartment, causing him to jump to his feet.

Logan rushed to the window, he saw a new column of smoke rising into the evening sky, painting a foreboding picture against the city’s darkened silhouette. The lights in the surrounding buildings flickered, casting eerie shadows across the streets.

He heard the sound of doors opening in the hallway and voices filled with concern. Stepping out of his apartment, Logan joined several of his neighbors who had emerged to figure out what was happening.

“My friend just texted me. She said there are power outages all over the city, and people are starting to panic.” Sarah said walking to Logan.

“Has anyone been able to look at the news?” John said, Logans other neighbor.

The group shared a look of collective concern. The reality of their situation was becoming increasingly clear they were in the midst of an unfolding crisis, the scale of which was still unknown.

“Let’s all go back to our apartments. Keep your doors locked, and if you hear or see anything unusual, let’s communicate.”

As the neighbors nodded in agreement and returned to their apartments, Logan felt a growing responsibility to help keep them informed and safe. He returned to his apartment, his mind racing with the night’s developments, determined to stay vigilant as the city’s crisis deepened around them.

The evening grew more tense as sporadic power outages began to ripple through the city, plunging entire blocks into darkness intermittently. From his apartment window, Logan watched the unsettling dance of light and shadow across the cityscape, each flicker of power loss seeming to amplify the growing sense of panic.

Suddenly, the lights in Logan’s apartment flickered and then went out, leaving him in near total darkness. He fumbled for a flashlight, the beam cutting through the gloom. There was a soft knock at his door. He opened it to replace Sarah, her face etched with fear.

“Logan, my apartment just lost power too. I... I didn’t want to be alone. Can I stay here with you?”

“Of course you can.” Logan said ushering her in.

She stepped inside, and Logan noticed her hands were shaking. Instinctively, he reached out, offering a comfort by grabbing her hand.

Sarah, clinging to Logan. “What’s happening? I’m really scared.”

“I’m not fully sure, but I think its something to do with BioCorp. The past week strange things have been happening. There was this talk about a dangerous virus.”

“Virus?”

Logan nodded, “Yeah I was looking into it but this morning I went to the lab and it looked like it had been deserted.”

They sat in the living room, the flashlight’s beam a small island of light in a sea of uncertainty. The sounds of the city, now a mix of distant shouts and the occasional siren, filtered through the walls, adding to the tense atmosphere.

“The power outages seem to be spreading. It’s causing chaos out there. But as long as we stay here and keep the door locked, we should be safe.” Logan said getting Sarah a blanket.

“I just don’t understand.” Sarah said sitting on the couch.

“I think we should just stay here and wait it out.”

As they talked, Logan couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of responsibility for Sarah. He knew that the coming hours, or even days, would be challenging, but he was determined to face whatever was ahead of them and protect her.

As Logan and Sarah sat in the dim light of the flashlights, they had drifted off to sleep. Sarah’s head rested on Logan’s shoulder and Logan’s on her head. The two were woken up in fear from another explosion rocked the city, closer than before. The shockwave was strong enough to rattle the windows of Logan’s apartment.

Logan jumped up and rushed to the window. Sarah, letting out a scream covering her ears.

“That was too close. What is causing these explosions?” Logan exclaimed.

Outside, the streets were bathed in darkness, the city’s power grid seemingly failing entirely. The sporadic glow of emergency lights and the occasional headlights from a car driving cautiously down the street were the only sources of illumination.

Sarah joined Logan at the window, “What the hell is going on.”

Before Logan could respond, they heard the sound of people shouting in the distance, a sense of panic in their voices. They could see a few people running into the apartment complex across the street as if they were running from something. The chaos seemed to be escalating, spreading through the city.

Suddenly, their attention was drawn to a peculiar sight a series of lights, not part of the city’s infrastructure, blinking in a rhythmic pattern from a building in the distance.

“Logan, look! What are those lights?” Sarah asked.

Logan squinted, trying to make sense of the pattern. It was deliberate, too structured to be a coincidence.

“Could be someone trying to communicate. It might be a distress signal, or maybe a call for help.”

As they stood watching the mysterious lights, the sounds of chaos from the streets below, mixed with the pulsing signal in the distance, the night’s events culminated in a crescendo of uncertainty and danger. Logan knew that the answers he sought were out there, hidden in the darkened city that had transformed from the familiar to the unknown.