OUTBREAK: ZERO is a semi post-apocalyptic pandemic roleplay set in the fictional city of Lethford, USA. Current season: Winter, 20/21.
March 2020. The world is in pandemonium as one month ago, GHNv-20 was confirmed, five months after the beginning of norovirus season. The number of the infected are in the higher hundred thousands, and the death toll is at an estimated 250,000, with about seventy percent of the rest of the population experiencing mild to moderate illnesses connected to the S. pyogenes bacteria.
The fear of the unknown has caused mass hysteria and panic.
In an attempt to provide a semblance of safety and control, military personnel patrol the streets, even here in Lethford City, and the police force is trying to keep up with the rising street violence, assault, and theft.
Welcome to OUTBREAK: zero. Will you survive?
HAYANA
SITE OWNER + HEAD ADMINISTRATOR
Hi! I'm Haya. I'm pretty much your girl for everything! If you have any questions regarding our plot, membergroups, etc. don't hesitate to ask me. I'm also in charge of coding, graphics, anything skin related, and advertising/affiliates.
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ADDI
ADMINISTRATOR
Hey! I'm Addi. Hit me up if you need help with anything. I'm always for plotting so don't be shy. I like coffee, booze, and working out. I'm back from a long hiatus the dead so if you need anything, best ask the others until I get back into the groove of things!
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FINNLEY
GLOBAL MODERATOR
Hi hello! My name is Finnley, or Finn, call whichever and I'll be there for you (yes like the FRIENDS theme song). I am in charge of the claims and helping with miscellaneous things. Let me know if you have any questions!
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outbreak
/ˈaʊtbreɪk/ zero /ˈzɪərəʊ/
a sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, such as war or disease. number, no quantity or number; nought; the figure 0.
[attr="class","dilyrics3"]Your lips feel warm to the touch You can bring me back to life On the outside you're ablaze and alive But
[attr="class","dilyric3"]you're dead inside
[attr="class","dibody3"]
"Here, kitty kitty." the brunette whispered, dark eyes desperately searching for the little furball. She hasn't had the chance to name it yet. So far the top contestants were cat and chairman meow - Quinn wasn't the most creative person to begin with. But she quite liked cat... it was an easy name. Easy to say, easy to remember, easy to call. And who else would name their feline cat?
So many regrets. Quinn wondered why she had given in and accepted taking the stray kitten home... or what she could call home. The military base definitely wasn't a good home for an animal. She somehow managed to sneak it in and keep it hidden so far but of course, she couldn't prevent the worst-case scenario from happening - it escaped. It managed to run out of the room the second Quinn left the door unattended and now it was roaming around the barracks.
Quinn let out a frustrated sigh, stemming her hands on her hips, blowing a strand of loose hair out of her face. That's exactly why she wanted to wait until she could get an apartment of her own to get a pet. Perhaps if she had better control of her temper and sense of justice this wouldn't be an issue now. Maybe if she hadn't decided to jump out of the car and have a go at the group of men to stop them from stealing and damaging another vehicle this wouldn't have happened. Maybe Pierce wouldn't have had a reason to persuade her into taking the kitten in despite her explanations that it won't end well.
Here she was, hunting down a kitten in the middle of the military base. Even her rank couldn't protect her if words got out about it. If any of her superiors would find out about this... she'd be dead meat. Quinn made her way through the rooms, making sure beforehand that the occupants were out training and to not leave any evidence of her intruding. She shook a small bag with treats she was given with a couple of other things she barely managed to get through security. Ever tried to explain why you needed cat litter at the base? Hopefully, you won't have to.
"Pleaseee." she muttered, almost begging the kitten to appear in front of her, another attempt at shaking the treats to get its attention from wherever it was. "Where are you hiding?"
Rhiannon had been working all day. She'd been woken up at the crack of dawn with an entire arm's length of tasks to complete - the usual, really, but she'd woken up that morning in a particularly sour mood, and so she'd been annoyed with the idea of having to start working before her brain was even awake. Regardless, she made her way up to the garage and did her work without too many complaints, and by the end of the day she felt like she was dragging herself along rather than moving through the day as usual. For whatever reason, she felt sluggish.
Her first stop had been directly to the mess hall - she was starved, and she spent about an hour there just shoving food into her mouth, already in a half-asleep state. By the time she'd fed herself, Rhiannon was ready to go collapse. Originally she had intended to go work out, swim, something - but now her feet were aching and her eyes were heavy, and she really didn't feel like being active. So she cleaned up after herself and made her way to the barracks.
Of course, she didn't get to make it to her room. As she passed a room where the door was slightly cracked, she caught the sound of something rattling - like a bag of smaller objects. Immediately, it reminded her of when her mom would stand outside with a bowl of cat food, calling for the stray cats she liked to feed.
"Where are you hiding?"
Rhiannon came to a hard halt, her head jerking in the direction of the voice. Well, that was either a bad thing or just an odd thing. Smirking to herself, Rhiannon stepped up to the door and pushed it open, spotting a woman she didn't recognize holding a bag of... cat treats? "Um, please tell me you're trying to find a cat." Rhiannon said as a way of greeting the woman. Crossing her arms over her chest, she tilted her head, brows pulling together. "I'll help, if you let me hold it." She offered, her smirk relaxing into a jovial smile.
Rhiannon knew that animals were most certainly not allowed on base, which was exactly why she was extending a helping hand. Breaking rules was her forte, after all. And it kind of looked like this woman needed some help in the "breaking the rules" department.
403 words - Quinn Delaney - kinda short but I tried real hard
[attr="class","dilyrics3"]Your lips feel warm to the touch You can bring me back to life On the outside you're ablaze and alive But
[attr="class","dilyric3"]you're dead inside
[attr="class","dibody3"]
Quinn took a deep breath, shaking the bag of treats more aggressive with each passing minute. Her lips were pressed together as she tiptoed around the things lying on the floor. She bent down to check the spaces beneath the beds, moved aside cabinets and making sure to put them back where they were - to the exact position. Unfortunately, there was no sign of a cat. Quinn felt like ripping her hair out if her supervisor wouldn’t do it later anyway. She might lose her head over this which wouldn’t be as bad as losing her job. She could already see the headlines. Soldier dishonorably discharged because of smuggling in a pet into the base.
Her heart stopped for a moment as she heard the door being pushed open, hiding the bag of treats behind her back immediately and stranding straight. A small wave of relief washed over her when she looked at the unfamiliar face who didn’t look like a big threat - maybe a small threat.
“Oh, no, I’m looking for-” she thought hard, trying to come up with any kind of excuse. Biting her lower lip and wrapping her slender fingers around the bag of cat treats Quinn’s eyes darted back and forth, making it quite obvious she was about to lie. Unable to think of a way out she let out a sigh and held out the cat treats. “Yeah… I’m trying to find a kitten.” she admitted. She was slightly relieved the woman offered to help her instead of calling her out, but she had to make sure either way. Lifting a finger and pointing it at the brunette she narrowed her eyebrows at her. “Don’t tell anyone.” she said, looking her up and down, trying to figure out if she had seen her before. Maybe.
“Please, you can hold it for eternity if you want to.” she began, replying to her demand. One hand moved to her forehead, rubbing it to ease her nerves. What a great day. “I have no clue where it could be though. Last time I saw it it was curled up underneath my bunk and then it just darted out I suppose.” Quinn explained as she rummaged inside her pants pockets, fishing out a small ball. She shook it in front of the other woman to demonstrate the sound it made with a bell inside. “Here, take this. Maybe it’ll help. It’s her favorite toy.” She offered her the ball, holding it out while looking around the room to check if it might be in there. "Its name is... Cat."
She couldn’t help the self-satisfied smile that spread across her features as she crossed her arms over her chest, her body language relaxed and casual as the woman first tried to make excuses, and then finally fessed up. Chuckling, Rhiannon raised a placating hand and tried to make her tone as solemn as possible. ”I swear I’m no tattletale.” She assured, shrugging a shoulder slightly. ”If I could sneak a dog in here I’d do the same thing.”
Clapping her hands together excitedly as the woman agreed to let her help search for the kitten, Rhiannon listened intently and gleefully took the toy from the woman as she spoke. However, she did falter when the woman informed her of the feline’s name. ”...Cat? Well, that’s...practical.” Rhiannon said, offering a supportive smile and another small shrug. ”I’m Rhiannon.” She added quickly, ”I’m not gonna shake your hand, but it’s nice to meet you.”
Glancing out into the hall, Rhiannon turned back to her new companion and gave a thoughtful look. ”Cats are super quick. She probably ran out and kept going until she found a place to dart into. Have you checked every room from your dorm already?” She asked, hoping that the kitty hadn’t found it’s way out of the barracks. If it had, that was going to make their task almost impossible, if the kitten hadn’t already been discovered. ”Oh, what does she look like? About how old?”
She suddenly felt a well of questions build up inside her, because she was getting herself excited to get to see an animal. Clearly she needed to get off the base, if this was so entertaining to her. Still, though, now wasn’t the time to waste the seconds by gushing over a cat that might be long gone by now. ”Let’s split up and you retrace your steps, check every nook and cranny. I’ll start at the doors and work my way back, and we can meet in the middle. Like a pincer move or something.” Rhiannon really hoped she was using that term correctly, but wasn’t going to be too torn up if she sounded like she was talking out of her ass. Because she absolutely was - but it was the best idea she had so far.
Always moving two steps ahead of her mind, she was already approaching the door, but stopped and turned back to the other woman with a child-like grin on her face. ”Also, you should really just avoid talking to anyone if they see you shaking those treats. You’re not too great at lying.” The tease was in a friendly tone, nothing malicious about it. ”We’ll find Cat. Don’t worry.” She assured, her tone confident.
403 words - Quinn Delaney - kinda short but I tried real hard
[attr="class","dilyrics3"]Your lips feel warm to the touch You can bring me back to life On the outside you're ablaze and alive But
[attr="class","dilyric3"]you're dead inside
[attr="class","dibody3"]
“Nice to meet you too. I’m Quinn.” she responded with a friendly smile, letting out a chuckle at the not shaking hands part. “Yeah, no, sure. That’s totally okay considering we’re living in a pandemic.” Quinn said casually as if it was the most normal thing in the world - it kind of was… at the moment at least. „I hope she didn‘t dart into a sergeants office. My rank can only protect me so far.“
Quinn raised an eyebrow at her question about the cat‘s appearance, tilting her head ever so slightly in light confusion. „I don‘t think there are more cats running around the premise.“ she replied, biting her lower lip before glancing around the room for one last time. She didn‘t mean to sound rude or make any snarky remarks to the person willing to help her, but sometimes her mouth acted quicker than her brain. „But she‘s grey… mostly. Some dark spots here and there. Pretty small. I think I was told she‘s about 4 months old?“
Letting out a shaky, slightly agitated laugh, she shook her head. “I wouldn‘t think about sneaking anything in here if I wasn‘t forced too.” she said through gritted teeth, a sigh following shortly afterward. She planted a hand on her face, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “I guess sometimes I‘m just too nice of a person to say no.” she added, her fingers moving from the bridge of her nose to the left temple. She could feel a light headache forming, mostly out of frustrating and perhaps a little stress.
‚Also, you should really just avoid talking to anyone if they see you shaking those treats. You’re not too great at lying.‘
“You’re right.” she said, opening the bag of treats and pouring out a couple into the palm of her hand. She closed the zip of the bag of treats and stuffed them between the back of her pants, covering it with her shirt. She closed the hand with the treats and shook them slightly, listening to the small noise they made as they tumbled against each other. A cat should be able to hear that right? “You seem like a pro at this kind of… situation. Sounds like you’re used to causing trouble.” she mentioned, tugging her dark olive colored tee just a little more neatly into her pants and adjusting her belt to make sure the treats won’t fall out. “I hope so. I hope we find it before someone else does.” Quinn replied, shuddering physically and mentally at the thought of a sergeant finding the cat. Dishonorable discharge here we come.
The brunette walked over to the door and opened it while looking over her shoulder at the new acquaintance and kitten rescue partner she had made. She was about to say something when two figures appeared in front of the open door, staring down at her in light confusion - probably wondering why two women were roaming around in the men barracks. In this moment Quinn was relieved Rhiannon advised her to be careful about the treats and that she had decided to hide them in her pants. She quickly swapped the treats in her hands to the other hand to raise her right one for a brief salute.
Rhiannon couldn’t stop the broad grin that spread over her face in response to Quinn’s quip about her rank protecting her. ”I’ll just have to say she’s mine, then. Little garage kitty that just happened to follow me into a highly secure, underground facility.” She replied. Not that her rank would do her any protecting, but maybe if she made at least a potentially decent story they’d just not care. It wasn’t like they didn’t have more important matters at hand than punishing some nobody for having a cat, right?
Quinn’s next words made Rhiannon’s grin falter for a split second, a look of realization on her face. ”That’s a good point. I think I got too excited at the thought of getting to hold a cat.” The sheepish smile that took over her face next was accompanied by a ‘woops’ expression. Still, she almost cooed at Quinn’s description of the cat. ”Sounds cute, though.” She complimented, tilting her head slightly.
“I guess sometimes I‘m just too nice of a person to say no.”
Rhiannon wasn’t sure of the story behind this secret cat, but it sounded kind of interesting. ”Forced, huh? That sounds like there’s a story behind this surprise cat. I would love to hear about it.” There was a friendly teasing to her tone, her smile still friendly. She wouldn’t push it if Quinn refused to tell her anything, though she was dying to know how someone of her rank was forced to sneak a cat into a military base. Her brows pulled together at Quinn’s apparent assessment of her troubleness, though she couldn’t really be offended if it was true. ”I almost feel like, if that weren’t the most true thing anyone’s ever said to me, I’d be a little bit offended But fortunately for you, I am quite skilled in being a hoodlum.” She replied primly, smirking at Quinn as she opened the door, the expression falling as the two men appeared. Following in Quinn’s footsteps, Rhiannon did a hasty salute before moving forward and taking Quinn’s elbow.
”Sorry, gentlemen. New to the base, got a little lost.” Rhiannon said quickly, stepping into the two men so they were forced to part like the sea, dragging Quinn along behind her. ”You said you could show me where the gym was, right, Lieutenant?” She said loudly, flashing a broad grin, as if she were thrilled by the idea of finally finding the gym, continuing to hastily lead - or, well, drag - Quinn away from the field of vision of the two other soldiers. As soon as they stepped out of sight, Rhiannon released her. ”Well, that was close.” And then, with a wicked smile, Rhiannon brandished the little cat toy, which tinkled gently as she flashed it. ”Let’s split up now, cover more ground.” Rhiannon said, having brought them to a T junction in the facility. Gesturing down one hall, Rhiannon smiled lightly. ”You go that way, and I’ll go this way.”
527 words - Quinn Delaney - still short also trash now
William was spending the day on the base. He had meetings all day. Light duty still after his shot to the leg during the riots. He was almost recovered, and honestly eager to get back to regular duty. This office work stuff was not the life for him. He did enough in the day to day duties of his job normally. But not being able to run the training field, not being able to do anything when it came to train troops besides point and direct was driving him up a wall. He was itching to get back to sparring or running or anything really.
He had just left a meeting, limping lightly down the hall when a little ball of fur came trotting down towards him. It was confusing at first to see and as the small creature wound between his legs. He stood frozen for a moment as it looked up and meowed at him. "What in the world are you doing in here, little buddy?" He asked, bending down and scooping up the small cat into his arms. It's head immediately rubbed against his bearded face and he laughed a little. This was definitely not a feral cat running around the base. This had to be someone's pet.
He started limping towards the way it came, while wondering who had approved of having a cat on the base? That wasn't in his paperwork, nor scope of support of something he could not approve. He rounded the corner when he spotted two figured ahead, scratching the head of the cat in his arms.
[attr="class","dilyrics3"]Your lips feel warm to the touch You can bring me back to life On the outside you're ablaze and alive But
[attr="class","dilyric3"]you're dead inside
[attr="class","dibody3"]
Quinn bit her lower lip at Rhiannon’s proposal of taking the blame. She wasn’t sure if she liked it… not really. She hated the idea of letting someone else be punished for something she did. But that was an issue they could still care about if it ever arose. Hopefully, it wouldn’t happen and they would just find the kitten in time before anyone else could. The brunette grimaced as if in pain at the memories of that night and how she received the cat, however, she nodded in agreement to tell her more about it. "I’ll let you know about its backstory once we find it. If… we do."
A small gasp escaped her lips at the other arm wrapped itself around her elbow. She was about to say something else but ended up just nodding along at the fake excuse to get out of the situation. "Yes. Indeed. The gym. We need to head that way." she added quickly before being dragged out by Rhi. Once free again both hands moved up to her chest, releasing a heavy sigh of relief. "Oh my god that was way too close." she breathed, once again nodding at the other woman’s suggestion. At this point, her neck might start hurting from the amount of nodding Quinn did. "Sounds like a plan." Quinn replied, turning around only to come face to face with another soldier.
First Quinn almost squealed at the sight of her kitten but… someone else was carrying it. Quinn’s eyes widened in visible shock when she looked up from the animal to the face of the man holding it. Crap. Someone had found it before the two of them were able to. She already saw her career being over, laying down her uniform and being dishonorably discharged because of sneaking in a pet inside the military base.
Her hand went up to cover her mouth, eyes flickering between the kitten and the soldier. She didn’t know what to say or how to explain this situation. Maybe they should lie? Tell him it’s definitely not her cat. Just a random stray that snuck in. No… she had to take responsibility for this mess. "I- uh… I can explain." she let out slowly, opening her hand holding the treats and accidentally dropping them.
As the man came into view in the hall, clearly holding the kitten they were supposed to be finding before anyone else, Rhiannon expected Quinn to at least try….a little lie. Something. Instead, Rhiannon looked from the soldier to her newfound friend and felt her face scrunch up in response to her immediate surrender. She was just gonna confess? Not if Rhiannon had anything to do with it. The smile on her face broadened into an excited grin as she quickly stepped past Quinn, a happy gasp escaping her. ”You found it!” She said, stopping just a few feet from Will. The excitement wasn’t even fake - seeing the cute little kitten only made Rhiannon more happy. ”Hello little baby!” She told the kitten, before turning her attention up to the man in front of her.
”I saw it topside a couple days ago, I guess it must have followed someone inside. The lieutenant here said she saw it but couldn’t catch it, so we were just about to split up and look for it.” Rhiannon gushed, still grinning. Lies came easily to her, and her tone didn’t betray the fact that she was leaving stuff out. Everything she was saying was...mostly true. Rhiannon returned her attention to the kitten - a fluffy, gray tabby with big eyes. Immediately her heart melted.
Holding her hands out, she glanced up at the man again. ”Can I hold it?” She’d learned you didn’t just go grabbing things out of military personnel’s hands early on, but the excitement on her face showed she was barely containing herself. She hadn’t gotten to interact with a pet in a long time.
