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.
Arden had just finished up her early morning trainings. Which mainly was around some PT and then pilot duties. Also known as her going around the hanger and checking on the helicopters that she helped pilot. Getting in, running tests to help out the ones that worked on them, letting them know any error codes that might have appeared. Even taking out one that had been recently repaired to make sure it was good to go. She really enjoyed the days that she could take to the sky and just be.
She had run a lot of trips after the raids. Helping transport patients who were soldiers from the local hospital to the hospital on base. It helped out the locals in Lethford and got the soldiers away from the public. Able to contain them a bit easier in case there was an outbreak in the hospital. But since then, things had died down. She took the helicopter out maybe once a week for rounds, mainly being partnered with the Lethford police for air support.
After her rounds, she stopped by her room on the base and showered up, changing into a comfortable pair of clothes that showed she was clearly no longer on duty. Dark jeans and a plain gray tee shirt, pair of converse on her feet. She made her way towards the mess hall, it was later than lunch, but still too early for dinner. Meaning that there were actually only a handful of people in the room. All dressed like they were on duty but taking an actual break. She gave a small nod of greeting as she passed them, grabbing a pre-made sandwich and bottle of water. Snagging a small piece of brownie in cling wrap that was there as well. Might as well treat herself to something at least.
She sat by herself, somewhat near the entrance of the mess hall, unwrapping her sandwich and starting to eat. She brushed her shoulder length hair behind her ears so it would stay out of the way. Arden had probably only made it through half the sandwich when she heard someone enter the hall, and in a bit of a hurry from the sounds of it. Her blue eyes moving to look at who had just made their debut to the scarcely populated area.
Generally, he had his life figured out. But with the riots, and the disaster with the bottled water, Sebastian had been pulled in too many directions. But no matter what his excuse was, he’d definitely dropped the ball as a father this time. He knew he’d messed up when he’d told Elizabeth that he’d been called into work, and that he was going to have to send someone to watch her - instead of the promised night in front of the tv, eating pizza, like he’d promised. He could see the disappointment in her eyes, the same disappointment he’d watched slowly form in her mother’s eyes before her. As he made his way to the base, trying to figure out who to send to keep an eye on her, he couldn’t help but beat himself up.
Here he was, years later, still making the same mistakes. But these were extraordinary times, and he’d never expected to have to deal with a pandemic like this - much less trying to navigate the uncharted waters of fatherhood for the first time during it. He couldn’t just drop his job right now - though he knew that he should be prioritizing her needs. She’d just lost her mother, after all.
The soldiers seemed to be scarce until he entered the mess hall. His gaze scanned the available bodies, not wanting to take someone from their duties. Thankfully, he spotted a woman sitting and eating her lunch - he winced to himself as he headed in her direction. Of course he was going to interrupt her meal to ask her to something of a favor for him - not something required of her as her official job. He was already wanting to depart from the conversation, and he hadn’t even started it. Clearing his throat, he stepped up to her table. ”Excuse me. I have a...slightly odd request for you.” Sebastian began, already looking regretful for having to speak at all. He wasn’t sure how to explain to what amounted to a stranger his current predicament.
So, he decided to just dive right into it. ”Would you be willing to watch a little girl for about…” Pausing, to actually check his watch so that he was as accurate as possible, ”Three hours? I’ve been called into a meeting, and unfortunately none of the caretakers are available on such short notice.” His entire expression was already apologetic, but he tilted his head, as if he had a really good ‘but’. ”There’ll be pizza delivered in about twenty minutes, if that sweetens the pot at all.” He made a pointed glance down at her sandwich, hoping she was the kind of woman who preferred that sort of food.
Arden’s eyes landed on not just any soldier or officer. But Command Sergeant Major Sebastian Chamberlain. She blinked once, then twice as he seemed to scan the room and lock eyes onto her. Her sandwich held between her hands in front of her face, a single bite taken from her sandwich as he approached. She looked up at him with a silent question in her eyes as he stopped in front of her table and cleared his throat. She took that moment to set down the sandwich she was holding and make a show of brushing her hands off. Her blue eyes looking up at him.
She had seen him a while back now. Always in passing, never really having dealt with one another. He had a air about him that screamed that he had a position of power, which he did. And he was attractive. Any woman on the base could see that, including herself. So for a moment, she just looked at him, unsure of what was about to be said as they had never exchanged words before. And this was quite the odd way for them to start talking, especially when the request came out of his mouth. He looked uncomfortable, and if the earth was to open up under him, he’d willingly throw himself into it instead of trying to save himself.
“Would you be willing to watch a little girl for about… Three hours? I’ve been called into a meeting, and unfortunately none of the caretakers are available on such short notice. There’ll be pizza delivered in about twenty minutes, if that sweetens the pot at all.”
She watched as the emotions shifted as he talked. Embarrassment, a small plea, desperation. “Well,” She started, pushing herself up and out of her seat as she stood. He had about half a foot on her, but she looked up at him from across the table. “Normally I am a meat an potatoes kind of girl, but pizza is a close second.” She said, giving a light shrug as she collected the items from her area to clean up after herself. She turned around and held out a hand, “Address Major?” Her blue eyes flickered back to him. And once the paper was in her hand, she looked at it. The base wasn’t that large, but she’d take her car over so she could get their faster. And then get herself home afterwards without an issue.
“Arden Lynn Parker,” She offered as she made her way to the exit of the mess hall and escaped down the hall way. It seemed that luck was on Sebastian’s side. Arden as actually pretty good with kids and raising them. She raised herself and her two younger siblings as a child herself. So at least he didn’t have to worry about some incapable woman heading over to take care of his daughter. Though as she knocked on the door, she wished that she had asked more questions. Especially when the door opened and there was not a small child there like how he had eluded to. No, this was a preteen. And she was very skeptical of Arden... at first.
She had arrived just moments before the pizza did, and the door had barely closed behind her before there was a knock. She got the pizza inside safely and went into ‘hey there’ mode. It was actually pretty awkward at first. Elizabeth seemed to not be thrilled by her new companion at first. The first slice of pizza was consumed in silence. But that didn’t mean that Arden was going to give up. She got them cleaned up and even took the extra step to take care of all the dishes in the sink before they went into the living room to find something to watch. It seemed that their mutual taste in a show was enough to open that door for Arden. She immediately jumped into it and before long, the two were laughing together and enjoying a bowl of popcorn.
Arden had actually lost track of time at some point. Her and Bethy, as she was now calling the girl, were in a fit of laughter over a little playful spat on the characters in the show. And that was when she heard the door closing, signaling that a certain man had made it home. She stood up and walked her way towards the opening of the living room to look over at him. “Welcome home sir.” She said, the smile on her face was one that was the remains of her laughter from earlier. Bethy remained on the couch, and seemed to not quite be over the fact that Sebastian had broke plans with her.
“Normally I am a meat an potatoes kind of girl, but pizza is a close second.”
Relief flooded him as she followed up with asking for his address. Absolute relief. A grateful smile flashed across his face as he handed her the piece of paper he’d written his address - and Elizabeth’s name - on. Arden Lynn Parker. Her name was simple, yet very pretty sounding. He was just glad she hadn’t shot him down, which he never held against anyone who refused to babysit. Thankfully, he didn’t find himself asking very often. Usually he was better prepared than this - but this meeting had been called just an hour ago. Sometimes the military just didn’t care about other responsibilities. It was one of the things Sebastian hated most about the job.
”Thank you, Arden.” She wasn’t in her official dress, so he wasn’t sure of her rank, and didn’t want to assume it was less if it was more. While Sebastian didn’t often find himself using first names while on base, he figured it was better than not addressing her at all. He gave her a nod as he spoke, so happy he’d found someone that he likely could have pulled her into a hug for it. He watched her leave before heading his own way towards his meeting. He knew that once he got home, Elizabeth would likely be giving him the silent treatment. As he headed towards the meeting, he gave a heavy sigh, shaking his head.
Sebastian could hardly focus on the tasks at hand, sitting in a room full of the top brass of the military and some city representatives, going over plans, discussing shortcomings, making decisions. While they tended to work as one body, sometimes the entire group just devolved into bickering, which was also frustrating. He didn’t want to be in this room, but he had to be. However, as the meeting came to a close he couldn’t help but feel happy. He said his goodbyes, and then he was out the door and heading for his ride. He arrived at his home only a few minutes later, raising a hand to the soldier who’d dropped him off - he didn’t bother driving anywhere, because they always wanted a soldier to escort him around to his tasks half the time - before heading to the door.
“Welcome home sir.”
Sebastian looked up, slightly surprised. Arden was standing there, a smile on her face that said she was enjoying herself. So Elizabeth wasn’t angry? He stared at Arden for a moment, blinking, not used to being greeted upon his arrival at home. Usually he just got a glare and the cold shoulder for whatever transgression he’d committed that day. A slow half-smile pulled across his features. ”Thank you. It looks like everything went alright?” Walking towards Arden, his gaze caught Elizabeth on the couch and he moved her way, coming around the front of the couch to take a peek at her face. Elizabeth glanced up at him briefly before dropping her gaze, a stubborn set to her features that reminded him of her mother. And maybe a bit of himself. Sighing softly, Sebastian stooped down so that he was crouched in front of her, more on her level. ”Elizabeth, I messed up tonight - I’m sorry. How can I make it up to you?” He spoke softly, exceedingly aware of Arden’s presence, though he felt it was better to do this now rather than let his daughter stew. The longer she had to think, the worse his side of the deal would be. But to his surprise those blue eyes flicked up to his and glared at him hard. ’Nothing. I’m going to bed.’ She snapped, pushing herself from the couch and storming right past Arden. Still, as she made her way down the hall, she had the presence of mind to glance back, only looking at her. ’Goodnight.’ And then she was off, Sebastian staring after her with a troubled look. So, she liked the woman she’d met three hours ago more than she liked her own father. Grand.
Standing back up, Sebastian cleared his throat, a rueful curve to his lips. ”Well, whatever you did, she likes you. So at least there’s that.” He quipped, trying to brush off the hurt he was feeling. He was a grown man, he could handle being snubbed by his pre-teen daughter. But to be stood up by your own father? He felt terrible.
Arden stood there as Sebastian seemed to gather himself, looking her over as if he was confused on what she was doing there. "Must have been a rough meeting." She said lightly, a brow quirking high on her forehead as she watched the small smile grow across his handsome face. He was ridiculously good looking, mature and yet those sharp eyes of his stating that he was wickedly smart. Had to be to hold the position that he did. Or else he was extremely lucky and had somehow gotten his way as far as he had on that alone. But she knew the latter wasn't the case.
"Thank you. It looks like everything went alright?"
She gave a light shrug of her shoulders. Her gaze looking over to the blonde as his eyes moved to her as well. She went to answer him, to give him the heads up that she wasn't exactly thrilled with her father, but Sebastian was already moving towards her. She sucked in a small breath, watching as he stooped down and tried his best to connect and apologize to her. She knew it wasn't going to work. The two girls had chatted lightly about it and she knew the frustration that laid there. But what wasn't said, and what Arden knew was there, was disappointment.
So she wasn't surprised when the girl was up and off the couch without saying much. Giving a bitter sentence as she went. Arden thought that maybe that was her question to slip out the front door. Let the two of them go ahead and try to talk things out or at least give the man a break from one of his soldiers seeing a preteen disrespect him. Not that she blamed her from what she had been told. But what stopped her in her tracks was the moment that the blonde looked over at her, their eyes connecting for a moment. She watched her face soften as a 'goodnight' slipped out of her mouth. She gave her a small smile in response. "Night Bethy." She returned.
"Well, whatever you did, she likes you. So at least there’s that."
Arden glanced back at his front door. She briefly considered telling him that she was going to head home. Back to her small room and bed. But the hurt in his voice was what tugged at her. "I was there," She winced lightly when it left her. "I didn't mean it the way that sounded." She told him, offering him an apologetic look as she placed her hands on her hips and sighed lightly. "How about this. We had extra pizza, lets get some food in you and perhaps a beer for the both of us? Assuming you have such a thing, Major." A flash of a smile was tossed his way, and then she was off towards the kitchen, not waiting to see if he would accept her invite or not. Instead, she only paused in the doorway and looked over her shoulder at him. Flashing a bright smile before she disappeared into the kitchen.
Her words made the smile grow larger, giving him presence of mind to actually be grateful for her greeting. Of course, he felt rude to just move past her to his daughter, but he figured she’d understand. There was a fleeting hope that she wouldn’t leave while he spoke to Elizabeth, a short lived conversation that had no resolution and only left him feeling more guilty. He’d have to think of something good to make this up to her, and he’d have to put more effort into spending time with her. Sebastian was disheartened, feeling like a failure.
He caught the nickname Arden used when she responded to Elizabeth’s ‘goodnight’, and though it took him by surprise, he felt a sting of hurt at that. Three hours Arden had spent with Elizabeth, only three total hours. And somehow he felt like the outside party in the room. What only made it worse was that he was too logical not to know he only had himself to blame. It wasn’t like he could resent his daughter, and he definitely didn’t feel like it was Arden’s fault. No, this was a problem that was rooted in his idiocy when he was younger. In his belief that serving his country was the most important role he played. He’d made more mistakes than he could count, but he could tell that Elizabeth was holding on to each one, painfully aware of how many times her own father had chosen his job over her.
"I was there.”
Sebastian winced slightly at her words, as if they were a physical blow. She was absolutely right. When she tried to soothe the sting, he just gave her a soft, faint smile and a shake of his head. ”No, you’re right.” He replied, simply, looking pensive.
"How about this. We had extra pizza, lets get some food in you and perhaps a beer for the both of us? Assuming you have such a thing, Major."
His brows rose subtly, watching as she turned and headed for the kitchen. So she was sticking around for a little while longer? At least that meant he didn’t have to go face Elizabeth just yet. Following her into the kitchen, he nodded towards the fridge. ”There might be a bottle or two in there.” He answered, a corner of his mouth lifting slightly. ”So...you called her Bethy.” He probed, giving her a thoughtful look. ”Did she tell you that’s what she prefers to go by?” Did he really know so little about his own daughter?
Arden was already in the fridge, removing the leftover pizza so she could heat him up a piece and then snagging the only two beers that were in the fridge. She was a casual beer drinker. Doing it more for the habit than the taste, as she didn't quite find it to be the most delicious thing she had drank before. But the light buzz she got was worth it sometimes. Just enough to get her relaxed and ready to go to bed. She opened the drawer she saw the bottle opener in earlier and quickly popped the tops on the two. Setting his down in front of him, and then clinking her glass to his lightly. "Cheers." She said, taking a sip before she went to heat the leftovers on a plate for him.
"So... you called her Bethy. Did she tell you that's what she prefers to go by?"
She had gotten a little run down from the girl herself on the situation of how she wound up on base. She knew enough to know that he was trying, though the girl was a bit too young to understand that he was trying in his own way. She could see why it wasn't enough because of the past though. "No, I just didn't want to call her Lizzy or something like that. Seems too basic. And Beth sounds like an old woman. So, she got Bethy." She said, turning as she got the microwave going. Her blue eyes sliding over to where he sat. "She didn't like it the first couple times, but I think she is okay with the name now." She admitted.
She studied him for a moment, taking another drink of her beer before she heard the buzzer go off behind her. She made quick work of making sure it was heated and then bringing it to him at the table, setting it down in front of him as she slipped into the seat across from him. "She clued me in to a little bit. And even though it isn't really my business; How are you adjusting with her here?" She cared. She understood what it was like to not be raised by your parents. But Bethy did admit that he was trying. And that was more than Arden could really say about her own mother.
”Thanks.” Sebastian said as she set the bottle of beer down in front of him. He grabbed the neck, tilting it to clink with hers and giving her a nod as she turned away to tend to the food. He felt just slightly odd, having someone take care of him like this. It had been a long time since he lived with another adult, but it wasn’t a bad thing. He was enjoying it.
He was relieved when she explained how the nickname had come to be - so it wasn’t just another thing he’d missed out on. Sebastian felt a light smile take over his face as he let out a breathy laugh. ”Yeah, we probably could have picked a better name. Something more original.” He said, shrugging lightly. Obviously when he thought of the name, he only thought of his daughter. But he’d known then and he knew now that Elizabeth was exceedingly common. He met her gaze, trying to look earnest. ”Thank you. For making her night a little better.” Sebastian told her, his voice sincere.
His head bobbed in another thankful nod as she slid the food in front of him. Even re-heated pizza sounded like a delicacy right about now, as the smell of it wafted up to him and made his stomach twist angrily. Only, he didn’t get to even pick it up before his head was perking up at her question, looking a little taken by surprise. No one had bothered asking him if he was doing alright with this new situation; the most he’d gotten were condolences for his loss when he informed his superiors of the changes that needed to happen to accommodate his daughter. Sebastian felt selfish, and like a failure, for thinking that this was harder than he expected. Of course it was. He’d been a ghost of a father when she was younger, and completely absent as she grew through her formative years. He was a practical stranger to her. Sebastian’s face fell slightly, a faint shrug lifting his shoulders. ”Honestly, I don’t really know what I’m doing.” He admitted, looking down at the pizza.
”I feel like I’m failing at both being a major and her father.” The words were out before he could grasp at them, and he bit the inside of his cheek to stop from rambling further. One person asks how he’s doing and he loses composure? He glanced up at Arden, trying to look casual, as if he were simply speaking facts. ”Sorry. Stressful night.”
Arden shook her head as he was talking about picking out a better name. She disagreed, and she chuckled lightly under her breath at him. “I don’t think it’s a bad name. It’s perfect for her.” She started. “I guess I’ve just always had a thing about giving others nicknames if I could.” She finished with a small shrug. She grew up the oldest of three siblings, and each one got their own nickname. Each friend did as well. Even if it had nothing to do with their actual name, she found a way to give them something. It was just an Arden thing.
“Well, you are welcome?” She laughed lightly. “She is wickedly smart. And funny once you understand the lingo.” She joked as she slid into the seat across from him. She spoke about lingo as if she was some old person. She felt it compared to the young girl, but she knew that she was still very much so in her young years. She had plenty of life ahead of her. At least, she did if she played her cards right and didn’t do anything too reckless. And Arden wasn’t exactly someone who did things that were considered stupid too often. Besides flying a helicopter and making dangerous decisions sometimes to save others. Okay, so maybe she shouldn’t preach on safe behaviors.
When she asked him how he was going with it, there was an awkward pause. She didn’t show that it effected her. She simply leaned back in her seat and took another drink from the long neck in her hand. Her blue eyes on him as she listened to him start off. “Well you aren’t failing as a major. Take that from someone who works under you.” She told him lightly. Then she placed the bottle down on the table as she glanced towards the doorway that lead to where she last saw Bethy. “She just wants you to be there. To follow through on promises.” Her eyes swung back to him, she wasn’t trying to sound cruel or heartless. She just knew the feeling that the girl was going through.
“When was the last time you were able to do something with her? Something she wanted to do and you actually did with her?”
Sebastian smiled as she mentioned Elizabeth’s name being good. He thought so, too - it wasn’t that he didn’t think Elizabeth fit her, it was just that all he and his ex had ever heard was that it was too common. He’d come to just responding with humor, casually dismissing those comments. ”We wanted something flexible for her. Something she could make her own.” He said, shrugging his shoulders. ”There was a few years there where she was pretty serious about Eliza, but I think that might have been the obsession with the Thornberry’s.” He wanted to ask her what nickname she’d give him, but then Arden was commenting on her personality. A warm smile spread across his face as she spoke, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.
”I think she makes words up sometimes to see if I’ll just go along with it.” He said, shaking his head. ”Which I do, of course.” Sebastian may have been an absentee father, but he’d never loved anyone as much as he loved Elizabeth. He’d made his mistakes, but he was trying to fix what the younger, more idiotic version of him had broken. ”She is...a very bright girl.” Looking down at the beer bottle in his grip, Sebastian could remember in detail every moment he’d spent with her, from the time she was placed against his bare chest as an infant. The nurses had told him that skin to skin was extremely important. He’d been given leave when his wife went into labor, and during that time off he’d been attached to his daughter as if she might disappear if he took his eyes off her. There was a brief moment where he didn’t fail her as a father, and then he’d let his job become more important, somehow.
A small smile as she assured him he - at least - wasn’t failing as a major. Her next words still hit him like a ton of bricks, and while the honestly felt like a slap to the face, he was also thankful for it. It helped him see things without the blinders on. Considering her question, Sebastian leaned back in his seat, sighing. ”If we’re talking actual activities, probably not since she was little. I was...not around much until she came to the base.” He knew she already knew, knew Elizabeth had already told her a lot. While it was slightly embarrassing to have his dirty laundry aired, he was appreciative of the fact that she was willing to sit and discuss this with him. ”I was an idiot when I was younger. Can’t really say if it’s gotten better as I’ve gotten older.”
