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 settled in for the night. Most of the base had been sent to their beds and homes for the night. Some were sent to help the local officials with the rule breakers that might be running around at this time. Somehow, Arden had gotten the night off on Halloween. She had just settled in for the night with her pajamas recently pulled on. Which was just an oversized t-shirt and a pair of socks. Nothing too fancy, but every bit comfortable. She had gotten herself a giant bag of halloween candy and had just opened up a beer when her phone started buzzing. She assumed it was possibly her sister. But instead, she saw the name 'Sebastian Chamberlain' flash across her screen. With a slight frown, she opened the screen.
S: I may have another odd request.
Okay, and that would be? :A
S: Think you can come by around 1900 with candy?
... I can put something together. You owe me. :A
She stared at the bowl of candy and her opened beer. She thought about it for a moment before she lifted it to her lips and chugged the damn thing down as fast as she could before she was into her room and ripping apart her closet. A last minute halloween costume that was not a lame military outfit while also being child appropriate. She knew who this was for, who this was really about. Sebastian was doing this for Bethy, and somehow, Arden had a soft spot for the little blonde who seemed to like her. She whipped together a quick outfit, slightly regretful that she didn't have time to get herself a proper Kim Possible red wig but figure that it was better than her putting on her military outfit and showing up as her actual job. Once dressed, she grabbed the bowl of candy, her keys, and was out the door.
She might have arrived a little later than the agreed time. But hey, he had asked her last minute and she had some preparations to do. So when she arrived, she took a deep breath, holding the bowl of candy in her arms and knocked on the door. The moment it opened, she would smile and let out a 'Trick or Treat!' to whoever stood on the other side. Though she was more expecting it to be Bethy than Sebastian.
When he’d texted Arden, he’d half expected her to just turn him down. He was probably asking a lot of her, but after she’d watched Elizabeth for him for those few hours, the pre-teen’s mood had changed considerably. She was still a little upset about the change of plans that had happened, but in the days following she’d mentioned Arden. Asked about her. So Sebastian figured, if she liked Arden, the smart decision was to keep bringing her around. Of course, if Arden enjoyed being around them as much as Elizabeth enjoyed having her around. Thankfully, Arden had agreed to his little plan, and he’d quickly made plans to cook dinner for all three of them in the time that remained before Arden was set to arrive.
He’d been deep into cooking when he heard the knock on the door, and Elizabeth had thrown him a confused look from her spot on the couch. She’d been quite upset when he’d told her the news about Halloween, so he figured he’d make up his previous transgressions to her. Trying to look clueless, Sebastian nodded towards the door. ”Can you get that?”
With a soft sigh, Elizabeth pushed herself up from the couch, making her way over to the entry hall and then to the front door, pulling it open. At the sight of Arden, dressed up as Kim Possible, Elizabeth lit up with a broad grin. ”Arden!” She’d look over her shoulder, though the kitchen wasn’t visible from the front door, and then turn back to the woman, making space to let her in. ”Did dad know you were coming?” Sebastian had, of course, not told her about his plan. That was the point.
As the door opened and she said her little greeting, she had to admit she was more than pleased to see the way that the blonde lit up at her. It made her feel good inside, happy to see such a please expression. She watched as the girl looked over her shoulder as if she could see her father through the walls there. And then her question was out about if he knew. "Sure did, he wanted you to have some kind of halloween seeing as the rest of everything seems to be shut down." She said, hoping that this would earn Sebastian some brownie points with his kid. He was trying. He wanted to be a good dad. And she wanted to try and help him with that as well. Bethy was a good kid, and she deserved to have a good relationship with her father.
"Now, are you going to let me in or are you going to make me stand out here all night?" She teased, and of course, she quickly stepped aside and Arden entered the house. She could smell something was cooking, and honestly it smelled pretty good in her opinion. At least she knew that her stomach would be filled with more than just the candy she brought from home. She moved towards the living room to set the bowl down on the coffee table before she turned back to Bethy. "Why don't you go find a costume to put on, let's make it truly a halloween night." Arden was pretty sure most of the last part of that sentence was not heard because the girl was already off towards her room. With a laugh, she made her way towards the kitchen and walked in. "Happy halloween sir." She said with a smile as he came into view.
Sebastian had been intently listening from the kitchen as he worked with the food he was preparing, wanting to drop everything and round the corner so he could actually see what was going on. Instead he listened as Elizabeth's excited voice had drifted back to him. Moments later, Arden was entering the kitchen, and he took a moment to take in her costume. A smile pulled his lips up in response to her own smile, giving her a nod. "Happy Halloween. You look great." He complimented, then tilted his head slightly. "And thank you. But you don't have to call me sir. Sebastian is fine." Honestly, she could call him any variation of his name and he'd likely respond, but the 'sir' thing was something he still wasn't used to - honorifics always made him feel stiff. Better to leave those at the base.
Looking down at the fish filets he was currently cooking, he smiled. "I hope you like fish." Atlantic Salmon, to be exact. And he had potatoes and asparagus roasting in the oven. And, of course, in a separate pan from the fish was Elizabeth's porkchop. She wasn't a fan of fish, he'd come to find out. Just as his thoughts jumped to her, the small blonde appeared - dressed up as Alice. Her blonde hair and blue eyes definitely fit the description. Sebastian remembered getting pictures of her in that costume a year prior. He smiled affectionately. "Well, now I feel underdressed."
"Happy Halloween. You look great. And thank you. But you don't have to call me sir. Sebastian is fine."
She looked down at her costume and shrugged. Suddenly thinking a crop top in front of her major probably wasn't the smartest thing in her book. "It was the best I could throw together with little notice, Bash." She gave him a pointed look, knowing that he was to blame for such a thing. She also smirked a bit at his new name. If she was getting permission to drop the formal titles, then he was getting a nick name. Just like his daughter had gotten one as well. Bethy and Bash. Sounded like a good comedy show.
"I like almost all foods. So bring it on." Arden told him as she ventured closer to peer into the pan that he was cooking in. Hovering probably a bit too close to him but it was the only way that she was actually going to get a look into it. It lasted only a few seconds before she turned at the sound of Bethy emerging from the hall way. "Oh that is perfect!" She said, clapping her hands once together in front of her. She really did make a good Alice. Her blonde hair and blue eyes, and she was as cute as a button. "We are all mad here." She quoted before her eyes were back on Bethy's father.
"Well, now I feel underdressed."
She tsked him lightly. "Well who's fault is that?" She teased, before she waved the young girl over. "Think you can keep an eye on the food so it doesn't burn and I can help your father find a costume that isn't his military uniform?" She asked. Maybe she was overstepping. Just maybe. But he invited her over, he was asking for help. And he was getting her help now. Whether he liked it or not.
"It was the best I could throw together with little notice, Bash."
Sebastian cocked an eyebrow, his lips parting to respond, but instead chuckling lightly for a minute. He gave a little nod, shrugging his shoulders. The nickname made him think of some college football player two hits away from another concussion, but he still kind of liked it. ”I apologize for the short notice.” He said, trying to look solemn and repentant. When he’d seen how upset Elizabeth was, he had panicked a little. He knew it was his chance to make up for stepping out on her previously, but he hadn’t known who to call to help him. He’d only thought of Arden, and how quickly she’d come to his aid before.
He glanced over at her again as she came over to him to check out what he was cooking, extremely aware of how close she was. He gave another small smile as her focus was torn away by Elizabeth’s entrance, who twirled on the spot to show off her costume. ”Beautiful.” Sebastian commented, his smile growing as Elizabeth turned her excited grin his way. Looking back over at Arden, he was once again struck with the odd sensation of having another adult in the house. He chuckled at her tease, shrugging his shoulders lightly. ”I blame the military for my lack of fashion sense.” Which wasn’t exactly a lie, when every aspect of your outward appearance was strictly controlled.
"Think you can keep an eye on the food so it doesn't burn and I can help your father find a costume that isn't his military uniform?
Sebastian glanced from Arden to Elizabeth, who was looking at him with a light in her eyes that he certainly didn’t want to kill. His daughter came around the counter, smiling happily. ”I can do that.” She said, sounding confident. Sebastian raised his brows at her, though his lips were curved with a smile as he handed her the spatula. He watched as Elizabeth leaned to give Arden a doubtful look. ”But good luck finding him a costume. All he’s got are the same clothes in different shades.” Sebastian felt a laugh burst from his chest. Maybe it wasn’t the smartest decision to pair these two together.
”Alright, alright. We’ve already established my lack of fashion sense.” He admonished, though his tone was still light and humorous. Stepping away from the stove, he gestured for Arden to follow him before heading back to his room.
Arden smirked lightly as he apologized to her. "This better not become a habit of yours. I'm gonna start charging you short notice fees." Of course this was a joke. She had never once asked him for money. Nor would she really hear anything about it if he tried to offer. This was about Bethy. And something about the little blue eyed, blonde haired girl that reminded her of her sisters when they were little. Like she needed to step up and be that support for her. She grinned at him as he tried to defend his taste in fashion. Shaking her head at him like it was no excuse.
She winked at the girl. "Challenge accepted. Dad, you are about to get spookified." She laughed, giving him a light push to his shoulder as he started to lead them towards his room. She watched as Bethy turned her focus to the stove to make sure that the food didn't burn. "If it get's too much. You can always just turn off the stove." She offered before they were out of sight. Her blue eyes glancing up and over to her commanding officer. A smirk on her face. "I can't wait to see this fashion sense of yours, sir."
Sebastian chuckled as Arden nudged him down the hall, glancing at her over his shoulder. ”Should I be concerned for my safety?” He teased, quirking a brow. Turning back to lead her down the hall, entering the last bedroom on the right, Sebastian smiled to himself as she gave Elizabeth a spot of advice. As he opened the door, he glanced back at her, the corner of his mouth pulling up at her commentary. ”I don’t think it can really be called fashion sense, if I’m honest.” He walked a bit into the room, turning on his heel to face her.
His bedroom was the master bedroom, and his bed was just beneath the only window, opposite his closet, which was right next to the door to the master bath. The closet was meant for a couple, so it was a large, spacious walk in. Which also meant that it was quite barren. Opening the double doors and flicking on the interior light, he stepped back, gesturing for Arden to go ahead. ”Good luck on finding anything, though.” He said, waiting for her to head in before stepping in behind her. One side of the closet, meant for the other half of the couple, had a few suitcases and boxes, but was otherwise empty. The otherside had his clothes and a dresser filled with items he didn’t wear as often. Hanging up would be his few suits, and then the rest of his military garb - various uniforms with fancy badges and medals, workout shirts, the many different military pants he was issued. In a neat row below that were all his shoes and boots.
A wicked grin was tossed at him. "Only if you don't know how to defend yourself." She teased. Or perhaps it was a flirtation? She wasn't quite sure, but it came out easily and without much thought. Falling easily into step with him until he opened the door for her. She moved inside behind him. Not shutting the door but easily making her way over to his closet. He was the gentleman, opening the doors and flipping the light on for her. "Well thank you sir." She said as she ducked into the room.
It certainly was going to be a challenge. His closet didn't give her much to work with, her hand reaching out to touch each item as she walked further back. The easiest thing would be for her to pick out a military style outfit. But that was no fun. She felt like that was an easy out for them. And certainly wouldn't do them any favors in the Elizabeth department. She paused on a black suit. Pulling it out slightly as she looked between him and the suit. "Do you have a pair of black sunglasses?" She asked with a smile. If he didn't she'd figure out another one. But this might actually work. She raised a brow as she pulled out a black tie as well.
Sebastian chuckled at her response to his question, giving her a self-confident look. ”Well, then I guess it’s good I can kill a man with a teacup, huh?” He joked, though he could, in fact, kill someone with just about any object he was provided. There might be some deliberating on the exact how-to, but he’d figure it out eventually. As she continued that bright, amusing tone, thanking him, Sebastian half-bent at the waist, dipping his head.
He leaned against the doorframe of the closet, watching her dig through his clothes in search for a costume. Sebastian only thought for a split second that it might be considered odd to let someone you never had a personal relationship with before just go through your closet, but it didn’t actually make him feel odd. This felt...normal, almost. Somehow Arden had walked into his life and provided him just the support he’d needed. Even in this short time, he was grateful. Watching her take interest in a suit, he raised his brows, looking thoughtful. ”Hmm, I should.” Standing up straight, he turned back into his bedroom and went to the nightstand. Pulling open the drawer, he immediately spotted his sunglasses. Grabbing them, he returned, displaying them to her. ”What are we going for here?” He asked, nodding towards the suit. He could think of lots of different roles that might wear a combo like this.
"Well, then I guess it’s good I can kill a man with a teacup, huh?"
She shot him a look over her shoulder, clearly surprised by what he just said. "Well color me impressed. I certainly didn't learn that in basics." She teased. Arden made quick work of putting together the suit combo. Dark suit, dark tie, white button down. She laid them on his bed before she was back into the closet to find a good pair of dress shoes. It was the best she was going to be able to work with. Especially given that she had no time to prepare. Or else she might have been able to do better. Actually, she could have definitely done better.
"What are we going for here?"
She tossed him another grin as she left his closet, setting the shoes on the floor in front of his suit. "Men in Black." She said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. She found a silver pen in his room and held it up. "Check it out, when do I get my own little flashy-thing memory-messer-upper?" She quoted the movie, making it like she was pressing the pen to use as this 'flashy-thing' that messed with peoples memories. "Now, I am assuming you can dress yourself?" She teased, making her way for his door so she could excuse herself. He was a big boy, he could get ready without her holding his hand.... right?
Sebastian couldn’t hold back the chuckle as she responded to his joke, shaking his head. ”It’s a perk after so many years in service. Like a neat after school activity.” He replied, his tone clearly joking - if his words weren’t obviously untrue. No, Sebastian had never actually had to kill anyone with anything but an actual weapon or his bare hands, but he’d done enough fighting to know that in a pinch, anything could be used as a weapon.
Watching her go back and forth, he did feel a little bad for having only asked her for favors, and made a mental note to somehow make it up to her. As she answered his query with the answer he was expecting, Sebastian gave an enlightened expression and a nod. ”That’s what I was thinking.” He replied, a brow raising as she teased him, heading for his door. Had he been any other kind of man, he might have used this moment to flirt with her. Instead he just laughed, giving a helpless shrug. ”I guess we’ll find out if I can.” As soon as she’d left the room, he’d quickly switch outfits, taking a moment to look at himself in the mirror in his bathroom before stepping back out into his kitchen and clearing his throat, eyes hidden behind dark shades - which felt silly to wear indoors - and spread his hands out, presenting himself to the two ladies in the room.
"It's a perk after somany years in service. Like a neat after school activity."
She nodded her head "Ah, so I just picked the wrong elective is what you are saying." Which she knew that she hadn't. She loved what she did. There was a reason she had picked being a pilot. "I picked the air support elective for men and women like you." She could fly a fighter jet as well, but she had been switched to helicopter pilot. It was more useful in cities like Lethford where flying a jet over wasn't going to help anyone now a days. But it was a there as a back up.
She grinned as he told her that was what he thought they were going with. "Never doubted your intelligence sir." She laughed before she was at his door, waiting only a moment to hear his response to her question on if he could actually dress himself or not. Arden exited the room as he said he might be able to essentially. And as she shut the door, she paused for a moment outside the door, realizing that her words could have been ridiculously flirty on her end with the question she asked. That could have been a disaster and she could only send up a small thank you to whoever was watching out for her that he hadn't laughed in her face. She would have simply ceased to exist and hope that a hole opened up under her and just swallowed her whole. But thankfully he was graceful with it.
Arden was back into the kitchen with Bethy, and glad to see the girl hadn't managed to burn anything when she came to check. She quickly made quick work of getting everything out of ovens and pans and onto plates. Setting down the last plate as he turned the corner and held his arms out. She let out a low whistle as Bethy clapped her hands in approval. At least they had done well in their choice.
Sebastian didn’t stand there waiting for their reactions long, which was nice. Elizabeth seemed in better spirits than she’d been the past few days, and he couldn’t help but smile as she began to clap. He took the sunglasses off, not willing to wear them the whole night whilst trying to actually see, and hooked them in the suit pocket alongside the pen. ”Thank you, thank you. Now, dinner.” He declared, flashing a smile in Arden’s direction. ”Thanks for getting it all set up.”
He moved over to the dinner table, only taking his seat once both ladies were already seated, the smell of the salmon, potatoes and asparagus almost heavenly to him. He wasn’t any sort of professional cook, but when you lived on your own you tended to learn a few dishes. Sebastian had always enjoyed cooking, too. It was therapeutic in a way. So he’d learned to cook some really fancy dishes, but he still enjoyed the simpler things - like roasted veggies and fish. It was a dish that looked very well put together, but was generally very easy and quick to make. ”So, Arden, I’m curious, how long have you been a pilot?” Sebastian asked, glancing up at her from across the table. He wanted to know more about the person who kept doing him favors, and felt a little bad that he didn’t know as much about her as he likely should.
