1300 Ghastly News
Onwards and upwards!
Most of the Baymardians weren't aware of their monarch's disappearance, for it was a secret one. And with the way his majesty typically moved, everyone either thought he was about one of the major establishments in the Capital city or within the arm force units like the barracks.
Of course, there was also the fact that his majesty typically went out towards the other Baymardians territories, visiting Riverdale and the rest as frequently as he could. But all in all, many were clueless about his majesty's exit and were more focused on many important matters at hand.
All around the scene, many tuned in to their radios, watched Tv and even read Newspapers on the many matters plaguing the world.
"Oh, my ancestors! What a frightening thing this Zombie virus is."
"Exactly! It's said that the virus could spread through water and air. So if it comes to our beloved empire, in a few weeks or months, won't we all be finished at that rate?"
"My dear... That's what I fear the most."
"F***! Me too. I've been so scared for my little daughter's life that I recently had sleepless nights. And haven't you heard? Hand sanitizers and tissues were almost out of sale at some point. I heard that the supply-demand that was supposed to be exported to the other empires doubled."
"Hmmm. Everyone is scrambling for them because even if it's not the Zombie virus, it's always best to take precautions. Hey! Have you forgotten about the many minor and major plagues that occurred within Pyno over the years? What about the Shinjep one that happened in Ngum city Carona, a few years back? That one was said to be deadly and might've eventually wiped out the entire Pyno if it wasn't for our brave Doctors, nurses, military staff and his majesty."
One of the people holding their newspapers in a barbershop nodded vigorously: "Hmhm. With the constant threat of random plagues and diseases popping up here and there, wouldn't it be better to prepare for the future? It's just that this Zombie plague is so terrifying that it seemed to be a wake-up call for many. Look! In the newspapers, it's said that even the Pyno merchant association has begun adjusting and implementing new policies and safety measures to ensure that they don't accidentally bring any viruses in."
One of the men getting a clean beard trim couldn't help frowning with worry: "What about the cruise ships? What are they doing about things?"
(*~*)
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Many of those in the barbershop were very puzzled about this.
That is, the Cruise ships went to and fro Zalipnia, as well as the other empires. So what if someone brings it in?
This problem would kill them all if nothing were done about it!
Many were indeed perplexed about the situation, but for some, they only chuckled with a playful smile on their faces.
One of the men shampooing another man's long luscious hair couldn't help proudly inputting his thoughts on the matter.
"Are you all dreaming? The leaders and delegates had long thought of how to solve this one."
"Really? How do you know?"
"Rely on! Last night, the BBC reported that thanks to Zalipnian ruler, Monarch Uther, we now know a few key symptoms of those carrying the virus. So with this alone, we can fight and defend ourselves for the time being until those heading out to the Virus-infected zones send more feedback on the matter."
"Yes! Yes! I also heard about this last night too. The cruise ships have implemented some guidelines and rules on the matter. For starters, they were talking about some 4-day isolation plan before travelling."
"Isolation plan?"
"Yes! People have to buy their tickets ahead of time and go to the testing units within the ports. And after all the green signs are good to go, they'll have to remain isolated within the Coastal city for 4 days before they can finally board for their trip. And even when they want to board, a mini-temperature test would also be done for the second time. And of course, once they arrive at their destination, the same tests would be carried out yet again before they could freely move about the empires."
"Great! Great! That's good to hear."
...
Snip. Snip.
The barbers, groomers, and customers all mingled and talked to one another concerning the matter at hand, while going about their day.
In cases like these, they also wanted to reject people who planned to leave the infested zone and travel to Baymard via Zalipnia.
Even Uther had begun closing up his borders around his territory for the time being until the situation was best controlled.
After all, if even a single person arrived with the virus in Zalipnia, then his empire was toast.
But of course, from the system's working, the Virus still hasn't spread through the entire Shawnie Empire. With those carrying the virus drying in a matter of days before they would make it far enough.
Yup! It's all thanks to transportation that things seemed contained.
With months of travel before one could leave the empire, seeing them die in a few days or weeks after contracting the virus managed to keep things in Shawnie empire.
However, it was still spreading out the further people moved about the territory.
Again, the further the dead bodies are thrown, the greater the disadvantage. Of course, not everyone does that fast. It all depended on one's luck and immunity.
Believe it or not, some have stayed alive for months now but can't afford to get lifted off because their joints and entire bones feel as though they had been mushed and turned into jelly.
The longer one carries the virus, the more painful it was, so much so that they couldn't afford to be carried off their beds. The pain would be too unbearable. Not to mention that their bony, zombie, mummified appearance would make one feel as though they were near-dead.
Thus, the first few days or weeks of being a virus carrier were the best since they would still be able to walk about, though sluggishly.
The Zombie plague was real.
And the Baymardians, as well as those from the other empires, all shivered in horror at the gruesome information dumped on them.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Arcadina, another storm was yet to unturn.
