Story 1202: Quarantine Protocol

INT. MOBILE QUARANTINE UNIT – NIGHT

Red lights pulse inside a reinforced military transport. The interior smells of antiseptic and sweat. Panic buzzes in the air as eight civilians, bound in isolation seats, jolt with every turn. Among them: JASON (28, ex-paramedic), LENA (22, student, shell-shocked), and DR. CALVIN RHO (50s, stern government virologist).

LOUDSPEAKER:

"Quarantine Zone Epsilon-4. Do not remove restraints. Remain calm."

Lena stares wide-eyed at Jason, whispering.

LENA:

“They said we’d be safe... why the restraints?”

JASON (grim):

“If you were in Zone 9 two hours ago, you’re not safe. You're considered exposed.”

Suddenly, the vehicle halts with a violent lurch. Screams erupt. A soldier from the rear compartment opens the inner hatch, blood streaked across his armor.

SOLDIER (panicked):

“They’re inside! We’ve got breach on the north gate!”

DR. RHO:

“Do NOT open the—”