Welcome to the Omicron Protocol Story Blog, where we’ll periodically reveal and post new stories about the world and its character through a series of blog posts. Through this blog, you’ll get to know the precarious situation that our heroes (and villains) are in, and what they need to do to survive and get out of San Lazaro. You’ll also get background stories that help you understand why your favorite (and most hated) characters are who they are today.
Walter was trying to think of a way to thank Charger; the horse had made the long trip to the zoo just to warn the Animals. Apparently, the good humans had found a method of escaping the city. He seemed sure this would make things even more dangerous for those left behind. Charger mentioned "bad humans," though Walter wasn’t sure if they were the same as the "strange humans."
Standing in one of the corner offices, a mug of green tea in her hand, Crimson stared down at the city. But she wasn’t thinking about San Lazaro, or Cynfo Tech, or Ryder or Goddess.
She was thinking about her husband, Troy. When she had last spoken to him all those weeks ago, he’d been on a business trip to Los Diablos. Troy hadn’t been permitted to leave once the virus began to spread, and they’d been apart ever since. Crimson couldn’t even remember what they’d said during their last phone call.
Beater and Zephyr had been up on the roof of the Kilcline Building a number of times. Originally, it had been to check out the view, but there was a sheltered area where they could enjoy the sun and play soccer. The square was probably only 20 feet across but, as Brazilians, the siblings enjoyed showing off their skills more than passing the ball.
Alone in a quiet corner of the nightclub, Fei shivered. Even though her injured ankle was healing well (thanks to the newest Heal-O-Matic device pumping her full of medicinal nanites, courtesy of Lady Rose, plus acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine), she couldn’t forget what she had seen at Cynfo Tech.
Rhino had taken over the VIP area of the nightclub and had spent half an hour cleaning and oiling his trusty CK 75B pistol. He was supposed to have moved onto his other guns by now, but was in fact reading his parents’ text messages once again. Though they had mostly discussed everyday topics — food, baseball, his mother’s ailments — the messages made Rhino feel strangely happy and reassured, at least temporarily.
There has to be something in here!
Lance was determined to find a treat for Charger, but the aisles of Megamart were mostly bare. What he did find — buried under a pile of Dr. Fresh sponges and brushes — was a pack of toilet paper. Feeling guilty about his failure, he tried to make the best of it when he returned to Charger, who was waiting patiently by the big store’s entrance.
Seeker wasn’t often alone with Artemis anymore, but the longtime couple made sure they had the odd moment to themselves. On this occasion, it was in the ATS storeroom, where they were sorting through provisions. As Artemis moved a big tin of raisins to its rightful shelf, Seeker grabbed her from behind.
Maria was relieved to reach the ranger station. The journey from her apartment to Big Trees usually took forty minutes but, on this occasion, lasted more than three hours. The snowplows had done their best but the storm – especially the wind – was gathering strength with every passing minute. Maria had passed three road accidents but fortunately police and paramedics were attending every one. March was only the third month of her first year as a ranger cadet and she suspected the storm might provide her sternest challenge yet.
‘Are we ready, Winston?’
As usual, Mr. Arcadia was dressed in skinny jeans, button-up shirt and blazer. Winner had made an effort today by donning a jacket; partly to impress his boss but also because of the visitors. It was an important occasion; and he had to clear something up before they started.
Most residents of San Lazaro had no idea that the Cistern Club even existed. It was an exclusive venue which showcased cutting edge music, film, virtual reality and art. The performances and creatives on show were unusual, yet few were as unusual as the venue itself. After the Great San Lazaro Fire of 1903, huge cisterns had been created below the city to store water in the event of another conflagration. Many had since been filled in but the club was housed in an accessible example close to the surface. Converting the underground space into a luxurious club hadn’t been cheap but the owners had wanted something unique.
Jane knew she had to leave.
It wasn’t just because she felt sure her owner, Howard, wasn’t coming back; something had changed and she felt different now. Though she’d spent much of the last few weeks inside the house, she had also patrolled along the walls, watching what was going on. She had seen many of the human craft with flashing lights; and many people wearing green and black carrying weapons. She had also seen others fighting and three different groups trying to get into the house. But Howard had always been careful to keep it very safe: the walls were high and the doors were strong.
Fei had to search three cabinets before she found it. With the metal drawer open, the narrow beam of the flashlight illuminated a black, rectangular object that looked very much like a DNA drive. But Fei had memorised the images Lady Rose had sent and she knew what this was. By lifting the object and clicking a button hidden within a cavity, she activated the prototype
