Love Beyond Farewell

Franklin was surprised to be included in the meeting with Dr. Abigail. "Commander Rudy wants me to join your video conference with Dr. Abigail," Franklin explained.

Franklin entered the secure video room. Dr. Abigail appeared on the screen, alongside Charlotte in North Sector. Commander Rudy joined in Sector 3.

Dr. Abigail began, "Gentlemen, my vaccine prototype shows promise. I propose combining our knowledge – Sector 3's zombie outbreak patterns and Franklin's eye witness – to enhance its effectiveness."

Franklin leaned in with interest. "A combination of our knowledge could be powerful, Doctor. I witnessed zombie behaviour up close in New Eden Sector."

Dr. Abigail nodded. "Exactly what I need. Commander Rudy, can you share Sector 3's outbreak date, infection rates, zombie migration patterns and any notable behaviours?"

Commander Rudy nodded from the screen. "Yes, Doctor. Sophia will transmit our files now."

Sophia worked behind Franklin, sending data through the secure channel. Dr Abigail's eyes scanned the incoming files.

"Fascinating… Sector 3's data shows zombies attack in herds after the initial outbreak, it attacks louder noise source first and have a 3-4 hour window before reanimation.

Franklin, does this match what you saw in New Eden Sector?"

Franklin thought back to their terrifying escape, "Yes, Doctor – exactly what we experienced. Zombies followed noise from our rooftop route and reanimate fast – within hours of being bitten."

Dr. Abigail smiled intensely. "This correlation is crucial. I believe we can create a vaccine targeting the zombie virus's weak points…

Charlotte watched the video conference intensely from North Sector's command center, she watched her mother smile intensified and felt a spark of hope.

"Could this really be the breakthrough we have been praying for? Mom seems so confident…"

She glanced around the North Sector command center. Her father, Commander Taylor was nodding thoughtfully, eyes fixed on the screen, other officers were whispering among themselves, expressions ranging from cautious optimism to outright skepticism and the usually stoic Lieutenant Michael looked like he might actually smile – a rare sight.

Charlotte thought about the implications. "If this vaccine works, we could rebuild schools, hospitals… lives. But Scorch and his Raiders will never let that happen without a fight."

She leaned in closer, eager to hear her mom's next words.

Dr Abigail began. "The Zombie virus's weak points appear to be rapid mutation rate – making it unstable, dependency on host cell for replication and vulnerability to certain enzyme inhibitors.

I propose developing a vaccine that targets these weaknesses…"

Dr. Taylor's eyes sparked with excitement. "To target these weaknesses, I recommend a dual-component vaccine. *Zyvex-A* is an enzyme inhibitor blocking replication within the host cells. *Zyvex-B* is a mutated viral protein triggering immune response against zombie virus strains.

Both component will be combined and administered via injection."

Franklin looked intrigued. "Doctor, how quickly can this vaccine be produced and distributed to survivors?"

Dr. Abigail nodded thoughtfully. "With Sector 3's manufacturing facilities and North Sector's medical resources, I estimate around 2 weeks for initial vaccine batch production and one month for mass production across both sectors but we must act fast – scorch and his Raiders won't hesitate to strike if they discover our plan."

Commander Rudy's expression turned grim on screen. "We will increase sector defences immediately. Doctor, work with Commander Taylor to finalize production plan.

"My team will handle North Sector's medical facility preparation and vaccine administration Planning, Commander Rudy, your team will oversee Sector 3's manufacturing facility setup and raw material sourcing and Franklin, your insight into zombie behaviour will help our security team anticipate and prepare for potential threats during distribution.

Commander Taylor nodded. "Agreed, Abigail. Lieutenant Michael will lead North sector's logistics.

Commander Rudy added, "Captain Ortiz will coordinate with Lieutenant Michael on security protocols."

Franklin asked, "What about vaccine distribution to other potential survivor groups outside our sectors?"

Dr. Abigail responded thoughtfully, "We will need to establish communication channels with other possible survivor sectors or groups.

Commander Taylor suggested, "Our scouting teams can attempt to establish contact while the vaccine is in production.

Commander Rudy warned. "Scorch may have infiltrated or destroyed nearby survivor groups – we must proceed cautiously."

Commander Taylor assigned task to Lieutenant Patel. "Lieutenant Patel will lead the scouting team to establish contact with nearby survivor groups.

Franklin, brief Lieutenant Patel on zombie behaviour near potential survivor habitats.

Dr. Abigail added. "Include a secure communication device with the scouting team, pre-set to our sector's frequency.

"Also send Captain Ortiz's most trusted operative, Sergeant Garcia with Lieutenant Patel – she has experience with covert ops."

Lieutenant Patel nodded, receiving her mission briefly. "Establish contact with survivor groups within 50-miles radius, assess their status and invite them to receive vaccine once ready."

"Lieutenant Patel, be cautious of traps – zombies often congregate near other dead body… and Scorch might use that to ambush you."

Just as the briefing ended, Commander Taylor's comms officer interrupted. "Commander, we are detecting strange radio chatter – possibly from a nearby survivor group…"

Scorch's face lit up with a sinister grin as he monitored the intercepted radio frequency. "…this is Nova Haven survivor group seeking alliance with other sectors… Coordinates sent to unknown sector frequency…" Scorch smirked.

"They are playing right into our hands. Victor, confirm ambush teams are in position."

Victor nodded. "All teams ready, Scorch. Sergeant Ryder reports Nova Haven perimeter surrounded."

Commander Taylor's eyes locked onto the comms screen.

"Put Nova Haven transmission on speaker – let's hear their message."

The comms officer nodded and the survivors group's voice filled the room.

"…seeking alliance with other sectors… survivors numbering 217… desperately need medical aid and protection…"

Lieutenant Patel stepped forward. "Commander Taylor, this could be our first ally outside Sector 3 and ours. Permission to respond and meet up?"

Commander Taylor glanced at Dr. Abigail and Commander Rudy on screen. "We need to discuss this – especially with the vaccine nearing production…"

*TO BE CONTINUED*