The Walking Dead: A New Beginning From the End of the World

Official Statement – Current Situation and Emergency Measures

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

To all citizens, this is an urgent announcement regarding the latest developments in the ongoing health crisis. In the past few hours, containment forces have suffered numerous casualties in a desperate attempt to slow the spread of the virus. Despite coordinated efforts, the infection continues to expand, leading to an escalation of the national emergency.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in case of exposure to the virus, it is crucial to act quickly and take drastic measures to minimize the risk of transmission. It has been confirmed that if a person is infected in vital areas of the body, such as the torso, neck, or head, the infection is irreversible, and no effective treatment is currently known.

However, in cases of bites or wounds localized to the limbs, the only chance of survival is the immediate amputation of the affected area. This must be done within the first few minutes after infection to prevent the virus from spreading through the bloodstream. Subsequently, the wound must be cauterized immediately to reduce the risk of secondary infection and improve the chances of survival.

The population is strongly advised to stay informed through official channels and avoid contact with infected individuals. Cooperation and quick decision-making can mean the difference between life and death.

Stay safe.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

...

"To the entire population, this is a high-priority message issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."

"It has been confirmed that infected individuals, once their vital activity has ceased, completely lose their humanity and fall into a state of instinctive aggression induced by the virus. According to previous research, these individuals no longer possess consciousness or memories and act solely under the impulses of the infection. It is strongly recommended to immediately eliminate anyone who has succumbed to the virus. The most effective way to neutralize them is to aim directly at their head, as the brain is their primary weak point."

"To all survivors..."

"Remember that you have a crucial advantage over the infected: you are stronger, faster, and, most importantly, smarter. Your ingenuity is the key to enduring in this devastating scenario. Stay united, plan your movements, and never let your guard down. Once the virus invades the body, there is no chance of recovery."

"The CDC continues working tirelessly in search of a cure. In the meantime, your priority is to survive and resist. Every day you stay alive is another step toward the possibility of finding a solution."

"Do not give up."

"Persist."

"Fight."

This radio broadcast had been aired under the CDC's alias by Jason's orders, hoping to reduce the chances of an outcome he already knew too well.

But he was not entirely desperate, and now the situation at the CDC in Atlanta had changed. The facility housed over a hundred active soldiers, more than half of whom belonged to special forces.

Among the civilians were police officers, security guards, and firefighters, many of whom had previously served in the military. Training them wasn't difficult—after all, using a firearm is easy.

As for the other civilians who had joined the facility, they worked in various areas to keep the place running.

Including scientists, guards, and civilians, the CDC had a total of 217 people. With proper supply regulations and food distribution, everything was running smoothly.

Jason had taken the time to carefully observe the survivors who entered his territory. He studied them, and he even learned their names.

After the military abandoned the temporary shelter, they left behind many valuable resources that Jason couldn't ignore. In the following days, he gathered machine guns, military vehicles such as Humvees, tanks, and trucks, as well as weapons, essential supplies, and various equipment.

The resources left behind by the soldiers in their attempt to flee proved to be extremely beneficial for Jason's group. While the remaining walkers were eliminated, the area was thoroughly cleaned to prevent infections and diseases.

After some time, the facility was completely cleared, and the corpses were incinerated. The resources were transported to the fifth floor of the CDC and the parking lot. For now, Jason's authority was absolute.

Everyone looked up to him, believing he was capable of things others could not. His vision of future events was the best, and he was always prepared for any situation that might arise.

In the command center, Tyler ensured that the broadcasts changed daily so that those still fighting for survival would not lose hope in the government.

As everyone gradually adapted to life inside the CDC, Jason was making preparations to receive new survivors. According to him, the reach of refuge announcements should be limited, ensuring a controlled number of newcomers within his ranks.

Jason was highly intelligent and had established certain restrictions moving forward. Survivors who arrived would be subject to strict rules. He was not a savior, and if people wanted his protection, they needed to be useful in some way.

Upon settling in the CDC, all newcomers were required to undergo a one-week isolation period while they learned about the facility and its regulations. If they failed to follow the rules or caused trouble, they would be expelled.

And for those who sought to cause more than just trouble… their end would come swiftly.

...

In the blink of an eye, nearly 40 days had passed since Jason returned to the CDC. During this time, he had contacted Shane on multiple occasions, keeping him informed about the situation. He also took charge of resource runs while training soldiers on the proper way to kill walkers.

Today, there were 200 people capable of using firearms—practically soldiers under Jason's command. They had all learned the importance of rules and the necessity of working to earn the benefits they received.

Those who were not part of security teams had other crucial jobs. Some possessed skills that were not yet useful, such as farming or hunting, and they were usually assigned to cleaning duties.

Jason was extremely strict and observant when categorizing everyone at the facility. As of today, the CDC housed a total of 418 people. On multiple occasions, Jason had led the new soldiers on expeditions. Every time they returned, they brought back resources.

By ensuring sustainability, Jason could keep this group under his wing. He knew he couldn't act alone, especially as finding trustworthy people became increasingly difficult.

Although Shane and the others struggled at the quarry, they managed to survive. Since it was the beginning of the end of the world, Glenn and the rest had also managed to gather a good harvest in the city's outskirts.

Jason had heard that they were planning to head downtown, a place they hadn't ventured into in recent days.

Jason secretly calculated the time. It should only be a few days before Rick wakes up. And all signs pointed to the beginning of the story.

But this was something Jason had disregarded long ago. For now, he couldn't afford to consider those factors while he was focused on creating a strong and sustainable refuge.

...

Jason arrived at the garage and inspected the numerous vehicles inside. There were twenty Humvees, all armed with functional machine guns, ten M1 Abrams tanks, and several military trucks for transporting people or supplies.

The arsenal in Jason's hands was more than enough to keep the refuge secure. As long as he remained cautious, nothing bad would happen here.

Looking at the RV he had prepared and specifically modified, it was ready to be deployed at any moment. Now, it had been equipped with a heavy machine gun.

Now, when Rick woke up from his coma, Jason would be ready to meet Shane's group and consider his next steps.

On a specific floor of the basement was the staff dormitory. The upper floors had also been prepared for people to rest.

Rick, who had been in a coma for almost two months, slowly woke up. In reality, he had not been in a deep coma, but his senses of the outside world were severely dulled. He vaguely knew that something had happened around him while he was unconscious, but he couldn't remember after suddenly trying to think about it.

Almost two months of bed rest had slowed his body down a bit, but thanks to the good care he had received in this place, he was much better. That allowed Rick to sit up, looking at his hands and touching his abdomen. He clenched his fists and felt every corner of his body.

"Is anyone there?" A hoarse voice came from his throat. Two months of silence had made his throat feel a bit uncomfortable. Just as he was about to call out again, he felt a tickle in his throat.

"Cough, cough, cough!" The violent coughing fit left Rick momentarily breathless. He turned to the side, trying to get some water, but the strength in his legs was weak, and he collapsed straight to the floor.

The door to his room opened, and the nurse followed by Jenner entered. When they saw Rick lying on the floor, they immediately stepped forward to help him up.

After making sure Rick wasn't injured, the nurse began checking his condition.

"Rick, right? You've been in a coma for a long time." Candace smiled at Rick, giving him a reassuring expression.

Rick was filled with doubts and was about to ask something, but Jenner pulled out a radio and said, "Zz... Jason, your friend is awake."

"Got it, I'll be right there!" Only a man's voice came through the radio.

Just two minutes later, footsteps were heard outside the door, and a rugged-looking man with a strong build, messy black hair, and a uniform entered the room.

Rick suddenly felt that this person seemed familiar—he had definitely seen him somewhere before.

"Hey, Rick, do you remember me?" Jason changed his serious expression to a friendlier one, walked toward the bed, and glanced at the medical report.

"Who are you? I think I should know you!" Rick searched through his still-confused memory, and Jason's face gradually overlapped with a person he recalled.

"You were the one who took action against that thief... Uh, what was your name?" Rick clumsily patted his head.

"Don't force it. I'm Jason. Although we didn't interact for long, you should remember me. How's the preliminary check-up?" Jason asked, looking at the nurse.

"Yes, Jason! I remember now. I feel fine. There's no need to check my condition."

Candace suddenly spoke up from the side: "I think you should let them check your condition. You've been in a coma for a long time, and we need to assess how well you're recovering."

Rick silently nodded when he heard this and obediently lay down.

After an inspection.

The nurse removed the stethoscope and said with a smile, "Rick, congratulations! You're in great health, and your recovery is complete."

Originally, when Rick woke up among the undead, his wounds hadn't fully healed, but that was because medicine and nutrition had been insufficient.

Many might say it was unreasonable for Rick to have survived after being in the hospital for two months.

But in reality, it was possible due to various factors that had not been known at the time. While everyone was busy surviving, the hospital in King County remained occupied for the following month. Even after the outbreak, there were people in King County helping the patients.

The patients in the hospital died one by one due to a lack of medicine, but some continued to care for the remaining ones.

A large number of walkers gradually gathered in one particular room—the same room where Rick later saw the words, "Dead inside, do not open," after waking up.

Now, thanks to the good care he had received, Rick was recovering well, and his wounds had long since healed.

Finally, once the inspection was over, Rick asked the question he had been holding in for so long.

"Jason, where am I? Where's my family? Why am I here with you?" Rick fired off a series of questions, none of which he could answer himself.

Patting Rick on the shoulder, signaling him to lie down first, Jason said, "Rick, your family is fine, and Shane is alive. Don't worry, I'll tell you everything that happened."

Jason then briefly recounted to Rick what had happened over the past few days—from the moment he was shot to the moment he woke up.

Rick held his head in disbelief. He couldn't believe he had been unconscious for a full two months.

Edwin Jenner also added from the side, "When Jason and his people brought you here, I thought you were a test subject and infected! You really have to thank him—thanks to Jason, you received care under conditions that are nearly unthinkable in today's world. Many thought you wouldn't wake up, but Jason was convinced you would."

Rick slowly sat up, placed his hands on Jason's arm, and said solemnly, "Jason, I don't know how to thank you! I owe you my life…"

"Yes! You owe me your life!" Jason kept a serious expression and repeated Rick's words in the same tone.

The two men stared at each other for a few seconds before Rick couldn't help but laugh, followed by Jason.

"Heh, heh, heh..."

Their bond deepened through laughter, and a sense of trust began to form—one that needed no words!

Jenner and Candace exchanged glances and smiled. In these times filled with death and betrayal, this kind of mutual kindness felt incredibly valuable.

Jason signaled for Rick to wait a moment, then took the radio from his vest and pressed the button to transmit.

"Zz... Shane, this is Jason, do you copy? Over."

"Zz... Copy that, Jason, this is Shane. What's going on? Over."

"Zz... I think you should call Lori over. Over."

"Zz... This is Lori, I'm right next to the radio. What happened? Did something happen to Rick?" Lori's voice carried a hint of worry.

Jason didn't respond directly. Instead, he handed the radio to Rick, who was visibly emotional beside him, and said, "Take your time."

"Zz... Lori... it's me! Zz..." Rick's hand trembled slightly as he held the radio. Learning what had happened during this time terrified him. Thankfully, his wife and son were safe.

"Zz... Oh, thank God! You finally woke up! Do you have any idea how worried Carl and I have been?" Lori's voice cracked with emotion.

"Zz... I'm sorry, Lori, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have been gone so long—I should have been there to protect you! Listen, I'll come find you tomorrow. Just wait a little longer."

Rick displayed the responsibility of a man, something Jason deeply admired. The reason Rick had become the most popular character in his entire story was because his temperament and decisive personality made him the perfect example of someone who would do anything for his loved ones.

Rick didn't say much more—he just asked Lori about her recent situation and then handed the radio back to Jason.

"Zz... Shane, things are calm on my end, and I can now leave without worrying about the CDC's safety. Get ready—we'll be there tomorrow!"