Epidemic at the Land of the Morning Calm - Expanded TL of Seoul Station and Train To Busan

[Gillan1220]

On July 20, 2016[1], what appeared to be a simple accident at a biochemical plant would become one of the worst epidemics in history. The accident caused a leak of an unknown biochemical or biological agent that somehow managed to infect a stray dog in one of the poorer areas of Seoul. Once the poor creature was affected, it began to convulse and foam at its mouth. People passing by, as well as some vagrants, thought of it as a rabid dog. Suddenly, the dog stood up and expressed an aggressive behavior not seen by anyone before. Setting it sights on the old man, it immediately jumped on him where it bit him in several parts of his body. The attack was enough to scare some pedestrians and homeless, who ran away from the scene. Despite his poor strength, the old man found several empty beer bottles as well as shards of glass where he used it against the dog. After several strikes to the head, the infected dog was put down. The man survived, but was mortally wounded. He tried to ask for help among the locals, but many just ignored him out of fear of being infected with rabies. The man walked for miles without anyone offering help. He merely got the view of apathetic citizens who rarely cared less for the homeless. He then collapsed in front of the entrance of Seoul Station where his other homeless friend noticed his condition. The good Samaritan did all he could to look for care, but even the nearby nursing home could not provide treatment since the place was full. At nighttime, he returned to the area where the old man was laid down; his fever now worsened. Now fearful for the fate of his friend, the homeless man went to the Seoul Station Police office to ask for assistance. As him and the police officers went to the last site where the old man was found, they saw nothing but lots of blood on the pavement. Confused, the old man tried to convince the police officers of the old man's presence. The police officers angrily scolded the homeless man, thinking the entire thing was a false alarm, and shooed him off the premises. Feeling guilty, he searched for the possible areas where the old man could have been. In one of the alleyways, he caught the sight of his friend kneeling down on something. He called out for the person's name; the response he got was the old man facing him with the eyes not of a human but that of a rabid animal. Veins were forming around the old man's eyes. The old man's mouth was full of blood. The homeless person saw that what was once his friend had mauled someone to death. Still unaware of his condition, the homeless person tried to calm the old man down. He paid the price dearly for his life, as the old man bit his friend on the throat. Afterwards, the next infected rose up and joined his partner. Prowling the vagrant streets, they added more and more infected to the ever increasing horde. The residents in the area merely thought it was another riot among the homeless, but were soon infected themselves as these creatures broke down into their homes and infected them in the process. Once they started venturing out in the streets, the infected horde, now numbering from 50-100 individuals, began infecting others who were just coming home from work. Seoul Station was the site of these areas, where several commuters and vagrants were chased by a horde of infected. They ran to the nearest police station to ask for help, but the police merely thought they started a fight amongst the homeless. Soon the police officers learned the hard way when the "rioters" merely broke through the glass. One of the officers was killed on the spot when the infected ganged up on him, while the other was bitten before retreating to a holding cell with two other vagrants and a young girl. Angered, he threatened them at gunpoint before succumbing to his wounds. The old man noticed that one officer that got bitten reanimated and joined the horde that tried to reach them with their hands through the metallic bars. He noticed a pattern of the infected coming back after being bitten. Taking action into his own hands, he retrieved the officer's .38 caliber revolver and shot the other infected officer in the head but now before it was able to bite one of the vagrants. With only one bullet left, trapped in a cell with the infected outside, with another infectee in them, it seemed to be the final end of the old man and the young girl.

Elsewhere, the infected roamed the streets of Bongnae-dong and Dongja-dong of Seoul, biting and killing anyone unlucky to be in their path. Those who managed to escape called 119 emergency services to deal with the rioters, the wounded, and the damages caused. Immediately, police cars, ambulance crews, and fire services got to the road. And just like any first responders heading into the fray, they paid it dearly with their lives since they were unaware of what was to come. The police fared a little better by fending off some infected with lucky head shots from their .38 caliber revolvers before retreating and calling for riot police to deal with the situation. Over the night, several 119 calls were made in Seoul. And these calls, only a few were unanswered as the situation worsened.

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Author's Notes
[1] The movie's release date in the Cannes International Film Festival

 

[Gillan1220]

Just before midnight of July 21, 2016, President Park Gyuen-hye and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, alongside a handful of government officials and military officers, were awakened and met at the Blue House to oversee the crisis. The media at this point was not yet fully aware of the situation, so it was best decided not to inform the news networks to prevent a panic. Riot police forces were able to quarantine a handful of civilians that managed hold off the ravenous infected using pipes and bats from a hastily-erected improvised barricade. On the other side, the police blocked the civilians using mobile jail buses and water cannons. Those that tried to crawl under were pepper-sprayed while those attempted to climb over the buses were quickly hosed down. Angered, the civilians in the barricade demanded answers from the police, who were either unaware or were given strict orders to shut up.

Roughly an hour later, the infected at the improvised barricade were becoming too much to handle for the civilian defenders. By 1:00 AM, President Park declared martial law throughout South Korea, though many were unaware of this because the first signs of the outbreak occurred at night when people were going home from work. The Third ROK Army, along with some elements the I ROK Corps and the VI ROK Corps were mobilized to maintain orders. The soldiers were given strict orders to eradicated any infected and uninfected within the quarantine zone. KM-250s and KM-500s utility trucks began rolling down the streets of Seoul, much to the shock of the citizens not in the quarantine zone. The soldiers disembarked, armed with K2 assault rifles supported by K3 light machine guns all aimed their barrels at the barricade. The first one killed was an old man that attempted to climb the bus, where he was shot in the head. At this point, the infected began to swarm over the barricade, creating more infected in the process as panicked civilians attempted to scramble to safety. Countless chose to face bullets of the soldiers rather than being torn apart at the hands of the infected. Of the people in the barricade, only one survivor emerged; a young woman who managed to monkey-bar her way to safety using an improvised ladder set up by an athletic young man -- who dearly paid for his life trying to save the woman. She was last seen running the rooftops as infected from the buildings began to chase her. No one knows what happened to her next.

Countless infected were gunned down by the soldiers as they started climbing over the buses. Yet, due to the nature of a human wave attack, the infected overwhelmed the initial soldiers that were mobilized. Police and military units withdrew back to a more defensive perimeter to hold them back. It was a useless effort, as they were rerouted from barricade to barricade. More and more soldiers were called in, yet the Defense Minister insisted not to withdraw so much soldiers since North Korea may have seen this as a sign of weakness and opening for an attack or an invasion. Because it was nighttime, both sides on the DMZ as well as the Joint-Security Area and U.S. Forces Korea were unaware of the current situation in Seoul; however it was just a matter of time.

The infected rampaged through Seoul with the military desperately trying to hold them back. It was clear that the infected would pour out of Seoul, and by 4:00 AM were already in the outskirts of Incheon.

In the midst of the chaos, a group of people casually continue on with their lives in the KTX train. Among them were a varsity of high school baseball players, a couple of elderly sisters, a businessman on his way to meet his mother, and an estranged father with his daughter on their way to meet his divorced wife. In one of the cubicles, a homeless vagrant managed to smuggle himself inside the train as he escaped from the infected. It was still dawn where some fires and emergency vehicles were spotted by these group of people, much to their astountment. Unnoticed by the train staff, an bitten woman running from the infected also smuggled herself on board the KTX train. She would ultimately bring the commuters to their fate.

 

[Gillan1220]

The KTX train casually proceeded to its route, with the passengers not yet aware of the of the outbreak occurring in Seoul. They were also unaware of the infected woman in the train. Seoul was overrun by that time the train left, and so were the cities of Songnam, Anyang, Puchon, Goyang, and the towns around it. It spread too fast since people were attacked as they went to work, since most were unaware of the outbreak in Seoul the day before. Incheon security forces, backed by the ROK Army, did what they can to fight, but were overrun in 2 hours due to the amount of infected. President Park and the cabinet were evacuated to the port city of Busan just as the Blue House fell to the infected, establishing a temporary capital there. By mid-day, all of the Kyonggi Province was lost to the infected, just as reports of the outbreak had reached Chungchung North and Chungchung South. In the city of Chongju, the South Korean military fortified the airport there, as it would establish a critical supply line to defenders of the Chungchung South Province especially the major city of Taejon. In the streets, only a few K1 tanks, old Soviet-era vehicles (given by Russian in the 1990s), and armored personnel carriers dotten the roads leading to Taejon. However, due to the nature of the virus, it was expected that resistance would be light. By 1 pm, the infected reached Taejon and a massive firefight occurs between the police, soldiers, and the infected.

The infected woman in the lone KTX train turned into one of the infected and attacked the passengers nearby, spreading the virus there. The completely unaware passengers turned and then turned more into their fellow brethren. Luckily, since the infected were at the rear portions of the train, the passengers at the front were successful able to seal them in the rear portions of the train. They were now fully aware of the situation, supplemented by news reports from the train's TV as well as the passengers' mobile phones showing videos of the infected attacking people in the cities. Often times, they passed by train stops to see innocent people begging for their lives to ride the train, only to get mauled by the infected. The conductor of the train then announces on the intercom that the train will be rerouted to Taejon, not aware that the army was desperately holding the city.

Meanwhile, U.S. Forces Korea were finally involved when their military bases around Seoul were attacked by the infected, causing heavy casaulties to the American forces stationed in the peninsula. Camp Casey, Dodge, and Red Cloud were overrun, forcing the U.S. Army soldiers that failed to evacuate into UH-60 Black Hawks to consolidate into individual buildings rather than retaking the base. However, other U.S. Army bases such as the Yongsan Garrison and other were fortified with makeshift walls, landmines, barbed wire, and buses. M2 Bradleys and M1 Abrams tanks provided support, whilst snipers and machine gun nests were set up. Further south, planes of USAF coming from Osan Air Base began air-dropping supplies to remaining U.S. Army bases in the seas of the infected zones whilst Army base of Camp Humphreys began assisting South Korean forces in the evacuation as well as fighting the infected.

Just hours before, international media like CNN, MSNBC, CBS, ABC, and BBC recieved footage of the infected and were broadcasting it worldwide. And the whole world tuned in to the media frenzy in South Korea.

The White House, the Pentagon, and the State Department issued statements regarding the situation in South Korea by 11PM EST (July 20, 2016). U.S. President Barack Obama appeared in front of the the White House Press Briefing Room informing the nation of an outbreak of an unknown virus in South Korea. General Vincent K. Brooks, commander of the USFK, reported this to the Pentagon. He was given orders by the Ash Carter, Secretary of Defense, to do what they can in assisting the South Korean forces while also observing the situation in the Joint-Security Area of the DMZ of "suspicious activity" by North Korean agents. President Obama assured the American public that the virus would not reach the United States and that the U.S. will assist South Korea in this crisis while also issuing a warning to North Korea that any sign of invasion would be dealt with U.S. military retaliation. Lastly, President Obama said that the country is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) in trying to find a vaccine for the virus while the State Department tries to account for the safety of American citizens in South Korea. A sigh of good news for the Obama administration is that the U.S. Embassy staff in Seoul were successfully evacuated by U.S. Army and Air Force helicopters to the fortified city of Busan, which prevented another Benghazi.

But as the 2016 elections are coming up, both DNC and GOP candidates would obviously try to use the situation in South Korea to their advantage...

Back to South Korea, the KTX train continues on to its journey to Taejon, where it was last reported safe.

 

[Gillan1220]

The survivors aboard the KTX were unaware of the present state of Daegu. So when they arrived at the terminal, the scores of abandoned police equipment did not convince them. It was only when the first group of commuters headed down the elevator when they saw bloodied soldiers and police officers congregating in one area before charging at the first group. The one on the bottom were not so lucky as they were the first to get infected. The ones behind them made a mad dash upward to run back the train, trampling others along the way. Once it was realized Daegu was overrun, it was too late for the commuters. Many more joined the ranks of the infected. The remaining survivors headed back to the the train, only to indadvertedly open the quarantined cars and spill more of the infected in the area. Seeing there was no more time, the conductor turned on the engine and continued the journey south to Busan, but more and more of the original passengers were infected. Only a handful remained.

The infection continued spreading south despite the best efforts of the Republic of Korea Armed Forced and the U.S. Forces Korea. Airstrikes and naval strikes from ROKN and USN ships were able to stall the halt of the infection, but it was only a stop gap measure. Neighboring countries such as China, Japan, and Russia began mobilizing their militaries in an event of an emergency. The PLA-N North Sea Fleet based in Qingdao was dispatched to patrol the waters off the Peninsula and carefully screen ships that just came from Korea. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Japan Coast Guard were deployed in the Sea of Japan to oversee such an operation. The Russian Pacific Fleet deployed a destroyer and a cruiser near the port city of Vladivostok. As of now, there was no official blockade of the Korean Peninsula but it seemed such there was one.

Whilst the South was in trouble, another benefactor played. Kim Jong-un calmly sat in his office watching the videos of South Korean cities getting overrun. He knew it was the opportunity to invade the South, since both the South Korean military and the U.S. Forces were busy handling the infection. He called in his generals for a meeting to discuss how the invasion will go. The DMZ has not been overrun yet, but only a meager force of ROK soldiers and U.S. troops guarded it, of course at high alert. He was determined to strike fast. He knew of the infected based on pop-culture horror movies he had stored all for himself along with the Western food and wine that he would not share to the starving North Korean masses. For Kim, all he wanted was to take the South while the imperialists were distracted from an enemy that should have only existed in horror science fiction.

 

[Gillan1220]

Social media imploded on the mention of a "zombie outbreak" in South Korea. The whole world did not expect it to happen because it was mainly thought of a thing in fiction. For the next few months into the outbreak, all platforms of social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, most of the posts were about #zombies #zombieapocalypse #outbreak

"Zombies are real! Holy shit! Our preparation were correct!"
Zombie Squad, @ZombieSquad, Twitter

"This is the first time I have seen a zombie outbreak in my life. Ever since I published the Zombie Survival Guide...
...which was a satire, now our nightmares have became a reality...Prayers and condolences to the South Korean people...and may humanity win over this plague.
Maximilian "Max Brooks, @MaxBrooks, Twitter

"Dear fans, we advise you to stock up on weapons and gear. Our nightmares have been confirmed."
Zombie Go Boom, @ZombieGoBoom, Twitter

The zombie apocalypse has arrived. Well, me and my friends here in Texas are prepared!
- Anonymous user (photo shows a dozen men and a few women armed with AR-15 or M4A1 rifles with a M2 Browning Machine gun at a back of a pickup truck with the flags of the USA, CSA, and Texas.

"The American people stand in solidarity with our South Korean allies in this hard times they are currently experiencing."

"I have pledged to military assist South Korea in this outbreak."
President Barack Obama, @BarackObama, Twitter

"U.S. 7th Fleet on its way to the Korean Peninsula."

"Some ships from @RIMPAC to be diverted to assist situation in South Korea."
Department of Defense, @DeptofDefense, Twitter

"Those infected fuckers have finally showed up in reality. Time to blame North Korea!"
Donald J. Trump, @realDonaldTrump, Twitter

"Prayers and thoughts to the South Korean people."
Hillary Clinton, @HillaryClinton, Twitter

"See, many South Korean are dead or infected because of the lack of gun ownership. Thank God we have the second amendment in our country. I know ask every American to arm themselves and stock-up just in case those infected reach our shores. These liberals and anti-gun activists will never know the importance of gun-ownership until they are walking corpse. We will not go down without a fight. Prayers and thoughts to the South Korean people and may they win over this blight!"
Outlaw Morgan, Facebook

"Travel into South Korea has been banned. All flights into South Korea have been diverted into Japan, Taiwan, China, and the Philippines. Do you have a relative in South Korea? Please contact us with the information below.
U.S. Department of State bulletin, Facebook and Twitter

"Oh no, what would happen to K-pop with zombies appearing? I hope my idols are safe. "
- Anonymous user in the Philippines, Facebook

#PrayforSouthKorea
- 19.5M Tweets
- 1,894,183 posts, Instagram

 

[Gillan1220]

DBWI myself and my real-life friends in this scenario

"I could not believe it. I knew it one day it would happen. The infected like the ones in 28 Days Later are here. However, we have the advantage: We are deeply indulged in the zombie pop culture. Let us use this knowledge to our advatange. Praying for South Korea as well."
- Gillan Baclayon, Facebook
52 likes and reactions
Franz Cimafranca: We humans will win. We have superior firepower!
Alessio Melis: Even though the South Koreans and the US troops are rerouted, they will eventually recapture. Zombies are easy to defeat now since they appear in movies.
Blaze Kodak: My neighbors are preparing guns, survival gear, and camping equipment. Sales of guns have increased in Port Clinton, OH and I assume the whole country as well.
Miguel Ramos: I remember the time you were so addicted with zombies in high school. I would never doubt you again.
Jose Espenido: Ayaw lng ka hadlok bai, islands bitaw ang Philippines. Daghan ta ug islands ma escape hahaha (Translation: Do no be afraid dude, the Philippines is composed of islands. We have many to escape to hahahaha."

"So much for K-Drama. Praying for all their safety."
- Cara Ambowang, Facebook
Noelle A. Catalo: Huhuhuhuhu I'm scared and sad at the same time.

"Praying for the safety of my K-pop crush and the people of South Korea."
- Analee Alcantara, @ItsMariaAna, Twitter

"Ngano na tinoud mani ang mga zombie uy! Yawa! Unsaon nalang ning mga Kpop ug K-Drama"
(Why the fuck did zombies become real. Speak of the Devil! What will happen to Kpop and K-Drama?)

"Kung mo abot sila, tago ko balik sa Camotes."
(If these infected fuckers reach here, I'd go back to Camotes).
- Kimberly Mae C. Dondon, @kimkardapya, Twitter

"My family is safe. Made it to Busan. Thank you for your support guys. You have no idea how relieve Audrey and I are."
- Edwin Jeong (Korean expat in Cebu, Philippines), Facebook

"Going to shooting range this weekend for some anti-zombie combat. Doing everything it needs to survive."
- Marco Bryll L. Tan (Cebu, Philippines) , Facebook

"B.R.I.G.H.T. Academy would like to extend our condolences with the people of South Korea. Our school has numerous South Koreans and we stand in solidarity with them. We are praying for the safety of their relatives and family. Mass at 5 pm at the AVR, feel free to join."
- Bright Academy Official, Facebook

"Well, time to rejoin the Air Force again."
- Adam Avro Lancaster (from Surrey, BC), Facebook

"Heard my hometown was overrun. I am heartbroken. No words can express my how sad I am. Please pray for me and the Korean people."
- Benjamin Pegg (Korean-American in New Jersey), Facebook

 

[Gillan1220]

July 20, 2016 (Time in Korea Standard Time, UTC+9)

2030: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Riots and civil disturbance reported in the streets around Seoul Station. Witness claim dozens have been assaulted and many joining the rioters. Police called in to quell the rioting.

2145: Riots continue to spread out of a hand. Reports of dozens of civilian and police casaulties.

2210: Riot police deployed to the streets of Seoul. Witnesses describe battles between police and rioters.

2300: Violence continues to spread. Mayor declares martial law.

23:25: UNCONFIRMED: Police have detained some of the rioters and ran some tests. Rioters appear to be sick with a new type of disease. Awaiting confirmation.

00:00: President Park Gyun-hye and cabinet orders the deployment of the Army.

00:20: Quarantine in effect in different parts of Seoul. Dusk to dawn curfew impost. Anyone caught in the streets would be arrest while looters and act of violence would be met with lethal force.

00:50: Shots fired at quarantine. Witnesses claim soldiers shooting at rioters and civilians alike.

00:59: Initial quarantine of Seoul Station fails. Rioters apparently engaging soldiers in a melee and have spread out across the area.

0100: President Park declares Marital Law after riots spread out of control.

0146: Reports of break ins in residential neighborhood. 119 Emergency calls overwhelmed.

0300: Riots appear to have spread to neighboring towns.

0400: No word on KTX train cancellation. Riots have been reported in Incheon.

 

[Gillan1220]

The fortification of Busan as a temporary capital of the government of South Korea was tremendous. Dubbed as the "Second Battle of the Busan Perimeter", a name taken from a battle during the Korean War in where U.S. and ROK soldiers valiantly defended the port city against the North Koreans, it was where the joint-ROK and USFK forces managed to hold the infection back. Bridges, roads, and railroads were destroyed with airstrikes, blocked with vehicles, or purposely set on fire. Additional refugees came in from sea, aided by ROKN naval vessels and civilian merchant ships. Others were resettled in the resort island of Jeju, acting as the last resort fallback should the fortifications fall. The Korean Coast Guard, disbanded by President Park in 2014 after the M/V Sewol sinking, was unofficially pressed into service, using whatever police or civilian volunteers they could muster, since all reserves in the ROK Army and Marines have been mobilized. Those that could have made it Busan were ordered into the city's defense, but there were still isolated military units up north towards the 38th Parallel, either isolated by the infected or holding out in hastily fortified garrisons awaiting for resupply or extraction.

A single KTX trained approached the tunnel fortification leading into Busan. It was unresponsive and upon closer inspection by ROK Army scouts perched atop containers using high-powered binoculars, the train was overrun with the infected. Immediately, it was fired upon by ROK AH-1 Cobra gunships. The infected then spilled out of the train and ran towards the fortifications, where they were fired upon by snipers and machine gunners. Those that managed to reach the fortifications were electrocuted in the hastily-erected electrical fences.

Busan defenders.​

By 5:00 PM, July 21, 2016, there were roughly 1,300,000 refugees that made it to the Busan perimeter, the Jeju Island safe-zone, and various islands in the southern area of the peninsula. One of them was what seemed to be a mother and a child. Almost mistaken to be one of the infected and fired upon, they were immediately rescued by the defenders of the Busan fortifications. They were then taken to a refugee camp, where they were interviewed on what happened where they revealed their name, Seong-kyeong, and the child, Su-an. Seong-kyeong admitted to the military officials and the authorities that they were the only survivors of the last KTX train that left Seoul earlier that morning, that Su-an's father was killed because of the infected, that her husband was killed as well and that she is not the mother of the child. Because of times of an emergency, the authorities allowed Seong-kyeong to accompany Su-an in the Busan Safe-Zone. Su-an would later be given stress de-briefing sessions before meeting her mother, who divorced with her late-father some time ago. Su-an's mother would then thank Seong-kyeong for protecting her child as they were transferred to Jeju Island for the sake of the child and Seong-kyeong's unborn child.

Westward towards the Pacific, the RIMPAC exercises commence in Hawaii. However, due to the events in South Korea, the ROK-N contingent is ordered back home to partake in the retaking of the peninsula. Because of the timely event of the naval exercises, Admiral Scott H. Swift has requested most ships coming from different nations participating in the Hawaii exercises to stem towards of the Korean peninsula in support for the humanitarian crisis. The Hawaii exercises ultimately came to an end as participating ships from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States plotted a course towards South Korea. The ships came in formation around the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier, in what is known as the largest naval cooperation in human history.

RIMPAC 2016 participants lead by the USS John C. Stennis en route to the Korean Peninsula.
​

The USS Ronald Reagan, currently deployed to the South China Sea with the Carrier Strike Group 5 in response to the UN Arbitration of China vs. the Philippines, was ordered to support to head to Korea by the U.S. Pacific Command.

For the first time since the conclusion of the Third Taiwan Strait crisis in 1996, the largest show of force of American military might was coming to East Asia.
*******************
Author's Notes:
EDIT (September 29, 2019): I just found out the Reagan was in the South China Sea area at that time in July 2016 so it would make sense the U.S. would redeploy it to support their South Korean allies as the Stennis was still in the Pacific.

 

[Gillan1220]

"Those capitalist pigs have finally gotten what they deserve." Supreme Commander Kim Jong-un said as he chugged down an expensive cognac he obtained secretly. In front of him was General Pak Yong-sik, People's Armed Forces Minister, and Vice Marshal Ri Myong-su, the Chief of the General Staff, as well as various generals and officers of the Korean People's Army.

"Indeed comrade Kim!" General Pak replied.

"Now that they are busy dealing with these infected monsters, the time to strike is now. But I will be at first merciful, I will tell our fellow southern brothers to accept liberation from the us, the true Koreans, in exchange for reunification." The Supreme Commander added.

"With all due respect, sir, but the Americans, the Chinese, nor the United Nations will not take this likely." A staffer added.

The room froze, including all his loyalists, remained silent. It is an offense to insult or directly question the Supreme Commander. This staffer was indeed brave, but for this, he would pay the price. And for those people in the room, they know the staffer was one word away from death, that is depending on the Supreme Commander's mood. Kim turned his glare on the man who challenged him as he slammed his fist on the table. Luckily for him, Kim was in the mood to reason out but the man should not abuse his second chance.

"All we need to do is show the world we are up to something good. Before our glorious army crosses the 38th Parallel, we will liberate Seoul from the infected in a Sea of Fire. Sure many of the infected would die. Then our armies back by our tanks and armored vehicles will cross and eliminate any infected, as well as those imperialist pigs who dare oppose our liberation. By liberating the South of infected, the world will see us in a positive light. Indeed, it is a blessing to those trapped comrades in their apartments and buildings as those monsters scratch at their doorways. It would show we are braver than our comrades in the South, who has retreated all the way to Busan. Soon, there will be one Korea united under the Eternal President of the Democratic Republic of Korea!" Kim Jong-un said with enthusiasm.

The generals and the ministers then held a toast. They were gonna invade the South no matter what as the threat of a zombie virus was the perfect time to do so. Kim also had better plans to strike back at the Americans and the Japanese devils to the East. After the meeting, the two top generals remained as scientists were called up. His plan was to send a weaponized form of the virus and have it dropped in the Busan Safe Zone in addition to major Japanese cities and U.S. military bases in Japan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"THE IMPERIALIST PIGS FINALLY GET WHAT THEY DESERVE."

"SUPREME COMMANDER STATES 'THE TIME FOR LIBERATION AND UNIFICATION IS NOW'"

"THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA WILL WIN OVER THIS PLAGUE AFFECTING OUR BROTHERS IN THE SOUTH."

"INFECTED TO DIE IN A SEA OF FIRE"

​

- Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) Headlines, July 21, 2016.

 

[Gillan1220]

LEVEL 4: DO NOT TRAVEL
Travel to South Korea has been prohibited. The State Department issues Level 3 to Americans traveling to Japan (including Okinawa), China, Russia (Pacific Coast), Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. All existing flights prior to July 21 have been rerouted to several airports in the region, including China, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

The U.S. Embassy has relocated to our consulate in Busan, which the ROK military has deemed safe for the time being. On the other hand, the State Department has accounted for the safety roughly 120,000 Americans within the safe zones established by the South Korean government. As of this posting, countless still remain unaccounted for.

Do you have a relative in South Korea?
Contact us at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/contact-us.html
For Emergency Services: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/contact-us/Emergencies-Abroad.html
Contact the U.S. Consulate in Busan:

U.S. Consulate in Busan, Korea
#993, Joongangdae-Ro, Busanjin-Gu,
Room 612 (Lotte Gold Rose)
Busan, Korea 47209
For after-hour emergency service, please contact the Embassy Duty Officer at (02) 397-4114.

Follow State Department on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube, and RSS for more information.
- U.S. Department of State bulletin, July 21, 2016

​

Travel ban to South Korea issued immediately today July 21, 2016. Philippine Embassy staff has relocated to Busan. As of this posting, the DFA has been trying to account for more than 63,000 Filipinos, with majority being in Seoul. 10,000 have been accounted for in Busan and Jeju Island.

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- The Official Website of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines

 

[Gillan1220]

Thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean into the other end of the North American continent, it was business as usual in New York, if not for the presence of heavily armed police and truckloads of New York Army National Guard patrolling the busy areas as both NYPD, NYSP, and Air National Guard helicopters flew over the city. Such sites were seen in other major cities across America. It had been only roughly 48 hours since the outbreak began in South Korea yet almost all countries have taken up drastic measures.

In the United Nations General Headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, representatives and delegates of the UN member countries gathered in the General Assembly Hall to discuss the possibility of enforcing a naval quarantine and a no-fly zone over the Korean peninsula. Roughly 90% of the members voted in favor of a quarantine, including the South Korean ambassador. Absent was the North Korean ambassador, who was instructed by Kim Jong-Un not to participate in it, citing "imperialist" reasons. The five members of the United Nations Security Council: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia all voted in favor.

With a decision being made, a tearful and exhausted Secretary General Ban Ki-moon agreed and ended the session, himself affected by the South Korean crisis due to his hometown being overrun by the infected. United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 228 went immediately into effect. Prior to this, ships from Russia, China, the United States Naval Forces in Korea and Japan, as well as JMSDF already began enacting their own quarantine. The RIMPAC fleet was roughly 3-4 days out.

United Nations Security Council

July 22, 2016
​

On behalf of the United Nations Security Council and the member nations of the United Nations, I hereby implement United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 228, concerning the outbreak of the K-Z virus to be implemented immediately.

The resolution, adopted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter:

• Humane termination of the infected individuals.
• Imposition of a naval quarantine and a no-fly zone of the entire Korean peninsula, except for ROK and U.S. military planes and ships as well as Korean civilian liners traveling to deemed safe zones.
• Authorization of all means to protect civilians, civilian populated areas, and safe-zones from the infected.
• Imposes a ban on all inbound and outbound flights to and from South Korea, minus those military and civilian liners evacuating civilians into safe zones.
• Establishes a panel of experts, mainly from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the European Centers for Disease Control (ECDC), the National Health Service (NHS), and the Human Rights Watch to gather samples of the infected for the possible cure or vaccine as well as to monitor the condition of the refugee camps set up in the south of the Korean Peninsula.

Signed,

Ban Ki-moon
Secretary General of the United Nations​

 

[Gillan1220]

Three days into the initial outbreak, the front-lines have stabilized in the Korean Peninsula. The Busan Perimeter came under constant attack by the infected, but superior firepower from K1 tanks, AH-1 helicopter gunships, F-16 fighter jets, machine guns, and snipers held them off. Based on reconnaissance flights conducted by ROK Air Force, USAF Predator drones, and Department of Defense satellite high above the clouds, the situation north of Busan has nearly subsided with the infected seen in a "dormant" or "docile" manner since majority of the area has been devoid of uninfected individuals. Yet there were survivors in these areas, desperately holding out and armed with a mix of improvised weapons or K1 assault rifles left behind by the ROK Army. This comes in addition to surviving military units and cut-off USFK bases such as the fortified Yongsan Garrison, in the sea of an infected Seoul. C-130s from the USAF, the USMC based in Japan, and the ROK Air Force began air-dropping supplies to these holdouts.

In Busan, President Park and her ministers began planning an offensive to retake much of the South. Much to her dismay, advisers from both the South Korean military and the USFK commanders, it would be best to wait for the RIMPAC fleet to arrive so that supplies, troops, vehicles, aircraft, and ordnance will come in greater numbers. The Korean Peninsula had been placed under a UN quarantine only a day earlier to prevent the halt of the infection. Nonetheless, food and supplies would be continuously provided by the international community.

Aboard the ROKS Sejong the Great (DDG-1991)
Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean
ETA 3-5 Days to the Korean Peninsula

Sailor Jun-mi Young looked over the bridge as her sister ships the ROKS Kang Gam Chan (DDH 979) and the submarine ROKS Lee Eokgi (SS 071) sailed in formation, following the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier leading the fleet back to their home. Roughly a month ago, Jun-mi and fellow sailors were excited to set foot in Hawaii as their ship would be taking part in the RIMPAC exercises. This was before the outbreak began and they had their time in Hawaii, participating in various exercises that included target practice, helicopter landing, live fire exercises, EOD disposal (including the underwater version), and sports. He had a good time interacting with the international sailors. And when the outbreak began in the middle of the exercises, the South Korean contingent to the exercise were ordered to return to South Korea. Luckily for them, the U.S. Pacific Command, on orders from the Pentagon, ordered the fleet to stem towards the Korean Peninsula for humanitarian assistance.

Jun-mi thanked God (as he was a Korean Christian) that his family was in Busan when the outbreak began as the ROK Army fortified it from the infected. The other sailors were not so fortunate. He had seen them weep and breakdown in tears as they saw on the TV slowly several South Korean cities getting overrun.

"A surreal sight indeed." His friend and fellow, Kang Yi, said as they both looked at the massive amount of ships following the giant American carrier.

"Would be nice indeed, only if we are not worried of the safety of our homeland." Replied Jun-mi. "How are your relatives?"

Kang fell silent for a while. Jun-mi knew at that point he should not have asked. "I tried calling, nobody would pick up. They were Daejon when the outbreak came. Last time I heard was they were caught up in the evacuation of Daejon just as the infected began fighitng the police and the army."

"I'm so sorry."

"No, it's alright. Whatever it is, I'm ready to accept the truth."

The sailor sympathized with his friend, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Don't worry mate, once we get back home, we'll let those infected bastards pay." Jun-mi said.

"I'm just hoping the infected our are only problem. Heard on the news that our 'friendly' neighbor up in the North mentioned about razing our overrun capital in a 'sea of fire', though based on reconnaissance provided by the Americans, the North have not done anything suspicious, for now."

They better not. Jun-mi thought. He knew if that fat leader up north, he would draw the wrath of the United States which would mean its end. But South Korea has its own problems for now and having a hostile north would only make the situation more complicated. The RIMPAC fleet would hopefully serve as a deterrence, he pondered as he scanner over the formation of ships behind them.

 

[Gillan1220]

One week into the outbreak of the K-Z Virus as the WHO calls it, the world was still glued to their televisions or their social media browsers watching endless coverage of the situation in South Korea. In a just a week, the world was brought to a standstill. The loss of Seoul and Inchon meant that business and investments had to pullout early in a panic from South Korea and parts of East Asia to protect interests. Just weeks before the outbreak, things were heating up in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. The Brexit referendum of June 2016 severely dropped the Euro and the USD as companies began withdrawing from the United Kingdom. On June 30, Rodrigo Duterte was inaugurated as the 16th President of the Philippines. Duterte's anti-American stance and his pro-China and pro-Russia stance concerned the Obama administration of loosing a key ally in the region. France suffered another terrorist attack on July 14 during their Bastille Day celebrations in the city of Nice as an Islamic terrorist rammed a group of several attendees with a truck. The same day, Turkey suffered a coup attempt by disgruntled elements of the Turkish Armed Forces before being put down by the loyalist fractions and majority of the Turkish people. The Middle East and Africa was the same as ever, plagued by insurgencies from ISIS or Islamic terrorirst. The cascade of events now added with the K-Z Virus nearly caused an economic collapse. Wall Street trading was not spared from this scenario.

With the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics coming up, it was decided by the Korean Olympics committee that the two Koreas would not be participating at the games. While officially said, the North Korean team was silent on the matter, just like the rest of the northern peninsula save for the rants of the KCNA about "imperialist pigs getting what they deserve" and talks about "reunification in the time of need."
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"With all these zombies in Korea, it is one reason why we need to build a wall in the Mexican border. Who knows how many potential infected may use our land border with Mexico and might bring the plague to our great American. I promise you my fellow Americans, we will build that wall and protect our country from illegal immigrants and infected alike! We will make American great again!"

The crowd then cheers. Some Anti-Trump protesters can be seen being escorted by police as they start disrupting the rally.

- Presidential Candidate Donald Trump (R), Trump Rally, Toledo, OH, USA, July 27, 2016

 

[Gillan1220]

OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE K-Z VIRUS OUTBREAK
Released: July 27, 2016

REPORT COMPILED WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
UNITED STATES ARMY MEDICAL INSTITUTE OF INFECTION DISEASES
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE (UNITED KINGDOM)
EUROPEAN CENTRE FOR DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL
REPUBLIC OF KOREA ARMED FORCES
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELFARE (REPUBLIC OF KOREA)
NATIONAL HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH, LABOUR, AND WELFARE (JAPAN)
MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES
UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS
​

I. Summary
The Korean Zombie Virus (dubbed K-Z Virus) origins is believed to be from a leak in a chemical plant in Seoul on July 20, 2016. The name itself comes from the fact that the victims behave like the generic "zombie" seen in horror pop-culture media of the genre. Based on captured infected specimens, the K-Z Virus is a mutated version of the Rabies virus that instantly mutated with the leaked chemical compound. The virus quickly spread among the population of Seoul. Initial police reports have pinpointed the Ground Zero of the outbreak to be the Seoul Station, located in the Bongnae-dong and Dongja-dong district of the capital. Bites were blamed as the reason why the virus spread so fast within 24 hours, infecting 80% much of South Korea before the military was able to stop it on its tracks to the southern tip of the peninsula. As of this writing, it estimated that over 1.5 Million have been infected with the K-Z Virus while the death toll is estimated to be around 1.1 Million.


II. Pathology and Symptoms
The virus is transmitted via direct-fluid contact with an infected individual's saliva done via bites to the skin. The infected saliva carrying the virus then travels the victim's bloodstream where it begins to attack the central and peripheral nervous system. Once both nervous systems have been attacked by the virus, the victim soon begins to loose control of the limbs, resulting in violent spasms. The spasms usually last around 10-20 seconds just as the virus takes over the control of the brain. Following this take over, the victim then becomes one of the infected and would display homicidal aggression to the nearest individual in an urge to spread the virus to more individuals.

Additionally, incubation period of the K-Z Virus may vary among individuals. Those bitten by near any major artery would begin to display violent spasms almost immediately while those bitten in the arms or appendages seem to take longer around 1-2 minutes based on survivor accounts on the ground. Those who take longer to turn exhibit the paling of skin, the protrusion of veins among the skin, the loss of rationality, and the murmur of random sentences.

III. Treatment and Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no known treatment of the K-Z Virus. Antiviral treatment has deemed ineffective, along with anti-rabies vaccine. Individuals on the ground have proposed amputation of the bitten limb, though no known record of this method of treatment has been successful. The fact that the virus spreads so fast among the human body's circulatory and nervous system makes an amputation highly doubtful to be successful if ever. So far, the only known treatment is termination of the infected individual. The infected are known to survive several bullets to chest before going down, possibly due to the surge of adrenaline pumped by the K-Z Virus as it takes control of the adrenal glands. Gunshots and blunt-force trauma to the head have been confirmed to be effective along with severing of the vertebra and decapitation. Fire, electricity, and drowning are also effective means to dispatch the infected, the latter since the infected are not truly "dead" and hence their respiratory system still functional in their infected state. Chemical weapons such as sarin, nerve gas, and mustard gas have not been tested, but it is likely to kill an infected otherwise.

The only prevention is to keep distance from an infected individual. Population centers and areas of public congregation should be avoided. It is ideal to hold out in an isolated area with a geographic barrier such as a tall mountain or a deep river. It is ideal to remain barricaded and stay quiet as the infected are attracted to noise. If escape is not possible, it is advised to arm oneself of any weapon they can find, though engaging a melee with the infected is highly discouraged due to the likely possibility of getting bitten. Individuals are also advised to cover exposed portions of the body such as the neck, arms, and legs when engaging the infected to prevent bites.

Bodies of infected individuals should be disposed by burning to destroy any traces of the virus.

IV. Possibility of Cross-species exchange
The K-Z Virus has been confirmed to infect canine and deer species. It is widely believed that a stray dog was the first animal to be infected with this disease, though there is nothing to confirm this theory. As of the this publication, it is not known if other species of mammals or birds can be infected.
Research is currently ongoing if primates, cattle, porcine, and fowl are susceptible to the K-Z virus, however, the possibility is highly likely. It is recommended to terminate animals in the infected area to minimize the potential spread of the virus.

 

[Gillan1220]

The first week of August 2016, South Korean forces began slowly clearing the small towns around Busan. With intel provided by drones and U.S. Navy P-3 Orion maritime patrol planes, casaulties were minimal. On the August 5th, the Busan Safe Zone expanded another 15 km. The infected at this point were seen wandering aimlessly or idle in place, only reacting to the sounds of automatic gunfire, armored vehicles, and tanks that entered these overrun towns. Soldiers of the ROK Army were then fitted with bite-proof suits and MOPP gear, which greatly saved several lives from bites. ROK Army forces then entered Yarigsan, Kimhae, Chinyong, Hanam, and Kaya, liberating the towns from the infected. Refugees stuck in their houses came out to greet their liberators while many were also angry of the fact they were left behind. There were others that had to be put down with the use of force, such as looters and elements of the ROK Army that resulted in raiding. With these towns liberated, the ROK and USFK planned next to strike the major city of Ulsan, which had estimated to have over a million infected. Although the use of fighter jets, bombers, and Tomahawk missiles from warships on Ulsan was seen as unfavorable to the South Koreans, it was the only way to put a dent on many of the infected crawling the streets. Others argued that it would be better to just wait for the infected to starve, since researchers from different countries have confirmed the infected do not derive nourishment from their victims. It was estimated the infected would starve in a month's time since that is how long a normal human being could go without food. Although a normal person would not be able to go without water for three days, the K-Z Virus somehow mutated the infected's thirst center. So it was best decided to let the infected starve for another month before South Korean and American forces can start clearing towns. The attack on Ulsan was called off. Instead, United Nations C-130s and other helicopters continued air-dropping supplies to surviving towns in the sea of infected. Roughly two weeks into the outbreak, Yongsan Garrison still held out. The RIMPAC fleet arrived on the August 6th. Helicopters coming from the different warships and the USS John C. Stennis began flying sorties into Seoul, evacuating the remaining American soldiers left at Yongsan Garrison. SH-60 Seahawks, UH-60 Blackhawks, CH-53 Super Stallions, CH-47 Chinooks, MV-22 Ospreys, alongside helicopters from the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Chilean Navy, the People's Liberation Army Navy, the Marine Nationale (French Navy), the Indian Navy, the Indonesian Navy, and the Royal New Zealand Navy took part. In a move that shocked both the Korean and Japanese population, helicopters from the JMSDF were allowed to take part in the evacuation. It was the first time that Japanese forces were able to set foot in the peninsula in peacetime. The move greatly improved Japan-South Korea relations. Of course South Korea had to accept whatever help could be given. One cannot be choosy in times of emergency. In addition, the RIMPAC fleet's aerial wings also assisted in the evacuation of trapped citizens and air dropping supplies behind enemy lines. The evacuation of Yongsan Garrison and the airlift would become the largest military helicopter operation in history, even larger than the helicopter evacuation of South Vietnam in 1975.

The same day on August 5th, the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics 2016 opened. The world's attention was temporarily shifted to the opening of the Olympics. Yet it was mired with controversy since Brazil had spent so much on it and the 2014 World Cup two years prior. Virtue signaling became common on the Internet, with others bringing in the outbreak of the K-Z Virus in South Korea for not caring about the plight of displaced people. The Brazilians weren't taking chances of an outbreak occurring in their shores at a time like this. Indeed, the streets of Rio were patrolled with heavily armed police and armored vehicles of the police and military whilst helicopters patrolled overhead and Brazilian Navy warships stationed off the coast of the city. A photo of a Brazilian soldier armed with an SA-7 Grail MANPAD and an anti-aircraft vehicle on the streets showed the world Brazil cannot show the world any signs of lapses should the infection hit. Nonetheless, the opening for the Olympics came short (shorter than OTL) since the public felt that congregating in places would not be a good idea. Sure, the UN declared the outbreak to be contained in South Korea but others did not take chances. Instead, turn out came via home television where viewers could watch from the safety of their homes. The teams of the ROK and the DPRK were absent for obvious reasons as the Korean Olympic Committee declared roughly two weeks before. As a precaution in the need of an emergency evacuation of American citizens from Rio, the United States sent the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier escorted by the destroyers USS Lassen and the USS Forrest Sherman along with several U.S. Merchant Marine civilian liners. The fleet would be stationed within helicopter distance from the city. Similarly, the United Kingdom deployed the Royal Navy to the Atlantic for a similar evacuation of its citizens, sending the HMS Dauntless and the HMS Bulwark to the area. The Falkland Islands Defense Forces were activated as the possibility of relocation of British citizens into the Falklands would come into play should an outbreak to occur. The neighboring South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands as well as the British South Atlantic territories of St. Helena, Tristan de Cunha, and Ascension Island were all prepared to take in displaced British people.

In technology and gaming world, the hype for Pokémon Go was increasing by the day since its release on July 6, 2016. Due to the real-time nature of the game, police around the world had to issue safety warnings when playing the game. Even before the outbreak in South Korea, crowds of gamers catching virtual animal monsters congregated in public spaces and monuments around the world. The viral video of a crowd of New Yorkers running into Central Park and traffic coming to a halt in Taipei over the game proved how much the youth were into this game. As the outbreak started in South Korea, the number of players of Pokémon Go dropped. Tournaments and public gatherings regarding the game were cancelled. Again, the fact that game tends to put a lot of people at the same place at one made it dangerous should an outbreak of the K-Z virus appear. In no way would a smartphone game cause unnecessary casaulties any further in this dangerous time the world was experiencing.

Meanwhile, in his residence in Pyongyang, Kim Jong-un and his KPA generals began studying the infected captured from their agents deep within infected lines. His scientists also noted about the infected's inevitable death due to starvation. From there, he could no move the KPA past the DMZ, clear the weakened infected and appear as the heroes of the peninsula, and finally push for reunification with the South. Sure, they would accept liberation from their northern brothers than the imperialist mongering Americans. The false flag operation would also come into swing. Infected specimens would be dropped by KPAF Il-28 jet bombers and An-2 biplanes into the Busan safe zone while ghost ships would wash ashore into Japan. Several ballistic missile primed with the K-Z Virus would primed with the virus and targeted into Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Yokohama, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Sendai, and Sapporo, along with the U.S. Navy base in Yokosuka, the Marine Base and the JASDF base in Okinawa, and the USAF bases of Kadena and Misawa. Once the Americans would be distracted with the outbreak occurring in Busan and Japan, Kim's forces would move on with the liberation.

For Kim everything seemed correct. A month from now, it would be indeed his glorious moment of his life.

 

[Gillan1220]

August 9, 2016
Cha'ho Naval Base (Submarine base for KPN East Sea Fleet)
North Korea

A Romeo-class submarine surfaces into the port. In tow was a contingent of Korean People's Army Special Operation Force (KPASOF/NKSOF) each armed with AK-74M assault rifles. Along with them came in crates that were shaking violently, accompanied by growls. There was not only one but twelve of them. The submarine had just returned from its "special mission" in infected South Korea. There were no casaulties as they simply waited for wandering infected to go after their submarine. Since the infected could not swim, they were swept away by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. The North Korean sailors then fished them out using fishing nets and herded them into cages before covering them in large wooden crates.

The sailors and the special forces unloaded the crates into the port, where forklifts loaded them into Soviet-era transport trucks. It was then transported to one of the secret laboratories kilometers away from Pyongyang, where the Dear Leader Kim Jong-un finally saw the infected in the flesh. The soldiers demonstrated to the Respectable Comrade that a headshot is the quickest way to take them down. An officer of the KPA aimed his Makarov PM pistol at the center of the infected, taking note how it took half the pistol's magazine to take it down. Another infected specimen was brought in. The officer leveled the pistol on the creature's head before pulling the trigger, spilling blood and brain matter all over. Kim was impressed. Things were going to go according to plan after all if those imperialist dogs in the South and their red, white, and blue handlers would pay dearly for the peace-loving people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Or so he thought...but his stubborn mind would win over reason.

Three days later
August 12, 2016
Underground biowarfare laboratory
North of Pyongyang

Three soldiers who became complacent accidentally released an infected specimen from its confines. The specimen was able to infect a dozen scientists and KPA soldiers before being put down by machine gun fire. Angered by the complacency of the guards and the scientists in the facility, Kim ordered them to be rounded up in a public stadium and cut them down with ZSU-23-4 Shilka anti-aircraft guns. To Kim, failure and complacency was a sign of betrayal, akin to what Joseph Stalin did to his generals who failed him during the Great Patriotic War. In order to hide from the eyes of the international media, it was all reported that these scientists and soldiers were conspiring against the regime and had to be eliminated.

Naturally, no one believed them. The CIA and the U.S. Department of Defense had kept their tabs on the peninsula, observing the troop movements and formations. The Obama administration had accepted the fact that North Korea might attack the South anytime and so sent two B-52 bombers and B-2 Spirit to show resolve. The bombers flew near the northern part of the peninsula yet the North continued on with their threat of war.

But the world's attention was on the humanitarian crisis on the South and Olympics in Brazil. No one would dare defy what Kim wanted. Little did he know, his plans would horribly backfire months from now...

 

[Gillan1220]

For the past one month since the outbreak began, President Park Gyeun-hye and the surviving population of South Korea looked hopeful to returning to their homes as the Infected were already seen as too weak to even move by spy satellites and aerial reconnaissance. 28 days after the Fall of Seoul, on August 17, 2016, about 90% of the Infected were eliminated due to starvation. That means there were still 10% of "healthy" infected roaming around. It was good news for South Korea and the world.

By then, ROK military forces began the long march in Seoul by first stopping by towns and cities along the way, clearing away the remaining infected and burning dead bodies. Mass graves were dug in many sites, as the South Korean government did not have enough resources to bury and identify them all. Friendly survivors called "Robinson Crusoes" were rescued and taken down south for medical examination while hostiles were dealt with lethal force. The ROK military would move slowly as to minimize casaulties even when the infected were already getting weaker as days passed. The higher ups in the military did not want to risk the chance of reinfection as they were against an enemy that needed to be eliminated to the last man. It was estimated that the ROK Army along with the USFK could enter Seoul and begin sanitizing the city by September 2016.

The RIMPAC fleet stayed around the waters of Jeju Island and the Tsushima Strait in support of the humanitarian efforts. Tensions in the Senkaku (Chinese: Dayou) Islands temporarily subsided, as both China and Japan felt that cooperation with neighbors, even if historical archenemies, is the best thing to do in this 2nd decade of the 21st Century. Chinese Z-9 transport helicopters were allowed to land on the flight decks of the USS John C. Stennis, the USS Ronald Reagan, USS America, JS Hygua, and the JS Ise, the latter the first military cooperation between China and Japan. The PLA considered deploying the Liaoning, China's single aircraft carrier, to the Korean peninsula. In addition, the fleet was intentionally placed in hopes to deter North Korea, which has been making threats ever since it was clear the South Koreans were currently dealing with the Infected.

Kim Jong-un nonetheless continued on with his threats. He continuously offered liberation and sanitation to the South using his 1.19 million man Korean People's Army backed by roughly 600,000 paramilitary personnel. The Obama administration meanwhile warned Kim that ANY breach of the 38th Parallel would be met with American retaliation. Sensing the Obama was weak in terms of foreign policy, the Dear Leader continued appearing on live TV in Pyongyang, overseeing the military parades and display of both Soviet, Chinese, and smuggled Western equipment. Back in the White House and the Pentagon, the United States knew the North Koreans were itching for war. Barack Obama, Ashton Carter, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs were concerned of the use of North Korean nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, THAAD was still months away from being deployed into the peninsula; the outbreak further delaying its deployment. What the U.S. had were a few Patriot missile batteries and Aegis destroyers in the Sea of Japan. U.S. forces across the Asia-Pacific region, stretching from Japan down to the Philippines, Guam, Singapore, and Australia, were placed on highest alert. On the request of John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State, China and Russia pressured to cut off fuel and supplies to North Korea if it would not stop its threats. Back in his residence in Pyongyang, Kim laughed at Obama and Kerry's weakness. He shrugged off the idea of losing supplies from his economic allies. He did not back down when the USAF flew intercontinental bombers above his Worker's Paradise.

The JSA remained at a tension. Both sides were itching at the trigger. First, it was the threat of Infected hordes, which thankfully never attacked north of Seoul. Ever since the outbreak began, no infected wandered into the JSA which was good news to the American and South Korean guards. Neither side wanted to fire the first shot, as it would lead to unforeseen consequences in an already unstable situation. The KPA guards were more reasonable than their Dear Leader, who continued his childish rants of "liberation" and "cleansing".

Each had a 1000 yard stare, giving each other the fierce look in act of determination and defiance. It would soon be put on the test.

 

[Gillan1220]

Author's note: I was a 19-year old (turning 20) 4th Year College Student as this TL takes place. Since it has already reached the middle week of August 2016, I remember clearly the university I attended here in Cebu City was looking forward for the annual week-long intramurals. This will be a DBWI chapter.

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August 21, 2016
Off the coast of Olango Island
Cebu, Philippines

"Hey guys, I'm glad I came boating with you guys." I said.

I was currently in motor pump boat with my friends Francis, his girlfriend Kayhe, my economic classmate Adrian, Lawrence, Michael Angelo, Samantha, Mikaela, Christian, Timothy, Kurt, Philip, Aaron, and Joshua. Currently in our 20s, some 19, we are currently escaping the hustle and bustle of university life as Intramurals week was to begin tomorrow.

One week I can finally rest from Biology. I said to myself.

I enjoyed the view of the sea and the surrounding islands, looking at the lime-blue waters below. It was fairly shallow, I could see the seagrass, corals, and chocolate chip sea stars on the floor. My friend Adrian then invites me to jump in the water below him. I walked towards the platform of the boat, ready to dive. Timothy offers me a cigarette of which I politely decline.

"Hey guys, do you think those Infected can swim?" I said, bringing up the topic of the South Korean outbreak.

"Nope, it was announced the Infected could drown." Kurt replied.

"Well, we're safe here." Lawrence added.

"It's been a month since the outbreak began, the infected are starving. This whole thing will be over soon." Mikaela added.

"Yeah, anyways, are you guys going tomorrow's opening?" I asked.

"I'm part of the track-n-field team. I have to be there tomorrow." Michael Angelo replied. "You?"

"I'll think of it, if I can wake up LOL." I said. Secretly, at the back of my mind, I was concerned of the outbreak suddenly appearing. Images of the Infected swarming over onlookers and people trampling others in stampede appeared in my thoughts. The stadium would be a nightmare when that will happen. Too close quarters, no weapons to fight them back. As I heard weeks ago, many are not going to the Opening Ceremony for the fear of their safety even though the UN and WHO has declared the K-Z epidemic controlled. I was on really on second thoughts on going tomorrow.

"Hey, you jumping or what?" Adrian called me out from the waters below.

"Sure, coming in a moment." I said as I jumped down into the pristine waters below.

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"Safety precautions have been made for the safety of the students, performers, athletes, and guests. The Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army will send personnel on the Opening Day and the Pop Jazz event to ensure everyone's safety."

"The following are prohibited items to bring on the Opening Ceremony and the Pop Jazz
-Umbrellas
-Long Selfie Sticks
-Weapons such as firearms, knives, batons, etc.
-Explosives
-Pets"

"Are you all excited for #USCDays2016, Carolinians? Let us all be there during the Opening Ceremony tomorrow!

<attached is a video compilation of previous cheerdances>

Edited by: Daniel Johns Masilang
Videographers: Czarina Gicale, Christian Paul Naparota, Joseph Michael Tan"

- Today's Carolinian (Official Publication of the University of San Carlos), Facebook, reposted on Twitter, August 21, 2016

 

[Gillan1220]

August 24, 2016
9:30 AM
B.R.I.G.H.T. Academy
Cebu City, Philippines

I visited my old high school today and met some of my friends that are currently in Grade 11. I was only there for a while as it was their program for the month of August. Everyone is still talking about situation in Korea. I noticed that many of the Korean students here are hopeful things would go for the best soon. However, this outbreak has made me realize life is short and in an instant things that we once knew would be gone and our lives would be changed forever. Apart for apologizing for past mistakes, that would include telling the truth for those people you like or have feelings for...

I'm just glad I already gave her that lionfish plushie I bought from Thailand last June as souvenir. She really loves it and thinks its cute.

BELOW
Map from my old high school (red locator pin) to the University of San Carlos. It is in a walking distance.

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August 27, 2016
8:00 PM
University of San Carlos - Talamban Campus
Cebu City, Philippines

"Hey, keep safe there tonight." My father told me as he dropped me next to the basketball court where rave was held. The rave was part of the Student's Night portion where students could enjoy the music and the performance to mark the end of the Intramurals Week.

I have been in USC for four years now and I'm always present every Student's Night. Who would want to miss a free party afterall? Raving and I'm 19 years old and I'm turning 20 in a week so I feel so old.

I entered the court, I had to navigate through crowd of mostly Senior High students. I then settled in the front, I always wanted to be the front so that I could be seen on Today's Carolinian when the official photos of the event will be released. The only things I brought to this party was my iPhone 6, my mobile WiFi, and my Supremo Action Cam with its monopod. At the center, I then tried to take my mind off the situation. It's always good to be positive right. Still, a small portion of my mind imagined that if one infected sneaks up in this rave, it will take time to notice due to the loud music and semi-lighter environment. By the time many will notice, it might be too late. The only weapon with me right now is this monopod. Be positive. I told myself. The situation in Korea is controlled. I kept telling myself while I danced to the music. After 15 minutes of dancing, I went to the sides to check my Facebook and Twitter.

"Oh shit." I said.

North Korea tests 5 ballistic missiles over the Sea of Japan; makes threats of bombing infected South Korean cities.
- CNN International (@cnnint), Twitter

Kerry: State Department condemns North Korean ballistic missile tests.
- NBC News (@NBCNews), Twitter

In the midst of an epidemic and a refugee crisis, North Korea tests five ballistic missiles and continues threats of invasion.
- Fox News (@FoxNews), Twitter

When is the Obama administration teach Rocket Man a powerful lesson not to escalate stuff in a very volatile situation? I would have done better!

Obama is handling the crisis in Korea very poorly! What a shame!

South Koreans in the Busan Safe Zone would have voted for me as President!
- Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump), Twitter
retweeted by Prison_Planet, FoxNews, and 33K others

SecDef Ash Carter: We want to make it clear to North Korea that any further threats would be met with U.S. military response.
- U.S. Department of Defense (@DeptofDefense), Twitter
retweeted by CNN, MSNBC, ABC News, CBS News, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, The White House, and 27K Others

Look: USS Fort Worth (LCS-2) docks in Cebu City before heading to assist in South Korea.
- U.S. Pacific Fleet (@USPacificFleet), Twitter

First a zombie outbreak, then war with North Korea? What the hell is going on?!?
- Lauren Southern (@Lauren_Southern), Twitter

Yep, the moment I checked my social media accounts, I knew things were going bad. While I was in this rave, thousands of miles away, war is brewing up in the peninsula. Us 90s kids or millennials or whatever you call us, now old to understand things since 9/11, are about to see show shit go down for real. In a span of month, the world has indeed gone dangerous.

I was reading up various new articles from CNN or BBC or the local ANC 24/7 when someone called up my name from the crowd. Looking at the source of the voice, I then recognized it was my boating buddies days ago. Present was Lawrence, Christian, Michael Angelo, and my environmental science friend, Earl. They were urging me to come join them in the crowd.

"Hey guys, coming in a moment." I said, taking out my action camera and using it to take videos. Joining them, I really could not help but think we are enjoying life and partying here while shit might blow off anytime in the Korean peninsula up north, miles way from us.

We were literally partying while Rome, or in this case, Korea, might burn.

(Here's the video of that rave that night that was taken by us):

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CNN Newsroom Host: Tonight we are joining live with Anderson Cooper in Busan over the situation in the Korean peninsula. Anderson, you there?

Anderson Cooper: Yes. So just a few minutes ago, North Korea tested five ballistic missiles over the Sea of Japan in what is the most recent sign of North Korean aggression since this outbreak began last month. Kim Jong-un himself has threatened to use these missile for the "liberation" of cities here in South Korea that are still teeming with the infected. Kim has reportedly criticized the actions of the South Korean military for their slow response, citing how the Korean People's Army can liberate these cities faster.

CNN Newsroom Host: What is the U.S. response to this, judging by how American troops and naval vessels have assisted in the humanitarian crisis?

Anderson Cooper: The U.S. military has repeatedly told Kim that anymore threats would be met with military response. The White House and the Pentagon back home have issued similar statements. To deter North Korea, the RIMPAC fleet, consisting of multiple nations from the multinational exercise in Hawaii which was diverted here to South Korea, was deployed. We have not received word when these ships are gonna leave. In addition, France and Britain are deploying warships from their bases in the Far East to bolster the humanitarian efforts.

CNN Newsroom Host: What is the situation in Busan and the newly liberated cities from the infected?

Anderson Cooper: Here in Busan, the situation is tense. People have entered the tunnels and bomb shelters. For the past few years, South Koreans know the drill when the North would fire ballistic missiles. The military and the police behind me are making sure the everyone stays indoors during the curfew. Overhead, you can hear helicopters and planes from various nations patrolling the airspace. It appears to me that the RIMPAC fleet's air wing have extended their mission to include active patrols over South Korean airspace in hopes of North Korea backing down on its threats. Indeed these are the tensest moments in the peninsula since the North Korean nuclear weapons test in January this year. The situation has been volatile to say at most towards the South as first they had to go through the epidemic of the K-Z virus and the subsequent humanitarian crisis.

CNN Newsroom Host: Alright thank you Anderson. We will be returning to you shortly after this break.

- CNN Broadcast regarding the North Korean ballistic missile test, 9:30 PM South Korean time, August 27, 2016

 

[Gillan1220]

September 2, 2016
8:00 AM
University of San Carlos - Talamban Campus
Cebu City, Philippines

The cool air of a Friday morning in September greets us all as we wait for our shuttle here in the terminal that would take us to the retreat house on the top of the hill. Today will be our retreat as we our gonna be graduating this April. It is a requirement for graduating students of this Catholic university to attend. It is spiritual in nature as well as to thank God for our successes (depending on one's personal belief's anyway). We are currently sharing our retreat with the other graduating courses of the sciences department, namely the Applied Physics and Chemistry Departments. However, everyone was still on their phones anxiously checking for updates in the Korean Peninsula. Others were just playing Pokémon Go on their smartphones.

A girl in black v-neck T-shirt clad in black jeans then sits beside me. "Good morning Gill." My friend Denise, currently taking up a degree in marine biology, greets me. "Oh hey there twin sister (an affectionate nickname as we treat each other like siblings), how are you doing this morning?"

"Fine, you?"

"Same. Woke up good except maybe a little jittery about the news going on in Korea. Got some thesis to work tomorrow. By the way, I cannot think but were already three months into our last year in college and were graduating in seven months. I have a feeling things will get emotional tonight."

"Yeah, for sure."

The shuttle then parks in the terminal ready to take us. We then boarded it as I sat beside my "twin sister". The journey took around 15 minutes as it was at the top of the hill on overlooking the university. It had pretty breathtaking view of Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Mactan Island. As we disembarked, we then settled down as we prepared for the opening vocation of the retreat.

BELOW: Map of the University of San Carlos - Talamban Campus
Red Arrow: Retreat House
Yellow Arrow: Shuttle Terminal.

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September 2, 2016
8:00 AM-1:30 PM
USC Retreat House
On the hills of USC-TC
Cebu City, Philippines

The retreat proceeded smoothly. We were able to see many meaningful and inspirational videos, mostly religious in nature. After lunch, we were led to our rooms to get some siesta. I was sharing room with my fellow Biology classmate Sirrus and two Environmental Science school-mates, Francis (who went boating with me roughly two weeks ago) and Jun. Our room, as with all rooms, has a large window facing the backyard which in turn faces the city below. Many people especially here in the Philippines associate retreat houses with horror stories. It is common to hear about ghostly or paranormal encounters during spiritual retreats. Personally, I don't believe them but its always fun and interesting to hear some.

My roommate Jun recalled he had been here in the USC Retreat House back then in 2013 when he was graduating high school. He mentioned to us that his classmate thought they saw a ghost after they spotted a figure in white robes passing by the window. He later told us they found out it was the priest on his way to dinner hall. We all laughed so hard hearing that.

Ghost and paranormal stuff? I thought. None of these could be compared to what many South Koreans experienced when the outbreak began two months ago. That was the true horror, not this.
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1:30 PM - 6:00 PM
The afternoon was mostly composed of group activities, arts and crafts, and confessions with a priest. Everyone felt lighter once they were able to free up some space from their own insecurities. Afterwards, it was dinner time. The students from Applied Physics went ahead due to some other activities and will return tomorrow morning. So it was just us people left from the Biology and Chemistry Departments.
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7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
This was the most emotional and sentimental part of the retreat. People began confessing and apologizing to each other. Many cried, as it was a touching event. While I personally did not cry, along with a few others, I did open up to everybody and said good things about them as well as apologizing for whatever bad thing I did in the past. I could not recall how long it lasted but at the end of it we all felt good about ourselves.

Oh did I forget to mention I am on patrol duty tonight? Yep, I'm gonna be patrolling the dark and "spooky" hallways of this retreat house making sure nobody escapes or violates the curfew. People were already teasing me because I'll encounter something scary. They did tell me to avoid Room 31, a.k.a "The Evil Room" since that is where most paranormal encounters occurred. Apparently, I don't believe those so I shrugged it off. Earlier this afternoon, Franz the photographer and I attempted to do a "Navy SEAL" breach on The Evil Room but we found out it was lock to our dismay.
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9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
It was our free time now. Majority of my classmates were in the backyard appreciating the lights of the city below while Franz took photos of them. Jun, Sirrus, my twin classmates, and some of us were watched two episodes of Kitchen Nightmares on my phone. First, we watched the Amy's Baking Company episode, where we laughed at the stupidity of the owner. So far, it was the only restaurant that Gordon Ramsay left. Afterwards, we watched this heartwarming episode called Sushi Ko. We particulary enjoyed the nightmare moments while feeling warmed when the Japanese-American and his family fixed their strained relationship. After that, all classmates then gathered at the stairs of the retreat house and took our first group picture together in this memorable retreat. And then from there, we then head to backyard to relax and appreciate the city lights. There, we had an honest talk with my friends who told me to that rough times were here and that if we have something to say or do, we should do. I knew what they meant by "rough times". Two months after the outbreak in South Korea shocked the world, many were killed without knowing it would be their end that fateful day in July. They meant that if something should happen, we may not have the next time to say it. Rather confess while you have the chance. "You got to tell her you like her Gill. You won't have the chance to do it next time." It came from Denise, who I always consider an sibling figure (in fact, she celebrated her 20th birthday two days before the outbreak in Seoul). "Yeah, I should. When I visit my old high school again."

By 10:00 PM, the lights were slowly being turned off by the security guards. I remained outside the dark hallway with my friend Matthew who was talking to other students on the tables outside their respective rooms. "Hey, Gill, you still awake?" He said. "Yup, I'm on patrol tonight."

"Don't go in the dark or something will get you." He jokingly said.

"Matt, I'm not scared of ghosts. You know what's more scary? The Infected. Yes, the infected we saw in the news in South Korea. If they were here, we're all so screwed. Did you see how fast those things were? And top of it, we don't have any weapons to defend ourselves save for a few fireaxes, iron bars, and the legs of these chairs and tables. This place will be overrun."

I then pointed out to the dark forest where we see the flashlights of a grop security guards patrolling the woods for troublemakers. One was armed with a Mossberg 500 shotgun while they all had M1911s on their holsters. Ever since the outbreak, guards in schools here were armed. But we knew that a shotgun and a handgun would not be enough to take down a group of The Infected. "See those guards over there? They'd be overrun quickly if there were Infected in those woods."

I had nothing to worry about though. The UN and WHO declared the epidemic controlled. The Infected were already dying of starvation and exposure to environment. The South Korean, American, and RIMPAC forces were already way in progress in there reclamation of lost South Korean territory. There was nothing to worry about, I told myself.

While sitting with Matthew and the others, I opened my smartphone for news around the world. My eyes opened wide is disbelief as I opened my Facebook with a video from CNN showing North Korean rockets and artillery pieces raining down in Seoul. Contact with the JSA had ceased, according to the broadcast. MSNBC, NBC News, CBS, ABC, Fox News, ANC 24/7, The New York Times, Rappler, Sun Star Cebu, The Philippine Daily Inquire, and much of the news networks I follow on Facebook were reporting the same thing. Many of my friends shared the video as it became the most trending thing on the internet.

"Oh shit, Matt, take a look this!" I said but not shouting, as people were already asleep as not to disturb them. I then showed them the video. They were equally shocked as I am because we know what it is. As now grown ups, we finally one of the defining moment of the decade.

"I would turn 20 on the 4th. What great way to start pre-birthday events." I sarcastically said.

On the day of our retreat, the Korean War was reignited.
************
P.S. This ends the DBWI Interlude chapters. We will be returning to the situation on the Korean peninsula in the next post.
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Here are some behind-the-scene pictures in OTL of this event. I will reveal how I look like at this time.

I'm the guy with the Vancouver shirt. Franz is the one with the blue shirt to my left and Denise is the one to my right. This picture was taken on September 2, 2016 just hours before the breakup of the Second Korean War.

Our group picture on the mid-day of September 3, 2016 at the conclusion of the retreat. At this time, the Second Korean War was already at full swing.