Chapter 732: Quarantine Zone
Although the man named Rork had insisted that only four of his people were injured, Shane wasn’t about to take his word for it blindly.
He knew very well that desperation made people do reckless things, like hiding infected friends or loved ones in the hope of finding a miracle.
And as Commander of the New Genesis Shelter, Shane couldn’t afford to risk a full-blown outbreak behind his own walls.
The quarantine chamber was located at the western wing, an annex that was a former supply depot. It was now a decontamination hub since they knew very well that the virus infection could come not just from bites, even from the things they consume…
Because of that, all the shelters’ quarantine zones would always be capable of handling hundreds of people at once…
In that place, dozens of physicians and some apprentices rotated in shifts to monitor and classify every case that arrived through the front gate.
Though they were short-staffed compared to the scale of what they handled most of the time, these people were experts trained under fire, some of them were even former patients themselves.
As a matter of fact, many merchant caravans with close ties to the shelter would come here just to get their people fully inspected by the physicians to ensure that they weren’t contaminated.
Anyway, as the survivors from Rork’s group were herded into the decontamination tunnel, two physicians, Althea and Renzo, approached them wearing full-body sterilization suits.
Behind them, a specialized Warden Unit scanned the air for abnormal viral signatures.
Shane stood behind as he observed the process…
“I’m sure you’ve all done this numerous times already. But just in case, I want full scans. Skin abrasions, bloodwork, and body heat mapping. You do not need to hurry. We need every last one cleared before we even consider entry.” Shane said to his radio, speaking directly to the physicians.
Of course, the physicians didn’t mind the reminder and gave a nod before they also began issuing orders.
Inside, Rork’s group looked visibly tense.
Most of them were tired, half-starved, and had blood smeared over their armor.
There was even one woman clutching a child close to her chest, hoping that they would be able to get cleared soon…
The first set of scans came in.
“Just like their report… Only four confirmed injuries related to Zombies…” Renzo reported after the initial scan…
“None of them show immediate signs of necrotic infection. No grey veining. No fever spikes. Good vitality scores.”
Shane nodded… He could already leave and just let them handle this task, but he was curious about how much improvement they’d made in terms of isolating possible zombie infection.
“What about possible blood contact…”
Althea replied this time… “Minimal. Likely from contaminated environments. We’re isolating those four and will be monitoring them for six hours. Administering one dose of Z-Virus Stabilizer each. That should stall any onset, if there’s anything hidden.”
It was the best compromise Shane could allow.
Reproducing Z-Virus Stabilizer, codenamed Genesis Cure, was the greatest medical leap they had in this apocalypse, but it wasn’t foolproof.
It could halt the progression of the virus if administered early, if the person had high vitality, and if their infection wasn’t caused by a high-mutant strain like those carried by the Zombie Lords. In short, stage 3 level of infection could not be stopped by the stabilizer.
It must be remembered that the serums they found in the underground lab were Super Soldier Serum: Prototype VX-9, followed by Z-Virus Stabilizer or “Genesis Cure”. This was also the reason why Shane named this Shelter the New Genesis after all.
Still, only 36 stabilizers were found, and thankfully, they were able to reproduce them with everyone’s help.
Then, they also had Super Soldier Serum: Perfect Variant, and the three pieces of Aegis Serum: Super Variant, which, up until now, they couldn’t replicate.
Of course, if they still show signs of being converted into a Zombie, they would have no choice but to give them the Super Soldier Serum since they had also started reproducing them.
But if that happened, the administered people must become workers for the shelter…
Shane stared through the barrier at Rork. The man met his gaze, and he looked grateful…
Rork stepped closer to the glass. “We didn’t hide anyone, Commander. We know what happens when someone turns. We’ve… seen it.”
Shane nodded. “That’s why I’m giving you a chance. Don’t waste it.”
For the next hour, each of the survivors underwent a second-tier examination.
This was a more thorough examination to ensure that none of them got infected through other means. After all, they weren’t just looking for bites or injuries caused by the Zombies.
Only then did Shane authorize the trucks to enter…
Soon, a squad of guards escorted the injured to the temporary holding quarters where they’d be monitored for 24 more hours under passive surveillance. They were given clean water, nutrient packs, and fresh clothing. It wasn’t luxury, but it was for everyone’s safety.
Althea smiled and turned to Shane after updating the logs.
“No anomalies, sir. Everyone else is stable for now.”
Shane was finally satisfied as he confirmed that the process of handling unknown people was quite good. The physicians, the guards, the location of the quarantine zone, and all the processes were smooth.
“Good work. Just remember to disclose to them the payment for the treatment they received.”
Obviously, they weren’t operating a charity here.
Renzo chuckled as the prices of those serums weren’t really that cheap… If they couldn’t pay, they’d have to work here for free.
“Right, we’ll also mention to them about the possible usage of Super Soldier Serum if the current stabilizer didn’t work… and discuss the price…” Renzo said. After all, if there was really a need to use the Super Soldier Serum, it means that the patient was already having a hard time communicating to them.
It would be better to discuss such arrangements while they were still in mind.
“Ohh… That’s better.” Shane said as he finally left the quarantine zone.
Now, he was curious about the items brought by the Mercantile Company.