lore Detailed Regional Timeline | The Final Days of Civilization and the Fall of Denver

[Essence]

BEFORE THE OUTBREAK

• On April 16th, 2010, the Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) identifies the Wildfire Virus, keeping it undisclosed to the public.
• Over the following months, reports surface in five states — California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado — detailing an unusual illness. Symptoms mimic the flu and provoke aggressive behavior.
• Though videos and information circulate online, many initially dismiss them as hoaxes and conspiracy theories. While reports of the reanimated deceased are disregarded, rumors of a flu epidemic start spreading.
• People begin disappearing and hospitals gradually become overcrowded with patients exhibiting flu-like symptoms or seeking flu shots.

AUGUST 25TH, 2010

• Reports start emerging from the Denver region and its outlying towns about strange occurrences and abnormal behavior of rabid individuals. Initially dismissed as rumors, these reports gain credibility as more eyewitness accounts flood in and hospitals are filled.
• Local and state law enforcement is overwhelmed with reports of violent attacks, initially believed to be isolated incidents or drug-related.
• In smaller towns like Aurora and Lakewood, panic begins to spread as people witness their loved ones succumbing to the mysterious illness.
• Reports of incidents multiply nationwide. The World Health Organization and the CDC declare the Wildfire Virus a global pandemic. However, the true nature of the virus is kept a secret to the public.

AUGUST 26TH, 2010

• The World Health Organization publishes an International Disaster Emergency Response memorandum, instructing public health officials on how to dispose of the remains of infected individuals. Advice includes disregarding DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) patients and removing patients to a morgue if efforts to restore life are unsuccessful within 60 seconds. If signs of life resume thereafter, the remains are to be regarded as a biological hazard.
• Hospitals in Colorado start experiencing a surge in patients exhibiting symptoms of the virus. Medical staff struggle to cope with the influx, with nurses and doctors having to work overtime in order to keep up with the demand of individuals needing treatment.
• During the evening rush hour, a scene unfolds on the I-25 freeway near the I-25/I-70 Interchange. A man loses control of his vehicle and slams into two other vehicles - one of them containing a woman and her two children - before crashing into a guardrail, causing a major traffic jam. The freeway becomes congested as commuters slow down to gawk at the accident, while news helicopters circle overhead, capturing footage of the scene live and broadcasted on CNN, FOX, and other media news outlets.
  • Nearby paramedics, police officers, and other first responders arrive to assist the injured parties, managing traffic and securing the accident site. The woman and her two children, while injured, remain fine and ambulatory while paramedics pull the man out from his vehicle and place him on a litter to be transported and declared deceased.
  • The man, initially presumed dead from the severity of the accident, suddenly revives and attacks the paramedic attempting to render aid. His movements are frenzied and aggressive, catching everyone off guard. Law enforcement officers attempt to restrain him using their batons, but the reanimated man proves to be unusually resilient and continues to lash out with unexpected strength.
  • The reanimated man lunges forward with unexpected speed towards the woman and her children. In a desperate bid to neutralize the threat, one of the officers resorts to using his firearm, firing multiple shots at the reanimated man's chest. Despite the gunfire, the man refuses to stay down, rising again and attacking with renewed ferocity. Bystanders on the freeway, witnessing the terrifying spectacle, begin recording the altercation on their camera phones. The footage captures the pandemonium and fear gripping the scene, adding to the growing sense of disbelief and panic among the onlookers.
  • The reanimated man pounces upon the family, overpowering and clawing against one of the woman's children, a girl of 8 years of age. The live news footage ends abruptly per state request as the man assails against the girl, but additional footage is captured by a reporter on the ground is later leaked online. Just mere seconds after biting into the girl's shoulder and being assailed on by the girl's mother, the man switches targets to assault the mother, but an officer makes a split-second decision to aim for the reanimated man's head, firing a decisive shot that finally incapacitates him. The threat neutralized, emergency responders rush to secure the area and provide medical assistance to those injured in the melee and treat the nasty bite wound on the little girl.

AUGUST 27TH, 2010

• Hospitals in Denver, CO, reach maximum capacity, unable to accept new patients and turning some away, overwhelmed by the influx of bitten and reanimated individuals. Schools in the Denver area witness a surge in absences as families withdraw children due to fear or succumb to the undead threat.
• Major infrastructure failures occur in Denver, including power outages and communication disruptions. Panic-buying and looting begin in Denver, exacerbating the chaos as residents try to secure essential supplies. Traffic congestion and fuel shortages plague the region as residents attempt to flee the urban area, leading to an increase in traffic accidents.
• State and local law enforcement faces accusations of unjustly targeting unarmed individuals, leading to protests against perceived abuse of authority.
• The United Nations General Assembly, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the European Union hold several meetings in a desperate attempt to try and combat the rapidly worsening pandemic. In nations such as Japan, wildfires spread uncontrolled due to Fire Departments being overwhelmed. France immediately experiences a total collapse and government and civil services, but la Biomédicine DDMI remains active despite the failure of the government, researching for a cure with the C.D.C. and other public health organizations.
• Washington D.C. is placed under martial law and the U.S. Army starts evacuating essential government employees and members of congress. Civilians are to remain in the city until after the priority evacuation.

AUGUST 28TH, 2010

• The Governor of Colorado issues an executive order, declaring a state of emergency and outlining the severity and repercussions of the outbreak, spanning multiple states. The order cites escalated death tolls, a notable surge in violent crimes, an overflow of bio-hazardous waste, and widespread panic leading to extensive power outages. It also mentions evacuation plans and discloses the WHO’s declaration of a public health emergency.
• The Colorado National Guard is activated and mobilized, deploying equipment and resources to aid in daily operations after arriving in Denver. Operation: COBALT, a campaign devised by the Department of Defense and enacted by the U.S. Military to contain the spread of the Wildfire virus, is launched.
• The Federal Aviation Administration grounds all flights to contain the virus, while other remaining international flights are shot down in the sky by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. The Denver International Airport closes, and is transformed into one of eight Safe Zones in the Denver region. Lieutenant Colonel David Ramirez oversees the establishment of Safe Zone Delta within the airport complex.

AUGUST 30TH, 2010

• Major General Rachel Hayes, leading the Army National Guard contingent in Denver, coordinates efforts to establish Safe Zones across the city within the past two days.
  • Safe Zone Alpha is established at Coors Field, utilizing the stadium's infrastructure to provide shelter and resources to civilians such as rationed food, water, and electricity.
  • Safe Zone Bravo is set up at the Colorado Convention Center, designated as a medical facility to treat infected individuals and prevent further spread of the virus.
    • Despite initial successes, Safe Zone Bravo faces its first major setback as a breach in quarantine protocols leads to a rapid spread of infection among patients and medical personnel, resulting in its immediate collapse. Radio communications and contact with commanding officers in the Safe Zone go silent as the Convention Center is overwhelmed with the undead.
  • Safe Zone Charlie is established at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, offering a natural barrier against the undead and space for temporary housing.
  • Safe Zone Echo is established at the University of Denver campus, repurposing university facilities to accommodate civilians and provide essential services.
  • Colonel Sarah Thompson, leading a joint task force of Army National Guard contingents, Air National Guard contingents, and Active Duty Army personnel, establishes Safe Zone Foxtrot in the RiNo Art District, utilizing its industrial warehouses for shelter and storage of supplies.
  • Safe Zone Golf is established at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, repurposing retail spaces into makeshift living quarters and distribution centers.
  • Safe Zone Hotel, located at Sloan's Lake Park, becomes operational, providing a scenic yet secure location for civilians seeking refuge.

AUGUST 31ST, 2010

• The military intensifies its efforts to contain the outbreak in the Denver region. Soldiers conduct sweeps through residential areas, searching for infected individuals and clearing out pockets of resistance. Reports emerge of clashes between military forces and large groups of infected in the outskirts of Denver. The military struggles to contain the advancing hordes, diverting reinforcements to bolster defenses.
• Within the city, makeshift barricades are erected to block off infected zones and protect remaining safe zones. Civilians are urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
• Survivor groups in outlying towns like Thornton and Westminster communicate with each other, sharing information and resources to bolster their chances of survival, with some attempting to make treks into the Safe Zones. While survivor communities in towns like Arvada and Columbine fortify their positions, reinforcing barricades and organizing patrols to keep the infected at bay. Scavenging parties are sent out to gather supplies from abandoned buildings and vehicles while avoiding military patrols in preparation to make a break for it and leave the city.
• Communication with the outside world becomes increasingly difficult as power outages and infrastructure damage disrupts phone and internet services. Survivors rely on word of mouth and makeshift radio broadcasts to stay informed.

SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2010

• With each passing day, the situation in the Denver region grows more dire. Survivor communities brace themselves for the inevitable onslaught of the infected, fortifying their defenses and stockpiling supplies in anticipation of further chaos.
• Rumors spread of a possible evacuation plan orchestrated by the military, but many remain skeptical of the government's ability to protect them. Some groups contemplate taking matters into their own hands, considering drastic measures to ensure their survival by escaping the Safe Zones.
• Tensions escalate within the Denver region as conflicting interests emerge among the military factions tasked with containing the outbreak. Elements of the Colorado National Guard, resentful of being sidelined by the regular armed forces, begin to assert their authority in certain areas. Colonel Thompson attempts to defuse conflicts and maintain a unified front, but tensions are high and morale is dwindling.
• Lieutenant Colonel Ramirez, determined to fortify the airport's defenses, allocates resources to bolster Safe Zone Delta's perimeter security. However, his efforts are hampered by logistical constraints and increasing undead activity in the vicinity.
• Tensions boil within Safe Zone Golf, as disagreements over leadership and resource allocation lead to a breakdown in security protocols. Undead hosts and survivors looking to escape exploit the chaos, breaching the perimeter and initiating a frenzied battle for survival. Safe Zone Golf goes dark and all communication is lost.
• Safe Zone Charlie suffers under a massive desertion from elements of both the Army National Guard and regular Army armed forces. Loyalists open fire on the deserters and a firefight ensues at the Amphitheatre, resulting in a large loss of life. In the ensuing chaos, reanimated dead breach the defenses of the Safe Zone and begin devouring hapless civilians and military personnel. Background screams and the rending of flesh were the last thing heard over the radio, which persists for five hours before all communication is lost.
• Safe Zone Echo at the University of Denver struggles to contain the escalating crisis as the number of infected individuals seeking medical attention surpasses the facility's capacity. Medical personnel work tirelessly to treat the sick, but shortages of supplies and personnel hamper their efforts. Soldiers promptly begin executing the sick and severely injured to maintain supplies, causing fear and dissent to circulate amongst the civilian populace.

SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2010

• Major General Hayes grapples with internal dissent among civilian refugees and military personnel alike. As resources dwindle and tensions reach a boiling point, maintaining order becomes an increasingly daunting challenge.
• Safe Zone Hotel suffers a string of suicides over the past couple of days, and ultimately falls due to massive desertions following a continuous assault from an undead swarm. The fate of the people there and general survivors is unknown.
• Safe Zone Foxtrot explodes with accusations and physical violence as the conflict between joint-force military units erupts upon the murder of Colonel Thompson. Civilians, frightened by the escalating tension and the National Guard's rather violent attempts to maintain order following her death, attempt to overpower military forces and flee the RiNo Art District. The riot is immediately quelled after National Guard forces fire and kill three civilians, one of them being a teenage boy running to help his mother after she was previously shot.
• Major General Hayes, recognizing the urgent need for decisive action, mobilizes remaining forces to reinforce key Safe Zones, namely Alpha, Delta, and Echo, and bolster their defenses. With her leadership, military personnel work tirelessly to shore up defenses and restore order amidst the chaos. Military patrols begin to execute any civilians found outside the Safe Zones to limit the number of potential infected vectors should they die.
• Lieutenant Colonel David Ramirez, now commanding a replenished force, focuses efforts on taking more of the city and pushing the boundaries of his safe zone, with the protection of civilians under his care being paramount. Both him and General Hayes disagree and butt-heads on protocol and how to conduct patrols in the infected zones.

SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2010

• Safe Zone Echo falls as dwindling supplies and manpower render it unable to cope with the escalating crisis. Medical personnel and civilian refugees alike are forced to evacuate amidst the chaos, leaving behind a once-thriving sanctuary now overrun by the undead.
• Lieutenant Colonel Ramirez, disillusioned by General Hayes's leadership and the failure of Operation: COBALT, secedes from the chain of command, taking a faction of National Guard deserters with him. With a small but determined force, Ramirez vows to protect civilians from both the undead threat and any attempts by General Hayes to enforce martial law. He hunkers down in Safe Zone Delta, opening fire on any loyalists and welcoming healthy survivors in to help with the fortification efforts from outside the Safe Zone.
• Amidst the chaos of the undead onslaught, a violent conflict erupts between Lieutenant Colonel Ramirez's renegade faction and General Hayes's loyalists. National Guard deserters, motivated by a sense of duty to protect their fellow citizens, engage in fierce combat against military units still loyal to General Hayes throughout the city.

SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2010

• At 1000, the contingency plan of Operation: COBALT, A.K.A. the Sunset Protocol, formulated for defending challenging safe zones, is activated. Confidential documentation outlines the procedures, instructing military personnel to travel lightly and ensuring their safety. Detailed steps are provided, emphasizing the need to avoid arousing suspicion among civilians within the safe zones. Instructions for handling civilians and quarantined patients, including their 'humane termination' are to follow separately.
• The U.S. Air Force launches napalm strikes on all major cities, and the destruction of major bridges is carried out quickly and concisely. Key strategic locations for airstrikes were on Safe Zones and dense high population suburbs, eliminating and melting both undead and whatever living beings there are in the strike zones, including military personnel - regardless of their affiliation.
• The U.S. Marines are deployed to initiate the Sunset Protocol after the Napalm Strikes, eliminating any undead and living individuals that they find. Survivors of Ramirez's renegades engage in open combat with advance reconnaissance and mechanized infantry forces. Civilian and survivor groups are caught in the crossfire between the two forces, the overall death toll rising as the military implodes upon itself and Denver completely and utterly collapses.

 

Edited April 27 by Essence (see edit history)