[WWN: The Cosmic Death has claimed 40 billion lives world wide. It is the most lethal virus to date in the 24th Century, running third behind the 'Flu Pandemic of 1918' and 'The Black Death'. With no cure in sight it is expected the death toll will increase and with no more room on Earth to bury the dead, governmental officials are looking at 'alternatives' in the outer colonies. The CDC advises those infected to remain indoors and contact-....]
"Shit, it's getting worse back at Earth huh."
I got up and turned off the TV and as I went to grab my cup that was on the counter in my kitchen, I coughed violently. I looked down at to see blood on my hand. I got the cup and started making my way towards my computer that was located to the left side of the TV in the room.
"I was a fool and an idiot." I silently muttered as I sat down on the chair. I booted up the computer and opened 'Company of Heroes 3: War Never Changes'. I leaned back on my chair and exhaled as the game loaded and glanced to my left to see a brochure that help folks determine if they are infected or not.
"The first sign of being infected is a violent cough and blood..... Yep.. "
I sighed again and joined a friends game that was already in session with 63 out of 64 players. As I loaded into the match a old friend sent a message on the global chat.
[Ballwrecker: Jenkins, Where the hell you've been?
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Jenkins: Isolated.
Ballwrecker: Don't tell me it was from that time you went back to Earth....
Jenkins: Confirmed. Infected. Violent cough and blood. Ten months ago. Not much time left. Might as well go out with a 'bang.' -sun glass emoji-
Ballwrecker: Guys, let's restart this match and give my man the match of his life.
Kiljoy(+61 Players): Ok. -Salute emoji-]
[Restart vote in Progress...
64 Agrees.
Restarting in 5
4
3
2
1]
I grinned and typed a 'Thank you' to the global chat. As a force of habit I screamed.
"Game on!"
The game was intense to the point I lost track of time. However by the time the game was finished I noticed a smile I had forgotten the last time I lived back on Earth with my family. I briefly touched my cheek only to pull it back quickly as it brought back some unwanted painful memories. I decided to pull out my phone and sent a text to an acquaintance of mine that heads the 'Moon Colony' Centers for Disease Control.
[To: Corey
From: Leeroy
Gonna die soon. Prep hazmat team and clean up crew to pick up my dead body. Room code is the same as last time.
Thanks for everything.]
After I hit sent, I threw the phone to the garbage bin and sat on my sofa as my death bed. If there is on thing the news got right is that the 'Cosmic Death' death is sudden. The door to my room opened and I saw my friend in full hazmat suit leading what I assumed is both the clean up crew and hazmat crew. I managed to give him a thumbs up and a smile before I lost consciousness, however I managed to hear his voice one last time
"Victim, Leeroy Jenkins. Deceased. Positive for 'Cosmic Death'. Alright. Guys you know the drill."