211TH DAY OF THE 472ND YEAR OF CIVILIZATION

I awoke just before dawn with a pounding headache. I barely managed to stick my head out from the tent before violently vomiting the entire contents of my stomach onto the dry soil. I have no way to check, but I believe I have a high fever. I feel weak and dizzy. I am not qualified to make any medical diagnosis, but I think whatever is happening to me is due to a virus of some kind in the dirt in those barrels. I have to warn someone. No one else can come here. I have to make it back to base camp. I will update this journal as frequently as I can in case I don’t survive.

½ BEFORE ZENITH

I feel like I’ve been walking for a lifetime, but the sun tells me it has only been three or so hours. My symptoms seem to be worsening with every passing minute.

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ZENITH

I tried to eat another tube of protein paste for lunch, but I was completely unable to keep it down. The skin on my arms is reddening, as if I’d spent too long in the sun. My vision is blurring, and it's hard to keep walking in a straight line. I’ve stopped at the rock I found on the 208th. I should’ve heeded its warning.

SUNSET

I’ve made it to the “INFORMATION” building. The sunset is beautiful, painting the clouds in brilliant pinks and purples, with a pool of oranges on the horizon. I fear it will be my last. I know it is dangerous to travel in the desert at night, but I have to keep going.

SEVERAL HOURS AFTER SUNSET

The moon quickly followed the sun under the horizon. Once the last glimmers of light vanished beyond the horizon I realized I had no way of telling which direction I am walking. I have decided to stop for the night.