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Passage

Polychromatic
http://www.reddit.com/r/ThePhenomenon/comments/2r5mi7/the_phenomenon_table_of_contents/

by: reddit.com/u/emperor_cartagia

Chapter 1: The Broadcast (audio link)
Please remain in your homes, if you are not at home, find shelter immediately. Close all blinds and shades, block out all windows.

Do not look outside.
Do not look at the sky.
Do not make noise.

Your cooperation is vital to your survival. Appointed government personnel will update you shortly.

Chapter 2: Erics Story
The light from my cell killed my eyes. This early in the morning what could be so goddamned important?

As I read the emergency alert with one eye I rubbed the sleep out of the other.

Then I sat up and read it again with both.

And again.

This has got to be some kind of joke.

I rolled over and threw my legs off the side of the bed, working them into my slippers.

I stretched and stood up, weakness wobbling my gait as I took a few steps towards the windows. I felt my heavy drapes resist parting, almost as if they knew what would happen.

As I peeked out down the street, I didn't see anything unusual at first, then I remembered, the sky.

I turned my gaze upwards to the sickly orange glow of the cities light pollution splayed across the clouds, and that's where I saw them. Small, black, jagged, like pieces of shattered onyx flocking through the sky, no wings, no sounds, countless shards of ebony wheeling and flitting to and fro in a chaotic scramble.

And then I stopped breathing. My hands let go of the drapes, my legs fell out from under me. Layed down on my carpet, I couldn't move, couldn't breathe.. Oh God, why did I look?

Chapter 3: First Update
At 0310 hours eastern standard time North American Aerospace Defense Command detected an object of indeterminate mass entering the atmosphere over the eastern seaboard.

All personnel who have attempted to observe this object directly or indirectly have been reported as entering a catatonic state, shortly followed by exsanguination through unknown means.

At 0328 an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft approached the unknown object. Immediately after entering audible range the objects radar signature scattered and all contact with the aircraft was lost.

Further analysis has shown that the object separated into a cloud of indeterminate size and a small part of its mass surrounded the aircraft briefly.

Animals in controlled observation environments on the east coast have been seen to be housing in burrows or laying on the ground with their eyes tightly closed.

The cloud of objects is now spreading at low altitude over the entire North American Continent.

For your own safety, we repeat:
Do not look outside.
Do not look at the sky.
Do not make noise.

Keep close watch on your devices for further updates as audio warnings have been discontinued.

Chapter 4: Second Update
The unknown entities which entered the atmosphere early this morning have continued to expand their coverage of the planet. At this point there is no habitable safe zone. Remain where you are.

The phenomenon appears to be attracted to heat, light, and movement.

Visual contact with the phenomenon is lethal.

Physical contact with the phenomenon is lethal.

Maintenance and operation of critical infrastructure is being prioritized, however, there may be brief interruptions in water, power, and communications.

Do not leave your shelter.
Do not look at the sky.
Do not make noise.
Do not generate any more heat or light than is absolutely necessary for your survival.

To personnel with ʌ6 clearance: Blue 12 procedures are in effect.

Chapter 5: Millie's Story
Millie has fallen into a routine.

She wakes up at 6:30am, and goes fishing.

After setting her catches on her cooking rock, she turns the lamps to high and feeds the rest of the animals under her care.

She knows it's been 4 days since the first alert. She has no idea when the generators will run out of fuel.
The lizards need warmth and insects, the fish need their bubblers, filters, and fishfood, the fridges, lights, air conditioners, and the phone need power..

Millie knows her situation is unique. Most people caught away from home are probably in nice grocery stores or with strangers, not alone in a zoo, but she's just thankful the reptile house and the aquarium are in the same windowless building. She knows all the equipment and animals make noise, and the building is definitely putting out too much heat, but she doesn't know where any of the controls are, or how to work them. They might as well be on Mars.

She's thankful, she's got food, water, entertainment, and things to keep her busy.

It's the damn noise that bothers her.

All hours of the day and night. Chittering, skittering scratches on the walls and roof, at the heavy wooden doors.

She wonders how long until they break through..

(more)
 
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