The government blamed the Mid-East. Missiles launched in the dead of night hit targets at random, until the consequences became clear. It was believed that one such strike sparked the initiating factor. A missile fired into the San Andreas Fault line, another into the quieted Mount Saint Helen’s, strikes up and down the Rockies.

The strike had targeted not only the mountain range, but also random targets across the United States. Large cities were devastated in an instant. Tiny insignificant towns, except to those who lived there, were hit. Insignificant until the sickness started.

“Do you think we’ll be susceptible to the sickness?”

“I don’t know. Dragons survived the plague. We’ve lived through many of the diseases that have killed man before.”

“So our children should be all right.”

“We need to learn more though.” Dax gestured to television.

None of it was encouraging. Dax watched the folly of man but wasn’t surprised. The smell of the decay emanating from many of the buildings in town gave its own silent tale.

The United States didn’t research biological weapons, or so they said, until the missiles hit labs releasing the diseases that had once been worked on in secret. Then the truth came out, too late to stop the spread of disease.

The militant groups of Middle Eastern rebels rejoiced at their success until the diseases spread across the world. Their own lack of knowledge wiping them out.

Airports were shut down indefinitely once it was realized that the spread of disease was being carried by hosts unaware, but it was too late as it spread across the globe. No one knew what the incubation period was of the multiple diseases that spread.

Not everyone died. Some had natural immunities. Those doctors and researchers that could, that were left, went to work to find a cure.

“It was bound to happen. Humans have such a large capacity to hate anyone or anything different from them.” Dax shook his head as he watched. Jasima slid next to him, wrapping her arms around him. He pulled her close, settling her warm weight onto his lap.

“So not everyone is affected.” Jasima sounded relieved. “Our hatchlings should be safe.”

“We can’t be sure. The humans have no idea of how any of their people survived.”

“You know, deep in your heart that we will survive.”

Rise of the Dragons

Before there was Stealing Hope

Stop by next Saturday to read part four of the story.

If you missed the beginning check it out here.

https://sslyblog.wordpress.com/2016/04/09/rise-of-the-dragons/

Part two

https://sslyblog.wordpress.com/2016/04/16/rise-of-the-dragons-2/