Innsmouth Revival Page 6

Insmouth Revival

Chapter 6. The Epidemic Spreads

The epidemic along the New England states was eventually
recorded in Washington, D.C., sometime later. The Bureau of Health, Education
and Welfare, in the United Nations headquarters, considered a rescue effort for
the region following a report of several thousand deaths due to the infection
and traffic accidents. However, some time would pass before the epidemic would
spread to Massachusetts.

On the eve of New Year, 2013, the epidemic was recorded by
the Massachusetts state government in Boston. The towns affected were namely
Salem and Arkham. In Salem, there was renewed speculation [rumors, actually]
that witches were cursing the inhabitants. However, when the police interviewed
most teen aged and middle aged women, the interviewees denied staunchly that they
had joined covens. They were as anxious about the epidemic as the authorities.

In Arkham, most townspeople were adamant that the Old Ones
were behind the plague. Speculation [rumors again] was very rife.

“I betcha them Old ‘nes is up to this here plague,” a senior
citizen muttered to his friends at the Arkham Rest Home.

“No doubt about it!” one friend responded.

“Who d’ya think done it?” asked another man.

“I think, sure, it must be that there old goat Shub-Niggureth.”

“Oh, Gawd! Her again?” gasped the first friend.

“Mebbe it is that creepy feller Cthulhu,” a third man
guessed.

“I sure won’t be any su’prised if he done it,” another man
replied, nodding grimly.

By morning, January 2, the body count of plague victims had
amounted to 500 persons. Some of the survivors muttered fearfully about seeing “a
great black, hideous thing with a spawn of young” in Arkham Wood. The town council
was skeptical and recorded simply that the epidemic incurred hallucinations.
Furthermore, most sufferers had suffered only the identical symptoms as those
suffered in Providence and Innsmouth.

By late evening, Miskatonic University had concluded
identically with the townsfolk; but they claimed, in an interview with Town
Council, that the Old Ones were actually resurrecting. The university’s
Department of Occult Sciences and Phenomena, under the guidance of Morton
Etherton, M.Sc., warned the town council that heirs of the Deep Ones had
appeared in Innsmouth and Providence, Rhode Island.

“How about that Church of Starry Wisdom thing?” one
councilor asked, nervously.

“It is likely in cahoots,” the university faculty representative
replied, grimly.

“We had best keep this news away from them media guys.”

“That is very good. When we know for certain, we’ll warn you
in full details.”

“Thanks.”

They concluded the interview and the representative returned
to Miskatonic University.