Lore Item: Audio File – Dr. Alan Hayes, NYBRI

Click of tape recorder turning on
Dr. Alan Hayes, recording this entry at 14:37. Today, I’m conducting an autopsy on a specimen we’ve identified as a Class 3 Mutation. The patient, previously identified as male, aged approximately 35, was found in the vicinity of the outbreak’s epicenter. Specimen ID: 7834-M. 
Sound of gloves rustling
Beginning incision. We’re noting several anomalies in this particular strain. The virus has visibly affected neurological tissue, as expected, but we’re observing an advanced level of necrosis. The brain is severely damaged, with a significant degradation of the frontal lobe.
Sound of scalpel cutting through tissue
There’s pronounced atrophy in the cerebral cortex, accompanied by extensive hemorrhaging in the limbic system. These observations align with our previous findings of heightened aggression and loss of higher cognitive functions. Interesting—there’s a layer of abnormal, fibrous tissue forming around the brain stem.
Analyzing the musculature and vascular system, we see an unusual proliferation of infected cells. They appear to be forming what seems like an internal biofilm, which could be contributing to the specimen’s high resistance to conventional treatment methods.
Sound of tissue being placed into a tray
Let’s take a closer look at the blood. Preliminary tests suggest elevated levels of a novel protein. This could be a key to understanding how the virus supports its own replication within the host. I’ll need to run further assays to identify the protein’s function and how it might be leveraged in developing a countermeasure.
Sound of typing on a keyboard
I’m preparing to collect samples for additional genetic analysis. It’s crucial we understand the mutation patterns to anticipate future changes in the virus. Time is running out, and every discovery counts.
If someone finds this tape, I hope it helps in piecing together the puzzle we’re trying to solve. The situation is dire, and we must press on. The survival of our species may depend on it.
Click of tape recorder turning off