Non-Fungible Virus

**Non-Fungible Virus** is the fourth episode of the first season. It's story involves a virus outbreak that turns those infected into hideous zombie-like creatures with the facial features of lions and apes. The episode as a whole was designed to bash the NFT craze, hinted at by the name of the episode, and the thumbnail of the episode, being a blurred image of a man right-clicking.

## Synopsis

The story begins with a group known as "The Screenshot Coalition" broadcasting a message to their members, claiming that reports of a virus have been identified within the presumed headquarters of the Bored Ape Yacht Club.

On the 13th of January, The virus escapes because of mishandling by scientists, prompting a Contagious Disease Warning. Another warning broadcasted two days later warns viewers that new symptoms have been identified, a stay-at-home advisory would be issued, and that hospitals are beginning to reach capacity because of a large amount of patients coming in sick with the virus.

Another two days pass by, and more symptoms would appear, and this would mark the start of the transformation of those infected into the "hideous creatures" aforementioned, stating new symptoms included increased hair mass, malformation of body parts, slurred speech, and blood mixing in with coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or defecation. In addition, the mayor would enforce stay-at-home mandates and require masking up when going outdoors.

Another message from the Screenshot Coalition appears, and provide an update to the outbreak, and warn members of the group that they will have to lodge within their base of operations, and advise said members to prepare for an attack on the base, because of the reports of attacks from infected surfacing.

The 20th of January sees the EAS catch wind of the attacks by infected during a television broadcast, and warn everyone in Brooklyn and surrounding areas to lock their doors immediately, as they confirm that the infected are indeed causing attacks throughout the city. The broadcast also warns that the 911 system is being overwhelmed by phone calls coming in with reports about the attacks, and stress that it could go down within hours.

Later that day, a Civil Danger Warning confirms that the infected attacking healthy individuals have transformed into zombie-like creatures, and sport the features of lions and apes. The virus infecting these individuals has been given the name of BALLTV23. In addition, the alert warns that standard zombie-neutralization methods do not work, but it does hint to a possible method of killing those transformed by BALLTV23.

The next day at 2:31 AM, another alert provides an update to the BALLTV23 outbreak, confirming that it has begun to spread to states surrounding New York. It is also noted that the CDC has made a groundbreaking discovery of neutralizing those infected with BALLTV23; simply taking a picture of them with a camera instantly kills them. The alert explains it does not matter where you aim, but it does recommend aiming for the infected's facial features. Despite it sounding very dumb and useless, it has proven very effective as the alert notes that small groups of survivors have been seen fending off from the infected.

Later on in the same day, another broadcast sheds a chunk of light on the situation, stating the methods used to kill those down with BALLTV23 have been very successful. It's estimated that the outbreak should cease within 5-8 days should the efforts to stop the infected continue.

A post-alert narrative states that *"about everyone"* had a smartphone, meaning they would all board the *"NFT-zombie slayin' train"*, and claims that this would turn a life-threatening situation into serendipity.

An Administrative message would be issued the 24th of January, and would essentially announce that BALLTV23 and the infected are no longer a major threat to the public, and declare the all-clear for those wanting to escape their shelter area, but it does not serve as an end to the stay-at-home mandate, and advise survivors that relief efforts are underway in areas affected by the outbreak.

One last message from the Screenshot Coalition confirms that the outbreak has basically stopped, and announces that a party will be held at the group's headquarters during the evening, and invites everyone to it. The episode ends with the message ensuring that the party "will be a blast".

## Trivia

In the alert warning all of New York to lock their doors, a broadcast of TheMetaVirus's R-Team Manhunt can be seen.