The Plague Logs

[Marburg]

"The Festival of Blights" (Part XVI)


A robotic 'referee' stands in the center of the pit, & takes the mic from Marburg, as he passes & stands in one corner of the ring.

The ref sends a wireless signal to the Warrens evironmental controls, & the pit and spectator area surrounding it is enveloped with a type of shield that only has the ability to burn off the fog, to insure maximum visibility for the fighters AND the Blighters.

Caulobacter Phage enters his corner while removing his own coat & shirt sporting a large tattoo across his chest, that is a microscopic view of his namesake.

Regardless of his age & few vices, the old man is a clean-living Gaian, & therefore, appears extremely intimidating, as the two Dogs pace back and forth, while eyeballing each other from opposite sides of the ring.

"Attention Spectators:" announces the robot, "All bets are off...this is personal, & between the two combatants ONLY."

"Any violation of this stated rule will result in ejection from the Warrens, & all privliges of future attendance to the Festival revoked...This will not be repeated, & is non-negotiable"

"You have all been warned...Please enjoy yourselves"

The robot takes a momet to change protocols, & similtaniously motions for both men to approach their respective toe-lines.

standing between them, the familiar model robot states a number of conditions to the combatants, while turning it's head back & forth to meet their eyes to ensure comprehention & clarity to it's words.


Phage & Marburg continue to stare each other down over the referee's head, as the adrenaline levels of both Dogs build to critical mass........

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