The Emerald Virus Read online

  Gene agreed and returned to work. Jody brought out the draft.

  Department of Homeland Security

  Emerald Virus Bulletin #2

  November 6

  Subject: Why Some are Immune to the Emerald Virus

  Distribution: All Citizens

  Released by: Jack Sweeney,

  For: Dr. A.J. McCloud, Assistant Secretary of Health and Safety

  Many questions have been asked about why some people seem to be immune to the Emerald Virus, and about how many people will survive the Emerald Virus. I’ll try to answer those questions as simply as possible.

  First I’ll discuss the number of survivors. We have data from Ireland and Scotland only, and that data is preliminary. It appears the virus came from the west of the British Isles and landed first on the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland; and then the coasts of Wales and Southern England. By now most of the residents of the coastal villages have died, or, it appears, will die. However a small number of people have not been infected by the virus. They have some kind of built-in immunity and we refer to them as survivors. As you can imagine during the chaos and grief that exists in these countries, reports are guesses at best; as we get better data we will let you know our new estimates.

  About 500,000 people live in the west coast regions of Ireland. We have reports of three survivors from those areas. In Scotland the population numbers are similar for west coast regions but eight survivors have been reported. If these numbers are accurate the survival rate will be somewhere between 1 in 63,000 and 1 in 165,000 residents. When we include preliminary numbers for the virus stricken areas of England and Wales, we believe there will be somewhere between 2,500 and 4,000 survivors in the U.S.

  The answer to why some are immune lies in the nature of genetics and activity within the DNA chain. Either immunity or the lack of immunity to any of the thousands of viruses in the world is a result of a mutation in the genes. We either gain or lose something as a result of a mutation. In this case we are talking about losing immunity to a virus. A mutation occurs in the DNA chain and often has no impact on us at all. Mutations can be caused by some pretty mundane things such as ultraviolet radiation or sunlight. Additionally, DNA replicates itself continuously as part of the natural process; but DNA replication itself can cause mutations.

  Our belief right now is that the plant that hosts the Emerald Virus at some time in the distant past was found commonly around the world. By distant past I mean tens of thousands of years ago. Humans were immune to the Emerald Virus in the past and we lived quite comfortably with the virus all around us. At some point after the Emerald Virus host plant disappeared from the earth, a mutation occurred and the gene that was a dominant protective gene in all humans disappeared. Since the Emerald Virus was no longer active this change had no impact on people at the time. However, as generations passed after the mutation occurred, the dominant and recessive gene cycle began. Over a long enough period of time a gene can cease to exist; and the mutation, in this case humans born without immunity to the Emerald Virus, becomes the standard for all human beings. Near the end of this cycle only a minimal number of people will still carry the dominant gene that will protect them from the virus.

  This is what we believe has occurred with the Emerald Virus. Once the plant bearing the virus disappeared, the mutation within the DNA double helix was harmless. On the other hand if the plant bearing the virus was abundant when the first mutation occurred, that person would have died soon after birth and the mutation would have died with him or her. Neither of these events occurred however. The Emerald Virus temporarily disappeared, and during this period the mutation became the norm, except for a very small number of people. Now the Emerald Virus has returned and most of us are no longer equipped to deal with it.

  Scientists around the world are working to find a vaccine, but the Emerald Virus spreads so quickly and is so deadly that we are literally in a race with death and no one knows what the outcome will be.

  End/Emerald Virus Bulletin #2

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  When Jack finished reading the draft he asked Jody, “Do you really think we should send out what amounts to a mass death notice this early in the process?”

  Jody responded, “We agonized over that part but I was convinced by Harry, who of course helped with this. He insisted that this kind of a stark notice would have created quite a difference in how people in Scotland reacted. He said even the people in Edinburgh were able to prepare themselves a little bit compared to those on the coast and that we owed it to people to be very frank at a time like this. If a miracle happens and we find a vaccine I’ll be happy to be chastised for overreacting. On the other hand, if we don’t stop this virus everything in the bulletin is necessary.”

  Jack thought for a second and said, “You’re right Jody, this is no time to try and protect people’s feelings. And you’re also right about the consequences of sending the bulletin as it is. If we do take a beating for this, it won’t last long.”

  At one o’clock Jack was back in the conference room with Gene, Jim and a few others who wanted to listen in. Jack asked Gene to make the call to the three firms that had offered assistance. Gene talked as he asked the operator to initiate the conference call, “All three of these people are Vice Presidents in their firms. They all understand what is at stake and they understand there are no more rules. We’ve asked them to help take care of survivors and they’ve agreed. There are no strings attached to anything.”

  The operator’s voice came out of the speaker phone and said she would now conference in the other three parties. Gene said “Good afternoon, or good morning to you on the West Coast. I’m joined by my boss Jack Sweeney and the head of our tech unit Jim Bosch. We have two of Jim’s people in the room as observers, and Jack’s boss, Dr. A.J. McCloud, who is the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Health and Safety, may join us during the call. I’m recording the call but only to save taking notes. I’ll use email to send a copy of the recording to each of you immediately following this meeting. Please take a minute and introduce yourselves. Kathy, start the introductions.”

  Hi everyone, my name is Kathy Green and I am the Vice President of R&D for a firm in Santa Fe known as High End Solutions. Our firm employs about two hundred of the best tech people in the country. We focus on solutions that are out of the mainstream and typically produce a one-of-a-kind solution. We are low key and very good at what we do. We’re prepared to turn all of our resources toward any technical issue you feel is important. We would like to have a single point of contact in your organization and we would be willing to have our best people brainstorm with your best people about what needs to be done, and to establish priorities.”

  Jack sat back in amazement. In a one-minute introduction Kathy Green had lifted a large weight off his shoulders. He wanted to laugh but instead smiled and said, “Kathy, you sound like a godsend to me. I have some things I’d like to see accomplished, but I haven’t been sure where I could even start. Your description of what your team is capable of gives me hope.

  “Who would like to introduce themselves next?”

  “Hi, I’m Dale Johnson, V.P. of Operations for Megatech. We are based in St. Louis and we are the fourth largest Internet Service Provider in the country. Our workforce of a couple thousand is spread throughout the country.

  Kathy, while we’ve never met I’ve heard of you. It seems that your reputation for getting down to business and getting things done is well deserved. I agree with everything you’ve said in terms of helping Jack and his people with an almost impossible task. Our senior officers brainstormed this issue this morning; and while we have technical people that may be able to help you, we believe the most important thing we can do is to keep our ISP service active for survivors. We have also recently started a new cellular technology division that will do the same thing for cell phones.”

  Jack said, “I can’t tell you how grateful I am for yo
ur offer. We need to contact all ISP firms and cellular firms and ask them to do the same thing. I’m not sure where to start but I need to get it done in the next forty-eight hours.”

  As Jack paused a new voice came through the speaker, “My name is Jerry Barnes and I might be able to help with that. I’m the V.P. for Public Information for Newnet Technology in Portland, Oregon. Coincidently I’m also the Chairman for the American Association of High-Tech Communications. Jack, if you don’t mind I’ll initiate a conference call with my Board of Directors this afternoon. Every ISP and cellular firm in the United States is represented on that Board. I’ll ask everyone for hard and fast commitments. In return, and if you agree, I’ll tell them you will publish a document to the survivors telling them what firms are participating. This may be the last chance these firms have to send a “feel good” message to the public.”

  Jack sat back and said, “My goodness, I’m overwhelmed by this. What was my largest problem has at least in part gone away. I can start focusing on a couple of important issues I was afraid I wouldn’t have time for. Kathy, I’m going to ask Jim and his staff to meet telephonically with you and your staff as soon as you’re available.”

  Kathy said, “Jack, there is nothing more important to any of us than giving the survivors the best tools we can. I saw your bulletin this morning that suggests four thousand or fewer survivors nationwide. You can depend on our full support.”

  “Thanks to all of you, I have an ISP and cellular problem with no solution. Maybe you can help me. As I understand things, most large businesses have automated their billing cycles. If someone fails to pay for a month the automated system sends reminders. After two or three months if the bill isn’t paid the service is automatically discontinued. It could only help the survivors if these services were simply set to run forever. The survivors would have use of the services until a maintenance issue shuts each one down over time.”

  Dale said, “Jack, we just upgraded our firm to the most high tech automated system in the world. Jerry, please correct me if I’m wrong but my guess is that both of us haven’t upgraded at the same time and that your system is a good example of the last generation of technology. Between the two of us we should be able to work out a solution for both the new and the last generation. That should cover almost all of the ISP and cellular firms. Jerry what do you think?”

  “Well, I’d like to think you’re right about that. Unfortunately, I don’t have as much confidence as you do. The finance and accounting folks get pretty anal about these systems and their goal has always been to create a system that allows no variance. But, I’ll be happy to work with you on this and I’ll hope my cynicism is unfounded.”

  Dale laughed and said, “I don’t think it’s unfounded. I just hope they’ve failed to meet their goal.”

  Jack added, “These are tough times and it’s great to know that despite this disastrous situation, you’re still willing to help. This is a great country precisely because of people like you.

  “I hope you’ll agree with me that we have to move quickly. Once the Emerald Virus hits this country everything will get more complicated.” After murmurs of agreement Jack said, “I’d like to conference with all of you at the same time tomorrow. No restrictions at all on the number of people you want to involve. Just let Gene know what telephone numbers to include and our operators will make the call happen. Does that create a problem for any of you?”

  No one said a word. Then Kathy said, “Jim, I’ll have my best people here in fifteen minutes if you can gather your staff by then.”

  Jim said, “No problem. Should I use this number for the call?”

  “Yes, this is my conference room so it’ll work well. I’ll talk to you in a few minutes.”

  Jack concluded, “My deepest thanks to all of you. If there is anything at all you need in terms of support from me or anyone else in D.C. let me know. I’ll do anything possible at your request.”

  Kathy, in a lighter tone of voice said, “Jack just remember you don’t have to do this by yourself. Most people in the country would like an opportunity to do something of value during the crisis. As far as these technical problems exist, remember they don’t look nearly as difficult to us as they might to you. I think Will Rogers said it best when he said, “We’re all dumb, just in different fields”.”

  Jack laughed and said, “Thanks Kathy, I’ll talk to all of you tomorrow.”

  Chapter Four: The Middle

  Saturday: Washington D.C.

  As Jack walked into A.J.’s office, she was hanging up the telephone. She looked at Jack and said, “Sorry. I missed the meeting because I just got off the phone with the White House Chief of Staff. The ink isn’t dry on your bulletins and already members of Congress are complaining about your style. Apparently you’re providing the public with the one thing politicians aren’t prepared to deal with.

  “What’s that?”

  “Straight talk and the unadulterated truth. Not many of them use those tools; and when they see the truth in action, it seems to scare the bejesus out of them.”

  Jack grinned at the use of the term bejesus. He hadn’t heard it used since his Grandmother was alive. He asked A.J., “What does Secretary Kemper think of the bulletins?”

  “He is supporting your approach. Rather than promising the Chief he would look into it as he would normally do, he told the Chief to call me. I’m sure that in itself rankled the Chief but he did call. I explained to him our rationale and told him we were not going to change our style unless room for hope developed somehow. Surprisingly he seemed okay with the explanation. Or maybe he realized there wasn’t much he could do. That’s a very unusual position for him to be in. His only option would be to fire you, me and the Secretary, and he simply can’t do that in this crisis.”

  “Jack, you seem to have a good handle on what you want done and who should be doing it. Are you worried you’re overlooking anything?”

  “Not really. I’ve kept Susan in reserve and I’ve asked Irene to continue to work with her. Susan is the most intuitive of my team leaders and her job is to bounce from team meeting to team meeting, listen to the ideas being formulated and let me know if she thinks we’ve missed anything of importance, or if we’re burning resources on the wrong targets. She will also give her best ideas to the teams as she meets with them, and of course Irene will be there to add a fresh perspective for us.”

  A.J. felt thankful that Jack was on her team. He had been so capable and confident as they had worked through past crises that she knew she could rely on him now. He had an innate ability to see the future impact of today’s decisions.

  She said, “On another subject, have you talked with Harry today?”

  “Yeah, he called about an hour ago. There’s been no progress finding a reason for survivors. Scotland has decided to move all survivors to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh for two reasons. The first of course is to enhance the research. The second is to make sure no one gets left alone in the countryside. Harry doesn’t think they can find and move all survivors, but he does think they can locate the majority of them. He is in close contact with Irish officials who are trying to do the same thing. Their biggest problem is what to do with survivors if the virus remains unchecked. I told him we had started working on that issue here in the U.S. and that I would keep him informed as to what we were planning.”

  “Good, he’ll need all the help we can give him. The entire country should be getting close to the panic point, except no one seems to know what to do or where to run. For the time being, almost all of Scotland is being stoic, as we Scots tend to be. The same is true in Ireland. I’m sure there will be some problems as circumstances worsen but I hope for the sake of so many dying people that the end is at least peaceful.”

  A.J. added, “I talked to Harry’s boss earlier and he said that one of his staff members began showing symptoms this morning. I asked him how that affected the rest of the staff and he said they were simply ignoring it. They’ve known all week
this was going to happen and that it could happen to any of them. The staff member displaying symptoms insisted on finishing his current round of tests in the lab; and said he would then go home to his family, a wife and three year-old son.

  “I’d like you to let your team leaders know this to prepare them for the shock of Harry showing symptoms. Unless he is one of the chosen few it seems inevitable at this point.”

  Jack responded, “I know, and I’ll prepare the team as best I can, but, God knows, I hate the thought of what’s to come.”

  “Don’t we all. I don’t know how we’re supposed to handle this.”

  As they arrived at A.J.’s outer office she asked Nancy to bring coffee. As they sat in their normal arm chairs A.J. said, “We need to discuss emergency evacuation protocols.”

  Jack responded, “I asked Irene to look into that and she’s found that members of Congress and their immediate staff will be relocated to a large bunker somewhere in West Virginia, although there isn’t enough room for families. The President and his staff, plus Cabinet members and Supreme Court justices will go to a site in Virginia where there is room for immediate family members, which means spouses and minor children only. The CDC has a combination lab and bunker near Atlanta’ that will accommodate some of the scientists involved in Emerald Virus research; no room for staff or families though. And of course the military has a number of bunkered command posts across the country. These will accommodate only those military and civilians assigned to them, which in emergencies includes the Joint Chiefs and other key military leaders. However, no families are included.”

  “Irene did a good job. There are a couple of other top secret sites for the CIA and NSA but we don’t need to include those in our discussions. What we need to do is decide who on your staff will be included on the roster for one of the bunkers. After working with you the past three days I’ve come to believe that while CDC is doing all that can be done to find a cure, no other agency except ours has a positive role to play. And our role is critical. Someone has to continue to communicate with the American public, both for morale purposes, and to provide usable information to survivors. You have in essence created a think tank for the sole benefit of survivors and we have to continue that work.”