by Mark Goodwin
“Pardon me if I’m being too direct, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it...”
“No. Please, I appreciate your candor.”
“Isn’t it a little late for quarantines. Isn’t this a little like closing the barn door after the horses are already out?”
“It may seem that way to the casual observer, but we feel the quarantines will still be effective in reducing the rate at which the virus is spreading. Additionally, we’ve requested that the FAA ground all flights until we can reach a level of containment with which we feel comfortable. All major metropolitan cities will be reinstating dusk-to-dawn curfews, public transportation will be suspended, and all public events are being canceled. Furthermore, we’re requesting all bars, restaurants, churches, and schools to close down until further notice. We ask that citizens voluntarily restrict their movement to essential travel only. If you don’t need to go out, please stay home. If you must go to the grocery, try to stock up while you are there.”
Lillian Lopez commented, “Dr. Ahuja, as you know, since the currency crisis, many global citizens are unable to afford basic necessities and have been relying on government relief centers for food. Many of these people have no other means of getting around besides public transit systems. If they are able to find another source of transportation to get them to an aid assistance dispensary, they must stand in line for three to four hours upon arrival. Then, they’ll probably receive no more than two days’ worth of supplies. Will the military be able to address this problem by issuing a greater quantity of provisions so these people don’t have to go out so often?”
“Lillian, unfortunately, that’s not my department. My office has been working closely with the Global Emergency Management Agency and they are doing all they can to provide as much support as possible, as soon as possible. From what I understand, if they had more supplies to hand out, they would already be doing that.”
“What can you tell us about the virus? Is it similar to anything we’ve seen before?”
The doctor frowned. “No. It’s very unique. The Red Virus displays structural characteristics of both a morbillivirus and a coronavirus. It doesn’t fit neatly into either category, which is something we’ve never seen.”
“Why do you think that is?”
“The Red Virus isn’t something Mother Nature concocted.”
“You believe it’s man made?”
“Yes. We believe it was developed using RNA editing software.”
“Is this something like CRSPR? Like designer babies and that?”
“You’re speaking of CRSPR-Cas9, which is used to manipulate DNA in various life forms. But yes, CRSPR-Cas13 is a similar platform that can edit and engineer RNA.”
“So instead of designer babies, we get designer diseases.”
The doctor nodded. “Unfortunately, that sums up the state of affairs very well.”
Lillian asked, “Do we know where this virus was engineered?”
“A few countries have CRSPR-Cas13 technology, but we believe the virus was brokered to a terrorist network linked to the Saudi royal family.”
“Are you saying that this virus is linked to the raids carried out in Tampa and LA a few weeks back?”
“In all likelihood, yes. Unfortunately, all the suspects were killed and all the evidence destroyed in those raids. If the tips had been passed up the chain of command to the Department of Global Security, perhaps the suspects could have been questioned. And even if the interrogation had yielded nothing, we would have obtained samples of the virus. We could have studied it and perhaps developed a vaccine by now.”
“Are you making progress in developing a vaccine?”
“We’re working on it, but those things take time. Additionally, we’re in uncharted waters with this virus. Obviously, it’s nothing like anything we’ve ever seen.”
Lillian continued, “You said it displayed characteristics of two different types of viruses.”
“Yes, morbillivirus, which includes pathogens like the measles, and coronavirus, which includes the common cold but also SARS and MERS. Red Virus is displaying an R-naught of 14 to 18.”
“I’m sorry, Doctor, you lost me there. An R-naught?”
“Yes, that’s the number which suggests how many other people will contract the disease from one infected person. An R-naught of 18 is on par with measles. We’re still in the early stages, but we predict the mortality rate to be around 25%. That’s a nasty combination. SARS, for example, had a mortality rate of 15%. To add insult to injury, both coronaviruses and morbilliviruses are highly mutable, meaning they have the potential to change. We expect the Red Virus may mutate, making it harder to predict and control.”
“The official WHO press release stated that all the initial patients likely caught the virus from the same person, the man we saw in multiple surveillance videos referred to as Patient Zero. It’s now estimated that he could have infected as many as 300 people by using Newark and New York City subway, trains, and buses before spending all evening in the coffee shops, bars, and restaurants inside the Newark airport. How does that fit into your R-naught number of 18?”
“This individual waited to become symptomatic, then set out on a mission to come into contact with as many other people as possible. He purposely coughed and sneezed into his hands before touching every available surface he passed throughout his day-long travels. Our R-naught number takes into account that most patients would either be seeking treatment or at home in bed once they become that sick. His activity is not typical for the average infected person.”
“You make a very good point. Do you know if this Patient Zero is still alive?”
The doctor answered, “As we discussed, the mortality rate is around 25%. But like the R-naught, that number can swing wildly from individual to individual, based on underlying health conditions, age, and lifestyle. Patient zero put his body through a lot of stress by spending the day out and about trying to infect other people. He greatly reduced his odds of survival. My guess is that he had about a 50/50 chance. That’s why the CDC and the WHO continue to circulate the videos and photos of Patient Zero in hopes that someone will come forward with information about his whereabouts.”
“Doctor Ahuja, thank you again for speaking with us this evening. You’ve been very informative.”
“Thank you, Lillian. It’s been a pleasure to speak with you. I’m sorry the circumstances are so dire.”
Lillian Lopez looked into the camera. “After the break, we’ll be speaking with Secretary-General Alexander and Pastor Carl Jacobs. We’ll be right back.”
Josh looked over at Rev who looked like he was about to cry. “You okay?”
“Mackenzie, my daughter. She’s an art history professor at UC Berkeley. The west coast is getting hit hard.”
Stephanie said, “The news didn’t mention Berkeley or San Francisco as being under quarantine.”
“No,” said Rev. “But it will come soon enough. This thing is spreading like wildfire.”
“Why don’t you call her?” Christina suggested.
Josh shook his head. “DGS is monitoring all the phones of everyone any of us are related to or were ever close with.”
“You should just go get her,” said Lindsey.
“It’s a long way, gas is 1.5 marks per gallon. 5,000 miles round trip. Even if I had it, I can’t justify such an expenditure not knowing if she’d even come.” Rev folded his hands.
“If it were me,” said Lindsey, “Mom would drag me kicking and screaming. But she’d come to get me.”
Josh thought about the expense. “It would cost roughly 300 marks. Maybe a little less.”
“I’ll put in 100 marks,” said Christina.
“Thanks, but that would still leave me 200 marks short,” said Rev.
“Because you put in all that you had to stock up supplies for the group,” Josh said. “The account still has 50 marks in it. We can dedicate that to the trip—if you want to try.”
“We’re getting
closer.” Christina looked around at the others. “Poochy?”
Rick Pooch nodded. “I’ll kick in fifty.”
Nicole elbowed Emilio. He seemed reluctant but finally said, “I’ll put in 25 marks.”
“We’re only 25 short.” Christina looked around.
Melanie said, “Sorry, I came with the clothes on my back and not much else.”
Josh said, “I’m out of cash. I’ve got some silver. Poochy, would you be willing to buy 25 marks worth of silver? It might even prove to be a good investment down the road.”
Poochy smiled. “Yeah. I can do that.”
Rev’s eyes were filled with gratitude. “Thank you. Thank you all so much.”
“Who’s going with you?” asked Micah.
“I’ll go,” said Josh. “One of us can drive while the other sleeps. It shouldn’t be more than two people.”
“You can take my Cruze instead of the El Camino. That will save you some gas stops,” offered Nicole. “You might get better than 40 miles to the gallon on those long straight roads. Gas mileage was the reason I made an even trade for my BMW. Besides, I had to get rid of the Beamer anyway.”
“Thanks,” said Josh. “But we’ll have the pedal to the metal when we’re out in the middle of nowhere.”
“Even so, it will get better mileage than the El Camino.”
“Okay. If any money is left in the kitty after the trip, it will go towards the needs of the compound.” Josh looked at the others. “If everyone is okay with that.”
All nodded.
Nicole pointed to the television. “Lopez is back on. Let’s hear what the secretary-general has to say about the virus.”
CHAPTER 8
Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed. To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? To whom will ye flee for help? And where will ye leave your glory?
Isaiah 10:1-3
Josh listened to the television with the others.
Lillian Lopez had already introduced her guests. “Mr. Secretary-General, it sounds like the virus was an act of war against the Global Union at the hands of the Saudis. Have you spoken to the other members of the governing council?”
“I have Lillian, but please, call me, Lucius. I’m still the same guy I was before all of this happened. About an hour ago, a Global Union Security Force drone struck the Saudi Royal Palace with a tactical nuclear warhead. We’ve got some footage that shows the crater where the massive structure stood only hours ago. WNN is the first media outlet that we’ve released this to.”
Video footage showed the smoldering ruins of the royal palace from above.
Lucius Alexander continued. “We had solid intelligence that King Abdullah was in the palace at the time of the strike. The crown prince was also there. Unfortunately, a strike this large is going to produce some collateral damage, but nothing like the tens of thousands of people who are at risk from the Red Virus.”
Lopez seemed legitimately surprised by the announcement. She stumbled for a moment, trying to think of the next question for her guest. “So…so…does this mean? Are we at war? With the Saudis?”
“Not anymore,” said Alexander with a smile. “We were. When the king sponsored the terrorist organization that we now know is called the Ghazi of Allah, he declared war on the Global Union. I’ve always been known as a pacifist, but I have a responsibility to the citizens of the world. This strike used the least possible violence to end this conflict.”
“You say end the conflict, what assurances do you have that the Ghazi of Allah won’t retaliate?”
“Well, we don’t have any, but we do know that whatever they choose to do, they’ll do it without the financial support of Saudi Arabia. Prince Rashid al Mohammad, King Abdullah’s half-brother, fled the country after the untimely death of the previous king and crown prince. He sought refuge in the US, and he’s been working with the Global Union for the past week to help us formulate a new government for the country.”
“Wow, so Prince Rashid will be the new king?”
“He’ll have the title of Crown Prince.”
“Then who will be the king?” asked Lopez.
“Saudi Arabia won’t be the absolute monarchy that it was before. They’ll be joining the Global Union, so the governing council will be the highest authority over the kingdom. And don’t shed a tear for the loss of the palace, at least not for the prince’s sake. He has many other palaces to choose from.”
“Wow, that was fast,” said Lillian Lopez. “Too bad we didn’t have you at the helm for all the other wars.”
Pastor Carl Jacobs, who was sitting to Alexander’s right, laughed. “I know. We might have a new contender for the title, Prince of Peace.”
Lopez laughed. “It’s true, it’s true.”
Alexander glowed at the praise but thinly feigned modesty. “You two aren’t doing anything to help stop all those conspiracy theories out there about me being the anti-Christ.”
Jacobs rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Some people can’t be pleased, even if you single-handedly avert World War Three.”
Lucius Alexander became more somber. “But in all seriousness, we’re going to have to temper some of the fanaticism that surrounds religion. The fact that one zealot can create the amount of chaos that we’re witnessing around the world should be a wake-up call to the entire planet.”
“What do you suggest?” asked Lopez.
“Well, religion is an important part of people’s lives. It’s that higher power that keeps so many alcoholics and addicts in remission. Belief in something more is often the determining factor in who survives harrowing experiences. Statistics tell us that religious people tend to live longer and psychologists note that people who spend time in meditation are happier.
“I’m not talking about taking any of that away. I’m suggesting that it must be balanced with reason. This notion that murderers and madmen can hide behind their individual understandings of millennia-old texts has to stop. And I’m not just talking about Muslims. Christianity may not be as violent at first glance, but that seething hatred just below the surface of so many of Christianity’s fundamentalist adherents is just as dangerous.”
Lillian looked at Jacobs. “But wait a minute. Aren’t you a Christian? Do you take issue with anything the secretary-general is saying?”
“Not in the least,” Jacobs replied. “I feel terrible for the browbeating and condemnation that people have endured at the hands of those who would claim to be followers of Jesus—for example, women who want the right to choose what they do with their bodies, those who feel they were born in the wrong skin, people who don’t conform to a binary label for their sex, folks who love without regard for the gender of their partner.
“The Bible has to be read in context with modern times. And it must be interpreted to accommodate the society in which we live. I absolutely agree with the secretary-general. We have to put some common-sense measures in place to curtail this kind of thing from happening again.”
“What sort of regulations are you proposing?” Lopez asked.
“For starters, we need oversight,” said Alexander. “We have the FDA to monitor the fitness of the food we eat and the medicines we take. We have regulations for nearly every profession on the planet. For goodness sake, a person can’t even give a haircut without a license from the state.
“We’re talking about religious leaders who have the power over people’s minds, their very concept of right and wrong. That’s much more consequential than a bad hairdo. We’ll be implementing a new Global Union Ministry of Religion. It’s not to get rid of religion, but to regulate it. Pastors, priests, rabbis, and imams will have to have a license from the GU to practice, just like every other profession.”
“Don’t they alrea
dy require licensure?” asked Lopez.
“To perform legal marriages, yes. Most state laws require ministers to have licenses, but typically that’s little more than a one-page form and a nominal fee that can be paid online. What we’re instituting is GU oversight. We want to make sure that violence and hatred aren’t being promoted within the congregations.
“Some member nations like Canada already have laws on the books that restrict clergy from propagating hate speech directed at people’s sexual preferences. But if we’re going to be a global community, it’s time we all get on the same page with embracing tolerance.”
“Who will be deciding what qualifies as hate and what doesn’t?”
“I’m so glad you asked, Lillian.” Lucius smiled at Jacobs. “I’ve asked Carl to head up the new GU Ministry of Religion. No one knows more about embracing diversity and understanding while helping people be the best version of themselves than Carl Jacobs. You might say he wrote the book on it.”
Lillian Lopez laughed. “You did write books on both those topics. I loved Be the Best You and I just finished Enter Faith. It was another wonderfully inspiring read. Have you accepted the offer?”
Jacobs nodded. “I did. And I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be honored with this position.”
Lucius Alexander put his hand on Jacobs’ shoulder. “Once again, Lillian, I’m not against religion. I just want to make sure we’re being responsible and not instigating more violence in our places of worship. Many people have faith that a higher power exists, but I’ve actually seen that power.”
Lopez furrowed her brow. “You can’t drop a bombshell like that and not explain.”
Lucius gave a coy grin. “You may remember that I worked for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency straight out of MIT.”