by Cliff Deane
THE OORT PLAGUE
A Pandemic Apocalypse
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THE OORT PLAGUE: A PANDEMIC APOCALYPSE
Book Two of The Oort Chronicles
Published by Creative Texts Publishers
PO Box 50
Barto, PA 19504
www.creativetexts.com
Copyright 2018 by Cliff Deane
All rights reserved
Cover design copyright 2019 Creative Texts Publishers, LLC
This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.
The following is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual names, persons, businesses, and incidents is strictly coincidental. Locations are used only in the general sense and do not represent the real place in actuality.
Kindle Edition
THE OORT PLAGUE
A Pandemic Apocalypse
by Cliff Deane
CREATIVE TEXTS PUBLISHERS
Barto, Pennsylvania
This book is dedicated to Mrs. Eileen Nearing Greene,
a dear friend of more than fifty years.
A Note to My Readers
The science behind the premise of this book is accurate.
I surely hope you enjoy reading
The Oort Plague
A Pandemic Apocalypse
It is estimated that as many as two-trillion comets still reside in the Oort Cloud, which is the farthest known limit of our Solar System.
Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The Science Stuff
The Oort Cloud
The Star System named Sol
It is estimated that as many as two-trillion comets still reside in the Oort Cloud, which is the farthest known limit of our Solar System.
The distance is so great that a number written in miles would have absolutely no meaning, even to Astronomers. To create a measurable distance, Scientists now use a term called the AU (Astronomical Unit). One AU is equal to the distance from the Earth to the Sun, some ninety-three million miles. In math notation that would be 93,000,000, and since the Oort Cloud measures out to as much as ten-thousand AUs, using the number nine-hundred and thirty billion miles becomes incomprehensible.
The Holly Thorne Comet began its descent toward the Sun after being struck by, and fused with, several other dirty snowballs. These collisions sent the now huge comet tumbling out of the Oort. As she began falling toward Sol, Holly Thorne picked up other small comets. She now measured thirty miles across. The series of glancing blows created a wobbling rotation.
The voyage of Holly would take two-thousand three-hundred, and fifty-nine years from the time it began to plummet toward Sol. The birth of Jesus Christ was still three-hundred and fifty years in the Earth’s future.
CHAPTER ONE
A Chain is only as Strong as its Weakest Link
7 March 2118
President Greene
Mount Weather
Sitting behind a two-hundred-year-old walnut desk, President Eileen N. Greene quietly listened to her closest advisors, her Chief of Staff retired Three Star General Harry Wolfe, NASA Director Gordon Winters, The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Four Star General H. H. (Triple H) Howard, and Homeland Security Chief Mack Holland.
These wise men were in her office twenty minutes before the full Comet Committee met to convince the President that she should utilize the brain power of those men to come up with a way to tell the American people what to expect in the coming days.
The President entered the Presidential Conference Room in the Mount Weather facility following her Chief of Staff (COS). The committee members quickly stood and waited for President Greene to take her place at the head of the table and direct these trusted friends to take their seats.
“Gentlemen, please be seated,” said the President. She then gaveled the meeting into session. As was her normal procedure, Greene wasted no time in getting down to business.
“My friends, I wish to pick your brains to allow me to appropriately address the nation, warning them of the coming pandemic. I had, at first, considered telling our citizens about the devolution of so many of our citizens into Mags. But, after considerable thought, I have decided to keep that information under wraps until the pandemic has run its course. At that point, I will inform them of the tragedy aboard our mining vessels and recommend that everyone go armed. Explaining why will be difficult, but it must be done. Today, however, we will discuss the speech I must give this evening at 7:00 pm.”
The discussions lasted for over an hour before each member had provided their individual take on what, and how, the President would say to the nation.
After this consultation with the Comet Committee, President Greene believed, given the situation, that she had the best possible wording to address the American people.
7 March 2118, 1900
President Greene
Mount Weather
“My fellow Americans, I have received word from the CDC that they have detected a new and serious virus which has somehow found its way into the three mining vessels, infecting the heroic crews which were so successful in altering the course of Comet Holly Thorne. This virus has suddenly attacked the three crews with severe flu-like symptoms. Initial evidence indicates that this virus came from the comet and entered the ships through the hull breaches caused by the nuclear attack upon Holly Thorne by the SRI-Federation.
“The CDC has recommended that over the next few days everyone should stock up on sufficient foodstuffs to last for two-weeks. The CDC suggests that the foods you purchase should be those that are easily eaten and digested, like bread, jello, and pudding. They also suggest that you stock up on painkillers, such as Tylenol and large doses of vitamins, especially vitamin C. The Head of the CDC, Doctor Tyler Deen also recommends anti-diarrheal and anti-vomiting meds.
“At this point, it is unknown if the preparations will actually be needed, but it is better to have these items and not need them. Should you become ill with flu-like symptoms, do not plan on going to the hospital, or your family Doctor, as they may also be incapacitated.
“My friends, I would prefer that this warning was not needed, but the CDC believes that this new virus has been brought to us by the comet Holly Thorne.
“Please, I urge you not to panic. Don’t purchase more of the recommended supplies than you will need for your families. If we remain calm, then things may well return to normal after ten days, or so. Remember, if you hoard, others may die as a result of your personal greed.”
Within hours of this outpouring of news, members of the government began showing up at every governmental bunker they could reach.
7 March 2118
Dig Site
Moundsville, WV
Jake gathered all his dig team together and managed to calm the panic that was rising in his student’s minds, like acid-reflux after a spicy Pakistani meal.
He said, “Okay, I need for everyone to take a deep breath through the nose and exhale it out of your
toes.” Surprisingly, this helped with the initial fear. Jake continued by assigning tasks to each group of three. He decided to send two males with each female. The teams were each assigned to purchase the appropriate quantity of each of the items suggested by the CDC and added copious amounts of water.
The individuals of each group were told to take their knives used in the digging process. Those who had no knives were given sharpened Phillip’s head screwdrivers. Jake didn’t think the rioting would begin before tomorrow, but he wanted each team member to be as well protected as possible. Jake was also pleasantly surprised to discover that, as many of the dig team were West Virginians, most of the men and two of the women had firearms stored in their gear.
Before they departed on their team missions, Jake said, “If you are in a store which sells ammunition, buy as much as they will sell. Even more importantly, emulate the Boy Scouts and Be Prepared for possible trouble. Don’t start trouble but you must not hesitate to finish it if it comes your way.”
For himself, Jake opened his footlocker and retrieved a 9 mm sidearm and holster. Gale, being one tough gal, also had a 9 mil in her locker. They both buckled up and looked at each other with happiness that they would be facing this mess together. Their eyes also betrayed their fear and dread of the coming days.
Each team set about their tasks and were surprised to discover that the panic buying had already started.
Team three, Frank Lusk, Donna Pritt, and David Brewer were sent to a Walmart Supercenter in Moundsville. When they arrived at the store, each member of the team could feel that the atmosphere around the store was charged with fear, worry, and determination.
Frank, a former Army Infantryman, said, “Dave, why don’t you wait here with the truck. I just don’t like these vibes. Let’s not take the chance of losing our transportation.
“Keep an eye out and when you see us coming back, watch for this signal. If we are in danger and being followed, I will walk on Donna’s right side. She will be pushing the cart. Seeing that, keep low and be prepared to shoot if we must. Can you do that? Shoot, I mean, if we are in danger?
“An important note here, Dave; don’t get trigger happy and don’t start shooting until you see me reach for my gun. If you see that, then let the lead fly.”
“Yeah, okay, I guess. Frank, I’m not crazy about the idea, but if I have to, I will. Oh, damn, Frank, this is some scary stuff.” responded Dave.
“Yep, it surely is, just remember that it’s better to be alive than it is to be dead.”
Donna’s mouth took on a sarcastic upturn at the corners. She said, “Frank, aren’t you being just a bit melodramatic? This is a Walmart in Moundsville, not the center of Chicago.”
Frank just looked at Donna and said, “No, I am not. Now, come on let’s go get what we need and get back to the site. This place is gonna blow, and sooner than I thought. I saw the exact thing in Berzerkistan just before everything went to hell.”
Donna and Frank exited the truck and walked into the static-filled Walmart. People were buying everything they could reach. For many, it looked like they had no idea what they needed, so they were just buying everything. The first thing on Frank’s list was ammunition.
Donna asked, “Frank, while you get the ammo, how about I start on the list Jake gave us?”
“No!” said Frank in a quiet, but firm voice. “We stay together. This place could erupt at any moment, and I don’t want to have to search for you in the middle of a riot.”
Fortunately, most people were interested in foodstuffs, but by tomorrow, ammunition would be on most people’s minds. Since there was no limit on ammo purchases, Frank bought out the entire display case of 9 mil and caliber .40. He looked down at the boxes of ammo and said to Donna, “It just amazes me that with all the ways technology has advanced, the best way to protect ourselves is still with an explosion and a chemically propelled piece of lead.”
Once the boxes of ammo were placed in bags and seated in the cart, the couple began working their way through the store to complete their mission of food, water, and medications.
Donna said, “Frank, we need hygiene products, TP, and, like, you know, girl stuff.”
Frank agreed and added those necessary items to their carts. As they left the store, Frank, who, from his Army experience, always made good use of situational awareness noticed two men following them. This learned skill came in handy as he noticed two poorly dressed and dirty men following them to the truck.
“Donna, don’t turn around to look. Two men are following us. When we get to the truck, they plan to steal our supplies.”
Donna, of course, tried to turn to look, but Frank quickly placed his hand on her shoulder saying, “Damn it, Donna, I said not to look. So, here’s the plan; when we get to the truck, I want you to take the cart and go to the opposite side. Put the engine between you and our visitors. Then stay out of sight. Can you do that?”
Donna was a bit vexed by Frank’s ordering her around, but she decided to keep her mouth shut, at least for now. “Yes, I understand,” she said.
Frank placed himself on Donna’s right side and placed his left hand around her waist. When they got to the truck, Donna hurried to the opposite side of the engine block.
“Easy Dave, not yet, but be ready,” said Frank to the rear window of the full cab Ram 1500, 4X4.
“Hold it right there,” said a voice from behind Frank, who’s right hand was already in his jacket pocket. He slowly wrapped his hand around the grip of his pistol.
Frank turned and saw the small pistol in the hands of the ragged man. “Hello, friend,” said Frank, “why do you need that gun?”
“Oh, we just figgered that you would be less likely to whine and complain about givin’ us this nice truck and the stuff in your cart. Ain’t that a nice truck Delbert?”
Delbert just said, “Uh, huh.”
Oh, yeah, we’ll be takin’ the pretty lady, too. Sweetie, you will love the party we’re a’takin you to. Ain’t that right Delbert?”
“Uh, huh, she sure is uh purty’un Tink.”
7 March 2118
Mount Weather
Outside of the Mount Weather facility, hundreds of members of the Legislative Branch began showing up and demanding entrance. A young Second Lieutenant, Calvin Dudley, was the Duty Officer on 7 March 2118. He reported to the Chief of Staff that many people with children were gathering outside the complex wanting to be let in.
“Sir,” said the Duty Officer, there are women and children out there. Should we open the door and let them in? Maybe they haven’t become infected, yet?”
The COS responded with, “Lieutenant, if we open that door, we all die. I know this is heartrending and seems horribly selfish, but that door will not be opened. I want you to turn off the video and audio systems. There is to be no communication with anyone outside this facility. Are we clear on this?”
The young Second Lieutenant Dudley was not happy, but he said, “Yes, sir, we are clear.”
“Good,” said the COS, “now, I want to watch as you turn off the audio and video to the outside world.”
With that, Mount Weather went dark.
Second Lieutenant Dudley, however, could not get the images of the children just outside the door out of his mind. Ten hours later, at 0200 hours, he turned the audio and video back on. Again, his heart began breaking. Dudley decided that denying them entrance to the bunker was tantamount to the murder of innocent women and children. At 0300 hours, he drew his sidearm and walked to the giant blast door.
When he came to within four feet of the Specialist (E-4) on guard duty, a wild-eyed, Lieutenant Dudley raised his pistol and told the guard that he was going to allow the women and children that were just on the other side of that door into Mount Weather.
Specialist Mathers looked down the barrel of the 9 mm service pistol and felt true fear. He could see the sadness or possibly madness in the eyes of this Lieutenant. He said, “Sir, please put down your sidearm. I have been ordered to keep this
door locked. If I open it, we will all die.”
“Specialist,” said Dudley, “if you don’t open it, you will surely die right now. We cannot be a part of the murder of innocent women and their little children. Now, open the door!”
“Sir,” said Mathers, “please, don’t shoot. You must understand that the virus is out there, and even opening the door a crack will doom us all.”
“You don’t know that! You don’t know that, at all! What we do know is that if we don’t open the door, those people outside will absolutely die. I cannot be a participant in the murder of children. Now, open that door!”
7 March 2118
Walmart
Moundsville, WV
As the two assailants slowly approached the truck, Frank’s hand closed upon the pistol grip of his weapon, and he raised his hand to shoot, but Dave fired first and dropped the man with the pistol, as his bullet tore a path through the assailant’s lower abdomen. The would-be robber and murderer fell writhing to the ground, screaming in intense agony as he covered the hole in his stomach with blood-soaked hands.
The second man turned to run, but Frank calmly put a bullet squarely between his shoulder blades. Delbert fell in a heap. Frank then walked to the wounded assailant and placed a 9 mm round into Tink’s temple, putting him out of his agony. For a few short seconds, blood pooled from both wounds, until the man’s heartbeat its last and ended the flow of blood.
Dave shouted to Frank, “Come on, people are gathering around the front of the parking lot. Hurry up; let’s roll!”
Frank quickly jumped into the passenger seat as Dave jammed the truck into reverse. They raced out of the side parking lot, around the back of the Walmart and onto a side street, turning away from the front side of the store.