The Generation at the End, page 13
“She called right after she read the letter you sent her. I wish I had some kind of positive news, my friend.”
“I, of course, have no one to blame but myself, Cyrus. Perhaps I will write again and tell her everything; everything except the mission. It seems inevitable to me, that she will one day become aware of the mission. If my inability to express my feelings doesn’t end this romance that little piece of news surely will. Please excuse my doomsday attitude.”
“I, too have spent sleepless moments considering that fateful day. I’m such an optimist I still hold out hope we can all avoid the axe. If you and Laura can reconcile, would you ever feel obligated to confess your involvement?”
“I’m not sure I can give you a truthful answer, Cyrus. I like to think I would avoid duplicity at any cost. I just don’t know. If it came down to telling the truth and losing Laura or lying and spending the rest of my life with her, that is a choice I have yet to make. Have you decided on the path you would take, my friend?”
“The possibility exists, we may never be implicated in this depraved yet fervent act of violence. When I first conceived this desperate plan, nearly a year ago, one of the aspects on the positive side of the ledger was how preposterous it was. I truly believe not one person in a million would ever associate this deadly plague with the imminent financial collapse of the Social Security Administration. I have absolute faith in the twenty two men involved in this conspiracy. It is my firm belief all twenty two of these brave men will go to their graves never having revealed their part in this unholy alliance. That pretty much sums up my position, Ari. As far as the path I will take, I’m afraid it will be the one to deception.”
“The enigma here is more than one of duplicity. You encountered an unmistakable threat to the very core of this great country’s economic fabric, Cyrus. You reached out to a group of fellow countrymen and, with their help, developed a plan to overcome that threat. Although the manifest love you have shown for your country and your unshakeable devotion to its survival may never be spoken of, I am honored to be a part of the alliance. And, no matter the end result, I am proud to be at your side.”
“Your words inspire hope and a renewed unity of purpose, Ari. Shortly after Calvin suggested a brilliant scientist would be imperative to the operation I read an article you wrote concerning the obesity crises in America. I believed those two incidents were more than coincidental. When I contacted you I never dreamed I would gain, not only a brilliant scientist, but a lifelong friend. I only wish I could do something to ease your emotional burden.”
“The burden is entirely of my own making. Your presence in my life is a gift I shall always be grateful for. I’m considering an after dinner drink. Do you have a suggestion, Cyrus?”
“The Spanish Coffee sounds intriguing. What say you?”
“Let’s give it a go.”
“Have you given much thought to what you will be doing when our mission has been completed, Ari?”
“The prospects are exciting, my friend. The thought of beginning work on the facility is most gratifying. What is on the top of your agenda, Cyrus?”
“I must admit it will be difficult to return to business as usual. There is something I’ve been trying to tell you for several days, Ari. The best approach is probably just come right out and say it. So I will… I’m going to drink the city water when I am in D.C..”
“Please let me talk you out of something so foolish, Cyrus. Even if you are in the best of health, you’re risking your life unnecessarily.”
“All things considered, it’s logical. What could go further to dissipate any suspicion if the virus was to be discovered?”
“It seems to me your logic is flawed, Cyrus. You are the cornerstone of this mission. You spoke of unity of purpose. Your presence is the adhesive of that unity. It is your unshakeable faith in this purpose that bonds the rest of us together. Our unity of purpose will be necessary long after the mission is completed. You called the team an “unholy alliance.” That alliance must remain, even to the grave. Your absence would compromise or even destroy it. The nobility of a noble task is defined by the magnanimous character of those performing it. Your martyrdom may very well serve to erode that character. Please reconsider your position, my friend.”
“On occasion we have joked about my appointment to Secretary of State. If that were ever to become a reality, I would immediately appointment you as my Ambassador at large. What a profound and persuasive speech, Ari. Your ability to combine reason with compassion is one of your strongest assets, doctor. I will, indeed, reconsider my position. Thank you.”
“Would you like to take a drive down the coast? We could make it a leisurely trip and leave plenty of time to be at the heliport by six o’clock.”
“That sounds like a pleasant interlude, Ari. We must allow time to stop at your house to pick up the agent on the way.”
“That we shall. Please allow me to pick up the tab, Cyrus.”
“Thank you again, my friend.”
For the rest of the afternoon two men enjoyed the beautiful fall day, the scenery and the company of a true friend. The malevolent task that held their very souls loosed its grip for a few precious moments. The holocaust that would begin in just a matter of days was held at bay by the bond of friendship they shared. They would remember it as the quiet before the storm.
Chapter thirty
10/13
Cyrus Vaughn was glad the project was nearly finished. He was running out of excuses to be away from home. In the last three months he had to be excused from a dozen or so social gatherings. The committee meetings were always held on Sunday which raised havoc with their practice of sailing to a small island, on the first Sunday of each month, and having a picnic lunch. Celia was losing her almost infinite patience. He smiled to himself at the thought of how ironic it would be if he really were chosen for the office of Secretary of State. He could then justify all the unexcused absences.
Cyrus parked the rental car in front of the warehouse where the drums of water and the trucks were stored. The warehouse was in the industrial district of Baltimore. As he walked toward the warehouse, three men emerged from three different cars and started toward him. Cyrus waited for them and they walked on together. The four men exchanged cordial enough greetings. It was a bit awkward without any names being used. As Cyrus was unlocking the padlock, a fourth car parked a block away. The forth member of team two arrived, and once again greetings were exchanged. The leader of team two seemed to be in a somber mood.
“The weather forecast for New York calls for rain, rain and more rain. I guess that might be a good forecast for the mission. Lousy weather usually keeps people indoors unless it’s absolutely necessary. Didn’t I understand there would be two teams for New York?”
“Indeed you did, my friend. Team three will be arriving shortly after your team departs. The two teams will be contaminating two different reservoirs. Hopefully, I have coordinated this so your team will be completing their mission just as team three completes theirs. Are there any further questions?”
A man from the team had a question.
“When did you say we could expect the money to be sent to the account we gave you?”
“I would start looking at your balance about the second week in November. Shall we begin, gentlemen?”
The leader of team two had one more question.
“So we are meeting back here Wednesday around 6:00 o’clock, after we have finished DC?”
“That is correct. If you’re late I’ll understand and will wait for you. We will have a debriefing and a small celebration.”
Putting the vials of the agent into the drums of water, sealing them went without incident. Team two would disperse six drums of agent in New York and team three would have only three to disperse. Team two would, of course, have fourteen drums in their truck; six for New York and six more for Philadelphia and the two for DC. After team three completed their part of contaminating New York, they would drive to Houston to be there for their mission. The schedule for the last phase of the operation would start with Phoenix on the 19th, Houston on the 20th and end with Chicago on the 22nd. The extra day between Houston and Chicago was for rest and travel time. The first phase of the operation had gone off without incident. Cyrus thought Los Angeles might present a problem because the reservoirs had been fenced and gated. The EPA logo on the truck and the DHS identification worked quite well. Cyrus could only hope New York, Philadelphia and DC would go as well.
Less than an hour after team two left to spend the night at a truck rest area just outside New York, team three arrived. Cyrus liked team three the best, although he wasn’t sure why. Once again, adding the agent to the water in the drums, sealing them and loading the truck went without incident. The team leader had a question about the disposal of the drums and the hose. Mr. Vaughn went over the procedure.
“In your disposal kits you will find sealed bags of magnesium shavings, eight ounce containers of kerosene and ordinary phosphorous flares. Use one kit for each drum. Find an area as secluded as possible. Sprinkle the magnesium over the bottom of the drum. Pour the kerosene in and drop the flare into the drum. The flare will ignite the kerosene. The burning kerosene will ignite the magnesium and the heat will remove any trace of the virus. That much heat will also burn up the hose and partially melt the drum. You, of course, do not want to stand around and watch. Drop the flares and clear out.”
Cyrus Vaughn left the car rental agency with a smile on his face. He was going home and tomorrow was Sunday. It was nearly 10:00 pm, but he hoped Celia was still awake.
”Hi, Sweetheart. I hope I didn’t wake you. I should be home in an the hour or so.”
“Is something wrong, Cyrus” You don’t usuallycall me this late.”
“Everything is good, really. I’m calling to see if you can go out with me tomorrow? Remember when we used to go out together? I was thinking about a sailing trip to our favorite island.”
“Oh my! That sounds almost too good to be true. We haven’t gone there since my birthday, three months ago.”
“Well, we’re going Sunday if you can make it.”
“I’m getting excited already, Cyrus.”
“Me too, sweetie. I’ll see you shortly.”
Cyrus was getting a little excited himself. His thoughts were of the last time he and Celia sailed to the island.
The pain that pierced the back of his head was so severe it nearly caused Cyrus to lose control of the car. It was so severe it was very difficult for him to make a decision about what to do. In just a few seconds, Cyrus became fearful he would lose consciousness. He managed to steer the car off the freeway. He opened his cell phone and hit the 911 button. Before the operator could answer the call, the pain began to subside. By the time he heard, “911 operator; what is the emergency?” the pain was gone. His embarrassment overcame his concern and Cyrus apologized to the operator for hitting the wrong button. What on earth had just happened to him? Cyrus remembered what the doctor in St. Mary’s had said about concussions. But that was almost two weeks ago. Mr. Vaughn was much shaken as he continued his drive home.
During the forty minute drive home Cyrus felt a wave of nausea. It only lasted a few seconds but it was enough to make him tell Celia everything after he arrived home. She wanted to drive him to St. Mary’s immediately. Cyrus promised to make an appointment Monday morning in Baltimore for sure. After much discussion, Celia finally convinced Cyrus to postpone their boating excursion.
Monday morning promised a perfect fall day in Maryland. It almost made Cyrus wonder if Saturday night was just a bad dream. He felt so good he wanted to stay home with Celia. She reminded him of the promise he made Saturday night when he told her he was considering staying home.
The drive into the city was as beautiful as any Cyrus could remember. He had just passed the turn off to St Charles when the phone he hoped would never ring, rang. It was more of a frustrating beep than a ring. He had to remember to answer it with the correct greeting.
“This is Captain Mathews. How can I be of service?”
“My name is Mel Erickson. I work for Philadelphia County. The fellow in charge of testing the water in the reservoir doesn’t seem to be sure what he is testing for. He said you could clear it up if I called. I hope you don’t think I’m just being nosy.”
“Not at all Mr. Erickson. I’m inspired when I hear of any workers or other citizens concerned about our natural resources. As you may know, the Department of Homeland Security has joined with the Environmental Protection Agency in guarding our water supplies throughout the United States. It is an ongoing effort to defend against any attempt to contaminate any of them by a terrorist organization. We are there in the Philadelphia area this week testing all the reservoirs for any traces of pathogens that might be present in the water supplies. I hope this answers any concerns you have.”
“Indeed it does. Do you think you could mention my name in any reports you may write about the testing your department in conducting?”
“You may rest assured, Mr. Erickson. Is that “son” or “sen?”
“It’s “son”. Thank you for taking the time to clear this up, Captain.”
“No trouble at all. Can I speak with the gentleman in charge ?”
“Of course.”
“Team two leader here.”
“When the gentleman asked what you were testing for, what was your specific reply?”
“I told him contaminates in the water supply, sir.”
“Very good. Never mention any specific pathogens if you are asked again.
“Thank you. We’ll see you Wednesday.
Cyrus continued on to his office without further incident. He called Dr. Norcross on his private cell phone. His nurse informed Cyrus the doctor wouldn’t be in until about 11:00 a.m.. Cyrus busied himself with mail and e-mail he hadn’t taken the time to read in the last week. He promised himself he wouldn’t become overly concerned about the episode with the pain and the nausea until some tests had been made. He called Dr. Norcross again about 11:15. After a few minutes on hold the doctor picked up.
“Good morning, Cyrus. How are you this beautiful day?”
“Good morning, doctor. I’m very well at the moment. How are you doing?”
“Quite well, thank you. Am I detecting some concern in your response?”
“Some concern, Doctor Norcross. Celia made me promise to call you this morning. I had a couple of disconcerting moments on the way home Saturday night. I have been under some stress these past few weeks.”
“Tell me what happened, Cyrus”
“I experienced a very severe pain in the back of my head for just a few seconds. I pulled over and called 911. Before I could speak with the operator the pain went completely away. About twenty minutes after that I became nauseous for a short period of time. By the time I reached home I was feeling great. If I hadn’t promised Celia I probably wouldn’t be calling.”
“I’m glad you did. Can you come in for some tests this afternoon?”
“How long will it take, Doctor?”
“It will take as long as is needs to take, my friend. I want to see you today.”
Chapter thirty one
Dr. Mellendor called and broke the bad news. The trip to Bermuda would have to be postponed indefinitely. Even though it was his brother, Mel didn’t give a specific reason for the postponement. The doctor took the reports written by Doctor’s Patton and Rhymes with him to read on the plane. Dr. Patton expanded his theory on the possibility of a HIV type virus being the culprit. The critical factor, however, was the way the HIV manifested itself once it enters the body. The virus itself does not bring on the flu like symptoms. It compromises the immune system to the extent of creating an immunodeficiency in the host. The compromised immune response becomes ineffective in dealing with any common virus, such as the flu. Dr. Bender mentioned each patient’s metabolism was affected in some way, also. Mel found it difficult to believe a virus could evolve or mutate to a degree that it could jeopardize two primary bodily functions simultaneously. Dr. Mellendor reclined back and closed his eyes. He was awakened by the pressure in his ears. They were descending into L.A. international.
Even though Mel had been to the USC Health Sciences Campus, which was right next to L.A. County General, he didn’t feel comfortable driving the twelve or thirteen miles from the airport. He was entertaining the idea of renting a car at the hotel where he was staying. From there he could drive to the hospital, which was only a mile away. The doctor could feel the anxiety building as he approached L.A. County General. What manner of “super virus” was awaiting him at the hospital?
Mel went directly to the information desk and had Dr. Bender paged.
“Dr. Mellendor. I’m Benjamin Bender. How was your flight?”
“It was so smooth I fell asleep half way here. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Benjamin.”
“Please call me Ben. The pleasure is mine, Dr. Mellendor.”
“My friends call me Mel.”
“Are you hungry, Mel?”
“I am a little hungry. It’s four o’clock in Atlanta.”
“The cafeteria is on this floor and the food is pretty good… for a hospital.”
Mel had the meatloaf and macaroni and cheese with a small salad. Ben had a piece of banana cream pie and a cup of coffee. They chose a table in the back.
“Have there been any new developments at CDC since we last spoke, Mel?”
“Unfortunately we are only finding things that are not the cause of the disease. I have some theories I would like to discuss with you. They are just theories, however.”
“Do you mind my asking you how many cases have been reported so far, Mel?”
“Not at all; when I left this morning there were ninety seven cases from Los Angeles and thirty nine from Portland. I’m quite certain not all cases have been called in to the CDC. The smaller medical facilities often neglect to call us in Atlanta. Have you had very many instances of employees coming down with flu like symptoms, Ben?”
