The anthrax mutation v1.., p.23
The Anthrax Mutation (v1.0), page 23
“My God,” whispered Mrs. Willets. “Shocking.”
“Very shocking, my dear. It won’t do us any good when the press get onto it. How does it sound for the Commander-in-Chief of the operation to shoot himself? God, where’s it going to end?”
The phone rang again. Sir Joseph looked up.
“I’ll go,” said Mrs. Willets, and when she answered she called the Major. “It’s Manchester. It sounds like your men.”
Thomas wasn’t gone long, and when he returned, Sir Joseph had placed a whiskey on the table for him. “The first planes have landed. I asked for the dusters and they’re putting the request through to Detrick now. The support transports are arriving tomorrow sometime and the dusters should reach Ruislip by afternoon if we’re lucky. We should be ready to begin any time after that. And they’ve sent along someone for Trevor. Take care of him before we get home.” He was wondering just exactly when they would reach home.
“You know,” began Sir Joseph. “We’re going to look pretty funny if your dust doesn’t work. We’ll end up using Combs’ disinfectant and they’ll bury the old goat in honors.”
“It’ll work. I know my men and I know they wouldn’t even risk a try unless that dust was perfect. Wouldn’t want to lose face in front of your government, would they?”
Sir Joseph nodded. Mrs. Willets excused herself to prepare tea, and for several minutes the two sat in silence until the Major glanced at his watch and decided it was time to see Trevor.
“I think I’ll go upstairs now,” he announced as if not wanting to disturb Sir Joseph’s thoughts.
“Yes, do that. I hope he’s all right.”
Mrs. Willets met him in the hallway. “I’ll call you when tea is ready—about half an hour. It’ll give you time to do what you can.”
As the Major climbed the stairs, he thought about New England, about school and a place to live. It seemed that somehow he was being cleansed of the filth which up to now had been part of his life. He smiled inwardly when he imagined the surprised expressions of his bosses when he handed in his resignation—he who had been such a devoted worker. But he forgot his work and his bosses when he pushed open the door and slipped quietly into Trevor’s room. He could hear the end of what must have been a long and heart searching cry for the boy as he found a place on the edge of the bed, resting his hand on Trevor’s trembling shoulders. He looked out the window and sighed softly.
Regent Park. London. 20:00 Hours
Regents Park Zoo, like the rest of the places in London where people might gather, had been closed to the public. Only the staff remained active to ensure that the animals were fed and looked after. Even the bats in the bird enclosure received the same treatment as usual, though no doubt viewed by their keepers with greater respect. There was some fear among the staff that if contaminated bats were landing as near as Watford and Croydon, the zoo might easily hide one among it’s cages and enclosures. Yet there was little they could do but make the occasional patrols and hope that when all this was over their animals were as healthy as before.
Their hopes were shortlived. But is was not an animal who first came down with the disease, but a park keeper. It was the more unfortunate that he failed to report his condition until it was too late for medical assistance-still more unfortunate because several of the larger animals soon collapsed in their cages and were beyond help within a few hours. All of the animals were highly susceptible. Having been in captivity all their life and perhaps for generations before, none had developed any kind of natural immunity to disease. Their body defenses were totally unable to deal with such a hostile invader. The Ministry refused to have the healthy animals shipped out should the contamination spread, and there was nowhere in the zoo to isolate them. The staff were reluctant to treat the disease should they themselves suffer, and in the end the zoo was left to its own. The disease took its course, and within six hours nearly every animal and bird had contracted anthrax and was either dead or dying.
Eventually the Army moved in to clear the corpses and treat the area. The zoo was empty, and the Ministry prayed the disease had stopped there. Around the park were some of the most populated areas in London.
Newsroom. Television Center. London. 21:00 Hours
“Rumors tonight that a high-ranking Army official committed suicide in Whitehall • this afternoon have been confirmed. Colonel Reginald Combs, Commander-in-Chief of the Anti-Anthrax project and creator of the perimeter line idea, shot himself in his office at Whitehall. There is no comment from government sources, but it is believed that pressure from the intensely difficult work was the cause of his death. As Colonel Combs was the leader of the entire operation, it comes as a severe blow to those who must now take over from the Colonel. This could result in a further delay in the actual treatment of the country, but until an official statement is released, Wednesday is still the date set for disinfecting to begin.
“The situation on the Continent continues to worsen. France has reported eight outbreaks of anthrax infection,, but these are believed to be mostly among cattle and have not spread. An Air France Boeing 707 which left Orly Airport on a flight to New York has crashed in the Atlantic Ocean three hundred miles off the coast of Newfoundland killing all aboard, and Air France has released a statement blaming anthrax for the cause of the crash.
“Germany has complained of three sightings, and Russia has warned England that if any bats were to come down within their territories, she would be forced to take a very serious view to the problem. “It would,” said an Embassy spokesman, “no doubt have a strong effect on Anglo-Russian relations.” Russia has also charged the United States of having to share the blame for this catastrophe because of her close alliance with English research in chemical and biological weapons.
“In Rome the Pope has asked for special prayers for those innocent people affected by the disaster, and he has called it a “warning for all men of peace to heed and learn from.” He again reiterated his plea for a unilateral disarmament conference, and an end to the development of these weapons.
“In America the President issued a statement saying he sympathized with the plight of England and promised to provide whatever assistance is necessary to combat the outbreak of anthrax. He, too, expressed the view that there should be tighter controls on the research and development of chemical and biological weapons, and he has set up an inquiry into the research now being carried out in America. His previous cutback in the stockpiling of toxic weapons was a beginning, he said, but added that much, much more had to be done before the public would be safe from further accidents. “The American people must be protected at all costs, and the tragedy in Britain must be a warning to us all.”
“What will the cost of this disaster be in terms of economics? Who will foot the bill and how long will it take the country to recover from the long-term effects? I put this question to Ian Fraser, Professor of Economics at London University.”
In a taped interview Ian Fraser addressed his audience from a BBC stool facing his interviewer. “It is impossible to estimate what the cost of this operation will be, and it is equally difficult to estimate what compensation the government may be faced with paying. We have never had anything like this happen before so there is no precedent from which to work. In terms of pounds lost on shipping and air services alone, on imports and exports, well, it’s going to run into the hundreds of millions. Even if everything were to return to normal within fourteen days, the backlog of work will set the shipping industry back several weeks at the least. Tourism will obviously be affected and no doubt next year will be the worst ever for this country. People would rather avoid the risk of possible contamination, especially to their families. I doubt trade in general would be affected once the country returns to normal, but foodstuffs may well be rejected by many countries until they are confident there is no possibility of infection. No, the cost in terms of trade and lost man hours will be something that the government will have to work very hard at to pay…I cannot see the next year as being anything but the blackest from an economical point of view.”
“We have had many viewers asking us what are the long-term effects of anthrax. If the disinfectant program is successful, will there be any danger of contamination afterwards? Michael Billingsly talked with Dr. Roland Pierson from Porton Downs.”
“Doctor, are there any long-term effects from anthrax infection—might a person be exposed to it and carry the disease with him for several days or weeks before becoming seriously ill?”
Dr. Pierson drew himself up and considered the question. “Firstly, one must realize that we are dealing not with an ordinary anthrax bacillus, but with a highly developed strain. Any exposure to this particular bacillus-no matter how brief—would result in death within a few hours. There is absolutely no question of becoming infected and suffering the effects a few weeks or even a few days later. Normal anthrax can kill within twenty-four hours. However, we are lucky in that the bacillus is influenced by any one of the common antibiotics. Any person who becomes infected can be cured quite easily if he or she receives treatment more or less straight away. Even once the disease has taken hold, it can still be cured, though with a much less chance of complete recovery.”
“Will the disinfecting program be one hundred per cent effective? Can the anthrax survive such an attack?”
“If the disinfecting is done properly with a formula particular to this variety of anthrax, there is no reason to suggest that the bacillus could survive. Because the anthrax is a type of bacteria, it is highly susceptible to common household * disinfectant in theory, and as the major disinfectant companies are working on a highly specialized formula, I think that a thorough disinfecting would be very close to being one hundred percent effective.”
“How long can the anthrax actually survive as a threat to life?”
“The common anthrax spore found in bone meal can last for years—the average is something like seven. The anthrax which has contaminated Gruinard Island off the coast of Scotland is reckoned to pose a threat to life for at least another hundred years. Whether this particular breed could survive that long or even longer is of course not known to us. There is no question of its virulence—it is extremely deadly—but whether this strength could last long, well, I’d rather not hazard a guess.”
“When the disinfecting operation is over, what would you suggest the people should watch for—if anything?”
“Well, we must be very careful after the operation is complete—for a while, anyway. Quite naturally, there may be a few areas which will require a second disinfecting, but I think everyone would be able to resume their normal activities—provided, of course, that they still remain watchful to the signs of infection in themselves or their children.”
“What about children, doctor? How hard will they be affected?”
“It is basically up to the parents to guard their children from possible exposure for as long as necessary. It is difficult to keep youngsters cooped up, as it were, but for the duration of this initial contamination period, it is important that they are watched carefully. Afterwards, provided they themselves are aware of the possible dangers, there is no reason why they can’t return to school and so on. I think it is a shame that parents in Slough did not think to keep their children under closer observation or this terrible outbreak might never have happened.”
“Do you feel, then, that the situation is safely under control?”
“I feel that everything is being done that can be done. It is an exceptionally difficult task to decontaminate half the country. We are fortunate in that nothing like this has happened before, but as a consequence it is difficult to know exactly what can be done to guarantee absolute safety. If the people take due care and heed the warnings of the authorities, I think we will all get through this disaster reasonably unscathed.”
“What about yourself—have you been affected personally by what has happened?”
“If you mean have I changed my views on chemical and biological weapons research, no. What has happened is an exceptional accident—an occupational hazard you might say. But I would like to see more isolation given to these establishments. I think placing them where there exists the slightest chance of exposure to innocent citizens is asking for trouble. Undoubtedly, there will be a review of all this when the contamination period passes.”
“Yes, undoubtedly. Thank you, Dr. Pierson.”
The newscaster returned to the television screen. “One late report we have just received. A twelve year old boy has just died from exposure to anthrax, bringing the total fatalities to one hundred eighty five. The boy, John Rafferty, had been swimming in the Slough pool which has been responsible for a widespread contamination among children and has already claimed six youngsters.
Rafferty had been taken to Wexham Hospital where it is believed he was visited by Major Glen Thomas, the American Officer involved in the massive decontamination program.
“One final bit of news. The government has still remained silent over the whereabouts of the Prime Minister. Though a British Rail spokesman said that the PM was on the Edinburgh Express which crashed late Sunday night, this has not been confirmed by government sources.
“That’s all from the BBC Television newsdesk at the moment. We advise you to stay tuned for further information on the anthrax crisis, and we will bring you reports of confirmed sightings as we receive them.
The Vicarage. Stoke Poges. 21:20 Hours
“Something wrong, Glen?” asked Sir Joseph.
“That boy they just mentioned—he was the kid I saw this afternoon. We thought he was going to make it.”
Sir Joseph leaned forward and switched off the television. “I’m sorry Glen. It’s rotten luck.”
“Yes,” he sighed, leaning back in the arm chair. “It’s like sitting here and watching the country die. Bit by bit the people are succumbing to it, you know?”
“So it seems. But you must remember more people die in road deaths every month. As long as this thing doesn’t get a foothold anywhere, we should make it.” “You were right about them getting hold of Combs— they didn’t waste any time.”
“Should have slapped a D-notice on the whole thing. At least they haven’t found out about the PM yet.” “Well,” he said after each had contemplated a few minutes silence, “I’m going to bed. We’ve got an early start in the morning I guess.”
“Yes, I suppose we do.”
He yawned. “First decent night’s rest since Friday. I’m looking forward to it.”
“I’ll have Mrs. Willets bring you some tea around half seven—or would you prefer coffee?”
“Either, thanks,” he replied, following him into the passage.
“Trevor doesn’t stand a chance in there,” he smiled as they walked towards the kitchen. “Mrs. Willets never loses. I think she’s made it a goal in life.”
“They certainly get on well together. She’s a wonderful woman.”
“I’m very lucky. She’s stuck with me through thick and thin. And when you’re in politics, it can get damned thick.” He pushed open the kitchen door. “No money on the table, my dear? You’re slipping a bit, aren’t you?” “Joseph,” she cried indignantly. “I never bet with anyone younger than myself!”
He laughed. “That narrows down the opposition, doesn’t it?” He winked at Trevor.
“Bed time, my boy,” began the Major, standing so as to see his hand. “Unless you’re losing.”
“We’re three games each,” he replied eagerly. “Can’t we play this hand out?”,
“Sure. Let’s see what you’ve got?”
Trevor pointed to his four, five, six, seven of spades and a pair of tens. “One card,” he whispered.
Mrs. Willets discarded the eight of clubs. It matched his eight of diamonds, his odd card. Thomas signalled for him to take it. Trevor frowned. He pointed to one of his tens and the Major nodded. He discarded.
“Ah, gin,” Mrs. Willets cried, laying open her hand. “I’ve been waiting for that card. Goodness me, whatever made you drop that ten?”
“He did,” Trevor replied. “Made me go for that eight and give up my tens.”
“Never mind, Trevor,” began Sir Joseph. “I expect you’ll have plenty of time to make up for it. If I know my wife, she’ll have you playing rummy all day. She’s fanatical about it.”
“I’m not,” she protested. “It’s just a jolly good game for two people. Besides, tomorrow, we’ll play for a penny a game. Make it more interesting.”
“Shocking,” said her husband. “You’re teaching him all the wrong things.”
“Well, I’m for bed,” Thomas announced. “I’ll meet you upstairs.”
“Yes, some help you’ve been,” he replied, pushing away from the table.
“I’ll give Trevor some milk and biscuits to take up. You can manage that, can’t you?” Mrs. Willets asked. He nodded.
“Good night, Glen,” she said.
“Good night, Mrs. Willets. See you in the morning.” Sir Joseph walked out with him and they climbed the narrow stairs. “It’s just like old times in there. They used to play cards all the time when he was home.”
“Your son?”
He nodded. “I’m glad you agreed to bring Trevor up. It’s made Mrs. Willets very happy. And I’m glad Dr. Marsh had that serum—he looks much better.”
“Thank you for having him. I .think it’s making a world of difference for him as well.”
“Maybe help him get over his loss a bit quicker, eh?” -They reached the Major’s room.
“Have you got everything you want?”
“Yes, thanks. Everything’s quite fine.”
“Then I’ll say good night. See you around a quarter to seven.”
