Pandemic: The Innocents: A Post-Apocalyptic Medical Thriller Fiction Series (The Pandemic Series Book 2)

by Bobby Akart

  “There are several things we consider when we communicate about health, but these rules should apply to any corporation or agency dealing with a crisis. The first thing is gaining the public trust. People insist upon accurate, detailed information based upon facts in order to act upon it. Sensationalism will get us nowhere. That may have been the mistake I made during the hearing. I didn’t have to wear the mask and goggles, but I knew it would draw media attention.

  “The environment we’re working in is important. That will be a real challenge in this situation. Anything that affects the nation’s capital will garner worldwide media attention. The cable news media will interview dozens of so-called experts; each will build upon the theories of the others until they’re telling quite a whopper.

  “This leads to the public’s perception and response. What will the audience think about the information? What will inspire them to act on it? How will people respond in general?

  “Most importantly, we have to be careful to communicate information before we have all of the answers. It’s okay to say we don’t know yet or we’re working diligently to find the answers. This is my quarrel with the media. They rush to conclusions based upon supposition. The media must have their drama, their breaking news, to keep viewers tied to their televisions. Frequently, our challenge at the CDC was to dispel rumors and myths generated by the media, rather than disseminate accurate information.”

  Hunter recalled the conversation until Mac stirred awake and immediately asked if there was anything new. Hunter scrolled through the news headlines on his phone. He stopped on one at the top of the CNN website home page. The display read:

  PANDEMIC PANDEMONIUM

  “I don’t think the CDC was able to control the messaging,” said Hunter dryly.

  Chapter 5

  Day Twenty-Nine

  White House Press Briefing

  Executive Office Building

  Washington, DC

  Steven Sandoval, the White House press secretary, entered the press room at the Old Executive Office Building located next to the White House at 1650 Pennsylvania Avenue. An overflow crowd jammed into the space, which accommodated several hundred more reporters than the former West Wing press conference room, which only had seating for forty-nine. President Garcia, frustrated with leaks from White House staffers to the media, had ordered the change six months into his presidency. The move raised the eyebrows of the media, deeming the move a method of censorship and as limiting their First Amendment rights. President Garcia and Sandoval saw this change as an effective way to control the leaks.

  “Good morning,” greeted Sandoval as the cable news reporters wound up their live coverage of the conference and took their seats. With the increased number of reporters, it always took several minutes for the group to settle in before he started. That suited Sandoval just fine because it meant less hostile questions for him to field.

  “I’m going to begin this early hour press briefing with a statement from the President,” started Sandoval. Chief of Staff Morse stepped toward the podium and handed the carefully crafted statement to the spokesman.

  The President had wanted to make a live address to the nation during prime time that evening. He saw this as an opportunity to look presidential while gaining some major media exposure during the heat of the campaign. His opponent saw right through this, of course, and demanded equal time to respond. The President backed down and opted for this early morning presser, which would be broadcasted live by all the cable news outlets and the major networks. Coupled with the fact that the questions were limited to the crisis and delivered by friendly media, President Garcia would come out of this with a win-win for his campaign.

  “President Garcia wants to commend the first responders—including the Capitol Police, the National Guard, and the medical personnel from local hospitals—who reacted so quickly to this event. It is this type of coordination between governmental agencies that can leave the American people confident their government will be there for them in a time of need.

  “Barely twenty-four hours ago, an incident occurred during the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearings on the response of the Centers for Disease Control in Guatemala to an infectious disease outbreak. By all accounts, the environment in the hearing room was described as tense, in large part because of a testy exchange between two members of the committee and the demeanor of the witness testifying.

  “During the testimony, which involved an unnecessarily graphic description of how someone dies from such a disease, a man became ill at the back of the gallery. As a result of the atmosphere created by this witness testimony and the partisan bickering among the House members, a panic was created and the room was emptied.

  “Seven people, including the ill man, whose name is being protected for privacy reasons, were taken to nearby hospitals. The ill man was taken to an isolation unit at Howard University Hospital, where he is now listed in stable condition. The other six people are not infected, but did ingest blood from the ill man. They have been treated and released.

  “Out of an abundance of caution, the ill man is being monitored and his progress from the incident is being evaluated in close collaboration with the DC Department of Health and the CDC.

  “The patient has been diagnosed with acute bronchitis, a common disease with symptoms that include bloody cough. After he coughed, some blood was transferred to surrounding visitors in the gallery, resulting in the panic. The man became frightened at the sight of his own blood and vomited as he attempted to exit the building. When he slipped and fell in the mess, he was kicked unconscious by people rushing past him. Had the panic not occurred, the ill man could’ve advised medical personnel of his bronchitis diagnosis and a lot of this could have been avoided.

  “Now, let me take a few questions regarding this incident. I will conduct a second press briefing this afternoon at our usual time of one thirty. First up, Jim Acosta, CNN.”

  “Thank you,” said Acosta. “Prior to the revelation that the gentleman had bronchitis, most commentators were questioning the government’s readiness for a large-scale outbreak of an infectious disease. The CDC has been very vocal since their budget was slashed by the health care act put into place by the President. If the improbable becomes the inevitable, will we be prepared for a large-scale outbreak or even a pandemic?”

  “President Garcia has made significant efforts to enhance our medical-response capabilities during his first three years in office. Health care providers are receiving more training to diagnose and treat uncommon symptoms. The American people are fortunate to have the best health care in the world, thanks to this administration’s efforts. That includes emergency care and the ability to respond to a crisis, as we evidenced yesterday.”

  “A follow-up?” asked Acosta.

  “Sure, go ahead.”

  “Initially, there were reports that this was terrorist related. Of course, we now know this particular incident was not, but the question still needs to be raised. Are our public health surveillance systems sensitive enough to detect the early signs of a terrorist-induced outbreak?”

  Sandoval bristled. First question and they were already off the script. He’d punish Acosta for this later. “Jim, the President has made significant efforts to combat terrorism and improve national readiness for all threats, including bioterror. While hospitals and clinics lack the space, equipment, and medications to treat all scenarios, we’ve made great strides in our preparedness.”

  Sandoval surveyed the room. Somehow Jonathan Karl had gotten pushed to the second row of seating. Sandoval was sure he was pissed about it too. He pointed toward his old friend. “Jonathan Karl, ABC News.”

  “Steven, you mentioned medications in your response. Can you assure the public that there will be sufficient pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for use in a public emergency?”

  “Absolutely, and this is another one of the hallmarks of this presidency. Through this President’s efforts at streamlining the budget expenditur
es at the CDC, the Strategic National Stockpile maintains the largest quantity of life-saving supplies in its history. By refocusing the CDC’s efforts on responding to large-scale emergencies rather than programs that should be left to the purview of individual states, we have the capability, in the event of a bioterror attack, for example, to organize a scalable response to protect our citizens.”

  Sandoval pointed back to a female reporter in the first row.

  “Hallie Jackson, MSNBC. Sir, some are saying that this entire event could’ve been avoided had the representative of the CDC not created an air of rancor by her attire. Many news outlets are even suggesting that she made the arrangements for this poor man with acute bronchitis to be present. What do you know of Dr. Hagan, and do you feel she is responsible for the events of yesterday?”

  Sandoval couldn’t suppress his slight grin. He could always count on MSNBC to tee it up for him. “Dr. Hagan is a highly respected epidemiologist with the CDC and has followed in her mother’s footsteps as she rose through the ranks to her current position. Unfortunately, Dr. Hagan has a flair for the dramatic. The business of running our government and its primary goal in protecting the American people doesn’t have room for grandstanding and showmanship. We’re not exactly sure what the good doctor’s intentions were in creating this spectacle, but she should evaluate whether the false emergency created was worth it.”

  Jackson continued. “Steven, she is the daughter of Major General Barbara Hagan, the former head of USAMRIID. General Hagan was accused of creating the Ebolamania crisis. Now her daughter, Dr. Hagan, has been labeled the creator of Pandemic Pandemonium. Would you care to comment on whether there was coordination between mother and daughter prior to yesterday’s testimony? Perhaps even a political motivation?”

  Sandoval nodded and allowed Jackson’s question to sink in to the members of the press corps and the viewers on every news network around the world. “I cannot speculate as to their intentions, political or otherwise, but I will say this on behalf of the President. America is open for business. We are starting the Olympics in a few days and it will be a great event. Our nation’s trade deals are starting to show successes, as imports are on the rise. Our tourism numbers are skyrocketing because of the improving economy. The President wants to be clear to foreign visitors and those who want to make the United States their home. As they say, come one, come all. We welcome you to America with open arms.”

  Chapter 6

  Day Twenty-Nine

  The Hunter Residence

  Lake Barcroft, Virginia

  Hunter and Mac rode in silence as they listened to the news coverage of the Rayburn building incident on WTOP news-talk radio on 103.5 FM. Several times, Hunter offered to turn off the coverage because he sensed Mac was getting more and more frustrated with the misleading news. This, too, will pass, he tried to encourage her, but somehow, they both knew that wasn’t true.

  Mac went straight for the oversized leather sofa in the living room, closest to the kitchen. She kicked off her shoes and dropped her briefcase on the floor with a thud. Her body language said it all as she slumped into the soft, tanned leather.

  She chuckled. “Too early for tequila?” It was 11:00 a.m.

  “Not as far as I’m concerned,” replied Hunter, who made his way to the ornate, wood-carved bar in the corner. The four stools that surrounded the bar top had hosted some of the nation’s most famous fannies from senators to future Presidents to wealthy defense contractors. Since his parents’ death, Hunter was the only person to sit at the bar.

  He poured a couple of Patron shots and quickly retrieved a lime from the small refrigerator underneath. He delivered the first of several shots to Mac, who downed it without her customary salud. There was no joy in Mudville for the home team today.

  “Mac, I don’t know what else to say that we haven’t said to each other already over the last twenty-four hours,” started Hunter. “I vote we try to relax, have a couple of drinks, or several. Maybe we’ll take the boat out for a spin. It’s not as hot as usual.”

  Mac lifted her shot glass for a refill. Hunter was pouring another round when she received a text message.

  “It’s from an unknown phone number,” said Mac. She studied the display, then laughed for the first time in a couple of days. “Oh my, it’s from Janie.”

  Unknown: Hey, it’s me. Burner phone. I’m cool like your boyfriend now.

  Mac: Hey, you. Been watching the news?

  Unknown: Yeah, but they made us turn it off in the cafeteria and break rooms. Personnel sent an email memo telling us not to watch.

  Mac: I’m getting creamed in the media.

  Unknown: Who cares? They suck anyway. You need to check your emails.

  Mac: K

  Unknown: The douche bag wants you in his office at 9.

  Mac: Is he pissed?

  Unknown: Two words. Pandemic Pandemonium.

  Mac: Really?

  Unknown: It’s everywhere. Right next to your pic.

  Mac: Should I color my hair? LOL.

  Mac laughed to herself and Hunter tried to see the conversation. Whatever lifted her spirits, he wanted to encourage more of. Perhaps the second shot would make her feel better.

  Unknown: Not a bad idea. Listen, this was mission accomplished. The worldwide outbreaks are now part of the media conversation.

  Mac: I suppose. See you in the a.m. Thanks, Unknown! LOL!

  Mac set her phone on the table. She picked it up again to open her mail app, but then dropped it again with a visible shrug.

  “I love my Janie doll.” She laughed as she reached for Hunter’s hand. He sat next to her on the sofa and she rested her head on his shoulder. They sat close to one another, staring at the blank television monitor.

  “I have to catch a flight to Atlanta,” she started. “Baggett wants me in his office at nine.”

  “Do you wanna leave tonight?” asked Hunter.

  “No way! I wanna stay with you. I’m sure there’s an early flight I can take in the morning.”

  “Sure, there are several, but you’re kinda awnry in the morning, if you don’t mind me stating the obvious.”

  “Perfect, when I meet with Baggett, I wanna be.”

  *****

  Mac and Hunter showered, took a nap, and never turned the television on all day. She found Contagion on pay-per-view and they watched while eating pizza. Throughout the movie, she was pointing out the mistakes made in the editing and story.

  At one point, Dr. Cheever, played by Laurence Fishburne, made several mistakes, including understating the mortality rate of the Spanish flu and utilizing maps that misidentified geographic locations.

  The point that Mac made from explaining these goofs was the effect on the public’s perception. In Contagion, the disease was highly lethal, affected a very large number of people, and was described as having a short incubation period.

  Using the pneumonic plague strain as an example, Mac pointed out that in reality, an infectious disease must have a long incubation period to facilitate a sustained transmission. This was what was unique about this strain of the plague under investigation. The incubation period was almost twice as long as the strains existing in nature. The genetic modification was remarkable.

  “Mac, I know this is going to cause you some problems, but they need to look at the entire picture. We are facing a deadly strain of plague that may very well be spread through bioterror agents. This is a ticking time bomb that transcends politics and bureaucratic turf wars.”

  “Pandemic Pandemonium, Hunter,” she muttered her reply. “They’re blaming me. Janie thought I accomplished my goal of raising awareness. Frankly, I think it will have the opposite effect. Once the news cycle moves on to something else, like the Olympics or the Kardashians, health care providers will not diagnose the plague, or similar infectious disease, for fear of being labeled the next Dr. Mackenzie Hagan.”

  Hunter shook his head. “Maybe. Listen, I don’t want to wish this on our country, but something
will happen that proves you to be right. You will be vindicated.”

  “Yeah, in the meantime, I’ll be fired, homeless, and hungry. Say, billionaire Batman, can I have a job as your butler? I’ll wear one of those French maid costumes. But if you start ringing a bell to summon me, I’ll beat you with it!”

  “No doubt,” said Hunter, laughing. A text message came to his iPhone, interrupting their moment of lightheartedness.

  “It’s a 9-1-1 from Jablonik. 7:00 a.m. sharp for me.”

  “Duty calls?” asked Mac.

  “It appears so,” he replied. “Listen, duty called you yesterday and you did the right thing. Please don’t second-guess your approach. People need to be warned. Let them decide how to deal with the information. I’m a big believer in transparency when it comes to protecting the public.”

  “That’s what our job is at the CDC,” added Mac. “I wish the President understood that a lack of transparency results in distrust and makes people even more insecure. Sure, honesty will make people feel vulnerable. By being honest, they might be able to prepare themselves for when this plague spreads around the country.”

  “So we agree,” said Hunter. “If you get demoted or fired, you still did the right thing. I mean, it’s not the end of the world, right?”

  “No, it’s not. I think I have a pretty good idea of what that will look like.”

  Chapter 7

  Day Thirty

  CDC

  Atlanta, Georgia

  Mac’s Delta flight arrived early from Dulles. Janie offered to pick her up at Atlanta Hartsfield for the forty-five-minute ride into the CDC, but Mac elected to take MARTA instead. During the ride in, Janie filled Mac in on the latest outbreak numbers.

  Since her last update three days ago, more deaths had occurred in the previous outbreak regions and now new cases were being reported in the Far East. Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Beijing were especially hard hit. Nothing had been reported in Russia, but the Moscow government was not typically cooperative in such matters unless it suited them geopolitically.