by Chris Hechtl
“Let's finish the downloads, process them, and then formulate the answers to the questions they'll have to hopefully stop any panic before it starts,” Admiral Irons stated.
“As a purely humanitarian response, the PR is good,” Moira said, unconsciously filling Liobat's shoes for the moment. It will look good to the people there that we're helping to save them and showing them the threat of the pirates will hurt pirate recruiting. And I'm aware of how callous I sound. But I had to get that out there. I'm still grappling with the sort of problems we're going to have with this,” she shook her head.
“We're working on it,” Doctor Kraft stated. “My people are going over the data as soon as they get it. Obviously, security is an issue.”
“Are you canceling your schedule?” Moira asked.
“No,” He replied with a shake of his head. “My staff has moved some things around, but I'm scheduled to go to Antigua the day after next to do a PR set with the back country. If I reschedule, people will ask why and connect it to Dancer.”
“The optics of you going while we're processing this might make you look callous, Doctor,” Moira warned. He shot her a quelling look. She shrugged it off. “I'm just warning you.”
“I'm aware of the risks. I'm not happy about the plagues. We need to get ahead of them in Tau obviously, and the navy needs to hunt the bastards who are spreading it down. But people are people, they are prone to panic. They'll run, which will trigger a refugee problem. It will also spread the plagues all on their own. Tau is going to be a nightmare for years to come.”
“Right.”
“We're going to set up a blockade in Airea 3, which means we'll need to reinforce the picket there,” Admiral Irons said, shooting Yorgi a look. Yorgi nodded in support. “The available hospital ships are en route as we speak. More are being constructed. We're also looking into freeing up additional ships and personnel, not to mention supplies and equipment to send to Tau.”
“And we'll have to plan for that here and abroad since the enemy might use it on us at any time,” Yorgi said grimly. “Which is going to be a problem I know. But we've got to work on it.”
“The good news is, based on the data we've got from Dancer, the vaccines we've been promoting should blunt the plagues. The initial simulations say that much at least.” He grimaced at using a SIM as a proof of concept when they all knew sims were flawed. “They won't stop them cold. There are too many permutations out there, but they will cut down on exposure. Education will as well. The sooner we get the word out, the better though.”
“Well, let us finish the download and read through and then we'll work with Liobat and your office on issuing a formal statement,” Admiral Irons murmured.
“Understood.”
~~~^~~~
Doctor Kraft had a busy schedule as the surgeon general of the new Federation. One of the things he loved to do was to visit the local medical schools. Putting the time in let him identify the next generation of doctors. It also let him get a feel for the school's curriculum and see what needed to be addressed or more emphasized.
Besides, it was good PR, and he was learning from Liobat about image. Showing people that they were doing something was important. Visiting hospitals, college campuses were far more visual than say looking in a lab's microscope at their slide collection.
One of the things all of the medical schools and colleges had was a free clinic as well as a mobile unit that went out to the poor areas. Antigua was better than 90 percent of the rest of the Federation, but they still had some back hill and remote areas.
“So, one of the biggest problems here is this,” the professor said, indicating a group of dispirited Neos’ young. The cubs looked sickly, but the puppy looked annoyed and exasperated.
“You've already diagnosed them?”
“A simple blood test confirmed it. We know the players and the playing field unfortunately,” the professor said, aware of the cameras and reporters around them. He indicated they should talk about it later though. Doctor Kraft nodded.
Once they were out of the media spotlight, the professor handed the surgeon general a file. He opened it and scanned the contents quickly as they rode to their next destination. In it he found out they had an ongoing infestation of worms. It was a problem that had been ongoing for centuries apparently, cutting some lives tragically short.
He frowned and then nodded. “You need to do a couple of things,” he said as he pulled up a list. “Education is one thing, teach them prevention and such.”
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Got it. The message doesn't stick for long. People are really set in their ways.”
“Don't give up. The second is going to be harder. You are obviously treating it, but that's systematic. We need preventive. That means vaccines and a mass inoculation program.”
“Which is where we've run into a wall. We are tapped out on funds just dealing with day-to-day issues.”
“I think we need to find the funding. Not just here but everywhere. How I don't know,” the surgeon general stated. “But along with that, cleaning, and as I said, education. Get them to recognize the problem and the methods of preventing it. That will almost solve it on their own.”
“Well, here's to hoping. But I mean it about funding. We can't get more than systematic treatment with the poor districts.”
“And that is going to have to change or they'll remain poor since their children will sicken and die. They'll remain a drain. So, we need a bit of investing. I'll work on things on my end. You work on a plan.”
“Oh?”
“Start with a test area. One school if you have to. Hit it all at once. That way they won't re-infect themselves.”
“But it only partially helps since they have siblings and parents who aren't treated,” the professor warned.
“I meant one school meaning staff, parents, students—the works.” Before the professor could object, Doctor Kraft waved a hand. “We'll get lists from the school administration when we enlist their support. And as I said, education. That includes a public awareness program. Get it out into the light and people will be forced to do something about it.”
“I don't know about that. For the record, I was protecting patient confidentiality. I didn't want to embarrass them and get a possible lawsuit for our troubles,” the professor said.
“Without risk comes no reward. And a little shame might mean they will do something on their end about it. We'll see,” Doctor Kraft said firmly.
“Just the same between you and me, I'll be somewhere else when you do that. Some of these people are big and mean,” the professor stated as they pulled into the parking lot of their next stop. It was rather full and there were lines of people waiting for treatment. “I think it is going to be a long day,” he muttered noting the turning out.
“Good,” Doctor Kraft said as he got out.
~~~^~~~
“So, now the Ptah mission is back on? I thought the priority was Tau?” Doctor Kraft stated, apparently confused by the switch up.
“It is. But by getting Ptah out there into Pi, we can make a start on vaccinating the population and hopefully blunt or stop the Horathian plagues before it spreads through there and through the galaxy,” Commodore Richards said through the ansible link.
“The problem is, we need someone senior onboard. Someone with the keys, the medical keys to handle a crisis of this magnitude. At the moment, we three are the only ones with said keys,” Doctor Thornby said. There was a few-second delay for her since she was still on the planet. Doctor Kraft and Nara were at least in the same star system. Commodore Richards was making herself known through the ansible.
“Didn't the ship launch once? And don't we have a hospital ship in Syntia's World?” Doctor Kraft asked. He was trying to walk a fine line between his civilian role and the military side. Unfortunately, there weren't any civilian hospital ships as of yet. They would come in time, if he could ever get the budget and personnel for them.
That me
ant he was reliant on the military to supply them. That was difficult given that there was a war on.
“We did. It and Florence Nightingale are on their way to Tau I believe,” Nara said with a frown. “It won't be enough. They also need escorts and support ships,” she said with a grimace.
“And those are in short supply. Plus, we've got a shortage of medics. I've got some here on ET, but they are here, not in Antigua or Airea 3,” Helen said with a shake of her head.
“We'll have to pick them up on the way to Tau. Or at least the ships going there will. That's not an issue.”
“Back to who goes?” Doctor Kraft asked. “I should be on hand to see this through. It's my job.”
“But you can't coordinate if there isn't an ansible nearby. And the medical ships will have to move fast; the ansibles can't keep up.”
“Frack.”
“I'll go,” Nara said quietly. “I'm here, available,” she offered.
“I'll go,” Helen said at the same time.
“Look, we can't all go!” Nara said in exasperation. “We need someone here, and we might need someone to go to Tau too!”
“No, no, you are right; we can't,” Doctor Kraft stated. He realized it would be between the two women.
“And you can't; you are in charge of the medical establishment for the entire Federation. That leaves one of us,” Commodore Richards stated, looking at Nara's image.
“You are the senior flag officer. I could see it going your way, ma'am. But you are in charge of the navy's medical establishment. That means this role should be delegated.”
“And you have been in charge of BUMED in one capacity or another for over a decade, Nara,” Helen replied in retaliation. “You are also deeply involved in the projects on Antigua and in the Federation, not to mention classified projects. We can't lose that knowledge. Not now.”
“So, what do we do?”
“We keep hammering at it. We'll look for people to delegate it to. The medics do not need to be in command. An administrator or a line officer can handle that as long as they are the right person who has their priorities straight,” Helen said slowly. “The three of us should probably handle things from the capital.”
“Especially since we know Tau is infected. We don't know if Pi is, but Sigma might be. And from there the pirates could hit other sectors,” Doctor Kraft said grimly.
“Exactly.”
“Frack. A series of plagues. That's all we need. Just when we're about to kick Horath's ass once and for all, now this.”
“I'd say it's a distraction, but I know Shelby. She wouldn't cry wolf,” Nara said.
“I agree,” Helen replied. “I'm hoping Tau is a testing ground. That might give us time to get our people in to blockade Horath.”
“Maybe. But we can't count on that. Which means we need a series of scenarios including a worst case one,” Doctor Kraft stated. “And I need to make some calls to push the vaccine program full tilt. Congress is going to balk at that.”
“Hopefully, the powers that be will release the information. I know they want all the information and for us to formulate a plan before they deal with the hysterics, but we need to get the word out. And public pressure would get congress on our side.”
“As long as they realize we can deal with this if we work together,” Doctor Kraft stated. “I'll talk to Admiral Irons again. This is a public emergency; one we need to get the word out there. Seconds could matter.”
“Understood.”
Nara frowned when she got an email. She opened it and noted the sender. That made a connection with their current subject, one she hadn't thought of. “I think we need to consult with some other heads,” she said slowly.
“Oh?”
“It just occurred to me that we've got a reserve of medics. They don't like using modern tech, but we can fix that in time. They'll have plenty of transit time to learn, and seeing a full planetary plague rampaging out of control will certainly force them to reevaluate their prejudices,” Nara stated slowly.
“You are talking about the Bekians I presume?” Doctor Kraft asked.
“Yes,” Nara said.
“I'd almost forgotten about them,” Helen stated.
“I did too up until a moment ago. Admiral Irons put a call up for medics from Bek through the ansible. I was just thinking, Vice Admiral Heals Quickly may have resigned but he was reinstated. This is up his alley. If we can convince him to take up the command in Pi, Tau, or Sigma …”
“We'd get the commander we need. But will he take it? We're also talking about a delay here. It will take time for him to get up to speed, not to mention here. Every second we burn means thousands, potentially tens of thousands are dying,” Doctor Kraft said.
“I learned during our recent brush with the Xeno plague here that we can't go off half-cocked,” Helen said when the trio became silent for too long. “To be effective we've got to have it together. Good leadership is important. We need him. I'll put it to Admiral Irons.”
“Understood.”
“Since he is senior to you, will he want to take your spot, Helen?” Nara asked.
“He can try. Hell, I might even let him since I've got more experience in working in a plague. We'll feel him out. And we'll get the Bekians and Nuevans rolling on their ends.”
“Agreed.”
“Admiral Irons focused on command personnel when he brought officers back to us, but there were ten medical officers who came back with him as well. Two are here in Antigua undergoing training. One is a surgeon commander; the other is a medical Captain JG. I'll look them up,” Nara said. “I wanted to pick their brains, maybe now is a good time.”
“Agreed. If the captain looks good, send him or her and don't wait on me or Heals Quickly. Hell, send them all. We'll play catch-up later,” Helen ordered.
“Yes, ma'am. I'll definitely do that,” Nara said, making a note.
“I'll call Admiral Irons,” Helen stated. “Get the Bekian thing rolling with him.”
“Should I do that since I'm here?” Doctor Kraft offered.
“It's a military thing, but I'd love for you to push for it too. With two of us, he'll push it faster,” Helen said.
“Agreed,” Doctor Kraft said, making a note. “I've got an appointment with him in two days.”
“I'll call him and see if he's free. If you could talk to him about it during your appointment as well? Sort of remind him?”
“Ah, gotcha,” the surgeon general said. “You hit him high; I'll hit him low with a reminder.”
“Tag team. Works most of the time.”
“Right. So, what else can we do here?”
“Well, we're going to draw a lot of the Tau and Pi medics from ET, Pyrax, and Antigua obviously. We'll have to shuffle some priorities around …”
~~~^~~~
Right after the conference ended, Nara looked up the Bekians. She wanted to get to them fresh, before she forgot. The electronic phone book was intuitive; it put her through to Captain JG Twitch right off.
Both Captain Twitch and Commander Okamato were in medical school taking make-up classes to fill holes in their education while they also got up to speed on their implants. From what she'd heard, both had accepted implants readily, one of the reasons the admiral had accepted them in Bek.
She was surprised when the link put her straight through to the captain. Apparently, he wasn't in class.
The Satyre blinked at her and then squinted. Apparently, her name and rank came up to his visual.
“Yes, ma'am? How can I help you?”
“Are you studying, Captain?”
“At the moment, yes. I am preparing for a class.”
“Well, that will have to wait. We have a problem. You are the senior-most medical officer I am aware of, other than me. I'll be blunt and honest; I haven't had time to pursue your records or other candidates. We are on a severe time crunch. I've got a lot of questions, but I can't do this over the comms.”
“Ma'am? I understand they are encrypted
and proprietary military?”
“Yes, but you aren't in a secure location so anyone near you can hear your end. And this is highly classified.”
“Ah. Um …?”
“I need you to meet me. You and others. I'll arrange it.”
“Ma'am, I've got classes and finals coming up …”
“Which we can deal with. You've already passed most of the classes so I'm not worried. And you shouldn't be worried about your GPA. This is important,” she said reprovingly.
“Yes, ma'am. I learned a long time ago never to argue with a flag officer. Sorry I had a lapse.”
“Good to hear. Get your ass to my office ASAP, as in yesterday.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
~~~^~~~
Twitch felt the disconnect and winced. He hated that, hated the ability of officers to intrude in his vision and hearing like that. But, it was something he had to put up with now that he had implants.
He wasn't certain if he should pack a bag but dressed quickly, checking his uniform to make sure it was clean and neat. Once he was finished, he went over across the hall to Okamato's room only to see the door open and the Neo bonobo step out, also dressed in uniform.
“I see you got tapped as well?” he asked.
“If you mean by Doctor Thornby, yes. But wait, um …”
“It's okay, Stitches, I'm going too for my sins. Hopefully, this isn't any crap about Bek.”
“I don't know. She sounded worried,” Yukia said, running a nervous hand through her hair. Unlike other apes she had human style hair. Black wavy hair she kept regulation length. She also had startlingly blue eyes, something you didn't ordinarily see in a member of her species. Apparently one of her ancestors had wanted to stand out from the crowd.
Which made the normally shy Yukia embarrassed he knew.
“Well, we'll find out when we get there I guess.”
Chapter 8
Antigua
Admiral Irons checked in on OPS and signed off on Admiral Pashenkov's orders to move pickets into Pi and Sigma to push their perimeter out. The admiral took things one step further by moving a destroyer squadron to support each blockade force. The small warships would still have problems stopping pirates and any refugee crisis they ran into, but the multiple platforms should help.
