by Joe Nobody
Japan was one of the more creative, broadcasting on the Gulf Republic’s frequency that they would pay each individual in Houston the grand sum of $5,000,000 each, in exchange for access to the cure so it could be administered to its own people. But only their people.
Italy was a wee bit more discreet, offering a reward of $100,000,000 to any individual who would smuggle out the vaccine.
Shortly after sunset, the exhausted diplomats began quietly leaving the building, many having secretly scheduled flights back home. Off the record, most of the ambassadors and their staffs admitted they were traveling to be with their families and countrymen while death raged across their homelands.
Governments weren’t the only desperate entities.
Corporations, from global enterprises to smaller firms, offered everything from outright bribes to lucrative partnerships that promised profits beyond imagination. One pharmaceutical company even rented aircraft, taking a huge chance at being shot down as they flew over H-town, dropping thousands of leaflets on the puzzled survivors. Each small piece of paper offered a reward of one billion dollars to the person who provided their scientists the formula for the cure.
Individual celebrities and the ultra-wealthy tried to get in on the action as well. One supermodel, discovering a slightly elevated temperature that morning, went to the internet with her proposal. She resorted to the world’s oldest profession, offering unlimited lifetime booty calls to any Houston resident, male or female, who would sneak her out a dose of the vaccine. Yachts, personal aircraft, financial rewards, and all kinds of creative barters were extended to the once shunned people of the Bayou City.
For most of the residents who were aware of such proceedings, it was insulting. Still, Colonel Taylor and the board kept security tight. “Humans aren’t perfect,” Jack informed the leadership. “Even our survivors have frailties and are susceptible to temptation. Only a handful of people know the process, and I assure you they are highly motivated not to share the cure with anyone, but we must be vigilant.”
The sunlight hurt Captain Norse’s eyes. After watching him wolf down a second bowl of rice and two MRE meatloaf dinners, Dr. Herald deemed her patient strong enough to take a walk. When she escorted the recovering officer outside, Shane’s smile beamed almost as brightly as the early morning sun.
“What a gorgeous day,” he commented after adjusting to the brightness. “When you think you’re never going to see the sky again, it gives you an entirely new perspective.”
Elissa nodded her agreement. “You’ll find a lot of things have new meaning, Shane. As you mingle with our people, their priorities have changed, their value systems will never be the same.”
“I suppose a near-death experience does that sort of thing,” he agreed.
The physician didn’t respond immediately, choosing instead to watch a group of children enjoying a schoolyard playground nearby.
With her attention diverted, Norse took the opportunity to study his doctor. While he found her physically attractive, he had to admit his feelings went deeper than just surface beauty. He was more than just a recovering patient who was enamored with his caregiver.
In recent days, he’d found himself looking forward to her visits. Waiting anxiously for her appearance, he’d occupied the time thinking of questions he wanted to ask about her personal life, topics he wanted to broach about her beliefs and outlook.
“Do you want to have a family one day?” he asked, joining her in watching the children.
“Yes, that was a goal before the Q. I came from a big family and always pictured myself having a bunch of kids.”
“Me, too,” he replied honestly. “While I only have one brother, the pitter patter of lots of tiny feet scampering around the house just seems natural to me.”
“Were you ever married?” she asked.
“No. I got caught up in West Point and then the military. I haven’t had time to work on any relationships up to now. What about you?”
“I was engaged once, right before I started my internship. I think he was a gold digger – hoping I’d make a lot of money and turn him into a kept man. When he realized it would be years and years before I actually got paid to be a doctor, he moved on to greener pastures.”
They both laughed at her story, Norse finding his normally stoic caregiver was actually human after all.
“You’ll be assigned an apartment tomorrow. Colonel Taylor told me just this morning. You’ll have to pick some sort of occupation – everybody works here. There are lots of options, everything from agriculture to working with our security forces. I’m sure you’ll find something.”
Shane experienced mixed emotions over the news, and Elissa saw them cross his face. “I thought you’d be happy to be released. At least, I expected a smile.”
“I am… I am… I was just thinking I’d miss our great conversations over saltine crackers and water.”
She laughed, flashing a warm smile. “We have talked about a lot of interesting things, Captain. I bet all the girls offer to blow your brains out.”
“I bet all the guys offer to puke all over your shoes and shit all over themselves. It’s a wonder you’ll even talk to me.”
She waved him off, a sly grin forming on her lips. “I’ve seen worse… much worse. You actually vomited with the dignity and efficiency of a proper military man, Captain.”
“Please, call me Shane… or Cap… or Norse. I feel like my rank isn’t relevant anymore. Besides, it sounds so formal on a day like today.”
They continued walking, passing by the random citizen busy with some task or errand. Everyone smiled or nodded, many uttering a verbal “Good day,” or “Wonderful morning, isn’t it?”
Occasionally, a car or truck motored down the street, a sign that humanity was alive and well in Houston, Texas. There was far more traffic than Norse expected, far less than the average U.S. city.
Something took hold of Shane’s mind, his emotions dominating reason and commonsense. He stopped mid-stride and looked at her with serious eyes. “I would like to see you, Elissa. I know you’re busy, but I’ve grown to respect you as a woman more than anyone else I’ve ever met.” He rested a tender hand on each of her shoulders, “Can we at least have dinner now and then?”
She tilted her head, a pensive look passing over her eyes. Yet, Shane noticed she didn’t pull away. “I suppose that would be enjoyable, Cap… Shane.” Then, flashing a genuine smile she added, “Yes… yes, I would like that very much.”
Relieved he hadn’t been rejected outright, Norse fought the urge to pull her close for a kiss. Too soon, he thought. No need to rush.
“There you are,” sounded a familiar voice, the couple turning to see Colonel Taylor and his brisk stride heading their way. “Out to take in this wonderful morning air, I assume.”
“Good morning, Colonel,” Dr. Herald replied.
“Captain, you’re on my agenda today. I want to get you settled in quarters and have a discussion on your future endeavors. Is now a good time?”
No, Shane wanted to say, but thought better of it. “At your service, sir, with the doctor’s leave, of course.”
“He’s still weak, but well past the worst of it. I was going to dismiss him today,” Elissa said.
“Good, good,” Taylor responded. “I hate to pull you away from this wonderful morning stroll, but things are moving quickly, and time is short.”
“I understand, sir.”
The colonel started to pivot, but then stopped as if an idea had suddenly occurred to him. He scanned the couple again, the realization of what he’d just interrupted dawning on the older man. What an idiot I am, he thought. They’re interested in each other. It’s been so long since I’ve seen anything but anger or desperation, I almost missed it. We’re going to need love, too.
With as close to a smile as the colonel could muster, he added, “Doctor, would you have the time to join our discussion? I think your input might be important to Captain Norse.”
“
Sure… why not,” Elissa said.
Instead of heading back to his office, Taylor motioned with his head. “There’s a small park just a few blocks away. Let’s have our powwow outside and enjoy the morning.”
All were in agreement, soon strolling along the sidewalk, talking as they enjoyed the scenery.
“The night you were injured was the beginning of an structured operation,” the colonel began. “The survivors of the virus had reached the point where we had organized and provided for all of our citizens. Not a cushy life by any definition, but we were well beyond the point of extinction and mass cremations.”
A nod from the colonel notified Elissa that she should continue the story. “Go ahead, Doctor. I’ve heard you state this so much more eloquently than I can.”
“It wasn’t enough, Shane,” she said in a soft, almost whisper of a voice. “Once people’s bellies were full and folks weren’t worried about dying from the virus, outrage began to consume our souls.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” Norse interjected. “Outrage at whom?”
“At the people who had imprisoned us!” she replied with more anger in her voice than intended.
The outburst resulted in the trio hiking the remaining short distance to the park in silence, a nearby bench drawing them to take a seat.
Elissa seemed to struggle with staying calm. Despite the effort, passion still rang in her voice when she finally continued. “It took my staff weeks to figure out the cure. We used the research performed by the CDC and several pharmaceutical giants on the original Ebola virus. They had met with some success giving new patients blood transfusions from other survivors, and we expanded on that work. Our facilities were rag-tag at best, everything from microscopes to centrifuges in short supply. About the only thing we did have were plenty of human test subjects.”
“Did you ask for additional supplies and equipment?” Norse asked innocently.
The doctor tensed as if preparing for another outburst, but she managed control. “Yes, we begged for supplies, help, additional documentation, and outside expertise. We tried cell phones, landlines, military communications… even police radios. One of our research assistants went so far as to approach the wall with a white flag and a handwritten letter. He was shot down… killed in cold blood like a rabid dog in the street.”
Norse shook his head, chasing away his own memories of the times he’d had to kill his countrymen. “And no response from the outside? The government or CDC didn’t do anything?”
She grunted, clearly disgusted. “No. What limited communication we received was more akin to a scolding than any form of assistance. We asked for samples to be processed and were told that it was ‘impossible’ for anything to be taken over the wall. When we requested additional computer power and equipment to analyze the results of our trials, we were lambasted for conducting our tests on human subjects. One of the CDC scientists even went so far as to threaten me with federal prosecution for violating the law.”
“Eventually, they simply cut off all communication,” the colonel added. “The message was clear. ‘Be quiet and die gracefully.’”
“I had no idea,” Shane said. “I don’t think most people had any clue.”
Elissa inhaled deeply, her expression changing to sadness. “We had no choice but to use simple trial and error. We gave thousands of victims various concoctions, and then sat back and observed. Not only did the volunteers suffer badly in some cases, but the process was incredibly slow. Hundreds of thousands died because of those delays. Our exile caused millions more to suffer needlessly.”
All three became quiet, the two Houston residents processing a series of horrible memories, Norse suffering chagrin and remorse at having any involvement in the affair.
It was a few minutes before the colonel cleared his throat and continued, “I know it’s hard for you to comprehend, Captain. It has to be difficult for any outsider to understand. Throughout the ordeal, during every single hour of terror, agony, misery, and grief, one consistent theme kept surfacing – liberty. Everywhere we turned, our choices were limited, our freedoms denied. We could no longer practice free speech, the government jammers prohibiting our voice. We didn’t have a free press or the right to assemble. There was no trial by our peers, and we were convicted without due process. Our punishment was inhumane. Murders, rapists, and child molesters in federal prisons received better treatment than the people of this city.”
“That’s why I offered to put a bullet in your head, Shane,” Elissa explained. “It was your choice… your decision… your freedom. Here, for the survivors, that freedom has a new meaning… a new priority. As a result of our experiences, we now place individual liberties above all else.”
“We now look at the U.S. government in the same light as Americans viewed the old Soviet Union during the Cold War. To us, Washington’s brand of democracy isn’t much different than communism – a totalitarian state that denies its citizens basic, inalienable rights.”
Norse’s head snapped up, the colonel’s words registering as harsh. “I don’t know if that’s fair, sir. Yes, no doubt mistakes were made, but that doesn’t mean the entire system is corrupt. From what I’ve seen, Americans enjoy the greatest amount of freedom on the planet. It’s not a perfect system but is about the best anyone’s come up with.”
“Tell that to the 700,000 survivors in Houston, Shane,” Elissa responded. “Try and make that point to the countless widows, orphans, and grieving parents that make up our populace.”
Before Norse could respond, the colonel waved a dismissive hand through the air. “It doesn’t matter, Doctor. We can all sit and debate this until the cows come home, and it’s not going to make any difference. We did what we had to do, and there’s no turning back now.”
Taylor shifted his gaze to Norse and continued, “We made a decision. Our people united in a cause – an unwavering determination to ensure that what was done to us never happens again. While you were recovering, we launched an attack against the United States… and the world.”
“What? How did… why did… I don’t understand, Colonel.”
Elissa continued, explaining to the ever-paling captain about the human missiles that were launched against their enemy. Norse was stunned. When the doctor recalled the colonel’s transmission to the world, Norse could no longer remain seated.
Standing as if to walk away, Shane took several steps and then pivoted to face the bench. It was clear he was struggling to maintain control. Finally, after several deep breaths, he barked, “Do two wrongs make a right? Are you people so vindictive that you would kill billions of innocents just to ease your own suffering?”
“No one has to die, Captain. We’ve offered the cure,” Elissa responded.
“Yes… yes you did,” Norse stammered, “But at what price? You basically offered the entire planet the choice of surrender and life, or self-determination and death.”
“I disagree. We offered both life and self-determination,” replied Elissa coldly. “Our demands were quite clear and would serve to liberate the entire population of the earth to the standards we now enjoy.”
The doctor’s counterpoint took Shane off guard, her logic making his head spin with multiple layers of controversy. But the colonel wasn’t done.
“Now you have choices, Captain. You can join our cause and help us achieve our goal, or you can try to return to your unit, or you can choose another occupation and stay here in Houston. We mean what we say, practice what we preach. While I suggest you take some time to think about it, ultimately, the choice is up to you.”
The colonel rose, signaling the conversation was over. After bowing slightly to Elissa, he looked at Norse and said, “Good day, Captain. I’ll await your decision.”
Elissa and Shane watched as Taylor stepped away, both of them keeping their thoughts to themselves.
“Do you still want to have dinner with me?” she finally asked.
“Yes, of course I do. I’m sorry I reacted the way I
did… you guys just rocked the very foundation of my world.”
“Come on, I’ll walk you back to the lab and sign you out. You’ve got a lot of thinking to do, and I want you to know I’ll respect your decision, one way or the other.”
Elissa offered her arm, Shane hesitating only a moment before hooking his limb and smiling. The stroll back seemed a lot longer to the Captain than the trip out.
Shane couldn’t sleep, the information now swirling around inside his head eliminating any hope of rest.
In the wee hours, he managed to boil down the dilemma, finally making his decision just before dawn.
In reality, it hadn’t been all that difficult once he removed the emotion from the equation. Pushing aside the global scope of the events surrounding him, he forced himself to dismiss the sheer scale and magnitude of the puppet strings his new neighbors were pulling.
Then it occurred that he really didn’t have all that many options. He couldn’t return to his unit – they would shoot him on sight. He didn’t have access to any communications equipment, not that he knew who to contact, or what he would say. There was no place to run or hide, even if he wasn’t quite sure what he would be hiding from.
It was also clear that Taylor and the people around him weren’t going to be persuaded from their course. At one point, exhausted and staring up at the ceiling, he understood. Anger swept through his system as he recalled being denied help and forced at gunpoint to enter what was most likely the pits of hell.
That rage soon passed, however. Yes, he’d been wronged to the extreme, but that didn’t justify the sort of actions the board and Taylor had initiated. For a moment, he wished he had arrived in Houston sooner, thinking he might have been a voice of reason as the colonel’s plot was being hatched.
No, his only real quandary ended up being what kind of work he wanted to do going forward. That simple. That straightforward. Despite Taylor’s high and mighty words about choice, he really didn’t have but one.
With still-bloodshot eyes, he found Elissa and the colonel the next morning, huddled over the latest results of the doctor’s work.
