The Living Hunger

by Dennis F. Larsen

  The people in the room looked to one another, some shaking hands, while others hugged and shed tears. “We’ve come a long way but we still have our challenges. Without speaking the unthinkable, our physiologists have uncovered some disturbing news. As most of you are aware, they have been accepting test subjects from the local group of survivors located about 25 miles from here. They have been collecting information via interviews, blood samples, etc. As we speak, there are four test subjects living within the facility, but they have limited access. One of the subjects is pregnant, which is our primary focus today. Marty, do you have a report for us on the information you’ve been able to gather, both directly and over the wireless?” Sylvia asked.

  “Sure Sylvia, I’ve got it right here,” he said, rifling through the papers spread out in front of him on the polished table. “Here we go, we a . . . let’s see. Okay, yup, I’ve got it. This is a problem and we don’t know if it’s due to the ERAD15 or the cocktail of crap that was in the air before we could counteract it. The problem is this - people are losing the ability to reproduce, male and female alike. The sperm samples we’ve been able to test are well below what we would consider to be viable. Women, on the other hand, are still releasing eggs but rather than once a month with a normal menstrual cycle, many are doing so only every six months, if at all. I don’t have to tell you what this means for the future of mankind. If there is no reproduction, we are looking at the last generation on this earth as we know it.”

  An oriental female with shoulder-length, black hair raised her hand, waving it back and forth before she spoke, “Excuse me, but what about us? Should we be tested?”

  Sylvia intercepted the question and replied, “That’s not a bad idea.” Pointing to the young oriental woman she continued, “Will you see that everyone who is interested and of birthing years is tested and get me the results as soon as you have them?” Turning back to Martin, she inquired, “What is your best educated guess as to why this is happening and is it reversible?”

  Marty cleared his throat before answering in a bit of a subdued tone, “Vitamins.”

  “Vitamins?” Sylvia asked.

  “Yes, plain and simple as that sounds. That is the problem. The concoction of agents has adversely affected the average individual’s intestinal tract to the point that they are no longer capable of absorbing the vitamins necessary for normal cell function. This is especially true of Vitamin A, which we are seeing, in our test subjects, to be dangerously low.”

  “Well, at least we have somewhat isolated the problem,” another colleague piped up, speaking in an authoritative English accent.

  “Yes we have, but . . . ”

  The Englishman cut him off with his next thought, “Why don’t we just pump them full of vitamins? Seems like a rather easy fix, if you ask me.”

  “Wouldn’t it be though,” Marty said. ”This is where we run into problems. Our first thought was just that, so we started bombarding our test subjects, both here and in the community, with injectable and oral vitamins. We expected the numbers to go up dramatically but they did not. We saw a small rise in some of the levels, especially Vitamin D, but the retinol or Vitamin A levels were still too low for normal function.” He looked around the room; all eyes were on him, anxiously waiting his next profound statement. For a moment, the attention knocked his confidence off balance, causing him to take a deep breath and collect his thoughts before proceeding. “Okay, so we tried putting a couple of people on a vitamin rich plant diet and tested them against those eating stockpiled goods and the results were disappointing. Again, there was a small rise in physiological function, due to increased vitamin levels, but not anywhere near what we thought they should be.”

  “Okay Marty, fill us in on the report that you filed with me yesterday,” Sylvia said, reaching for the paper that she was referring to.

  “The meat study? Right, our next step was to do the same thing but this time putting the test subjects on a high protein diet with red meat as an integral part. We chose liver because we have an over abundance of this meat on hand, as none of you will ever eat it and it goes to waste.” A number of the group laughed, knowing that Marty was referring to them. “We got the results from this test just a few days ago and they are startling. Vitamin A levels returned almost to normal but the thing we don’t know is how quickly they will drop off again and we are still struggling to know if that will affect the ability to reproduce, once the levels reach normal.”

  “What about meats other than the liver?” someone questioned from the back row.

  “Good question. We wondered the same thing, so we did the test again, using an assortment of meats and although the levels did rise they were nowhere near as high as the subjects that ate the liver. There is a logical explanation. The liver is a rich source of Vitamin A, stored in a form the human body has an easier time assimilating. We don’t believe it will matter what type of liver is consumed but it seems to be the best source for dealing with the problem as it stands today. The obstacle we have is that access to large quantities of beef, and ultimately liver, is low. Some areas of the country have likely been spared and herds are still available but we’re just not sure where and in what numbers. Our own supply is dwindling, as I’m sure you’re aware. We had lockers full of fresh and frozen meat products, which are coming to an end. The local populace has been trying their best to secure a stable form of meat with mixed results. We will keep you posted on those advances.”

  “Thanks Marty,” Sylvia said, once again taking control of the meeting and addressing the group. “Let me summarize where we stand and what we need to do. The population is effectively sterile as we speak. We have seen some pregnancies but no viable births in some time. Vitamins are the key and it appears the gastrointestinal wall is the culprit. Based on the data at hand, for a body to successfully metabolize and utilize Vitamin A, it has to be taken in highly concentrated meat form, of which liver is the most successful. We know all the vitamin levels are affected but it’s retinol or Vitamin A that is causing the greatest problems. Ladies and gentlemen, it appears to me that we need to resolve the absorption issue before we can bring a balance to the natural order of things. Solve the intestinal issue and we solve the reproductive issue. Does that sound about right?” She looked around the room for confirmation or rebuttal. All heads appeared to be nodding in the affirmative. “Okay, let’s get to work. I want a solution and a delivery system before the month is out. Can you do it?” The room was quiet except for a swoosh of air, entering from the ventilation duct. “People, can you do it?” she said, with much more force and conviction.

  “We’ve done it before and we’ll do it again. I believe we’re up to the challenge. Sylvia, you can count on us,” the English fellow affirmed.

  “I know I can, so let’s get to work.” Sylvia brought her hands together in a single standing ovation, applauding in an attempt to keep from crying.

  Chapter 12

  “Mel, good to see you. I understand it’s been a pretty rough day for you as well,” Gary said, as he ushered Farrell and Mel into his office.

  “Without a doubt, one of the hardest days I’ve had since we started this rodeo,” Mel said, pulling a chair out and plopping down into it.

  “Let’s get right to it, shall we?” Gary said, sitting on the table, rather than taking a seat. He motioned for Farrell to sit next to Mel and retrieved a pen and pad of paper.

  “Farrell, if you could bring us up to speed on our visitors.”

  The Security Chief went on to explain the somewhat friendly visit from Don Bullock, stressing the threatening overtones. “I don’t think we have much to worry about right now but I can see that we’ll have to deal with him, on one level or another, sometime in the future. He’s got a lot of firepower, men and territory. He should have more resources than we’ll ever have, so I hope that keeps him away. On a brighter note, I was pleased with the way everyone responded today. We could see them coming from a long ways off and we had plenty of time to pr
epare, but all in all, our rag-tag bunch could have done much worse.”

  “What’s our next step with Bullock?” Mel asked.

  “I don’t think we do anything other than keep our perimeter closed and continue to stockpile the things we need. Rod and I are headed out in the morning to clean out a basement full of stuff he found the other day and I have an idea for some more weapons and ammunition. While we’re on the subject of resources, where do we stand with our crops and animals?” Farrell replied.

  Gary jumped down from the table and took a binder from his desk, quickly thumbing through the pages and finding the information he was looking for. “Eight cows, 41 chickens, 13 pigs, unless Betty gave birth today. I haven’t heard from anyone at the pens to confirm those numbers but that was the tally, as of last night. We’ve been lucky with the animals and could use some more but I’m afraid most of the domestics are just scattered carcasses by now. Wild game is an option but I’m not a hunter. What are your thoughts, Farrell?”

  “Do you think they’d be safe to eat?” Farrell inquired, looking at Mel. “We’ve discussed this before and ruled it out, too much risk.”

  “I think the passage of time is in our favor. Animals that were significantly affected by the fallout are dead by now. Those that have survived will be hardier, however, we should try to limit ourselves to the younger, smaller specimens. There will be less likelihood that they have physiological issues that would effect us,” Mel responded. She brought the pen to her mouth and tapped on her front teeth a couple of times, looking up at the ceiling before she continued, “I can’t see that they’d be any different than the stuff we’re raising and eating here. The only difference is they are probably utilizing surface water and we’re using water from the well. If the water isn’t killing the game, then I would think we’d be okay. This ties in with what I need to discuss, but let’s address all your concerns first.”

  “Thanks Mel. Farrell, let’s get some of our better shots together and try to round up some fresh game. We need to have a good estimate of what has survived and in what numbers. We’ll need an idea if that can be any kind of supplement to our food supply. As for the crops, well, you’re seeing the same thing I am. We’re lucky that the water supply is stable, otherwise we’d really be in a world of hurt, but the plants are struggling. The soil has certainly been affected, but what do we do? We have to eat and the store room isn’t getting any fuller.”

  “Okay Chief, I’ll get a couple of guys out hunting right away and we’ll see what we can do about another source of food. A couple of days ago I saw some asparagus growing along the ditch banks just north of here. Might be nice to have something different for a change.”

  “Last thing for you, Farrell. I’ve given this quite a bit of thought and this Bullock character has really got me worried. My question is this; if we are attacked, what kind of chance do we stand? I know you’ve set up barriers with the cans and other defensive measures but I’m more concerned about the people. Do you think Cory, Allan or any of the team you’ve trained, is really capable of drawing down on another human being and pulling the trigger?”

  “I have to hope they would. I’ve seen men, tougher than this bunch, turn and run in the heat of battle, but young boys like Cory stand . . . ” Farrell paused and looked into his hands, thinking of the boys and men he’d served with in Korea. “Boys like Cory, standing against dozens, even hundreds, as the Koreans poured across the battlefield with bloodlust in their hearts. They’ll do what they need to for friends and family. I trust we’ve taught them well.”

  “Me too,” Mel and Gary replied in unison.

  “Okay, I’ll trust your word on that. Mel, what happened with Allison? I take it, things did not go well.”

  “I’m afraid not. She gave birth to a baby boy, lots of thick, black hair but lungs were underdeveloped and couldn’t breathe on his own. The baby lived a short time and then passed peacefully in his mother’s arms. I think she was prepared. I don’t know how or by what means but she took the death with a strength and resolve that I’ve not seen before. It almost felt like there was somebody or something in that room with us. Look at that,” she said, pointing at the goose bumps that had suddenly risen on her arms. “Just gives me shivers thinking about it now.”

  “How is she? I mean physically, is she going to be okay?” Gary asked.

  “Oh yeah, no problem. She’ll be sore for a few days and we’ll have to bind her breasts so the milk dries up quickly but other than that she’ll be fine. I’d be more worried about her psyche. She’s endured a great deal of hardship in the past year and it could be a problem, depending upon how she chooses to handle it. Farrell, I have to tell you though. I have a new found appreciation for your little brother. He’s as fresh and naive as they come but he’s a trooper and I know he’ll be there for Allison. I hope they realize how lucky they are to have found each other under these circumstances.”

  “Thanks Mel, he’s certainly all that. Comes from good stock,” the older Jenson responded.

  “I know that’s true, Farrell, sure enough, I know that’s true,” she said, smiling at the Security Chief.

  “So Mel, what do you think is the cause of this?” The Community Chief prompted the medical officer for further answers.

  “I have to tell you, I’m puzzled. We’ve not had a normal birth since this began. It has to be tied to the contaminants. Even though we seem to be healthy, there is something that is happening, not just to the pregnant women, but all of us. Slowly but surely our bodies are changing. I’m seeing it in myself. You’ve probably noticed it, as well, but we just put it off as anything but what it really is. That child was deformed, much more than just the lung issue. I’ve seen similar births, while serving in Africa, but never to this extent. Most of the cases were due to malnutrition and vitamin deprivation. The kids were born blind, with skin disorders, deformed limbs and organs either underdeveloped or non-existent.”

  “The thing I don’t understand with Allison is this; I had her taking four times the recommended dosage of vitamins, with the same outcome as the birth we had a few years ago. This child was in worse shape than that one, so it leads me to believe that whatever is wrong, is compounding and additive. Like I said, we’re all getting worse but just don’t see it or feel it.”

  “What do you mean, you’ve noticed it yourself?” Gary asked, with a recognizable tone of concern in his voice.

  “At night. I’ve noticed it at night only. I’m practically night blind. It started about a year ago. I noted some trouble with picking out text in dim light and it’s progressively gotten worse, to the point that I don’t trust myself walking around in poor light. I run into stuff and heaven forbid that I should ever have to shoot at a target at night. It has to be related to the vitamins. Has to be. There isn’t anything else that would bring that on and it makes sense. I’ve done some digging in the library and a normal person can store about a years worth of Vitamin A in their liver before it starts to deplete and cause problems. Sometime over the past three years our systems have started to use up the balance of Vitamin A that we had as a reserve. If we aren’t rejuvenating that supply, it eventually is gone and our bodies start to show the adverse effects; night blindness, infertility, immune system deficiency, and the list goes on and on. Most of these are related to Vitamin A, as it’s such a key ingredient in how our bodies operate, but it goes for all the vitamins,” Mel reasoned.

  “I still don’t understand why it doesn’t help to take the oral vitamins that we’ve got in storage. I mean, realistically, we’ve probably got enough vitamins to last this many people a hundred years,” Gary said, a perplexed look crossing his face, as he glanced back and forth between his friends.

  “Yeah Mel, any ideas?” Farrell chimed in.

  “The only thing, I can imagine, is that our bowels aren’t doing their job. It’s not really in the stomach where this process takes place but rather in our intestines. I don’t have to tell you guys how often we are battling diarrhea with
this crew. On a weekly basis I’m handing out Imodium ‘cause somebody’s got the galloping trots. Whatever we’re breathing, eating or drinking, is destroying our ability to absorb the nutrients we need to survive, whether from our food or pills. It would eventually kill us, a very slow, withering away kind of death but the bottom line is, we have no way to repopulate. Effectively we are sterile, gentlemen. Doesn’t matter how virile you think you are, these chemicals have just pulled the rug out from underneath your mojo, so to speak.”

  “Well, that’s not very good news, now is it?” Farrell said, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. “So why is it different for the animals? We’ve had one cow give birth and the chickens seem to do okay. Betty is about to have piglets, so why us and not them?”

  “Nope, it’s not good news and why are we affected and the animals are not? I can’t answer that, other than to say, our physiological and chemical make up is just different enough from theirs that the contaminants are affecting us in a more adverse way. Earlier when you were talking about doing some hunting, I had a thought. We need to try another source of Vitamin A, right?”