Page 50 of Outbreak Protocol

"Both. The mob overwhelmed the first checkpoint, got hold of weapons, then hit the others."

"Shit. If they make it to the outer perimeter—"

"They won't. Command has authorized maximum force protocols."

Felix's hand finds mine, squeezing tight. We hurry to catch up with Santos, who seems unaware of what we've overheard.

Around another corner, we pass a larger situation room where multiple screens display news feeds and military communications. On one screen, General Morrison is speaking with several high-ranking officers, their faces grave. Though the room is soundproofed, the door has been left ajar, and fragments of conversation reach us.

"—beyond conventional containment capabilities—"

"—final options must be considered—"

"—surgical elimination of the infection vector—"

"—collateral civilian casualties unavoidable—"

Santos notices us lingering and accelerates her pace. "This way, doctors."

But we've heard enough to understand what wasn't being said in the briefing room. The military is preparing for the failure of containment. They're discussing options for neutralizing the threat that go beyond quarantine and treatment.

As we approach the childcare area, Santos receives another message through her headset. "Wait here," she instructs us, then steps away to respond.

Felix pulls me into an alcove. "Erik, did you hear what I heard? They're talking about 'surgical elimination' and 'collateral casualties.' What does that mean in military terms?"

My blood runs cold as the pieces click into place. "In a biological outbreak scenario with failed containment? It could mean targeted destruction of infected areas. Possibly aerial bombardment."

"They wouldn't—" Felix's face pales. "There are millions of civilians still in Hamburg."

"From their perspective, those civilians are already dead—either from the virus or as potential carriers who could spread it beyond containment."

"We have to find that parrot," Felix says desperately. "It's our only chance to develop a treatment before they decide to implement whatever 'final option' they're considering."

Santos returns before I can respond. "General Morrison has authorized me to share some additional information," she says, her expression grave. "The situation has deteriorated more rapidly than anticipated. Civil order has completely collapsed in several districts. We've lost contact with multiple medical facilities."

"What aren't you telling us?" I demand.

She hesitates, then speaks with military directness. "NATO command is discussing worst-case scenario protocols. In the event of catastrophic containment failure, they're evaluating all options to prevent continental spread."

"Including sacrificing Hamburg?" Felix asks, his voice barely audible.

Santos doesn't answer directly. "Essential personnel—including you two, Dr. Brennan, and key research staff—would be evacuated first. Plans are being prepared."

The implication is clear: they're preparing to write off the city and everyone in it.

"And Emma?" Felix demands. "She's on the evacuation list too?"

"As your legal dependent, yes," Santos confirms. "The child would be evacuated with you."

Felix's shoulders sag with momentary relief, but the horror of the larger picture remains. I think of the families we passed earlier, desperately trying to flee the city, unaware that military strategists are already calculating their lives as acceptable losses.

"How much time do we have?" I ask.

"That depends on containment efficacy and viral spread patterns," Santos replies. "But the decision matrix is being updated hourly. If you'll excuse me, I need to return to command. Please collect Emma and wait for further instructions."

As she walks away, Felix turns to me, his eyes blazing with a determination I've never seen before. "We need to find that bird. Now. Before they decide five million lives are an acceptable sacrifice."

I nod, my mind already calculating probabilities and mapping search strategies. "We'll need Sarah's help. And we'll need to convince Morrison to give us resources."