Page 33 of The Presidents Shadow

“THERE IS AN extraordinary situation in Australia that its government does not have the ability to deal with. That’s where we come in.”

Dr. Anna DaSilva explains. Slowly, carefully, as if she’s teaching a child in first grade.

“It is a new, never-before-seen virus. It is Ebola-like in its effects, but it has no known precedent in the medical world. And despite its similarities to Ebola, its chemical architecture is entirely different. That’s one of the many baffling components.”

Dr. DaSilva goes on to explain that the virus, whose current shorthand name is the Austravid virus, was restricted to a small rural area twenty miles outside the city of Perth, Australia. Now the virus is moving toward the city itself and will likely reach beyond Perth, even beyond Australia.

“There are two things you need to know. First of all, this disease causes deaths that are more painful than those caused by Ebola or COVID. In the early stages, black pimples, bruises, and scabs form on the victims’ skin.

These areas crack open to become large craters of brownish-black blood that ooze and send the patients into screamworthy pain.

No amount of hydromorphone or fentanyl variations can ease the suffering. ”

Even with my prior study of science and medicine, I am stunned by this information.

“And the second thing you want to tell me?” I ask.

“At the moment we cannot trace the source to any animal or botanical substance. No pig. No wolf. No horse. And, by the way, I’ve heard all the inappropriate gallows humor about koalas and kangaroos.”

I don’t even smile.

“As a result,” I volunteer, “we must assume that this virus is man-made.”

Dr. DaSilva silently nods.

I decide to address the one point that Anna DaSilva has not mentioned.

“Doctor, do you think that this Austravid is related to the natural disasters that are plaguing the Earth?”

She answers quickly. “I am impressed that you don’t think the connection is impossible. Most people do. But the fact is, we simply do not know. That’s why President Townsend and I want you and your colleagues involved.”

Now would be a perfect opportunity to tell her of my extreme dislike for President Townsend (not to mention his hatred for me), but that feels petty and foolish at the moment.

For the first time in this conversation I notice that her soothing schoolteacher voice has transformed into an efficient businesslike demeanor.

“The government will fund a research investigation on your part. It’ll be you, me, and your chosen team in Australia. I hesitate to say that money is no object, but it really isn’t. Will you do it?”

The assignment is over-the-top dangerous.

Should I do it? Can I do it? There is just one person who can help me decide.

One person who is wise, thoughtful, and totally devoted to my vision of what the world should be like.

I need advice. As soon as I disconnect from DaSilva, I ask that person for advice.

“Of course you’ll do it,” Margo says.