Zombie Fever: Evolution by B.M. Hodges Page A

the holoscope.
    The conference room went silent, all attention now on Bertrand’s holo which was now sitting in the previously vacant seat on the opposite end of the conference table.
    Bertrand chose to forego a formal introduction. It was an unnecessary pleasantry as they had already been sent the data packet that contained details of Vitura Pharmaceuticals, including a full screening of him as head of VIRaL operations. It also held the WHO’s directive to evacuate Singapore’s leaders.
    Bertrand began. “Prime Minister Cheung, dignified Ladies and Gentlemen of the Cabinet, Generals. First of all, let me offer you my sincerest condolences for the heartbreaking circumstances that have befallen your proud and glorious country.”
    Glorious? A bit much, but they are in such a state of anxiety, I could pour on the sarcasm and it’s doubtful they would notice.
    “Please allow me to give you my take on the present state of affairs. Then we can discuss evacuation procedures. As you know, the WHO has confirmed that Singapore is suffering from an outbreak with characteristics similar to that of zombie fever, but much more virulent and deadly. The infection plaguing your country spreads far faster than anything they’ve encountered before. To make matters worse, there are no physical markers to differentiate the sick from the healthy. It’s only their overly violent and aggressive behavior, their crazed hunger for flesh and the accompanying rage associated with that need that sets them apart.”
    Bertrand continued. “Tragically, at the rate of transmission occurring across your country, it’s just a matter of time before this new form of zombie fever spreads from your borders, if it hasn’t done so already. The WHO has come to the decision that containment outweighs the need to save those Singaporeans who haven’t yet succumbed to the virus. Like Guangzhou and Hetang Island, the population of Singapore will have to be sacrificed to stop this potential global killer.”
    He paused while they gathered themselves, some Ministers were weeping openly, and others stared vacantly ahead.
    Prime Minister Cheung, however, was resolute. “We’ve examined the directive, Mr. Bertrand. We are well aware of the final decision. But Singapore will not go down without fighting. As we speak, our UN representative is appealing for a stay of the order’s execution. There is no evidence these riots stem from an outbreak of mutant zombie fever. There isn’t even any evidence of a new strain of IHS. The first indication of street violence occurred less than twelve hours ago. We are requesting another twenty-four hours for assessment and to give us time to get the situation under control and minimize casualties to our people. The nuclear decision doesn’t have to be the only option. Our military is up to the task.”
    There were two Royal Navy nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines in the South China Sea ready to launch at 0600. Bertrand had orders to steer his ship clear of the blast zone at least one hour before or risk being caught in fallout.
    Bertrand gave the Prime Minister his most sympathetic look. “Dear sir, if it were up to me, you’d have as much time as you need to get the situation under control. Unfortunately, it’s not my call. My orders are to evacuate you and your families as soon as possible. There’s not a chance the WHO will back down from an order of this magnitude. Please let me help in the only way that I can. This is your only chance to leave the country. There is no other way out of Singapore. The blockade has orders to destroy any vessel leaving your country and air travel would be equally foolish, what with the satellite missile platforms now positioned directly overhead.”
    Prime Minister Cheung’s determination turned to understandable anger, “Mr. Bertrand, we will not abandon our people. The world may have turned its back on our plight, but that doesn’t mean we will cower and run. We are