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.“I see,” she said, neutrally.Lindsey gave her a sharp look.“Is there anything you would like to say to the readers?”“Tell them not to come in to the hospital unless they’re certain that they’re ill,” Lindsey snapped.“We keep getting people who are not infected coming in and wasting our time.And tell them to follow the Mayor’s goddamned orders about quarantine and remaining in their homes.If we could break the chain of infection, we might be able to stop the disease before we lose half of the fucking country.”On that note, the interview ended.Lindsey escorted Mija out of the building – after a pass through the UV lights and a chemical bath – and waved her goodbye.Mija looked back at the building, knowing what was going on inside the walls, and walked over to the newspaper van waiting for her.There would be another chemical bath before she could get out of the suit and back into normal clothes.And once she was back at the office.what sort of story was she going to write? How could she tell the world what was happening?The thought tormented her as the van made its way back towards the office.Her editor would want a story that would make the government look incompetent, or something that would have a hint of a scandal, for scandals sold papers.She didn't want to write such a story, for it would only spread panic.She wanted to write about hope, but what hope was there for the city? If the vaccines didn't get into New York in time, how many people would die?***“Look, I’m telling you that I have to get through,” the man said.He waved his papers threateningly, seemingly unaware of the M16s that weren’t – quite – levelled in his direction.Doug would have been surprised if he hadn't known that the soldiers were armed, but perhaps he simply believed they wouldn't shoot.“I have a very important appointment in Washington and I need to get through the blockade.”“Yes, so you said, four times,” Doug said, with as much patience as he could muster.Two days of duty on the road block hadn't endeared the duty to him, even though things were a little more organised now.The National Guard was finally sorting itself out after the chaos of the first day; now, with roving patrols and relief teams, the blockade was a great deal tighter.“And I told that unless you had an exception permit, you could not get through the blockade.”The man stared at him, clearly unused to defiance.The only people who were allowed through the road blocks, at least in theory, were military personnel who had been trapped inside the blockade when it had been declared.They would have been vaccinated and could be forwarded to their units – or, in several cases, temporarily assigned to new units.Anyone else had to wait inside the blockade, something that hadn’t gone down well with the public.The remains of several vehicles bore mute testament to several attempts to break through.“You don't know who I am,” the man insisted.“I am the Deputy CEO of.”“I don't care if you’re God Almighty,” Doug interrupted.“You are not allowed through the blockade.I suggest that you return to your home and remain there, awaiting further orders from FEMA and the CDC.I cannot.”He broke off as he heard a girl cry out.Doug was used to screaming children, picking up on their parents’ fears, by now, but there was something about it that sent warning bells off in his mind.Casually, one hand on his holster, he stepped away from the man and headed over to his car.His daughter, a girl wearing only the latest brands and fashions, seemed to cower away from him, but it was too late.The red spots on her face were all too clear.“You fucking idiot,” Doug breathed.The temptation to turn and punch the man in the face was almost overwhelming.If he hadn't had to set a good example for his men, he might have given in to temptation.He was sure that not a jury in the world would convict him.“She’s infected, you.”He broke off.“I ought to shoot you right now,” he snapped, drawing his pistol.The man suddenly cringed back, aware of the danger for the first time.“I ought to.”Doug caught himself with an effort.“Go back to the city and take her to a hospital and then do what they tell you,” he ordered.“I’ll do you one favour; I won’t take a note of your name if you go now.I have no idea what the penalty is for deliberately spreading the disease, but damn me if you wouldn't be convicted by a jury.Go!”He watched as the man drove away, shaking his head.The last message he’d had from Lindsey hadn't been very encouraging.The whole crisis was growing worse.Chapter TenWho in their right mind would expect the federal government to take care of them? Even with the best will in the world, the government is simply incapable of dealing with even a minor crisis.It exists to serve the rich and powerful; the ordinary people are lucky if they get anything out of it.It is far better to prepare for the day when disaster finally strikes than rely on the government to do anything for you.Get food, get drink, get guns.and stand up for your rights.- Jim RevellsNear Mannington VA, USADay 8The tiny farm was set well back from the road, hidden within a cluster of trees and plants.It had been years since it had been part of the national food supply, but the people who had owned it had converted it into a place that grew most of their fruits and vegetables.A small collection of chickens, a pair of sheep, a cow and four horses completed the picture of a very small farm, owned by farming enthusiasts [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]