Paul Kirk - Devastation Point

One or two cats also reported to have H5N1, and the WHO says more research is needed on transmission to other mammals, he said.

The U.S. government hopes to test 75,000 to 100,000 live or dead birds this year, a significant increase over past years, with the effort focused on Alaska, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture officials.

“Some of the challenges we face are now really quite dramatic and call for a lot of technical expertise,” Nabarro said.

For example, the FAO reported in September that wild birds are able to carry the H5N1 strain while remaining asymptomatic, yet swans in Western Europe are dying from the strain and nobody knows why, he said.

Nabarro said an international conference on wild birds will be held in June and will hopefully include the results of research now under way. The next major international review of global bird flu efforts will also be in June, he said.

“Betcha didn’t think the Sickness would go airborne, did ya? Betcha you didn’t think it would mutate into several deadly strains and end up floating in water and air for everybody’s pleasure, now did you Dr. Nabarro?” mumbled Amanda.

She scooped another spoonful of omelet; deep in thought at what the United States and United Nations could’ve done different to prevent the devastating pandemic. Cody’s soundless approach made her flinch.

“Whatcha reading?”

“Oh, umm… the owners of the house, the Pattersons, were avid followers of the Cuckoo Flu. They have a whole drawer of this stuff, all in chronological order.

“What’s it say?”

Coming near, Connor put a hand on Cody’s shoulder. “It says a whole lotta people might die. And guess what? They were right. I’m told—”

Voices from the back room of the home made all three turn to peek inside the window. Marty did the same through the screen door from his spot on the porch steps. Expecting to see Roger exiting the bedroom, they were surprised when Rhonda strolled down the long hallway toward the front rooms, clean and dressed in a lightweight brown sweater atop faded blue jeans. But, it was her brilliant brown eyes that captivated. Quickly, Cody opened the screen door and entered. Connor and Amanda followed, ready to say hello. Marty stayed seated on the porch steps, finding it difficult to put down his third plate of food.

“Damn, look at her, Mac,” whispered Amanda.

“I see it.”

Like Cody, Rhonda’s eyes had a fierce luster that demanded attention; there was a shimmer of energy that Connor and Amanda had not noticed the night before.

“Hello.”

Rhonda stood tall, like Amanda, but more thinly built and older, about thirty-five or so. Her auburn brown hair fell around her heart-shaped face to shoulder-length in soft curls, combed of all tangles. Barefoot, she moved with a smooth confidence toward her son, the bright red bruises on her face and neck evident, but well tended and the swelling of her left cheek had lessened considerably. Gently, she grasped Cody’s face in her hands, kissing his forehead.

“Thank you, Cody, for saving us.”

“Momma… are you… okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, now.”

Rhonda politely scrutinized the man and woman next to her son. “Cody, please introduce me to our new friends. I’m afraid I wasn’t at my best yesterday when introductions were made.”

Rhonda held Cody and reached out her hand to Connor, who took it. Marty, sensing something happening inside slipped in the screen door, carrying his plate of food. Still in his skivvies, he shoveled food into his mouth in large spoonfuls but, after seeing Rhonda, he absently lowered the spoon onto the plate.

“Mom, this is Mister Connor Mac. He saved us, not me. And this is Amanda, she helped too.”

Hearing the front door, Cody glanced over his shoulder.

“And that’s Marty. They all helped.”

Rhonda took a small step closer, locking eyes with Connor. Her hand was warm and soft in his grasp. She smiled. “Thank you, Connor Mac. Thank you, Amanda and Marty. I owe you each a debt of deep gratitude.”

“You okay ma’am?” asked Connor.

“I am now. Thank you again.”

Rhonda turned to face Amanda. Smoothly, she released Connor and took her hand.

“And you, Amanda… so young. Thank you.”

“My pleasure, ma’am.”

Rhonda turned, catching sight of Marty.

“Marty… thank you as well.”

“You’re welcome, Rhonda. And, ah… please forgive my dress.”

Rhonda laughed gently. “I’ve seen a fine man before in his underwear, Marty. It comes as no surprise.”

Blushing, Marty quickly sought his clothes near the window.

“Come in!” answered Colonel Starkes to the knock at her door. “What can I do for you, major?” she asked, looking up from studying the local maps.

“Phoenix Justice is at the front entrance, ma’am. He’s brought an eight-man crew of heavily armed men on horseback. Phoenix and another man, probably Larry Reed, are on foot near a golf cart.”

“It’s a little early, isn’t it, major?”

“He waited for first light.”

“That makes sense. Status?”

“He’s placed five snipers in the expected locations and positions. Lieutenant Daniel reports that they’re nicely equipped and appear to know what they’re doing. Three others are placed in adjacent buildings; the lowest position is the fifteenth floor of the building across the street. They are positioned very close to what we predicted, colonel. Phoenix also has a twenty-man assault team hidden near the walls of the annex for a front entry breach.”

“That’s just like you and Shamus predicted.”

“Yes, ma’am. Almost. The lieutenant said that they have two men with RPGs attached to the frontal assault team. That level of firepower surprised us, colonel—we didn’t expect it and we have to assume that they have the ordnance.”

“Wow.”

“Yes, ma’am. To be safe, we’ll need to make sure those RPGs are inoperative prior to our departure.”

“Do you have our counterstrike teams in place?”

“Yes, ma’am. Three of them as we discussed last night. They were in position prior to Phoenix’s snipers taking position. Each of Phoenix’s snipers tucked in just after midnight, but they don’t suspect that they’ve been compromised.”

“That’s excellent, major. None of ours were caught settling in?”

“Sammy had a close call, ma’am, but all are in place without tipping them off. We have a bead on each of the sniper teams targeting our position. Our infrared was invaluable last night.”

“And the rest of the men, major?”

“Two men, as ordered ma’am, are guarding Nicole and CJ. Explosive charges are installed near the entrances downstairs to take out any potential assault teams. And Captain Daubney has provided a sniper bullet trajectory for your consideration.” The major handed over several detailed drawings to Colonel Starkes. She studied them for a few moments, pleased with the proficiency of her team.

“Very well done, major. Please let the men know that I’m extremely pleased.”

“Yes, of course, colonel,” said the major, beaming with pride.

“So, we negotiate from a position of hidden strength?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. This is how we’ll play it, major. I want you to proceed with the introductions. I’ll remain out of the direct line of sight at the front entrance while you’re outside talking with Phoenix and this Larry Reed. Depending on what they do, I’ll join you if it appears friendly—I’d like it to be friendly.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You are to tell Phoenix that we are in a position to render all of his potential assaults useless. I want you to prove to him that we know the locations of all of his assault teams. At some point, I will be inside the front entrance, close enough to hear and see you, but only visible to you, Phoenix, and Larry Reed.”