“My fellow Americans, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, please stop and hear this message. It may save your life, or the lives of your loved ones. My name is James Marshall. Many of you know me as the Speaker of the House. Two days ago, I was sworn in as President of the United States. I’m speaking to you now because we face a threat unlike any in the history of our great nation. First, know that I bring you good news: the X1-Mandera pandemic that has ravaged our great nation and others around the world will soon come to an end. The United States, working with scientists in the international community, has developed a viable cure for the virus. The treatment also functions as a vaccine for anyone not infected.”

Inside the RV, cheers went up. Some stared in disbelief. Elliott was instantly suspicious.

“However, the best news I bring you today is that the cure we’ve developed is available right now, in your city. As we speak, the combined BioShield forces have established treatment checkpoints throughout your cordon zone. It’s important that you receive the X1-Mandera cure as soon as possible, but I also urge you to remain calm and proceed in an orderly fashion. Those committing acts of violence and disorder will be sent to the back of the line. There will be a zero tolerance policy for rioters and anyone cutting in line or preventing others from getting the cure.

“This broadcast will now switch to a local announcement that will list the X1-Mandera treatment centers in your area. That announcement will repeat.

“I wish you good luck, wherever you are. May God bless you and your family, and may God bless the United States of America.”

The RV erupted in shouting and questions. One of the neighbors pounded an empty can of beans on the counter, like a gavel in a courtroom, demanding silence. The voice on the radio was already reading the locations in the Atlanta cordon. At the words “Centennial Olympic Park,” everyone began pulling on their overcoats and moving toward the RV’s door.

Ryan was at Elliott’s side within seconds. “What do you think?”

Elliott didn’t say what he thought: that something was very wrong. Treatments for novel pathogens weren’t created overnight, or in a week. They certainly weren’t mass-produced that fast, with doses in the hundreds of millions, and distributed all over the country.

On the other hand, his wife was dying. The love of his life would be gone in hours. What do I have to lose?

“I think we need to hurry,” he said.