So, the computer wanted to get moving. Ivan still wasn’t sure what side of the fence he was going to stand on, but sitting here wasn’t advancing his position. Having the computer take over would be worse. It was time to shake the tree a little. He’d opened up to Dr. Kemp in a moment of weakness, but that could be useful. The doctor would be used to the idea of being confided in, and a few hints here and there in conversation might get a reaction of some kind from the establishment. Ivan felt a stab of guilt at using the doctor that way, but pushed it away. He had few options.

But one thing was sure—this path was one-way. Once he embarked on this plan, there was no going back.

He grabbed his tablet and set it in front of him. It was time to start preparing Judy for the inevitable. He opened his email app, and started to type.

50.Summary of Findings

50.Summary of Findings

The conference table held carafes of coffee and juices, muffins, several fruit plates, and other goodies. ICDC staff members wandered around, loading up their plates and engaging in animated conversations. Samuelson sat in a corner, his plate heaped with baked goods. No one would even try to talk to him until he’d put away his first helping.

Madhur Narang sat back in her chair, the glow of hot tea suffusing her consciousness. There was a definite feeling of celebration in the room. She wondered if the feeling was justified. They hadn’t actually cured anything or anybody. On the other hand, it hadn’t actually been a disease. She felt bad about Ivan in particular. They had no resolution for him, and no real hope to offer.

Narang tapped her cup with a spoon until conversation died and people took seats.

“All right, everybody. This has been an odd, odd case, but it’s winding up now. We’ve cleared all the crew to leave quarantine—and, incidentally, cleared ourselves…”—laughter greeted this aside—“…and there is no indication of any danger of further infection.

“The one remaining case, Ivan Pritchard, is no longer considered emergent, and there’s considerable doubt about whether he’s even contagious in any real sense. In any case, the military has stated its intention to keep him isolated for the foreseeable future, which takes it out of our hands.”

Dr. Samuelson spoke up. “That does seem to be treading rather heavily on Pritchard’s rights.”

“Considerations of public safety do allow for forced quarantine. I have signed a statement on behalf of the ICDC to the effect that such a situation exists, in this case.” Dr. Narang shook her head. “I’m not happy about it, believe me, but I see no alternatives. It’s a given that we won’t be curing Mr. Pritchard.”

“So you’re just handing him over to the military, like some kind of tribute?”