Free Spectra's Gambit by Vincent Trigili

fairly accurate, as record-keeping at that time was excellent,” said Doctor Hawthorne.
    “True, but it is limited to reports of symptoms, correct?” asked Spectra.
    “Yes,” he answered.
    “You told us that you believe the virus had a long dormant period before symptoms set in, right?” she asked.
    “Yes,” he answered.
    “So, this model actually starts at some point after the infection has already begun spreading through the race,” said Spectra.
    “Correct, but we have no knowledge of the delivery mechanism, so that is the best we can do,” said Doctor Hawthorne.
    “Lice!” said Spectra.
    “What do you mean?” he asked.
    “Unlike most races the Cathratinairians are completely covered in fur, and therefore have to deal with an annoying parasitic bug which we call lice. My race has the same problem; these tiny little blood-sucking creatures burrow deep in your fur and breed. What if infected lice were introduced into all the major population centers on their planet? The Cathratinairians are notoriously tribal; that is, they packed themselves tightly into a few cities where lice was a constant problem,” she answered.
    “You might be on to something,” said Doctor Leslie. “Let me put a random distribution of infected lice into the computer and see what it would take to create a spread like that which occured.”
    While she worked on that I asked, “But why the rush over here?”
    “Because the Cathratinairians may be carrying infected lice, or more likely lice eggs, on them and that might cause a new outbreak of the virus,” said Doctor Hawthorne.
    “Exactly!” said Spectra. “We might be waking them up and curing them just so that they can be re-infected later.”
    “So, the bad guys infect some lice and insert it into the population centers, and the lice infect the Cathratinairians, but would that mean the lice would be killed off, too?” I asked.
    “No, they are carriers only. The virus would not infect them,” said Spectra.
    “Ingenious, really. While the virus definitely could spread through the air, having an additional infection vector of lice gives them more options. If the infection slowed down for some reason, they could introduce more lice or other carriers to help it along, especially since the virus would not be a danger for any non-Cathratinairian that might be transporting the infected creatures,” said Doctor Hawthorne.
    “It works,” said Doctor Leslie.
    “What?” I asked.
    “If I use a multi-year dormancy and put infected lice in every city, the predicted spread pattern loosely matches what the historical reports say we saw,” said Doctor Leslie. “It is a far better match than aerosol alone.”
    “Then if you will excuse me, I’d better get someone checking all the Cathratinairians for lice, and testing it for infection,” said Doctor Hawthorne.
    “Wait; start with me,” said Spectra. “Since I am covered in similar fur, and I have spent time with them, it’s possible I might have picked up some lice.”
    “Good idea, but we will have to check everyone on the station. Lice travels in human hair, too,” said Doctor Leslie as she ran her fingers through her long, full head of hair.
    “But so many people have come and gone. If the lice are carrying it, then it could be out there already,” I said.
    “Yes, which means we need to redouble our efforts at a vaccine; but before we panic, let’s see if we have a problem or not,” said Doctor Hawthorne.

Chapter Nine
    Far from where Spectra, Dusty and the others were beginning lice inspections, an older gentleman dressed in the clothes of a successful businessman was seated at a desk working on a computer terminal. The office was an ultramodern affair with view ports scattered on various walls, showing different idyllic scenes that could not all be from the same planet. The entire office had the feel of being perfectly planned out. Every piece of furniture, every plant and light seemed to be placed in precisely