Free Extermination Day by William Turnage

refueled in the air, but there are no other planes running. So the nearest and best option for us is to land at a secure base in the mountains of West Virginia. The base is located about a half hour from the airport, underground at the Greenbrier Resort. The base has a full decontamination facility as well as food, fresh water, clean air, and space for housing all of us for months.”
    There were sighs of relief and smiles from most everyone, along with exclamations of “Thank God!”
    “There is a problem, though,” Paulson said, holding his hands out to settle the group. “We have to get to the base. The CDC informs me that the air is still filled with the deadly nanovirus. Anyone coming in contact with it, either breathing it in or through skin contact, will become infected. Once infected, death occurs in less than an hour. On board we have enough gas masks for everyone, which will filter the virus from the air as you breathe it. But . . . ” He looked over the anxious men and women hanging on his every word, studying their faces, hating to destroy their hope. “But we only have eight full biohazard decontamination suits to guard against skin contact.”
    Several people gasped, and murmuring rustled through the group. Someone started to sob.
    “These suits were designed to protect the wearers from nuclear fallout or an extreme biological weapon attack, so they’ll keep the virus out. Each is also equipped with the latest Med-AI system to monitor vital signs and provide medical care as needed. For the sake of the continuation of the United States government, it’s been decided that I and the Secretary of State will each get a suit. Two other suits will go to senior security officers, Colonel Steve Demetrius and Special Agent Dante Jones, who will be able to protect all of us. Another suit will go to the chief physician on board, Dr. Rosemary Peebles. For the remaining three suits, I have decided that everyone else will draw straws. The three shortest will get the bio-suits.”
    “You’re going to leave the rest of us to die!” yelled out one woman.
    Paulson turned to Dr. Peebles, who was standing close to him, and nodded to her. “No, we are not, but Dr. Peebles can give you more information,” he said.
    Dr. Peebles cleared her throat. “You can protect your skin from exposure for a short time by dressing in multiple thick layers of clothing and covering all exposed skin. If you have gloves and scarves, wear them. If you have sweaters and ski jackets, wear them as well. Wear socks on your hands if you don’t have gloves. Those of you with extra clothing in the main compartment, please lend some to others who may not be so fortunate. All the luggage stored in the baggage area has been contaminated and cannot be used.”
    “I only have this suit, no winter jacket, no gloves,” yelled out one man.
    “Me too,” said another.
    “I’m wearing a skirt and don’t have any long pants or even a jacket,” yelled out a woman in panic.
    Paulson stepped forward again. “The military personnel on board will help with the sorting of clothes. I suggest you lay everything out in a pile and those without proper cover will be given something.”
    “Is that going to be enough?” Richard, the Speaker’s aide, asked. “Can a jacket really keep the virus out while we drive to this base?”
    Dr. Peebles nodded. “It is possible. I haven’t tested this virus, so I don’t know its specific properties, but other airborne viruses that are infectious via skin contact can be held at bay for short periods by just layering clothing. The thicker and less breathable the material is, the safer you’ll be. This means clothing made out of nylon is best and worst would be thin cotton. This is all I can tell you right now.”
    Several more from the crowd started yelling and complaining.
    “It’s the best shot you have,” Paulson said. “You can cover up as best you can and try to make it to the base alive, or you can stay here