Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from Analog Science Fact & Fiction February 1961. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.
THE PLAGUE
By TEDDY KELLER
Suppose a strictly one hundred per cent American plagueshowed up.... One that attacked only people within thepolitical borders of the United States!
Illustrated by Schoenherr
ergeant Major Andrew McCloud ignored the jangling telephones and theexcited jabber of a room full of brass, and lit a cigarette. Somebodyhad to keep his head in this mess. Everybody was about to flip.
Like the telephone. Two days ago Corporal Bettijean Baker had beenanswering the rare call on the single line—in that friendly, huskyvoice that gave even generals pause—by saying, "Good morning. Officeof the Civil Health and Germ Warfare Protection Co-ordinator." Nowthere was a switchboard out in the hall with a web of lines running toa dozen girls at a half dozen desks wedged into the outer office. Andnow the harried girls answered with a hasty, "Germ War Protection."
All the brass hats in Washington had suddenly discovered this officedeep in the recesses of the Pentagon. And none of them could quitecomprehend what had happened. The situation might have been funny, orat least pathetic, if it hadn't been so desperate. Even so, AndyMcCloud's nerves and patience had frayed thin.
"I told you, general," he snapped to the flustered brigadier, "ColonelPatterson was retired ten days ago. I don't know what happened. Maybethis replacement sawbones got strangled in red tape. Anyhow, thebrand-new lieutenant hasn't showed up here. As far as I know, I'm incharge."
"But this is incredible," a two-star general wailed. "A mysteriousepidemic is sweeping the country, possibly an insidious germ attacktimed to precede an all-out invasion, and a noncom is sitting on topof the whole powder keg."
Andy's big hands clenched into fists and he had to wait a momentbefore he could speak safely. Doggone the freckles and the unruly mopof hair that give him such a boyish look. "May I remind you, general,"he said, "that I've been entombed here for two years. My staff and Iknow what to do. If you'll give us some co-operation and a priority,we'll try to figure this thing out."
"But good heavens," a chicken colonel moaned, "this is all soirregular. A noncom!" He said it like a dirty word.
"Irregular, hell," the brigadier snorted, the message getting through."There're ways. Gentlemen, I suggest we clear out of here and let thesergeant get to work." He took a step toward the door, and the otherofficers, protesting and complaining, moved along after him. As theydrifted out, he turned and said, "We'll clear your office for toppriority." Then dead serious, he added, "Son, a whole nation couldpanic at any moment. You've got to come through."
Andy didn't waste time standing. He merely nodded to the general,snubbed out his cigarette, and buzzed the intercom. "Bettijean, willyou bring me all the latest reports, please?" Then he peeled out ofhis be-ribboned blouse and rolled up his sleeves. He allowed himselfone moment to enjoy the sight of the slim, black-headed corporal whoentered his office.
Bettijean crossed bri