Thriller
Description
Vocal Characteristics
Language
EnglishVoice Age
Young Adult (18-35)Accents
North American (General)Transcript
Note: Transcripts are generated using speech recognition software and may contain errors.
Chapter two. Dr Madeleine Hambleton, Director of special projects with the Centers for Disease Control, studied the disturbing before and after satellite images of Nala Wally Island. She couldn't reconcile the difference between the photos in the first set. The south shore was calming shades of turquoise, meeting white sands, then bright emerald green vegetation. In the subsequent images, a ravaged brown mess replaced the vibrant colors. The pictures humbled her. The power of nature could make anyone feel small and helpless. Setting the photos aside, She adjusted her focus, concentrating on what her boss had to say about her new assignment. Sitting behind his desk. Patrick Wallen crossed his arms. Hello Wally is an unincorporated U. S. Territory, approximately 20 square miles, about the same size of Bermuda. There's an air force base with fewer than 200 military personnel and a civilian population around 10,000 people. Two days ago, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred along the ocean floor 70 miles south of the island causing the tsunami. A NASA satellite caught an image of a wave six m high. The world has certainly experienced larger, but now the wall is a small island. The wave hit the south side hard. Madeline is gaze returned to the images beside her. As soon as I get there, I'll do an outbreak assessment and set up a surveillance system to deal with the natural disaster. I need an estimate of the impacted population to determine the size of my team. Wallen settled back in his chair. Actually, you'll be going alone. The Secretary of Health and Human services has already imposed travel restrictions alone. Madeline scrunched her forehead. Thinking she must have misheard. You'll be guiding the medical staff who are already on the island. What specifically am I guiding them toward on how to prevent an isolated public health crisis from becoming an epidemic? Madeline remained silent for a few seconds, her hands resting in her lap, thinking about what her boss had just told her and what he wasn't telling her. And that was a lot. We're not talking about the type of outbreak illnesses that typically follow a tsunami. Are we Wallen shook his head. The island is experiencing a wave of symptoms characterized by hyperactivity and violent behavior. They're not sure what it's about. The outbreak has already led to military and civilian deaths. Madeline frowned. That doesn't sound like anything a natural disaster would cause. No it doesn't. Her boss turned away and stared out the window. Madeleine followed his gaze, flowering crabapple trees and azalea bushes filled the view. Unfortunately, we have very little information, Wallen said the tsunami took out. Cell towers and communications are limited in some ways. That's a good thing. After everything that happened with COVID-19 no one wants to chance this outbreak spreading. Nor do they want word of it. Getting out. Not until we know what we're dealing with. Our economy can't afford to take another hit. Interesting. Well, you know I can keep quiet if necessary. And if warranted. Yes. Thanks to your commendable work with the outbreak in D. C. People trust you to be discreet when I say people. I mean the most powerful people in the country. President Morland are one of our cabinet members specifically requested you make this trip? Should I be honored or disappointed? Madeline offered a weak smile because I'm not sure what to think. It's an honor Madeline. Although It might not feel like one when you get there. Great Patrick. She offered a slight smile. Sure you don't want to come with me. We arranged for you to leave tomorrow. Wallen slit a black bag across his desk toward her. There's a satellite phone and laptop inside. Those will be your only means of communication with us with anyone while you're there. Guess I better get packing. Wallen pushed his chair back and got up. Be careful Madeline.