Jernigan's War (37 page)

FINAL ASSAULT

T
he final assault came not from the Chinese but from a Saudi funded laboratory. The Islamists in Pakistan had developed a small pox virus that had a 90% mortality rate. It most areas it was 100% because there was no medical care available. It also had a prolonged infection period prior to the onset of symptoms serious enough to impair and kill the infected. The problem that the scientists didn’t anticipate was the impatience of the Islamic clerics. The Ayatollah in charge felt that Allah would protect the worthy, so there would be no need to wait for a vaccine to be perfected.

Unbeknown to the world, an ignorant, religious zealot unleashed a plague that did not differentiate between the worthy or unworthy. It rapidly made its way across Asia and killed the wealthy Saudi prince who funded the lab about 3 months later. That was about the time that Dix was cleaning out Ferriday. The night that Dix shot the good mayor of Natchez, a Chinese Admiral arrived back at his fleet with an aide who had a fever.

In reality, Dix and all the other fighters could have just remained hidden in the countryside as nature took its course.
The virus was working its way from man to man. As each man became feverish a measles-like rash would appear. Within three weeks the rash would grow into pustules and each day the man would become more infectious until he died. The clothes, bedding and personal items remained tainted and infectious for weeks, as the virus was very resilient.

The Pakistani scientists were experts in their field and they thought of every contingency except the ignorant zealots they worked for. So they died along with their families, friends and everyone they ever knew, and along with them, the religion of peace and love.

Just as in the dark ages, the death followed the routes of travel and soon the tentacles of the plague were across the entire globe. As in the dark ages, the cities and armies were the first to go. In America the cities were cleaned out by the economic collapse. As it turned out, this was a godsend. The American population was reduced by at least 75% with the remaining population scattered across the rural countryside. There was limited contact between regions and populations. So the plague was slowed, but not stopped.

Butch and Dix received word on the trip back to the catamaran from Colonel Miller, “Captain Erwin, who is the senior officer in your sector?”

“Major Dix Jernigan is the senior officer and he is with me, sir.”

Colonel Miller briefed them about the plague and what they knew.

Colonel Miller barked, “Jernigan, I haven’t got time to argue about you being in command, just listen, this plague is almost out of control. You do whatever it takes to stop it from spreading in your sector.”

Dix started to argue but simply said, “Yes sir.”

For a moment Dix and Butch just looked at each other. Dix ordered, “Get Cooney Jones on the radio.”

Cooney answered in short order, “Captain Jones here.”

“Cooney, this is Dix Jernigan, are you aware of the situation concerning the plague?”

“I have been briefed, what are your orders?”

“I want any bridges still standing blown and the ferries and boat traffic stopped. I want all traffic stopped. No exceptions, order all your patrols to go to cover. Cease all offensive activity. I want our areas locked down.

If we are to survive, all contact, foraging and travel have to stop now. Effective sundown today everyone needs to be where they intend to stay for the next six weeks. No exchange of items or personal contact. Shoot anyone trying to cross the rivers or attempting to travel. Canvas your medics to determine who may be willing to deliver babies or set broken bones. Once they leave to render aid, they don’t come back. If they do, shoot them. If someone shows up sick, shoot them along with whoever brought them and burn the bodies. All person to person contact with strangers or anyone who has been away from base or home has to end now. Do you understand?”

“Yes Sir.”

Dix turned to Butch, “Take me to my catamaran and execute my orders. You are to report to me by radio and we will not get within breathing distance for at least six weeks.”

It was at that moment Dix came to the realization that there was nothing he could have done to save his family. He didn’t have the financial wherewithal to have moved his family to an isolated location in the western U.S. prior to the collapse. It was a
miracle that he outlived them. They would all be dead and dying from the plague had they survived at their home.

Dix arrived at the boat camp to find Beagle, Rachel, and the pups busy with their chores. After telling Beagle and Rachel about the plague, Butch helped him onto the catamaran and helped Beagle move the catamaran and Rachel’s house boat down the lake and away from the bank. Beagle dropped Butch off at the bank and they watched him disappear over the levee. Dix settled back in his bunk, took a couple of aspirin, and chased them down with a glass of bourbon.

Rachel looked at him, “What do we do now?”

Dix answered, “We live, we fight and we survive. Any questions?”