Page 23 of Outbreak Protocol
"Okay," Emma says, then turns to Erik. "Will you help take care of me too?"
Erik looks momentarily startled, but recovers quickly. "I—yes, if you'd like that."
"Felix says you're very smart," Emma says matter-of-factly. "Maybe you can help me with my maths homework."
Felix exchanges a glance with Erik, gratitude in his eyes.
After gathering Emma's essentials, they say goodbye to Frau Hartmann, who promises to check in regularly.
In the car, Erik turns to Felix. "Are you sure about this? Taking care of a child during an outbreak of this magnitude..."
"I couldn't leave her with strangers," Felix says firmly. "Anna's been there for me through everything. Emma needs stability right now, someone who understands what's happening with her mother."
Erik studies Felix's profile as he drives. "It's remarkable, your capacity for care. Most doctors I know compartmentalize—separate work from personal life."
"Is that what you do?" Felix asks.
"I try," Erik admits. "But I'm finding it increasingly difficult." He pauses. "I'll help with Emma. Whatever you need."
From the back seat, Emma's voice pipes up. "Felix says you're nervous sometimes but you're really kind underneath."
Erik turns, meeting Emma's direct gaze. His expression softens with surprise.
"Is that so?" he asks.
Emma nods solemnly. "He said you remind him of a hedgehog. Prickly outside, soft inside."
Felix's laughter fills the car, breaking the tension. Erik joins in, and for a moment, the weight of the pandemic lifts slightly from their shoulders.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Day 33
ERIK
The red classification banner across my screen readsPANDEMIC THREAT LEVEL 4in stark letters that make my stomach clench. Seven days ago, we had 847 confirmed cases in the Hamburg region. This morning's tally shows 15,574 cases across Northern Germany, with satellite clusters now emerging in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Warsaw.
I adjust my headset as the secure video conference loads, faces materializing on my monitor: Health Minister Weber's political smile, General Morrison's granite expression, Dr. Helena Karlsson from ECDC headquarters, and representatives from WHO, CDC Atlanta, and health ministries across Europe. The weight of their collective attention settles on my shoulders.
"Dr. Lindqvist," Dr. Karlsson begins, "please provide your updated assessment."
"The pathogen demonstrates sustained human-to-human transmission with an effective reproduction number between 5.4-6.2. This number has been continuously revised as the infectionhas spread, it's outpacing all of our previous modelling. We've confirmed cases in five countries, with community transmission established in Hamburg, Bremen, and Copenhagen." I click through Yuki's latest projections. "Mathematical modelling suggests 150,000 to 300,000 cases within the next two weeks if current transmission patterns continue."
Minister Weber's face tightens. "Dr. Lindqvist, these projections seem unnecessarily alarmist. Hamburg's economy—"
"Minister Weber," General Morrison interrupts, his American accent a blade cutting through the political static. His eyes, devoid of emotion, are fixed on Erik. "Your economic models are irrelevant under battlefield conditions. Dr. Lindqvist, let’s talk strategy. What's the case fatality rate?"
"The current fatality rate has increased to seventy-one percent among confirmed cases," Erik answers.
"Seventy-one percent," Morrison repeats, not as a question, but as a tactical assessment. "So, for every ten soldiers I put on the ground, I can expect to lose seven if they get infected. Correct?"
The military framing silences the room. "Yes, General," Erik says carefully.
"And your projections of 150,000 cases in two weeks—those assume your current containment measures hold?"
“They assume current transmission patterns continue,” Erik clarifies.
Morrison nods slowly. "A fire spreads until it hits a firebreak or runs out of fuel. Right now, this virus has a continent of fuel. Dr. Karlsson, you spoke of medical response. I see a continental security threat that requires a military-grade firebreak. We’re not talking about treating patients; we're talking about containing a hostile entity. Forget hospital capacity—what’s the status of Hamburg’s critical infrastructure? Power grid, water supply, communications? How long until they fail and the city ceases to be a functional asset?"
