Doctor Rheinhart, Director of the Office of Biocrisis Management, was a powerful man. Confidant to the President, he was in charge ofhundreds of scientists working on teams in a dozen countries. Yet, for all his vaunted power there was one man in Washington Rheinhart feared. That man was seated across from him now.
    Doctor Daniel Cassian, a biological/chemical disasters expert, was one man Rheinhart never wanted to cross. Rumors had him tied to the NSA, CIA, FBI and dozens of other agencies that made up the alphabet soup that was the federal government. Two years ago a meeting of high level governmental officials had decided to revamp the Office of Biocrisis Management. They felt the agency's resources were too widely dispersed to offer a speedy defense in what they had begun to call the "coming plague wars." Like the CDC and other government response teams, it took time for the OBM to recall and redirect resources to deal with perceived treats to public safety. The council concluded that a small highly skilled team of trouble-shooters would better serve the public's interest. To that end they brought in Doctor Cassian to organize and spearhead this elite force.
    Billions of dollars were diverted to the OBM for the construction of new state-of-the-art facilities in the nation's major cities. Rheinhart and his staff were under direct orders from the President himself to cooperate with Cassian in every way. Surprisingly, things had gone smoothly and the last of the facilities had been finished on schedule. Still, a visit from Cassian always filled Rheinhart with dread. There was no telling what the man wanted this time.
    "So Doctor Cassian what can I do for you today?"
    "I'm afraid our time table has been moved up. I've selected the last two members for the team. I need them on board in the next two days."
    "What? That's impossible!"
    "I assure you doctor, it's not only possible but imperative. It seems our Andromeda Strain may have found us sooner than expected. I need these people on board ASAP."
    Stunned Rheinhart turned his attention to the folders that Cassian placed on his desk. "We have an outbreak? Where? Why wasn't I informed?"
    "Why doctor I believe I just did. Besides nothing has been confirmed.  That's why we need the team."
    Picking up the first folder, Rheinhart quickly scanned the material inside.  "Doctor Shiroma's, a good choice. But I don't see the WHO letting her go without a fight."
    "I've already spoken to the Director-General, any request from you will be received with favor. Doctor Shiroma is currently in Washington attending a conference.  As soon as the Director-General receives your request she will be reassigned to the OBM. She could report for duty in twenty-four hours."
    Scribbling a few notes on Shiroma's folder, Rheinhart put it aside and picked up the second one. Glancing at the name he looked at Cassian in shock. "Edward Marcase?"
    Cassian gave a slight smile at Rheinhart's confusion. "I need a team of shall we say unconventional thinkers. From what I hear Marcase qualifies."
    "Oh, the man is brilliant if a bit unorthodox. But you'll have a hard time getting Edward out of the jungle. He's strictly a front line player with little use for secret covert groups. He won't be easy to convince."
    "It is my understanding that Marcase works for you. Where he goes and what he does is your discretion. Recall him from the field and reassign him. Once he's here I seriously doubt he will turn his back on a crisis. That's not his style."
    "He won't be very happy about being yanked out of the field."
    "Just get him here, we'll deal with likes and dislikes after the crisis is over.  If he survives that is. How soon can you get him on board?"
    "It'll take a few days. He's in the outer reaches of Nepal. It'll take time to track him down then at least a day for him to get back to the states."
    "We can't wait that long. I suggest you and Doctor Shiroma start without him. You can bring Marcase up to speed when he arrives."
    "Me? What do you mean? It was my understanding that this was your operation."
    "Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment elsewhere. My plane leaves in an hour. You are going to have to run things in my absence. Look Rheinhart, I know this isn't according to the plan but we have little choice here. We could be facing a major disaster, it can't wait for me to return and my business is critical. Marcase and Shiroma are the best in their fields. All you have to do is let them do their jobs. Mr. Hailey will handle security and coordinate with USAMRIID. The Mansion is up and running. I've prepared detailed specs on the facility, most of which you are already familiar. Mr. Hailey is fully briefed and can help you with anything else you might need to know. I've also provided you with everything we know about our possible outbreak, which isn't much at this point. We transferred our patient zero to The Mansion and Mr. Hailey is standing guard. The sooner you and Shiroma get started the better."
    With a resigned sigh Rheinhart met Cassian's gaze and nodded. "All right Cassian I'll try to hold the fort while you're gone. I hope this is just a false alarm."
    "So do I but we can't take any chances."
    Studying the dossiers again, Rheinhart couldn't help seeing the humor in an otherwise serious situation. Looking up he gave Cassian a smile. "Are you sure you're not leaving the country to avoid the fireworks?"
    "Fireworks?"
    "Shiroma and Marcase, those two are going to get along like oil and water.  Are you sure you're not just trying to escape the headaches those two are going to cause?"
    "I thought I'd let you break them in for me." Cassian couldn't quite restrain his smile.
    "Thanks a lot. Just remember you owe me big time for this one."
    "I'll try to remember that. Well, I have a plane to catch."
    Rising from his chair, Cassian gathered his belongings and shook hands with the Director. "Good luck, doctor, I'll be in touch."
    Moments later Rheinhart was alone in the office. Studying the folders on his desk, he tried to figure out where to start. After rereading all the material twice, he reached out and buzzed his secretary.
    "Ms. Sheffield, get me the Director-General of the WHO, please and try to locate the exact whereabouts of Doctor Edward Marcase. Also, I'll need you to take some letters."
    "Yes, Sir."
    Closing the folders he leaned back in his chair and waited while his secretary carried out his instructions. God help them all.