Scientists baffled by paranormal virus
By Elaine Treste
San Francisco Examiner
Scientists working for the FBI and PRIMUS are baffled by a virus that has killed at least 15 low-level paranormals.
The bodies of 10 men and five women have been recovered periodically over the past two months from San Francisco Bay. Investigators had originally been unable to discover a link between the victims.
But recent tests, pioneered by researchers at San Francisco State University's Department of Paranormal Studies, have helped investigators determine that all the victims were low-level paranormals.
Police theorize that all possessed some sort of energy-projecting ability. Families of eight victims have confirmed this.
"At this time, all we have determined is that the victims were ravaged by a virus that attacked their bodies almost turning their system against itself," said PRIMUS Dr. Kenneth Barrow. "It was as if their own body was at war with itself."
PRIMUS, FBI and the CDC all issued assurances that there is no risk to public health.
"We are quite sure that this virus only affects paranormals," Barrow said. "And that it probably only affects a particular percentage of the paranormal population. It has been determined that the virus has no affect on Avengers."
Barrow's statements have been confirmed by the CDC and California State Health officials. Both groups have said that the virus does not appear to be airborne. Nor does it appear to have contaminated the water supply.
"Really this virus is quite unique," said Dr. Cybill Taoli, a researcher at SFSU. "It is so very discriminating. That is unusual. Most viruses, over time, adapt. They overcome drugs and immune systems, becoming stronger and attack more and more victims."
"Even AIDS, which many thought at one time to target only the gay community was really only selective in it's mode of transmission, not in who it targeted," Taoli pointed out. "This virus is different."
A task force composed of CDC, PRIMUS and university researchers has been established to examine the virus.
Silver Avenger Maria Chow, currently participating in the annual Avenger Games being held this year in Hudson City, has been briefed on the situation. Chow issued a public statement reassuring "the citizens of San Francisco that PRIMUS will join the CDC in discovering the cause of this virus.
Many key questions remain: Why has this virus just been detected? Why were all the victims discovered in San Francisco Bay, when the victims themselves were from across the United States? Will this virus have any affect on other paranormals including PRIMUS newest team - the Sentinels?
Scientists are working around the clock to find solutions.
The deaths have not gone unremarked among the antiparanormal groups in San Francisco. While the city is home to far fewer antiparanormal groups than New York or Houston, San Francisco has groups that have become quite vocal in the past months. Many believe that the public actions of the Golden Gate Guardians have spurred these groups to voice their opinions more often.
Michael Allard, a well-known antiparanormal advocate, called the virus just vengeance from god.
"It is obvious that God is meting out justice to these abominations among nature," Allard said.
On the most part, the citizens of San Francisco took little notice of the announced virus.
"So there's a few dead paranormals," said Janet Hertz. "It doesn't affect me so why should I care about it."
Chris put the newspaper down and picked up his coffee cup. Not too much more in there besides another account of a wild night Tony and Cassie Salvatore had spent out on the town. Steph was gone – had worked last night until 2 am, and had been gone this morning by 7. She’d grown more and more distant since the fight, and wouldn’t even talk about her work anymore – or Chris’, as the Comet.
He had to get his mind off of his personal problems, he knew. There were people dying out there. This virus could affect any number of people, and something had to be done. Although he's no scientist, Chris realizes that the virus can't possibly be natural; no natural virus would be so selective. Biology class was good for something, he reflected, other than meeting Stepha--
He shook his head as if to throw the thought away. This wasn't the time. Later would be better. Cassie had mentioned Dr. Gardner, the one who had given him the Guardians' radio. Maybe she'd have some insights into this problem.
He picked up the phone and called San Francisco University; he still remembered the number, he realized with some surprise. He hadn't realized he had called them so often.
"Hello, I heard that one of the local universities has opened up a paranormal biology and genetics department. I'm interested in applying for the program; have I got the correct university?"
"No, I’m sorry, that’s UCSF," a polite male voice says.
Consulting the phone book again, Chris redials, and this time connects with the second university.
"Yes," a soft woman’s voice says to his question this time. "It is a residency program in the medical school," she adds. "Would you like to be connected to the department?"
"Yes, please." Chris waits on hold for nearly a minute and a half until the phone is picked up.
"Paranormal Biology, can I help you?"
"Yes, I'm looking for a Dr. Gardner. Is she available?"
"Hm," the voice on the other line says. "Just a second – let me check."
While he had waited, Chris had changed to the Comet. The transformation was less painful than before; I must be getting used to it.
After a few minutes, a breathless voice – Gardner’s – says, "This is Dr. Gardner. How can I help you?"
"Good morning, Dr. Gardner. This is the Comet, of the Golden Gate Guardians. I believe you know my teammate, Odyssey. We are starting an informal investigation into the matter of the paranormal virus that has been talked about in the news for a couple of days. Odyssey suggested your name as someone we could speak to. Would you be willing to meet with me at some time today to discuss the matter? We would be grateful for any assistance you could give us."
"Hold on a second –" Chris hears a beeper going off. "How about we meet later on this evening – maybe 5? My last class gets out at 4:45, and we could have dinner down in the cafeteria."
The Comet blinked in surprise. "Er- well, I'll be appearing in costume. Will that cause any problems for you? If not, I'll see you at five o'clock."
"That would be fine," she says. "See you then."
Comet puts the phone down and changes back to Chris. He sits heavily in his chair, his thoughts drifting to Stephanie. Why did we have that fight? It was so stupid! Why won't she talk to me?
Chris looks at the empty chair at the end of the table. You should be sitting here, Steph. Drinking coffee, talking about the day.
He slams his fist on the table, ignoring the pain. Picking up his coffee cup, he turns to throw it on the kitchen floor...
And stops, his face shocked at what he is doing. This isn't the way to set things right. There's a better way. I'll just call her, and we'll set a time to meet for lunch.
As he reaches for the phone, it rings. Surprised, he picks it up. "Hello?"
"Chris? Is that you?"
"Mom?"
"Well, of course it is, dear. What time is it there?"
Chris looks at the clock. "Uh, nine-thirty."
"Oh, good. You're up, then. How's Stephanie?"
"Uh, she's...she's great, Mom. She left early for work today." As usual.
"Does she like her new job?"
"Oh, absolutely. Sometimes I think she'd rather be there than home with me."
Laughter on the other end. "Oh, Chris. Well, I called to ask if you heard from your brother."
"No, not yet, but the Cardinals don't arrive until later today, Mom. I'm sure Todd will call when he lands. By the way, that reminds me. I've got to ask Kathleen if she's got the tickets for tomorrow's game yet."
"Okay, and when you talk to her, remind her that she has to call Jessica. She's expecting her call."
"Sure thing, Mom. Oh, let Dad know I've been getting a few jobs out here. I'm not working full-time yet, but at least they keep me busy."
"That's great, Chris. He'll be glad to hear it. You know how he feels about slackers."
"Sure do, Mom. Listen, I've got an important call to make, okay? Thanks for calling."
"Okay, Chris. You take care. We love you. God bless."
"Love you too, Mom."
<CLICK>
Chris looks at the phone and puts it back on the receiver. Picking it up, he dials the number for Rubicon Technologies.
"Rubicon Technologies, can I help you?"
"Bioresearch, please."
"One moment and I'll transfer you." Easy listening music filters through the earpiece, but Chris pays it no mind. He thinks about what he will say to her.
"Bioresearch, Reggie Kepler speaking."
"Yes, can I speak to Stephanie Michaels, please."
"Who's calling?"
"It's her fiancée, Chris."
"Just a second."
Chris waits for nearly a minute before Kepler's deep voice comes back.
"She's busy with a delicate experiment right now, Chris. She's going to be tied up with it for the rest of the morning, at least."
Chris sets his jaw. "Fine. Just let her know I'll talk to her later."
He slams the phone down and hits the table again. It shakes slightly, and Chris hits it again.
***
"PRIMUS headquarters."
"Can I speak to Kathleen Donnelly, please. It's her brother, Chris."
"One moment, please."
More elevator music. Rubicon and PRIMUS seem to have the same lack of musical taste, thinks Chris.
"Donnelly here."
"Hey, Kat. What's happening?"
"Chris! Well, it's about time you call me. Where have you been for the last three days?"
"Why? What's happening?"
"Well, I thought you and Stephanie were meeting me for dinner last night."
Chris slaps his forehead. "I completely forgot. I'm sorry, Kat. It slipped my mind."
"Well, I'm not really surprised. With the way the two of you carry on, it's a wonder you ever get out of the house."
"It's not quite that bad, Kat."
"Maybe from your point of view. Anyway, what's happening?"
"Mom called. Give Jessie a call, will you? Mom's harassing me about it again. Get a listed phone number, will you?"
"Sorry, regulations."
"Yeah, right. You're just trying to keep from having to have Mom call you every other day."
"And here I thought you were just smart with books, little brother."
Chris chuckles in spite of himself. "Yeah, well, I'm the one who gets hassled all the time. One of us has to have a phone number she can call. Otherwise she'd probably fly out ever other weekend."
Kathleen laughs. "I wouldn't be surprised. By the way, I heard from Todd last night. The tickets will be at Candlestick -- or whatever it's called now -- at Gate 14. You and Steph can meet Gino and I at Wesley's Pub before we go."
Chris frowns, wondering how to tell his sister about the problem with his relationship. "I don't know if Steph can make it tomorrow. She's really busy with work, and she's hardly got any free time right now. Maybe we'll just have the three of us."
Kathleen does not respond for a few seconds. "Chris, what's going on?"
"What do you mean?"
"Steph is a junior lab technician in the second month of her job. They're not going to assign her anything that time-consuming that she's going to forego an Opening Day baseball game. She loves baseball almost as much as Todd does. She didn't miss a (Red Sox?) game while she was at Harvard, and she knows more stats than Bob Costas. She's been talking about Opening Day for three months, and she knows the Cardinals and Todd are playing the Giants. So what's going on, little brother?"
Chris hesitates, then sighs. "We're not really getting along right now. She's spending all her time at the lab. I haven't had a chance to speak to her for three days."
Kathleen waits for more. "We had a really big fight about...something I can't talk about over the phone. It started off so stupid and got worse. I don't know what I'm going to do; I never meant for things to get this out of hand."
"Do you want to meet me somewhere and talk about it?"
Chris thinks about it. "Maybe, but not today. I've got a few things to do. How about we meet early tomorrow before the pub? But this is just between family, understand?"
"Exactly what does that mean?"
"I'll explain tomorrow. Anyway, I've got to go and shower; I've got a busy day ahead of me."
"Okay. I'll call Jessie today, and maybe Mom too. Next time you talk to Dad, tell him I'm fine."
Chris nodded. "All right, Kat. Sure you won't tell him yourself?"
"Ooh, a sense of humor, too. I've gotta go, Chris. And listen, don't worry about Stephanie; these things work out in the end."
"Yeah, thanks."
<CLICK>