Executive orders - Tom Clancy [524]
There were not very many people to be seen anywhere at this hour, but all of them were masked, and even the lobby was heavy with the chemical smell that was now the national scent. How much of that was a necessary physical measure, and how much psychological? Jack wondered. But, then, that's what his trip was.
Hi, Dave, the President said to the dean. He was wearing greens instead of his suit, masked like everyone else, and gloved, too. They didn't shake hands.
Mr. President, thank you for coming. There were cameras in the lobby-they'd followed him in from outside. Before any of the reporters could shout a request for a statement, Jack pointed, and the dean led the party off. Ryan supposed it would look businesslike. Secret Service agents hustled to get ahead as they walked from the elevator bank to the medical floor. The doors slid open to reveal a busy corridor. Here there was bustle and people.
What's the score, Dave?
We have thirty-four patients admitted here. Total for the area is one hundred forty-well, was the last time I checked. We have all the space we need for now, and all the staff, too. We've released about half of our patients, the ones we could sign out safely. All elective procedures are canceled for now, but there is the usual activity. I mean, babies are being born. People get sick from the normal diseases. Some outpatient treatments have to be continued, epidemic or not.
Where's Cathy? Ryan asked, as the next elevator arrived with a single camera whose tape would be pooled with all the networks. The hospital didn't want or need to be crowded with extraneous people, and while media management people had made a little noise, their field personnel weren't all that eager, either. Maybe it was the antiseptic smell. Maybe it affected people the same way it affected dogs taken to the vet. It was the smell of danger for everyone.
This way. Let's get you suited up. The floor had a doctors' lounge, and one for nurses. Both were being used. The one at the far end was hot, used for disrobing and decontamination. The near one was supposed to be safe, used for suiting up. There wasn't time or space for all the niceties. The Secret Service agents went in first and saw a woman in bra and panties, picking a plastic suit that was her size. She didn't blush. It was her fourth shift on the unit, and she was beyond that.
Hang your clothes over there. She pointed. Oh! she added, recognizing the President.
Thank you, Ryan said, taking his shoes off and taking a clothes hanger from Andrea. Price examined the woman briefly. Clearly she wasn't carrying a weapon. How is it? Jack asked.
She was the charge nurse for the floor. She didn't turn to answer. Pretty bad. She paused for a second and then decided she had to turn. We appreciate the fact that your wife is up here with us.
I tried to talk her out of it, he admitted to her. He didn't feel the least bit guilty about it, either, and wondered if he should or not.
So'd my husband. She came over. Here, the helmet goes on like this. Ryan experienced a brief moment of panic. It was a most unnatural act to put a plastic bag over one's head. The nurse read his face. Me, too. You get used to it.
Across the room, Dean James was already in his. He also came over to check the President's protective gear.
Can you hear me?
Yeah. Jack was sweating now, despite the portable air-conditioning pack that hooked on his belt.
The dean