Hidden Potential

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here this afternoon. All of us here at the Center for Disease Control appreciates that in announcing this press conference just hours ago, many of you had to leave prior engagements to be here. Without further ado, I'd like to turn the mic over to our esteemed Professor Stanley. You all know Professor Stanley from many of our prior incidents. He has successfully developed many of the cures for our worldwide epidemics this last decade. We are grateful to once again be able to take advantage of his knowledge and skill. Professor?"

The spokesperson stepped aside as Professor Stanley stepped up to the podium. He waved uncomfortably to the reports in front of him and smiled as he pulled a few sheets of papers out of the inside pocket of his jacket and placed them on the podium. He adjusted his circular rimmed glasses and peer down on his notes and then out at the reporters.

"Thank you all for being here. You are at this point aware of the concern regarding the latest epidemic spreading globally. The virus, often referred to as the Angry Cough, has symptoms that initially resemble a regular cold and influenza and also whooping cough. However, the end result is the coughing up of blood and violent death. We have been researching a cure for the last six months and I am happy to announce that we have identified a cure."

The room erupted in gasps and excited chatter as the reporters started sending messages to editors and co-workers.

"Professor, professor," one of the reporters on the front row shouted. "How sure are you?"

"Very sure. We have been conducting clinical trials these last few months. All subjects that have been involved in the process have successfully recovered."

"What is the plan for the cure?" another reporter shouted.

"I am glad you asked," the professor said as he smiled and pushed his glasses back onto his nose. "Everyone is getting the cure. I know this sounds ambitious, but it's true. We have already started mass manufacturing on multiple continents and we will start providing the cure in the hardest hit areas first. It will take several months, maybe a year but we expect to achieve full immunization within the next 12 months."

Half an hour later, Professor Stanley exited the CDC headquarters and got into his car. As soon as the door closed behind him and he settled into his seat, the car started moving. He waited a few moments before he pulled out his laptop and initiated a secure video conference call to his lab. Moments later, the face of his assistant appear on the screen.

"Ah, Professor Stanley. How did the press conference go?"

"Very well, Jones, very well. How are our preparations going?"

"Everything is on schedule. Production facilities are ramping up on the east and west coast of the U.S., in Europe, India, Asia, Africa and Australia. We expect to be producing your formula shortly."

"Any further results on longevity of the nanites?"

"From creation, the nanites are lasting several weeks before they decay through self destruction. Unfortunately, the self destruct is part of the hidden protocol added for stage two but the nanites start seeing their peers as threats and the circle of destruction begins. It is inevitable, unfortunately without a biological host. It is therefore vitally important that the nanites are introduced into a proper biological system as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary waste."

"And the production timeline is holding for the time being?"

"Yes. Each batch will be shipped out immediately and distributed immediately. Based on the current schedule, all nanites should be introduced into their biological hosts within the required timeline."

"Excellent. Is the expectation of full recovery for the subjects still two weeks once introduced?"

"Yes, Professor. Once introduced, the nanites will go to work immediately, activated by the virus itself. Once the virus has been destroyed, the nanites will go dormant until further instructions are received."

"Very well. Well done, Jones. Please keep me appraised of any complications." Stanley disconnected the call and put away his laptop. He reached for a glass of wine waiting for him in a side compartment. He took a sip and then handed a second glass to the dark shadow seated across from him, riding backwards in the limo. "As you can see, sir," Stanley started, "Everything is in order."

A hand covered by a glove accepted the glass and then disappeared into the shadows.

"So you say. But can you guarantee that the second batch of instructions will work?"

Stanley chuckled. "Of course I can't guarantee anything. You know that. Nanites are inherently unstable and by adding the capability beyond just acting as a cure, we're really stretching what's possible with these little critters."

"Will it work?"

"Yes, I am confident it will work. Not 100%, mind you, but it will work. Once the second batch of instructions has been transmitted, the nanites will go about their secondary mission, causing the release of elevated amounts of adrenaline and the substance they come loaded with. This will, of course, coincide with the favorable news cycle generated by yourself. When combined, you will report the world events and control the hearts and minds of all of those that listen. Well, most of them, anyway, but clearly enough for you to achieve your objectives of world domination. They will believe they have elected you out of their own free will and for their own benefit."

"Thank you, professor. The activation sequence?"

"Only available to you, sir."

"Not even you?"

"Not even me, sir,as agreed."

"Excellent." The man in the shadows picked up a gun equipped with a silencer and shot Professor Stanley through the heart. "Thank you, professor. Your services won't be needed anymore. Your nano virus will serve me well."

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Alright, what do you think? Is the weapon clear enough?