NationStates Jolt Archive

The first cases arose in Woodstonin, a village smaller than its name. The first victim was the town's leader, Mayor Richard Murstin. Days after returning from a trip overseas, his symptoms began to develop. The once robust man suddenly had no appetite, developed serious muscle aches, and an astronomical fever. The town's sole doctor, Dr. Benjamin Hiten, was quickly summoned. Dr. Hiten quickly diagnosed the mayor with a case of overworking himself and stress; he prescribed bed rest and, if need be, a series of antibiotics. A day later, the doctor was summoned once again. The mayor's symptoms were getting worse, rapidly. Hiten quickly prescribed stronger antibiotics and more bed rest. The doctor's orders did not help and within seven days of his symptoms appearing, the mayor was dead. This would have normally been a great tragedy, but the town was distracted. The small village was being consumed by the disease; at the time of the mayor's death, nearly 3/4ths of the town was suffering from the mysterious illness. Dr. Hiten, being among the ill, could do little but hope for his own recovery, like so many others. By the end of the month, barely three weeks after Murstin's first symptoms arose, the town's population had been decimated from over one thousand to barely 400. That 400 quickly dispersed, sure that Woodstonin was the cause, to nearby villages and cities. Soon, all of Rumstania was being affected by the epidemic. The 600 fatalities quickly doubled, then tripled, and so on until nearly 40,000 Rumstanian men, women, and children had been lost. The illness was quickly dubbed Murstin Fever, after its first recognized victim.

The government, which had always tried to press the image of its omnipotence on its citizens, was completely powerless in the face of the crisis. Little to no funding had existed for health services or medical research before and the scramble to create such a department from nothing only added to the chaos and confusion. As the plague advanced towards Hastonin, the nation's capitol, the President was being briefed daily on the situation. President Joseph Harriston had just risen to power, in the wake of the death of the much exalted Peter Woodstun. Harriston, a military man, did not have much experience in this field...no precedent existed in the nation's history. Murstin Fever was claiming the lives of more and more citizens each day and causing widespread anger and instability, even in areas which had not been hit yet. Numerous riots had already broken out in the nation's biggest cities. With the military and police ranks devastated by the disease, the government had lost its only means of defending itself from the oft-angry population. A coup was, in many eyes, inevitable.

"I won't let it happen...not me." Harriston declared to his advisors; turning towards his Public Health Commissioner, Harriston asked, "How close are we to finding out what this is? What we can do about it?" Commissioner Henry Politun shook his head and stated what they all already knew, "Nowhere. We are no closer to curing this thing than we were when Murstin died." Harriston closed his eyes and dropped his head; days earlier he had been notified that one of his sons, a member of the Republican Marines, had come down with the disease and had a grim prognosis. Harriston knew there was no Rumstanian solution to this Rumstanian problem. Rumstania, a proud nation, had never asked the outside world for help...but hard times called for hard measures. Harriston immediately began to draft his request and prayed that someone would answer.

------

TO: Leaders of the Nations of the World
Subject: Plea for Help

As many of you are well aware of, there is a crisis consuming my proud nation at this moment. Murstin Fever, as our people have dubbed it, is spreading like a wildfire throughout the Holy Republic of Rumstania. Forty-thousand lives have been lost already, and thousands more will be if action is not taken. The images you see on your television screens and facts you hear in briefings are the stories of real people, not a problem which can be ignored. Rumstania's brightest minds and best scientists have been working non-stop for months now on finding a cure; their work is providing little, if any, results. My nation is simply not equipped to deal with this crisis therefore, I am turning to the nations of the world. We are requesting aid, in any form, which will help end this humanitarian crisis. If your government is opposed to such aid, we ask that you promote private citizens of your nation to help in any way they can.

There is not much time.

Thank you,

President Joseph Harriston
President of the Holy Republic of Rumstania

The Kiravian Empire will gladly lend aid to Rumstania. A similar pandemic occured in our Xirya Colony.

We invite you to join the Kiravian Commonwealth, as that way, we can allocate you more medical funding, as well as help improve your nation's infrastructure, economy, and scientific advancement.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w107/Cookesland/Flags/th250px-USSeal.png
Official Diplomatic Communiqué

The United States has heard you plea and wishes to help the nation of Rumstania and it's peoples. We must ask the following questions:

1.) At this time is it known where the virus originated?
2.) What are some of the major symptoms of the virus and it's progression?
3.) Has Rumstania been quarantined? If not we must ask that your nation stop all outgoing traffic and movement.

We will start send aid and supplies shortly


Best Wishes,
Steven J. Andolor
Steven J. Andolor
Secretary of State
The United States of Cookesland

We are currently preparing a contingent of scientists and medical personnel to be shipped to Rumstania. At which port should they arrive?

To: The United States of Cookesland

We don't know much about the virus, but we will share what we do know. The origins of it remain unknown; we do know the first victim traveled overseas prior to developing symptoms but where he traveled to and if it is relevant at all is not certain.

Murstan Fever is characterized by a series of distinct symptoms. The most notable of which are fever, muscle pain, headache, shivers, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting. Within the first 24 hours of symptoms developing, the patient witnesses the most drastic decline in health. Their status and symptoms remain relatively the same until death, which usually occurs within seven days of symptoms first developing. The fatality rate was in decline for a few weeks after the first outbreak, but now remains, for the most part, around 45%. Murstin Fever started in Himtos, Rumstania's westernmost province, and has been spreading to the east gradually since. There have been reports of cases in 23 of Rumstania's 27 provinces. The capitol remains the only major urban center without any cases, for now.

The government has been pursuing quarantine policies for several weeks now. Our borders, already heavily guarded, have been fortified to prevent citizens which may carry the disease from flooding into other nations. The only port which remains open is in the capitol and all major air traffic has been halted. We have taken every measure possible to stop the spread of this horrible disease.

Commissioner Henry Politun
Commissioner of Public Health
The Holy Republic of Rumstania

THis is truly a horrid disease. Have your medical scientists made any useful observations?

To: The Kiravian Empire

The only major port in the nation which remains open is located in the capitol, Hastonin. This is the best, and safest, access point for your team to enter the country. We thank you for your assistance.

Commissioner Steven Holltel
Commissioner of Foreign Affairs
Holy Republic of Rumstania

To: The Kiravian Empire

The only major port in the nation which remains open is located in the capitol, Hastonin. This is the best, and safest, access point for your team to enter the country. We thank you for your assistance.

Commissioner Steven Holltel
Commissioner of Foreign Affairs
Holy Republic of Rumstania

Thank you. The medical frigate Pasteur will arrive in approximately 2 days.

Have you considered joining the Kiravian Commonwealth?

We would require more specific information about the Commonwealth before making such a decision. While very thankful for the aid they are receiving, the Rumstanian people are still very wary of foreign ideas and influences.

S.I.C:

URGENT COMMUNIQUE
FOR HEAD OF GOVERNMENT'S EYES ONLY

We are sending a Specialist Technical Team from the Imperial Army to isolate and retrieve this virus in order to perform testing to aid development of a cure. Do not impede the Team in its work, for your people's safety. Further, we will be shipping specialist relocation units to ensure that you can evacuate threatened populations swiftly and efficiently.

We suggest the use of a shoot-on-sight policy for those attempting to exit or enter quarantine zones, as well as liberal use of napalm. After all, we've all seen 28 Days Later and we know how that turned out.

From: A.Frank, Paw of the God-Wolf Ianovich I

We would require more specific information about the Commonwealth before making such a decision. While very thankful for the aid they are receiving, the Rumstanian people are still very wary of foreign ideas and influences.

And they are welcome to more, regardless of weather they join the Commonwealth or not. Our first priority is to save lives.

The Kiravian Commonwealth is an organization of political entities that have close diplomatic, political, economic, and social ties to the Kiravian Empire. Unlike other Commonwealths, it does not seek to invade, absorb, or assimilate its members into the metropole. [Click 'Join the Kiravian Commonwealth!' in my signature for more info.]

It is right of Rumstanians to be wary of foriegn influence. But in this world of NationStates, a country can never truly lose its soveriegnty. And if your nation has a strong culture, it shall easily repel all cultural influences from the outside.

Official Cookeslandic Reply

We reccomend isolating the healthly four provinces from the rest of the nation, we can help provide them food, supplies and protection if you wish.
As i write we are sending twelve ships with medical supplies, food, doctors, and specialists. We will do whatever we can to help.

Steven Andolor
Secretary of State

Official Cookeslandic Reply

We reccomend isolating the healthly four provinces from the rest of the nation

Fools! Such weak methods will do nothing to halt the spread of the disease. Your only option now is the nuclear option!

Fools! Such weak methods will do nothing to halt the spread of the disease. Your only option now is the nuclear option!

SiC: No! cauterizing the area should be only a last ditch effort to rid the world of the disease.

Nuclear weapons. Well known for their humanitarian value.

In this instance, I must agree with Atopiania. Should no cure be found by the time your country is consumed, then you must end the disease once and for all. It's the only honorable way to rid the world of this disease, and should it spread, the blame would be yours alone.

Take heart, comrades. Perhaps a cure can be found. Know this, however: should you not be able to pull the trigger when the time comes, we will.

Good day;

Killory Macovic
Director of Health

General va Kilovakolov
Commander of the Strategic Rocket Army

"Christ...what is wrong with this world?" President Harriston asked his group of advisors. He had just been handed the briefings on the foreign response to the Rumstanian crisis. "They're already talking about the 'honorable' way out of this. Perhaps, sharing our domestic problems with the outside world was a mistake...President Woodstun is probably laughing in his grave right now, saying, 'I told you so.'" Commissioner Steven Holltel quickly chimed in to answer the President's questions and concerns. "Mr. President, the time for regrets is too late. Now is not the time for 'what ifs' and 'should haves.' You must act now and decisively...or our nation will suffer."

Harriston sighed and nodded, "You're right Steve." Turning towards General Henry Lintolaul, Commander of Armies of the Republic, Harriston questioned, "Should foreign nations decide to 'eliminate' our problem, are we ready to defend ourselves?" General Lintolaul answered, "Sir, our numbers have been decimated by Murstan. At the start of the outbreak, our total numbers hovered around five million. Now, after the disease and deserters, we're a tad over three and a half million. Many of these soldiers are deployed throughout the nation, enforcing the various quarantine zones. Overall, morale is incredibly low. An attack from a foreign enemy would certainly boost our numbers and patriotism, but enough to overcome the wounds we're suffering from right now? I can't say decisively, but in my opinion...no. Not without massive foreign aid on our side."

Harriston sat back in his chair for a second and thought. He then straightened up and declared, "Okay...let's not let it get to that point then." The President picked up his pen and signed a piece of paper in front of him. He handed the paper to one of his aides and declared, "I've just signed, effectively, a blank check for research and treatment of this disease. We must kill this disease...before it kills us."

As the President and government continued the search for answers, the people of Rumstania continued to suffer. The day the President wrote a blank check to the cause, was the same day the death toll reached 75,000.

To the President of Rumstania:

Good Sir,

The Principality of Northern Rangeria is a small one, but our hearts are big. We mourn for your dead, but we are willing to offer our aid for the living.

As we speak, a fully-equipped hospital ship of the Northern Rangerian fleet, the HMS Mirneit, is making its way towards your capital, along with a cargo ship containing medical supplies. These we will give to your disposal.

Be safe, be well.

Your humble servant,
Prince Mikhail

To:Commissioner Steven Holltel
Subject:International Aid
From: Drake Antonidas
Head of the Ruling council of Health and Disease control:UGL

We are prepared to send a team of seasoned health investigators along with a team of Seasoned Medical Professionals. Along with the Hospital ship HMS Mercy

to help the Investigators get started on identifying what we're up against
I need to ask a few questions....

1.Where did the first victim travel overseas (what country,place etc)
2.Describe the Area of the first out break

I will also need You're people to gather Blood samples,Body fluids along with DNA samples from both healthy and affected persons.

I shall also need A Report on the water supply. What chemicals are in it?,is it safe to drink?

I need to also know the extent of the varying chemicals in the air of your country.


That is all...

Hastonin, Rumstania

The Imperial Medical frigate Pasteur slowed its engines as it entered the harbour of Rumstania's capital. It carried 170 Imperial scientists and doctors, as well as a cargo of symptomic medicine and medical ressearch equipment.

We simply wished to inform you that the disease cannot be allowed to spread out of your country. Any, ah, misinterpretations of our message should be answered by our previous statement.

Deputy Commissioner of Foreign Affairs, Alan Forshotin, stood ready at the entrance to the port. Along with his counterpart from the Department of Public Health, Deputy Commissioner Regina Teston, Forshotin was a part of a group government officials awaiting the arrival of the Kiravian ship, which carried much needed aid. Teston looked over at Forshotin and asked, "We finalized the reports on the specifics of Murstin and conditions in Rumstania nearly a day ago; have they been forward to inquiring nations?" Forshotin nodded, "After a short period of review and revising, they were sent out." Teston was confused, "Revising?" Forshotin responded, "Don't worry, nothing incredibly relevant has been changed. This is a time of crisis....but Rumstania must continue to protect its national interests and secrets." Teston wanted to inquire further, but the bellowing of the arriving ship's large horn interrupted her and ended all conversation. The noise was not only a disruption, but rather a shock to many that had heard it. Hastonin's usually bustling port had been relatively quiet for weeks.

The once derided and oft-complained about noise, was now more welcome than the voice of a long lost friend. The noise represented hope, it represented a possible ending to the national nightmare. Many who witnessed the arrival of the Kiravian ship were unable to hold back emotions, and unable to read its title, Pasteur, amid their tears.

Shortly after the Kiravian ships had entered the capital's harbor, the first thre of the Cookeslandic ships entered. Equipped with medicine and food supplies, their mission was to help the people of Rumstania.

[OOC: Very well-written post, Rumstania. Definately in the Top 50 that I've seen.]

IC:

The Pasteur docked at Hastonin's nearly empty port. Once the neccessary clearances were made, the boarding ramps were extended, and a Kiravian official stepped out to greet their welcoming recipients.

"Greetings. I am Ilmär Merced, a Kiravian Health officer. We come with aid."

Just as the Kiravians were stepping down on solid ground again, the deep booming sound of a new ship's horn broke the crisp air.

Another ship - no, two! - were also coming to the harbour, both of them flying the blue and white flag of Northern Rangeria. The first ship was a long, yet sturdy vessel, clearly meant to be habitable instead of carrying armaments and gun turrets like most modern navy ships. The HMS Mirneit of the Northern Rangerian Navy was ready to drop anchor. In its wake arrived another ship, this one an old-style cargo vessel, the Wallama. Despite both of the ships being of older model, their tooting horns brought a message of hope.

Official Communique from the Empire of the Wolf

My subordinates in Atopiana have a rather interesting idea of what "aid" is. I cannot send much at this time save our Rapid Pacification Force, a battalion of light motorised infantry, and accompanying logistics troops. They can help keep quarantine zones intact, but will be little help in medical matters.

Emperor Ianovich I

Pax Lupum!

City #3, Plutonium Province ((Group of colonies)), Grand World Order-

A man returned from his visit to the nearby nation of Rumstania. He had appeared completely normal at first. Unknowingly, he was a carrier of the disease spreading across the nation. The city was becoming infected, one Sector at a time. This became noticed by the local and Continential Divisionary governments, and a lockdown of the city began. The massive blast gates in the even more massive fortress-grade walls were shutting, locking in hundreds of people in each Sector, which is more or less a square in the City Grid Map. CCU Officers entered the areas, not needing to change thanks to their Goverment Bio-Chemical-Ballistic Undersuits. They began rounding people up into their own homes, then began steam-cleaning the streets to clean up the Biological Outbreak. Finally, the doors to the houses were padlocked, and the message was sent out: "Biological Outbreak Contained. Subjects secured for examination. Infected Civilians quarantined."

A man wearing a black HAZMAT suit, flanked by two Army Infantrymen, walked through a smaller door within a locked gate, which had a temporary airlock attached to it. He proceeded to a large plastic airtight tent set up, which contained two infected people, and the man who brought it to the city. The man entered the tent, leaving his Army escorts outside. He took several tests on the people, and then left, carrying the specimens in biological containers, which he in turn put in a steel breifcase. This man was from both the GWO Department of Health and the GWO Department of Weapons Research. His job was to collect specimens, so that the GWO Goverment/Military could find a cure, find out how to use it against enemies effectively, and how to mutate it's DNA to make it even more effective in combat, much like they had done with Anthrax.


To: The Rumstania Government
From: The Grand World Order Department of Health

Your Biological Epidemic has reached one of our cities, and we have been able to collect specimens. We are performing our own research on it, and will keep you posted on developement.

Deputy Commissioner Forshotin was quick to greet and thank the arriving foreign aid workers. Shaking the hand of Ilmär Merced he stated, "Welcome to Rumstania, I wish I could be greeting you under more pleasant circumstances but, unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about that. I can't express how great it is to shake the hand of someone and not have to fear becoming infected...but, anyways, there is work to do." Directing the arriving officials towards Deputy Commissioner Regina Teston, he declared, "This is Regina Teston, Deputy Commissioner of Public Health. She will be the main liason for all foreign officials on this issue. She's well aware of the situation and has the most up to date news. Regina, why don't you take it from here."

Regina stepped forwards and, as she also shook the hand of Ilmär Merced, declared, "I'd like to echo Mr. Forshotin's comments and sentiment. The arrival of all this aid and assistance could not have come at a better time. Now, you'll excuse me for forgoing formalities, but we have much work. I'd like for all of you to join me on a trip to St. Ambrose Medical Center, our nation's finest health center and the center of our counter-Murstin efforts. At St. Ambrose you may observe and question patients in different stages of the disease. You will also be able to speak and collaborate with doctors and scientists who have been working on this issue for months. If it is okay, it is best if we leave immediately." As she finished speaking, she pointed towards a convoy of armored vehicle bearing large red crosses.

"And...for those that will be joining us, we will strongly recommend taking precautions to protect yourself. As far as we know, Murstin has not reached Hastonin...but, if this disease has taught us anything, it is to never be sure of anything."

To: Grand World Order
From: Rumstanian Department of Public Health

We are very saddened to hear of the emergence of Murstin Fever in one of your cities. We will ensure that all information we now know and continue to learn about this disease reach you. This disease has now bonded our two countries together in a tragic way; hopefully, working together and with the numerous other nations which have stepped forward in the past weeks, we can and will defeat this pestilence. If there is anything you need from the nation of Rumstania, we are here to provide it.

"Aye. That is true. Our medical staff have all disembarked now, so we'd be honoured to visit the facility. Hopefully we'll be able to glean some information that could help."

24 nautical miles from Rumstania, 36,000 feet up:

Four jet engines moaned as the Atopian pilot began her descent towards the Rumstanian coast, banking starboard in line with their pre-plotted flight plan. The cargo was light, compared to the usual, for this Antonov. Ten scientists and a platoon of infantry from the elite Youth Division, as well as two light trucks and a mobile decontamination vehicle. Not much - but enough for the Empire's purposes.

Noting the coastline on the horizon, the co-pilot flicked on his radio, and opened a channel to the Rumstanians...

"This is alpha whiskey seven nine zero three to air traffic control, requesting permission to land at nearest aerodrome. We are carrying scientific research team and require clearance soonest. Over."

The lead of the Cookeslandic Ships began to dock and soon it had been secured. A small delegation headed to where there seemed to be other dotors and medical staff.

They got themselves ready and then headed in there direction. Commander Risotto walked to the crowd and said "This is Commander John Risotto of the Cookeslandic Medical Assitance Delegatation, who is in charge here?"

Hastonin Air Base Control Tower

The message from the crew of the Atopiana plane was broadcast loudly through the quiet room atop the air base's main control tower. A response was quickly given from one of the numerous workers in the tower. "Alpha whiskey seven nine zero three, this is air traffic control for Hastonin Air Base. Your request to land is granted....good luck and welcome."

Regina Teston was quick to respond to Commander Risotto. "Welcome," she said, as she approached him and shook his hand,"I am Regina Teston, the Deputy Commissioner of Public Health for our nation. I'll be the main liaison for foreign parties arriving to help with the fight against Murstin. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to express them. I was actually just about to lead a party of aid workers and scientists to our nation's finest hospital, St. Ambrose in Hastonin, where you'd be able to observe patients suffering the different stages of Murstin and speak with doctors and scientists who have been fighting this disease for months now."

the 20 or so Fsonian tourists where shouting at their representative. demanding to know when they could leave the country.

my special service have killed them all. incase they caught the virus.

we will offer all the help we can but only if we can have a base to train soldiers in your country.

President Harriston had not left the Presidential Home for weeks now; although Hastonin remained without a confirmed case, the Presidential Guard saw no reason to risk it, especially among the many different scares which popped up on an almost daily basis. The last time he had left the vast mansion was to attend the funeral and burial of his son; Paul Harriston was just one of the tens of thousands of who had died, but his death was the greatest symbol of the indiscriminate, rampant destruction of this disease. Harriston, a relatively young man, had aged more in the past few months than his previous forty seven years combined. His advisors secretly questioned how much longer before he stepped down...or action would needed to be taken to ensure a strong leader for Rumstania at this time of crisis.

Harriston sat at his desk, looking over the most up to date, horrific numbers. Defense Commissioner Henry Tershun knocked on the office's main door and entered. "Mr. President, we have an issue which you need to address." Harriston, without looking up, stated, "Of course. What is it now?" Tershun responded, "One of the nations offering aid, Fson, has stated they require a base to train soldiers in order to send aid." Harriston looked up from the various reports and, after a moment of silence, laughed. "Are you kidding me?" he asked, "We might be desperate....but not that desperate. I'm not about to put a foreign military base on Rumstanian soil for the first time...especially amid these circumstances. Even if I thought it was a good idea, which I certainly do not, I might as well just ask for a coup. Tell the Fsonians, 'Thanks, but no thanks.'"

Tershun, noticing a fire in the President's eye which had been missing for weeks, was incredibly pleased by Harriston's response. "Yes sir, right away."

---

From: Rumstanian Department of Foreign Affairs
To: Fson Government

We have heard your offer of aid...and its requirements. We are grateful for any offer of aid, however, at this time we must decline.

Commissioner Steven Holltel
Department of Foreign Affairs

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6152/headerjg8.png

To: The Holy Republic of Rumstania

Greetings!

The grim news had reached us here in Brutland and Norden. As we had been informed of the presence of foreign aid, we would like to inquire about what further assistance would you need. We would try to provide the said assistance if we can.

Aside from that, we would like to send the research/hospital ship LVS San Damiano to aid in elucidating the agent and in providing a cure for the disease. The Nord-Brutlandese Royal Institutes of Health is willing to help out on this front.

Also, in order to prevent the spread of the disease into the country, all travel (passenger, cargo,and others) between Rumstania and Brutland and Norden is hereby suspended. Contacts and travel must have clearance from the Ministry of Health before coming into and out of the country.

Thank you and we hope for the control and eradication of this epidemic.
Dr. Marco Sbacciestre, M.D.
Finisterretto per Loggie
(Minister for Health)
MP, Senzioffre - Borgònzamo

To: The Kingdom of Brutland and Norden

We would certainly welcome your ship, the LVS San Damiano, into Hastonin's port to aid the fight against Murstin. Our nation is, thankfully, being flooded with aid at this point and strives are being made towards victory against this horrible disease. We do, however, require more medical personnel to fight the ground war against this illness and the battles in the labs. If this is convenient and possible of your nation, we would be eternally grateful. Thank you, for whatever aid is possible.

Steven Holltel
Commissioner of Foreign Affairs

Official Communique from the Empire of the Wolf

My subordinates in Atopiana have a rather interesting idea of what "aid" is. I cannot send much at this time save our Rapid Pacification Force, a battalion of light motorised infantry, and accompanying logistics troops. They can help keep quarantine zones intact, but will be little help in medical matters.

Emperor Ianovich I

Pax Lupum!

OOC: Bump on my proposal...

To: Empire of the Wolf

We appreciate your offer of assistance, but must decline at this time. The Rumstanian military has stabilized in the past weeks and has the issue of quarantine zones under control. At this time, the nation only requires, for the most part, medical and humanitarian aid which will help the fight against this disease.

Steven Holltel
Commissioner of Foreign Affairs

To: The Kingdom of Brutland and Norden

We would certainly welcome your ship, the LVS San Damiano, into Hastonin's port to aid the fight against Murstin. Our nation is, thankfully, being flooded with aid at this point and strives are being made towards victory against this horrible disease. We do, however, require more medical personnel to fight the ground war against this illness and the battles in the labs. If this is convenient and possible of your nation, we would be eternally grateful. Thank you, for whatever aid is possible.

Steven Holltel
Commissioner of Foreign Affairs
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To: The Hon. Steven Holltel
Commissioner of Foreign Affairs,
The Holy Republic of Rumstania

LVS San Damiano is on the way as I send this letter. We expect the ship to arrive there in the West Pacific within one day.

Aboard LVS San Damiano are modern state-of-the-art laboratories and dedicated volunteers and researchers from the Stiutti Reala di Loggie [SRdL; Nord-Brutlandese Royal Institutes of Health]. The personnel on board form the Murstin Fever Research Group, headed by Dr. Janus C. Lambourne.

Also, people from the Servizie Ersca Nordèbrutelliense di Loggie Pubblica [SENdLP, Nord-Brutlandese Public Health Intelligence Service], and volunteers from the Croce Ruga Nordèbrutelliense [CRN, Nord-Brutlandese Red Cross] are also coming with San Damiano.

To ease communications, you can send your messages directly to Dr. Lambourne when he arrives. If you wish to send a message to Brutland and Norden, you can contact:

[B]Dr. Giuliana R. Maíorana-Montascoli, MD MPH
Direttetto, Stiutti Reala di Loggie
Director, Royal Institutes of Health
490 Viale Lambroglio, Castagnole, Esolo d'Unnone EU042
(+1509)(+01) 889-10-000

Thank you.
Dr. Marco Sbacciestre, M.D.
Finisterretto per Loggie
(Minister for Health)
MP, Senzioffre - Borgònzamo

Aboard LVS San Damiano
"We're reaching the port of Hastonin, Dr. Lambourne," Capt. Gerico Chiaramonte said over the intercom.

Dr. Lambourne swung his chair towards the phone. "Contact the port authority. I'll tell everyone to prepare."

"We're ready," Dr. Lamberto Marcotti of the SENdLP said before Dr. Lambourne was able to ask them. "In fact, we're excited."

Lambourne smiled. "I like your enthusiasm." This was the young Dr. Lambourne's second foreign assignment and the first one he's leading. Dr. Maíorana-Montascoli, their boss at the SRdL, chose him because he was from Timberland/Marchòcchiese and so he spoke English. But it was a good thing the people working around him doesn't intend to give him headaches.

"We had informed the Rumstanians that we are here," said Dr. Nigello Lolli, walking into the room. "I told them we need a liaison between us and them."
OOC: Just assume you received a message. ;)

To: Rumstonian Government

With research we have discovered that the people carrying Murstin have a very distinct infra red signature. We have been following the spread of the desease for 2 days now and these seem incredibly accurate. We offer a live feed from our satellites and monitored control over them, for your scientists or armies to control the spread. Even elimination of all contaminated people without collateral damage could be an option.

Satellites have picked up 4 cases of Murstin in our country; and we must warn you and the world: 3 sources were not human but canine, and so we must conclude that dogs can spread the disease too. They suffer the same consequences known so far, although we do not know the incubation time on them or if it kills, since government officials took care of that.

New cases of the disease will be shot on site. 1.250.000 of our finest are in defcon 5 and will be ready to help you get rid of the disease within a span of 5 days from when this message is posted. After those 5 days control of your nation will be returned to your government, and we can leave in 2 days or stay for up to a month longer for any kind of aid. After that the soldiers must return to reduce economical damage to our country. We can also offer your country economical aid in ways of trade bonds with our country. We could build you railroad tracks, factories and ports to provide a solid base for trade.

We might seem barbaric in our ways maybe, but we are known for our effectiveness, not our humane side. We offer no medical treatment, since we would offer our citizens none either.

By the time the disease turns into a threat to our nation we will take similar measures, but then without your consent.

Greg Vonk,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greater Gouda

To: Dr. Janus Lambourne
From: Louis Frankseni

Dr. Lambourne, my name is Louis Frankseni. I am a senior advisor to Rumstania's Commissioner of Public Health. I will serve as the liason between the Rumstanian government and you and your workers. I welcome you to our nation and thank you for your nation's generous offer and contributions. Anything you require, I am here to provide.

To: Greg Vonk, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greater Gouda

Minister Vonk,

Your last message concerns us. At this point in time, the nation of Rumstania has better things to be concerned with than tacit threats and large foreign armies on her soil. We, therefore, decline the "offer" you have made. Thank you.

Steven Holltel
Commissioner of Foreign Affairs

Elizabeth Heltin had been working for months, searching for a cure or any treatment to the Murstin Fever which was consuming the nation. Weeks earlier, she had been at the point of giving up...no progress was being made and the death toll had been climbing. Then, after the damn politicians in Hastonin had gotten over the long standing and out of date Rumstanian pride, there came a sudden influx of foreign experts and aid workers. The knowledge, technology, and manpower they brought with them had contributed immeasurably to the effort. It had reignited the passion and efforts of scientists across Rumstania.

Heltin was working in a lab at Hofstin University in Chabutston, Rumstania's southernmost urban center. She had been testing treatments on rats and other animals infected with the fever for weeks and, despite the lack of results, thought she was making progress.

On this specific day, she was testing the blood of animals she had given different experimental treatments to. After the computer printed out the results, she began to read the paper aloud to her colleagues, "Subject F23: Positive. Subject F24: Positive. Subject F25: Positive. Subject F26: Negative. Subject F27: Pos...." Heltin paused. Had she misread? Had she just imagined that word? She looked back and saw it as clearly as her own hand, "Subject F26: Negative." Negative for Murstin. Heltin looked up and saw the looks on the face of her colleague, she was sure she had the same on her own.

The treatment that F26 had been given was immediately given to all the subjects in the lab. It provided the same result in every case. The results were immediately sent to labs across Rumstania and the Department of Public Health in Hastonin.

The President was briefed. He could barely keep the smile from his face when he asked, "Does...does this mean we have a cure?" Heltin, who had been brought in from Chabutston to brief the government, quickly responded, "Not exactly, Mr. President. Just because a treatment works in rats does not mean it will work in humans. We're going to require more work and the continued help of the foreign workers. They have the technology and manpower that will help this cure for rats become one that is human friendly." Harriston asked, "So, how long?" Heltin shook her head, "I can't say exactly...could be days, could be weeks. Definitely no more than the latter."

Harriston nodded, "Excellent work Ms. Heltin...excellent work." Then, looking at his Public Health Commissioner he declared, "Let our allies in this war know about this...immediately."

----

From: Deputy Commissioner Regina Teston, Department of Public Health
To: All Foreign Aid Teams in Rumstania

One of our scientists has found a treatment for Murstin which has proven effective in treating infected animals. We are currently working towards applying this advance towards the treatment of humans infected with Murstin. A sample of this treatment has been sent to all of you, so you may join us in the continued work that is required. We are close to a day where Murstin is a thing of the past, but there is work which still needs to be done. The nation of Rumstania thanks all who have helped thus far.

OOC: Ca I assume he's on the boat?:cool:

Aboard LVS San Damiano
Dr. Lambourne, my name is Louis Frankseni. I am a senior advisor to Rumstania's Commissioner of Public Health. I will serve as the liason between the Rumstanian government and you and your workers. I welcome you to our nation and thank you for your nation's generous offer and contributions. Anything you require, I am here to provide.
"Good day, Mr. Frankseni. I'm Dr. Lambourne," he said, extending his hand. "This is Dr. Lamberto Marcotti, he is part of the epidemiology team; and this is Dr. Lorena Torrini, she is from the Nord-Brutlandese Red Cross."

"Thanks for the introduction, Janus," Dr. Marcotti said in his thickly-accented English, "but let's get down to business. We are unfamiliar with the country, and would like to ask to be brought to the area immediately."

From: Deputy Commissioner Regina Teston, Department of Public Health
To: All Foreign Aid Teams in Rumstania

One of our scientists has found a treatment for Murstin which has proven effective in treating infected animals. We are currently working towards applying this advance towards the treatment of humans infected with Murstin. A sample of this treatment has been sent to all of you, so you may join us in the continued work that is required. We are close to a day where Murstin is a thing of the past, but there is work which still needs to be done. The nation of Rumstania thanks all who have helped thus far.
Dr. Lolli sent the treatment immediately to the laboratory for analysis. He was greeted with Giuseppina Brioni, the chemist at the lab. "What is this?" she asked in Nord-Brutlandese.

"The cure," Dr. Lolli said.
"A cure?" Brioni said, surprised. "They had it this fast?" She did not wait for Dr. Lolli to pitch in his thoughts. "Where does this come from?"
"We don't know," Dr. Lolli said. "They said it works in rats."
Another lab personnel, Canico Sarcone, joined them. "Let's go analyze its contents."

OOC: Where did the treatment come from?

"Good day, Mr. Frankseni. I'm Dr. Lambourne," he said, extending his hand. "This is Dr. Lamberto Marcotti, he is part of the epidemiology team; and this is Dr. Lorena Torrini, she is from the Nord-Brutlandese Red Cross."

"Thanks for the introduction, Janus," Dr. Marcotti said in his thickly-accented English, "but let's get down to business. We are unfamiliar with the country, and would like to ask to be brought to the area immediately."


Frankseni was quick to respond, "Of course. We have a large party of foreign scientists and experts working on this issue at St. Ambrose Hospital in Hastonin. I'd be glad to accompany you there, if you'd like to go."

OOC: Where did the treatment come from?

OOC: Heh, didn't really want to get into the science of it (mostly because I dont know science...ha.) Let's say it's just something which attacks the DNA of this specific virus and prevents it from replicating and kills it. Is that okay?

Frankseni was quick to respond, "Of course. We have a large party of foreign scientists and experts working on this issue at St. Ambrose Hospital in Hastonin. I'd be glad to accompany you there, if you'd like to go."
"Then let's go," Dr. Marcotti said.
"Don't forget to send in samples," Dr. Lambourne reminded them.
"We won't," Dr. Marcotti replied. "I'll have Bricco get some," he said, referring to the team's pathologist, Dr. Bricco San Colombano. Dr. Marcotti turned to Mr. Frankseni. "Let's go."
OOC: fast forward them to the scene. ;)

OOC: Heh, didn't really want to get into the science of it (mostly because I dont know science...ha.) Let's say it's just something which attacks the DNA of this specific virus and prevents it from replicating and kills it. Is that okay?
OOC: I'll build up from there. Don't worry, if you have questions, feel free to TG me.

"The composition of the substance is the same as the cmposition of the tuber and the leaves of the Xanthophilodendron tuberosum rumstanicum - the yellow Rumstanian bellflower," the botanist Carlo Montenero reported.
"Composition?" Dr. Lolli asked.
"Typical," Montenero said, "Tannins, saponins, calcium oxalate, stuff."
"Then what gave it anti-pathogenic properties?" Another doctor, Dr. Rebecca Bosco-Ciaccio, a pharmacologist. "Any suspect substances?"
Montenero gestured for Brioni to take over. "We found this," she showed him a structure of a compound. "We think it's similar to the structure of chloramphenicol."
"Antibiotic?"
"Probably," Brioni said, "there's more. We found aminoglycosides, plus substances similar to lysergic acid, dopamine, canavanine, eugenol, esters, large amounts of xanthines, and these." She showed them again the structure of two other compounds.
"What is that?"
"Newly discovered stuff," Brioni said happily. "This" - she pointed to the chemical structure of the left - "is similar to the structure of the drug oseltamivir (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oseltamivir)."
"Neuraminidase inhibitor?"
"Correct. There was also increased shikimic acid content of the sample. We have a substance that is anti-flu," Brioni added. "Now, this other one, is similar to another drug." She pressed a button and another chemical structure appeared.
"Looks like a nucleoside," Dr. Bosco-Ciaccio commented.
"It's a nucleoside analog, similar to adenosine. Remember that there are many xanthines and purines in the sample?"
"Yes. And nucleoside analogs are being used against retroviruses and cancers."
"It has been reported that the yellow Rumstanian flowerbell uses substances to kill the insects and animals that feed on it," Montenero related. "So, analogs of nucleotides and amino acids - building blocks of life - may be its weapon."
"And probably against the pathogen too."
"Can we isolate each substance?" Dr. Lolli asked. "When the samples come, we'll test each one of them."
"We can't do that," Brioni said. "The yield would be too small. Request more samples."
- - - - - - -
To: Deputy Commissioner Regina Teston
Department of Public Health

Greetings!

Our team from Brutland and Norden had received your samples. We had finished our preliminary tests, and in order to continue further testing, we would like to request for more samples of the substance. We would also like to procure 100 specimens of the plant yellow Rumstanian bellflower (Xanthophilodendron tuberosum rumstanicum).

Thank you.
Dr. Janus Lambourne, MD MPH

OOC:now we can't let the rp end that easily now can we? :D

IC:Johnson come quick i have grave news...Earl Johnson Chief Health investigator
quickly hurried towards the technician...yes what is it? he inquired. It's about the virus....pointing to a view screen the technician began....See here this is the virus pointing to a purple dot. We have identified that the virus has entered a phase of rapid mutations....Johnson cut in...So your saying the so called cure the Rumstanians has have found is ineffective...Yes the technician answered...But there's more....The Rumstanian cure might not only be inaffective...but dangerous.....Johnson interupted again...Exactly how dangerous?....This is a person affected with the current strain of Murstin the technician said pointing to the view screen. Now apply the treatment...the technician began to type a few codes into the keyboard....The view screen began showing a needle being injected to the arm of the afflicted person.
1 minute later the person began to swell and after an hour then imploded....
the technician terminated the view screen...But not before the chief health investigator's hurried exit.

Transmission

My Medical staff has rather distressing news. The Cure found by rumstanian scientists is fatal towards recent murstin victims in the past 4 hours the treatment may only be applied to longer murstin victims...Our Scientists are working a way to Genetically modify the current virus' dna so that a suitable and more advance cure maybe found for the Disease

End transmission

"Then let's go," Dr. Marcotti said.
"Don't forget to send in samples," Dr. Lambourne reminded them.
"We won't," Dr. Marcotti replied. "I'll have Bricco get some," he said, referring to the team's pathologist, Dr. Bricco San Colombano. Dr. Marcotti turned to Mr. Frankseni. "Let's go."

Frankseni, flanked by Dr. Marcotti and a small group of other workers, entered St. Ambrose after a quick ride from the port to Hastonin's center. "This center and its doctors have been working to fight this disease for months now. Much of the progress we've made has occurred right here." Frankseni stopped and pointed towards a pair of sealed doors, "Those doors lead to the wing which houses Murstin patients. St. Ambrose currently has 87 Murstin patients, in all different stages of the disease. As you know, Hastonin remains without a confirmed case...these patients have been brought it from across the country so the disease could be study."

"If you consent, I'd like for our group to split in half. With half accompanying Dr. Tolstoyn to observe and speak with patients, and the other half joining me in our the center's labs, located on the fifth floor. This would be the best use of our time and efforts I believe."

At that point, the team split. The group lead by Frankseni, headed for the labs, boarded an elevator and went to work. The group which would be observing patients headed for the wing but, before taking more than two steps, Dr. Tolstoyn raised his hand and stopped them. "You have heard of this disease, but that is nothing compared to what you will observe behind these doors. These are real people and they are suffering from a horrible illness...most of these people won't be leaving this hospital. Take that into account...but also take into account your own safety. Not one of my staff has come down with this disease because they're smart and I prepare them well. I am not about to let my record be broken. Now, follow me. We'll start with patients in the last stages of the disease...we never know how much longer they'll be with us, so we want to ensure you get to observe them. Follow me..." Tolstoyon nodded to a security guard and the doors were unsealed and opened.

To: Deputy Commissioner Regina Teston
Department of Public Health

Greetings!

Our team from Brutland and Norden had received your samples. We had finished our preliminary tests, and in order to continue further testing, we would like to request for more samples of the substance. We would also like to procure 100 specimens of the plant yellow Rumstanian bellflower (Xanthophilodendron tuberosum rumstanicum).

Thank you.

To: Dr. Janus Lambourne, MD MPH
Re: Requests

Your requests have been approved. The additional samples and subjects will be delivered soon, within hours of this message. Best of luck.

Regina Teston
Deputy Commissioner, Department of Public Health

Transmission

My Medical staff has rather distressing news. The Cure found by rumstanian scientists is fatal towards recent murstin victims in the past 4 hours the treatment may only be applied to longer murstin victims...Our Scientists are working a way to Genetically modify the current virus' dna so that a suitable and more advance cure maybe found for the Disease

End transmission

Regina Teston was sitting in her office, as an aide read the transmission to her. She scoffed, "Our cure is fatal to victims? No way. We're not even at the point where we're testing it on human victims yet. It's fatal for these people because they rushed the process...I'm not going to halt all progress we've made because of this. If you have any news from the Brutland and Norden teams or any others, let me know...but don't waste my time with this."

Hastonin Air Base Control Tower

The message from the crew of the Atopiana plane was broadcast loudly through the quiet room atop the air base's main control tower. A response was quickly given from one of the numerous workers in the tower. "Alpha whiskey seven nine zero three, this is air traffic control for Hastonin Air Base. Your request to land is granted....good luck and welcome."

Hastonin Airbase, Runway N3:

Brakes squealed as the huge aircraft's undercarriage touched down on the tarmac. With her flaps down and engines throttled back, the big carrier rolled to a halt some hundred and fifty yards from the terminal, before beginning to taxi in towards the main buildings.

Onboard, the infantrymen and women had begun the final checks on their NBC suits, before boarding the modified trucks and the decontamination vehicle that would carry them around Rumstania in relative safety. Their VIPs, the scientific team from Megalopolis Primary's Biowar Research Centre (БИц, or BRC), had long since sealed themselves into their mobile lab, by far the largest of the vehicles carried.

By the time the Antonov had come to a stop, the loadmaster had begun to open the nose - and the trucks had started their engines.

--snip--
"We're ready," Dr. Marcotti told Dr. Tolstoyn, the voice apparatus in Dr. Marcotti's Hazmat suit doing nothing to help his Nord-Brutlandsese-accented English.

Everyone nodded. They were all dressed in protective gear, with only their eyes giving hint of their identities. Dr. Lamberto Marcotti, the chief epidemiologist, wore a deep, sullen expression on his dark eyes. The pair of blue eyes belong to Dr. Bricco San Colombano, the general pathologist in the group. The hazel eyes partially obscured by clumps of blond hair identifies Dr. Larisa Tibaldi, the infectious disease specialist; and Dr. Thorizio Bonni, the internist, had seemingly unnatural green eyes. After working as a team inside these suits, they know how to communicate with their eyes...

- - - - -


"Can you update us on what your lab guys had found so far?" Dr. Shawn Zazzetta, the clinical pathologist, asked Mr. Frankseni. "Might need to send it back to San Damiano."

- - - - -


To: Dr. Janus Lambourne, MD MPH
Re: Requests

Your requests have been approved. The additional samples and subjects will be delivered soon, within hours of this message. Best of luck.

Regina Teston
Deputy Commissioner, Department of Public Health
"Whoa, what we going to do there?" Carlo Montenero asked jokingly, sitting on a lab bench. "We growing plants or something?"
"Yes, we are growing plants," Dr. Lolli said as he directed the ship's crew to place the plants on one corner of the lab.
"You are serious?"
"Of course I am," Dr. Lolli said.
At that moment, Giuseppina Brioni entered the room. "What are these?"
"These are the plants: Xanthophilodendron tuberosum rumstanicum," Dr. Lolli told them.
"Okay, why do we have those?"
"You will extract the raw materials from it," Dr. Lolli said.
Carlo laughed. "That means the chemist. That's you, Giuseppina," he said, easing himself off the table and making childish gestures at his co-worker.
Dr. Lolli held up his hand. "But, you Carlo, have to propagate the plants."
"Awww."
Giuseppina stuck out her tongue at Carlo. "Serves you right."
"Well, children," Dr. Lolli started, on the verge of laughing, "Perhaps we can start, yes?"
"How many will we use?" she asked.
"Oh, I also asked for samples of the extract. You use these first," said Dr. Lolli, handing to Giuseppina two large glass containers.
"Alright," she said, taking the containers. "I'll work on these. Kenny [Canico] is busy deciphering how can we separate the components."

Regina Teston was quick to respond to Commander Risotto. "Welcome," she said, as she approached him and shook his hand,"I am Regina Teston, the Deputy Commissioner of Public Health for our nation. I'll be the main liaison for foreign parties arriving to help with the fight against Murstin. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to express them. I was actually just about to lead a party of aid workers and scientists to our nation's finest hospital, St. Ambrose in Hastonin, where you'd be able to observe patients suffering the different stages of Murstin and speak with doctors and scientists who have been fighting this disease for months now."

"We would like to visit St. Ambrose as soon as possible, are there any labs that we can see at the Hospital?" asked Commander Risotto