Outbreak by Cook Robin

Author:Cook, Robin [Cook, Robin]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Published: 1987-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

Marissa was still trembling when she entered the University Hospital a few hours later and asked directions to the cafeteria. As she walked down the hallway she marveled at herself, wondering where she’d gotten the strength. She’d never been able to stand up to any authority as she’d just done. Yet she felt terrible, remembering Dubchek’s face as he’d ordered her out of his office. Uncertain what to do and sure that her EIS career had come to an end, Marissa had left the Center and driven aimlessly around until she remembered Ralph and decided to ask his advice. She’d caught him between surgical cases, and he’d agreed to meet her for lunch.

The cafeteria at the University Hospital was a pleasant affair with yellow-topped tables and white tiled floor. Marissa saw Ralph waving from a corner table.

In typical style, Ralph stood as Marissa approached, and pulled out her chair. Although close to tears, Marissa smiled. His gallant manners seemed at odds with his scrub clothes.

“Thanks for finding time to see me,” she said. “I know how busy you are.”

“Nonsense,” said Ralph. “I always have time for you. Tell me what’s wrong. You sounded really upset on the phone.”

“Let’s get our food first,” said Marissa.

The interruption helped; Marissa was in better control of her emotions when they returned with the trays. “I’m having some trouble at the CDC,” she confessed. She told Ralph about Dubchek’s behavior in Los Angeles and the incident in the hotel room. “From then on things have been difficult. Maybe I didn’t handle things as well as I could have, but I don’t think it was all my responsibility. After all, it was a type of sexual harassment.”

“That doesn’t sound like Dubchek,” said Ralph with a frown.

“You do believe me, don’t you?” asked Marissa.

“Absolutely,” Ralph assured her. “But I’m still not sure you can blame all your problems on that unfortunate episode. You have to remember that the CDC is a government agency even if people try to ignore the fact.” Ralph paused to take a bite of his sandwich. Then he said, “Let me ask you a question.”

“Certainly,” said Marissa.

“Do you believe that I am your friend and have your best interests at heart?”

Marissa nodded, wondering what was coming.

“Then I can speak frankly,” said Ralph. “I have heard through the grapevine that certain people at the CDC are not happy with you because you’ve not been ‘toeing the official line.’ I know you’re not asking my advice, but I’m giving it anyway. In a bureaucratic system, you have to keep your own opinions to yourself until the right time. To put it baldly, you have to learn to shut up. I know, because I spent some time in the military.”

“Obviously you are referring to my stand on Ebola,” said Marissa defensively. Even though she knew Ralph was right, what he’d just said hurt. She’d thought that in general she’d been doing a good job.

“Your stand on Ebola is only part of the problem. You simply haven’t been acting as a team player.

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