The television announcer says, “We now go live to Balmoral for a statement on the deepening CBE crisis by His Majesty the king.” There’s no music, no other introduction.
The king is in formal country clothes: tweed jacket, checked shirt, tie. He’s seated at a desk in a grand, oak-paneled room. A window behind him shows Scottish hills. He looks serious, concern furrowing his brow, even before he’s said anything.
STATEMENT BY HIS MAJESTY THE KING
“I am speaking to you today from my home in Scotland. Even here in the Highlands it is impossible to escape the ghastly news of a disease spreading throughout the country with alarming speed.
“I have spoken today to both the prime minister and the secretary of state for health, and they have informed me that the situation is very grave indeed. Without swift and decisive action, many thousands—maybe even many millions—of people may die.
“We may be facing a disease as deadly as the plagues of many hundreds of years ago. I say this not to alarm you, but to make clear the need for the measures that my government has announced. Without them, the survival of our families—indeed our nation itself—will be thrown into doubt.
“This is a situation that we cannot—and will not—tolerate.
“Canine-borne Ebola is, as you may already know, caused by a rapidly mutating virus, which even the very best doctors and scientists both here and in the rest of the world have so far failed to overcome.
“I am told that, in time, a remedy will be discovered, although that will certainly be too late to avoid some of the sadness and pain that await us.
“Only by acting now can we hope to prevail against this deadly disease.
“Accordingly, my government has this evening issued emergency instructions.
“With immediate effect, all dogs are to be kept indoors until further instructions are issued. That includes working dogs and assistance dogs as well as domestic pets.
“Dogs seen outside—and that includes private gardens and enclosed spaces—will be regarded as strays. Specialist police and army marksmen will, from tonight, be patrolling the streets of our cities and villages. They have been given orders to shoot such animals.”
The king, at this point, swallows hard and closes his eyes for a moment.
“Gosh, he’s going to cry,” says Jessica, horrified.
“Don’t be daft: he’s the king,” says Clem. I have to say, though, that he does look very upset. He goes on:
“As you may know, I am a lover of dogs myself. I know firsthand how difficult this will be, not only for you but also for your pets. They will not understand the absolute necessity of this temporary measure, but it is my sincere hope that you will, and that you will do your duty accordingly and comply with the law completely.
“The British are known worldwide as a nation of animal lovers. We are world leaders in protecting animals, which makes it all the more painful to have to announce these measures.
“I do hope that, wherever you are, you will join me in praying for a speedy conclusion to this challenge that we all face. I wish for resilience and fortitude in the struggle ahead.
“May God bless us all.”
We sit in silence as the picture fades to black.
In the quiet, we hear a single gunshot.
“Maybe it was a car backfiring,” says Dad. It’s nice of him to try to make us feel better.
The chaos, however, is only just beginning.