Death Creeps Closer
Nearly two million Concordians resolutely braved the icy wind that stung eyes and sent tears trailing down freezing cheeks. But no matter how cold they were, they refused to leave Vida to suffer on her own in the icy waters of the River Novus.
A swathe of flickering candles lined the river bank; a tangible sign of solidarity with the suffering whale. Determined to send a message to the world, some people waved placards that read: ‘Save the Earth’ and ‘Help Vida’.
Vida had become the news event of the year. Every major news network had placed satellite dishes on bridges and roofs of nearby buildings. A giant television screen had been erected on the riverfront to give spectators a close-up view of the struggling whale. In the bottom corner of the screen were Vida’s vital signs: her blood pressure and heartbeat.
Zoey was there too. She stood a distance from the crowd with the hood of her jacket pulled low over her head. Wrapped in the folds of her jacket was Benji, her little Jack Russel terrier. Behind her stood two burly men in dark suits, earpieces tucked discreetly behind their ears.
The image of Vida on the giant monitor was ominously still. Her struggles had stopped. The only movement was the slow rise of her chest as she struggled to breathe. Around her, exhausted helpers continued scooping icy water over her skin. But there was a growing feeling that they were fighting a battle they couldn’t win.
As the clock on the parliament building chimed the hour, television camera lights were switched on. The Earth News Network’s resident reporter took up his position for his insert. He had stayed at his post since the ordeal had begun and his hair and clothing was now badly dishevelled.
“Good Evening viewers” Des, the reporter began. “It’s time for our regular update with Dr. Gomez.” He turned to the woman standing next to him; “Dr. Gomez, straight over to you.”
“I’m afraid the news isn’t good. We’ve tried everything we know to help Vida, but she hasn’t responded. I can’t prove this scientifically, but I’m convinced she’s given up hope and wants to die” the scientist replied sadly.
“Is there anything at all that can be done?”
“We’re still giving her antibiotics in case she’s picked up an infection. It’s all we can really do. Our only real hope is to find her calf, Esperanza. But we do have some good news. Thanks to the public’s donations, we’ve hired a helicopter. At the moment it’s searching the deeper waters beyond the river mouth. It’s a start, but it’s not enough. Time is running out and we need to keep the chopper airborne. So please, I appeal to the viewers to carry on supporting this effort.”
“Thank you for your time doctor.” Des turned to face the camera. “I can report that we approached the Prime Minister for a follow-up interview. But his spokesman has advised that the P.M. has been called to an urgent meeting in the Bahamas. We were assured that when he returns on Monday, he‘ll be chairing a special sitting of Parliament to discuss the rescue. I should also mention that the Prime Minister has personally pledged $200 to the rescue mission. It would seem viewers, that it would indeed take a miracle to save Vida” he stated with a wry smile.
“That’s pathetic!” Zoey muttered to herself. “It’s time to put dynamite under some people, Benji!” She pulled her jacket and dog closer and walked towards a chauffeur-driven limousine.
“We can’t wait for somebody else to save Vida” she whispered to her dog, “we’ll just have to do something ourselves. I’m going to wake up granny and get her to start ordering people about. Asking them hasn’t helped.” She nodded a thank you to the uniformed chauffeur who opened the car door for her. Zoey slid into the warm car and put Benji on the seat next to her.
“Where is it you wish to go to now, ma’am?” the chauffeur asked, looking at her in the rearview mirror.
“Home, please James” smiled the young girl. She had a feeling that there were a few people in the country who were about to be hauled out of their warm beds.
Behind the lead car, the two men climbed into a black sedan with tinted windows. The convoy slipped away from the river, unnoticed.