Pandemic (The Extinction Files, #1)

by A.G. Riddle

“But today, we are more connected than ever before. Our population is four times larger than it was at the time of the last major global pandemic in 1918. We’re more urbanized. We’re disturbing more animal habitats. Most concerning, we are disturbing habitats where reservoir hosts for extremely deadly diseases reside. Fruit bats, rats, squirrels, fowl, and other hosts for zoonotic diseases are coming into contact with humans with greater frequency.

Life is uncertain; in the end we control only a single thing: our own thoughts.

Viruses were predictable: they could be tracked and understood. People were different. They were irrational and hurtful and never around when they should be.

Disasters are an opportunity for the worst of humanity. And the best.”

Have faith and patience, Dr. Thomas. Time works miracles. We must have the courage to wait for them.”

A lot of opportunities look good, but I’ve found that sometimes success and happiness are about knowing when to say no. I

To these scientists, the Looking Glass represented an abstract concept, like paradise. Something we all understood, but no one knew exactly where it was or precisely what it looked like. To some it was a sandy beach, to others a cabin in the woods or a penthouse in the city with unlimited wine and theater tickets. Paradise was the product of one’s life experiences and desires. In the same way, every scientist saw humanity’s greatest threat through the lens of their field of expertise; they imagined themselves and their work in the starring role in the device’s creation.