Review: Science Fiction: “The Plague” by Teddy Keller

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Sergeant Major Andrew McCloud works as the Co-ordinator of the little known department of Civic Health and Germ Warfare Protection, tucked away in a usually quiet, area deep in the recesses of the the Pentagon. Perhaps, in the ordinary run of things, an occasional general strolling by might break the peace, but today the phones are ringing off the hook. Colonel Patterson retired ten days earlier. His replacement, a brand new lieutenant, has not shown up. So now, when an epidemic with possible terrorist/espionage ties rages across the country, a noncom is running the show. It’s enough to make the brass sick in and of itself. At least, the epidemic hasn’t proved fatal so far. It isn’t striking many children. But it’s knocking out people from one end of the country to the other, from Alaska and Hawaii to Florida: “housewives, businessmen, office workers, teachers, preachers—rich, poor.” No water systems seem to be contaminated. It doesn’t appear to be contagious. Strangest of all, it hasn’t crossed the borders of Mexico or Canada. Have the Soviets hatched some diabolical plot? Are they softening up the United States for a strike? Rest assured, our hero, noncom that he is, figures it out, with a little help from one of the office girls in uniform who has the moxie to stand up to the brass for him. Insubordination in times of crisis? Tsk-tsk. But it’s all for love. This is not a bad little story, but the good guys and bad guys are a bit simplistic. The mystery is solved after a lot of hard work and the answer clear-cut. No doubt remains to ponder. I can’t say this is among the best mystery/science fiction I’ve ever read, but it is fun. I could find no bio info on author Teddy Keller. This story is available from Project Gutenberg: _____ Title: “The Plague” Author: Teddy Keller First published: Analog Science Fact -> Fiction, February 1961 Source: ISFDB