Chapter 368 Patient Zero  

"What exactly do you mean by 'you may have identified patient zero?'" asked Francis, as he walked briskly towards Dr. Durand.

Dr. Durand looked back at Francis with a serious expression. "A man came forward to us claiming that he might be the initial carrier of the outbreak."

Francis raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" he asked. "Does he show any symptoms of the flu?"

"He has coughed a few times but no other symptoms. It's possible he's asymptomatic," Dr. Durand answered, his voice betraying a hint of caution amidst the unfolding uncertainty.

Francis nodded, processing the new information with a critical eye. He knew that finding the patient zero was one of the surefire ways of eliminating the epidemic as they could synthesize a vaccine from his strain of the virus. "If he's truly asymptomatic, he could be both a critical piece of the puzzle and a significant risk factor," Francis considered aloud.

Dr. Durand nodded in agreement. "Precisely, Your Highness."

"Where are you holding him?" Francis asked.

"In the quarantine zone we've established in the east wing," Dr. Durand replied, pointing towards a corridor that led away from the break room. "It's the most isolated area of the hospital, and we've taken every precaution to ensure it's secure."

"Good," Francis responded with a nod. "Is he in the right state of mind to hold a conversation? I would like to speak with him and ask him some questions."

Dr. Durand hesitated for a moment before answering. "He's been cooperative and seems lucid enough for a discussion. We've been careful to make sure he's comfortable and understands the situation he's in."

"Alright," said Francis decisively. "I'll go see him now. Maybe he can provide us with more information that could help contain the spread."

"I'll accompany you," Dr. Durand offered. "It's important we keep the interaction controlled." Francis wore his face and eye mask before making their way together to the quarantine zone, the halls echoing with the sound of their footsteps. They arrived at a secured entryway, where a guard nodded solemnly at their approach.

The guards opened the door, giving way to a clean and sparse room where Albert Brown sat isolated, a clear barrier separating him from the rest of the facility. The man looked up as they entered, his face weary but alert.

Francis took a seat across him and looked at him with scrutiny.

"I don't know anything about you because I haven't asked the head doctor, Mr. Durand about that. So why don't we start with an introduction? Do you know me?"

"I-I'm sorry…but I don't speak French. I only speak English," replied the man, causing Francis's brows to furrow slightly.

"Okay, we can speak in English," Francis said, shifting his posture to face the man directly. "I'm the Crown Prince of the French Empire, Francis Bonaparte. And you are?"

"Crown Prince—" the man repeated, slightly shocked upon hearing his introduction. He didn't expect he would speak to someone with an exalted position.

Regaining his composure, he continued, "I'm Albert Brown, Your Imperial Highness. I'm an immigrant from the United States of America."

"An American huh?" Francis mused with a nod. "Alright, Mr. Brown, can you walk me through your last two weeks? Where have you been, who have you met?"

Albert paused, clearly trying to remember. "Mostly I've been at work or at home. But I did go to a couple of markets for groceries and such. And at work, I interact with the staff and customers."

"What is the nature of your work?" Francis queried.

"I'm a cook at a restaurant downtown…" Albert trailed off, looking a bit uncomfortable with the questioning. "It's a busy place. I... I handle food and I'm around people all day."

Upon hearing that, Francis leaned back in his chair and rubbed his chin, contemplating. Influenza virus is an airborne virus, which means it can stick to surfaces and spread through the air, especially in places like a restaurant.

This is starting to make sense, but there is still a lack of information. He needs to ask more.

"Those customers you serve, did they come back in a day or two?" Francis asked.

Albert shook his head. "Unfortunately, they were reported sick after a couple of days. I didn't make the connection until I saw the news," Albert said, a hint of guilt in his tone. Francis noted Albert's reaction. "Don't blame yourself, Albert. We're just trying to get all the facts."

"Am I going to get imprisoned for this?" Albert asked nervously. "I mean…a lot of people died from the disease and I-I—"

Francis shook his head firmly, interrupting him. "No, Mr. Brown, you're not going to be imprisoned. You came forward voluntarily, which is commendable. Right now, our priority is public health, not punishment. Your cooperation is vital to help us eliminate this virus."

Albert seemed visibly relieved by Francis's assurance. "I want to help in any way I can," he reiterated.

"Good, because you are going to participate in a lot of tests. I will have Doctor Durand explain to you how you will help us tackle this virus. Doctor Durand, please."

Doctor Durand stepped forward and leaned forward to whisper into Francis's ears.

"Uhm…Your Imperial Highness. I am not fluent in English, I know only a little. Is it okay for His Imperial Highness to help me translate some of the medical terms?" Dr. Durand asked, a slight blush of embarrassment on his cheeks.

Francis gave a slight, understanding smile. "Of course, Doctor. Go ahead with what you need to say, and I'll translate as necessary," he said reassuringly.

Dr. Durand nodded gratefully and turned to Albert, explaining in simple terms and with Francis's help, the procedures and tests they would need to conduct. He detailed how these tests would not only help in potentially developing a vaccine

Albert listened intently, nodding along and asking a few questions, which Francis translated. He agreed to cooperate fully, understanding the importance of his role in this critical situation.

Fifteen minutes later, the series of questions concluded.

"That would be all," Dr. Durand said finally. "Thank you, Mr. Brown."

"I have to contact my father about this development. I'm sure he'll be eager to hear this news. Doctor Durand, how long will it take for you and your staff to develop a vaccine for this?"

"Well, it depends, Your Imperial Highness. You see, developing a vaccine is a complex process. It involves multiple stages of testing. First, we have to confirm that Mr. Brown's strain of the virus is the one causing the outbreak. Then we must develop a prototype vaccine, which then has to go through initial trials to ensure it's safe," Dr. Durand explained, looking earnestly at Francis.

Francis nodded in understanding. "And after safety is confirmed?"

"Then we test for efficacy, which means we need to see how well it works in preventing the illness. If those trials are successful, we can consider larger-scale production and distribution, but that's quite a way down the line," Dr. Durand continued.

"I see. Keep me updated on the progress," Francis said as they walked toward the exit. "And please, ensure Mr. Brown is treated with care and respect during his time here."

"Absolutely, Your Highness," Dr. Durand assured him.

Exiting the quarantine zone, Francis made a mental note to convene with his father. He made his way to the break room where he could contact him.