The narrative turns to the United States, to the US government’s top research facility for infectious disease, at Fort Detrick, Maryland. A virologist there, Walter Drax, recognizes the pathogen’s lethal potential instantly and decides to reach out to a personal contact at the NSC, hoping his discovery will make him famous. Only few people verify his lab results and their import. Murdoch says this is useful for his later operation, as al-Nassouri has no inkling he is at risk.

The director of national intelligence, a man nicknamed Whispering Death, or “Whisperer” for his soft voice, alerts the president, James Grosvenor. Whisperer’s famed composure breaks when he is forced to admit how little he knows about the perpetrator or his timeline. The narration then explains Grosvenor’s unique career trajectory: A popular and respected businessman, he went on to hold two cabinet posts and agreed to be the running mate of the first woman to seek a major party nomination, only to find himself caught up in tragedy when she died suddenly. When news cameras found Grosvenor comforting her widower, his compassion and reputation drove him to a landslide victory. His ability to handle a major international crisis is uncertain.