Honeybee

Chapter 2

October 27^th 2015, York, England

Sitting back in his plush leather chair at the head of the table, Professor Nigel Stokes stared thoughtfully at the members of his research team in front of him. It had been a stressful few months diagnosing and ultimately developing a vaccine to combat the Tobacco Ringspot Virus. Honeybees and various other insects were at critical levels, not just in the United Kingdom but worldwide too. Governments across the world were frantically working to help save the bees. A few countries were very close to finalising a vaccine. The Food & Environment Research Agency in York, England, had finally done it.

The research team eagerly awaited the decision that was about to leave the Professor’s mouth. He leaned forward, opening his mouth as if ready to speak, and then flopped back into his chair. The Professor’s clever mind was in conflict with itself. It was quite possibly the hardest decision he had ever had to make. Leaning forward again, he finally spoke.

‘So, this vaccine has been thoroughly tested?’

A short man in his mid-forties nervously replied.

‘Yes Professor. Apart from actual live field tests, it passed all laboratory tests.’

‘How will it be distributed?’ Professor Nigel Stokes already knew all the answers but he liked to keep his team on their toes.

‘It will be sprayed onto crops, much the same way as fertilisers and pesticides are dispensed. Farmers can use their existing equipment, thus, minimising costs.’

‘And when will we see an increase in honeybee populations?’

‘2016 will be a poor year for our crops but we hope to see our friendly bee’s buzzing from flower to flower by spring 2017. Obviously, not full populations, but a steady increase.’

The random questions had now been asked so the Professor went straight to the point.

‘I am risking my reputation by rushing this vaccine through without proper field tests. In your honest opinion,’ he said as he made eye contact with each member ‘If I pass this vaccine for nationwide use, Will it do the job we intend it to do? And above all else, is it safe?’

They all looked at each other in confirmation and then the short man replied.

‘Absolutely.’ he said ‘We can confirm it will do its intended job and its one hundred percent safe.’

‘Good. Now go to work and save the world!’ he said jokingly, ‘Get this vaccine out there.’