ASAHI NO NISHISEI - Rising Sun Goes West (1)

Plague Eradication Project

This is the last chapter of Part 1.

- Bokutotsu Zen'u

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December 27

A room in the mansion

Here, Lieutenant Shibata and Petty Officer Third Class Mizusawa were examining the germs they had collected from Wilde's blood and lymph fluid, using equipment they had brought with them.

"The results of the Gram stain were negative, and the shape of the stain indicated that it was a bacillus."

Mizusawa relayed the results of a simplified survey to Shibata. Bacteria are broadly classified into 'gram-positive bacteria' and 'gram-negative bacteria'. Using a test called gram staining, it is possible to determine which category the bacteria belong to. This determination is important for identifying the pathogen and determining a subsequent treatment plan. The antibiotic that can be used depends on whether the organism is positive or negative. For example, penicillin, discovered by Fleming, is not effective against gram-negative rods.

"It looks like bubonic plague after all..."

Shibata, who heard Mizusawa's report, nodded his head at the discovery of one piece of evidence that supported his speculation. Whether or not this was in fact a bubonic plague strain could not be determined without taking the sample back to Japan and conducting a proper investigation, but he was almost certain from the circumstantial evidence that it was.

"...Why is it that the species of fungus and its toxicity on this world is so nearly similar to what we know?"

Mizusawa asked one question to Shibata. In the Mugen Islands and other islands and continents that they have landed on since the transference, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has been leading a thorough investigation of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, and the species, virulence and appearance of the bacteria and viruses discovered as a result have been almost identical to those that existed in the world from which they came.

"In both worlds, bacteria and other microorganisms may have evolved in a similar way. Well, in any case, the possibility of the existence of unknown pathogens has not disappeared. Stay alert."

"Yes, sir!"

Mizusawa nodded to Shibata's advice. Later, the same form of gram-negative bacilli was found in the bodies of several rats and fleas captured in the vicinity.

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December 30

Wilde's Bedroom

Four days after starting an intravenous antibiotic infusion for Wilde Foreimen, the antibiotic seemed to be working well, and he was slowly recovering, his fever was down, he was conscious, and he was eating.

"37,2 degrees Celcius... how are you feeling?"

Leading Seaman Mitsunami, who had come to take his temperature, asked about his condition.

"No fever, light-weight... I can't believe I was dying four days ago... Is this thanks to the 'antibiotics' and 'intravenous infusion' treatment from Japan?"

"Yes. It seems to have been effective enough," Mitsunami replied.

"The medical technology in your country is amazing! You, Japanese healers, are much more dependable than those who are bound by the Scriptures!"

Wilde has a big smile on his face and praises Japanese medical technology. Mitsunami was a little surprised at this and asked him about a word he had uttered.