The Valley, 1989
The Valley (Page 14)
by William Burroughs
form of radiation sickness. However, neither the corn itself nor the lesions responded to the most sensitive and advanced radiation detectors. The investigators concluded, "If radiation is the etiological factor, it is some form of radiation unknown at the present time."
The Press, of course, wallowed in speculation and clamored to be allowed to interview the Valley people and take pictures. They were firmly admonished that the possibility of a virgin soil epidemic imposed emergency conditions. No one but scientists and doctors from the CDC would be allowed access to the Valley people, unless or until there was no danger of an unknown disease agent getting loose in the world’s population.
The Press grumbled and prowled around the Center thrusting their microphones at anyone who came in or out. Exhaustive tests determined that the Corn Disease