In 1839, as a young Naturalist, Charles Darwin sailed on the English ship "The Beagle". He arrived in the
Galopagos Islands, of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, by way of sailing from England and all the way west across
the Atlantic Ocean. Columbus had done the same from Spain, just 347 years earlier. The Beagle sailed across
the Sargaso Sea, of the central Atlantic Ocean, and down the east coast of Brazil. A month later it sailed
around: The Land of Fire - "Tierra Del Fuego" - the southern most tip of South America. Tierra Del Fuego, was
given it's name by "Magellan" (1520) when fires could be seen in the distant horizon from the ships at sea. The fires were on, and along, the beaches of present day Argentina. In reality, it was the Yananomo Indians cooking dinner and staying warm! The Yananomo have lived there for 5,000-10,000 years, it is estimated by
Enthnologists (someone who studies cultures) and Anthropologists (someone who studies man). Things are
not always what they seem, or appear to be!

The Beagle journeyed for months around the southern tip of South America, through the Straits of Magellan,
and then up the west coast of Chile and past Peru. If the Panama Canal had been opened then, it would of
taken three less months of travel time for the Beagle to arrive in the Galopagos. The Canal was still exactly
75 years away from opening. The Galapogos (Archipelago Del Galopagos) are a group of small tropical islands
that are located approximately 1000 miles southwest from Panama. Today, they are claimed by the country of
Ecuador. Because of their isolation from the continent, and each other, Charles Darwin observed some strange facts that could not be denied. He found similar birds that were remarkably distinct from each other, on different islands, in subtle yet important ways! However, all the tropical islands contained diverse "variants", or "quasi-type" sub-species of the original island bird species! The birds were changing over time! Each island had become a separate "branch" in the genetic tree of Galopagos Island birds. Many islands were still branching out further - diversifying. Viruses do the same thing!

Some islands had only a certain type of "berry" for bird food. On those islands; the birds developed diets that
included those berries. On another Island; Darwin found "insects" as the staple diet - for the birds. The birds
could not fly the distance to the other islands and constantly reproduced for generations, and thousands of
years, on their own islands. They refined themselves "biologically" for what they would need to ensure
survival. The birds changed their physical or behavioral adaptations to improve their chances of survival. The birds that ate insects developed long thin beaks to drill for them (insects) in drift wood, and dig for them in coral-crushed soil. Other Islands had only "hard-shell nuts" as food for the same kind of birds. These birds, Darwin observed, had over time, developed shorter "viselike" beaks that could crush the nut open easily. Twenty years later Charles Darwin wrote and published his "Origins of Species" (1859). The Theory of
Evolution was born! Darwin argued that the birds all came from a common ancestor, and had adapted to their
environment over time. He postulated that "selected pressures", (the food source), shaped the birds into what he saw on the islands in 1839. He reasoned that "Natural forces" determined whom would survive, and whom would not! If a bird had a long skinny beak and had to crack open "nuts", he would most likely starve to death - or hence; not reproduce it's DNA, for another generation's use. Life evolves in nature, not dissolves in nature! The HCV virus was dissolving! What selective pressures were at work with HCV? What were the natural forces in play? Why was HCV so elusive? Or was it?

Later that evening Kevin sat down at his desk and looked over both shot records. One was an original with all the stamps for the vaccines and also, the official W.H.O. stamps. The other record was a fraud! It was a
"recreated" shot record that had been handwritten and stamped with the official W.H.O. stamps. The record
was changed, at the end of 1975, to reflect that he never had been given the "Adenovirus". "Wait a minute!"
Kevin said out loud to himself. "Why would someone take Adenovirus out?" he silently thought. "I don't even
know what it is!" he said softly. Nothing else was different between the two shot records. Kevin looked at the
hand writing that had recreated "this original" and noticed an extremely "neat and professional penmanship"! This was not a private's or Sergeant's handwriting! It was an educated person's handwriting, Kevin deduced! Perfect, neat, consistent, it looked like the handwriting of an Officer! "Why change the record?" Kevin thought. "Have to find out what an Adenovirus is!" Kevin declared. "Why would an officer be used?" he thought. It looked like Kevin was part of an experiment, or something equally dastard. But that was absurd! "No way! Not in America today!". Kevin thought deeply a little longer and then realized - "This was almost 25 years ago!". They didn't know what they were doing then! Genetics was still very young. Adenoviruses were used to form mice tumors beginning in 1962. Within less than 10 years, the military is giving it to soldiers? The FDA could not possibly allow this, could they? We hear that it takes years, and years to get approval for new drugs and vaccines. Don't we? Only if you are experimenting do you give this to people as a test. 1962 to 1975 = 13 years. Jan, 1976, shot record is changed to "take out" Adenovirus. "Why?"

Mark and Kevin begin to speak, nightly, on the telephone long distance. Mark speaks immediately with his
employer and admits to being positive for HCV, before they are informed and can take any action against him
first. A preemptive strike! Mark's "up-front" and honest policy pays off immediately! The employer is
sympathetic and appreciates Mark coming right to him with the bad news. Mark knows he has trumpeted them first. They must assist by law now, Mark and his family. If Mark had waited a day to think about it, and the
employer wanted to take action, then Mark would of been gone, fired, for "lying"! "Kevin! I'm going to see a
Hepatologist this week!" Mark offers with excitement. "Excellent! He'll be better than the old Country Doc you
have now." Kevin reassures. "Besides, you've had all the tests right?" Kevin asks. "Oh! I didn't tell YOU!" Mark realizes. "Well, listen to this....I test positive for HBV of course from Germany" Mark begins. "Right, of course." Kevin follows. "And I have HCV positive results...." Mark continues. "Ok! That we know.." Kevin concurs. "Well my friend, I also have HAV too!. Mark confesses. "What? You're kidding, right?" Kevin asks with disbelief. "No, really, Hepatitis A Virus too!" Mark reiterates. "But HAV is Bacterial?" Kevin says confused. "I know! But I have the antibodies!", Mark tells Kevin. "But not the antigens?" Kevin asks. "No!" Marks replies. "Oh, then you could have gotten it, years ago, maybe even as a kid!" Kevin suggests. Mark ended the subject with, "Right! That is also what the Doctor said!". Mark has A, B and C- Hepatitis antibodies!

Among the victims of HCV, a restlessness was beginning to stir! Four to five million people in America alone
were becoming despondent. When Kevin was first diagnosed he explained to some that this was like having
Aids, or HIV, in 1981. There was no information, no government action and an alarming number of people died
while politicians argued over "lifestyles". The same ones that are still arguing about "epidemiological factors
are Intravenous Drug use, and Homosexual behavior...!". Not, "we have no idea why 43 percent of the HCV
patients test positive." How much do we pay you to have "ideas" and answers, Mr. Director? Grass roots HCV
movements were begun throughout the land. The image of the Dragon was left for another generation of
suffers to be labeled with. This new movement would adopt a mythological creature also, but this time a
Unicorn was more fitting and appropriate. Refined and dignified it stands in great works of art, starring at us
to prove it's existence. All deny the reality of the Unicorn, but no one can deny the image. HCV suffers began
to communicate with one another on the internet. Organizations became more influential at the local level. But, without a national audience - nothing would be done! The kind of large-scale funding and research needed was essential for any advancement towards a cure, but how to get their attention? The Unicorn became a symbol of the movement when a fair maiden had her warrior taken from her in the prime of his manhood. His suffering, and eventual death became a rally cry through out the land! "How many more of us must die?" Victims began to shout! "Five Million strong and growing!" they would confront others with. "think we are going to JUST go away?" They began to realize themselves. The November elections, were just seven months away. Millions strong can be a very powerful voice in a democracy! The Unicorn shall be strong and ready to "stick it to them!" when necessary!

"Ladies and Gentleman" you begin. "Today I received a call from the Director informing me of a change of
funding plans", you tell the audience. "Apparently, another laboratory is going to get all the funding that we
currently had." you continue. "Sir?" a voice interjects. "Please....no questions." you plead gently back. "I have been reassigned to the Bacterial Department, studying marine fresh- water surface organisms. Or for you layman in the audience - Pond Scum!". you advise them. "I have refused this assignment and am forced to submit my resignation!", you confess. Just then the heavy metal doors forcibly swing open in the back of the audience and in walks the Director with three enforcement officers from the Agency under his direction.
"Gentlemen, arrest that man in the name of National Security!" He demands, pointing straight at you with his
right index finger! This you had not counted on! At first, you stand your ground with defiance. As the Director
approaches you, your assistants block is path. "GET OUT OF MY WAY!" he voice booms!

Your fellow workers prevent the Director from getting to you, giving you enough time to thoroughly reevaluate the changing situation. You were resigned to retire with dignity and honor, but now you feel compelled to come forth! In your mind this man represents evil. He has stalled, dragged his feet, and all along been rewarded with perks. You do not fly in lear jets, why should he? "And what is this with the guards?" you mock loudly at him over the heads of your associates. "Next you'll be calling my mother!" you sarcasticly snipe. At this point you realize the the guards are wearing weapons and cuffs, you decide to exit the lecture hall and jog to the laboratory. "GET EM!" the Director orders! A chase ensues with you fleeing from the guards. You fly down the hall, running at top speed now. As you approach the double doors you stop quickly and slide 15 feet into the door handles. Instantly, you pull the doors open, and bolt inside! The guards quickly follow with their hands on their guns! You must reach a phone!

In Germany, the American military had been an occupying Army for decades. The original HBV virus circled
the globe, but was always close to home - the U.S. Military. It had infected the blood supply years earlier, and
many knew it! The virus had changed, just as Darwin's birds had changed on the Galapogos Islands. The
"other Viral Variants" had eluded screening tests and were now winding their way through gallons of live
human serum. What was the virus doing? Why was it lingering? Tattoo palors were blamed, night clubs were
blamed, prostitutes were blamed, the victims WERE blamed! Never were those responsible blamed! The image of dirty needles and sorted lifestyles would be propagated and held out as the....solution?....blame?........? Certainly, it was the "party line!". The American Military had it's own problem with drugs. With discipline and morale at an all time low during the 1970's, the soldiers experimented with a false sense of impunity. The virus that traveled with the military, would now be used to deny many benefits. The greatest Army in the world, the strongest ever, would stoop to "evasive tactics" as a strategy, and method, of dealing with the problem. The blame would not come from the military, but the VA. A division of responsibility would allow all to point to the other and say, "ask them". Conveniently, the system is set up to discourage and confuse!

John continues to inject himself almost daily. He cries sometimes as the needle enters, he just wants to "be
well again", he thinks to himself. Just "one day" of feeling strong and healthy again, he pleads to the kitchen
wall. He has shown no improvement for all his pain. He'll soon decide to stop the therapy and look into holistic (treating the body, not just the disease) approaches. John starts to read about Saint John's Wart, and Milk Thistle. "How bad can they be? Gotta be better than this stuff" he says as he throws the needle and syringe across the room with disgust! Judy has nothing to add. She loves him and wants him to live, but he has only been taking antiviral therapy for her. She now resigns to the inevitable, John is sick - and he's not getting any better! She begins to think about how long he may have left. What about her, she wonders?

Kevin gathered information on HCV for the first month after being diagnosed. He read and read and read. For
some reason, maybe due to the affects of the virus, Kevin struggled with the information placed before him.
ELISA, RIBA, HBV, HCV, HAV, HGV, HDV, HEV, Interferon, Viral loads, Biopsies, enzyme levels, etc... All swirled
around Kevin's head like a dust storm. The more he read, the more confused he was. After a month, he began
to understand his symptoms. The following two weeks he looked around the globe to see what HCV was doing in the world, and how he may of gotten the virus. He learned more about his old HBV, and more about the past history of HCV. 1975 it said in many places, 1975! The virus was found in 1975. Wrong! Kevin thought "Wow! I'm one one the original victims!"

For two months Kevin believed this. Why not? It was the party line! Being inclined to enjoy history and science, Kevin looked into the HCV genetic family tree. The closest cousin was the Yellow Fever Virus. "Cool!", Kevin initially thought. Also, closely related was the Dengue Virus Family. Kevin knew Yellow Fever but not Dengue. He found that it affects the joints and muscles. Yellow Fever affects the liver. Kevin mulled over the coincidence that his symptoms seemed like a combination of the two. He read more about yellow fever, and more about Flavavirus. HCV and Yellow Fever were closely related. A coincidence, but surely only a coincidence. It bothered Kevin that he could not outright tell mark what HCV was, or why they were all sick.
Intellectually it was a mystery, as well as a challenge. Personally, it was his honor at stake. Most information
about HCV mentioned that transmission was by needles, period! "Not me!" Kevin knew. "What if my children
ask when I'm dead if I got it this way?" Kevin asked his friend Eugene one day. "I will not be around to defend
myself". he then realized. "I must find the answer while I still can!", Kevin expressed with naive optimism.

"Come in and have a seat," Mark's new Hepatologist/Gastroenterologist offers. The office smells of money.
Not of credibility, but of money. The sofas are $2,000 leather custom "seating systems". The lighting is perfect
and filtered. The office was obviously designed for an appearance of wealth. Not Medical expertise, wealth!
Mark crosses the plush deep green carpeting. The office motif is like a golf course putting green. 'So, what
are you here for?", he asks. Mark stunned by this response, first sits, then replies, "Well Doctor, you tell me,
I was sent here by my Doctor to you, why?". Mark's patience is growing thin already. He has taken the day off
from work, again, and has had to drive over an hour to get here in a foot of snow. "Why am I here" he lips back at the Doctor, shaking his head. "Well, I see you don't have Hepatitis!" the Hepatologist/Gastro Doctor, trained and specializing in this field, says with assurance! "Maybe you have an ulcer, I want to do an endoscopy (tube down his throat with a camera on the end) the specialist continues. "What about all the tests?" Mark asks with disbelief. "What tests?" the Doctor replies ignorantly. For the first time ever the doctor opens Marks records and looks at his lab test results. "Oh! I guess you do have Hepatitis!"

Mark is driving back home through the snow within five minutes! "Here's your $200 Doctor! Thank you for
nothing!" Mark sneered, as he rose and departed the Doctor's expensive office. "What now?" Mark thought
on the long way home. It was now dark and hard to see the road through the blowing Michigan snow. Mark had to slow down because of drifts and tree branches. It took him over three hours to get back home. "Hi Mark!" Toni said cheerfully as Mark entered the house. She came over and gave him his usual kiss. "How'd it go honey?" she instantly asked. "Did the Doctor have good news?" she wanted to know. "Mark" she called to him as he walked up the stairs silently and into the bedroom. Toni turned to Erica, the middle daughter (17) and said, "Honey, could you please feed little Adam? Mommy will be right back". Toni had held dinner for two
hours waiting for Mark to come home. As she went into the bedroom, all the lights were off. "What's the matter honey" she said softly. "What has happened to me Toni?" Mark asked, knowing Toni didn't have the answer.?No one had the answer, at least no one that was talking.

Back in New York, Kevin was starting to understand.