Франк Бейтс - Calls to Arms - A Story of the Imminent Collapse

“Copy that,” Steve said.

“Doctor Brave!” Walter shouted.

“Walter! Just in time. Please, can you help Dr. Steve do the rounds and make sure that the patients are alright? Calm them and explain the situation. Has anyone checked the generator?” Joseph said.

“Yes. Jay went down already.” Walter replied.

Jay White and other remaining maintenance men tried to fix the generator. Fortunately, they were able to come it to life with their remaining Diesel gas and water supplies.

Joseph, Steve, and Walter successfully finished their rounds. Luckily, patients were okay, but some were in shock. They all went down to check the generator and ask the status.

“That should give us energy for two more days,” Jay said in dismayed.

“Yea, it’s the last we’ve got.” One of the maintenance man stated.

“Then what are we gonna do next?” Steve asked.

“It’s either we hunt for supplies, or we move out of this place.” Jay White replied.

WASHINGTON. April 14, 2014.

“Good morning, Madam Vice President. All of the Cabinet Members are now ready.” Her Secretary said in a low voice. The Vice President didn’t respond, but she sighed deeply and made her way to the Closed Door Cabinet Meeting. She’s been busy the past few days reading reports, and now is the time to take action. The longer they wait, the harder it is for the Government to solve other issues.

Everyone was already waiting when she came in the West Wing of the White House. She entered the room, shut the door and sat to the Vice President’s chair.

“Good morning, everyone. Sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s do this meeting quick as I assure you that we’ll be doing a lot of paperwork then after.” The Vice President said in a very severe tone.

“After reading your reports, weighing the country’s current situation and hearing the unrealistic demands of the Islamic Groups. It came to my mind that I need to implement action to save and protect this country and its people.” She continued.

“With the slow widespread of war and riots between the Islamic Coalition, rebels and the people of this country, I will declare Martial Law.”

Chattering voice started. Some Cabinet members agreed while others are complaining. All of them are now talking to the Vice President.

“But Madam Vice President, is it inevitable? People will never like the idea, and it might send them a wrong message.” Senator Forbes was upset.

“With all due respect, Senator Forbes, don’t you think you’re crossing lines? The Vice President has already made up her mind.” Senator Colette said.

“There must be another solution! If we declare Martial Law, people might become more violent than they are right now!” Senator Forbes said in a concerned tone.

“Aren’t we supposed to lower our international debts, and start providing people more jobs so they can stop killing people?” Another Cabinet member said.

“It’s not enough. We still have high inflation rates. Even if we give people jobs, we still have a higher price for the commodities. We have to bring back investors, but they are now afraid to come because of the violence.” Another senator said.

“It’s not as if that we haven’t tried that. The root problem is that people are now disrespectful of the Government. They won’t listen, and they aren’t afraid of killing people. It’s not just a disciplinary action, rather protection to preserve our country. We need the help of the Militia to reinforce peace.” The Senator who first proposed Martial Law said.

“We need to control them. The situation is slowly getting out of hand. How can we resolve other matters, if our people start killing one another? I’m afraid that one day our security defense might be outnumbered by those rebels, and this country will forever be a battleground. We still have innocent people to protect.” The Vice President said.

Everyone remained silent momentarily after a heated argument.

“I understand that some of you might agree or not, but I’ve made up my mind. I know that it would be different after I declare Martial Law. My life might even be at risk, but who else cares? We have sworn to protect our people and this country. We’ll do whatever it takes to stop those people who interfere with the Government’s aspirations. We need to put an end to this drought and aim for a better future.” The Vice President strongly said.

“What’s the scope?” Senator Forbes asked even if he still disapproves of the Vice President’s decision.

“Martial Law is effective immediately to most affected Urban Areas until the Militia declares that the situation is under control.”

The Cabinet Members discussed every detail of the Martial Law, and the Vice President made sure that they fully understand it. She immediately requested her secretary to call a press conference at exactly six in the evening. Vice President Ariana Marie ended the meeting to finalize the new Executive order and prepared to announce it to the public.

BREAKING NEWS! Vice President Ariana Marie Calls For An Emergency PressCon

“The White House has called for an emergency press conference to be held at the Palace at exactly six in the evening. The details of the publicity remains to be confidential, but the Government confirms that it’s vital for the country’s safety.” The news reporter said.

“Can’t help but wonder what’s all about?” Tony asked Grandpa Carmichael.

“Must be some precautions regarding the riot.” Grandpa Carmichael replied.

“I don’t know, but I have a bad feeling about it.” Grandma Carmichael inserted their conversation.

“Is there anything worse than the widespread riots and killings?” Tony said sarcastically.

“Let’s just wait for the Government’s announcement,” Rashida responded.

Maxine was listening to the news, and to her family’s conversation while holding her phone. She’s still hoping that Joseph would call. Maxine expects to hear the worse about the announcement as she also has presentiment the moment she heard that the Government is very private about it.

Joseph and other medical staffs were also waiting for the news in the cafeteria. Since the electricity went out, they’ve been strict with the use of the power. They’d watch TV during lunch and dinner breaks only. It’s fifteen minutes before six in the evening, and everyone was so curious about the announcement.

“I’ve never seen the Vice President into any press conference.” Jay White said.

“Yea. It has always been the Speaker of the house who made the announcements.” Mrs. Daniels said.

“Must be a real thing,” Steve said, while Joseph was quietly eating his dinner.

Joseph decided to call Maxine just to let her know that he’s alright. He opened his phone and dialed his wife’s number.

“Hello? Joseph?” Maxine immediately answered on the other line.

“Maxine…”

“Why you didn’t call for days? Are you alright?” Maxine interrupted Joseph.

“Yea. I am so sorry to keep you waiting. We are now using generators and had to preserve my phone’s battery for emergency purposes. Please don’t worry I am okay. How’s everything in there? The kids?” Joseph asked.

“We’re okay, at least for now. The kids are now talking, and they’re getting better after the incident.” Maxine updated Joseph.

“That’s a relief. Sweetie, I have to go. I don’t want to empty my cell.” Joseph said.

“I understand. Please take care. I love you.”

“I will, and you too. Love you always.” Joseph hung up and went back on the news.

At precisely six in the afternoon, Vice President Ariana Marie is now ready for the press conference. She’s now sitting in front of a camera, with various microphones from different stations. The logo of the US Government and the flag of USA were on the back. The man behind the camera gave a thumbs up to the Vice President as a sign that they are now live.