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

General sat beside the governor while the bomb expert still defusing the bomb. The bomb reached the last five seconds when the bomb expert pressed the enter button of the computer, but the timer didn’t stop.

“It was nice working with you, gentlemen.” The General said genuinely.

They all closed their eyes as the bomb reached zero, but it didn’t explode. After a few more seconds, they all smiled and immediately removed it to the Governor’s body.

The Army was able to defuse the bomb, and they regained the capital of Los Angeles again. After three days of battling, The Army announced that Los Angeles is free from the hands of Islamic Coalition group, but they still have to clear the area. It gave hope to other cities, but they know that it’s just the beginning.

Other Army Troops prioritized larger cities to prevent what happened in Los Angeles. They’ve been strict, yet careful that they don’t violate any human rights. Checkpoints were around every area, and they also started curfews. Some citizens felt safe while others were still affright.

At Memphis, the Army was able to control the situation. Some rebels got killed while others got captured with the hope of getting more details about the Coalition’s agenda. The arrival of the Militia to enforce peace in the urban areas have been effective so far. They were able to eliminate riots as they secure the area. However, rebels have started to move out. They moved to rural places to hide.

Back at the farm, Maxine and his family were having their breakfast when Tony saw someone standing outside the fence their farm.

“Who’s that?” Tony said aloud.

Everyone looked at the fence and saw a black man standing, with a woman and a kid.

“Should we let them in?” Grandma Carmichael asked.

“What if they are intruders?” Tony stated.

“What if they also need help?” Grandpa Carmichael replied.

“But dad we don’t know them. You’ve heard the news rioters are moving to the suburbs. Besides it’s not safe for the kids.” Tony insisted.

“Can’t you see he’s with a kid, too?” Grandpa Carmichael asnwered. The father and son always had clashed ideas. One of the many reasons why Tony left the farm.

Grandpa Carmichael stood up and went to greet their unexpected visitors. Grandma Carmichael and Maxine immediately followed. Tony rolled his eyes but still go after them.

“Stay here, watch over the kids.” Tony told to his wife.

“Hi, Good Morning,” Grandpa Carmichael asked politely.

“Good morning. Are you, Mr. Carmichael?” The black man asked.

“Yes, it’s me. What can I do for you?” Grandpa Carmichael questioned out of curiosity.

“Tony, is that you?” The black man said as he recognized Tony.

“Yea. Sorry, but I can’t seem to remember you.” Tony responded in surprise.

“We are neighbors back in Memphis. You are close to my uncle living next to your house. He died just a few days ago.” The black man answered.

“Oh, What happened?” Tony said plainly.

“I am his nephew, by the way. He died because the rebels attacked their house. We were about to move out of the town. When we were planning our itinerary, he gave me the address of your farm.”

“Why don’t you and your family come in?” Grandma Carmichael offered. Tony was still hesitant, but he has no choice to follow his parents.

Carmichael Family humbly offered their breakfast to the man and his family who looked so famished.

“Thank you for accepting us.” The black man said.

“You are welcome in here.” Grandma Carmichael responded with a smile.

“The situation in Memphis is slowly getting out of hand. The presence of the Militia is a relief, but we are so afraid of the killings especially with what happened in Los Angeles.” The black man explained.

Tony and Grandpa Carmichael were still arguing outside the house.

“Are you sure you want them to stay here?” Tony asked.

“He knows you, Tony.”

“But I don’t recognize him.”

“Why are you so cold-hearted? Is that how we raised you? Put yourself in their shoes.” Grandpa Carmichael asked. Tony didn’t speak.

“I am just concerned with our safety. That’s all.” Tony defended himself.

“But that doesn’t mean that you’ll be selfish.” Grandpa Carmichael said.

“I understand we are in a situation of survival, but always choose to help other people especially if they meant no harm. You’ll never know when you’ll need help.” Grandpa Carmichael continued.

“Mommy, is that guy a friend?” Bobby asked. Maxine understands that her son is hesitant to other people, especially after the hijacking incident. However, Maxine knew that she should teach them to trust again.

“Yes, Bobby. They are on our side. Just like us, a victim of the riot.” Maxine explained her sons.

“But what if they hurt us?” Bobby said in fear.

“No one will ever hurt you or your brother again. Mommy will never allow them.” Maxine assured her sons.

“I know it has been tough after the hijacking incident, but you have to learn to trust your instincts. The world will be a better place to live in again. Alright?” Maxine sons agreed, and it was a relief to see their sweet smiles.

On the same day that Maxine and his family met a black man, more doctors have moved out of the Southcrest Community Hospital. The rioters have slowly invaded suburbs, and other medical staffs couldn’t risk their lives. However, they are more afraid that the Government will summon them, and force them to do their obligation. Waves of war and violence escalated in the area right after the Vice President declared Martial Law, and it’s still increasing day by day.

“Dr. Johnson. Where are you going?” Joseph said as he saw Dr. Johnson leaving his clinic with all his stuff.

It was six in the morning, but it was too dark inside the hospital. Dr. Johnson thought that it was the best time to leave as all doctors are busy, and no one can notice.

“I am leaving. Please, let me go.” Dr. Johnson said in despair.

“But why? What about your patients? Your obligations?” Joseph said calmly.

“Joseph, can’t you hear yourself? This hospital and this place are hopeless. Soon rioters will come, and all of us will die! Your beliefs won’t save you!” Dr. Johnson said furiously.

“We all have choices to make. And if staying to help other people means that I’d have to die, so be it. At least I have my integrity.” Joseph said.

“Where’s your family now, Dr. Brave? You have to wake up! The reality is that we’ll die if you choose to stay here. If you don’t want to leave, then fine. Just get out of my way.” Dr. Johnson was desperate and pointed a revolver gun to Joseph.

“I won’t stop you, Dr. Johnson. I hope that help finds you whenever you need them the most.” Joseph replied as he let Dr. Johnson pass the hallway. Little did Joseph know that other medical staffs at Southcrest Community Hospital have formed a union led by Doctor Johnson. The aim was to get other people out of the hospital who would fight against their will and defend the place.

The Diesel engine and water supply of the generator are now empty. Some Walter planned to gather supplies, but it was dangerous to go outside. The hospital that has been a sanctuary for everyone is now a place for hiding. Joseph, on the other hand, felt sorry for the patients. He was able to send other patients back home, but more of them died because of the problems in electricity. It was also painful for Steve and Nurse Janette to see patients slowly die because there’s no electricity to power their life supports. Fortunately, Denise had recovered, she still has a bandage on her hips, but she’s now part of the survivors.