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

“Why do I feel like I’m not welcome in here, Sheriff?” Captain taunted then he sat down across Sheriff and took a sip of Sheriff’s coffee.

“No, I wasn’t just expecting you right now.” Sheriff Katcher strongly answered.

“President Ariana Marie with the authorization of the General relocate us here, Sheriff. Meaning, we’ll be overseeing the town from now on.” Captain Stroller said.

“We have our Army and…”

“Are you trying to defy the President’s order, Sheriff?” Captain Stroller intercepted. Then the Sheriff’s wife appeared. She was a military retired nurse but refused to go back in service after the declaration of Martial Law and chose to hide on their farm.

“Oh, look what we have. Hi, Nurse Katcher. I thought you, too, should be back in business?” Captain Stroller pissed the couple then Sheriff stood up as he pulled his gun and aimed it at Captain Stroller.

“Leave her alone,” Sherriff muttered while his wife tried to stop him.

“I have a battalion out there, and you don’t want another war. Go, on. Pull the trigger.” Captain Stroller challenged then positioned the gun on his forehead. The Sheriff was furious, but he drew back the pistol because he knew that he had to give in to their demands.

“I’ll be going for now because I have some matters to work. Thank you for the warm welcome, Sheriff. I’ll see you later.” Captain Stroller smiled then left the house.

Later in that morning, Captain Stoller built their headquarters at the town’s courthouse. People were suspicious of the presence of a new battalion of Army. They were afraid then decided to lock their houses. After the Army established their new camp, Captain Stroller called Sheriff to report to him immediately.

“Hi, Sheriff. I believe we have unfinished business. Have a seat.” Captain Stroller said as Sheriff Katcher came inside the room, but he kept quiet.

“I’ll restrain from your family especially your wife if you help me.” Captain Stroller added.

“What do you want?” Sheriff replied.

“Captain.” Captain Stoller emphasized that Sheriff should respect him.

“First, I want a blueprint of this town. Then I need you to call Captain Ellis’ troops and those militias. Finally, I need Doctor Joseph Brave.” Captain added.

“What does he have to do with your plans? They’re successfully running the town’s hospital, can you please leave them alone?” Sheriff replied.

“Sheriff, have you forgot that our country is under Martial Law? All of you are under my command now. So it’s either you follow my orders, or your family dies. That simple, Sheriff. I’ve had enough, and I won’t be taking stupid answers from you anymore.” Captain Stroller said as he lost his patience.

The Militia and Captain Ellis’ troops were raging because they have to work with Captain Stroller, or they leave the area. Finley almost wanted to kill Stroller, but Captain Ellis said that he brought a lot of soldiers. They have circled the whole town, and have started to survey the area. There were no orders yet whether when they’ll begin confiscating the residents’ stocks.

On the other hand, Joseph and the people at the farm heard the arrival of the new Army, and Sheriff Katcher warned him about the arrogant Captain. In the afternoon, Captain Stoller’s soldiers fetched Joseph at the hospital. Steve and other members got surprised while Joseph tried to refuse. He punched then pushed the soldier who forced him to go. The other soldiers raised their rifles as well as Captain Ellis and his group.

“Enough! I’m going. You didn’t have to force me and treat like a prisoner.” Joseph answered then lifted his hands in the air.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Doctor Brave.” Captain Stroller announced as Joseph entered his office.

“What do you want?” Joseph answered.

“You sound like Sheriff Katcher.” Captain Stroller teased him then laughed.

“Let’s not waste time. I have my patients waiting.” Joseph said.

“I want you to work with the Military. You don’t belong here. You treat those people with flu, but you’re a surgeon Doctor. You deserve a better place.” Captain Stroller boasted.

“And you think Military is a better place?”

“You’re skills and knowledge will be tested there, Doctor.”

“Being a doctor isn’t measured with the degree of difficulty of healing their patients, Captain. It’s about helping people who are physically unstable. As public servants, we have one common agenda. To serve and help people whenever needed, and I hope you know that.” Joseph insulted Captain Stroller.

“You know I have the power to send you in the Military?” Captain cautioned.

“Seems like you have to comprehend what’s Martial Law again, Captain. Stop using it to threaten us. We still have our rights. I am still working as a doctor, so I guess I’m doing what the government wanted me to do? Besides, I believe that there are a lot of doctors in the Military. It only means that you don’t need me there. You only want me to strengthen your numbers.” Joseph smirked.

“You’ve got a lot to say, Doctor. But believe me, your days are over.” Captain Stroller got offended then looked at Joseph sharply.

“Do what you want, Captain. If you’ll excuse me, I have to get back on duty.” Joseph stated then walked away.

Joseph and his medical group went back to the farm after their duty. After dinner, Joseph decided to walk at the back of the farm to tell his wife first about his recent conversation with Captain Stroller. Maxine got angry that Joseph agreed because it could have caused so much trouble.

“Calm down, sweetie. I’m still alive.” Joseph said.

“Stop playing. What if that Stroller killed you?” Maxine was resentful.

“We can’t avoid him. He’s appointed to run this town, but we have to fight.” Joseph answered.

“I’m tired of fighting, Joseph,” Maxine shouted.

“So you want me to agree with everything that the order?”

“It’s not what I’m saying. I need you to be out of trouble.” Maxine explained.

“Whether we like it or not, it’s another trouble, Max. We can only get a life that we hoped for if we don’t stop them.” Joseph replied then Maxine burst into tears. He hugged her and kissed her hair.

“Enough. Fighting is the only option that we have, Max. It’s how we survived.” Joseph said as he tried to calm Maxine, but she remained quiet until they went back inside the house.

Then Steve saw that there were residents running the road.

“Hey!” Steve shouted to one of them.

“What happened? Why are you in a hurry?” Steve asked.

“Doctor, the Army is forcing us to give our supplies. We need to hide!” One of the residents said then ran away. Steve looked at the direction where the citizens came then immediately locked their gate. He communicated it with the people inside the farmhouse. Grandpa Carmichael led the planning on how to they will fight the Army. However, Grandma was doubtful because she didn’t want another round of killings.

“Shouldn’t we simply give it to them?” Grandma Carmichael asked in the middle of the meeting.

“What about us?” Tony replied.

“Then we produce new goods,” Grandma answered.

“You know it’s not that easy. It would take time before crops grow. As well as the animals.” Grandpa stated.

“Besides, they might also take this farm if we allow them to invade. Worst, they’d destroy us.” Steve answered. In the end, Grandpa Carmichael and the rest of the household agreed that they should protect whatever they have against anyone. They did it once, and they would do it again whenever required.

At the same day, Senator Colette couldn’t find President Marie’s security head, so he chose to use leap of faith, and take things on his own. He left a message then drove fast to the North Bethesda where the Doctor resides. When he arrived, he pushed the doorbell, and a woman opened the gate.