by Bobby Akart
“Wait. You mean officially? All that talk over all these years is going to happen?”
“Yes. She claims to have the overwhelming support of the legislature, and the vote will be fast-tracked tomorrow. By the end of the day, Texas will be a republic once again.”
Lucy set down her coffee and handed the rest of her bread to Major to finish. She rested her elbows on her knees and dropped her chin to her clasped hands. Major elected to let this information soak in for a moment. Finally, she spoke. “Why did she call you there?”
“Personally, I think Marion had already made up her mind about this. I think she was including ranchers and other community leaders from around the state to make us feel included. If there is any pushback from Texans, she’ll look to us to help sell the benefits of secession.”
“First, are you totally on board with this? And does it really matter?”
Major chuckled as he finished off her cinnamon bread. “It doesn’t really matter. The decision is made. Now, I’m not sure who I’m supposed to sell it to. I don’t plan on leaving the ranch very often unless it’s absolutely necessary. And I’m sure as heck not gonna invite folks into our home to talk about it.”
Lucy continued. “When would this take effect?”
“For all intents and purposes, it already took effect when she closed the border. Officially, as soon as the vote passes, she’ll notify the president.”
Lucy stood and walked slowly toward the window. She parted the curtains to look out into the darkness. Major anticipated her next question.
“Any Texan who found themselves out of state when this hit will be allowed through the checkpoints by showing their identification.”
“What if they don’t have any for some reason, like Duncan, who always has to travel in secret?” asked Lucy as she turned and studied the news broadcast from the BBC on DirecTV. The screen read President to Issue Address.
“It may take longer to get through the processing stations, but with social security and some basic identifying information, they’ll be allowed in.”
While Lucy’s primary concern was for her children, she also considered the ramifications of secession. She pointed toward the screen, which caused Major to stand so he could see.
“The president will never stand for this, although I’m not sure what she’s gonna do about it. My guess is she’s preoccupied at the moment.”
“It looks like we’re about to find out,” said Major.
Chapter 39
November 28
Raven Rock Mountain Complex
Liberty Township, Pennsylvania
The few members of the international media allowed into the Raven Rock Complex were growing restless. Over the last two days, outlets like the BBC, Der Spiegel, and CNN International from London had chartered planes capable of carrying their satellite news trucks to the United States. Each media team also included a maintenance truck to keep the vehicles fueled as they traveled from point to point, beaming up to their satellites the biggest news event since 9/11.
The media was told to prepare for a major address from the president followed by a brief opportunity to ask questions. The live feeds were rolling, and the reporters were struggling to fill up airtime as they awaited the president, who was fifteen minutes late.
The small media room resembled the White House press briefing room when in use by the president. The blue goose, the nickname for the large blue podium adorned with the seal of the President of the United States, was flanked on each side by the United States flag and the flag of the President of the United States, which consisted of the presidential coat of arms on a dark blue background.
To the casual viewer, the upcoming address did not seem out of the ordinary. However, President Harman was about to make history.
The president, followed by her chief of staff and Director of Homeland Security Pickering, finally appeared at the podium, wearing a classic MA-1 bomber-style flight jacket bearing the presidential seal. She nodded to the members of the media and wished them good afternoon.
“My fellow Americans and those watching from around the world, America is the victim of a brutal, unconscionable attack. Last Friday, two electromagnetic pulse weapons were detonated in the Earth’s atmosphere near Portland, Oregon, on our west coast and in the vicinity of Trenton, New Jersey, on our east coast. At the moment of detonation of these nuclear warheads, a massive pulse of energy was spread across our magnetic field, overwhelming our electronics from computers to communications equipment to most vehicles.
“The attacks of Pearl Harbor and 9/11 pale in comparison to the severity of these nuclear detonations. At this time, forty-eight states are without power, with only Hawaii and Texas spared. Hawaii, which obtains the majority of its electricity from oil-fired plants, relies upon imported oil to maintain its power grid. Those imports have stopped because our West Coast ports are closed.
“Texas, through judicious planning in partnership with the federal government, continues to maintain its separate and independent power grid. As a result, the state of Texas will remain a valuable resource during our rebuilding effort.
“My highest priority as Commander-in-Chief is the security of the American people. Our military has kept us safe from terrorist threats by ISIL and al-Qaeda. They have effectively monitored and contained North Korea and Iran, until now.
“Although my focus tonight will be on the immediate issue of rebuilding our great nation, the perpetrators of this unprovoked attack, North Korea and Iran, will be held to account. The United Nations has already scheduled an emergency meeting in Brussels to address this issue. At this time diplomats are being evacuated from Washington and New York to Europe. Justice will be served in due course.
“We must first focus our attention on helping our fellow Americans through these difficult times. Americans are concerned about their health and safety. Many have already run out of food for their families. With winter approaching, proper shelter will become an issue. Without fully operational medical facilities, our citizens could die from common colds or simple cuts.
“At this time, my administration is working diligently to restore power with the assistance of our allies. Assessments of the damage to our grid are under way and the parts to repair the systems are being acquired from abroad. In the meantime, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, working in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, led by Director Carla Pickering standing to my right, will begin disbursing food and fresh water to the largest population centers, where our efforts can impact the most people.
“I have signed a series of emergency executive orders regarding continuity of government, establishment of regional FEMA headquarters, and to insure the protection of our citizens, I’ve taken the extraordinary step of preparing a Declaration of Martial Law.
“This is virtually unprecedented within the United States, but these are extraordinary times. Throughout American history, martial law has been used under limited circumstances such as the aforementioned attack on Pearl Harbor and after major natural disasters. In order to restore order and protect the American people during this recovery process, there is simply no other way to gain control of the societal collapse our nation is experiencing.
“At this time, I’d like to allow Secretary Pickering the opportunity to read the executive summary of the declaration for the benefit of viewers. Complete copies of the Declaration of Martial Law will be distributed to the media present and later posted at public buildings across the country. Thank you.”
The president stepped aside, and Pickering settled in behind the podium. She immediately began reading the summary.
“Thank you, Madam President. Let me expand on one of the president’s statements regarding dissemination of this declaration. It will be delivered to the United States Postal Service for posting in a conspicuous place. It will also be made available through the offices of the governors of each state.
“Part one, purpose of this declaration. It is the policy
of the United States to maintain a comprehensive and effective continuity capability composed of continuity-of-operations and continuity-of-government programs in order to ensure the preservation of our form of government under the Constitution and the continuing performance of national essential functions under all conditions. In addition, it is the duty of the United States to protect and serve our citizens. Therefore, the president through executive orders has declared the United States to be in a state of catastrophic emergency.
“A catastrophic emergency means any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the United States population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions. The authority granted to FEMA in this executive order shall be used to strengthen our national defense preparedness, and to assist federal, state, and local law enforcement during this catastrophic emergency.
“FEMA is hereby granted broad and sweeping powers to effectuate the purposes of this declaration. Each regional FEMA headquarters will continue to operate under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security.
“In order to maintain security and order and provide essential services to the citizens of America, curfews will be established, and until further notice, there will be a suspension of certain provisions of the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, civil law, civil rights, habeas corpus, and such other and general provisions as may be determined in the national interest by the Office of the President.
“As a result, certain freedoms enjoyed by our citizens must be temporarily suspended as the recovery and rebuilding process takes place. This necessarily involves a suspension of certain rights afforded by the Bill of Rights.
“The First Amendment right of free speech and the press are hereby restricted to the extent such speech or written word is deemed intended to incite a riot or hostilities against the United States.
“The Second Amendment right to bear arms is suspended. All weapons, magazines, ammunition, and related accessories are hereby declared unlawful and shall be voluntarily, or forcibly, surrendered to law enforcement.
“The Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures is hereby suspended. No citizen shall hinder or prevent any action or process in furtherance of the duties of those appointed by the Office of the President.
“The Fifth Amendment right to due process is suspended. All persons subject to appearance before the state and federal courts of the United States will now fall under the purview of the military tribunals of the United States. In conjunction with this portion of the declaration, the right to a speedy trial and to civil trials by jury are also suspended.”
Pickering paused and removed her glasses as she addressed the cameras. “The remainder of the declaration deals with implementation and enforcement of the president’s directives. The penalties for noncompliance are strict and will be administered swiftly. My advice to the American people is this.
“Please comply with law enforcement directives. It is our hope that the nation pulls together to help their fellow man. Share your homes. Share your food and water. Lend a hand to those in need.
“Do not make an already bad situation worse for yourselves by attempting to circumvent the law or the Declaration of Martial Law. There will be a zero-tolerance order put into effect. Again, please heed my warning. Let’s work together toward rebuilding. You can do your part by complying with our directives.”
Pickering nodded to the president and stepped aside. President Harman made a few additional points.
“Thank you, Secretary Pickering. Let me add one thing. It goes without saying that these actions are deemed necessary because of the position we have been placed in by this unprovoked attack. The provisions of the declaration may appear onerous to some. They are not considered permanent. As soon as order is restored to my satisfaction, I will begin to rescind all or part of the declaration as appropriate.
“Furthermore, although these provisions have gone into effect this evening at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, I recognize it may take several days for the content of the declaration to be disseminated around the country. I will allow a seventy-hour grace period for the nation to be made aware of these provisions before full enforcement is authorized.
“I’ll take a few questions before I get back to work.”
Chapter 40
November 28
Raven Rock Mountain Complex
Liberty Township, Pennsylvania
Nicholas Grenfell-Martin of CNN International stood and asked, “Madam President, could you provide any details on the damage sustained to the power grid, and are you prepared to give the American people a time frame for its repair?”
“We are working with Homeland Security and local utilities to assess the extent of the damage. Because of the massive impact of the electromagnetic pulse, both computer technology and electrical transformers have been destroyed. Some of these transformers are unique to the particular location in which they were used. This may require the construction of new replacements. It will take days and possibly weeks to provide a final assessment. In addition to protecting the American people, these repairs are our utmost priority.”
The president pointed to the reporter from the BBC.
“Thank you, Madam President. Jason Boswell, BBC News. We are receiving reports that Governor Marion Burnett has closed the Texas borders to any nonresidents. First, has the governor committed an act of treason by closing the state’s borders? Second, is the state of Texas prepared to open its vast supply of oil and gas reserves for use in your rebuilding effort?”
“Governor Burnett has no legal basis for closing access to the state of Texas to any individual lawfully present in this country. Now, whether the actions of Governor Burnett give rise to an act of treason in the eyes of the attorney general is not for me to decide. I have contacted the governor, and we had a very frank conversation. An advance team has been sent to Austin to meet with the governor, and she has welcomed them with open arms. She should also be welcoming her fellow Americans into Texas so that Texans can do their part in the recovery effort.”
“Follow-up question, Madam President. If Governor Burnett continues to block access to her state, what are your options?”
“It’s too early to address the specifics, Mr. Boswell. I’m sure the governor will do the right thing. Just know that all options are on the table.”
The president pointed to the next reporter. “Friedrich Marsh, Der Spiegel.”
Marsh stood to address the president.
“Madam President, regarding the martial law declaration, does it apply to Texas as well?”
“Yes, it does. Our number one priority is providing assistance to our citizens in every state, including Texas. This attack was perpetrated on America, and despite Texas being spared, they are also indirectly impacted by the collapse of the power grid. They need the federal government’s protection as well.”
“Madam President, is it true that you’ve reassigned U.S. Customs and Border patrol agents to assist local law enforcement in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Tucson in their efforts to quell rioting and looting?”
“Large parts of northern Mexico were affected by the collapse of the Western Interconnection power grid, which generates electricity in the United States for their use. That is not their fault. If allowing our borders to remain open helps those folks affected by our problems, then so be it. And let me say this as well. I have been in contact with Mexican President Raul Dominguez, who is willing to consider a limited number of our refugees to come to Mexico in exchange for our removing the draconian and onerous barriers we have placed between our nations. I agree with him, and the recall of the Border Patrol agents is in furtherance of this policy.”
The president pointed to the next reporter in line. “Next up, Luis Ramirez, Voice of America Radio.”
“Madam President, you mentioned the United Nations in your opening remarks. Has the UN offere
d any support in the recovery effort?”
“Yes, thank you, Luis. I should have expanded on that earlier. Whenever there is a disaster or a humanitarian catastrophe, the United Nations is on the ground providing relief, support, and assistance. Our situation is no different. Through the coordinated efforts of our Department of Homeland Security and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations will be providing aid throughout the nation in primarily heavily populated urban centers. Also, while our forces help maintain stability across the nation, the UN has offered a sizable peacekeeping force, who will work with FEMA in more rural parts of the country. We are fortunate to have this asset to help implement the Declaration of Martial Law.”
“Last question.” The president pointed to a man seated behind the first row of reporters.
“Madam President, do you consider this attack an act of war? If so, when will you make a decision on engaging your enemies?”
Despite the buildup to the EMP attack and the reports of the suffering of the American people, President Harman was still unable to make a decision. It was a question that was gnawing on her every minute of the day.
Do we lick our wounds and rebuild? Or do we strike back with a vengeance, which could trigger a nuclear-dominated World War III? There wasn’t a cut-and-dried answer.
PART FIVE
Tuesday, November 29
Chapter 41
November 29
Sinmi-do, North Korea
Recovering from a deep coma was not just a matter of waking up and, therefore, life returned back to normal. It took days of rehabilitation and oftentimes included learning basic functions like sitting upright on the edge of a bed or learning to hold your weight in a standing position with the assistance of a walker. One of the biggest issues a comatose patient faced was abnormal muscle stiffness that could occur due to inactivity when the brain was injured.