"Good evening. I am Senator Forbes, and the Government is delighted that you were able to come on short notice." Senator Forbes said.
"Thanks for reaching. I am the Big Ira, leader of the Marauders." The leader said in a sharp voice.
"First off, I am assuming that there are no cameras in this room? " The leader added with a smirk on his face.
"Yes, Sir. There's none. " The Senator replied.
"Good, because you know what I can do to you if you ignore our simple requests." Big Ira showed his knife belted around his waist. Senator Forbes felt cold and swallowed his spit. He was terrified, but he knew that he had to continue and finish this meeting right away.
"So should we begin?" Senator Forbes tried to cover his tension.
"Of course. It shouldn't take long because it feels weird to be in here." Big Ira replied
"We'd like to know what are your demands. And talk about peace. " Senator Forbes said bravely.
"Peace, huh?" Big Ira faked his laugh.
"As if the Government didn't start the chaos we have right now. Our demands are easy. We'll end the battle if you give us what we want." Big Ira handed an envelope with their demands on it to Senator Forbes as he opened it immediately.
"You know it's impossible. Maybe we can make some amendments..." After reading the demands.
"Then there's nothing to talk. " Big Ira cut the senator before he could finish his sentence. The leader's face turned like a killer then he stood up, and continued talking.
"You've heard from us. If you can't give our demands, the war continues until we get what we deserve." The leader went straightly to the door and out of the room. Senator Forbes was speechless. Stunned by how powerful and hard-hearted the leader was.
The next day, Senator Forbes came in late into his office but just in time for the meeting. He immediately distributed the documents to the cabinet members.
"The Demands of The Coalition? " One of the cabinet members said when Senator Forbes started to speak in front.
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Last night, Senator Forbes privately talked with the Marauders to hear their demands. I know some of you disagrees, but it was a decision worth trying. May I now please get your attention and let's listen to Senator Forbes about his report with The Marauders demands." The Vice President spoke to the Cabinet Members.
"Good afternoon everyone, Senator Forbes reporting. Vice President Ariana Marie gave me the chance to speak with the Marauders last night, but they requested to do it privately. We have a few witnesses to testify that they came last night. The leader identified himself as Big Ira, and he was quite powerful." Senator Forbes paused for a while as he remembered how fearful he was.
"As you can read on my file, listed are their demands. I am now opening the table for your questions and hear your thoughts." Senator Forbes said.
"Section 1. New and better officials from their sector. We all know that it's a risk to give someone from them a chance to sit on the Government." The other Senator said.
"Section 2. Government's Wealth. They want to get the entire wealth of the government. That is insane! We can never grant their demands. Not today, nor forever. " The other cabinet member insane.
"It's clear that talking to them is useless." The cabinet member who suggested Martial Law said.
"I still commend Senator Forbes for the courage to face their leader." She smiled at Senator Forbes.
"So instead of mocking him or me with the decision we've made, all I heard was bawl instead of solutions." The Vice President scolded each cabinet member like a mother.
"Now that we know that we can't give their demands, I'll think about the other solutions that you've sent including the Martial Law Implementation." She continued.
"Please hold on Madam Vice President." Senator Forbes said.
"I invited some visitors to our today's meeting." He continued. Everyone was shocked and left wondering.
"Let them in." The Vice President said as a signal.
Five visitors walked in the entrance door going to the aisle, as they sit on their designated chairs that the senator had prepared. Everyone was shocked, except for the Vice President who was smiling in relief.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce the honorable leaders and representatives from different religious groups of our country. I apologize for I wasn't able to bring in each religion, but I guarantee you that I called all of them the best way I can to ensure that the Government still got their support. " Senator Forbes said.
"How do we know that they are not a spy?" The Cabinet Member who wanted Martial Law said.
"If you talk to them, you'll know it by heart." Senator Forbes answered with pride and genuinely smiled on their guests.
"Moving forward, We have the Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, Jews and The Muslims. Let's hear it from them."
"Good afternoon Brothers and Sisters in Christ. We do not wish to enter the world of politics. As we know, the church and the state are two different entities. However, with the current situation, we are all affected. We, the Catholics, would want to extend our support to the Government. We don't wish to interfere with your decisions, but we hope and pray that you will always consider your people." The Catholic Priest said.
" Al-salaam 'Alaykum. We are very much aware that some of our brothers and sisters in faith in Islam have declared war against the Government. However, we would like you to know that not all Muslims are the same. We still believe in peace and diplomacy. Good governance and help are what we all need. A lot of people are already dying, and we do not want to increase the numbers. If there is anything that we can do to help rebuild this nation, we are more than willing to help. " The Muslim Leader said.
The other religious leaders showed support to the Government as well and offered a short prayer after the last leader expressed his guide. The leaders along with their most trusted constituents still believe in the power of the Government to fix the country's issue, but not all of them have the same mindset. Some of their members might have different perceptions based on what they feel, and there's nothing they can do about it.
The meeting ended. Everybody was surprised, but somehow felt more light spiritually for an unexplainable reason. Vice President Ariana Marie congratulated Senator Forbes for a job well done but reminded him that they still have a long way to go. At her office, she looked at the picture frames of her family, her and the President, and the bible book. The Vice President thought that she never had such control and authority in her life. For some reasons, the Vice President wanted to steal the leadership away from the President.
CHAPTER SIX
Maxine and her sons are comfortably sitting on the bench on the patio of their farmhouse. It was a pleasant afternoon of April 13, yet it seems like everything that happened on their way to the farm just two days ago are still fresh to their minds. Her kids are staring beyond the fences of the farm, but their minds are flying.
Maxine remembered when they reached the farm. Her mother was running towards their car when they saw it from afar. To her family's surprise, they saw lots of blood.
"What happened?" Maxine's mother said in a panic tone.
"We got hijacked," Maxine said full of tears.
"C'mon let's come inside. Hurry." Maxine's father was worried.
The two boys rested immediately, while Maxine told everything to her parents that they almost died. She was so intense, and her heart was bursting with a lot of emotions that she needed to get everything off her chest.
"I am worried that my sons might get a trauma." Maxine was worried.
"Give them some time, Max. It might give them a shock, but they should be fine. Let's be there for them and provide for their needs. They are tough boys, like their parents." Her mother said and smiled at Maxine.
“How’s Joseph?” Her father asked.
“He stayed in Southcrest. He has a lot of duties to his patients.” Maxine replied.
“Poor boys. Must be hard for them to without
their father. Did Joseph already knew what happened?” Her dad asked again.
“Yea, he was guilty. But I told him that it's not his fault. I don’t want him to be worried. He carries a lot of burden in the hospital.”
“What a nobleman.” Her father said in amusement.
Back to reality, Bobby saw someone coming and shouted.
"Mom, look! Someone is coming!" Bobby shouted in surprise that it might be another intruder. Maxine took a look at a sophisticated family going out of the Blue Hilux SR5. The man was tall with short spiky hair. He was wearing a tucked in striped polo tucked in with skinny pants while the woman was petite on a floral dress. They walked towards Maxine's direction with two kids who were busy with their gadgets. Maxine looked at the family and recognized that it was her brother.
"It's your uncle, Bob. Nothing to worry." She assured her son. Maxine felt sad about Bobby's reaction, but at least he heard him talk again after the incident.
"Mom, Dad! Tony's here!" Maxine shouted inside their house as she ran towards her brother to give him a hug. They've been very close since they were kids.
"Hi Rashida, long time no see." Maxine smiled at her.
"Hi, Max. You still look good."
Grandpa and Grandma Carmichael, Bobby and his brother were waiting on the wooden stairs of their yard. Their visitors were approaching together with Maxine.
"Mom! Dad!" Tony shouted and waved his hand while the other hand was carrying luggage. His family was behind him. Tony and Rashida greeted and hugged his parents.
Grandpa Carmichael is a retired Army General. He's still strong even at sixty-seven years old, but his doctors advised him to avoid stress and heavy work after he had a coronary bypass surgery three years ago. It was the time when he sold his animals except for some pigs, chickens, turkeys, cows, and horses. Grandpa Carmichael also authorized farmers to harvest his crops for additional funds.
"Thank you for accepting us. We didn't want to bother you here, but things are slowly getting out of hand in Memphis." Tony said humbly.
"You are always welcome here, you know?" Grandpa Carmichael said.
"O my God, are they your sons, Max? They are both grown-ups! Time flies." Maxine nodded while her two kids tried to give a forced smile. She didn't want to mention to her brother about the hijacking incident, so Maxine quickly greeted Tony's wife.
"Hi, Ross and Vicky. How are you both?" Grandpa Carmichael asked his other two children.
"Fine," Ross said blankly as if he wasn’t interested for a talk.
Bobby was surprised with the lack of enthusiasm, and he looked at Ross.
"Ross, what's happening to you? Don’t be rude. " Tony said irritably.
"It's alright, Tony. They must've been tired. For sure it was a very long drive. Let's all come in. I've prepared some snacks." Grandma Carmichael said calmly even she noticed that Tony's kids are somehow spoiled and undisciplined. The exact opposite of Maxine’s children.
The farm is at five miles from the central town of Humvees. The off-the-highway strategic location is excellent if rioters start to widespread. It has been privately-owned by the Carmichael Family for over a hundred years. When Maxine's Great Grandfather passed away because of kidney complications, her father started taking care of the farm until he got out of the Army.
Carmichael Family are eating their first traditional family supper after a very long time. Grandma is a great cook, and it was like a feast on their table. They have Classic Roasted Turkey, Potato Salad, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Cornbreads, Fried Honey Buttered Chicken, some Brownies and a Perfect Apple Pie. Everyone was enjoying their food, but Maxine is still worried about Bobby. Her youngest son seemed to be fine after seeing his cousins. They haven't talk or played yet, but she thinks that it helped him meet other children. Bobby, on the other hand, ate just a little. He's still quiet, and indisposed.
Rashida and Maxine helped Grandma Carmichael clean the dishes after their sumptuous dinner, while the boys went out to check the animals. Maxine feels relieved that Bobby joined. He likes Grandpa Carmichael so much, and feeding animals make him feel relaxed. When the boys came back, Bobby looked a little less intense.
"Are you going to sleep?" Maxine asked, but Bobby nod.
"Alright. Goodnight, Bob. Mommy loves you." Maxine hugged her son and kissed him on the forehead.
"Goodnight, Mom. I know you are worried, but I am okay. Dad is right. I feel safe in here. I love you, too." Bobby casually said and went to their room. Maxine covered her mouth to her amusement. Tears of joy fell on her cheeks.
"I told you. Time heals, Max. Time heals, be patient." Grandpa Carmichael said from behind.
"Did you spoke to him?"
"A little, but we play a lot. Seems like he loves animals and plants, too. Like you." Grandpa Carmichael winked at her daughter, and they laugh.
Bobby looked at the photo that his father gave before they left. A lot of things has happened, but he knows that it's just the start. He thought about his father's safety, and he wanted to hear his voice. Bobby reminisced the scenes of hijacking. What bothers him a lot is the fact that he killed a man. The intruder is evil, but he wasn't sure of what to feel. Bobby feels vexed about his cousin Ross. What else he can't do to him if he ever acted a spoiled child again?
CHAPTER SEVEN
The next morning, Maxine feels relieved to hear see his two sons talking again. Not as enthusiastically as before, but she believes with what her father said last night. Maxine still hasn't heard from Joseph yet since their latest conversation. She decided to put an end to her agony, and get her phone to her room. She didn't care if he's in the middle of an operation, because Maxine needs to know that Joseph is safe. However, Joseph's mobile is off, and the hospital telephone lines weren't ringing.
Maxine was so disappointed that she threw her phone to her bed. She burst into tears because she's worried that something might happen to her husband. Maxine tried calling some of her workmates in the news industry who stayed in Southcrest to cover stories. However, all of their phones are now out of the coverage area. She was almost out of control when she remembered a solution to her panic. Maxine immediately went downstairs to open the TV, but her parents were already watching the news. However, she only heard reports about the Marauders demands, the President’s condition, and non-stop violence because of the riots.
"How's Joseph? " Grandpa Carmichael said.
"Still haven't heard from him, yet," Maxine said dryly.
"I heard there was a blackout in Southcrest. Don't you think the hospital where Joseph works got affected?" Tony said.
"Really? Where did you hear it?" Maxine was worried.
"A friend of mine. He called earlier today to inform me that they are moving out of Southcrest because they have no energy supply and that the rioters are getting near." Tony said. Maxine was speechless and didn't know what to feel.
"I know Joseph can take care of himself. He's one of the toughest I have known." Grandpa Carmichael assured Maxine.
"The riot is now widely spread, and it's possible that they arrive here soon. Isn't it wise that we prepare ourselves and the farm?" He continued.
"Dad, I think you are overreacting. We are in a very far place." Tony argued.
"With a situation like this, and people fighting for survival everything is possible. I've seen it several times when I was in Army. People will move to hunt for food and shelter." Grandpa Carmichael answered Tony.
"Whether rioters might come or not, we have to fill in our supplies. We might have blackouts as well." Grandpa Carmichael now sounded like a General.
Tony didn't answer back. As much as he disapproves the idea, he has no choice because they are under his parents' roof. Besides, his father started listing down the supplies that they'll be needing. Grandpa Carmichael requested the ladies to list their kitchen and personal needs as well. Tony has more than enough on his wallet, but the main reason why he doesn't like the idea is that he also has to spend his money to buy their stuff.
&nbs
p; Grandpa Carmichael, Tony, Bobby and the other boys of the farm went on their way to the town to buy supplies.
"Grandpa, I want to buy those headbands to mom. She looks beautiful when she has headbands. I like it when she wears them especially at work." Bobby said.
"Of course. We'll buy it, Bob." Grandpa Carmichael smiled widely at Bobby.
As they continue on their list, there were a couple of arrogant city boys. One aged eighteen while the other was around nineteen years. Bobby was walking last when he saw one of the boys stole the wallet of the adult man in front of a meat store. Bobby ran towards the city boys immediately.
"Hey! His stealing from you!" Bobby got the victim's attention.
The boy who stole the wallet ran as fast as he could. One of the farm guys followed the thief. Bobby, on the other hand, tried to follow but the other boy grabbed his hand and pushed him, and fell to the ground.
"Is that what you got? C'mon!" The city boy posed on a fighting stance. He was about to punch Bobby when Tony stopped him from behind.
"Pick your age, young man," Tony said, and he twisted the city boy's arm.
"Aaaaahhh!" The city boy shouted in pain.
"That's enough, Tony. The Deputy Sheriff is here already." Grandpa Carmichael said.
"Sorry for the inconvenience of these young boys. They've been causing troubles for the past few days." The Sheriff Katcher said.
"Make sure to return the wallet to the owner. I won't file charges against you young boy. Next time you hurt my Grandson, I'll make sure you'll be rotten in jail." Grandpa Carmichael threatened the city boy.
Calls To Arms_A Story of the Imminent Collapse Page 4