"Thank you, General Carmichael. My men are searching the other thief. I'll handle the situation from here. " Sheriff said, and they shook their hands.
“Please, Mr. Carmichael would be fine.” Grandpa Carmichael suggested and smiled. Being a retired Army General, everyone in the town knows him. However, they saw Tony running towards the direction of the young thief and their farm guy.
“Tony!!” Grandpa Carmichael shouted, but it was too late because Tony is a fast runner.
“Come here, Bob. Let the police handle their stuff.”
Tony saw people gathering around. He looked the are and saw the young thief, another gangster adult, and their farm guy. All of them were standing on their ground, ready to fight anytime. Tony tried to enter the scene and help their farm guy.
“What’s the matter? Why are you chasing my son?” The gangster said with his chewing gum.
“He stole a wallet,” Tony said.
“Do you have a proof?” The gangster said.
“You stupid son of a bitch!” Tony shouted as he lost his temper.
“Go! Run!” The gangster shouted to his son.
Tony ran towards the gangster and struck him hard in the face. He threw another right hook, but the gangster blocked it. The gangster then punched Tony in the stomach, then another one on his face. It caused him to dive into the cart of oranges. The farm guy tried his luck. He threw a left hook, but the gangster was able to dodge it. However, he saw an uppercut coming into his face, and it was too late for him. He took the shot, and the farm guy was quick to follow it up with a kick to the gangster groin. The gangster fell hard on the ground.
He was about to get his knife, but the police came into the scene. They caught the young thief and the gangster. Grandpa Carmichael also arrived with Bobby. Tony stood up and was a little bit hurt.
“Sorry about the trouble my guys caused, Sheriff.” Grandpa Carmichael asked for forgiveness.
“We understand they wanted to help, but we have to bring the bought of them to the office. We need their statements.” The sheriff said.
“I understand.”
“Don’t worry it won’t take long. Come on men!”
The guys continued their list after the police got their statements. Grandpa Carmichael was so furious that they ended up in a precinct. If he didn’t have connections, they might have been in jail already. When they finished shopping, they hurried back to the farm. Tony felt heroic with stopping a kid from punching Bobby, and for throwing a punch at the gangster. Grandma Carmichael and Rashida were laughing at him, while Ross pretended to be impressed.
"C'mon, Tony. Just finish your meal. It was a kid for God's sake." Grandpa Carmichael teased Tony.
Maxine was still absent-minded. She’s worried that Joseph hasn't called, yet. What if some rioters are now in the area? Are they safe? Do they have supplies? Maxine tried to be strong, especially now that her sons just started being normal again.
CHAPTER EIGHT
On the same morning at the hospital, Joseph and other medical staffs including Walter and Nurse Janette were busy attending the needs of their patients, and new victims are coming in the Emergency Room. Joseph did his rounds after helping another victim at the ER. The hospital still has no power, and their generator is slowly running out of energy.
Joseph decided to go to his clinic to eat his lunch. He requested Mrs. Daniels to deliver it to his clinic as he's having a very hectic day since Dr. Ames is now on leave. Joseph remembered Maxine and Steve. He wanted to give them a call, but he turned off his phone just in case he needs it for an emergency. They have limited power right now, so he had to save his phone's battery. Joseph was unpacking his lunch when someone knocked on his door.
"Come in." He shouted as he took his first bite.
"Hi, Dr. Brave. I think we have an emergency." Mrs. Daniels said.
"What is it?" Joseph said calmly.
"I went to Dr. Ames' clinic to return his cup, but all his stuff are gone." Mrs. Daniels said in surprise.
"He's on leave for a week," Joseph responded.
"But I saw this on his desk." Mrs. Daniels handed out a letter to Joseph with his name on it.
"Thank you, Mrs. Daniels." Joseph was curious about the letter, but he tried to remain calm. He opened the note as soon as he finished his lunch.
"Dear Dr. Brave,
I know I told you that I would stay, but circumstances with my wife have been out of hand. As much as I wanted to stay, I'm afraid that she can't fight her depression in this town. We had to move and give my wife the chance to live peacefully.
Sorry to disappoint you and others, but I hope to see you again, Doctor Brave. Please take care of yourself, and think about your safety.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tommy Ames"
First, it was Dr. Carlton, then Dr. Ames, and now he can't reach Dr. Steve. Joseph didn't know what to feel. He decided to deliver the message to Mr. Jobs, but there was another knock on his door.
"Joseph! Joseph!" Someone behind the door was shouting. It was a familiar voice, so Joseph hurried to open the door.
"Steve!" Joseph said in surprise.
"My goodness! Where have you been? You scared the hell out of me!" Joseph continued.
"Very long story, Joseph. I've been through all kinds of hell. Haven't eaten in days, do you have extra food and water?" Steve said in a weak voice.
"Come inside."
Steve drank lots of water and opened Joseph's extra meal.
"We can ask Mrs. Daniels if you need more." Joseph offered Steve who looked so famished.
"Thank you, but these are fine," Steve said.
"Joseph, some bad men almost kidnapped me." Steve continued eating while talking.
"What?!" Joseph almost shouted.
"It was around three in the morning. I decided to take a break and breathe in some fresh air. I walked out of the hospital near the parking area. Then all of a sudden, a man pointed a knife at my throat." Steve stopped as he remembered the pain.
"He took my phone and threatened me to cut my neck if I shout. I remained calm as much as possible." He continued.
"He dragged me to a van with a pregnant lady, a young kid and another man on his mid-twenties. There were two more of his accomplice waiting outside the van."
"They are a group that kidnaps people and uses them as their sex slaves, hostages. And if they lack in supplies, they will kill their victims, and eat them. Must be one of those Islamic-inspired groups." Steve said while Joseph can't believe that people can now eat other people. Then Steve continued telling his story to Joseph.
The intruders started the car, and Steve knew that he has to do something. Steve observed the three men and looked at the other victim man. The intruder who pointed a knife at his throat was in the first row of the van. The second intruder was driving, while the third one was sleeping. After an hour and a half of driving, Steve looked at the other victim man and raised his eyebrow as a sign to begin their plan.
Steve pulled the handgun of the first intruder quickly as he could and pointed it at the head of the first intruder. Steve took the other rifle and gave it to the other man victim.
"Stop the car, or I'll blow his head!" Steve shouted. The other two were looking at the rear mirror. Steve fired a shot on the intruder's right foot.
"Aaaaaaaa! Stop the car!" The first intruder shouted. Steve opened the door and used the intruder as a bait.
All of the victims went down the van quickly when the other two intruders took shots. The victims hide behind the car, while the other two intruders were at the front.
"I'll kill your friend if you don't let us go!" Steve shouted, but there were other gunshots. The man victim quietly walked on the left side of the van, and in one snap he took a shot that killed the intruder who drove the car.
The first intruder kicked Steve in the groin. They fought for the gun's possession for several minutes. The intruder pointed the gun at Steve’s chest, but Steve used all his strength to reverse the situati
on and aimed it at the intruder's mid-section, then pulled the trigger. Then there was another gunshot, but this time the man victim died.
"Stay low," Steve said to the pregnant woman and the kid.
"Mister... Mister..." The pregnant woman said weakly.
"What?" Steve saw the blood flowing on the woman's legs.
"Are you on labor?!" Steve said in surprise. He knew he needed to kill the intruder first before he can help the woman, or they will all die.
"Breathe woman. Help her to lie down." He instructed the kid, then there was another gunshot.
“Son of a bitch!” Steve cursed. With the presence of mind, he lied face down and saw the intruder's feet. He aimed for both legs. The intruder fell to the ground while shouting in pain, but Steve showed no mercy. In one more shot, he hit the intruder's head.
"That's for making our lives miserable," Steve said.
"HELP! Baby's coming!" The pregnant woman shouted.
"Lady, I am Dr. Steve of Southcrest Community Hospital. I am a General Doctor and Anesthesiologist, but I'll do everything to help you and your baby." Steve removed his coat and covered it to the woman's legs. Fortunately, the baby's head is now visible in the birth canal, so all he needed was to help the woman push her baby out.
"Young boy, can you support her head?" Steve said in a calm voice. Fortunately, the young boy has enough strength to help him.
"Perfect. Now, Push Lady! PUSH!” The pregnant woman pushed several times.
"Breathe. Inhale, exhale. One more, Lady. One big push on three!" Steve said.
"One, two, three. PUSH!" Steve ordered. The pregnant woman pushed with all her strength. Then a baby started crying. Steve slapped the baby's butt, then the woman smiled and was relieved that her baby is alive. She thanked Steve but fell asleep right away.
"Stay there, young man." Steve scanned the van and searched for something useful. Fortunately, there were two blankets and a plastic bag. Steve pulled out a Swiss knife out of his pocket. It's not the proper tool, but he has to cut the umbilical cord. He used the scissor knife and sliced the portion carefully.
Steve placed the umbilical cord in the bag immediately for further inspection. Then he covered the baby with a blanket. He still had his presence of mind and recorded the time and date of the baby's birth on the plastic bag.
"Do you know the woman's name?" Steve asked the young boy, but he shook his head.
"Can you hold a baby?" Steve asked the young boy again.
"Yes, I have a baby brother." The young boy said with an innocent voice.
"Please hold this for the lady, and let's all go inside the car." Steve covered the woman with another blanket and carried her to the van
"Are alright young boy?" Steve asked the kid.
"Yea, I just want to be home."
"We'll go home now," Steve assured the kid.
Steve started the engine, but it won't start.
"Bullshit!" Steve muttered.
"Wait here, kid. Please keep the baby warm, and watch over her mother. Okay?" The kid nod.
Joseph was stunned with the events that have happened with his best friend.
"I thought we are going sooner, but I still had to fix that stupid van. It took me four hours regulating the engine. Then I had to drive the woman to the nearest hospital. It took us two hours because of the traffic. Then I found out that there was another riot. We needed to take other routes."
"The ambulance conveyed the boy to his family, and I had to wait for more hours before I could finally go here because of the riots nearby," Steve said.
"You need to get a rest, Steve. You had so much." Joseph said because he saw how tired Steve was.
"For the meantime, I'll go to Mr. Jobs and deliver the news."
"What news?" Steve asked.
"Dr. Ames moved out of the town, and to discuss the power generator," Joseph replied.
Walter, Nurse Janette, and Mrs. Daniels were watching the news at the cafeteria. They saw the flash report about the Marauders demands.
"The Government had privately arranged a meeting with the Marauders to talk about their demands. Senator Forbes was said to be in-charge of the talk with the Islamic Leader. According to the reports, the Government wanted to have a peace talk, but the Marauders refused until the Government grants their demands. They wanted the Government to give all its wealth and a position in the Administration. However, the State has been clear that the interests are unfavorable and that there's no possibility to give it to the Marauders." The reporter said.
"There's no way that the Government should give in to their requests." Nurse Janette said.
"If they ever agree, my group at the militia are willing to fight to Government," Walter said the bravely.
"O, God. I hope that we still have a bright future ahead of us." Mrs. Daniels said.
Joseph knocked on the door of Mr. Jobs office, but there was no response. After several tries, he decided to enter the office. He thought that Mr. Jobs was sleeping on his desk.
"Mr. Jobs? I have some news for you." But Mr. Jobs wasn't moving.
Joseph lifted Mr. Jobs shoulder, but he was surprised to see that Mr. Jobs was lifeless. He checked his pulse hoping that he can save Mr. Jobs, but it's gone. He still tried to give him chest compressions, but Joseph thought that he's already late. Joseph believed that Mr. Jobs suffered Heart Attack due to stress. He was in deep thoughts, and haven't slept for the past few days. Joseph checked Mr. Jobs phone to call her wife, but he was surprised with what he saw on the screen.
It was a text message from her son that Mrs. Jobs died because of an intruder that went inside their house. Mrs. Jobs was all alone and was helpless to defend herself. The intruder stabbed Mrs. Jobs twice in the abdomen, thrice in the neck and one on the head. Joseph was surprised with the brutality of the intruder.
Joseph nestled Mr. Jobs and hurriedly went down to bring his body to the Morgue. However, the lights started to flicker as soon as they went out of the office. After a few walks in the hallway, the lights turned off, and it was dark for Joseph to walk. He pushed himself and used his senses and familiarity to go to the Morgue of the hospital. Joseph had to use the staircase because he knew that their generator was finally out of the engine. He successfully brought Mr. Jobs dead body at the Morgue. Then Joseph remembered his patients. He hurried back to his clinic and called Steve.
"Steve! Sorry to bother your rest, but we have an emergency." Joseph said.
"What?" Steve asked.
"The generator is out. We have to check the patients." Joseph said.
They grabbed some flashlights and ran out of the clinic.
"What's the plan?" Steve asked.
"I'll go at the ICU, and you do the rounds," Joseph said.
"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.
CHAPTER NINE
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.
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