"It's not as if that we haven't tried that. The root problem is that people are now disrespectful of the Government. They won't listen, and they aren't afraid of killing people. It's not just a disciplinary action, rather protection to preserve our country. We need the help of the Militia to reinforce peace." The Senator who first proposed Martial Law said.
"We need to control them. The situation is slowly getting out of hand. How can we resolve other matters, if our people start killing one another? I'm afraid that one day our security defense might be outnumbered by those rebels, and this country will forever be a battleground. We still have innocent people to protect." The Vice President said.
Everyone remained silent momentarily after a heated argument.
"I understand that some of you might agree or not, but I've made up my mind. I know that it would be different after I declare Martial Law. My life might even be at risk, but who else cares? We have sworn to protect our people and this country. We'll do whatever it takes to stop those people who interfere with the Government's aspirations. We need to put an end to this drought and aim for a better future." The Vice President strongly said.
"What's the scope?" Senator Forbes asked even if he still disapproves of the Vice President's decision.
"Martial Law is effective immediately to most affected Urban Areas until the Militia declares that the situation is under control."
The Cabinet Members discussed every detail of the Martial Law, and the Vice President made sure that they fully understand it. She immediately requested her secretary to call a press conference at exactly six in the evening. Vice President Ariana Marie ended the meeting to finalize the new Executive order and prepared to announce it to the public.
BREAKING NEWS! Vice President Ariana Marie Calls For An Emergency PressCon
"The White House has called for an emergency press conference to be held at the Palace at exactly six in the evening. The details of the publicity remains to be confidential, but the Government confirms that it's vital for the country's safety." The news reporter said.
"Can't help but wonder what's all about?" Tony asked Grandpa Carmichael.
"Must be some precautions regarding the riot." Grandpa Carmichael replied.
"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling about it." Grandma Carmichael inserted their conversation.
"Is there anything worse than the widespread riots and killings?" Tony said sarcastically.
"Let's just wait for the Government's announcement," Rashida responded.
Maxine was listening to the news, and to her family's conversation while holding her phone. She's still hoping that Joseph would call. Maxine expects to hear the worse about the announcement as she also has presentiment the moment she heard that the Government is very private about it.
Joseph and other medical staffs were also waiting for the news in the cafeteria. Since the electricity went out, they've been strict with the use of the power. They'd watch TV during lunch and dinner breaks only. It's fifteen minutes before six in the evening, and everyone was so curious about the announcement.
"I've never seen the Vice President into any press conference." Jay White said.
"Yea. It has always been the Speaker of the house who made the announcements." Mrs. Daniels said.
"Must be a real thing," Steve said, while Joseph was quietly eating his dinner.
Joseph decided to call Maxine just to let her know that he's alright. He opened his phone and dialed his wife's number.
"Hello? Joseph?" Maxine immediately answered on the other line.
"Maxine..."
"Why you didn't call for days? Are you alright?" Maxine interrupted Joseph.
"Yea. I am so sorry to keep you waiting. We are now using generators and had to preserve my phone's battery for emergency purposes. Please don't worry I am okay. How's everything in there? The kids?" Joseph asked.
"We're okay, at least for now. The kids are now talking, and they're getting better after the incident." Maxine updated Joseph.
"That's a relief. Sweetie, I have to go. I don't want to empty my cell." Joseph said.
"I understand. Please take care. I love you."
"I will, and you too. Love you always." Joseph hung up and went back on the news.
At precisely six in the afternoon, Vice President Ariana Marie is now ready for the press conference. She's now sitting in front of a camera, with various microphones from different stations. The logo of the US Government and the flag of USA were on the back. The man behind the camera gave a thumbs up to the Vice President as a sign that they are now live.
"To my fellow countrymen of the United States of America, Good evening. The recent turn of events in our country has brought severe changes to everyone's lives. The Government is fully aware of every appallingly tragic incident that has been happening around the country. Terrorism, killings, and bombings took the lives of innocent people, and I will never tolerate such act of destruction. I am speaking in front of you to let you know that the Government will fight those people who are above the law. " The Vice President said as her opening remarks.
"The Government has never given up serving the country and protecting its people. I will never give in to the demands of any Islamic groups, nor I'll never deal with any rebels. We will fight until this nation regains peace and harmony." She continued.
"With all the series of unfortunate circumstances, I, Ariana Marie, Vice President of the United States of America, herewith, proclaim Martial Law with the power vested in me by the Constitution and laws effectively today. It is not an act of war, but an ordinance to preserve and protect my country."
"The Martial Law, however, is only applicable to all Urban areas of the United States of America as of the time of speaking. Whereas the land, air and naval forces of the United States has the power to suppress all kinds of rebellion and mutiny for six months or until such time when peace and harmony are attainable."
"Whereas I authorize the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in all areas with the jurisdiction of the Martial Law. Whereas the Militia Forces of the United States are now actively in service against all citizens who will defy the law."
"Whereas the Government has the right to confiscate any supplies of its people whenever needed. Anyone who would refuse would receive a punishment."
"Whereas all public servants including retired officials, doctors, nurses, teachers and alike are required to call on duty effective immediately."
"I have now fully declared Martial Law on behalf of the President. Signed at the Washington City, White House, on this 14th day of April, in the year of our good Lord 2014. God bless America." Vice President Ariana Marie ended her announcement that took her about twenty minutes.
The Vice President's Martial Law proclamation earned several opinions from her critics to her supporters. She didn't care as it is what she believes is the Government's last resort to bring back peace. She immediately returned to her office. The Vice President is now giving the power and final instructions to the generals of the Army, Navy, and the Air Force.
However, the rebels have quickly spread the riot overnight. There was another bombing near the White House just four hours after the Martial Law declaration. The Marauders members in Los Angeles attacked innocent people, killed those who don't practice Islam, burned down houses and establishments, and quickly took over the City Hall. They waved and built the Marauder flag, and torn the US flag into pieces.
Rioters in Memphis have also started taking shots. The Marine guards were trying to hold their positions. They forced people to leave the area for their safety. At Southcrest Mississippi, rioters have also arrived trying to hide from the Army. They've started entering empty houses to gather supplies. The riots permeate rapidly even before the military had a chance to defend.
It seemed that the Marauders knew that Martial Law is bound to happen. The Vice President announced a State of Emergency in Los Angeles, and Memphis. She ordered for immediate back up to regain Los Angeles from the hands of th
e Marauder members. Vice President Ariana Marie knew it's war, but it was just the beginning.
The next morning, the battle continues at Los Angeles. The Military and the rebels are exchanging shots. They have successfully helped people move out of the city and bring in to the nearest evacuation centers. The Military has been quick in responding, and they still have the number against the Marauder fighters. The Air Force was also doing some airstrikes.
The first twenty-four hours were crucial because there were some hostages and other people who didn't want to leave the place. However, with just one day, the vibrant city of LA suddenly turned into a ghost town. Houses turned to ashes, bullets were everywhere, and dead bodies were around the area.
Maxine was silently watching the news about the attack of the Marauders in several places. Footage of the Military exchanging fires, bombings and the Marauder flag on top of the LA City Hall. Reports came in that the Governor was still in the City Hall as a hostage along with a priest and a pastor. Then Maxine saw Memphis bombings and the reports about Mississippi. She almost cried, but Grandma Carmichael who sits beside her comforted her.
"Shhh. Joseph will be fine, Max." She assured Maxine.
"What if the rioters start to take over the place like what they did in LA?" Maxine cried.
"Let's keep on praying. Joseph is a man of faith. I'm sure he wants you to keep your faith, too," Grandma Carmichael said.
"Mom... Is that near our place?" Bob said from behind.
Maxine was surprised because she didn't want to hear any of his sons about the news. However, they were standing there since the start of the report.
"Is daddy fine? Has he called, yet? Mommy, I want to talk to him." The youngest son asked innocently.
Maxine felt helpless. She didn't know what to say, so she turned off the TV and walked near his two sons.
"Daddy is alright. In fact, he just called earlier. He didn't want us to be worried. " She assured her kids.
"How long, Mom? When will he follow here?" Bobby asked then tears started falling his.
Maxine didn't know what to answer.
"Daddy will be okay because he made a promise. Your Daddy always does what he promised, right?" All Maxine could do was to wipe their tears and hugged them.
CHAPTER TEN
It has been three days since the declaration of Martial Law. The Executive Order 12502 was handed down to the Secretary of Defense immediately after the Vice President's had her immense announcement. Consequently, it went down to the chain of command across all Army Bases in the United States. It contained everything that the Vice President said on her Press Conference. However, it has been an issue to gather the troops because of the blackout. Electricity, Communication, and Transportation have been part of the struggle in some areas.
The Army and the Air Force are still battling in Los Angeles against the Marauder Members. They haven't recovered the place, and things started to get worse because there were no electricity and communication. The Government and other countries have also sent help and relief goods for the evacuees.
In an interview, the Army General estimated that there were seventy men sent by the Marauders Leader to attack Los Angeles. They've been strict for the media to cover the disaster as it is not safe to enter the war zone. However, once in a while they give updates about the current situation.
"We believe that it's just a part of their propaganda to impose a threat to the Government. The Marauders have millions to billions of supporters, but we'll continue fighting. We have enough brave men." The General assured the public.
"General, do we have a timetable of when we will regain Los Angeles?" The reporter asked.
"That's difficult to tell. From an estimate of seventy rebels, we believe that we have killed fifty-two of them, but we have also lost a lot of soldiers." The General said in complete dismay.
"We are declaring three-fourths of LA is free. However, we still don't allow people to go back to their houses. There are still a few of them hiding inside their homes, and we are trying our best to help them out." The General replied.
"One last question, General. What's the status of the hostages?" The reporter asked again.
"It's risky for the hostages, and there are still snipers in the area. We've got the numbers, but we have to be careful of rescuing them." The General replied.
At dawn, moments after the interview, the Army decided to infiltrate the City hall. They are now aiming to go near the City hall and save the hostages. They received a report that the rebels are less in number. They planned things accurately, and positioned in five snipers around the City hall, while the other troops are enforcing on the ground.
"Charlie One, report your position." The General said.
"East of the City hall. I can see the hostages through the windows of the Office of the Governor." One of the snipers said.
"There are how many of them?"
"Four. The Governor, his secretary, and two more." The sniper replied.
"Must be the priest and the pastor. Hold your position. Let's do these men before the sunrise appears." The General said.
The General put his hand on the air and gestured his signal to enter the City hall. The first group went to the west wing of the City Hall. They quickly positioned themselves and hid on the tables. The leader of the group surveyed the area and signed four on his fingers. There were four rebels, and the Army simultaneously fired on them. It was an easy shot as the guns of the Army has silencers.
"West wing, all clear!" The Leader said after he surveyed the area again.
"Nice one. Hold your positions." The General said.
"Bravo Two, reporting. Three Snipers spotted." The Army's second sniper said.
"What's their position? Over." The General responded.
"Rebel sniper on top of the City hall. The other on the west roof, and one on the east."
"Charlie One and Delta Five, focus on the hostages. Bravo Two aim the top, Zulu Three shut the sniper on the west, and Tango Four aim for the east. Shoot to kill. I repeat, shoot to kill." The General ordered their snipers.
"Roger that." All the Army snipers responded. In one pull of the trigger, they all aimed for the head. Their movements were so precise because one mistake can ruin their plans.
"Men down." Bravo Two said.
The second Army troop entered from the back of the City hall. The group leader surveyed the area. He raised his five fingers as he saw five rebels. Fortunately, four of them were sleeping. The leader held his hand high, to stop his men. He quietly approached the rebel who's awake. The Group leader grabbed the rebel’s neck and choked him to death. He instructed his men to hide and position themselves behind the stairs and the tables. Then the leader gave a sign to fire the four rebels.
"South of the hall, all clear." The leader reported to the General.
Then the General's group went in the east of the building, but the rebels were already in position. The rebels immediately fired the Army, and one of them got hit on the arm. The army lied on the ground and hid under the staircase. The General surveyed the floor and saw that there were just three rebels. He raised his three fingers and instructed his men to where they will shoot. They pulled their triggers in sync, then the rebels' blood was flowing on the floor.
"Clear!" The General said. Then they moved up to the Governor's office.
"Charlie One, we're moving up. What's the situation?" The General said, but there was no response.
The Army is approaching the Governor's office while other troops were protecting the grounds. The General held his hand on the air with fist closed.
"Delta Five, are you there? Over." The General asked again.
"General." Delta Five said.
"What's the status inside?"
"They knew they are under attack. We have the numbers as there are just four rebels inside. But all hostages have a gun on their head. The Governor has a bomb on his body."
"Hold your fire. We'll go in." The General invaded the Governor's offi
ce with another Army officer.
Charlie One knew someone was coming from his back. As he turned his head, a rebel punched him in the face. It was so hard that he felt dizzy, and gave his blood on his lower lip.
"That's the best you've got?" Charlie One said as he split the blood and shook his head. The rebel pulled a knife from his waist.
"Bring it on, bitch." Charlie One challenged.
The rebel ran towards him and tried to stab the sniper sideways. The sniper blocked his hand, punched the rebel's stomach and kicked his groin. The rebel fell back on his back. As the sniper ran over him to hit his face, the rebel rolled to the other side and pushed Charlie One away from him. They both stood up on their fighting stance.
"Let's finish soon. I've got lives to save." Charlie One challenged the rebel. This time, Charlie One ran towards the rebel. The sniper pulled out his knife and tried to stab it on the rebel's chest. The sniper was fast, but the rebel dodged every hit. The rebel punched Charlie One, but he grabbed his hand and twisted his arm. Charlie one pointed the knife at the rebel's throat.
"Last words? Because you are dead." Charlie One threatened the rebel. Then he thrust the knife on the rebel's throat and pushed him away.
"Stop this already." The General said soon as they entered the Governor’s office.
"Drop your guns, or I'll blow this place." The rebel showed the remote of the bomb.
"Will you surrender, or you wish to die?" The General strongly said.
"It's just one of the many General. You should know better." The rebel laughed while the hostages are crying. The General wanted to fire his gun, but their other sniper is still not responding.
Calls To Arms_A Story of the Imminent Collapse Page 6