Calls To Arms_A Story of the Imminent Collapse

by Sn. Frank Bates

  "I've got my aim to the rebel holding the pastor." Delta Five spoke through their in-ears. The General aimed the rebel holding the Governor, while the soldier had his rifle at the rebel taking the secretary. He knew he has to make a choice. The bomb is counting down, and there were three more minutes before it blows.

  "Charlie One, reporting in. Sorry for the delay, General. I've had a visitor." The General smiled in relief.

  "Save the priest." the General muttered to Charlie One.

  "I gave you a chance to stay alive, but you blew it." The General said boldly.

  "FIRE!" The General shouted, and in a split second, there were gunshots at one time. The hostages closed their eyes as blood splashed all over the Governor's office.

  "Get the other hostages out. Call the bomb expert! Hurry!" The General checked the bombed, but he has no idea how to diffuse it.

  "Can we just remove it?" The Governor asked in a weak voice.

  "We can't. It'll explode. Please, stay with us." The General said, then the Bomb Expert came in with two minutes left on the bomb's timer.

  "It's a computer-operated bomb. There's no way we can diffuse it. We need the chip." The bomb expert said.

  "What?! What chip?" The General was irritated.

  "It is programmed to blow up. And I can't stop it unless we find the chip."

  "I saw them threw it away. Just leave me here." The governor said as he lost hope.

  "No! Can't you hack it? At least try!" The General begged in desperate.

  "Look for a chip!" The general ordered his men, but it was difficult to see in the dark.

  The bomb expert started to type in some codes, but it was denied. The Governor, The General, and the bomb expert were breathing hard with fifty-nine seconds left on the clock. At forty-six seconds, one of the troops shouted.

  "I found a chip!" One of the Army men ran towards the Bomb expert.

  With thirty seconds left the General instructed his men to abandon the area.

  General sat beside the governor while the bomb expert still defusing the bomb. The bomb reached the last five seconds when the bomb expert pressed the enter button of the computer, but the timer didn't stop.

  "It was nice working with you, gentlemen." The General said genuinely.

  They all closed their eyes as the bomb reached zero, but it didn't explode. After a few more seconds, they all smiled and immediately removed it to the Governor's body.

  The Army was able to defuse the bomb, and they regained the capital of Los Angeles again. After three days of battling, The Army announced that Los Angeles is free from the hands of Islamic Coalition group, but they still have to clear the area. It gave hope to other cities, but they know that it's just the beginning.

  Other Army Troops prioritized larger cities to prevent what happened in Los Angeles. They've been strict, yet careful that they don't violate any human rights. Checkpoints were around every area, and they also started curfews. Some citizens felt safe while others were still affright.

  At Memphis, the Army was able to control the situation. Some rebels got killed while others got captured with the hope of getting more details about the Coalition's agenda. The arrival of the Militia to enforce peace in the urban areas have been effective so far. They were able to eliminate riots as they secure the area. However, rebels have started to move out. They moved to rural places to hide.

  Back at the farm, Maxine and his family were having their breakfast when Tony saw someone standing outside the fence their farm.

  "Who's that?" Tony said aloud.

  Everyone looked at the fence and saw a black man standing, with a woman and a kid.

  "Should we let them in?" Grandma Carmichael asked.

  "What if they are intruders?" Tony stated.

  "What if they also need help?" Grandpa Carmichael replied.

  "But dad we don't know them. You've heard the news rioters are moving to the suburbs. Besides it's not safe for the kids." Tony insisted.

  "Can't you see he's with a kid, too?" Grandpa Carmichael asnwered. The father and son always had clashed ideas. One of the many reasons why Tony left the farm.

  Grandpa Carmichael stood up and went to greet their unexpected visitors. Grandma Carmichael and Maxine immediately followed. Tony rolled his eyes but still go after them.

  "Stay here, watch over the kids." Tony told to his wife.

  "Hi, Good Morning," Grandpa Carmichael asked politely.

  "Good morning. Are you, Mr. Carmichael?" The black man asked.

  "Yes, it's me. What can I do for you?" Grandpa Carmichael questioned out of curiosity.

  "Tony, is that you?" The black man said as he recognized Tony.

  "Yea. Sorry, but I can't seem to remember you." Tony responded in surprise.

  "We are neighbors back in Memphis. You are close to my uncle living next to your house. He died just a few days ago." The black man answered.

  "Oh, What happened?" Tony said plainly.

  "I am his nephew, by the way. He died because the rebels attacked their house. We were about to move out of the town. When we were planning our itinerary, he gave me the address of your farm."

  "Why don't you and your family come in?" Grandma Carmichael offered. Tony was still hesitant, but he has no choice to follow his parents.

  Carmichael Family humbly offered their breakfast to the man and his family who looked so famished.

  "Thank you for accepting us." The black man said.

  "You are welcome in here. " Grandma Carmichael responded with a smile.

  "The situation in Memphis is slowly getting out of hand. The presence of the Militia is a relief, but we are so afraid of the killings especially with what happened in Los Angeles." The black man explained.

  Tony and Grandpa Carmichael were still arguing outside the house.

  "Are you sure you want them to stay here?" Tony asked.

  "He knows you, Tony."

  "But I don't recognize him."

  "Why are you so cold-hearted? Is that how we raised you? Put yourself in their shoes." Grandpa Carmichael asked. Tony didn't speak.

  "I am just concerned with our safety. That's all." Tony defended himself.

  "But that doesn't mean that you'll be selfish." Grandpa Carmichael said.

  "I understand we are in a situation of survival, but always choose to help other people especially if they meant no harm. You'll never know when you'll need help. " Grandpa Carmichael continued.

  "Mommy, is that guy a friend?" Bobby asked. Maxine understands that her son is hesitant to other people, especially after the hijacking incident. However, Maxine knew that she should teach them to trust again.

  "Yes, Bobby. They are on our side. Just like us, a victim of the riot." Maxine explained her sons.

  "But what if they hurt us?" Bobby said in fear.

  "No one will ever hurt you or your brother again. Mommy will never allow them." Maxine assured her sons.

  "I know it has been tough after the hijacking incident, but you have to learn to trust your instincts. The world will be a better place to live in again. Alright?" Maxine sons agreed, and it was a relief to see their sweet smiles.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  On the same day that Maxine and his family met a black man, more doctors have moved out of the Southcrest Community Hospital. The rioters have slowly invaded suburbs, and other medical staffs couldn't risk their lives. However, they are more afraid that the Government will summon them, and force them to do their obligation. Waves of war and violence escalated in the area right after the Vice President declared Martial Law, and it's still increasing day by day.

  "Dr. Johnson. Where are you going?" Joseph said as he saw Dr. Johnson leaving his clinic with all his stuff.

  It was six in the morning, but it was too dark inside the hospital. Dr. Johnson thought that it was the best time to leave as all doctors are busy, and no one can notice.

  "I am leaving. Please, let me go." Dr. Johnson said in despair.

  "But why? What about your patients? Your
obligations?" Joseph said calmly.

  "Joseph, can't you hear yourself? This hospital and this place are hopeless. Soon rioters will come, and all of us will die! Your beliefs won't save you!" Dr. Johnson said furiously.

  "We all have choices to make. And if staying to help other people means that I'd have to die, so be it. At least I have my integrity." Joseph said.

  "Where's your family now, Dr. Brave? You have to wake up! The reality is that we'll die if you choose to stay here. If you don't want to leave, then fine. Just get out of my way." Dr. Johnson was desperate and pointed a revolver gun to Joseph.

  "I won't stop you, Dr. Johnson. I hope that help finds you whenever you need them the most." Joseph replied as he let Dr. Johnson pass the hallway. Little did Joseph know that other medical staffs at Southcrest Community Hospital have formed a union led by Doctor Johnson. The aim was to get other people out of the hospital who would fight against their will and defend the place.

  The Diesel engine and water supply of the generator are now empty. Some Walter planned to gather supplies, but it was dangerous to go outside. The hospital that has been a sanctuary for everyone is now a place for hiding. Joseph, on the other hand, felt sorry for the patients. He was able to send other patients back home, but more of them died because of the problems in electricity. It was also painful for Steve and Nurse Janette to see patients slowly die because there's no electricity to power their life supports. Fortunately, Denise had recovered, she still has a bandage on her hips, but she’s now part of the survivors.

  Dr. Joseph Brave along with other remaining medical staffs are Dr. Steve, Nurse Janette, Walter, Nurse August from the ICU, Mrs. Daniels, Jay White, and Leanna, his wife, are all stranded in the hospital. There are other nurses on the other floors who decided to hold out the into the darkness. They have all gathered in the cafeteria.

  "We have to make a plan, or we choose to wait for our death," Walter said.

  "Our food and water supplies are down." Mrs. Daniels said.

  "How can we go out? Armed men are surrounding the area." Jay White replied.

  Joseph just rubbed his head in disbelief.

  "Walter, you think you can use your Army skills?" Joseph asked.

  "I can shoot a gun. But we do not have any." Walter said in dismay.

  "Why are they surrounding the hospital, anyway?" Leanna asked.

  "They must be hunting for foods and medicines," Steve replied.

  "It's a matter of survival now, and we gotta keep moving," Joseph said.

  Joseph, Dr. Steve, Walter and Jay White drew out a plan. They've searched for anything inside the hospital and bring it to the cafeteria. The women tried to search for remaining foods, water, blankets, pillows and medicines. On the other hand, men looked for anything that they can use for self-defense. However, other medical survivors were also doing the same.

  "Put it down, or I'll blow your head." Nurse Janette heard someone threatened her from her back. She slowly put the medicines and some foods on the table of the pantry. She turned around slowly, to see who's the man. It was too dark for her to determine who was the culprit.

  "Dr. David?" Nurse Janette said in surprise. Dr. David Harley is one of the attending doctors at the ER.

  "Yes. Don't you think our supplies are getting smaller for our number?" Dr. David smirked and pulled a gun.

  "I just gave up the foods. It's all yours, please don't hurt me." Nurse Janette begged.

  "Who's with you? Where do you hide?" Dr. David intimidated Nurse Janette, but she remained quiet.

  "What do you want?! We are all survivors in here. Why are you doing this?" Nurse Janette almost cried.

  "Because if I don't, I will die." Dr. David pulled Nurse Janette and pointed the gun at his head.

  "Don't shout! I'll pull the trigger. Take me where you hide." Nurse Janette had no choice, but to go to the cafeteria. She was so afraid and worried for her friends at the cafeteria.

  On their way, Steve heard footsteps and a woman sobbing. He immediately hid on one of the corners of the hallway.

  "I said shut up!" Dr. David whispered.

  "Dr. David? Janette?" Steve said under his breath as footsteps came closer to him.

  Dr. David and Janette passed the corner where Steve was hiding. He saw the gun pointed on Janette's head and Dr. David's other arm around her neck. Steve was shocked, but he knew right away that something was not right. Steve followed them quietly and hit Dr. David on the back of his head with a policeman's club. Dr. David fell to the ground, but Steve didn't stop. He continued smashing Dr. David's head until there was blood on the floor.

  "Steve! Enough! His dead!" Nurse Janette cried as he stopped Steve.

  "Are you alright? What happened?" Steve cupped Nurse Janette face and checked on her.

  "He's also looking for supplies. He's desperate. He wanted to kill me, and the others for him to be alive." Nurse Janette said in fear.

  "Come on. Let's go back." Steve hugged her to give her comfort.

  After two hours of a scavenger hunt, everybody returned to the cafeteria. They were able to get four handguns, two rifles, knives, walkie-talkies and some extra bullets. Steve also told his group what had happened between Nurse Janette and Dr. David. All of them were shocked. Nurse Janette was still traumatized.

  "At least we know that there are others in this hospital," Walter said.

  "We have to be extra careful," Jay said as he held his wife's hand.

  "They are just like us, survivors. But they are willing to kill other people for survival." Joseph said as they put the weapons on one of the tables.

  "Where did you get those weapons?" Nurse Janette asked in surprise

  "From the guards. Found them dead just near the entrances." Walter said.

  "What if someone has also entered the hospital?" Mrs. Daniels was terrified.

  "Hopefully, none. We have locked the entrances. For now, let's all stay here in the cafeteria, so we know that everyone is safe. Especially now that even our friends in the hospital can kill us." Joseph said, and everyone agreed.

  After the group have their lunch, Joseph wanted to call Maxine. However, he knew that his wife would be so worried about their current situation. He immediately dismissed the idea and went on with their plan. They were surveying the area from the emergency room, and no intruders were walking around.

  "Water is our biggest concern as of the moment." Dr. Steve said.

  "We need to get through that convenience store just across the road," Joseph pointed.

  "I can run fast," Walter said.

  "I'm going with you." Dr. Steve said as they each carried one big duffle bags.

  "We'll cover you from the emergency entrance. Come back here, whatever happens." Joseph instructed as he and Jay held the rifle.

  Joseph, Steve, Walter, and Jay searched the area one last time. There was no one, so they've decided to continue their plan. Walter and Steve put their handguns behind their pants and ran across the road as fast as they could. Walter quickly opened the convenience store while Steve covered him. All of a sudden, there were gunshots fired on where they were standing. Walter and Steve quickly ran inside the convenience store, while Joseph and Jay hid behind the emergency doors.

  "Shit!" Walter said.

  "How many of them, Joseph?" Steve talked through the walkie-talkie.

  "Five. All have weapons. Grab everything that you can while we buy you some time." Joseph said in a dangerous tone.

  It was just five minutes of exchanged shots, but Walter and Steve were able to fill their bags with water and more foods.

  "We have supplies. Now, how are we going to get out?" Walter said.

  "They're coming!" They both hide on the shelves.

  The five armed men were getting closer to the convenience store when Joseph and Jay fired. They were able to hit one member on his hip, while the other on the arm. Two men ran behind the vending machine on the corner, while another immediately entered the store.

  Steve looked at the convex secu
rity mirror and tried to fire back. He shot for another one, but Steve went out of bullets.

  "What's the matter? Out of fire?" The intruder laughed, and purposely fired the big refrigerators. Steve covered his face with his arm.

  Steve and Walter were at the end of the last shelf. The intruder walked the aisle as he thought that it was just Steve inside the store. Steve and Walter looked at one another. Walter circled his index finger and Steve nod.

  Walter quietly ran around the shelf where Steve was hiding. The armed man reached Steve and pointed his gun at his head.

  "Gotcha!" The armed man was about to pull the trigger when Walter appeared seven feet beside the armed man.

  "You wish," Walter shouted and aimed for the intruder's head.

  The Armed man fell to the ground and bathed in his blood.

  Joseph and Jay were still exchanging fires with the two men behind the vending machine.

  "Steve. Still there?" Joseph said on his walkie-talkie.

  "Still alive, brother," Steve replied.

  "There are two more men behind the vending machine, and I think the other two are still alive, but we had a shot on them and can't move" Joseph reported.

  “How the hell do we get out of here?!” Walter shouted on the walkie-talkie.

  "I have a plan!" Jay shouted. Everybody agreed to Jay's plan as if it was their last resort. It was risky, but they have no choice.

  “Are you sure about this?” Joseph asked hesitantly.

  "It's the only option we have," Jay replied shortly.

  "Cover me. Now!” Jay ran on the ambulance as fast as he could.

  He started the engine and aimed towards the vending machine. Walter and Steve were getting ready, while Joseph was covering them.