"Walter! We don't want any more war. We've lost a lot of blood, and we don't want to risk our family's lives." Joseph looked at Walter as he hindered him from pulling the trigger. Walter put down the gun.
"Captain, I'm begging you. Just give us some time to be with them. Please." Joseph looked straight into Captain's eyes and begged.
"Does Colonel Eaton knows?" Captain Ellis asked, and Joseph nodded.
"When I was new to the Army, he imparted so many values to us. He even saved my life twice. I trust his judgments, and I'm gonna give this to him." Captain Ellis drew back his radio and headed to the kitchen.
All of them introduced from one another as they gathered inside Carmichael's house waiting for dinner. Rashida and other women from Southcrest Village helped one another at the kitchen. The kids from Southcrest Village got along with the children on the farm. Grandma Carmichael helped Walter assist Victoria to one of the rooms upstairs.
Denise also had the chance to meet Bobby and his brother. Joseph explained to Maxine what happened to her since he met her at the hospital. They gladly accepted Joseph's idea to adopt Denise, and their sons were happy to have their instant little sister. They would fix the adopting papers soon as the chaos has ended. Joseph told Denise that she can now treat them as her real family. Denise was glad to hear the news, only that all she can do was to smile and hug them because she's still in trauma with what happened at the hospital and on their way to the farm.
Tony, Captain Ellis, and Grandpa Carmichael were talking to one another about what they should next. They knew that there are more of the Marauders surrounding the town. Joseph inserted himself into the conversation soon after they had another short catch-up with his family.
“We should plan for our security. For sure, the intruders are doing the same.” Tony stated.
“They might be doing the same, so we have to plan faster. That’s what happened to us back in the hospital.” Joseph replied, and he told everything that happened in Southcrest.
"Good thing we can use the Army's help to fight them." Grandpa Carmichael answered.
"We are happy to help. By the way, my men searched their truck, and we found weapons that we can add to our arsenal. Do you have a place that we can hide those in the meantime?" Captain Ellis asked Grandpa Carmichael.
"We can put those in the barn." Grandpa Carmichael replied.
Grandpa Carmichael, Tony, and Joseph put the guns inside the wooden chest while Captain Ellis was surveying the barn. He walked around and opened one of the oak cabinets then he saw an Army badge and patch with 'Carmichael' engraved on it.
"Whose Army in your family?" Captain Ellis asked innocently.
"Tell me your secrets, so I'll know how to protect you." Captain Ellis added as Joseph, Tony and Grandpa Carmichael looked at one another.
"I am." Grandpa Carmichael surrendered.
"I won't summon you if you don't want. If Colonel Eaton wants us to protect you, then we will." Captain Ellis answered.
Joseph wasn't sure if he can already trust Captain Ellis, but he still expressed his gratefulness towards him. Captain Ellis, on the other hand, apologized for what happened earlier. He realized that their farm is a safe place, especially for the children. If Joseph and others would be summoned back for service, then security would be a problem.
"I think dinner is ready." Tony tried to change the subject.
Later that evening, everyone decided to divide the workforce in the farm and repair the house. Grandma Carmichael, Rashida, Victoria, Maxene and two women from Southcrest will do the house chores. Grandpa Carmichael, Tony, and Joseph are responsible for feeding the animals. Three men from Southcrest, The nurse, and two farm caretakers will take care of the farm plants. The eight-man Army and Captain Ellis will help in repairing the house while providing security to the perimeter. The Army also asked if they could have a place on the farm to train themselves and other men to help them be ready just in case the Marauders come back with more troops. Grandpa Carmichael wasn't sure if it was a good idea neither Joseph does. However, Tony and Walter said that it's better if each man on the farm can help in defending.
They had a lengthy discussion about training men of the farm. Later on, Joseph realized that they need men who can fire a gun. However, Grandpa Carmichael insisted that the kids shouldn't be involved in the training. Captain Ellis promised that they wouldn't allow children on their training ground. It would be the basics of self-defense and responsible way of holding a gun. They were about to finish the conversation when Bobby raised his hand.
"I want to learn, too," Bobby said, and his parents were in complete shock. The two teenagers from Southcrest stated the same.
"Bobby! We've talked about this." Maxine uttered to him.
"Mom, I saved your life twice. Don't you think that I can handle it?" Bobby tried to reason out.
"Bobby, it's not enough reason," Maxine replied in disgust.
"Bobby, enough," Joseph answered. Bobby looked at him in the eye and ran outside the house. Maxine tried to stop him, but Joseph followed his son instead. He ran outside and looked for Bobby, and saw him near the farm animals.
"Bob!" Joseph shouted from afar. Bobby looked at him but said nothing.
"Stop behaving like that." Joseph scolded Bobby.
"Look. I know your intentions, but.."
"I don't want it to happen again. Mom with those intruders who almost killed her. It hurts whenever it plays on my head." Bobby replied in a bleak tone.
"Fine. But remember, those guns are for defensive purposes only. Never use it anything beyond that. Tell me you understand." Joseph warned his son.
"Yes, dad. What about mom?" Bobby smiled and asked.
"I'll talk to her. God, must be one of those long arguments." Joseph sighed, and Bobby laughed.
Maxine was furious at Joseph for allowing Bobby to join the training because it would risk Bobby’s life. However, Joseph explained that he needs to be sure that Maxine, Denise, and their youngest son are safe if the Government ordered him back to service. Maxine got angrier because Joseph thinks that she can't defend her family. Joseph tried to calm her and said that she might need help. They dropped off the conversation when Denise knocked the door and called them for dinner. Maxine didn't want Denise to hear them fighting, so she just surrendered to Joseph and Bobby's idea.
The farm is large enough for Joseph's family and the other survivors. One hectare is for farm plants. Half of a hectare is for Farm animals while the rest of the space is for the farmhouse and open space. There's a three-story farmhouse with seven bedrooms and an attic. There’s also a barn ten-feet away from the house. The Army has also decided to take shifts in guarding the house to make sure that the Marauders don't have room to attack. The rest of the household was resting, so Joseph and Maxine decided to do the same. They finally agreed to Bobby’s idea of joining the training and Joseph mentioned that Captain Ellis knew about their real jobs.
"What would happen to us now?" Maxine asked.
"He promised not to grumble us," Joseph replied with uncertainty.
"Do you trust him?" Maxine asked again us she recognized doubts on Joseph.
"I don't know who to trust anymore after what happened at Southcrest. Let's be ready for anything." Joseph answered and put his arms around Maxine.
"Don't worry. Everything should be alright." Maxine assured him.
They opened their room and saw their two boys hugging Denise while asleep.
"I guess we'll have to sleep on the floor?" Joseph and Maxine looked at each other and smiled.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Tony and Joseph joined Grandpa Carmichael to go to the Town the next day to grab more supplies for them and their visitors. Joseph asked Walter to stay in case unfavorable things happen. Grandpa Carmichael didn't expect that there would be more of them on the farm in just one night. Captain Ellis promised to secure the farm and take care of their people while they are away. Joseph was still hesitant, but he had to help Grandpa Carmichael.
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"Joseph, do you think it's a good idea to allow that many people live on the farm?" Tony asked while inside the car.
"What do you mean?" Joseph answered plainly.
"Look, believe it or not, I'm also now into helping other people. But it also means that we also have to feed them, and there's less for our family. " Tony replied, and Joseph thought about it.
"What's your stand on this, Dad?" Joseph questioned Grandpa Carmichael.
"I'm sorry, but I'll go with Tony on this. I know they helped in saving our lives, but we also have a family to protect. What if we start to have a shortage, would they fight against us? Even the most abiding citizen can kill someone for survival." Grandpa Carmichael answered while his eyes were on the road, driving.
"We are not against your ideas, Joseph. But how much do you trust those people?" Tony inquired Joseph, but he didn't respond in seconds because both Tony and Grandpa Carmichael have a reasonable point.
"To be honest, I am also not sure. I'm living by faith that those people that we help will one day return our good deeds. I just started believing that more people with the same agendas living under one roof, would help us protect our land if evil circumstances reach our place. There are billions of Islamic supporters out there, and they'll outnumber us if they attack the farm. " Joseph stated.
Before Grandpa Carmichael and Tony respond to Joseph, they see more dead bodies on the road. There was also a farmhouse near the town that got burned. Grandpa Carmichael recalled what happened to them, and realized that if Joseph and his group didn't come, they would have the same fate. Nobody spoke as they parked and hurriedly filled their bags with supplies. At the marketplace, more store owners were worried about thieves. Sometimes they'll attack in groups especially at night, and the keeper has no choice, but to give what they wanted. Some stores would prefer to close early in the afternoon to avoid those shady people.
They went back to the car as soon as they finished shopping for supplies. Grandpa Carmichael started the engine, but two men were battling over a piece of meat, it was the only part left. They punched and kicked one another, and no one dared to stop them. People were cheering until the other man pulled a knife, but the other pulled the gun. Luckily, Sheriff and his group went to the scene and recovered their weapons. Tony and Grandpa Carmichael looked at one another.
"I guess we can't just push those people out of our farm," Grandpa Carmichael said after he saw the terrifying scenes and smiled at Joseph.
"Yea, we would be all damn dead," Tony continued, and they all laughed.
"Let's be cautious about our family's safety and look at one another. " Grandpa Carmichael reminded Tony and Joseph as the head of their families.
"I'd do everything for our safety," Joseph vowed.
On the same day, before lunch, Grandpa Carmichael decided to hold a meeting for every household members. Everyone gathered in the living area. Grandpa Carmichael was sitting on the couch, while the rest were standing on the side, sitting on the chairs, and staircase.
"Thank you all for granting my request to have this talk. For a night, our household doubled or tripled in numbers. I can't take you enough for helping us kill those Marauders. If you didn't come, I have no idea where we'll be right now. I know of all of you are aware of what's happening in our country. Martial law in the cities, shortage of supplies, and riots everywhere. In regards to that, our supplies won't last long if we won't help one another in producing more of it. I understand that most of us might not have any money to spare, but we have a farm. You can grow crops or help in feeding more animals." Grandpa Carmichael announced to the whole household.
"To be honest, we were in doubt to let you all in. It would mean more work for us to feed everyone. However, with the recent killings on the town and the attack yesterday, we knew that we need good and honest citizens who want to regain peace and order. Those people who are willing to defend this home." Tony appended to Grandpa's speech.
"Grandpa Carmichael. I have a militia force that could help us protect the farm." Walter recommended.
"Do you have access to them?" Grandpa Carmichael asked.
"Yes, I'll call them, and I'll ask them to bring more supplies," Walter replied as Grandpa nodded.
After they had lunch, Walter borrowed Captain Ellis' radio. He immediately confirmed, and Walter called his militia friends. He mentioned the attack on the bridge also on Carmichael's farm. They need protection because the criminals are now surrounding the town. Women and children are at risk if the Marauders strike again. However, the militia was still unsure if they could go downtown as they also have been assigned in a different area. Walter's friends promised to join him immediately if the situation in their area got controlled.
Walter talked to Joseph after his conversation with the Militia. He was unconsciously sitting outside the farmhouse.
"What's bothering you?" Walter asked.
"I just thought if it was a good idea to bring all of you here. I mean, the rebels have moved in as well." Joseph stated full of doubts.
"Come on, Joseph. It gave us hope. A new life and a home to protect." Walter tried to lighten up his mood.
"We've been through a lot, Joseph. We'll do everything to defend this place." Walter assured his friend.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
As Vice President Ariana Marie looked at her wristwatch, it was already time for another cabinet meeting and she decided to leave the office. A week after the Martial Declaration, Vice President Ariana Marie wanted to get some status. She entered the room together with the head of the security as the Cabinet Members, and commanders of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine were quietly waiting. Vice President Ariana Marie greeted the Cabinet Members. Everyone responded, and she immediately asked for updates.
The commander of the Army boasted that their presence helped free the tension in the most affected cities. Other heads also reported that the US territory is still quiet and they assured that their troops are guarding the whole country.
"Vice President, should we extend the Martial Law to the suburbs?" One of the Cabinet Members asked.
"Our priorities are the cities, but I'll guarantee you that I'm keeping my eyes on the suburbs." Vice President answered, but Senator Colette wasn't pleased with what he's hearing.
"We all know that the presence of the Military isn't the sole reason the riots subsequently subsided." Senator Colette said.
"What do you mean, Senator? That we are not doing our jobs effectively?" The Commander of the Army replied.
"I have high respect for the protectors of this country, but with all due respect, let's not hide the truth from other members." Senator Colette answered.
"Madam Vice President, my sources told me that the rioters moved out of the Cities because of the scarcity of food and water. We might not feel it now, but our poor fellow men do. I've also heard that some members of the Army are taking the supplies of the people." Senator Colette replied and looked every commander straight to their eyes.
"May I know who are your sources?" Vice President Ariana Marie asked.
"Does it matter?" Senator Colette asked in disgust.
"Well, of course, Senator. I need to verify your statements." Vice President firmly answered. Senator Collette didn't respond to Vice President as he was protecting his references. He sighed hard because he knows that he does not have the power over the Vice President.
"I instructed them to do so." Vice President added, and everyone in the room looked at the Vice President in shock.
"What?! Why would you do such thing to our people? It might just start another war!" Senator Colette was so furious and questioned the Vice President's decision.
"If you have read the new Executive Order, the Government has the right to confiscate supplies of every US citizen whenever the country needs it." Vice President replied.
"Do we have to do that? We have enough supplies to feed people." One of the Members answered.
"It's not enough. Blame it all on your president. All of t
his wouldn't have happened if it wasn't because of his poor decisions. Now, we all have to shoulder every pain." Vice President stated with anger.
"We'll continue impounding supplies in the city and to the suburbs. Force the farmers to produce crops and raise animals. It'll help us feed starving people." Vice President ordered.
"And if they refuse?" The Commander of Army asked.
"Put them in jail." Vice President answered coldly.
"You can't do that. You're stepping to people's rights." Senator Colette defended.
"Fortunately, I can. And you can't stop me." Vice President bravely replied as she looked at Senator's eyes sharply.
"What happened to the smart and warm-hearted Vice President we knew?" Senator Collette was in pity, but Vice President Ariana Marie just stared at him.
Senator Collette insisted every idea that came out of the Vice President's mouth, but he has no power. She has more alliance sitting in the room. He thought that the Vice President changed so much. After the terrible death of Senator Forbes, Vice President Ariana Marie has been acting differently from the way that she used to. From her beliefs to her perceptions and actions. She also refurbished her office and removed all holy paintings, her bible, and she kept her rosary away. The Vice President even threw her photo with the President and broke its frame. She has lost her faith and started blaming the President for everything that has happened to her country and fellowmen.
Vice President ended the Cabinet Meeting and went back to her office shortly. The Cabinet Members that weren't a constituent of the Vice President followed her outside the room. However, Senator Colette remained in the meeting room. He can't believe how the Vice President has changed in a short period. It seems that she's hiding something, or was it the situation that turned her into a monster. Senator Colette was about to return in his office when he saw the head of the Vice President's security sitting outside the meeting room with deep thoughts.
Calls To Arms_A Story of the Imminent Collapse Page 12