Calls To Arms_A Story of the Imminent Collapse

by Sn. Frank Bates

  "Why you're still here?" Senator Colette asked him.

  "She asked me to stay away from her office as she speak with the Army Commander." The head of the Security answered plainly.

  "Penny for your thoughts?" Senator tried to reach out.

  “Why did you mentioned about your sources?” The head of the security asked.

  “I didn’t mention your name.” Senator Colette answered.

  "What do you want?" The head of the security replied.

  "Sir, a question deserves an answer." Senator Colette answered, but the Head of the Security got confused.

  "I don't understand, Senator."

  "I've been working with her in politics for ten years. We clashed ideas hundred of times, but we've been friends and I know that something has changed. She kept her distance to me. I wanted to help her." Senator Colette stated.

  "Why are you telling me those?" The Head of the Security replied.

  "Because I know you care for her. You like her, don't you?" Senator Colette answered, but The Head of the Security stared at him in complete shock.

  "I can see how you look at her, and it's way beyond your job description." Senator Colette teased him.

  "We both care for her. We have to help her get out of her demon before it's too late." Senator added.

  The head of the security got surprised that someone noticed his secret fantasy with the Vice President. They've been childhood friends since then he had a crush on her. He never had the chance to confess it with the Vice President because he believed that they would never be together. Vice President Ariana Marie came from a prestige family, while he just lived a simple life. The Head of the Security studied Criminology and worked for Marie's family until the Vice President hired her when she started working in the Government. It broke his heart when he found out that the Vice President got married, and when she cried at her husband's funeral. However, he remained to be her loyal protector, a friend, and his secret lover.

  Senator Colette proposed to the Head of the Security to remain close to the Vice President as much as possible and know her paths and secrets. The Head of the Security was hesitant but figured out that Senator Colette was right. Vice President had changes that weren't good and kept her away from her virtue. Vice President Ariana Marie was a strong-willed woman. She's willing to do anything to get something in her possession. That attitude changed when she had her children. The Vice President matured into a passionate woman but gradually returning to her wicked character.

  The Commander in Army followed Vice President Ariana Marie in her office. He was unsure if he heard the right thing, and if it was right. At first, he was reluctant to follow her order to confiscate supplies, but he has no power to object.

  "Madam, Are you sure about your decision about the people's supplies in the suburbs?" The Commander asked.

  "I thought everything was clear? I need to regain the trust of the people. And I can only do it if we I show them good deeds. Once I get their support, the Cities will be back to normal, and everything follows." Vice President answered

  "What about the people in the suburbs? They're part of the community, too." The Commander replied.

  "Are you doubting my plans, Commander? I’ll declare Martial Law to the suburbs immediately, so you’ll have the power to get their supplies." Vice President stated.

  The Army Commander apologized to the Vice President and moved out of the office immediately. Vice President Ariana Marie was left alone in her empty office. Vice President was hoping to get things better, and she's ready to get it whatever it takes. If people can brutally kill anyone, then Vice President Ariana Marie would do the same. She'll use her power to protect herself and her family's well-being. The authority that gave her so much control, since the president got hurt, that she didn't want it to give up. The head of the security ran towards the office soon as he saw the Army Commander walked the hallway.

  Vice President Ariana Marie opened the TV and saw the news about the President's condition. The report said that he was already stable, but haven't opened his eyes. His body is slow to respond to medicines, and the first family was asking for continuous support and prayers. She was not amazed at what she saw, so she took out her phone and dialed an identified number.

  "Hello?" Someone from the other line answered.

  "Hi, Doctor. I haven't heard from you in a while. Why did you change your number after my husband died?" Vice President replied.

  "Vice President Ariana Marie." The Doctor replied.

  "Glad you can remember me. I thought you've completely forgotten me after I paid your very huge check." Vice President smirked.

  "What do you want?" The doctor firmly asked.

  "Well, I need your help again."

  "No, not again. You, demon."

  "Really? Not even for your family's life?"

  "Keep them away from this."

  "Then you'll do what I want." Vice President Ariana Marie replied, but the Doctor hang his phone. Vice President was disgusted and dialed in another number. When a stranger answered on the other line, she said:

  "Threaten the Doctor."

  At Maryland Hospital, things were better compared to other places in the country. There have been riots, but the Army assigned got a better grip on the situation. The Doctor that the Vice President talked earlier was about to check the President's condition when his phone rang, and his daughter's number appeared. He pressed the answer button, put it on his ear and heard screams.

  "DAD!" The Doctor startled, but before he could speak a stranger talked.

  "I'll kill her if you don't follow Vice President's order. Work with the Police, and I'll kill every member of your family." The stranger immediately dropped the call.

  The Doctor felt weak on his knees and sat on one of the patient's seats in the hallway. His hands and sweat were cold. His chest was pounding hard and fast. He knew that the Vice President bait her again. The Doctor dialed in Vice President's number.

  "That woman is a psychopath." The Doctor uttered while the phone was ringing."

  "Hi again, Doctor. I knew you'd call." The Vice President answered.

  "What do you want this time?"

  "Kill your most prestigious patient."

  "The President? Why? I thought you were friends?"

  “Yes, that’s why I sent him to you. I know you’re a great doctor.”

  “Then why would you want him dead?”

  "Because I need his power to control people. I won’t give up what I have right now, so follow my rules if you want your family safe." Vice President hang up the phone, and Doctor sighed profoundly.

  Vice President did it once when she ran as a Senator. On campaign period, she worked with several unknown people to kill his husband to gain people's sympathy. She hired serial killers to shot his husband. Their marriage was on the rocks because her husband had an affair. On the other hand, she badly wanted to win the election because she didn't want to be a disappointment to her family. Desperation and rage consumed her.

  When his husband was in the recovery room, the Vice President asked the Doctor to put poison on his medicine in exchange for a tremendous amount of money. The Doctor was still a practitioner back then, and he was in need of cash. If only he didn't need the money for her mother's treatment brain tumor before, he would never agree to Vice President's ruthless agendas. The Doctor secretly exchanged the medicine.

  The attending nurse put in the medicine to the intravenous. After a few minutes, Vice President's husband died. They sent the nurse to jail, and she paid the crime she never did. The Doctor's conscience still bothered him. When the Doctor passed the licensure exam, he watched the Nurse's family who had a tough life and sent groceries secretly.

  Years after, Vice President now wants the President to die. She didn't know that the Doctor was working at Maryland. When she was searching for another doctor to use at the hospital, he saw the Doctor's name. Vice President Ariana Marie immediately called the hospital and told them to assign the Doct
or to the President. Then she called her trusted serial killers to kidnap his ten-year-old daughter. The death of Senator Forbes, the Marauders, and the power that she have has consumed her. Vice President Ariana Marie was ruthless, but no one dared to stop her because of her money and influence.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  The Head of the Security has been quietly standing behind the door, and he listened to everything that the Vice President said while she was talking to her phone. He was sweating, and his heart was beating fast. It was not the same person that he loved. Then Vice President Ariana Marie suddenly appeared behind him.

  "How long have you been there?" Vice President Marie interrogated.

  "I just got hear." The head of the security lied.

  "Why do you look pale?" The Vice President inquired.

  "I...must be hungry. May I grab something to eat? I'll call for a sub." He reasoned out to get away from the Vice President and clear his mind. Fortunately, Vice President agreed, and the sub security replaced him.

  After breathing some fresh air, The Head of the Security realized that Senator Colette was right. As much as he hated the idea of complaining Vice President Ariana Marie, but it was the right thing to do. She needs help. The Security Head immediately went to Senator Colette's office.

  "Do you have time to talk?" The Security Head asked soon as he entered Senator Colette's office who was reading his paperwork.

  "Sure, have a seat." Senator Colette answered, but the Security Head was not in his usual demeanor.

  "What do you want to talk?" Senator Colette asked again.

  "You're right." The Security Head acknowledged as he looked beyond the window.

  "About what?" Senator Colette got curious and stopped reading reports.

  "Ariana. She's been living in darkness."

  "What do you mean?"

  "I heard her speaking to the President's doctor. She wants him dead. She killed her husband, too." The Security Head painfully said and he mentioned everything to the Senator. Senator Colette calmed the Security Head and praised him for sharing what he heard. Both of them agreed to keep it a secret because Vice President Ariana has all the power to kill them once she finds out that they know about it. Senator Colette wanted to help the Doctor's daughter, but in return, the Doctor has to surrender himself to the crime that he had committed. They'd also try to identify those killers that the Vice President hired to kill her husband.

  Senator Colette and the Security Head drew a plan, but they need trusted people to help them. They know that they can't talk to anyone about it, or they'll die. The Security Head suggested to do it by themselves, but Senator Colette was undecided because it might turn them to killers, too. Suddenly, Senator Forbes’ secretary opened the door, and they were both jumping on their seats. They nod at each other, and the Security Head went out of the office immediately.

  Later that morning, Vice President Ariana Marie declared Martial Law to the suburbs because of the report the rioters have moved out of the cities. It was easy for her to convince her alliance because of the results that they received from the Army. However, her real purpose was to provide authority to the Military to confiscate citizen’s supplies, and force farmers to work day in and out.

  At Southcrest Hospital, Doctor Johnson and his group have decided to leave the place a few days after the other part of the building got burned. Most of them died either because of the fire, or the intruders. The situation around the hospital was a little light, but the Marauder fighters have been in and out of the area. Erwin was one of the survivors, he escaped the burning portion of the hospital when the riot happened and hid in one of the restrooms in the West Building. He was aware of the groups of the medical staffs, but he decided to avoid them. It was because Erwin witnessed Dr. Johnson threatened Nurse Janette when they were hunting for supplies. Erwin was there hiding in the darkest part of the pantry, and that's the time when he decided to live and die alone than be with traitors.

  Leaving the place is Erwin's top priority, but he has nothing to defend himself. He decided to gamble and go to the burned portion of the hospital with the thought that there must be weapons that he can use for protection. Soon as he reached the point of chaos, there were dead and burned bodies scattered. He continued walking and scanning the area when he heard a woman's voice crying out for help. He wanted to run away, but his conscience stopped him. He carefully walked towards the backdoor exit and checked the woman through a small opening of the door. He saw a nurse sitting behind the garbage, but her uniform was full of blood.

  Erwin walked back, but he stepped on the crashed and small stones that produced some sounds. He covered his face in disappointment, but the nurse was looking towards his direction and screamed for help.

  "Help! Anyone there?" Nurse Janette tried to shout, but she was weak and hurt for days. Erwin went out of the broken door, and Nurse Janette somehow was relieved although she was unsure if Erwin was a friend or a foe.

  "Please. Help me." Nurse Janette pleaded.

  "What happened to you?" Erwin asked.

  "I've got two gunshots on my shoulder. I took dead bodies garments, and tied it on my back to stop the bleeding. Please help me remove the bullets. It's making me weak." Nurse Janette managed to explain everything to Erwin whom she didn't even know.

  "I don't know how to help. I'm just a janitor of this hospital. Can you walk? I can bring you to the other side of the hospital. The surgery center is there maybe we can find something helpful." Erwin tried to help Nurse Janette get on her feet.

  They walked back to the West Building, but Nurse Janette was too slow, and she's making noises. Erwin got concerned that someone might hear them, so he decided to carry Nurse Janette on his back. The path was dark and full of debris. None of them was talking because Nurse Janette was too weak while Erwin focused his eyes on their trail. Fortunately, they safely arrived at the Surgery Center, but there remained a few equipment and supplies. Erwin laid Nurse Janette on the operating bed.

  "Nurse, are you still alive?" Erwin whispered soon as he saw Nurse Janette with closed eyes.

  "Yea," Nurse Janette tried to answer and opened her eyes.

  "What should I do? How can I remove the bullet? There some equipment in here, but..."

  "Who's there?" Someone from the hallway shouted. Erwin and Janette can't hide because there was a little sunlight beaming through the small window. Erwin covered Janette with a cloth then grabbed surgical scissors on the edge of the bed.

  "Who are you?" The man holding a gun went inside the Surgery Center. He recognized Erwin's uniform and knew that he's working in Southcrest. Erwin slowly faced the man and raised his two hands in the air.

  "I'm not an enemy," Erwin answered in surprise as he saw the man's gun, but he can see that the man was also in pain.

  "Why are you in here?" The man questioned again trying to hide his pain. It was too late for the man to pretend that he's still fit to fight, so Erwin took his chance and ran towards the man direction. The man was about to pull his gun, but Erwin already dodged him, and they both fell on the ground. Erwin was on top punching the man, then stole the gun and pointed it at the man's head, but the man faked his laugh.

  "What's funny?" Erwin asked while catching his breath.

  "It has no bullet." The man answered then punched Erwin's groin, and he shouted in pain. The man stood and was about to beat Erwin to death when he heard someone said his name.

  "Steve?" Nurse Janette said in a very soft voice, but enough to hear inside the Surgery room. Steve was standing where the sunlight glittered through the window.

  Steve was surprised yet delighted to see Janette alive. Erwin was confused with what was happening, but he saw Steve's abdomen and arms were bleeding.

  "You're bleeding," Erwin said to Steve, but it seemed that Steve heard nothing.

  "Janette," Steve whispered to himself as he walked closer to Janette.

  "I thought you were dead," Steve added as he almost broke down into tears.

  "D
o you know him?" Erwin asked Janette as he stood up and walked to the other side of the operating bed facing Steve.

  "Yes, he's a doctor at this hospital," Janette answered, but Steve noticed the blood on her shoulders and forgot about his pain.

  "What happened to you?" Steve was concerned.

  "She has two bullets on her back for a couple of days now," Erwin answered, and Steve looked at him sharply.

  "Who's this guy, again?" Steve sounded annoyed.

  "I helped her get in here. You're a doctor, can you help her?" Erwin asked arrogantly.

  "Yes. But you have to help me first," Steve replied and looked for surgery tools that he can use for him and Janette. Fortunately, there were a scalpel, tweezers, shears, and five rolls of gauze. He sat on the floor where there was a beam of sunlight. It was not what they practiced in medical school, but Steve was already out of options. Erwin followed him, and Steve handed the scalpel as he untied the bloody cloth off his right arm. Erwin unwillingly accepted that scalpel then Steve instructed him to slice his skin where the wound was visible.

  "Are you sure? Without anesthesia?" Erwin was in doubt.

  "Please do it, Janette needs our help before the sun sets," Steve replied as she looked on Janette who was sleeping.

  Erwin sliced the skin then Steve cried in pain. He asked Erwin to hold his right arm and open it gently then he saw the bullet. Using his other hand, he pulled it out with the tweezers and Steve howled in pain again. Steve was breathing hard and immediately instructed Erwin to wrap his wound with gauze and reminded him to put pressure on it.

  "Are you alright?" Erwin asked.

  "Yea, let's go. Please help me save Janette." Steve answered, and they both stood up. Janette was already sleeping because of weakness. Steve thought that it was best not to wake her up, so she won't feel the pain. They moved the operating bed to the sunlight which was already near the door. The sun was setting, and the light turned into yellow-orange.