Vice President Ariana Marie drove to North Bethesda and parked outside an empty warehouse. She entered the place while Senator Colette and the Security Head waited outside. After thirty minutes, the Vice President went out and propelled her car away. Then a stranger surveyed the area before closing the door.
"Let's go." Senator Colette wanted to get off the car immediately.
"Hold on. Wear this." The Security Head handed a black cloth face mask. Senator Colette knocked on the door. When the stranger opened, the Security Head knocked him off with a punch immediately. The warehouse was a large blank space, and a girl sat in the middle with hands tied on her back. The tape covered her mouth, and she was surprised to see two men with covered faces like criminals.
Senator Colette and the Security Head tied the stranger immediately then they freed the girl. They introduced themselves then ran towards their car. They called and waited for the police before leaving the area. Senator Colette wanted to be sure that the stranger got caught. They know that the stranger is a criminal, so the Police should recognize him through his records.
"Don't be afraid. We'll drive you to your father." Senator Colette said, but the girl was shaking.
"Do you remember the way?" Senator Colette asked. The girl nodded her head and instructed her home. They entered a subdivision and went directly to the girl's house. It was a huge white, and yellow house. Senator Colette pressed the doorbell. The man went out of the door and opened the gate.
"Daddy!" The girl yelled and hugged his father.
"Who are you?" the Doctor asked Senator Colette and the Security Head.
"They saved me, Daddy." The girl replied. Then Senator Colette introduced himself again.
They all went inside the house, and the Doctor offered them biscuits and juice.
"Thank you for saving my daughter. Why did you do it?" The Doctor asked.
"We want you to surrender yourself." The Security Head answered
"What? I don't understand.” The Doctor showed anxiety.
"We know what you did to that nurse." Senator Colette replied.
"She hired many of them, and your family is in great danger." The Security Head tried to warn the Doctor.
"You need to pay for your crime, so that innocent Nurse gets her freedom. Let the police handle your family's safety." Senator Colette added.
"You're working for the Vice President. Don't you?" The doctor was confused.
"We won't give back your daughter if we were working for her." The Security head got disgusted. Then they heard the little girl calling his father.
"Kill me if you want, but I'll stay here for my family. Now if you'll excuse me, my daughter needs a rest. Thank you again, but may I ask you to leave my house." The Doctor replied. Disappointment filled their emotions, but they left the house quietly. The Security Head was angry, but they have no evidence to show that Doctor committed a crime and that Vice President Ariana Marie wanted to kill the President.
Later that evening, Vice President Ariana Marie was furious when she heard the news that the stranger got caught, but she's confident that the man won't drag her name. The Vice President has been giving a substantial amount of money to her serial killers. She walked to the balcony of her office to breathe some fresh air when Vice President Ariana saw the head of the security went out of a familiar car. The security head proceeded to the Vice President's office immediately.
"Madam Vice President, good evening. I thought you're out the for the rest of the evening." The security head greeted in surprise.
"I thought, too, but a change of plan. Where have you been?" Vice President interrogated him.
"I ate my dinner." He answered, but Vice President knew that she was lying.
"Really? Tell me, what have you been up to?" Vice President added.
"What do you mean?" The Security Head swallowed, his mouth felt dry.
"You’ve been acting weird. Also, I saw you went off an unfamiliar car."
"It was my friend's car." Vice President knew that the security Head was hiding something. She just dropped the conversation and let him have his rest.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
One hour before midnight, everyone gathered inside the farmhouse. No one had the chance to get a good rest after the attack, except for Joseph and Tony, because they cleared the dead bodies, and checked the whole farm. Finley stated that the Army wasn't delivering enough protection. Captain Ellis got offended, so he argued with Finley.
"With all due respect Captain Finley, you just got here. Do you have any idea what we had to go through?" Captain Ellis announced.
"Don't get it too personal, Captain. I'm only concerned with people's well-being. If you were securing the area, then why three Marauders were hiding around the perimeter?" Finley loftily answered, but Captain Ellis looked at him sharply.
"Then what do you suggest, Captain?" Grandpa Carmichael asked Finley who looked irritated with the childish act of the two Captains.
"First, let's cut those grass. Then we build a tougher defense. We'll continue making those barb wires around the farm. The Army will guard in during the day then we'll take turns at night." Finley announced, and no one disagreed except Captain Ellis.
"As if we haven't been doing what you just said?" Captain Ellis tried to puzzle Finley.
"Yea, but this time we'll make it better," Finley answered back then they both wildly stared at each other.
"However, I think that we can also use the grass to our advantage?" Grandpa Carmichael said trying to cope up with the conversation. He realized that he has all the rights to control his farm as the owner and a retired General. However, Grandpa Carmichael didn't want to share that his previous position because he didn't want the Government to order him back. He's done with the Army long ago.
"But it's a huge risk to keep those tall grasses," Finley replied.
"If the Marauders attack us again, the tall grasses could provide us a better counter-attack." Grandpa Carmichael answered.
"Grandpa, I know you own the farm, but..."
"Exactly, I own the farm. I understand what's best to guard my place, and I know more than you think I comprehend." Grandpa answered before Finley could talk.
"I understand Mr. Carmichael, but things are different now. Let's leave those grasses, but from now on I will be in charge of the security measures. Whether you like it or not, you need our help." Finley replied. Captain Ellis and Grandpa Carmichael looked at each other. Finally, everyone agreed and decided to get some rest.
April 23, 2014. The Carmichael household woke up after a heated debate with Finley last night. Grandpa Carmichael was still upset with the idea that someone was overpowering him inside his farm. Grandma Carmichael tried to calm him and said that Finley was right, they need their help to keep the place away from the hands of the Marauders. For the meantime, they have to deal with the Army and Militia.
Joseph, Tony, and Walter harvested some farm crops while Maxine, Rashida, Victoria fed the farm animals. Then their kids helped Grandma Carmichael prepare their breakfast. There have been some changes with their chores since a lot of men from the farm died because of the recent attack. Grandpa Carmichael and Captain Ellis were inside the barn checking their weapons.
"Can I trust you, Captain?" Grandpa Carmichael suddenly asked as he faced Captain Ellis.
"What do you mean, Mr. Carmichael?" Captain Ellis replied.
"Nothing. Things have been odd lately, and I don't know who to trust anymore." Grandpa Carmichael answered.
"You mean that Captain Finley?" They looked at each other and understood that they had the same sentiments. Grandpa Carmichael took a deep breath and continued checking their weapons.
"You can trust me, General Carmichael. My men and I will do everything to help you protect your place and its people. For as long as I am here, no one can steal your home from you." Captain Ellis saluted as a form of respect to the retired General Carmichael.
"Thank you, Captain. I hope you don't mind, but are you only do
ing it because Colonel Eaton has your trust?"
"No, Mr. Carmichael. To be honest, I was hesitant at first when he assigned me here, but when I saw those helpless people, it touched my heart. What's my right to decline to serve other people when my seniors are promoting such goodness?" Captain Ellis answered then smiled.
With the additional members, Joseph thought that they have to add more supplies. Walter suggested that they can go to the town, so Grandpa Carmichael and Tony agreed. Captain Ellis asked Finley if his militia can go with Joseph and others, but he refused. Walter's friends at Militia insisted that they should go with them, but Finley stated that his men have to sleep because they need the energy to watch them efficiently later at night. Captain Ellis closed his fist in disgust, but Grandpa Carmichael grabbed his wrist.
"It's alright, Captain Ellis. I think we can manage." Grandpa said.
"I can accompany you." Captain Ellis replied.
"You're very much needed in here. We'll be alright." Grandpa Carmichael smiled and winked at Captain Ellis. Grandpa meant that the farm needs Captain Ellis and his men if ever the Marauders return, or if Finley does something evil.
"Please bring these." Captain Ellis handed out their firearms and radios.
"I thought it's broken?" Joseph got surprised.
"Found them inside the barn. Perhaps, one of the Militia tried to fix it last night." Captain Ellis answered.
Grandpa Carmichael, Joseph, Walter, and Tony walked at the back of to the farm to pick which car they're going to use. They decided to use Grandpa's Vintage Red Farm Truck, but Tony teased Grandpa if his car can safely bring them to town. Tony wanted to drive the vintage car that has been on their farm since he was a child. Grandpa Carmichael was beside him while Joseph and Walter stayed on the open back. Halfway of their journey, a tinted SUV appeared behind them. It was running fast as if it was on a race, then suddenly reached behind the farm truck. It was unusual for Joseph that the SUV stayed close to them, so he grasped his rifle. Walter saw Joseph looked at the suspicious tinted car and he did the same.
A man on the passenger seat opened his window and fired at the farm truck. Joseph and Walter immediately laid down on the truck's cover. Walter immediately shot, but the SUV was too fast. The next thing they know, the tinted car was already blocking their driveway. Joseph had his presence of mind and reached for the radio.
"Captain Ellis. We have a situation here. Suspected Marauders riding a tinted Silver SUV blocked our way two miles from the town." Joseph reported, but there were gunshots again. Four intruders went down the SUV.
"Get down of your truck and leave your guns or I'll blow your head!" One of the intruders shouted while holding an RPG.
"Where do they get their weapons? And that SUV is freaking cool." Walter uttered.
"They must've stolen it," Joseph answered. He knocked on the small glass window between the driver's seat and the back of the farm truck. Tony and Grandpa Carmichael descend, so Joseph and Walter did the same. The intruders ran towards the farm truck and took them as hostages.
They were handcuffing Joseph's group when Grandpa Carmichael did a headbutt to his watcher. Other intruders looked at them, so Joseph and his group took advantage of the situation. Joseph pulled his right hand with handcuff straight to the first intruder's face. Walter kicked back his watchman in between the legs, while Tony did combo punches to his guard. Everyone thought that they'd easily win the fight when Grandma Carmichael cried in pain. Tony looked at him, and he saw a knife stabbed his stomach. The intruder recovered his gun and pointed it at Grandpa Carmichael's head while his belly was bleeding.
"Stop!" The intruder shouted, and everyone looked at his direction.
"Dad! Please don't shoot!" Tony pleaded.
Joseph and his group got captured. One intruder drove the SUV, and the rest rode at the back of the farm truck. Joseph begged if he can check Grandpa's condition who sat at the junction of the vehicle, but the intruders stopped him. Another intruder ran the farm truck while the remaining two guarded Joseph, Tony, and Walter.
All of a sudden, the Army truck appeared behind them. They were firing at each other when one intruder pulled Tony and aimed a gun at his head.
"Don't shoot!" Tony was shouting at the Army truck and waved his hands in the air. Abruptly, three Militia on their motorcycles quickly appeared from the counter path of the road and Finley riding his big bike was moving at maximum speed behind the Army truck. The intruders got confused with the roaring engines as they started to look around.
One of the Militia from the opposite direction was heading fast towards the SUV. He jumped on the seat while driving the motorbike, but the SUV didn't back down.
"Let's kill one another." The SUV driver muttered to himself. Finley's ride intersected with the other two motorcycles and the farm truck. The Militia on the other road dove on the air and Finley grabbed the Militia's right arm as he locked his left leg around the backseat of the big bike. The motorcycle collided with the SUV, and an explosion happened.
The farm truck suddenly stopped as the other two Militia bikers appeared at each side. The two intruders got startled, but before they could point their guns, the militia pulled their triggers and shot the intruders' heads. Tony closed his eyes as blood flowed on the truck. Everything happened fast, so the robber inside the farm truck looked into the small glass window to check his friends, but the Army vehicle already moved beside him. Captain Ellis steered his gun through the open window of the driver's seat and pulled the trigger without hesitation.
Walter instructed his militia friends on the farm truck to look for the handcuff keys on one of the intruders' pocket. Joseph and Tony immediately laid down Grandpa Carmichael who was already unconscious but still breathing.
"We have to get back home! Joseph, please. I'm begging. Treat him." Tony shouted as he tried to wake his father.
"I will, but you have to calm down, Tony. Breathe." Joseph assured him. Walter immediately drove the farm truck back to their home then the militia riders and the Army vehicle followed.
Everyone at the house got frightened, as Joseph and Tony carefully carried Grandpa Carmichael to his room. Walter followed and assisted Joseph. He immediately injected an intravenous fluid then he decided to pull the knife off Grandpa's stomach to examine the depth of the blade and the severity of the wound. The wound was deep and fatal, as it entered Grandpa's diaphragm and slightly penetrated the abdominal aorta. It caused the circulatory system to temporarily breakdown that led to Grandpa Carmichael's unconsciousness.
Joseph suspected that the tissue was cut and caused internal bleeding. He tried to put pressure on the wound because it was bleeding rapidly before doing the surgery. When the blood flow subsequently stopped, Joseph opened the wound and searched for the source of the bleed in the aorta. Time was his enemy because he had to repair the broken tissue as fast as he could before it could cause complications. After a few minutes, Joseph had successfully restored the abdominal aorta and eliminate the excess blood. However, Walter noticed that Grandpa Carmichael had stopped breathing. Joseph immediately performed a Cardiopulmonary resuscitation twice while Walter assisted the wound, but Grandpa Carmichael wasn't responding.
"Come on, dad," Tony uttered while tears fell from his eyes while watching Joseph do the CPR.
"No, no, no," Joseph said to himself as he pumped Grandpa's chest. Luckily, another complete cycle of CPR revived Grandpa, but he was still numb.
Then Joseph quickly closed and sutured the wound with the help of Walter. He assisted Grandpa's medical needs after the surgery to give Joseph a rest while Grandma Carmichael held Grandpa's hand on the other side of the bed.
After the operation of Grandpa Carmichael, while having their lunch, the Army thought that it was a good idea to ask for Sheriff Katcher's help in guarding the farm. Everyone agreed, so they immediately contacted Sheriff through the radio. The Army said that the Marauders attacked their area several times to get their supplies. Sheriff Katcher mentioned that some of his fa
rms also got attacked twice, but the difference was that had enough men to cover the place effectively compared with Carmichael's farm. Fortunately, Sheriff and his deputies agreed to travel the farm and see what they can do to increase the security.
On their way to the farm, Sheriff Katcher along with his ten more deputies got attacked. A truck was chasing and firing gunshots. They tried to speed up, but the Marauders were catching up. The Sheriff didn't want to take the intruders to Carmichael's farm, so they decided to reroute into the forest and take the battle there. Fortunately, Sheriff and his group were able to beat the Marauder fighters, but some of them received minor wounds.
Sheriff Katcher saw Grandpa Carmichael's condition and hoped for his fast recovery. Joseph and Walter helped the four injured deputies and gave them first aid treatment. Sheriff appreciated the gesture, and he promised to deliver supplies and medicines. On the other hand, the Army, Militia, Sheriff and the remaining of his group built thicker and higher rolled barb wires around the walls of the farm. They also build metal fences in the front yard the whole day.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
They finished strengthening the defense at dawn, so Sheriff Katcher and his deputies decided to wait on the farm. A truck of supplies and medical needs immediately arrived before the sun rose. Everyone at the farm woke up, except for the Militia who were taking their rest after their overnight duty. Grandpa Carmichael was still unconscious, and his wife stayed beside him all the time. Maxine, Rashida, and Victoria managed the kitchen and prepared their meal.
Sheriff Katcher held a short meeting with the whole Carmichael's farm household while eating their dinner.
Calls To Arms_A Story of the Imminent Collapse Page 15