"By the way, Joseph. Has every one of you heard about the Martial Law extension?" Sheriff Katcher directly asked Joseph.
"Yes," Joseph answered plainly, but he had a feeling where's that talk going.
"Well, they knew about the farms in here, and they want to confiscate our supplies." Sheriff Katcher said.
"But they're ours?" Tony replied.
"I understand, but the Government also has the rights to confiscate the possession of its people whenever needed under Martial Law." The sheriff tried to explain.
"That's why you agreed to come here? You'll confiscate everything that we have?" Tony argued. He became irascible after what happened to his father, but Rashida tried to calm him.
"No. I wouldn't deliver new supplies to get yours. Truly, I'm also here to deliver the conversation I had with Colonel Eaton." Sheriff Katcher replied.
"The Colonel wants all of us to help one another to bring back peace. My deputies, the Army, and the Militia will secure the whole place until we defeat the Marauders. Also, Joseph and Walter. Colonel Eaton wanted you to go back in service, and run the town hospital." He added. Joseph got surprised and looked at Maxine. He thought that Colonel Eaton was trying to protect him, but he felt betrayed.
"Just the two of us? That's insane! No one can run a hospital with just two staff members! You're going to kill us." Walter got furious.
"Don't worry, Walter. We've been gathering a medical team that can help you." Sheriff Katcher answered.
"What if we don't agree?" Joseph bravely asked.
"I'm sorry Joseph. You know you can't, or the government will..." It was too hard for Sheriff to finish his sentence.
"Kill me?" Joseph continued.
"No, your family." Walter replied. Joseph looked at the Sheriff, his deputy, Captain Ellis and his family. The news stunned him. He'd rather die, than risk his family's life.
"So you came here to pretend that you want to help us that you even sent supplies to make it convincing, but the truth is that you want them back on service. You helped us build defenses to give us the assurance then bring the Army and Militia with you? The medical help was just a cover to give us a relief that we can heal ourselves, so you can also take Joseph and Walter. And you wanted my father to recover fast, and get him back at service. If they refused, you're saying that you'll kill them because you're a part of your government. Am I right Sheriff? Tell me!!" Tony yelled at Sheriff Katch with burning eyes as he slammed the long dinner table. No one dared to answer as his emotions slowly consumed him, but his wife tried to calm him.
"I'm sorry, Tony. I'm just following an order." Sheriff Katcher replied, but there were regrets in his eyes. He and his deputies decided to get back home, but he reminded the Carmichael's that they can still call him if they need anything.
Without anyone's knowledge, Sheriff Katcher received an order from the General. He heard about Joseph and his group from Steve when he was having a conversation with Colonel Eaton. The General got interested in the strategic location, the supplies that the farm has, and wanted to get the possession. The General immediately reached Sheriff Katcher and ordered him to recall all their protection under Colonel Eaton's command. Sheriff Katcher dismissed because Grandpa Carmichael is his good friend, but his family received threats.
Tony was still furious about Sheriff, but Joseph said that maybe Colonel Eaton was only protecting them. Maxine didn't say anything, but she got dismayed. They all understand that there's Martial Law ruling the country, but they thought that Colonel Eaton was their ally. Captain Ellis can't believe that the Colonel mandated Sheriff because he saw the concern in his eyes when they met at Southcrest.
After a day, Sheriff Katcher and his deputies immediately prepared the hospital. They made sure that the Humvees Hospital has all the basic types of equipment and medicines particularly medicines for gunshots and stabbed wounds. They also made sure that there's security around the perimeter as well as for Joseph and Walter. They have agreed that the hospital will only operate from eight in the morning until five in the evening until the new medical team arrives. However, because Grandpa Carmichael was unconscious, Joseph worked at day while Walter takes his shift at night, so they’d still have someone to watch Grandpa.
Their first day running the hospital went steady, most of the patients were only asking for medicines, or wanted to check their health. Joseph treated a few gunshot patients, and he performed surgery successfully. The Army was assigned to town to assist Sheriff Katcher to maintain peace and order while Captain Ellis along with three more Army was in charge of the doctors’ safety. The Militia, on the other hand, got promoted as deputies. In exchange, Finley and four of his men stayed on the farm to protect the Carmichaels. It was easier to control the area because there were fewer refugees because of a shortage of food, water, and shelter.
"Would this be our life now?" Maxine asked while Joseph was eating his dinner. He didn't know what to say because he knew that his wife was worried again.
"It's better than when I was at Southcrest, right? At least I still get to see you every day then we also have personal protection." Joseph answered trying to lift Maxine's mood. She smiled a little, but Joseph knew that she was faking.
"Sweetie, I don't know how long, but believe that things will get better soon. We might have no control over our lives for now but keep your faith. It's not the end if things aren't great." Joseph answered as he stood up and walked behind Maxine's chair then gave her a tight hug.
"We'll keep on fighting until we get the life that we deserve," Joseph whispered to Maxine's ear.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Joseph and Captain Ellis reached the hospital and saw a queue of people. It was normal because citizens got flu due to improper nutrition. Another sunrise, yet Joseph and his family are still in chaos especially the Marauders, and the General wanted to get the farm. Some people moved out because of scarcity, but most citizens remained. Sheriff Katcher's conscience bothered him, and Tony's words were continuously playing on his mind. He didn't want to do such evil thing, but his family was in great jeopardy. The Sheriff was still communicating with Joseph and his family trying to reckon his confidential mistake, but Joseph said that it's alright for as long as his family is safe and that the Sheriff do his job in guarding the town. Trying to do the right thing, Sheriff Katcher reached to other farms of the village to unite.
Grandma Carmichael. Tony and Maxine were taking turns in monitoring their father. Grandma was in charge in the morning, Maxine in the afternoon, and Tony throughout the night. Granma Carmichael held Grandpa's right hand when she felt that his fingers moved, and slowly opened his eyes. They both smiled at one another, but Grandma was in tears. She immediately called Joseph who was preparing to go to the hospital, and the rest of the household followed.
"Dad!" Everyone shouted in joy as they entered the room.
"Dad, you should lay down," Joseph advised.
"I've been sleeping for days, for God's sake." Grandpa Carmichael answered sarcastically.
"You should have at least waited for us before sitting down. Your wound hasn't healed yet." Tony answered.
"Relax, Tony. I wanted to see you all coming through that door." Grandpa answered and smiled.
"How are you feeling, dad?" Joseph checked.
"It still hurts a little, but I feel great. Thank you, Joseph." Grandpa replied assuring his family that his alright. Joseph smiled then continued to replace the fluid and put Grandpa's medicine.
The family was in the middle of a pleasant conversation when Joseph excused himself because he had to go to the hospital. They told everything that had happened in a couple of days. Grandpa Carmichael wasn't surprised, but he was worried about his friend Sheriff Karmichael. It wasn't his method to do such things, but maybe it's true that people change to save their lives. Grandpa Carmichael told his family to be alert all the time and that they have nothing against the law. If the time comes that the Government is stepping on their rights, they have to fight whateve
r it takes.
The town has been quiet for days, but they are sure that the Marauders will attack soon. Captain Ellis finally talked about his thoughts on Sheriff's order from Colonel Eaton during their break.
"I feel that something is wrong. It's not Colonel's style." Captain Ellis said.
"I know, I trusted him," Joseph answered plainly.
"I tried to contact him, but he wouldn't answer." Captain Ellis replied.
"I'm sure his fine."
"Joseph, I know you feel angry but don't let it consume you. Colonel Eaton is a nobleman. It's either he did it for a reason, or someone did it for him." Captain Ellis advised as if he knows the Colonel well. Joseph looked at him and admired the trust that he had for Colonel Eaton.
"How much trust do you have for him?" Joseph asked.
"He saved my life twice. I'd do the same for him thrice." Captain Ellis answered. No one talked for minutes as they quietly eat their sandwich when they heard someone on the radio.
Steve, Janette, and Erwin felt better, and their wounds healed. Steve was playing with the radio that he still had from Southcrest hospital. He pressed one of the channels, said hello and sang an Elvis Presley song. However, he got stunned when someone responded and stated his name.
"Steve? Is that you?"
"Who's there?" Steve wondered.
"Joseph!"
"Why the hell do you sing on a radio? God, that was annoying!" Joseph teased Steve.
"How are you? I'm so glad to hear you again!" Steve replied with tears in his eyes.
"I must ask that question. I thought you're dead. Why didn't you come here?"
"Long story, Joseph. I hope to tell you everything when I see you." Steve replied. Joseph knew their current location, but they had to end soon because a patient moved to the hospital with excessive bleeding.
Steve felt felicitous talking to his best friend again. He walked around the Army base to look for Colonel Eaton, but he got surprised when he entered his office, but it was locked. He had a bad feeling, so he used the burglar skills he developed when his parents died and had to feed himself. Steve unlocked the door using his nail then Colonel Eaton was sleeping while tied on a chair with a bruised face.
"Colonel!" Steve rushed towards the chair and tried to wake him up. Colonel opened his eyes, and Steve felt relieved that he was still alive.
"What happened? Who did that to you?" Steve asked in a low voice.
"General beat me, so I can't stop his plan. He ordered Sheriff Katcher to recall Joseph and the rest in service using my name. He wanted that farm, and kill its people if they refuse. We have to go there now, and help them." Colonel hardly spoke. They stole one of the Army's truck and filled it with weapons and supplies. Nobody noticed because the Army was busy with the recent Marauder attacks around the country. Steve drove the car while Nurse Janette aided Colonel Eaton at the rear of the vehicle.
After his shift, Joseph tried to connect with Steve again, but there was no response. They heard Finley instead saying that the farm got another attacked. They requested for immediate back to the other fams and Sheriff Katcher, but there was a massive marauder attack at Humvees.
Everyone was firing at the Carmichael's farm. The Marauders were hiding behind the trees in the front yard luckily they build a better defense. Walter, Tony, Maxine, Rashida, Victoria, Booby, Denise, Ross, Vicky, Finley and his Militia all held a gun. Grandpa wanted to fight, but Grandpa stopped her. Both of them stayed inside a room with Joseph's youngest son. However, Marauders outnumbered them again when Joseph, Captain Ellis, and his Army reached the farm and fired the intruders hiding behind the tree. They thought that they won the battle when another truck of Marauders fired at the Army's truck. Joseph and the Army hid behind the wheels, but it wasn't enough defense. More Marauder fighters descend, and the Army can't do a counter-attack. All of a sudden, another vehicle came, but they can see passengers because of the darkness.
"Who's that?" Joseph was afraid because it seemed like another truck, and it might be another group of Marauders.
"An Army's truck!" Captain Ellis replied after staring at it for several minutes, then it parked beside them.
Joseph and the Army were indefinite about the passengers of the truck until they get off. Colonel Eaton, Denise, and Erwin hid behind their vehicle.
"Colonel! Captain Ellis yelled."
"Hey! We got to blow them!" Colonel Eaton answered as he rolled grenades on the ground.
"Ready! Throw on three!" Colonel Eaton directed, and Captain Ellis nodded. Each of them threw one grenade at the Marauders' truck then Steve came from nowhere and immediately fired a machine gun after the explosion.
"You sons of bitches!" Steve yelled as he shoots then the rest of the Army and people at the farm fired again at the Marauders. After the riot, Joseph and his group protected their land as they defeat the Marauders again.
Joseph and Steve quickly ran towards one another and hugged while Nurse Janette and Erwin followed.
"It was so good to see you, brother," Joseph uttered.
"Janette!" Joseph hugged her as tears almost fell on him.
"Likewise. By the way, he's Erwin. He's a janitor at Southcrest. He also saved us. I hope we can stay here, Joseph." Steve humbly said.
"Don't be such an idiot. We've been waiting for all of you. Come let's go inside." Joseph replied.
On the other hand, Colonel Eaton ordered the Army to immediately check the Marauders' bodies because he knows that some of them had minor wounds, especially after the blast. Colonel Eaton and the Army grouped the dead bodies and unconscious survivors and tied all of them. However, Finley and his group aimed their guns at the Colonel, and his troop followed then Captain Ellis, and his army protected the Colonel.
"I thought he's a traitor," Finley said.
"The General ordered Sheriff and used my name." Colonel Eaton explained then Steve immediately ran towards the tension.
"Enough, drop your weapons. General beat and tied him for days." Steve stated then both groups withdrew their guns. Colonel Eaton declared about the General’s disposal, and he’s sure that he’ll come to the farm soon.
Everyone hugged inside the farm especially when the Southcrest medical staff got a mini-reunion. Steve mentioned how did he survive as well as Denise and Erwin. Then Joseph and his family told the recent events at the farm. Amidst the tension, Grandma Carmichael cooked a delicious dinner for everyone. After a very bloody riot, she said that they still have a lot to celebrate.They were thankful that no one got hurt, Joseph’s friends were alive, and Grandpa Carmichael had finally woke up.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Captain Ellis along with three men from his troop conveyed Walter to the hospital because he had to do his duty at night even after the riot. It was getting late, but the people have a lot of things to finish. The Militia burned the lifeless remains of the Marauders. Colonel Eaton, on the other hand, asked Joseph and Steve if they can aid the wounded Marauder fighters. Tony and Grandpa Carmichael listened, but they got surprised with the intention. They gathered at the dining table while the ladies washed the dishes.
"It feels good that you're finally here, Colonel. But may I ask why do we have to heal those killers?" Joseph asked.
"With the hope that we might get some vital information from them." Colonel Eaton replied.
"It's a risk. Are you sure that the truth will be exposed?" Steve questioned Colonel's idea.
"What if they find a way to betray us?" Joseph added.
"That would also reduce our supplies," Tony added.
"I guess the point of life is that you have to take risks. Marauders have billion of supporters out there, and they can attack everywhere. However, it's odd that they kept on going back to this farm." Colonel Eaton answered while Steve and Joseph looked at one another.
"What do you imply, Colonel?" Grandpa Carmichael got puzzled as well the others.
"It's just strange for me. There are other active farms out there who have less security, yet Maraude
rs have attacked this place several times. Then the General got interested in the farm as well. Is it only for the supplies?" Colonel Eaton replied trying to figure out if things were just accidental. Grandpa Carmichael decided to have a rest after their short meeting then Tony accompanied him to the room. They talked about Colonel Eaton's thoughts about the endless assault on the farm.
"Dad, do you have any idea about Colonel's theory?" Tony asked.
"I'm not sure, but he has a point, and his facts are correct." Grandpa Carmichael replied.
"Then what would the reason why the Marauders kept on coming back?"
"Those hostages, hopefully, they'd talk," Grandpa answered.
Joseph and Steve finally agreed to treat a dozen of injured Marauders. The doctors removed all the bolts in each body while Colonel Eaton made sure that no Marauder survivor would harm them. Nurse Janette and Erwin also came out of the house to assist Steve. Maxine and Victoria helped Joseph with his needs. After each operation, Colonel Eaton laid individual body over a banana leave then tied their hands and feet. After two hours, they'd successfully treated their hostages.
"Thank you, doctors, and to all of you who helped. Please have a rest. I'll take it from here." Colonel Eaton announced.
"May I help you, Colonel?" Erwin asked, and Colonel agreed.
Maxine and Rashida went to the rooms while Denise wanted to catch up to Nurse Janette. She mentioned her survival story and how she saw Steve again. Meanwhile, Joseph and Steve decided to drink a cup of coffee.
"Next time you do a stupid prank, I swear I'm going to kill you," Joseph said when he suddenly remembered Steve’s heroic action at Southcrest.
"Sorry. I knew I had to do it alone. You had your family waiting for you." Steve replied.
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