Calls To Arms_A Story of the Imminent Collapse

by Sn. Frank Bates

  "I hope this continues, Mom," Bobby suddenly appeared from nowhere.

  "What do you mean, Bob?" Maxine asked, and pulled Bobby around her arms.

  "Peace and harmony. Money has no value, but we're still happy and contented." Bobby replied he had grown so much.

  "It only goes to show that money isn't everything in this world, Bob. In times like this, people need food, water, and shelter. Above all, we need a heart filled with love and a mind that is willing to do what is right." Grandpa Carmichael suddenly appeared in the kitchen with Tony.

  "For as long as we have each other's arms, nobody can ever ruin our family," Maxine added.

  "Enough of this drama. Go and play with your cousins there. Adults will cook." Tony answered to amuse his family.

  Joseph and his friends returned home after their duty during the day. As promised, Captain Ellis and his men were still escorting Joseph and his group back and forth between the farm and the Humvees Hospital. Joseph tried to insist, but Captain Ellis said that they have to do it until Martial Law ended. The Army and Militia were still going to the farm after their work, and Grandpa Carmichael was happy that it had been their home. Joseph smiled when saw his kids and their cousins playing in the front yard.

  " Hey, kids. How's your day?" Joseph greeted them.

  "Hi, dad. Uncle Tony cooked the cow you brought the other day. It's delicious!" Joseph laughed as he remembered bringing the cow from the hospital to their farm. People can give everything helpful, so the medical staffs have been bringing home strange and unusual things at home.

  "Really? It's getting dark now. Let's go in, and eat your Uncle's dish." Joseph invited the children.

  Late at night, Joseph and Maxine decided to watch the news just like they were doing before. They've been busy the past few days protecting the farm and fighting the Marauders. The screen flashed the story about Big Ira and other cities around the country. The presence of the Military calmed the nation, but hunger arose because of the war.

  "Is it the beginning of change? Or is it only temporary?" Maxine wondered while looking at the TV.

  "We still have a long way to go, but what's important is that we have our family and some friends together," Joseph replied and looked at his wife.

  "By the way, did you know that Victoria is a grade school teacher?" Maxine said trying to lighten the mood.

  "No, I had no idea."

  "She's been teaching the kids. Finley knew about it then he brought books the other day." Maxine replied.

  "That guy. I thought he was something unreliable, but it turned out that he has a heart." Joseph replied, and they both laughed. The couple talked for hours, and it was something that they haven't done for a long time. Nobody knew how long peace would stay on their side, but Joseph with his family and friends decided to enjoy every moment of it.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Early the next morning, Vice President Ariana Marie was reading Martial Law reports in her office, when her phone rang then pressed the answer button.

  "I did what you want." The Doctor said from the other line.

  "Glad you called." Vice President carefully replied because the Security Head was standing beside her. She opened the TV saw flash reports about the President that died because of complications.

  "Give me my money." The Doctor stated.

  "I'll send it to you." Vice President answered and hanged her phone.

  The Security Head stared at the TV monitor with eyes wide open. He clenched his fist and looked at Vice President Marie who was watching.

  Later that day, Vice President Ariana Marie swore as the new President of the United States at the White House. The press arrived to witness Vice President Marie oath, but she only allowed the cameras to record the event inside the Palace, like what she did when she declared Martial law. The affirmation was simple, and Vice President addressed a short speech.

  "First of all, I would like to extend my deepest condolence to the President's family. With the death of Marauders' leader, Big Ira, things have slightly changed, and I would like to congratulate Sheriff Katcher and his people at Humvees for a very job well done. The recent riots caused so much in this country and took many innocent lives. The uncontrollable acts of the rebels made me declare the Martial Law with the hope of bringing back peace and order. It has brought positive results, so Martial Law will continue until such time that the Government has fully recovered from the war." Newly declared President Ariana Marie stated.

  Senator Colette couldn't accept the news and knew that the Doctor chose to do the wrong thing and live in darkness. The Senator can't absorb President Marie's speech because of what she did to be in the position. The deceased ex-President made a lot of mistakes that provoked chaos to the country, but he deserved another chance. It wasn't the reasonable way to end a person's life. Hatred and anger filled Senator's heart, but he felt powerless because they still can't find evidence against Ariana Marie and the Doctor. After the proclamation, the Security Head talked Senator Colette in his office.

  "What are we going to do?" The Security head asked.

  "I have to help my country. I won't allow the death of Senator Forbes to turn into waste. He sacrificed his life for this country, so do I." Senator Colette replied.

  May 12, 2014. It has been several weeks since the riot against terrorists has ended in the cities and nearby towns. The Military captured some Marauder members who ignited for their leader, but they failed to attack the Army. They put the Marauders in jail while others surrendered. People's life somehow went back to normal including the most affected cities like Memphis and Los Angeles. The Government had sent the rehabilitation volunteers to amend and rebuild the structure of each city. The whole country was still under recovery, and the President's first agenda was to feed the people using the confiscated supplies especially those who were affected by the war. The Martial Law continued even with the absence of war. US economy remained at the bottom, but allied countries started to send aid and support. Different towns began the barter method to fill in their supplies. Moreover, electricity and communication had been back to service in some places.

  The Government had widespread their scope of confiscating supplies in different areas. President Ariana Marie ordered the Army to expand their campaign in Humvees because of its recent success in capturing Big Ira. The General like the idea, so he can revenge to the Colonel.

  "Hi, Colonel." The General greeted Colonel Eaton.

  "What brought you to my office?" Colonel Eaton questioned.

  "I just wanted to ask how's the Carmichaels?" The General asked.

  "Leave them alone, or I will..." Colonel Eaton strongly answered.

  "Or what Colonel Eaton? Did you forget that I locked you here in your office for days? I can do it again and again yet no one will know. Unlike if you kill me, everyone will remember." The General threatened, and all Colonel could do was stare at him.

  "Your evil plans won't succeed." Colonel Eaton uttered, but it was loud enough for the General to hear it.

  "We'll see, Colonel. Anway, I came here to let you know that Captain Stroller with his troops is heading to Humvees. You might as well want to warn your friends to surrender, or they'll die." the General answered then got out of Colonel's office.

  Colonel Eaton immediately informed his friends at the farm. Before he left the Carmichael's residence, he collected all their contact numbers in case the communication made better. He decided to dial Joseph.

  "Hello?" Joseph answered from the other line.

  "Joseph. It's Colonel Eaton."

  "Hi, Colonel. Haven't heard from you since forever ago. How have you been?" Joseph asked enthusiastically.

  "Fine. How's everything in there?"

  "Better than before, Colonel. Everything is under control, and people are cooperative." Joseph replied.

  "We have a problem, Joseph," Colonel announced.

  "What is it?"

  "A new Army headed by Captain Stoller is going to Humvees to confiscate su
pplies, and run the town. That Stroller is a strong-willed person. He's not afraid of killing people if someone stopped him, the same with the General." Colonel Eaton explained.

  "But why? Those supplies, it's a product of their hard work." Joseph replied.

  "I know, Joseph. Please hold the situation while you can. I promise that I'll come back to help you. Our battle isn't over, stay alive. Okay?"

  "Thank you, Colonel."

  Joseph decided to convey the Colonel's message to Sheriff Katcher during his lunch break. There had been unity in the town because the people were tired of killings and selfishness. Sheriff immediately called other farms attention to increase their security, and be ready whenever the Army try to confiscate their supplies. Captain Ellis's troops and Finley's militia were also in high-alert even if Captain Ellis knew that it was against the Martial Law. In the afternoon, Sheriff Katcher asked the local news anchors headed by Maxine to publicize about the Government's intentions of using the hungry people to cover their foolishness. Since publications haven't opened yet, the local news anchors from Humvees decided to make a group in the internet world to spread the news about Humvees then share the articles to different social online platforms.

  Just when things were about to get better, another dilemma arose for the people in Humvees, and Joseph's family. The Government is their next enemy. It was supposed to protect all its people, but the officials chose to help other citizens by deceiving other people. Fighting and killing one another wasn't something Joseph wished to do, but it seemed that it was the only choice they have.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Captain Stroller and a battalion of soldiers went to the town of Humvees the next day. The Captain decided to go to Sheriff Katcher's home who knew that they were coming, but he didn't expect it that soon. Sheriff Katcher was reading the newspaper when the Captain suddenly talked.

  "Good morning, Sheriff. Captain Stroller of the Army." Captain Stroller greeted as he entered Sheriff's house without any permission.

  "I hope you don't mind. The door was left open." He added then smirked.

  "Good morning, Captain. I didn't expect to see you in my home." Sheriff answered.

  "Firstly, I'd like to praise you for killing BIg Ira." Captain Stroller leered as Sheriff sensed the insincerity.

  "Thank you, but it wasn't just me. May I ask what did you come here for, Captain? We could have had this discussion in my office." Sheriff Katcher directly asked pretending like he didn't know their purpose.

  "Why do I feel like I'm not welcome in here, Sheriff?" Captain taunted then he sat down across Sheriff and took a sip of Sheriff's coffee.

  "No, I wasn't just expecting you right now." Sheriff Katcher strongly answered.

  "President Ariana Marie with the authorization of the General relocate us here, Sheriff. Meaning, we'll be overseeing the town from now on." Captain Stroller said.

  "We have our Army and.."

  "Are you trying to defy the President's order, Sheriff?" Captain Stroller intercepted. Then the Sheriff's wife appeared. She was a military retired nurse but refused to go back in service after the declaration of Martial Law and chose to hide on their farm.

  "Oh, look what we have. Hi, Nurse Katcher. I thought you, too, should be back in business?" Captain Stroller pissed the couple then Sheriff stood up as he pulled his gun and aimed it at Captain Stroller.

  "Leave her alone," Sherriff muttered while his wife tried to stop him.

  "I have a battalion out there, and you don't want another war. Go, on. Pull the trigger." Captain Stroller challenged then positioned the gun on his forehead. The Sheriff was furious, but he drew back the pistol because he knew that he had to give in to their demands.

  "I'll be going for now because I have some matters to work. Thank you for the warm welcome, Sheriff. I'll see you later." Captain Stroller smiled then left the house.

  Later in that morning, Captain Stoller built their headquarters at the town's courthouse. People were suspicious of the presence of a new battalion of Army. They were afraid then decided to lock their houses. After the Army established their new camp, Captain Stroller called Sheriff to report to him immediately.

  "Hi, Sheriff. I believe we have unfinished business. Have a seat." Captain Stroller said as Sheriff Katcher came inside the room, but he kept quiet.

  "I'll restrain from your family especially your wife if you help me." Captain Stroller added.

  "What do you want?" Sheriff replied.

  "Captain." Captain Stoller emphasized that Sheriff should respect him.

  "First, I want a blueprint of this town. Then I need you to call Captain Ellis' troops and those militias. Finally, I need Doctor Joseph Brave." Captain added.

  "What does he have to do with your plans? They're successfully running the town's hospital, can you please leave them alone?" Sheriff replied.

  "Sheriff, have you forgot that our country is under Martial Law? All of you are under my command now. So it's either you follow my orders, or your family dies. That simple, Sheriff. I've had enough, and I won't be taking stupid answers from you anymore." Captain Stroller said as he lost his patience.

  The Militia and Captain Ellis' troops were raging because they have to work with Captain Stroller, or they leave the area. Finley almost wanted to kill Stroller, but Captain Ellis said that he brought a lot of soldiers. They have circled the whole town, and have started to survey the area. There were no orders yet whether when they'll begin confiscating the residents' stocks.

  On the other hand, Joseph and the people at the farm heard the arrival of the new Army, and Sheriff Katcher warned him about the arrogant Captain. In the afternoon, Captain Stoller's soldiers fetched Joseph at the hospital. Steve and other members got surprised while Joseph tried to refuse. He punched then pushed the soldier who forced him to go. The other soldiers raised their rifles as well as Captain Ellis and his group.

  "Enough! I'm going. You didn't have to force me and treat like a prisoner." Joseph answered then lifted his hands in the air.

  "It's a pleasure to meet you, Doctor Brave." Captain Stroller announced as Joseph entered his office.

  "What do you want?" Joseph answered.

  "You sound like Sheriff Katcher." Captain Stroller teased him then laughed.

  "Let's not waste time. I have my patients waiting." Joseph said.

  "I want you to work with the Military. You don't belong here. You treat those people with flu, but you're a surgeon Doctor. You deserve a better place." Captain Stroller boasted.

  "And you think Military is a better place?"

  "You're skills and knowledge will be tested there, Doctor."

  "Being a doctor isn't measured with the degree of difficulty of healing their patients, Captain. It's about helping people who are physically unstable. As public servants, we have one common agenda. To serve and help people whenever needed, and I hope you know that." Joseph insulted Captain Stroller.

  "You know I have the power to send you in the Military?" Captain cautioned.

  "Seems like you have to comprehend what's Martial Law again, Captain. Stop using it to threaten us. We still have our rights. I am still working as a doctor, so I guess I'm doing what the government wanted me to do? Besides, I believe that there are a lot of doctors in the Military. It only means that you don't need me there. You only want me to strengthen your numbers." Joseph smirked.

  "You've got a lot to say, Doctor. But believe me, your days are over." Captain Stroller got offended then looked at Joseph sharply.

  "Do what you want, Captain. If you'll excuse me, I have to get back on duty." Joseph stated then walked away.

  Joseph and his medical group went back to the farm after their duty. After dinner, Joseph decided to walk at the back of the farm to tell his wife first about his recent conversation with Captain Stroller. Maxine got angry that Joseph agreed because it could have caused so much trouble.

  "Calm down, sweetie. I'm still alive." Joseph said.

  "Stop playing. What if that Stroller kille
d you?" Maxine was resentful.

  "We can't avoid him. He's appointed to run this town, but we have to fight." Joseph answered.

  "I'm tired of fighting, Joseph," Maxine shouted.

  "So you want me to agree with everything that the order?"

  "It's not what I'm saying. I need you to be out of trouble." Maxine explained.

  "Whether we like it or not, it's another trouble, Max. We can only get a life that we hoped for if we don't stop them." Joseph replied then Maxine burst into tears. He hugged her and kissed her hair.

  "Enough. Fighting is the only option that we have, Max. It's how we survived." Joseph said as he tried to calm Maxine, but she remained quiet until they went back inside the house.

  Then Steve saw that there were residents running the road.

  "Hey!" Steve shouted to one of them.

  "What happened? Why are you in a hurry?" Steve asked.

  "Doctor, the Army is forcing us to give our supplies. We need to hide!" One of the residents said then ran away. Steve looked at the direction where the citizens came then immediately locked their gate. He communicated it with the people inside the farmhouse. Grandpa Carmichael led the planning on how to they will fight the Army. However, Grandma was doubtful because she didn't want another round of killings.

  "Shouldn't we simply give it to them?" Grandma Carmichael asked in the middle of the meeting.

  "What about us?" Tony replied.

  " Then we produce new goods," Grandma answered.

  "You know it's not that easy. It would take time before crops grow. As well as the animals." Grandpa stated.

  "Besides, they might also take this farm if we allow them to invade. Worst, they'd destroy us." Steve answered. In the end, Grandpa Carmichael and the rest of the household agreed that they should protect whatever they have against anyone. They did it once, and they would do it again whenever required.