BREAKING NEWS! SENATOR FORBES, KIDNAPPED
"Senator Forbes has been missing for a couple of days after the Martial Law declaration. The Vice President thought that he took absence without notice, as he wasn't attending their meetings nor reporting to his office. However, his family went looking for him after forty-eight hours that he's gone. The decision is questionable for the Police as a person should be declared missing after twenty-four hours of no contact. The police have been doing further investigations and search operation for Senator Forbes. Meanwhile, the Government is willing to give rewards to anyone who can identify the current location of the Senator." The news anchor reported.
"O, my God. What now?" The nurse said who was quietly watching.
"Is he hiding? Is it another play?" One man said.
"I've worked with him. He's not that guy who'll hide." Colonel Eaton was worried. Joseph was quietly listening to everyone, as he decided to call Maxine.
Joseph went to his room and dialed Maxine's number immediately.
"Joseph?" Maxine replied on the other line.
"Max!" Joseph almost cried.
"How are you? I've heard about the hospital on the news... Please tell me you're fine."
"I'm okay. A lot of people died, but I'm okay. Steve, he died. And others." Joseph broke down and cried.
"Hush, sweetie. It's not your fault. Please stop crying." Maxine also whined on the other line, but she kept it quiet. She felt how painful it was for Joseph to lost his best friend and his other friends.
"I'm sorry. The burden is too heavy I have to let it out. I wish you were here." Joseph wiped his tears.
"I wanted to be there soon I found out about the hospital. I thought you were dead." Maxine burst into tears.
"A lot of them sacrificed their lives for me,"
Joseph, Maxine, and his two sons spoke on the phone for thirty minutes. They talked about everything that has happened on the hospital, Colonel Eaton, Denise, The Smiths, Tony and his family.
"I love you both, sons. Please always listen to your mom, and be good to your cousins. Can I speak to your mom again?" Joseph smiled. It was a relief to hear his family's voice.
"We love you too dad. Yea, we will." Bobby and his brother laughed then passed the phone to Maxine.
"Sweetie, we're planning to leave the area. You think your dad will allow my group to stay there?" Joseph asked Maxine.
"Of course. Everyone is welcome here. " Maxine replied.
"We're coming, Sweetie. I have to go now, I’ll see you soon. I love you." Joseph said.
"We've been waiting for you. I love you so much." Maxine responded then both hang up.
Joseph felt easy after told his burdens to Maxine. He went back inside the house. Everyone was preparing to sleep, and he decided to take turns with the nurse. Joseph thought of a plan on how to bring his group to their farm safely. He consumed his time thinking about his friends, the hospital, his family, and his country.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Walter woke up at dawn and checked his wife. After a few minutes, Joseph also woke up from two-hour sleep. He saw Walter looking at Victoria who's still asleep.
"She woke up last night, past twelve. She was hungry. I gave her some instant noodles." Joseph smiled at Walter.
"Thank you so much, Joseph. I don't know how to repay you." Walter replied.
"Walter, there's no need to compensate. Let's keep on looking one another." Joseph tapped Walter's shoulder.
"Coffee?" Walter offered.
"Definitely. We'll have a long day." Joseph and Walter went to the kitchen where Colonel Eaton and the nurse were sitting.
"Good morning." Colonel Eaton greeted the newcomers.
"Would you like some coffee, Doctors?" The nurse asked.
"Yes, please," Joseph replied, and the nurse immediately prepared two cups.
"Colonel Eaton, we have to get out of this place sooner than later," Joseph said.
"What's the plan?" Walter asked.
"We have a farm. It's where my family resides for the meantime. We can go there. It's a long drive, so we have to keep our supplies enough for us. We don't know what's on our way." Joseph replied.
"It might take longer because of the checkpoints. We have to reroute." Colonel Eaton responded.
"What do you mean, Colonel?" The nurse inserted himself as he handed the coffee to Joseph and Walter.
"The new Executive Order summons all public servants even those retired ones, and those who left their service." Colonel Eaton explained to everyone.
"Does it mean that the Government has the authority to recall everyone in public service? What if the militia stopped us along the way?" Walter asked.
"Yes, so it's either we avoid them, or they'll catch us." Colonel Eaton replied.
Joseph sipped his coffee and massaged his head. Another problem considering that the road to the farm is not safe. Colonel Eaton took out a map.
"Can you point where's your farm?" Colonel Eaton asked Joseph.
"Right here." Joseph marked the location of the farm in Humvees. Colonel Eaton looked at the mark closely and checked their possible routes.
"Let's get ready. Prepare yourselves for a long and dangerous ride." Colonel Eaton announced.
At six in the morning, everyone was having their breakfast in the kitchen. Joseph's house still has some foods, but they are now drinking boiled rainwater. They are saving the remaining supplies that they got from empty houses on their trip. Denise hasn't talked, but it's a good sign that she's trying to be with people. Victoria has also woke up. It's difficult for her to walk, but her body recovers faster than expected.
It's still raining, but not as severe as yesterday. Joseph opened the TV with the hope of hearing some good news. He put on the channel where Maxine worked. They are still operating because the electricity provider was able to return the power to some less affected area.
After hearing the same news, the TV screen went white. Then the Islamic sign appeared on the screen after a few seconds of channel interruption.
"What's that?" Walter asked.
"They hacked all channels," Joseph replied in disbelief.
Everyone was terrified as they looked on the screen. Then there was Big Ira, the leader of the Marauders, with three other men with black cloth covering their faces. Senator Forbes was lying on the ground. There's a tape on his mouth, and the three rifles pointed on his head.
At the White House office, all officials and security personnel have gathered in one room. They were having a meeting about the security across the country and the search for Senator Forbes. Vice President Ariana Marie phone rang. They also had a channel interruption then she saw Senator Forbes on the screen.
"I know you are watching, Madame Vice President. I want you to answer the phone. Let all your people hear our conversation."Big Ira challenged the Vice President on the camera.
"It's an unknown number, Madame Vice President." The head of the security said.
"I have no choice, but to answer." Vice President Ariana Marie insisted.
"We do not speak with traitors." One of the senators said.
"Can't you see Senator Forbes on the screen? Locate the call." Vice President Ariana Marie insisted, then she pressed the answer button.
"They'll kill him whatever we say." The head of the security said.
"What do you want?" The Vice President talked to her phone while looking at the TV screen.
"I'm pretty sure you're watching right now? Do you see your companion?" Big Ira said as Senator Forbes was crying, but he's shaking his head while looking at the camera as if he was sending a message.
"I don't negotiate with traitors." Vice President Ariana Marie shouted soon as she get what Senator Forbes was trying to say.
"I want you to see how I'll kill this brave Senator because you're next." Big Ira threatened and hang up the phone. He pointed his gun at Senator Forbes’ head, and looked at the camera. In one pull of the trigger, blood flowed on the floor. The leader smirke
d, and they immediately cut the connection.
"Did you trace their location?" The Vice President asked.
"Yes, Madame. New Mexico." One of the security members replied.
"Send our men. Enough is enough. I want them dead." Vice President Ariana Marie announced with fire on her eyes.
The Army immediately went to the location where they locate Big Ira's call. However, there was no one when they searched the area. Beers, paper plates, cards and the dead body of Senator Forbes were the only traces. Vice President was angry and disappointed. She ordered to bring Senator Forbes' corpse to his family, so they can have something to mourn.
Senator Forbes family cried, but the Vice President immediately went to their house right after the tragic incident. She sent her condolences and promised to capture those men that killed Senator Forbes, and destroyed the country.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It was eight in the morning, and the rain has finally stopped. However, the weather is still gloomy and dark clouds still covered the sun. Everybody at Southcrest Subdivision was busy preparing for the trip to the farm. They started loading their white truck with supplies, clothes, and weapons. They have planned their route, and everybody's task in case rebels followed them. Joseph decided to drive Steve's car together with Denise, Walter, Victoria, the nurse, and two more Southcrest Villagers.
“Load those supplies carefully. Each supply is precious. We don’t want to waste.” Colonel Eaton reminded his group.
"Yes, Colonel. All is ready." One of the men replied.
“Colonel Eaton, let’s do the convoy. I’ll lead the way to the farm.” Joseph said to Colonel Eaton.
“By all means, Joseph. And in case those rioters follow, we got your back, and continue driving. Have you checked the walkie-talkies?” Colonel Eaton asked.
“Yes, both are still working. I’ve changed batteries as well.” Joseph and Walter were able to bring their walkie-talkies when they escaped the hospital.
"Are you sure you're driving? There's still enough space for you and your friends on the truck." Colonel Eaton insisted.
"Thank you, Colonel. But I wanted to bring my best friend's car. At least I can save his precious toy." Joseph forced to smile as he remembered the time when he and Steve bought the car together.
“I understand. Then we’re all set! Let’s get the hell out of here.” Colonel Eaton announced.
Both engines of the vehicles have ignited. The convoy was about to leave the subdivision when a battalion of Army blocked the driveway.
"What the hell is that?" One of the Southcrest teenagers uttered.
Colonel Eaton who was about to get on their truck as he looked at the ten-man Army troop that was walking towards them. Joseph and Walter quietly looked and listened to their conversation.
"Good morning, Colonel Ashton Eaton. I am Captain Ellis." Captain Ellis said and salute.
"Carry on. Good morning, Captain Ellis. To what do I owe your visit?" Colonel Eaton replied calmly.
"We are here to fetch you, Colonel. I'm pretty sure that the General informed you about summoning you back in service."
"Yes, but I'm surprised it's supposed to be today." Colonel Eaton said with a little bit of frustration.
"Sorry for the unexpected visit, Colonel. But we need you back effective immediately." Captain Ellis replied.
"Hold on please." Colonel Eaton walked towards Joseph's car.
"I'm sorry. I don't think I can go with you." Colonel Eaton apologized.
"I understand, Colonel. I hope we could go to the farm together. Would you be alright out there?" Joseph asked.
"Of course. I might be retired, but this body of mine is made to serve the country." Colonel Eaton laughed.
"You have to be very careful, Joseph. Promise me you'll let me know once you get to the farm. And you have to be there safely." Colonel Eaton's face turned serious.
"I will," Joseph promised.
"One more thing. Please hide your true identities." Colonel Eaton almost whispered inside Joseph's car.
"What do you mean?" Joseph seemed to forget.
"We are under Martial Law. The military can force us to remain in service. If we got caught, then we won't make it to the farm." Walter replied and looked at Colonel Eaton, and he nodded.
"I'll give you protection, that's the least I can do for now." Joseph and Walter were kept wondering, as Colonel Eaton walked back to Captain Ellis.
"What protection?" Victoria asked in confusion.
"No idea." One of the neighbors replied.
"I'm ready, and I've got my first order." Colonel Eaton said as he returned to Captain Ellis.
"By all means, Colonel." Captain Ellis replied.
"As your Colonel, I am ordering that first Army troop to escort my friends to their journey in Humvees. You and your troop will stay with them, and give them protection until the war between the Government and its people has ended." Colonel Eaton ordered.
"But, Colonel..." Captain Ellis was surprised, but Colonel cut his sentence.
"Why? You said I'm back in service effective immediately. That's my order as a Colonel, and you are coming to lead your troop." Colonel Eaton strongly commanded.
"Aye, Colonel." Captain Ellis constrained. He saluted Colonel Eaton and walked to the first troop Army.
"Captain! These people are powerless. They need you, and your group. Protection is the best help we can offer. There are women and children on the truck and to your destination. With the Government's unstable situation, they need security. We need to transfer them to a safer place. I hope you understand." Colonel Eaton shouted as he tried to explain the situation to Captain Ellis who was about to walk away from him.
"Affirmative, Colonel." Captain Ellis agreed and finally accepted the order whole-heartedly.
"Men, we have a new mission. We're relocating." Captain Ellis announced their new mission to his group.
While Captain Ellis was instructing his troops, Colonel Eaton winked at Joseph. Joseph salute to the colonel and nod. Colonel Eaton walked towards Southcrest group and directed them for the final time.
"You know, you have super cool neighbors. When everything's well, then I'd get a house on this place." Walter teased Joseph, and they laughed.
Colonel Eaton is on the Army truck, as the convoy leave Joseph's house. As planned, Joseph leads the way. The white truck trails and last is the Army's vehicle. The first half of the journey was smooth as silk. Evidence of violence and riot are still visible. There were empty houses, burned cars, and even dead people along the way. The convoy decided to take a stop to one of the empty gasoline stations. Joseph looked around the area, and he knew that it was the same gasoline station where his family almost died.
"Remember to hide your identities, gentlemen. Stop calling yourselves Doctors and Nurse." Victoria reminded Joseph, Walter and the nurse. The whole Southcrest villagers were also instructed to stop calling Joseph and Walter doctors before they leave Joseph's house.
"Yes, ma'am," Walter replied. The Army surrounded the area as others use the bathrooms.
"Are we still far?" Captain Ellis asked Joseph who were in deep thoughts.
"Yea, we're still halfway," Joseph replied dryly while looking at a dead body.
"You know him?" Captain Ellis didn't stop asking Joseph questions.
"No, but I think he's the man that hijacked my family," Joseph responded.
"Are they alright?" Captain Ellis was shocked.
"Yes, they successfully arrived the farm a few days ago."
"Why didn't you come with them?" Captain Ellis interrogated, but Joseph sensed it right away and looked at the captain sharply.
"I'm sorry, that might be too far. I'm Captain Ellis, by the way," Captain Ellis offered his hand.
"Joseph," Joseph remembered to keep his identity, and they shook their hands.
"I think everyone's finish. Shall we go?" Captain Ellis tried to change the subject, and Joseph nodded.
Walter tried to check the fuel dispense
rs, but there was no fuel coming out. The Army called the villagers to hop in the trucks, so they can go to the farm while there's still daylight. Everyone cooperated and continued their journey.
"How's that a gasoline station with no gas?" One of the Southcrest villagers on Steve's car said.
"I've heard that the country has a shortage already, especially the most affected cities." Another one replied.
"And if a place is lucky to have, pretty sure the price is high," Walter replied.
Beyond half of their journey, the Army noticed two unknown trucks. Captain Ellis contacted Joseph through the radio.
"Joseph? Are you in?"
"Yes, Captain. Why?" Joseph replied.
"We have two unidentified trucks at the back. They've been there since we left the filling station. Can you confirm that they're not your friends? We'll give you a look. Go to the left side of the road." Captain Ellis proposed.
The white truck and Army vehicle slightly went to the right side of the road, as Joseph does as he's told. He looked at the rear mirror as well as Walter.
"No, Captain. We don't recognize the unknown trucks." Joseph spoke to the radio.
"Let's try to speed up, and see if we can lose them." Captain Ellis ordered.
They all speed up and passed alternative routes that they have planned, but the unknown trucks still followed them. The Army wasn't shooting because the unknown trucks weren't doing any but follow. They are three kilometers away from the town, but they have to pass a two-hundred-meter-long bridge. Joseph slowed down at the midway of the bridge, it's traffic and jammed, but with no people inside the vehicles. A pile of cars that turned the bridge into a large parking lot.
"Holy shit. What happened?" Walter uttered.
"They must have run out of gas because of the traffic when they moved out of the town," Victoria said.
“And leave their cars like that? Irresponsible.” Walter uttered.
Calls To Arms_A Story of the Imminent Collapse Page 10
