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 supplies, 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.