“Hey, you got more gas?” One man called out.
One boy tore the tarp from the car as Henry poured the fuel into his tank. Caden handed the four MREs to the wife. With tears in her eyes she thanked him as the family climbed into the minivan.
Another man, holding a pistol, yelled, “Hey, you got more food?”
“Henry’s auto sputtered, shook and then started. He did a ‘thumbs up,’ to the soldiers.
Caden called to the soldiers, “Let’s move out fast.” The soldiers jumped in and all the vehicles quickly drove out of the lot.
The SUV and Humvee pulled onto the freeway heading north and, in his rearview mirror, Caden caught a glimpse of Henry and his family heading south. God, I hope they make it home.
The meeting was held in the same conference room as the one he attended just days before. When he walked in all the seats were taken at the table. Caden recognized Governor Monroe, his chief of staff David Weston and, from his picture at the armory, Adjutant General Harwich of the Washington National Guard, but not anyone else.
Clusters of people stood along the walls, including one group of military officers. Caden was tempted to walk over to them, but the way was blocked by other groups.
Chairs were brought in and Caden finally got one along the wall.
After about five minutes the governor stood. “Thank you all for coming. The president is about to address the nation. The speech will be carried by the national media, but we were planning a meeting for Monday so, I felt it best we watch it together and have the meeting right afterwards. If we have to make plans based on the President’s address we can do so right then.” With that someone turned on a large television on the wall. An announcer was just concluding his comments and then President Durant appeared on screen.
“My fellow Americans,” he began and for several minutes engaged in the normal political platitudes. “While we hunt down those who aided the terrorists we will also restore this great nation. To speed the process of restoration I am taking the following actions today.”
This was the part he wanted to hear. Caden leaned forward.
“As acting President of the United States I have already imposed martial law on several states and regions. I am now extending that to all fifty states and territories. The Posse Comitatus Act is suspended…”
The military can now arrest civilians. Is that legal?
“…and I am suspending the writ of habeas corpus.”
And the military doesn’t need to charge someone with a crime when arresting them and citizens don’t get a day in court.
“Contrary to reports in the media I am not activating all Guard and reserve units. While I have considered it, many state governors wish to retain more direct control of their Guard soldiers so, at this time, only select companies in Maryland, Virginia, Georgia and California have been called up.”
Good! I don’t work for President Durant—yet anyway.
“However, all military commands are ordered to cooperate with our allies to maintain order and distribute aid. This relief will soon be arriving from a number of countries. In the east I have asked our NATO allies to take the lead in relief efforts. China will manage aid in the west.
Murmurs of disapproval swept the room. “We got the short straw on that one,” a man to the left of Caden muttered.
“And finally, until we have put these terrorist attacks behind us and our economy is back on its feet I am postponing presidential elections.”
A collective gasp swept the room.
The president doesn’t have the right or power to postpone the election. Caden struggled to hear Durant over the debate that now flooded the auditorium.
“We should not, we must not…liberty must temporarily bow…greater good…security…food…back on the job…We will rise from…Thank you and God Bless America.” The screen went dark.
Immediately people on both sides and across the table asked Governor Monroe, “Are you going to drop out of the race?”
Monroe sat silent for a moment as if taking it all in. Then he slowly shook his head. “No. While I believe…I know, that President Durant does not have the authority to postpone the election, he remains the lawful president at least until the next inauguration. Until that time I will cooperate with him in every way that I can, within the Constitution. However, I intend to remain a candidate and speak out on issues where I believe the President is wrong, such as his attempt to postpone the upcoming election and allow Chinese troops into the country.”
The Governor then called for reports from advisors, cabinet officials, FEMA and area Guard commanders. While Monroe was the hub of discussion, a variety of smaller groups formed around the room. David Weston seemed in constant motion bringing people to the Governor, or getting some fact or figure for him.
As the Governor spoke with various advisors, Caden overheard long discussions about flu and other illnesses. He checked his list. No request for flu vaccine. Briefly he considered adding it, but the list was already long. Why add things no one asked for?
It was well over an hour before the Governor met with Adjutant General Lowell. They spoke briefly before David Weston called over one of the Guard commanders. Finally, the Chief of Staff called Caden to meet with the Governor and General Lowell.
The General introduced himself and then asked about troop levels and supplies.
“I have 53 soldiers, which is just over half strength. That number is adequate for the moment. However, I need to be resupplied with ammo.” He handed the general a list.
Caden then laid a map of the Hansen area on the table and described his plan. “We’ll secure the state highway out to the interstate and the North Road toward Tacoma. Also there is a coal power plant here,” he pointed, “I want to try and get it back up and running, but as we expand our area of control I’ll be stretching my manpower and thinning my positions.”
Monroe traced his finger along the North Road. “Opening this route would help move supplies and people. Also we could use the power from the coal generator. The eastern half of the state is good, but on this side of the mountains we don’t have enough electricity because of damaged or destroyed transmission lines. Can you absorb the people from the refugee camp into your community?”
“No, we’re critically short of food and other necessities.” He handed the governor his list. “But if I had enough gasoline and some food I think I’d be able to get most them to the FEMA camp here,” he pointed on the map, “or home if they still have one.”
Monroe nodded. “Everyone has been handing me long lists like you have, but I’ll ask Weston to speak with FEMA and gather what they can.
The sun dipped low in the winter sky as Caden’s SUV pulled onto the freeway behind the Humvee and leading three supply trucks and a fuel tanker. The vehicles were full to the point that some ammo and medicine was stacked in the back of his SUV, still the convoy had less than half the supplies he requested. Caden told the young soldier with him to drive and he sat in the passenger seat with an M4 leaning between his legs. He was exhausted, but all he had done today was listen and talk. He struggled to stay awake while formulating a plan to use his limited supplies to clear the refugee camp and feed the town. It will be good to get home tonight.
Bang!
Caden jerked his head about. What? A blown tire?
The driver cursed loudly.
The car skidded to a stop slamming Caden into the belt.
Throwing the car into reverse the driver weaved the car backward.