After they had lunch, Walter borrowed Captain Ellis’ radio. He immediately confirmed, and Walter called his militia friends. He mentioned the attack on the bridge also on Carmichael’s farm. They need protection because the criminals are now surrounding the town. Women and children are at risk if the Marauders strike again. However, the militia was still unsure if they could go downtown as they also have been assigned in a different area. Walter’s friends promised to join him immediately if the situation in their area got controlled.
Walter talked to Joseph after his conversation with the Militia. He was unconsciously sitting outside the farmhouse.
“What’s bothering you?” Walter asked.
“I just thought if it was a good idea to bring all of you here. I mean, the rebels have moved in as well.” Joseph stated full of doubts.
“Come on, Joseph. It gave us hope. A new life and a home to protect.” Walter tried to lighten up his mood.
“We’ve been through a lot, Joseph. We’ll do everything to defend this place.” Walter assured his friend.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
As Vice President Ariana Marie looked at her wristwatch, it was already time for another cabinet meeting and she decided to leave the office. A week after the Martial Declaration, Vice President Ariana Marie wanted to get some status. She entered the room together with the head of the security as the Cabinet Members, and commanders of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine were quietly waiting. Vice President Ariana Marie greeted the Cabinet Members. Everyone responded, and she immediately asked for updates.
The commander of the Army boasted that their presence helped free the tension in the most affected cities. Other heads also reported that the US territory is still quiet and they assured that their troops are guarding the whole country.
“Vice President, should we extend the Martial Law to the suburbs?” One of the Cabinet Members asked.
“Our priorities are the cities, but I’ll guarantee you that I’m keeping my eyes on the suburbs.” Vice President answered, but Senator Colette wasn’t pleased with what he’s hearing.
“We all know that the presence of the Military isn’t the sole reason the riots subsequently subsided.” Senator Colette said.
“What do you mean, Senator? That we are not doing our jobs effectively?” The Commander of the Army replied.
“I have high respect for the protectors of this country, but with all due respect, let’s not hide the truth from other members.” Senator Colette answered.
“Madam Vice President, my sources told me that the rioters moved out of the Cities because of the scarcity of food and water. We might not feel it now, but our poor fellow men do. I’ve also heard that some members of the Army are taking the supplies of the people.” Senator Colette replied and looked every commander straight to their eyes.
“May I know who are your sources?” Vice President Ariana Marie asked.
“Does it matter?” Senator Colette asked in disgust.
“Well, of course, Senator. I need to verify your statements.” Vice President firmly answered. Senator Collette didn’t respond to Vice President as he was protecting his references. He sighed hard because he knows that he does not have the power over the Vice President.
“I instructed them to do so.” Vice President added, and everyone in the room looked at the Vice President in shock.
“What?! Why would you do such thing to our people? It might just start another war!” Senator Colette was so furious and questioned the Vice President’s decision.
“If you have read the new Executive Order, the Government has the right to confiscate supplies of every US citizen whenever the country needs it.” Vice President replied.
“Do we have to do that? We have enough supplies to feed people.” One of the Members answered.
“It’s not enough. Blame it all on your president. All of this wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t because of his poor decisions. Now, we all have to shoulder every pain.” Vice President stated with anger.
“We’ll continue impounding supplies in the city and to the suburbs. Force the farmers to produce crops and raise animals. It’ll help us feed starving people.” Vice President ordered.
“And if they refuse?” The Commander of Army asked.
“Put them in jail.” Vice President answered coldly.
“You can’t do that. You’re stepping to people’s rights.” Senator Colette defended.
“Fortunately, I can. And you can’t stop me.” Vice President bravely replied as she looked at Senator’s eyes sharply.
“What happened to the smart and warm-hearted Vice President we knew?” Senator Collette was in pity, but Vice President Ariana Marie just stared at him.
Senator Collette insisted every idea that came out of the Vice President’s mouth, but he has no power. She has more alliance sitting in the room. He thought that the Vice President changed so much. After the terrible death of Senator Forbes, Vice President Ariana Marie has been acting differently from the way that she used to. From her beliefs to her perceptions and actions. She also refurbished her office and removed all holy paintings, her bible, and she kept her rosary away. The Vice President even threw her photo with the President and broke its frame. She has lost her faith and started blaming the President for everything that has happened to her country and fellowmen.
Vice President ended the Cabinet Meeting and went back to her office shortly. The Cabinet Members that weren’t a constituent of the Vice President followed her outside the room. However, Senator Colette remained in the meeting room. He can’t believe how the Vice President has changed in a short period. It seems that she’s hiding something, or was it the situation that turned her into a monster. Senator Colette was about to return in his office when he saw the head of the Vice President’s security sitting outside the meeting room with deep thoughts.
“Why you’re still here?” Senator Colette asked him.
“She asked me to stay away from her office as she speak with the Army Commander.” The head of the Security answered plainly.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Senator tried to reach out.
“Why did you mentioned about your sources?” The head of the security asked.
“I didn’t mention your name.” Senator Colette answered.
“What do you want?” The head of the security replied.
“Sir, a question deserves an answer.” Senator Colette answered, but the Head of the Security got confused.
“I don’t understand, Senator.”
“I’ve been working with her in politics for ten years. We clashed ideas hundred of times, but we’ve been friends and I know that something has changed. She kept her distance to me. I wanted to help her.” Senator Colette stated.
“Why are you telling me those?” The Head of the Security replied.
“Because I know you care for her. You like her, don’t you?” Senator Colette answered, but The Head of the Security stared at him in complete shock.
“I can see how you look at her, and it’s way beyond your job description.” Senator Colette teased him.
“We both care for her. We have to help her get out of her demon before it’s too late.” Senator added.
The head of the security got surprised that someone noticed his secret fantasy with the Vice President. They’ve been childhood friends since then he had a crush on her. He never had the chance to confess it with the Vice President because he believed that they would never be together. Vice President Ariana Marie came from a prestige family, while he just lived a simple life. The Head of the Security studied Criminology and worked for Marie’s family until the Vice President hired her when she started working in the Government. It broke his heart when he found out that the Vice President got married, and when she cried at her husband’s funeral. However, he remained to be her loyal protector, a friend, and his secret lover.