“Our strategic missile command has coordinated with our counterparts in Russia and we stand ready to intervene in the conflict between China and India. We have told the leaders of both nations that we will not stand by as they use nuclear bombs to destroy our planet.” The President’s right hand involuntarily clenched into a fist at this.
“We have received assurances from both aggressors that they will cease and desist in their use of nuclear weapons. We know that this will not be the end of it. But rest assured that no more nuclear armaments will be used in this conflict or any other. Not during my watch.”
The President took a deep breath.
“The second thing I want to speak about is HAPS, which stands for ‘Hemorrhagic Abdominal Parasitosis Syndrome’.
“This syndrome is very serious.”
He stared at the camera in silence for a moment.
“Very serious.” He repeated in a voice barely above a whisper.
He snapped out of it. “Sorry.” This was very unlike the confident, eloquent man that people were used to.
“the syndrome is spreading rapidly. Faster than we can contain. It is now believed that the majority of our citizens are infected. We are doing everything in our power to fully understand the syndrome and develop a cure. But we need to take some extreme steps first.”
“All health care facilities have been shut down, and health care professionals are being evacuated to staff the safe zones that we have set up. This was a difficult decision, but we needed to ensure that our medical staff had an environment that we could control.”
The President looked poignant. This had obviously not been an easy decision for him.
“I will say it again; all hospitals and clinics are shut down and de-staffed. Do not attempt to reach these facilities. I will tell you a bit more about the safe zones in a minute, but first I must tell you about my latest decision. This affects us all, so pay close attention.”
“I have just signed off on an executive order, that places our entire nation into martial law. I did this so that we may deal with this catastrophe. As part of this executive order, I am implementing a curfew. All non-military personnel are to be in their homes by 8p.m. local time. As a matter of fact, I encourage all civilians to remain indoors at all times.”
“I have ordered the closure of all non-military airports in the county. I have furthermore forbid travel between cities. Trains, busses and all public transport modes have been shut down.”
The camera zoomed in on the President’s face as he stated his next sentence. “Wherever you are right now – I want you to get home, or somewhere indoors. Close and lock your doors and windows, and let our people do their job. Our Nation’s security...”
The President hesitated. “No, wait. Let me say it this way.”
“My people. We want to keep you safe and secure and can only do that with your cooperation. Don’t interfere with armed forces and emergency services personnel as they try to do their jobs.”
He took another deep breath, and the camera panned out again as he continued his address.
“As I have just mentioned, we have set up safe zones. There are roughly 300 of these safe zones and they are set up in all metropolitan areas with a population of 500,000 or more, as well as many rural areas. The safe zone is... just that. A safe, secure location. Consider these to be quarantine areas for uninfected individuals. Watch your local tv or listen to your radio for more information about the safe zone in your area.”
He paused for a moment. “Now, here is what you can do to help. First of all, do not burden our country’s communication system – please refrain from using your phone unless you absolutely have to. We need those communication lines to stay open for our own personnel.”
“People will be evacuated by area, so keep watching your tv. Be ready for when it is your turn to call in. We will send an armed escort to pick you up and bring you to the safe zone.”
He paused again. Those who knew him, could see the President steel himself.
“Now, this is important. We need to keep these safe zones free of infection. Do not call if you have it! You will not get in. Anybody that is picked up will be tested, before being allowed into the safe zone. Anybody displaying symptoms will not be allowed entry.”
“So, I say again: If you are experiencing symptoms then do not call the number. Stay home and help us all stay safe.”
The President’s expression became stern.
“I will not tolerate people taking advantage of this situation to perform criminal activities! Rioting and looting will be dealt with swiftly and harshly. Our forces have strict instructions to enforce law and order. Do not test them!”
His expression softened again, and after a short pause he continued.
“Our country will remain and persevere. God willing, we will contain the further spread of this syndrome. We will find a cure and help all of you that are suffering.”
He looked ready to say something else, but something, or someone off screen caught his eye. “God bless you all, and God bless America. Good night.”
The feed ended, and a befuddled Tammy appeared back on the screen. She struggled for words, as she was trying to comprehend all that had just taken place. Like just about everybody else in America...
Chapter Nineteen
October 25
Bargaining.
When backed into a corner, whether real or imagined, whether physical or emotional, an animal will go into self preservation mode. Man is no different. Law and order have been abandoned and people are looking out for themselves. They do this in various ways. They hoard and go underground. They head out into the hills. They herd together in masses and seek salvation. Above all else they seek to preserve their own existence. They take what they deem they need. They become
