“It is time for me ... for us ... to prepare for the future. Yes, we will have a future.” The president stated this as if trying to convince himself. His eyes betrayed him though. They display a combination of hopelessness and anger.
“I have been in communication with the leaders of many nations and we have all agreed on a plan, which we have already set in motion. The first part of that plan is to ensure that all strategic, power, and governmental installations and facilities are shut down safely. At this time, we have already put most of our nuclear power plants into shut down mode and are also working on shutting down refineries and other power plants. The same thing is happening all over Europe, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Argentina and Canada. Furthermore, efforts are being coordinated to enter zones that have gone dark and shut down facilities there. This includes Mexico, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Brazil.”
The president grimaced slightly and reached for a glass of water. He took a sip and swallowed, looking at the glass in his hand before lifting his eyes back to the camera and continuing.
“The reason we are taking these measures is not because we are giving up. We are not giving up! We’re doing this because we believe in the future. We hope that one day soon, the survivors of this tragedy will emerge. These people should get every opportunity to rebuild this world. Starting with our nation – the greatest nation on God’s good Earth!”
“We are leaving certain power stations, water treatment facilities and other key infrastructure operational at ten percent capacity. I have been told that this will allow these facilities to run on their own, for at least several months, barring natural disasters. In other words, the utilities should still be running for any survivors out there, depending on where you are.”
The president softened his expression. “We want to give you the best chance to make it through this. It’s not safe out there... I hope that each one of you has found a safe place to try and ride this thing out. My science advisors have told me that the threat–” He abruptly stopped. The president sighed deeply.
“Sorry folks. I know that a lot of you have lost somebody you know, or somebody you love, to the syndrome. And it is harsh that these same people we loved are now trying to hurt us. It’s hard to accept. So, let me tell you this. These things. They are not the same people anymore. They are nothing more than the husk of our deceased loved ones, controlled by an evil force. We have to hide from them, until they stop functioning or fall apart. ... I hope that we have set you up to do just that. Outlast them.”
“The facilities that are shut down can be started up again. Instructions have been left behind, should qualified personnel be unavailable. We have also stocked many locations throughout the country with all the necessities for our people to survive and prosper. Instructions for reaching these depos are going to be broadcast soon, by the remaining elements of your government.”
“My people. Many of us are doomed. That is the harsh reality. We do not know how this happened, or why. One day, justice will be served.”
“It is my wish...”
The President hesitated.
“No, that’s not right. I didn’t say that right.”
“I know!” He stated with a spark in his eyes. “I know that those people who survive this will rebuild. You have ambition, bravery and perseverance. Those are the trademarks of the American people. You will bring our nation out of the ashes.”
He clearly liked that, and a small smile crept onto President Clarkston’s face.
“You will rise out of the ashes and shine bright, like the legendary phoenix!”
He smiled some more. Partially at himself, partially at some folks off-screen. His smile turned melancholic as he faced the camera, and his serious countenance had returned by the time he spoke again.
“God bless you all. May He keep you safe, and may He forgive our sins.”
THE BROADCAST ENDED, and Tammy appeared back on the screen. The temporary studio at the safe zone was visible behind her.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the preceding Presidential statement was recorded last night, and we have been repeating the message every hour since we received it. It is obviously quite unsettling for all of us to hear our commander in chief speak this way, but we too have faith in our nation.”
She was silent for a second. Tammy looked very different from the fresh, clean, and absolute professional of a week ago. Those people that had been watching her broadcasts since before this all began could see her exhaustion and stress. They could see the drawn face, the smudges on her clothes, and above all else her eyes. They betray the turmoil in her soul. Her fear.
“We at Channel Eight will do our best to keep doing our part. Here are the highlights of events at our safe zone”
“The army is still busy with the evacuation of healthy individuals. It is estimated that we have over ten thousand people here at this safe zone.”
She swallowed before continuing.
“Patrols have been moving through the safe zone to identify any people that appear to be infected with the syndrome. These folks are moved to a separate quarantine area for further observation. People that are noticing the onset of stomach issues are asked to come forward and identify themselves. Our own Cindy Cho took a turn for the worse yesterday and has moved to the quarantine area. Unfortunately, she was not allowed to take a camera with her. We have been asking around, and some people have noticed strange noises and what they believe may be gun shots taken with a silencer coming from the quarantine area. The Channel Eight family send their thoughts and prayers out to Cindy...”
In a very uncharacteristic
