Chapter 3: Continued
Gabe had his arm wrapped around his wife as they watched the President fall. The small living room was silent except for the puttering sounds that Seamus’s son was making playing with a toy car. All the adults that made up the large group sat stunned in silence as the sound cut out as the young officer attacked the secret servicemen. The President stood, but after the previous day’s events, Gabe knew it wasn’t the President any longer. He saw the President jump at towards the camera and the television cut from the White House to a severe looking woman sitting at a small, grey desk as she introduced herself.
“My name is Helen Mortensen. I have been appointed as Regional Governor of Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, Southern Utah, and New Mexico, dubbed New Mexico 6. I have assembled all remaining Governors and state officers along with a federally approved team of advisors from FEMA all together to work to bring this time of crisis to an end as quickly and painlessly as possible.”
She smiled. “For the duration of this crisis, which we expect to be over in the next week all power, and water resources will be diverted exclusively to government controlled and approved locations and uses. From the end of this broadcast, people shall have two hours to gather as much water as they deem necessary. Before you become upset, remember this action is for the safety of those in the established safe zones, and soon we expect to bring everyone as yet uninfected to these safe havens.
Second, no person shall be found outside after dark. Any person caught after dark and away from home will be charged with, and found guilty of looting. With the sentence carried out immediately.
In addition, to leave the city or town you currently reside in, will require a permit. Travel is restricted to government vehicles and those with issued government permits. Travel permits may be procured from the nearest government resource center in your nearest Safe Zone. Due to the nature of the southwest, no open fires will be permitted.
Sadly due to the nature of this current situation and lacking organizational ability, the guarantees of the constitution are hereby negated. I will work with all officers and agents of New Mexico 6 to attempt to allow these rights to go un-violated, but due to the times, this cannot be guaranteed.
In regards to those whom have been infected, we believe that the infected are still people and have rights. From this point on, no person shall knowingly attempt to kill or harm the infected. We believe that if you do not attempt to harm or harass that they will not harm you. Any individual, whose actions result in the death of one of the infected, will be tried for murder, sentence carried out immediately.”
Out loud David yelled “B*****it!”
No one else spoke.
Governor Mortensen continued, “To ensure the safety and security of all, the carrying of firearms in general, and the carrying of firearms through or into any government controlled areas is further prohibited. People found guilty of either crime will face the maximum punishment according to the law, immediately.
Local leadership will soon be announcing gathering points that have been secured where all those not infected can gather for food, water, shelter and safety. These safe zones should be available soon.
Please understand that while these actions may seem harsh, that they are completely necessary to ensure the people of this great country’s safety and security. Let us all attempt to remain calm over the next week while we restore order. Let us strive to restore the precious order that we all so cherish, so that the sooner we are able to resume the traditions of this great country.
I will gladly hand the rights of this people back to them as soon as we can guarantee the violence and bloodshed are over and that we are able to return to a duly elected government.
Lastly to ensure that I have impressed the seriousness of the situation upon you, please know that the punishment for looting, and murder is execution. We must have control and order if our survival is to be accomplished. I hope to see all of you in safe zones very soon. In our great President’s words, ‘Good luck!’”
In the small apartment one of Deacons daughters started to cry.