Calls To Arms_A Story of the Imminent Collapse

  Calls To Arms

  A Story of the Imminent Collapse

  a non-stop action prepare fiction story by “Above Average Joe” Frank Bates

  © This ebook is licensed for your personal use only. The book is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, historical events, is purely coincidental. This ebook may not be sold or gifted to other people. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. No part of this book may be re-printed, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written consent of the author.

  Copyright © 2018 Above Average Joe Frank Bates.

  All rights reserved.

  About The Author:

  Frank Bates is a master of many trades; from survivalist fisherman and outdoors enthusiast to expert published wordsmith. His real-world experiences working with NASA and consulting with Cosmonauts, colors his fictional work, adding a dynamic sense of realism to every scene. The result: fame! Frank Bates has been covered in various forums including Time Magazine, Wall Street Journal and TechCrunch.

  I always like to be emailed feedback, comments, and remarks. I love your questions. If you don’t understand something in the story, please email me and I will clarify anything you want to know in the novel. You can reach me at support@survivalacademy.com

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  CHAPTER ONE

  April 10

  The rain begins to pour, and the night is cold filled with dread. It’s another quiet and unusual evening for Doctor Joseph Brave, and his wife Maxine. They’ve been attempting to live their ordinary lives ever since the riot began in Los Angeles just two weeks ago. No one expected for things to get worse, but little by little they fear that their lives are at risk sooner. Their thoughts filled with troubles and concerns, but none of them wants to talk terrible matters in front of their two sons.

  While eating dinner, they try and pretend to sound casual because they don’t want to pass the burden to their children. The youngest son is enjoying his Bologna Pasta with Fried Chicken and salad on the side, while the older son staidly eats his food. Bobby is their oldest at fourteen years. He's a carbon copy of his dad with long black sided hair and brown eyes from her mother. He understands that things surrounding his family are not right, and he knows that something adverse is bound to happen.

  "How was everyone's day?" Dr. Brave tried to crack the silence with a very calm and natural tone.

  "It was a busy day at the office. New stories and reports coming in from..." Maxine almost got carried away, when Joseph looked at her sharply in the eye. From Black to Brown eyes, Maxine knew that she almost crossed the line. The youngest son still calmly eats his food when Bobby speaks,

  "I've heard that the school is closing, too."

  Either Joseph nor Maxine has anything to say. The youngest son stopped eating and looked at his brother. They were shocked by Bobby's response. Joseph knew that he needed to explain things to them. However, he’s scared that it might scare them.

  "It's for your safety and everyone in the school. Everything shall be fine, sweetie. Now, I want you to finish your food and get some rest, okay?" Bobby nods, but Joseph sees the grievous concern in his son’s eyes.

  After dinner, Maxine does the dishes while Joseph put their sons to sleep. Their spacious room painted in Sky Blue with two single beds, study tables, and one large closet. Even with abundant living, Joseph and Maxine taught their kids the importance of saving, and not falling in love with materialism because true happiness lies in the heart and peace of mind.

  "Is it true that the school is closing, Daddy?" The youngest son asks with an innocent look in his brown eyes that he got from her mother. Joseph is out of words because he's unsure of how he should explain things to his 10-year old son. He knows that his sons' aspirations are at risk if things get wickeder in the Government, the economy, and his country. However, he knows that he has to secure his son's mind.

  "Son, the school has to protect its people from bad men. Do you remember how your brother protected you from those bully kids back when you were in kindergarten? He confronted them like a real man. He doesn't want you hurt because he loves you. Your mom and I would do everything to protect the both of you." Joseph said.

  "What about my dream of being like you? Of becoming the best doctor?" The youngest son asks, again.

  "You know you can have everything if you have faith. It's just that sometimes, there are things in life that have to happen for us to become stronger. But you should never stop living. You have to keep on fighting for your dreams, your family." He’s doubtful if his son understands him, but he discerns that he calmed him. Bobby was listening silently from his bed, so Joseph calls him,

  "Come here, Bobby. Join us." Bobby gets off the bed to grasp for his father's hand, and they hugged while holding one another. With eyes closed, Joseph prayed that those horrible things come to an end soon.

  After washing the dishes, Maxine opened the TV to watch updates about the government and the riot. As a news writer for a decade, it has been part of her life to listen and know everything that happens around the world. She never would've thought that she'll be a part of the news that she's been writing. She has covered a lot of stories in her life, but it makes her horrified to report news that involves her family. However, with the recent horrifying events, she decided to take an indefinite leave from her job to watch over their sons.

  Joseph went down to join Maxine in their small, but a sleek living area. They have been married for fifteen years, but their beauty has yet to fade. At forty, Joseph still has those affectionate black eyes, messy black with now a little silver hair, pointed nose, and square chin. He maintains an active lifestyle and toned muscles for his job. While Maxine still has those beautiful brown eyes, shaggy brown shoulder-length hair with a little-wrinkled face.

  They met at the South Crest Community Hospital where Joseph practiced medicine and served as a General Surgeon until now. Maxine, on the other hand, was covering a story about a government official who had a gunshot in the abdomen before the election. Joseph was one of the assistants that helped the surgery during that time, and Maxine interviewed him. It was more of a love at first sight where Joseph asked for Maxine’s number after the interview. He dated her for three months and had been in a relationship for two years until they decided to build their family.

  As they browse channels, they see nothing new but those people shouting at the streets, protesting, and killings. However, some TV stations are now having technical problems because of power interruption. It all started when each price of the commodities has risen dramatically, because of the infla
tion. The country can't pay its international debt, and the amount continuously immersed as days goes on.

  Electricity in some parts of the country is unstable because of the protest. There has been a shortage of Food, Water, and other necessities everywhere. Investors pulled out their capitals to some businesses that increased unemployment rate for a short course of time. It is a domino effect that caused panic to people.

  Dollars slowly hit rock bottom, and the government couldn't pull off any better solutions to stop the drought. Every single day has been a battle. Communication signal started to become poor, until another frightful news flashed on the screen.

  Headline: WHITE HOUSE BOMBING!

  "The policemen confirm that there has been a terror bombing attack near the White House. They are still careful and private to authenticate the culprit behind the explosion. Lots of innocent men got hurt including the President of the United States of America. The president is still under a severe health condition, and the doctors are closely monitoring his situation. The Government decided to bring him to Bethesda Maryland together with other members of the first family, for treatment and security." The news anchor said.

  Media has set their cameras near the White House eagerly since the riot has begun to capture every moment and deliver it to the public. Some footages of the bombing flashed the screen. It was a subtle afternoon when the convoy of the President began moving, and then the car behind the Presidential State Car exploded. Impeccable men started to run back and forth. The video is disturbing, shaky and full of fear.

  Another report came in about the current situation of the rioters in Los Angeles. It has now widely spread in other parts of the country. The rebels, Marauders, and other people looking for solutions are taking matters into their own hands. They are looking for ways to survive and rule the country because they lose faith in the Government.

  Joseph turned off the TV because he saw that Maxine was fearful. She couldn't believe how fast things have changed, and how vehement people have become. He entwined their hands while his other arm wrapped around her waist. Joseph needs to be tough for Maxine, boys, and their families.

  "I think it's time for you and the kids to go the farm. It wouldn't be safe in here if things get out of hand." Joseph insisted.

  "What about you? We can't just live you here." Maxine is very persistent that all of them should go away from Southcrest. They should’ve moved out since the riot began, but Joseph didn’t want to live.

  "You know I have an obligation to the people of the town. Rioters might come closer anytime soon, and I couldn't risk your lives. It's for the best, Maxine. I know you will be safe on the farm. "

  "How come you can save other people's lives and forget about yours?" Maxine mischievously cried.

  "Honey, that's what a doctor should do. We have a sworn obligation to the public and to those people who believe in us. Many of them need us now, more than anything. I will follow you there alive, I promise." Joseph assures his wife.

  Maxine surrendered the argument and thought it's for their kids' safety, too. She cried knowing that they'll be away from Joseph to fulfill his responsibilities. She knows that she married a nobleman, but she never thought that they should part ways in the midst of complicated events.

  Amidst chaos between the Government and its people, Joseph is doubtful about serving his country or saving his family. Joseph closed his eyes and said a little prayer. He hugged his wife tightly and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. Joseph has no idea if it would be for the last time.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The next morning, Joseph wakes up early to prepare for work. As usual, he showered and got dressed after eating his oatmeal breakfast while Maxine prepares their clothes that they will bring to the farm. They used to live at the farm where Maxine's family resides until they decided to move to Mississippi for their jobs. Occasionally, they still go there so their kids can see their Grandparents. Joseph feels heavy knowing that his family has to be away from him for a while, but he knows that it's the best option they have. He trusts her wife's ability to protect their kids, but he worries that anything dangerous might happen on their way.

  He decided to go upstairs to see the two boys and kiss them good-bye. As he opened the door, he's so mesmerized to see them so peaceful and innocent while asleep that he doesn't want to wake them up. However, it seems like Bobby heard the sound of swinging door.

  "Dad?" Bobby asked while rubbing her eyes.

  "Hey, young man. Had a good sleep?" Joseph asked with a huge smile. Bobby nodded with a sweet grin.

  "How you are you feeling?" Joseph said in a low voice because he doesn't want to wake his youngest son.

  "I feel good, Dad... Why do we have to go to the farm without you? Don't you want to come with us?" Bobby can't stop wondering.

  "Daddy has duties at the hospital, and I can't turn down those injured and wounded people, Bob." Joseph tries so hard to explain the situation to his son.

  "What about us? We need you, too. Mom worries so much. We don't want to leave you either. " Bobby almost cried and burst into tears.

  It breaks Joseph's heart hearing Bobby say those words and watching him cry.

  "Bobby, in life we have choices to make and sacrifices to take. If only I could go there with you, I would. Just because I am choosing my job over you doesn't mean that I will abandon you. Daddy has to sacrifice to save people's lives. We have to separate to protect you, your brother and mother."

  Bobby said nothing, but Joseph sees the concerned look in his eyes. He hugged and kissed his forehead.

  "Can you do me a favor, please?" Joseph asked without hesitation.

  "Will you please watch over your Mom and brother while I am away? It's what grown-ups do."

  "I will, Dad. Please take care of yourself, too."

  "I promise that I will take care of myself, and keep everything safe. Okay?" Joseph assured his son.

  Joseph exactly knows how it feels to be far away from a father. He lost his dad when he was fifteen. His father had been a noble Policeman Officer that was famous for protecting innocent, and less fortunate people. He's against the corrupts and worked his way so hard to capture every evil official. Until one day at the mall parking, when they were having a day off, a gunman riding a motorcycle fired a shot in the head of Joseph's father. Joseph found his Dad bleeding on the floor, while his Mom was screaming for help. Joseph felt helpless that he couldn't save his father’s life.

  The incident gave him trauma and started to lose faith in God. He never talked to anyone, and spoke a little to his mom. He became distant for months until his mother was dying of breast cancer. Before his mother passed away, she handed her rosary to young Joseph and reminded him that things happen for a reason. That was the time when he decided to become a doctor when he got into college. Joseph received a full scholarship, joined groups dedicated to helping other people, and he graduated Summa Cum Laude of his batch. However, it wasn't easy for him to finish his education as Joseph had to work laboriously for each centavo of his money. When he practiced medicine, he recovered his belief and began to understand the bible again.

  Joseph and Bobby found themselves with tears in their eyes. They both wipe their tears and smile at each other. Joseph pulls a photo of their family from his White Coat and gives it to Bobby. His son looks at the picture and flips it. Bobby read a Bible verse written on the back:

  “A wise man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."

  -Proverbs 22:3

  Joseph was looking at his son, and he knew that Bobby got his point. He kissed his sons for another time before going downstairs. A lot of things have been going on his mind. The uncertainties, worries, fears, and doubts. However, he knows that he has to focus and pray for his family's safety. He's been preparing them for the worst case scenario that might come along their way.

  Maxine is almost finished packing, but Joseph wants to talk with her for final instruc
tions for their trip to the farm.

  "Are you done packing?" Joseph asked.

  "Sort of, just a little more clothes for the boys," Maxine said.

  "Have you checked the car's condition and charged your phone? Please contact me whenever possible, and update me when you can. Please drive carefully..." Joseph said in a concerned tone.

  "Yes, sweetie. Everything's fine. We need you to be there alive as soon as you can. Please?" Maxine answered even before Joseph can finish his sentence.

  "I will. Wait a minute I forget something." Joseph said in surprise.

  Joseph quickly moved upstairs to their bedroom. He went straight to his study table, pulled the drawer and picked the handgun holster. Joseph rushed down, while Maxine was waiting on the dining table. He hands the .380 ACP Automatic Colt Pistol to her.

  "What's that?" Maxine was shocked.

  "It's a gun," Joseph replied sarcastically.

  "I know, but do we have to bring that with us? It's not safe for the kids, and you know that I am against using those stuff. Besides, I never knew you have that!"

  "Yes, but you need it for protection. You know it's not safe anywhere."

  "But.."

  "I don't want you to use it as well because it only means that you are in danger. But people are vulnerable, and they are now desperate. They can do anything to save their lives and survive. Please let's not argue on this matter. I also need you safe and sound." Joseph sounded serious.