Free Paradise Burning (The Virtagwalla Series Book 2) by Kyle Malinowski

room at the rest of the ministers who all seemed to agree with Artimus, leaning against the table, “How would we go about changing that policy?”
                  Zhang wrangled his hands, “Oh it would be a simple change to the statutes, really not a big deal. However I would have to call the Parliament back into session if you wanted this thing done soon.”
                  “How soon could this be accomplished?” Rove asked folding his arms.
                  “Well if you are talking about expediency, there is another option,” Zhang said standing, “The constitution allows us the option to make decisions and statute changes in times of emergency simply by having the Ministers of the Cabinet vote. And look who we have around us here,” Zhang smiled, “However we must have an official witness, like, I don’t know, maybe the National Security Advisor,” Zhang said laying his hand on Stewart Bush’s shoulder, “and of course, authorization from the President of the National Government.”
                  Rove eyed Zhang who had a bizarre smile on his face. He felt a chill going down his spine, and recognized how shifty the situation looked unfolding before him. “I don’t know Artimus, this just doesn’t seem right,” Rove shrugged.
                  “Xavier we are in a time of crisis. This island is hanging together by a thread, and you are worried about some silly obscure clause in the constitution. We must make this decision quickly. Who is to know, the mob outside right now could be planning the bombing of this building. And what if we all were to perish?” he held out his fist, “Then who would make the call. We need to undo this frivolous level of bureaucracy before something really tragic happens.”
                  Taking a deep breath, Rove lowered his head, “Fine. I duly authorize this action.”
                  The vote was taken. Rove left the room feeling as though it was all falling apart, and not one of them knew what to do to save it all.

9
     
                  “I understand sir. Thank you,” Lis ended the call and handed the phone to her assistant. Grabbing her necklace and stroking it, she spoke softly to her assistant as they seemed to be sprinting to the Press Room, “Ok we need to make this quick. Hampton said he doesn’t want me to answer many questions about the situation, and that the President will be speaking tonight.
                  “Can I get you anything?” the brunette assistant asked handing Lis her folder with notes.
                  Lis grabbed the notebook, flipped it open, “Yeah, how about a really large margarita?”
                  The two women smiled, and Lis nodded, turning the handle of the door and walking into the Press Room.
                  “Calm down!” Elisabeth Mooring had to shout to calm the Press Corp down. They each called out her name, with their Dictaphones at the ready. Opening her folder, she began quickly; “At approximately 6:22 this evening a peace rally was taking place on the southern quad of Villaggio College, just outside of the downtown square of the city. The group of students and ordinary citizens had begun to gather earlier in the afternoon protesting a variety of things including the loss of jobs, increase in unemployment, the government’s slow response to both of those problems, and the statehood movement. Up until this point the gathering was peaceful, however twenty-two minutes prior the Mayor of Villaggio, Kel Goldberg took the stage and gave a very impassioned speech. Mr. Goldberg must have hit the right chord with the crowd, because it quickly became violent. The rally turned into a mob that proceeded to loot stores, topple statues and light poles, and set fire to a plot of land in Villaggio’s city center. Within ten minutes from the point of the riots inception, the President