Free After the Republic by Frank L. Williams Page A

this is Thomas Page. Thomas owns the land where we’ll be going.”
    Drew and Thomas exchanged pleasantries as the three of them walked into barn.
    “Drew, there are two more people I’d like you to meet,” Joshua said. “This is Bob Kendall. Bob is a retired Army Command Sergeant Major who worked at the legislature a few years ago. He left just before you got there. And this is Kane Martin.”
    “Nice to meet you.” Drew extended his hand to Bob.
    Joshua gritted his teeth when Bob did not return the handshake, instead thumping Drew’s chest. “That sure is a real purty sweater vest you’ve got there, boy,” he said with a sneer reinforced by a derisive laugh from Kane. “You’re too soft for where we’re going. Do you have any idea what you’re going into?”
    “Probably not,” Drew admitted without hesitation.
    “Didn’t think so.” Bob blew cigar smoke in Drew’s face and turned to walk away. “Joshua, I hope this one won’t drag us down. No weak links! ”
    Joshua cringed. “Come on, Bob, give the kid a break.”
    Joshua grimaced as Bob grunted and walked to the back of the barn, where Kane had resumed working.
    “Drew, don’t worry about him,” Joshua said. “He’s just a bit old-school and rough around the edges.”
    “Duly noted,” Drew responded dryly. “Mr. Page, may I have a word with you in private?”
    “Sure thing, man,” Thomas said. “Let’s go outside.”
    Joshua watched curiously as they disappeared through the barn doors. What could Drew want to speak privately with Thomas about ? They JUST met. He walked to the back of the barn.
    “Bob, please go easy on Drew. He’s a good kid.”
    “I saw enough of these political operative types at the legislature to know what they’re all about. He’s just a hack. It only takes one look to tell that boy is soft . He’ll hold us back.”
    “Don’t forget you met me at the legislature.”
    “That’s different. You were elected by the people, and I could tell from day one that you were there to serve, not advance yourself.”
    Joshua shook his head. “Give him a chance. I’m going to go help Rebecca. I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
    ***
    The next morning Joshua turned on the television in their farmhouse one last time. Unsurprisingly, the news anchor was talking about the aftermath of the week’s attacks.
    All across the country, people are in a state of panic . A line of people wrapped around a grocery store flashed across the screen, followed by empty shelves inside the store. People are buying up everything in stores.
    Next, the newscast showed a clip of looters carrying away stolen items in a downtown area. There are countless reports of looting, carjacking and armed robberies. The situation is worse in areas closer to the attacks, where state and local governments and law enforcement agencies have been decimated. Major roads are clogged with people trying to flee the fallout from the blasts. Those medical facilities that are open are overwhelmed with patients, many of whom relied on the now nonexistent federal healthcare plan to pay their doctor bills.
    Next came a clip of military vehicles in the streets. President Armando has imposed martial law in the attack zones and other areas where there is unrest. Citizens in those areas are being ordered to remain indoors, surrender any weapons they have and, in some cases, house troops and Homeland Security police. Local officials in many areas have protested, but with most of Congress and the Supreme Court gone there appears to be no one to stand in the President’s way.
    “Wow.” Joshua’s nostrils flared. “Unbelievable. Looks like my worst fears about Armando are being realized. It’s a good thing we’re getting out of here.”
    “Sounds like it,” Rebecca said. “But do you really think we would have to worry about it here ?”
    “Sadly, yes.”
    Rebecca looked down at the floor and shook her head. “I know you’re probably right, but it’s just all so