Unity Commanded ( #JustWriteIt #Wattys2015 )

Chapter One

August 9, 2044

 

MILITARY TEST GONE WRONG

CIVILIAN CASUALTIES PILING UP

        Hundreds injured and even more dead. It is unclear what caused the misunderstanding that took place Wednesday morning, but the government is scrambling for an explanation. The military occupied southwest states have been enduring peaceful testing for nearly six months now and a group of radicals have sprung up and taken matters into their own hands. An act that's cost the lives of many innocent citizens. Most of the members responsible for the attack are now dead or in custody.

October 4, 2044

 

DRIVERS BANNED FROM LEFT LANE

 

    In an effort to keep order in the southwest, drivers are now prohibited from driving in the far left lane. Military and emergency vehicles are the only means of transportation allowed in the lane. Fines of up to 5,000 dollars or even jail could await a person breaking the new law, which goes into effect nationwide immediately. The President hopes that it will provide some structure to chaos caused by the radical group now calling themselves the "Patriot Rebels."

May 5, 2045

 

FEDERAL BANKS HIT WITH VIRUS

 

    People were outraged this Friday when they attempted to withdraw money from their accounts and were told they could not access it. A major virus had infected almost all of the federal banking systems effectually freezing accounts and leaving people without money, everywhere. Government officials say they should have the banks computer systems back up and running within 72 hours.

May 7, 2045

AIR BATTLE RAGES OVER L.A.

In breaking news, the Patriot Rebels have led an all-out air strike against the U.S. military in L.A. No word yet if there is foreign involvement, but the rebel force seems to be holding their own. California has been issued a wide scale evacuation in hopes to limit civilian casualties. Troubling news considering the military testing was concluded just this week and most of the armed forces had been pulled from the area. It seemed, if only for a moment, that life would be getting back to normal for citizens in the southwest.

May 8, 2045

THE WEST WAS WON

    The U.S. emerged triumphant from the battle that occurred this weekend, however the victory is not a happy occasion. The attack expanded over much of the south west and the military was forced to take devastating actions. Everything west of Missouri is now in ruins. The disturbing loss may seem drastic, but the President has expressed extreme grief over the decision, stating that while it was a demoralizing blow to the people of the United States the attack required extreme measures and he hopes it sets an example for any remaining Patriot Rebels.

June 4, 2045

FOOD RATION IMMINENT

  California alone provided up to 90% of fruits and vegetables grown in the U.S. Without its rich agricultural lands, we are now facing the worst food shortage in the history of the country. Government offices will start distributing pamphlets about when and where you can register for your rations. Groceries will shut down and a single grocer will distribute rations in each town.   

September 3, 2045

PRESIDENT ENACTS TERM EXTENSION CLAUSE

  In a drastic attempt to keep the country from completely crumbling, President Sharpe declared Martial Law and enacted the term extension clause, thereby extending his presidential term indefinitely. With the state of disarray in the country it came as little surprise to most that Martial Law was decreed. The term extension clause, however, was well hidden in the phrasing of the law. It is uncertain what the change will mean for the citizens of the United States.

December 18, 2045

UNITED STATES NOW UNITY

  The former president has now taken the title of Commander and renamed the country Unity. At the Commanders recent address to the states, he delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech that brought everyone to their feet. "With half our country diminished and the remaining half working more diligently than ever to piece together the fragments of our once great and united country, it is time to reassess the need for state run governments. Let us no longer divide ourselves, but live in agreement and unison, working with each other to build something great instead of against each other for the individual. Which is why I now name the former United States of America, Unity. So that people all over the world will understand the commitment we have towards changing our world for the better." There has been some criticism from the U.N. about the nature of things happening in Unity. In prevention from interference, the Commander has closed all borders, travel in and out of Unity has ceased for the moment.

January 7, 2046

WORK CAMPS DEVELOPED

  In an effort to provide fair employment to the remaining citizens of Unity, work camps will be utilized. There will no longer be a need for money. Everyone will be relocated and housing will be provided and each household will be assigned a work detail for that week. The Commander assures it is only temporary, just long enough to boost productivity and climb out of the hole we are in.

PATRIOT REBELS WANTED

FOR CRIMES AGAINST UNITY

          Rebel forces continue to undermine Unity authority and sabotage government shipments. A LARGE reward is offered to anyone providing details that lead to the location of known rebels or their headquarters. Remember, "If you suspect, don't reflect." Call Unity guards immediately.

 

It had been fifty-two years since The Commander had declared Martial law. His mother was three at the time and her father was a member of the growing rebel force of Patriots. They moved to the northern Appalachians in Maine, before the government had started sending people to work camps. Their community had started as a few families desperate to keep themselves hidden from Unity. Now there were several small villages littered throughout the mountains. Link had traveled to Sugarloaf with his father just that spring to meet with some of the Patriot leaders. Closing his eyes, he took in the last of the sun's rays before it set behind the mountains beyond Katahdin.

                  

It had taken him ten hours to hike to the peak. Two hours less than last year, he thought as he rejoiced silently in his accomplishment. Walking a few hundred feet down the trail, he tightened the straps on his pack and steadied himself. His mother would worry and send out watchmen to look for him if he didn't return by dark. It was bad enough he had just turned seventeen and would have to join them soon enough; he did not need them poking around the mountain and disturbing his solitude. A tall wooden pole emerged before him and he took one of the long cables attached to it in his hands and gave it a good tug. It seemed secure enough. Even if it wasn't, by the time he figured it out it would be too late. Fastening a few ropes through his pack and around his body, he attached himself to the cable and jumped without hesitation.  

Author's Notes

Thank you for reading! I will update this story weekly. If you like what you have read so far, feel free to vote, comment or share with a friend!

#justwriteit