Skull's Shadows (Plague Wars Series) Page 9

  The caption under the governor now read, “Governor Endangering Texans With Refusal to Fight Eden Plague.”

  “Furthermore,” continued the Governor, “I have seen no evidence that individuals infected with XHV pose any threat to those around them, as long as they do not deliberately infect anyone else against their will. Such actions, if any, will be prosecuted just as intentionally infecting another person with any disease would be, under current felony statutes. According the Surgeon General of Texas, this virus poses no more threat to society than any other, and I for one have seen no evidence of long-term health issues regarding Eden carriers.”

  He’s infected, Skull realized suddenly, seeing the vitality emanating from the man. Recently, as he doesn’t look twenty-five yet, but still…

  “I now speak to all citizens of the United States. I urge you not to persecute those infected with this virus. At best, they are harmless and no threat to you, and at worst, victims that deserve your support and compassion. We start down a terrible path when we fail to recognize the humanity in others. What we are beginning to see is called eliminationism. You can seek out numerous examples of this phenomenon. Places like the Ukraine, Albania, the Balkans, Congo and Rwanda or Cambodia or El Salvador. The list stretches onward. Eliminationism is the first step toward genocide. Genocide is the most extreme expression of tribalism and fear, and I had hoped we were moving beyond that scourge. Please recognize that those infected with the Eden virus are not inhuman or perverted or evil. They are your friends and your neighbors. They are us.”

  Skull wondered if Markis and his friends were watching this broadcast and if so what they would do.

  Tucker appeared nervous now and opened another folder before going on. “Over one hundred and fifty years ago, Texas gained its independence from Mexico and became a sovereign nation called the Lone Star Republic and remained so for the next ten years. At the end of that ten years the Lone Star Republic asked to be admitted to the United States, which agreed to make it a state. Texas placed a caveat into the agreement that no other state has enjoyed before or since, which is that Texas might remove itself from the Union at any time.

  “The Texas State Legislature, at 09:37 a.m. this morning, passed a bill to place this matter before the citizens of Texas in the fall elections. A popular referendum will determine whether Texas remains a part of the United States, or again legally becomes the Lone Star Republic. If the decision is to leave the United States, I will serve as the interim president until elections can be held in the spring.”

  The caption below the governor now read, “Texas Rebels! Governor Declares Himself Dictator.”

  “Neither I nor the state legislature take this matter lightly, and we trust in the collective wisdom and ultimate sovereignty of the people of Texas. I pledge that I will carry out that decision, whatever it may be, with all my authority and power.”

  Tucker looked straight into the camera again. “To our fellow Americans outside of our fair state, we wish you to understand that you all bear a special and unique place in our hearts. If we go our own way, we hope it can be as friends. If not, we remain loyal citizens despite our disagreements. To the President of the United States and the various branches and agencies of the federal government, we ask that you give us time and space to go through this process. We intend to be as transparent as possible and welcome open dialogue on all sides. Until this matter is resolved one way or the other, the borders of Texas will remain under strict state control, for security purposes.”

  The caption now read - Civil War On Its Way! Texas Secedes from the U.S. Other States to Follow?

  “As Thomas Paine said,” continued the governor, “These are the times that try men’s souls. Let our souls be tried and made stronger. Let the bond and spirit of brotherhood that has sustained this union for over two centuries infuse us all. It is not as enemies that we take this step, but as friends. Let us remain so. Thank you all. May God bless the great state of Texas, and may God bless the United States of America.”

  Governor Tucker stepped off the podium to a standing and enthusiastic ovation from the Texas legislature. The feed immediately cut to a national broadcaster, who began lambasting the governor and Texas in general as irresponsible and dangerous.

  The sheriff’s office break room broke into an uproar, with raised voices, argument and confusion. Skull fixed himself a cup of coffee, sat against the wall and enjoyed the show. If a roomful of educated adults couldn’t make up their own minds about the situation, he wasn’t going to be able to help them do it. Besides, most still considered him an outsider.

  After about a quarter of an hour, Sheriff Cox’s office door opened and Wallace and the sheriff emerged with strained faces. Cox carried a sheet of paper in his hand. Wallace looked in Skull’s direction, and then away.

  “Listen up everyone,” yelled the sheriff. Slowly, the noise died down and those in the room turned to look at their boss.

  “Turn that TV off,” Wallace barked, and someone quickly complied.

  Cox cleared his throat several times before finally speaking. “I have a directive in my hand from the state capital that I received several minutes ago. It states that posse comitatus has been suspended by the President until further notice. Also, all state and local law enforcement agencies are now subordinate to the authority of federal agencies, to include the military.”

  “What about the National Guard?” someone asked.

  “Them too,” answered Wallace. “They got federalized by the President.”

  “Seems like a really quick response to what Texas did,” said one of the deputies.

  “It was already prepared,” said Skull startling a few people. “They knew this was coming.”

  “Regardless,” continued the Sheriff, “we will continue to do our jobs. If there are any conflicts or issues you can’t figure out, refer them to me. Now back to work.”

  The crowd slowly dispersed and went about their jobs in a daze.

  Two hours later the President of the United States made an address and the office was again gathered around the television.

  A grey-haired and tired-looking man addressed the nation from the Oval Office. “My fellow Americans, I am sure you have seen or heard of the actions taken by a few men in the state of Texas. I feel confident that those actions do not represent the wishes or desires of the vast majority of loyal Americans there. To those, I say that I am still your President and you are still citizens of the United States, with your ultimate loyalty to our Constitution, not misguided local authorities. To those members of the Texas state legislature and governor, I urge you to immediately resign your positions. Your actions are reckless, irresponsible and endanger those you are supposed to be representing. XHV, commonly known as the Eden Plague, is real and it is dangerous. It is a powerful pathogen engineered by bioterrorists for the sole purpose of attacking America and destroying our way of life. As your President, I do not take any of these measures to contain the spread of the virus lightly. It is a global pandemic that now threatens all of humanity. All scientific evidence supports this, and to assert otherwise is simply ridiculous.”

  The president’s face grew red, a vein throbbing in his forehead. “The current governor of the state of Texas has asked us to provide him time and space to go through this process. I can only pledge that we will take whatever measures are in the best interests of this great nation, its people, and each of the States, to include Texas. If there is a vote, we hope wisdom prevails and this unlawful bill is struck down.”

  His hands remained clasped tightly together in front of him. “If somehow those irresponsible and power-hungry politicians manipulate the ballot process or pervert the minds of the people, rest assured, the United States will never allow the state of Texas to secede. In the footsteps of our greatest President, Abraham Lincoln, who responded to Texas’ and other states rebellion with the force of righteousness, we will use any and all means necessary to maintain the integrity of our nation. No other options will
be considered.

  “All national military bases and federal offices within Texas will continue to operate as normal, but will allow no incursion by state authorities. Until further notice, all direct federal funding is cut off from the state of Texas, as it could be misused by these irresponsible agitators. Additionally, all legal verdicts handed down by courts within Texas from this moment onward will be considered suspect and may be nullified at any time.

  “Any and all citizens of Texas are welcome to leave the state and will find sanctuary outside its borders. To the great people of Texas, I urge you to think clearly during this time of crisis. The United States is not the enemy. The federal government is not the enemy. I am not your enemy.

  “The enemy is your own leadership. They are needlessly endangering you and your children. Remember who you are, what this is about and where your true loyalties reside. Good night and God bless the United States of America.”

  This time, the room remained silent for nearly half a minute.

  “Does that mean there’s gonna be a war?” asked Shirley.

  “No,” Skull said. “It means we’re already at war.”

  And I'm on the wrong side, he thought.

  Chapter 13

  Military convoys began flowing through Hampton within a few days. They secured food, supplies and fuel using requisition forms promising full compensation at some point in the future. Any who resisted giving over their goods were arrested and placed in the county jail, if they were lucky. Many were simply clubbed down and left on the ground by impatient soldiers.

  The town and the sheriff’s office grumbled, national patriotism melting away when it came into conflict with local sentiment and personal sacrifice.

  Skull found it all darkly amusing. What did you all think was going to happen? It would be different if you were in Vermont, but you’re near the epicenter of the conflict. None of you will come out of this unscathed. With any luck you’ll emerge a little wiser.

  Calhoun County received its first official Union Party Advisor that week. He was a rat-faced man with shifty eyes, a haughty demeanor and a Boston accent that clashed with the common people’s Arkansas drawl.

  Sheriff Cox shifted nervously from foot to foot when the man entered the station. Skull nearly ran into them as he was exiting the break room. He’d never seen the sheriff so off-balance.

  “Mister Evans,” said the sheriff, “this is one of my men, Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Winslow.”

  Evans looked at Skull, and then back at the Sheriff. “Sheriff Cox. It is not necessary that I personally meet all your subordinates. It is sufficient that I interact exclusively with you and the County Executive. It is through you two that I will make my requests and pass along directives from the Party in Washington. As a courtesy, I will require you run all major decisions through me.”

  Cox nodded, abashed and mumbled an apology.

  “You can get me a cup of coffee, Deputy,” Evans said looking at Skull again.

  “No problem,” Skull answered with a smile. “Would you like that with cream, fuck you, or both?”

  A deafening silence descended on the room.

  “Whom did you say this one was?” Evans asked pulling out a small notebook and an elegant fountain pen.

  “Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Winslow,” the Sheriff answered, giving Skull a frozen look.

  “What, you going to write me some sort of love letter?” Skull asked. “You can state your true emotions for me here in front of everyone. Gay marriage is legal in the state, though it’s still not all that popular. Don’t mean I’ll favor you, though. I’m picky. My type is more…tall and willowy, I think.”

  The man stared up at Skull, quivering with rage. “Mister Winslow, I’m afraid you don’t know who I am.”

  “I have no doubt you’re afraid. At least, you should be,” answered Skull. “You’re the little puffed-up pipsqueak that I’m going to stomp the shit out of sometime in the next few weeks. When’s good for you?”

  Evans stepped back and pointed at Skull with a shaking finger. “Arrest this man immediately! Right now. I demand it! He threatened a federal officer!”

  “Are you really a federal officer?” asked Skull. “If you can show me your U.S. badge and credentials, I will heartily and humbly apologize.”

  The rat-faced man stammered. “Well...well, I wield significant influence within the Unionist Party...the Party currently in the majority in Congress. We have advisors in the White House, and no doubt will gain even more positions in the upcoming elections.” He seemed to regain his composure somewhat, shaking his finger at Skull. “You’d do well to see which way the wind is blowing, you, you…”

  “Let me show you the new wing of the station, built with a generous grant from the federal government,” the Sheriff interrupted, steering the small man away from Skull while shooting him a look filled with daggers. Wallace followed, giving Skull a gleeful grin.

  “You sure that was smart?” Shirley purred, sliding up to Skull and leaning her buxom figure against him as if by accident.

  “Yes,” answered Skull, reaching down to pinch Shirley’s butt. He’d decided a while back to keep her sweet by flirting with her. It had helped him fit in, a little.

  He stepped away and began fixing a cup of coffee. “With that sort you have to set the boundaries early or it will be even tougher to move them back later on. You all might want to consider doing the same.”

  “But he can call Washington at any time.”

  Skull turned to her. “How many of these Advisors you think are out here?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Neither am I,” answered Skull. “But if a little town like Hampton gets one, there have to be thousands spread throughout the U.S. Mister Evans there can’t call Washington to complain every time someone is mean or insulting to him. It shows his superiors that he isn’t capable of handling his own business or inspiring respect. Most of his threats are just talk.”

  Shirley shook her head and walked away.

  Skull took his coffee and walked back into the evidence room to come face to face with the little rat-faced man as they were emerging. “Maybe we got off on the wrong foot earlier. What’s your first name, Mister Evans?”

  The man stammered. “It’s Arthur...but...you may call me...call me Mister—“

  “Arthur,” said Skull with a warm, insincere smile. “Here’s that coffee you asked for. I really hope you enjoy it.” Skull pointed at the man with one hand, passing him the cup with the other. “I made it extra special just for you.” He winked, and then walked away.

  Evans looked at the cup of coffee for a moment before handing it to Sheriff Cox, who dropped it into a nearby trashcan.

  Skull believed he’d had enough of the office for a while. Although only midmorning, he decided to go to the local diner to have some coffee and think. He realized he’d gotten stuck in a rut in Hampton and needed to find a way back on the road. The INS Inc. lab in Maryland was his goal, not harassing rednecks and government bureaucrats in Arkansas. Yet, he had the feeling a few more things here needed doing before he could leave.

  Walking out of the building, Justin, one of the new young deputies, ran into Skull through the front doors.

  “Easy there now,” said Skull grabbing the kid by the shoulders. “What’s going on with you? Don’t think I’ve ever actually seen you hurry, son. Wouldn’t have believed it possible.”

  “They’ve broken away!” the teenager said breathlessly. His eyes rested on Skull briefly before shooting away to roam around wildly, and then come back.

  “Who’s broken away?” Skull asked.

  “And from what?” asked someone else behind them.

  “The whole southwestern part of the state,” the boy said with a smile, and then a worried frown. “Calling themselves the Arkansas Free State. They’ve stopped the Eden testing. Some say they’re going to join with Texas.”

  “That’s not going to happen,” said Advisor Evans in a voice of certainty. “This is li
kely just a small group of troublemakers that the Army will squash quickly.”

  “A lot of the National Guard has gone over to their side,” Justin said. “They’ve set up barricades and blocked roads.”

  The small man frowned and started to reply when Shirley called out from across the room. “Mister Evans, you have a call from Washington. They say it’s very important that you take it now.”

  “Of course,” answered Evans, “transfer it to the Sheriff’s phone. I’ll take it in there.” He walked into Cox’s office and closed the door.

  “Nice of you to offer him use of your office,” Skull said to Cox.

  The Sheriff scowled and pointed in Skull’s face. “Don’t screw with me. Not now. We got too many irons in the fire to play games.”

  “Sure, boss. Just trying to lighten the mood a little, that’s all.”

  Cox started to respond, but just then Evans emerged from the office looking flustered. “Sheriff, I’m afraid I am going to need your assistance.”

  “Anything you need,” Cox replied.

  “It appears these rumors regarding the Arkansas Free State might have some basis in fact. All of the federal troops are already committed to securing the Texas border and running the Eden testing and quarantine program.” Evans looked at them all a bit nervously. “I’ve been directed to visit the area personally in order to render an account of the situation on the ground. I’ll need at least one representative from your office and any other volunteers you can provide, the more the better.”

  The men and women of the office looked around at each other, and then at Skull.