The Apocalypse: Life After Death

Prologue- Presidential

"The population has reached over five thousand Mr. President. The Vice President wanted me to inform you that there is a deep need of a supply run, especially with new people arriving every day."

"How is the new building coming along?" I ask, staring out of the huge window in my office.

"Right on schedule Mr. President." My assistant, Melinda, informs me. I don't have to turn around to know that she's staring at her notebook too nervous to look up. It's been four years since my inauguration and her hiring, but she's still not comfortable around me.

"Good, Good." I nod and smile, spinning my chair around to face her. "What about the windmill and solar projects?" I question standing up from my giant swivel chair.

"Should be done within the next couple of days, Sir." She looks up at me briefly and smiles.

"Thank you Melinda." I nod once and smile, turning slightly to look out the window again at the thousands of people buzzing around this wonderful city we've created. "How about you take the rest of the day off?" I tell more than ask my assistant, turning back to face her.

"Oh no sir, we still have to go over the--"

"That's an order, Melinda. Go home, be with your family." I smile as I walk over to her to usher her through the giant wooden doors.

"But sir, I really shouldn't--"

"Nonnegotiable." I insist.

She sighs before dropping her head. "See you tomorrow, sir." She tells me before reluctantly exiting my office. I walk over to my big swivel chair and take a seat, taking in my surroundings. My gaze shifts from the big wooden bookcases on either side of my desk, then to the massive photo above my tall wooden doors with my name and the 45thPresident of the United States, painted by one of the citizens of this city. A city that I helped build almost from the ground up. I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to all this. When I promised to run for president all those years ago, I honestly never thought we'd get this far. But here we are, a thriving city. I turn my chair to look out at the city. It's beautiful. As I stand, I open the doors to my balcony, looking out over the people. We've grown immensely since my inauguration. A small smile plays at my lips as I think about all the things we've accomplished. Las Vegas, the first place rehabilitated after the apocalypse. It all began here so I guess it's only right to start over here. I close the doors to the balcony, turning around to grab my phone on the desk.

"I'm going to the Vice Presidents house, can I get an escort?"

"Yes sir." The other line says and within minutes two armed guards appear at my office door.

"Mr. President sir." They both stand at attention and make eye contact as I grab my suit jacket. I smile and shake my head. "Glen, Aiden." I turn to look at each respective person. "How many times do I have to tell you two to call me Tim?"

"Sorry sir, it won't happen again." They both reply quickly. I shake my head with a chuckle.

"I mean Tim, sir." Glen tries to correct himself.

"You ready s- Tim?" I smile and nod.

As we pull into the Vice President's driveway my memories overcome me.

-

"My first deed as President of the United States is to name my Vice President." I turn to look at her. When she realizes what I'm about to do, she begins to shake her head.

"Mr. President, don't you dare sir." She shakes her head as she tries to back her way off stage.

"Too late." I smile.