Memories of Life

19. Weakness.

"The Prime Minister will now address the nation."

"Hurry dad it's about to start!" Ivy called out to her father.

Leesa and Robert had decided it was time to shelter her no longer. Questions about not going to school, seeing her friends, and her families change of routine were becoming too awkward for her parents to answer. Placing the last dish in the washer Robert joined them all, sitting next to Leesa grabbing her hand to watch the address.

"My fellow Australians. Tonight I speak to you on the precipice of a dark hour in our nations history - and the worlds.

Over the last few months a scourge has befallen the human race, unchallenged, and indiscriminate in its ability to kill millions, including many of our own. You may also be aware now of the projections being estimated by officials from the WHO, and our own local organization's of the potential number of infections, in the coming months. Not since the great wars of the last century, have we faced such a challenge.

It is for this reason that today I held a joint meeting with the leaders of the opposition parties, and all state Premiers. Inviting them to form a unity government. Graciously they have accepted my offer, and together with our greatest minds in many fields, we have devised a course of action to lead our nation forward.

We expect in the coming weeks that, security, food, water, electricity, and health facilities will be degraded, and possibly collapse if the projections are correct. Therefore, we have been left with little option, but to declare marshal law under the constitution and its emergency powers. The state's police forces in conjunction with our military have been tasked with maintaining these pillars of our society. In doing so they will be granted special powers of detention, and use of force to deter any group or individual, who would seek to obstruct their delivery. I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage all those who work in these critical fields to remain, or return to work. It is not too much to say our survival and way of life depends on it.

However; failing this, the military along with the might of our business and volunteer armies are setting up food, and fuel depots across the country. In all major regional centers, and cities."

Robert noticed the woman on the television visibly sweating, and even with the make-up she looked pale. This strong, intelligent woman who would speak with such great eloquence and purpose in political debate, barely lifted her head from the speech she was reading. It may have been the stress of recent weeks, or the gravity of the moment, but she looked in pain, and Robert knew she was sick. Though like the leader she was, she carried on.

"We will endeavor to maintain our civil society to the very end, and to those who would seek to take advantage, justice will be swift. Murder, rape, looting, and profiteering, will be considered capital crimes and will not be tolerated. Resulting in capital punishment to those found guilty. Following this broadcast more information on the enactment of marshal law will be disseminated to the media, and placed on the government's website."

The Prime Minister lifted her head to face the camera.

"Finally let me say this. In our history as a nation we have shown our best, and been at our most resilient when we band together for the common good. I truly believe in the greatness of this country, the people in it, and that better times are ahead. So for now keep your families and loved one's close, while remembering to support your fellow citizen. And if they should fall in the coming days, do not despair. But remember them and keep their spirit alive as we go forward. It has been a privilege to lead this nation, and I thank-you. So let me finish by saying good luck, and god bless us all."

The family remained silent while listening to the news presenter pass on the promised information of marshal law. The police and military were to be given complete authority in securing assets, infrastructure, and administering justice. The news of capital punishment had initially shocked Robert. Though heinous crimes deserved punishment, and he quickly empathized with the idea. Maps of regional control were flashed across the screen, highlighting where emergency food, and health facilities would be located. People were to carry identification at all times to access them, and anyone found outside their designated region would be detained. The authorities could also acquire any personnel asset, or individual considered critical without question, for the survival of the state. The most concerning law for Robert and Leesa was the detaining of unaccompanied minors, who would be immediately taken into state care, by designated officials.