Disaster at Canoga Falls

Only a remnant remained after the disaster. The once bustling community was reduced to a pile of rubble. The survivors picked through it as best they could in search of others who might still be alive, but trapped under the massive mounds of debris. The work was daunting and arduous, but many were loath to give up. Five days went by and it was probably a wasted effort, but something in them wouldn’t quit.

The government had been slow to respond to the crisis. President Caldwell was already an unpopular figure due to several decidedly bad decisions, but his reticence in the aftermath of the bombing campaign against this small city was inexcusable. He was in Washington sitting on his hands doing nothing to come to the aid of the people of Canoga Falls. His opponents were ready to stick the proverbial knife in his rib cage and give it a robust twist. He was coming up for re-election soon and although they would never admit it on national TV they knew bad news was good news for them. Caldwell’s ineptitude would in their minds seal the victory for them in the fall.

As the young news babe jammed a microphone in front of the opposition party’s frontrunner, she had to jostle her way through equally eager colleagues to get there. If not for her stunning appearance, she wouldn’t have gained the upper hand, but Senator Ed Sherman was known as a man who appreciated the female form. His handlers tried to keep it under wraps, but knew it wouldn’t be long before news of his extra-marital exploits started leaking out to the media. It was another reason to be pleased about the present crisis. It drew attention away from the issue and re-directed it to the bombing attack. It was great for Sherman all the way around. He was granted a fresh platform to rail against Caldwell. He found it difficult to suppress a smile.

The news babe, Amanda Delaney, asked, “Senator Sherman, in light of the bombings in Canoga Falls and the present administration’s failure to spring into action, can you tell us what you would do if you were in President Caldwell’s position?”

Sherman smiled and enjoyed the fragrant aroma of Delaney’s perfume for a moment before answering. The pause made his answer appear more thoughtful and dramatic. He replied, “Well, I can tell you right now that under my leadership the National Guard would have been there two days ago. FEMA would already be finding ways to house the victims.  Food, water, and other essential services would be available. My heart goes out to the victims of this terrible manmade disaster. These people are suffering the unthinkable. Who would have thought homegrown terrorists could pull off something on this scale?”

She asked, “You believe this is the work of homegrown terrorists? Do you know who is claiming responsibility for these concerted attacks?”

“The White House is less than forthcoming and that’s sad. It leads me to wonder if they know anything at all. My sources are telling me that this was the work of several groups within our country that have banded together in an unprecedented way to wreak havoc in this small city. I believe these attacks are nothing more than a prelude to some larger scale plan,” stated Sherman smugly.

“Sir, you haven’t exactly answered my question. Who, in your opinion, is behind this? You said several groups have banded together. Give us the names of these groups,” demanded Delaney.

“I don’t want to reveal any names. It might hamper the government’s investigation, if there is one,” he answered slyly.

Another male reporter yelled, “Why Canoga Falls? What made that the target?”

Sherman answered, “I am not at liberty to discuss it for national security reasons. I must cut this short. Anything I say will only lead to idle speculation and begin witch hunts. I’ll take no further questions.”

His entourage which included Secret Service agents moved Senator Sherman along and into his campaign bus. He had a tight schedule and couldn’t waste more time dallying around with this gaggle of news types. His next stop would be Canoga Falls itself. It was the perfect touch. Showing compassion would cast him in an excellent light and be sure to garner lots of votes. At least, he was doing something. Caldwell was holed up worrying about covering his own ass. What could be better?

Meanwhile, The Sovereign Soldiers of Freedom were planning their next attack. They’d lost some good men in the cause, but they died an honorable death. Their mission was to end tyranny and government encroachment and control of people’s lives. They knew it would require sacrifice and bloodshed along the way, but the end would surely justify the means.