Read State of Emergency: Jack Emery 2 for Free Online Page B

you’re not that stupid. These attacks target our way of life and we must protect that way of life. Americans expect the lights to turn on, food on their supermarket shelves and gas in the pump. This reality is under threat. It’s Richard’s job to protect it. I don’t back away from my decision.”
    ”Madam President. Elena Winston, Chicago Tribune .” Another reporter cut in, as she tapped a pencil against her leg. “What resources will FEMA have to do this job?”
    “Whatever they need.” Morris’s reply was blunt. “Pretty much the entirety of the federal government will be at Richard’s disposal, except the military.”
    Winston scribbled furiously as she spoke. “Without the military, how do you expect to protect anything? Beat cops and private security too fat to chase anybody?”
    Richard stayed silent. It was best for the President to fend away the shots at his authority, including questions that dealt with the extent of the new powers that FEMA had been granted. Given the enormity of the job, bringing the entire country under the administration of FEMA and the protection of the State Guard, he’d have enough threats and challenges in the coming days. He didn’t need to step into the line of fire unnecessarily.
    “The state defense forces will also be providing security at our most critical infrastructure and rapid response to any attacks that occur.” Morris glanced at Richard and then continued. “These forces were recently beefed up following the war with China. It gives us the force we need at the right time.”
    “The right time?” Winston leaned forward in her chair. “And how long will these controls be in place? Isn’t this a breach of our democracy?”
    “No. I was elected to solve problems, and that’s what I’m doing. As for how long? These orders are effective immediately. It’s possible we may quickly reach a point where things can return to normal, but after a year of operation, the executive orders will be reviewed. You’ll be briefed accordingly throughout this period.”
    The room erupted.
    Morris held up her hands. “The orders also cover control of the news media. We’re keen to ensure terrorists don’t gain exposure for the attacks, so we must take this step.”
    The President’s press secretary, clearly unhappy with the uproar, stepped forward. “That’s all for today, ladies and gentleman. Thanks.”
    Morris started to step away from the lectern and put a hand on Richard’s back. He went with her, the Secret Service agent in tow. As they approached the exit, Richard heard the press secretary deliver the final zinger – that the press briefing packs would detail the changes and how they would work, but that all reports from now on needed to be cleared by the Press Office before printing or publication on the internet.
    The roar that filled the room was only silenced once the door closed behind them. Richard took a deep breath. He didn’t like the chaos of the mass media and it would be one of the first things he’d get under control. It still amazed him that America could shift to virtual totalitarianism with a signed document and a press conference. The changes gave him the opportunity to bring order and stability back to America. It would be his lasting legacy.  
    He turned to the President. “Well, I think that went alright?”
    ***
    Jack cursed as the amber light switched to red just as he drove through it, causing a camera to flash. Though he was in no hurry, he’d been sucked into what he was listening to on the radio and hadn’t been paying attention. He didn’t look forward to a traffic fine from the good state of Illinois, though he did wonder how the executive orders applied to such things. He’d just have to wait and see if FEMA were as efficient at stamping out traffic offences as they were at taking control of society.
    The more detail he heard about exactly what FEMA would be in charge of, the more worried he became. Worse, he suspected the