6 Years Later. 2015


Lynn was out and about doing her daily routine. She went to the gym first, then headed to the store to pick up some items to make dinner. While at the store, she noticed a hooded guy looking at her. She didn’t think much of it. She proceeded to the next aisle, and the guy slowly made his way over, pretending to be shopping. Lynn began to get nervous but still hoped it was just a coincidence. To test this, she went about five aisles up. She looked around and saw no one. Once she turned around to walk in the other direction, a figure stood there before her. Lynn jumped.


“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you! How are you?” It was Kelcie, a mom of one of the children with whom Ayvah goes to school. They met at an afterschool meeting one evening. 


Lynn grabbed her chest, “Whew, that’s ok. I wasn’t paying attention. I’m grabbing some things for dinner tonight before picking up the kiddo. How are you?” Lynn said with a smile.


“Doing the same. Man these little fuckers will eat you out of a house and home. And then there’s the hubby, the big fucker. A bottomless pit, that one,” Kelcie said as she and Lynn shared a laugh. 


They talked a bit more before going their separate ways. Lynn was relieved. She went to the checkout to pay for the items and left the store. Once she was in her car, she started up the ignition and looked over to the right. She noticed that same guy looking at her. She hurriedly left the parking lot. While driving, she constantly looked behind her to ensure she wasn’t being followed. No cars were trailing her. She headed to Ayvah’s school to pick up her little first grader.


The Pentagon


President King and the company were in the conference room, discussing plans for what to do next. 


“We have to move now. Elections are coming up soon. This is your second term. How are we going to ensure that you stay President?” one congressman asked. 


“To keep a World War from starting, we have to reduce the population. Although our citizens are killing each other at an alarming rate, it is not stopping more from being born. So we have to implement a few counter measures. There will be severe consequences like anything else,” President King told everyone.


“It will be much worse if there is a third World War. We have to do what needs to be done,” the VP said.


“Yeah, it’s unfortunate. Well, here it is. We all know the creation of Rubix by Doctor Ivanov. Rubix, the parasitic virus, will take over and enhance even the simplest of illnesses. Once we have the newest deadly virus to distribute amongst the masses, we will have no choice but to quarantine and put off any and all activities, including elections. Second, we will cut off food and water supply and distribute them only in rations. Lastly, the World Wide Web is cut off from the public. No banking, no internet surfing, no social media, no internet-based services at all,” President King wrapped up.


“And you’re ready for all of this, Mr. President?” the VP asked. 


“No. This is ridiculous, and it spells the end of this nation. Why are we doing this? Are we scared? Have we become that gutless and spineless? Us? The strongest military in the world, scared of some threats? I say we do what’s American and whoop some ass abroad,” President King stood up. 


The VP clapped and smiled. “Very well spoken, sir.”


A gunshot rang out. President James King was shot in his chest. He looked down at where he had been shot. He was shocked. He looked up to see his wife holding the weapon that was responsible for piercing his chest. “Baby…Why?” King fell to the ground as he took his last breath. He died with tears falling from his eyes. 


She walked over to him and wiped the tears from his face. “Don’t cry. It had to be done,” she said to his lifeless carcass under her breath. 


She went over and hugged the Vice President as they shared a kiss. 


“Alright, now that we have that out of the way, people. Listen up! This will indeed cause chaos and spell doomsday for our citizens right now. Once we are at our goal, we can stop and rebuild. Damn the Russians, damn the Chinese. This is about us. We need to regain control of this society. We are the Gods of this country, and it’s time we started acting like it. So we need to get to work ASAP! For starters, our beloved President James King died of this new virus that we are coining as the Rubix Virus. He is the first case of it. This will introduce this new virus to the masses and let them know that no one is safe from it, got it?” the VP asked. 


Everyone agreed in unison.


“Perfect. Now, I need a news crew in front of the White House, where I will announce King’s death. We will use the Rubix with the common cold. Seems simple, but that’s precisely what we need. It is the common cold, so we need it to be just that—common. Easy to catch and easy to spread. 


“Anyone who comes in contact with it should contract the virus within 24 hours. Kill time is four hours. There will be no public vaccine. We have already created a cure for it, and it will only be used if any US government official catches it. Our military men and women must be given a shot to have complete immunity to the Rubix. We will need them when the chaos ensues. Can’t have them dying on us. Our scientists are working on making sure that there is enough fluoride to put into the water systems. This should reduce the pregnancy rate, effectively making sure those who weed themselves out are not replaced with more bastard children if all else fails. We go into Operation UFO,” the VP continued.


“What’s that?” a congressman asked. 


“Okay. You know how there have been theories for years upon years about aliens and blah blah blah. We have holographic technology that can make a UFO look as real as possible. Behind this hologram will be real military aircraft raining down fire, making it seem as though aliens are taking over, and we can appease the conspiracy theorists out there. Alright, everyone, get on with your assignments. I am heading to the White House to be sworn into Presidency officially,” said the VP.