I wanted to explore the topic of the purpose of the Constitution being not only to protect Joe 6 pack but also members of Congress, POTUS and the Supreme Court. This story has been nagging me for a while to put down on paper. Repost if you want to. - OGM
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Chapter I
She sat on the bed waiting. It seemed so surreal. One moment they were in a private room at Willard Hotel near the White House toasting the fact the Constitution had finally been relegated to the trash heap of history and would no longer stand in the way of progress. The last vestiges of any power or influence that archaic piece of paper had once held was ended. Then she and the rest were whisked away "for their safety" as martial law was declared.
She and the rest of the Senators and members of the House of Representatives present had been hustled into waiting limos. The cavalcade of long black cars sped through the streets of DC, escorted by black SUV's with flashing lights and sirens, headed for the mountains of West Virginia. Hours later the vehicles turned into what appeared to be a warehouse facility with high fences topped with concertina wire and manned gates. They began to disgorge their passengers near a small door. She thought she caught a glimpse of one of the Supreme Court Justices. Many were milling around. Some were demanding loudly to know what had happened. The area must have been built in a dead zone because no one's cell phone was working. Then order was imposed on the chaos and each politician was graciously escorted to a room, all the while being assured their safety was of paramount concern.
She surveyed her cell. She now knew the room for what it was; a cell not a refuge. It had the look of a cheap hotel room. The differences were subtle. There was no clock, no phone, no electrical outlets, no lamps, lighting was recessed into the ceiling with tamper proof covers and no windows, no TV, no internet and no radio. There was no way to communicate with the outside world or anyone else and nothing to mark the passage of time. The quiet was defending.
Lights came up. A chime signaled her meal was now in the cabinet. She had no contact with the deliverer. The meal appeared and the cabinet was unlocked so she could access it. The silence and isolation were hard. No meetings, no phone calls, no speeches, no papers to approve or sign, no politicking, no fundraisers, no bribes, no favors to call or make, no votes to sell, no influence to peddle, no lobbyists, no special interest groups and worst of all no one to talk to.
At first the quiet had seemed like Heaven. She had sleep deeply that first night. Now she wondered if that first meal was drugged? How long ago had that been? There was no way to tell. After a while she had started to count the number of meals. It gave her something to do. Tonights meal was a surprise. There was a full meal. The ingredients were not rehydrated or scrounged from an MRE. It was real food with flavor and texture. There was so much she could not finish it. She debated holding back some for later. There was a knock at the door. The noise startled her. "Yes?". Her once polished speaking voice sounded rough and hesitant from lack of use.
"Senator?", The door opened revealing two armed guards, "Will you please follow us?" one inquired. His face showed no emotion, his authoritative voice conveying this was an order not a request.
Rising with practiced grace, she followed the first man down the long corridor. The second man followed a pace behind her. The leader paused to open a door and cant his head signaling her to enter the room leaving her escort in the hall. The room was empty except for two chairs and a desk occupied by what looked like a bureaucrat in a cheap rumpled suit. A small camera hung discreetly in a corner of the ceiling.
The rumpled suit did not look up. He shuffled papers. "Please take a seat citizen. You are here to discuss your trial and prepare yourself for your punishment. If the judge is feeling generous, you will be allowed five minutes to make a statement. This is not a defense and will not influence the outcome of the trial". His words had a staccato delivery that suggested this was a well rehearsed script.
"I don't understand. What am I charged with? What trial? How come I wasn't informed? Where is my attorney? Why was I held without bail?" She sputtered.
The suit's shoulders slumped and he looked up with a resigned expression. "I am your defender, not that there is any defense for treason and crimes against humanity. You have already been judged guilty by the Committee for Justice.".
When the shock wore off she countered with; "Young man I am a United States Senator....".
"You were a United States Senator. Now you are just another criminal awaiting execution." He interrupted.
"But I have rights!" she protested.
"Those rights died with the Constitution. You now await sentencing for your crimes."
She stared at a corner of the room. Outwardly she appeared calm, inwardly she was trying franticlly to assimilate what was happening.
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