*Pound Pound*
Fists pounded on General Akman's office door. Lieutenant Maskovy broke out into a sweat. The General has to be asleep, he worried. I've knocked fifty gazillion times and he still hasn't answered the door. Fear began to creep into his heart as he waited. The general couldn't be asleep; the Lieutenant had spoken with him not more than five minutes ago. So what on earth can he be doing? L. Maskovy breathed a deep sigh, then turned and walked back to his desk. He thumbed through the sheaf of papers and discovered some data that was not complete.
"Perhaps it's a good thing he didn't answer the door...." his voice trailed off as he leaned over the keyboard and his fingers clattered over the keys.
General Akman tried to ignore the pounding on his closed office door. He just hoped with all his heart that Mr. Reed wouldn't suppose that he fired fusillades of pistols into the walls for entertainment. I shall have to lecture L. Maskovy about the impropriety of saluting me while I'm in my private conferences, he thought with a snigger. The General stiffened in his chair just as a lean man appeared on the computer screen.
"Good morning, sir. I understand that you are General Akman, the military leader in Mosul, Iraq. Am I correct in my assumption, sir?" inquired Mr. Reed.
"Yes sir, and I presume that I am addressing Mr. Reed. Now to get down to business. Our global nation has been long troubled with certain imposters; followers of this false Jewish "messiah" who claims to be the rightful king of the world. But we know better. But anyhow, these people are a threat to our international peace and they are traitors to the Potentate himself. Now certain of these evil ones have raised a Christian flag and cross over New York City and they dare to proclaim that some murdered man ever has the power to save when we know full well that only the Potentate can do that."
"General Akman, I am informed that the Potentate is um the ruler of the world right now but I don't understand. Who is this "rightful king" of this world? I thought the Potentate was the one."
"Of course you don't. You haven't been told about it yet. Do you mind meeting me at 7:00 on Tuesday night and I will introduce you to the rightful king to this world of whom I am his servant? And if you doubt me at all, please bring Teodor with you and tell him all that I have told you. I have an excellant solution to this threat to our Global Family and I need to present my idea to you."
"Yes, General Akman. I would be delighted. I'll look foward to seeing you then!"
- KBR
__________________________________________________________________
Whiteman Air Force Base
Andrew had sent Jason with Lt. Henson to get supplies in Sedalia now he awaited the arrival of Sam. Mark had sent a message they had landed and should be there as soon as the plane was secured. He looked over his notes carefully as he prepared to talk to Sam about Steven's death. He had decided Mark should take Alexis and Amy for a quick tour of the quarters while he talked to Sam. He drew in a deep breath, "Lord, give me the strength and the wisdom to find the truth. I ask that whatever happens today it will be Your will and not my own. Thank You for giving my friends traveling grace and I ask Your protection follow us in the days and years to come. I give You all the praise and glory. Give us this day Your blessing. Amen." A gentle knock on the door aroused Andrew from his thoughts, "Enter."
Mark and Sam stood in the doorway waiting for the two women to proceed into the room. Sam met Andrew with his hand extended in greeting, "Good morning, friend. I would like to introduce Jason's sister, Amy, and our friend, Alexis."
Andrew rose from his chair and shook hands with everyone. He looked into the big brown eyes of Amy and for a split second regretted the trap they were setting for Jason. She had an innocence that would be shattered when she discovers what her brother had done and yet, he knew it had to be done. He turned his attention to the slender and very beautiful woman and could see the concern in her eyes. Andrew addressed her, "Alexis, I understand you are also a pilot and seismologist. Multi-talented and beautiful.......a rare combination. I thought Mark could take you and Amy on a quick tour while Sam and I have a little time to catch up. Would that be alright with you?"
Her blue eyes sparkled as she answered, "I would love a better look at the stealth bomber because I've only seen it in pictures. Do you think Mark could show it to me? I am not quite the pilot of Sam or Mark, but I have done some flying. Thank you for the compliment, sir."
Mark stepped forward and offered, "It would be my honor to show you our pride and joy, the B2 stealth. Amy, is that alright with you, too?"
Amy shook her head in agreement, "Yes, I've never been this close to so many big planes. Shoot, I've never even flown until today let alone get close to one of these awesome planes. It should be fun."
The three left Andrew and Mark alone. Andrew was pacing thinking of the right words and decided just to tell it like it is. "Sam, while I was away in Israel, Jason was given a two day pass to visit his sister. Lt. Henson should never have given a new recruit a pass this soon, but Jason convinced him he needed to check on the welfare of his sister. We both know Jason never made the visit. He was gone for two days, whereabouts unknown! My initial thought upon hearing of Steven's death was that Jason might have had something to do with it. Mark and I discussed this at great length and think our assumption is right on the money. He had made an attempt on your life and Steven's so knowing he was not where he was supposed to be led me to believe he is responsible for the death of your friend. You had your suspicions thinking he might not have changed his evil ways or accepted Christ as his savior. Mark came up with this plan to bring Amy here. When she sees Jason her reaction will tell the whole story because he has told everyone he saw her just a last week and we will all know that didn't happen, thus he is caught. We plan to have Lt. Henson here to witness this encounter. What do you think of our plan?"
Sam sat in complete silence. His mind was whirling with the thought of Jason shooting his dear friend. The evil that resides in the young man left Sam cold. They had befriended the two young people and this was their reward, Steven is dead. Amy with her innocence would be wounded to find out Jason had never changed so he was glad Alexis would be here to give her comfort. He looked up at Andrew his heart breaking into a million pieces then anger began to well inside, "It sounds like a good plan to me. I want to know the truth. Thank you and Mark for figuring it out. He needs to be dealt with, ya know."
"We will take care of him, Sam. Lt. Henson will immediately take him into custody and the military will handle this. One thing about it, the world is so evil now that I don't know that they will see his deed as evil as we see it, but don't let it bother you because I know where to send him for the duration of life on this earth as we know it. I have connections and will see that he is sent to New Babylon to complete the building of the new capital. He will be thrown into the lion's den and he isn't smart enough to survive," Andrew finished with sigh.
"We shall see how it goes, but I would like to get my hands on his evil little neck," Sam said.
Andrew nodded, "Yes, but I have a place to send him that he will be among the most evil of the evil.....if he survives among them, I would be surprised."
Andrew had sent Jason with Lt. Henson to get supplies in Sedalia now he awaited the arrival of Sam. Mark had sent a message they had landed and should be there as soon as the plane was secured. He looked over his notes carefully as he prepared to talk to Sam about Steven's death. He had decided Mark should take Alexis and Amy for a quick tour of the quarters while he talked to Sam. He drew in a deep breath, "Lord, give me the strength and the wisdom to find the truth. I ask that whatever happens today it will be Your will and not my own. Thank You for giving my friends traveling grace and I ask Your protection follow us in the days and years to come. I give You all the praise and glory. Give us this day Your blessing. Amen." A gentle knock on the door aroused Andrew from his thoughts, "Enter."
Mark and Sam stood in the doorway waiting for the two women to proceed into the room. Sam met Andrew with his hand extended in greeting, "Good morning, friend. I would like to introduce Jason's sister, Amy, and our friend, Alexis."
Andrew rose from his chair and shook hands with everyone. He looked into the big brown eyes of Amy and for a split second regretted the trap they were setting for Jason. She had an innocence that would be shattered when she discovers what her brother had done and yet, he knew it had to be done. He turned his attention to the slender and very beautiful woman and could see the concern in her eyes. Andrew addressed her, "Alexis, I understand you are also a pilot and seismologist. Multi-talented and beautiful.......a rare combination. I thought Mark could take you and Amy on a quick tour while Sam and I have a little time to catch up. Would that be alright with you?"
Her blue eyes sparkled as she answered, "I would love a better look at the stealth bomber because I've only seen it in pictures. Do you think Mark could show it to me? I am not quite the pilot of Sam or Mark, but I have done some flying. Thank you for the compliment, sir."
Mark stepped forward and offered, "It would be my honor to show you our pride and joy, the B2 stealth. Amy, is that alright with you, too?"
Amy shook her head in agreement, "Yes, I've never been this close to so many big planes. Shoot, I've never even flown until today let alone get close to one of these awesome planes. It should be fun."
The three left Andrew and Mark alone. Andrew was pacing thinking of the right words and decided just to tell it like it is. "Sam, while I was away in Israel, Jason was given a two day pass to visit his sister. Lt. Henson should never have given a new recruit a pass this soon, but Jason convinced him he needed to check on the welfare of his sister. We both know Jason never made the visit. He was gone for two days, whereabouts unknown! My initial thought upon hearing of Steven's death was that Jason might have had something to do with it. Mark and I discussed this at great length and think our assumption is right on the money. He had made an attempt on your life and Steven's so knowing he was not where he was supposed to be led me to believe he is responsible for the death of your friend. You had your suspicions thinking he might not have changed his evil ways or accepted Christ as his savior. Mark came up with this plan to bring Amy here. When she sees Jason her reaction will tell the whole story because he has told everyone he saw her just a last week and we will all know that didn't happen, thus he is caught. We plan to have Lt. Henson here to witness this encounter. What do you think of our plan?"
Sam sat in complete silence. His mind was whirling with the thought of Jason shooting his dear friend. The evil that resides in the young man left Sam cold. They had befriended the two young people and this was their reward, Steven is dead. Amy with her innocence would be wounded to find out Jason had never changed so he was glad Alexis would be here to give her comfort. He looked up at Andrew his heart breaking into a million pieces then anger began to well inside, "It sounds like a good plan to me. I want to know the truth. Thank you and Mark for figuring it out. He needs to be dealt with, ya know."
"We will take care of him, Sam. Lt. Henson will immediately take him into custody and the military will handle this. One thing about it, the world is so evil now that I don't know that they will see his deed as evil as we see it, but don't let it bother you because I know where to send him for the duration of life on this earth as we know it. I have connections and will see that he is sent to New Babylon to complete the building of the new capital. He will be thrown into the lion's den and he isn't smart enough to survive," Andrew finished with sigh.
"We shall see how it goes, but I would like to get my hands on his evil little neck," Sam said.
Andrew nodded, "Yes, but I have a place to send him that he will be among the most evil of the evil.....if he survives among them, I would be surprised."
- P4H
__________________________________________________________________
Whiteman Air Force Base Missouri
Mark stood back and watched Alexis eye the sleek black bomber, her hand lovingly brushing the outer exterior and a wide eyed wonder of seeing the massive plane up close. She wanted to look inside, but protocol wouldn't allow anyone outside the military to view the interior. Amy looked as though she was a little kid from the country seeing big city sites for the first time as she shadowed Alexis' every movement. Once Mark found himself just staring at the beautiful woman and wondering to himself if times were only different, would she consider him a date prospect? He would just be happy to engage her in conversation and learn more about this awesome and obviously intelligent woman. He was closely watching her when she interrupted his train of thought, "Mark, do you suppose we should be getting back to Andrew and Sam soon?"
He cleared his throat and stammered, "Ugh, yes, I...I suppose we should be getting back. We've been gone a little over an hour and they may be wondering about us. It's almost lunch time and I'm sure Andrew will want to take everyone to lunch while we wait for Jason to return."
The three made their way from the hanger through the maze of out buildings until they came to the commander's office. It was an impressive building with lots of windows and a very nice reception area. Several officers were milling around outside the officer's lounge and Mark saluted each as he passed. He noticed two of the officers made eyes at Alexis and Mark felt himself bristle at the thought of their eyes following her. It would not do for this beauty to be around all these soldiers without an escort. Amy looked over at one of the younger officers and gave him a shy wave then whispered to Alexis, "Did you see those officers watching you? I wish men would look at me the way they look at you. They probably see me as just a kid, but I'm almost sixteen."
"Oh, dear, sweet Amy, they would look the same way at any woman that walked by.....they are men, ya know," she laughed.
Mark ignored what he just heard and ushered the ladies to Andrew's office. He tapped on the door and waited for permission to enter. It was also his office, but he knew better than to burst into the room unannounced. Andrew said, "Enter." Mark and the women opened the door to see Jason standing beside Sam laughing and behaving as though he didn't have a care in the world. Lt. Henson noticed the women with Mark and shot Andrew a questioning look. Jason turned to see who had entered the room and his face suddenly went white and his mouth fell open. Amy immediately ran to Jason, "Jason, it's so good to see you. It seems like it's been such a long time since I've laid eyes on you. Man, you look so handsome in your uniform."
Jason didn't move an inch. His face turned red and still he did not move. Lt. Henson was alert to Jason's reaction and instantly knew he had been told a lie. Amy stopped just before getting to Jason and looked as though she had been slapped in the face. Tears welled in her eyes as she realized Jason was not as happy to see her as she was to see him. What was going on with him? She lowered her eyes and quietly said, "Jason, we wanted to surprise you with a visit. You don't seem gad that I've come."
Jason didn't respond instead the veins stood out on his neck and his face reddened to the point Andrew thought he might have a stroke. His eyes stared down the men in the room and he knew he had been set up. His anger was building and he began to think of an escape. How could he kill them all and get out of here alive? He had left his service revolver in his locker. No one carried on base with the exception of the guards. How stupid not to have tucked the gun under his shirt. He had wondered about Andrew and how he felt about Sam being a Christian........it was obvious..........Andrew was one of THEM and maybe even Mark. He looked around the room trying to think what to do next. The silence was finally broken with the voice of Lt. Henson.
"Private, we need to talk about your weekend pass. It seems it was falsely acquired. The penalty will be all liberty being taken plus a hearing on the matter."
Andrew put his hand up to stop any further conversation between Lt. Henson and Jason, "No, there is something more we need to discuss with Jason regarding where he was during the weekend he asked to visit his sister. Jason, I need an answer and I want it now."
Jason just stared at Andrew refusing to answer. Jason was thinking to himself, "What would can I say? They already know I lied and then there's Stephen's death. Have they figured it out? Can I get out of here alive and how many can I destroy in the process?"
Again Andrew spoke to Jason, "I want your answer, Jason. Were you in town the day Stephen was killed and are you responsible for his death? You have one chance to tell the truth. If I do not get answers, you will be sent to the brig until I receive the answers I want. Do you understand?"
Amy was crying and wringing her hands, "Jason, could you have done this? Why don't you say something?"
He stood before them silent. His eyes were wild as he shouted at them, "Yes, I killed Stephen and I will kill all of you, too. You mean nothing to me and you are disgusting in the eyes of the master. Think you're superior to me, well, think again. I will see you all dead."
Amy ran to Alexis and buried her head in her shoulder. Lt. Henson pulled out his handcuffs and walked toward Jason when suddenly Jason jumped behind Andrew and drew a knife to his throat. He spat, "One more step and Andrew is a dead man. You will all do as I say or he will die."
Mark stood back and watched Alexis eye the sleek black bomber, her hand lovingly brushing the outer exterior and a wide eyed wonder of seeing the massive plane up close. She wanted to look inside, but protocol wouldn't allow anyone outside the military to view the interior. Amy looked as though she was a little kid from the country seeing big city sites for the first time as she shadowed Alexis' every movement. Once Mark found himself just staring at the beautiful woman and wondering to himself if times were only different, would she consider him a date prospect? He would just be happy to engage her in conversation and learn more about this awesome and obviously intelligent woman. He was closely watching her when she interrupted his train of thought, "Mark, do you suppose we should be getting back to Andrew and Sam soon?"
He cleared his throat and stammered, "Ugh, yes, I...I suppose we should be getting back. We've been gone a little over an hour and they may be wondering about us. It's almost lunch time and I'm sure Andrew will want to take everyone to lunch while we wait for Jason to return."
The three made their way from the hanger through the maze of out buildings until they came to the commander's office. It was an impressive building with lots of windows and a very nice reception area. Several officers were milling around outside the officer's lounge and Mark saluted each as he passed. He noticed two of the officers made eyes at Alexis and Mark felt himself bristle at the thought of their eyes following her. It would not do for this beauty to be around all these soldiers without an escort. Amy looked over at one of the younger officers and gave him a shy wave then whispered to Alexis, "Did you see those officers watching you? I wish men would look at me the way they look at you. They probably see me as just a kid, but I'm almost sixteen."
"Oh, dear, sweet Amy, they would look the same way at any woman that walked by.....they are men, ya know," she laughed.
Mark ignored what he just heard and ushered the ladies to Andrew's office. He tapped on the door and waited for permission to enter. It was also his office, but he knew better than to burst into the room unannounced. Andrew said, "Enter." Mark and the women opened the door to see Jason standing beside Sam laughing and behaving as though he didn't have a care in the world. Lt. Henson noticed the women with Mark and shot Andrew a questioning look. Jason turned to see who had entered the room and his face suddenly went white and his mouth fell open. Amy immediately ran to Jason, "Jason, it's so good to see you. It seems like it's been such a long time since I've laid eyes on you. Man, you look so handsome in your uniform."
Jason didn't move an inch. His face turned red and still he did not move. Lt. Henson was alert to Jason's reaction and instantly knew he had been told a lie. Amy stopped just before getting to Jason and looked as though she had been slapped in the face. Tears welled in her eyes as she realized Jason was not as happy to see her as she was to see him. What was going on with him? She lowered her eyes and quietly said, "Jason, we wanted to surprise you with a visit. You don't seem gad that I've come."
Jason didn't respond instead the veins stood out on his neck and his face reddened to the point Andrew thought he might have a stroke. His eyes stared down the men in the room and he knew he had been set up. His anger was building and he began to think of an escape. How could he kill them all and get out of here alive? He had left his service revolver in his locker. No one carried on base with the exception of the guards. How stupid not to have tucked the gun under his shirt. He had wondered about Andrew and how he felt about Sam being a Christian........it was obvious..........Andrew was one of THEM and maybe even Mark. He looked around the room trying to think what to do next. The silence was finally broken with the voice of Lt. Henson.
"Private, we need to talk about your weekend pass. It seems it was falsely acquired. The penalty will be all liberty being taken plus a hearing on the matter."
Andrew put his hand up to stop any further conversation between Lt. Henson and Jason, "No, there is something more we need to discuss with Jason regarding where he was during the weekend he asked to visit his sister. Jason, I need an answer and I want it now."
Jason just stared at Andrew refusing to answer. Jason was thinking to himself, "What would can I say? They already know I lied and then there's Stephen's death. Have they figured it out? Can I get out of here alive and how many can I destroy in the process?"
Again Andrew spoke to Jason, "I want your answer, Jason. Were you in town the day Stephen was killed and are you responsible for his death? You have one chance to tell the truth. If I do not get answers, you will be sent to the brig until I receive the answers I want. Do you understand?"
Amy was crying and wringing her hands, "Jason, could you have done this? Why don't you say something?"
He stood before them silent. His eyes were wild as he shouted at them, "Yes, I killed Stephen and I will kill all of you, too. You mean nothing to me and you are disgusting in the eyes of the master. Think you're superior to me, well, think again. I will see you all dead."
Amy ran to Alexis and buried her head in her shoulder. Lt. Henson pulled out his handcuffs and walked toward Jason when suddenly Jason jumped behind Andrew and drew a knife to his throat. He spat, "One more step and Andrew is a dead man. You will all do as I say or he will die."
- P4H
__________________________________________________________________
He was hopelessly lost. He rounded a corner, but the blackest of darkness did not subside. The air was scorching so that each breath was painful. The stench of the air was unlike anything he had ever smelled.
Feeling along the wall he could feel bugs scurry up his arm, to his neck and up into his hair. He frantically tried to rub the bugs out of his hair but to no avail. He could feel them burrowing into his scalp in a frenzy. He let out a whimper when he felt one of the bugs crawl into his ear canal. He could hear the crunching sound in his inner ear as the bug began to feed.
With a short scream he shook his head vigorously in an attempt to dislodge the bug. He only succeeded in losing his balance as he stumbled along. He fell headlong into the hard ground. But what had been hard ground turned instantly into a writhing squirming mass. He had no idea what the creatures were and struggled to his feet. Straining his eyes in the blackness he could see nothing.
Fear choked him as he reached his arms out to find the wall. Finding nothing he began to hyperventilate as he struggled through the mass of wriggling creatures winding their way around his feet and legs. He staggered as he felt one of the creatures crawl up his pant leg. Hopping on one foot he viciously shook the creature off his leg and began stomping his feet in an attempt to kill or scare the creatures away. They hissed and laughed at his efforts and he began to run blindly. He slammed into a wall and rebounded off staggering back and almost losing his footing. He felt the creatures under his feet rolling and sliding from under his feet. He began to sink into the mass, his heart pounding in fear. He reached out for anything to keep himself from sinking any further. His hands wrapped around something. It was sharp and slick. He could feel something dripping on his hand. It burned as each drop touched his skin.
Mindless with fear he held on with all his waning strength, his arms trembling with weariness, and his eyes wide with terror. He saw a flash of red light and saw what he had grasped in desperation.
The snake’s forked tongue flicked out and caught him across the cheek. It felt like a whip had lashed his cheek. With horror he realized that what he had grasped was one of the snake’s fangs.
Leon woke, his scream of terror ripping through the silence.
Feeling along the wall he could feel bugs scurry up his arm, to his neck and up into his hair. He frantically tried to rub the bugs out of his hair but to no avail. He could feel them burrowing into his scalp in a frenzy. He let out a whimper when he felt one of the bugs crawl into his ear canal. He could hear the crunching sound in his inner ear as the bug began to feed.
With a short scream he shook his head vigorously in an attempt to dislodge the bug. He only succeeded in losing his balance as he stumbled along. He fell headlong into the hard ground. But what had been hard ground turned instantly into a writhing squirming mass. He had no idea what the creatures were and struggled to his feet. Straining his eyes in the blackness he could see nothing.
Fear choked him as he reached his arms out to find the wall. Finding nothing he began to hyperventilate as he struggled through the mass of wriggling creatures winding their way around his feet and legs. He staggered as he felt one of the creatures crawl up his pant leg. Hopping on one foot he viciously shook the creature off his leg and began stomping his feet in an attempt to kill or scare the creatures away. They hissed and laughed at his efforts and he began to run blindly. He slammed into a wall and rebounded off staggering back and almost losing his footing. He felt the creatures under his feet rolling and sliding from under his feet. He began to sink into the mass, his heart pounding in fear. He reached out for anything to keep himself from sinking any further. His hands wrapped around something. It was sharp and slick. He could feel something dripping on his hand. It burned as each drop touched his skin.
Mindless with fear he held on with all his waning strength, his arms trembling with weariness, and his eyes wide with terror. He saw a flash of red light and saw what he had grasped in desperation.
The snake’s forked tongue flicked out and caught him across the cheek. It felt like a whip had lashed his cheek. With horror he realized that what he had grasped was one of the snake’s fangs.
Leon woke, his scream of terror ripping through the silence.
-Zags
__________________________________________________________________
Mark placed himself in front of Alexis and Amy to protect them from anything Jason might try to do. Lt. Henson froze in place and watched Andrew for a signal to do something about the current situation. Jason’s eyes darted around the room trying to keep focused on the positions of everyone in the room. Sam fell to his knees and began to pray, “Lord, I ask that you give us protection from this young man. He has given himself to Satan and refuses to see the truth that You and You alone are in control of everything. Lord, I ask that You forgive him for his misguided loyalty to all that is evil in this world. Allow him to know You and understand that what he wants to do will seal his fate forever. Lord, give us the wisdom to know how to proceed and that we make the right decisions. We give You all the glory and praise. Amen.”
Jason began to spew language that no one seemed to understand. His eyes were blood red and the veins in his neck were bulging to the point they might actually burst. Sam moved toward Jason saying, “You have no power over my Savior, Jesus Christ. You have put your trust in all that is evil and wrong in this world. You shall join the one you worship in the pit of fire to be there for all eternity. I pity you. You have no power now or ever.” Sam kept his gaze on Jason and didn’t back down.
The room darkened. The only sound that could be heard was the muted sounds of Amy crying into Alexis’ shoulder. Sam felt a warmth fill his body and he relaxed knowing something more powerful was now present in the room. Alexis held Amy close to her and whispered, “Amy, be still and feel the power that is in this room. Do not cry for you are not responsible for your brother’s choice. Be still and know everything will be alright.” Andrew felt Jason’s grip loosen from around his neck and he no longer could feel Jason’s body pressing into his own. The darkness covering the room was beginning to lift. Andrew squinted trying to make out the shapes of those in the room, but most of all he was trying to find Jason. His first thought was that he had managed to escape, but the door hadn’t opened. Where was he?
As suddenly as the room had darkened, it was suddenly light again. Each person blinked several times trying to regain focus, but no one was prepared for what they would find. Andrew was standing behind his desk and Jason was no longer holding a knife to his neck. Jason was lying on the floor with the knife plunged into his heart. A single hand print was visible in the blood covering his shirt. Andrew searched the room to see if anyone had blood on their hands and what he saw was everyone looking at each other in complete shock.
Sam was the first to speak, “I don’t know exactly what happened, but I know the Lord or one of His angels protected each one of us. Amy, I’m sorry Jason didn’t accept Jesus as his savior. We all tried and we thought he had changed, but now we know the truth.”
Lt. Henson looked at Andrew, “How do I explain this? I don’t understand anything that went on in this room. Are all of you Christians? I went to Sunday school as a child and never lived my life as a follower of Jesus, but when the disappearances took place I wondered if it had anything to do with what my grandmother called the rapture. If that is what is was then I wish that I had paid attention to my dear grandmother and my Sunday school teachers. Sam, when you prayed, it was the first time I really thought about God in a very long time. I want to know more.”
Jason began to spew language that no one seemed to understand. His eyes were blood red and the veins in his neck were bulging to the point they might actually burst. Sam moved toward Jason saying, “You have no power over my Savior, Jesus Christ. You have put your trust in all that is evil and wrong in this world. You shall join the one you worship in the pit of fire to be there for all eternity. I pity you. You have no power now or ever.” Sam kept his gaze on Jason and didn’t back down.
The room darkened. The only sound that could be heard was the muted sounds of Amy crying into Alexis’ shoulder. Sam felt a warmth fill his body and he relaxed knowing something more powerful was now present in the room. Alexis held Amy close to her and whispered, “Amy, be still and feel the power that is in this room. Do not cry for you are not responsible for your brother’s choice. Be still and know everything will be alright.” Andrew felt Jason’s grip loosen from around his neck and he no longer could feel Jason’s body pressing into his own. The darkness covering the room was beginning to lift. Andrew squinted trying to make out the shapes of those in the room, but most of all he was trying to find Jason. His first thought was that he had managed to escape, but the door hadn’t opened. Where was he?
As suddenly as the room had darkened, it was suddenly light again. Each person blinked several times trying to regain focus, but no one was prepared for what they would find. Andrew was standing behind his desk and Jason was no longer holding a knife to his neck. Jason was lying on the floor with the knife plunged into his heart. A single hand print was visible in the blood covering his shirt. Andrew searched the room to see if anyone had blood on their hands and what he saw was everyone looking at each other in complete shock.
Sam was the first to speak, “I don’t know exactly what happened, but I know the Lord or one of His angels protected each one of us. Amy, I’m sorry Jason didn’t accept Jesus as his savior. We all tried and we thought he had changed, but now we know the truth.”
Lt. Henson looked at Andrew, “How do I explain this? I don’t understand anything that went on in this room. Are all of you Christians? I went to Sunday school as a child and never lived my life as a follower of Jesus, but when the disappearances took place I wondered if it had anything to do with what my grandmother called the rapture. If that is what is was then I wish that I had paid attention to my dear grandmother and my Sunday school teachers. Sam, when you prayed, it was the first time I really thought about God in a very long time. I want to know more.”
- P4H
___________________________________________________________________
Amy pulled away from Alexis and ran to Jason. Tears streaming down her face she gathered his face into her hands and cried, “Oh, Jason why? We all loved you and tried to show you the only way was through Jesus. Grandma and I loved you so much…..Jason, I don’t understand.”
Alexis stooped down beside Amy and said, “Sweetie, he was beyond turning away from the evil that had taken over his heart and soul. Everyone tried and sometimes it just doesn’t work out the way we want. You know in your heart that Jason was the one who made the choice to reject God and His Son, Jesus.”
She weakly responded, “I know, but it’s still hard to think of him not being with us throughout eternity.”
Lt. Henson had tears in his eyes as he spoke, “So what do I need to do to accept Jesus and have what you all have?
“Lt., none of us standing here made the choice to live our lives for the Lord until it was too late. We all had heard about Jesus and still made the choice to not live our lives as He taught while on this earth. It says in the Bible, the only way to the Father is through the Son. You must accept that Jesus is the son of God, He was born to a virgin named Mary, He died on the cross for our sins and rose the third day. You only have to ask for forgiveness of your sins and accept Jesus as your savior. It has always been simple we humans have chosen to make it difficult. We wanted what the world offered, do things our way, and ignore the things of God. We lived our lives in disobedience. In other words, we sinned against God,” Sam explained.
They all gathered around Jonathan Henson and bowed their heads as he prayed to receive Jesus. “Lord, I am a sinner and want to have you come into my life. Forgive me of my sins. I don’t know how to live only for You, but I want to learn. I want to live my life for You. Thank you for sending these Christians into my life and for giving me another chance to accept the truth. Amen.” They all said amen and hugged Jonathan.
“Now we have to take care of business and dispose of Jason’s body in a manner that will not arouse suspicion. I will put out a memo that he has not fit in well with the GF and has been given leave. Amy, I know you are heart broken, but we really can’t allow our cover to be blown so we will have to take care of his body in a way no will find out. I hope you will forgive us for not laying him to rest in a manner of the upmost respect,” Andrew said.
Mark spoke up, “Jonathan, you must know that by accepting Jesus you have put yourself in danger. We can give you some material to read that will explain what is to come in the years we have left on this earth and you need to read and study the book of Daniel and Revelation to understand. God gave us prophets to let us know what is to happen to us if we choose to be disobedient. Throughout the Bible there are stories regarding what happened to the Jewish people, God’s chosen people, when they disobeyed God. We must not go public with our Christianity, but we must stand up for our beliefs when it comes to choosing between Jesus and his evil counterpart, Satan.”
Jonathan shook his head in agreement, “I want to learn. Thank you…..thank all of you for opening my eyes.
Alexis stooped down beside Amy and said, “Sweetie, he was beyond turning away from the evil that had taken over his heart and soul. Everyone tried and sometimes it just doesn’t work out the way we want. You know in your heart that Jason was the one who made the choice to reject God and His Son, Jesus.”
She weakly responded, “I know, but it’s still hard to think of him not being with us throughout eternity.”
Lt. Henson had tears in his eyes as he spoke, “So what do I need to do to accept Jesus and have what you all have?
“Lt., none of us standing here made the choice to live our lives for the Lord until it was too late. We all had heard about Jesus and still made the choice to not live our lives as He taught while on this earth. It says in the Bible, the only way to the Father is through the Son. You must accept that Jesus is the son of God, He was born to a virgin named Mary, He died on the cross for our sins and rose the third day. You only have to ask for forgiveness of your sins and accept Jesus as your savior. It has always been simple we humans have chosen to make it difficult. We wanted what the world offered, do things our way, and ignore the things of God. We lived our lives in disobedience. In other words, we sinned against God,” Sam explained.
They all gathered around Jonathan Henson and bowed their heads as he prayed to receive Jesus. “Lord, I am a sinner and want to have you come into my life. Forgive me of my sins. I don’t know how to live only for You, but I want to learn. I want to live my life for You. Thank you for sending these Christians into my life and for giving me another chance to accept the truth. Amen.” They all said amen and hugged Jonathan.
“Now we have to take care of business and dispose of Jason’s body in a manner that will not arouse suspicion. I will put out a memo that he has not fit in well with the GF and has been given leave. Amy, I know you are heart broken, but we really can’t allow our cover to be blown so we will have to take care of his body in a way no will find out. I hope you will forgive us for not laying him to rest in a manner of the upmost respect,” Andrew said.
Mark spoke up, “Jonathan, you must know that by accepting Jesus you have put yourself in danger. We can give you some material to read that will explain what is to come in the years we have left on this earth and you need to read and study the book of Daniel and Revelation to understand. God gave us prophets to let us know what is to happen to us if we choose to be disobedient. Throughout the Bible there are stories regarding what happened to the Jewish people, God’s chosen people, when they disobeyed God. We must not go public with our Christianity, but we must stand up for our beliefs when it comes to choosing between Jesus and his evil counterpart, Satan.”
Jonathan shook his head in agreement, “I want to learn. Thank you…..thank all of you for opening my eyes.
- P4H
__________________________________________________________________
The Rabbi and David sat quitely praying in the waiting room as Julie lay on the exam table waiting for the Dr. Her cramps had started earlier that morning and the Rabbi had rushed them both to Nazerath to be seen by an ob/gyn he knew.
Julie lay in the quiet with her thoughts. Being pregnant for the first time she really didn’t know what to expect but she closed her eyes and whispered out loud, “Lord, let your will be done and stay with me.”
“Lord let your will be done, we ask in Jesus precious and Holy name, Amen.” The Rabbi stated as he finished his prayer with David. Looking up, they saw as the Dr enter the exam room with Julie.
The nurse followed as the Dr entered to greet Julie. He could see she was tense and nervous and reached out to touch her hand giving her a reasuring smile. “Lets not assume anything to cause you to worry until I have had a chance to exam you, ok?” he smiled at Julie. She nodded as he watched her relax her body as the nurse positioned her for the exam.
Julie closed her eyes as she felt his gloved hands begin the examination. In her heart she was talking with the Lord. “Please let the baby be alright Lord, In my heart I know its your will.” As the Dr finished with his exam he pulled his gloves off and tossed them in a red bag. The nurse helped Julie up as the Dr told her she could get dressed and meet him in his office.
As the nurse left the room, she checked the waiting room and asked the Rabbi and David to join the Dr in his office.David glanced at the Rabbi as he felt the panic trying to get in.
The Rabbi placed his arm around David as he spoke. “You must remember son, the Dr’s I know come from the old school. All diagnoses are given in the office so stop worrying.”
Julie finished dressing and picked up her purse as she left the exam room. Stepping into the hall she walked right into the Rabbi and David. “Well, I guess we will all find out together whats wrong with me.” She stated as a tear escaped her eye. “God loves you Julie and He is with us.” The Rabbi told her. David took her hand as they entered the Drs office together and sat down on the couch.
The Dr opened the door and entered carying Julies chart. And sat down behind his desk. “Let me begin by saying to Julie, you are still with child.” He smiled. “Oh thank you Jesus.” She cried. David looked up at the Dr with a quizical look on his face. “Then why was she having cramps this morning?” he asked. “Its quite normal in a first pregnancy.” The Dr replied. “I checked her cervix and it is completely closed with a hint of a blue halo around the cervix which is common for a first pregnancy. The cramping was probably the cervix in the last stage of sealing itself off.” He replied. ” Thank you so much Dr. We are so relieved, I cant tell you how much.” David grinned. “ You are so welcome. Now be sure and schedule your next appointment for 3 months from now. At that time we will do the ultrasound and maybe even tell you the sex of the baby if you want. He told them.
Julie lay in the quiet with her thoughts. Being pregnant for the first time she really didn’t know what to expect but she closed her eyes and whispered out loud, “Lord, let your will be done and stay with me.”
“Lord let your will be done, we ask in Jesus precious and Holy name, Amen.” The Rabbi stated as he finished his prayer with David. Looking up, they saw as the Dr enter the exam room with Julie.
The nurse followed as the Dr entered to greet Julie. He could see she was tense and nervous and reached out to touch her hand giving her a reasuring smile. “Lets not assume anything to cause you to worry until I have had a chance to exam you, ok?” he smiled at Julie. She nodded as he watched her relax her body as the nurse positioned her for the exam.
Julie closed her eyes as she felt his gloved hands begin the examination. In her heart she was talking with the Lord. “Please let the baby be alright Lord, In my heart I know its your will.” As the Dr finished with his exam he pulled his gloves off and tossed them in a red bag. The nurse helped Julie up as the Dr told her she could get dressed and meet him in his office.
As the nurse left the room, she checked the waiting room and asked the Rabbi and David to join the Dr in his office.David glanced at the Rabbi as he felt the panic trying to get in.
The Rabbi placed his arm around David as he spoke. “You must remember son, the Dr’s I know come from the old school. All diagnoses are given in the office so stop worrying.”
Julie finished dressing and picked up her purse as she left the exam room. Stepping into the hall she walked right into the Rabbi and David. “Well, I guess we will all find out together whats wrong with me.” She stated as a tear escaped her eye. “God loves you Julie and He is with us.” The Rabbi told her. David took her hand as they entered the Drs office together and sat down on the couch.
The Dr opened the door and entered carying Julies chart. And sat down behind his desk. “Let me begin by saying to Julie, you are still with child.” He smiled. “Oh thank you Jesus.” She cried. David looked up at the Dr with a quizical look on his face. “Then why was she having cramps this morning?” he asked. “Its quite normal in a first pregnancy.” The Dr replied. “I checked her cervix and it is completely closed with a hint of a blue halo around the cervix which is common for a first pregnancy. The cramping was probably the cervix in the last stage of sealing itself off.” He replied. ” Thank you so much Dr. We are so relieved, I cant tell you how much.” David grinned. “ You are so welcome. Now be sure and schedule your next appointment for 3 months from now. At that time we will do the ultrasound and maybe even tell you the sex of the baby if you want. He told them.
- Renee
________________________________________________________________
Andrew finished the paperwork while Jonathan and Mark took care of Jason's body. Alexis had taken Amy to Andrew's quarters to freshen up and try to get her emotions under control. God had clearly taken care of the situation, but Andrew's head ached from all that had taken place. Sam was sitting at Mark's desk composing an email to Christiana and the rest of the group back home. He explained that Jason was the one who had taken Stephen's life and that he was also dead. He would explain further when he returned home. What would he explain? He didn't know himself what had really taken place in this room, but he knew the hand of God had protected them. He wanted to talk to Christina, but Andrew had told him not to use his cell phone while on base because all communications were monitored.
The new government was monitoring everything these days and no one was able to freely move about or use communication devices that could be traced. They would have to find other ways of communicating because the government would be taking over all phone systems at the end of the month. The government owned everything now. To get health care one must have a card issued by the government and soon it would be the same with all purchases. Thank goodness they had the garden and plenty of food stored because the latest proclamation was that all food would be issued through government run stores. He would talk to Austin at the shop to see if there was anything he could come up with that would by-pass the government run communication system. No more free enterprise. If you owned a business, the government now was the overseer. The new medical cards were hard to come by and most people were left without medicine or health care. The elderly were told they would no longer be able to receive any type of medication so they were given the choice to be given an overdose of medication and die or they could just slowly die without the medications that helped them to live. The government now decided who lived and who died.
Andrew remembered the debates over health care and now it was a reality, but the standards were set by the world government. The government owned the banks so naturally most everyone's assets had been frozen so they could sort out the problems created by the disappearances. The news agency's were totally given over to the government with the exception of a few rogue stations, but they were being shut down as quickly as possible. The internet was still a place you could get some news, but the government was working to find ways to shut them down. Soon everyone would be forced to take a mark to buy or sell anything. He looked over at Sam and gave a sigh, "Sam, the world is going to be a very rough place to live. New orders arriving every day and the restrictions on us are getting tighter."
Sam nodded, "The Bible tells us that it is to get even worse. No way to really be fully prepared for what is to come. I for one will never take the mark of the beast and will gladly die before that happens. We know that day will come, but we will go further underground and await our Savior."
"I agree, my friend. I will gladly join you, but until I am forced, I will stay here and do what I can to protect my fellow Christians. Jerome is so good to pass on all the information of the Potentate's newest resolution long before the public hears. We thought the government was in our lives too much before.......well wait, because they are about to control your every move," said Andrew.
- P4H
_________________________________________________________________
Missouri Ozarks
Christina finished reading Sam's email and warning about not trying to call while he was anywhere near the base. She put her head in her hands and wept for Jason's soul. Amy would need a lot of tender loving care when she returned home and they would all do as much as possible to fill the void. She watched her Mother move about the large room straightening and putting things in their proper place. Linda had grown very close to Amy and Christina knew her Mother well enough to know that she would be an even a bigger mother hen to Amy than she had been previously. While she missed Sam, she also was busy preparing supplies to send to the MD and Amy at the shop. They had lagged behind the last few days and now they had some serious catching up to do. Christina continued studying those in the room as she prepared to tell them about Jason.
Christina asked for everyone's attention, "Sam just sent an email and I have some rather disturbing news to pass along to each of you. Jason is the one responsible for Stephen's death. Sam will explain more when he returns, but Jason has also lost his life. Sam said that Andrew and Mark had pieced things together and that is the reason they asked Sam to bring Amy with him when he went to the base. Any way, he will tell us the details tomorrow. They are staying another day to give Amy time to deal with the loss."
Linda shook her head, "Something told me Jason was still in turmoil, but never the less, I continued to pray for his soul. Poor Amy must be devastated. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but it is especially difficult when you know where that person will spend eternity. I will just have to keep her busy when she returns so she doesn't have time to think about what happened."
Bud turned and walked outside not uttering a word to anyone. Christina looked at her Mother, "Wonder what's up with Bud."
"I don't know, but maybe he just needs time alone to let it all soak in. He's been really quiet since Stephen's death. I have missed his crazy jokes," Linda said.
Shannon put her head on Kerry's shoulder and began to cry, "You know the worst part is that I have felt we didn't pray enough for Jason or at least I didn't. I have been a bit selfish lately thinking about the baby and how hard it will be to raise him under the current circumstances. We all know it's only going to get worse."
Kerry tried to comfort his wife, "Shannon, we are going to suffer because we didn't give our lives to Christ before and we can't expect it to be easy. The Bible warned us enough about not being obedient to God and heeding His word. You and I both know we didn't study enough or allow God to control our lives. We were too busy living in the world and now we can't escape the world we chose to live in. I don't mean to be cruel, but we are to blame for our situation......not God."
Shannon placed her hand on her belly and wept. Linda went to her and gave her a gentle hug, "Shannon, we all made the wrong choices in life, but we can make a difference with the time we have left on earth. We can live each day for Jesus and keep working on the supplies that we know other Christians will need when they can't get them anywhere else. That's what we were left to do. We had all the signs given to us and we made a conscience choice to ignore them. Now, we can only do what we can to make our lives count for the Lord."
"I'm sorry everyone for being so selfish. It's getting close to the time when this little guy will make his appearance and sometimes I don't think I'm ready for him," Shannon replied as she wiped her tears.
"It's okay. You are allowed to have moments like this, but remember that Jesus is our main reason for living. He will guide us and not leave us," Linda told her.
Christina gave her Mother and Shannon a hug then walked outside to find Bud. She could see him sitting with his head buried in his hands and she knew he was crying. She quietly turned around and followed the path to the the meadow where she and Sam were married. Her heart was aching for her family and friends. They all had the feeling they had failed where Jason was concerned, but they had tried to help him see that following Jesus was the only way. He made the choice to reject God and His Son, Jesus. It amazed her that she had allowed herself to be persuaded to follow the wrong path, too. It was all so simple and yet, she didn't see the truth. She bowed her head and started her conversation with Jesus.
Christina finished reading Sam's email and warning about not trying to call while he was anywhere near the base. She put her head in her hands and wept for Jason's soul. Amy would need a lot of tender loving care when she returned home and they would all do as much as possible to fill the void. She watched her Mother move about the large room straightening and putting things in their proper place. Linda had grown very close to Amy and Christina knew her Mother well enough to know that she would be an even a bigger mother hen to Amy than she had been previously. While she missed Sam, she also was busy preparing supplies to send to the MD and Amy at the shop. They had lagged behind the last few days and now they had some serious catching up to do. Christina continued studying those in the room as she prepared to tell them about Jason.
Christina asked for everyone's attention, "Sam just sent an email and I have some rather disturbing news to pass along to each of you. Jason is the one responsible for Stephen's death. Sam will explain more when he returns, but Jason has also lost his life. Sam said that Andrew and Mark had pieced things together and that is the reason they asked Sam to bring Amy with him when he went to the base. Any way, he will tell us the details tomorrow. They are staying another day to give Amy time to deal with the loss."
Linda shook her head, "Something told me Jason was still in turmoil, but never the less, I continued to pray for his soul. Poor Amy must be devastated. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but it is especially difficult when you know where that person will spend eternity. I will just have to keep her busy when she returns so she doesn't have time to think about what happened."
Bud turned and walked outside not uttering a word to anyone. Christina looked at her Mother, "Wonder what's up with Bud."
"I don't know, but maybe he just needs time alone to let it all soak in. He's been really quiet since Stephen's death. I have missed his crazy jokes," Linda said.
Shannon put her head on Kerry's shoulder and began to cry, "You know the worst part is that I have felt we didn't pray enough for Jason or at least I didn't. I have been a bit selfish lately thinking about the baby and how hard it will be to raise him under the current circumstances. We all know it's only going to get worse."
Kerry tried to comfort his wife, "Shannon, we are going to suffer because we didn't give our lives to Christ before and we can't expect it to be easy. The Bible warned us enough about not being obedient to God and heeding His word. You and I both know we didn't study enough or allow God to control our lives. We were too busy living in the world and now we can't escape the world we chose to live in. I don't mean to be cruel, but we are to blame for our situation......not God."
Shannon placed her hand on her belly and wept. Linda went to her and gave her a gentle hug, "Shannon, we all made the wrong choices in life, but we can make a difference with the time we have left on earth. We can live each day for Jesus and keep working on the supplies that we know other Christians will need when they can't get them anywhere else. That's what we were left to do. We had all the signs given to us and we made a conscience choice to ignore them. Now, we can only do what we can to make our lives count for the Lord."
"I'm sorry everyone for being so selfish. It's getting close to the time when this little guy will make his appearance and sometimes I don't think I'm ready for him," Shannon replied as she wiped her tears.
"It's okay. You are allowed to have moments like this, but remember that Jesus is our main reason for living. He will guide us and not leave us," Linda told her.
Christina gave her Mother and Shannon a hug then walked outside to find Bud. She could see him sitting with his head buried in his hands and she knew he was crying. She quietly turned around and followed the path to the the meadow where she and Sam were married. Her heart was aching for her family and friends. They all had the feeling they had failed where Jason was concerned, but they had tried to help him see that following Jesus was the only way. He made the choice to reject God and His Son, Jesus. It amazed her that she had allowed herself to be persuaded to follow the wrong path, too. It was all so simple and yet, she didn't see the truth. She bowed her head and started her conversation with Jesus.
- P4H
__________________________________________________________________
Rain began to fall in torrents. Notwithstanding, a savage dog leaped on Aini, pushing the teenager to the ground. She twisted her body out from under the cold, heavy paws of the dog. He thrusted his wet muzzle toward her throat, but with a convulsive effort Aini shoved the dog's head away from her face. She quickly rolled over onto her face and pretended to be dead. The dogs claws and teeth ripped and tore at her back. Aini felt a seering pain in her lower back; she gave one shudder and lay still.
Abdul knelt on the floor praising Jehovah and listening to the blessed rain pelting the cobblestone streets outside.
"Lord, thank you so much for the rain! You are indeed an awesome God! Please open the eyes of the multitude of blind masses and show them that You are the one true God. I pray for Aini, that you would open her eyes and show her that she's putting her trust in a man that cannot save or help her. Please speak to me, Lord. Help me to tell her about You."
Abdul fumbled under his bed until his hand touched the book he was searching for. He opened his Bible and his eyes fell on Isaiah the fifty-ninth chapter, verses one through three.
"1Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
3For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness."
He bowed his head tears filling his eyes. "Lord, as a nation we have turned away from you. Our Muslim rulers murder innocent people and call it honor killing in defense of Islam. They take money from the poor and claim it's for the benefit of the public, yet they themselves keep it for their own private benefit. Their religious teachers claim to want to help the people and advise them in spiritual matters, yet they take the women who come to them for help and make them temporary wives...." As Abdul prayed he fiddled with the pages of his Bible. When he opened his eyes, the pages of the Bible were open to Isaiah 55:6-7. It reads,
"6Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
- KBR
No comments:
Post a Comment