Babylon, Iraq
Earl Myers hung his new uniforms in the closet and then sat down on the bed. He bounced up and down a couple of times, and then lay back. Staring up at the ceiling he began to smile.
He was free.
He thought back to the interview. He had been suspicious that his sentence was up for review. No one he knew that had gone to their reviews and been set free, so his suspicions had substance. He had sat quietly while the three men and two women had gone over his file. When they had begun to ask him about his crime he had answered with the same story he had been telling all along. They had nodded and continued to ask him about his time as a prisoner.
Earl had told them it had been a hard adjustment at first, but as time had gone on, he had begun to think of it as less of a sentence of hard labor as a chance to help build history.
The reviewers hadn’t looked surprised, telling Earl that he was not the first to use that tactic. It was then that Earl began to feel uneasy. He continued to speak about his work as a prisoner, but inside he was shaking with fear. As he spoke he began to think and plot, his mind frenzied.
The reviewers had begun to look at their watches and to tap their pencils on the table they sat behind.
Suddenly Earl had an idea. “My greatest wish once my sentence is up is to stay here in Babylon and continue helping with the building of this great city.”
One of the women reviewers had been so surprised at Earl’s statement that the pencil she had been flipping through her fingers went flying across the table. One of the three men had been slumped in his chair sat up straight, hitting his knee on the bottom of the table in the process. The other two men whose expressions had been bored now looked at him with interest. The other woman was the only one who seemed unaffected by Earl’s statement.
She looked at him in the eye. After a long moment she simply said, “Please go with the guard and wait outside.”
Earl had stood and followed the guard and sat in the chair the guard pointed to. He nodded to the guard, thanked him and then sat down. As he sat he had to keep reminding himself not to fidget or look nervous. He sat quietly and outwardly he looked calm, but inside he was a bundle of nerves. He would look at the clock every few minutes, but after an hour passed Earl’s heart began to sink.
Another hour passed and Earl began to get angry. He did his best to hide his anger thinking of what his life would be like if he won his freedom. He would stay in Babylon and be the model employee for the Global Family. He would bide his time, work his way up the ranks, and then when he had enough clout he would ask for a transfer back to Oklahoma. Then he would find a way to kill Shade Cooper and his family. It was their fault that he was in prison in Babylon.
Especially Runt, she would pay for the humiliation she had brought on him. She was the reason he was here. It was all on that girl. If she had kept her mouth shut he would never had to run for his life from Shade. He never would have had to steal his brothers identity, never would have been in Oklahoma City after the tornado. He never would have had to kill that girl to protect his identity. No everything that had happened to him was all Runts’ fault. All of it, and she would pay and pay dearly, along with Shade and the rest of his family.
Earl jumped when the guard tapped him on the shoulder. He looked up and the guard indicated that he get up. Earl did and was led back into the office where the reviewers sat. He noticed that the chair that he had sat in before was gone so he stood quietly waiting for the reviewers to speak.
“We have gone over your file, and discussed what you told us today. You will report to human services where you will be assigned a place to work. Given todays loss of life during the hail storm, you will likely be given a job doing much the same as you have been doing, but without the stigma of being a prisoner. You will be given new Global Family uniforms and 750 Argros, enough money to rent a room or small apartment here in Babylon as well as enough to buy some food. The guard will escort you to the showers and then to human resources.” With that she stamped his file and pushed it to the side.
Now Earl lay on the bed of his tiny apartment smiling as he thought about his future.
Earl Myers hung his new uniforms in the closet and then sat down on the bed. He bounced up and down a couple of times, and then lay back. Staring up at the ceiling he began to smile.
He was free.
He thought back to the interview. He had been suspicious that his sentence was up for review. No one he knew that had gone to their reviews and been set free, so his suspicions had substance. He had sat quietly while the three men and two women had gone over his file. When they had begun to ask him about his crime he had answered with the same story he had been telling all along. They had nodded and continued to ask him about his time as a prisoner.
Earl had told them it had been a hard adjustment at first, but as time had gone on, he had begun to think of it as less of a sentence of hard labor as a chance to help build history.
The reviewers hadn’t looked surprised, telling Earl that he was not the first to use that tactic. It was then that Earl began to feel uneasy. He continued to speak about his work as a prisoner, but inside he was shaking with fear. As he spoke he began to think and plot, his mind frenzied.
The reviewers had begun to look at their watches and to tap their pencils on the table they sat behind.
Suddenly Earl had an idea. “My greatest wish once my sentence is up is to stay here in Babylon and continue helping with the building of this great city.”
One of the women reviewers had been so surprised at Earl’s statement that the pencil she had been flipping through her fingers went flying across the table. One of the three men had been slumped in his chair sat up straight, hitting his knee on the bottom of the table in the process. The other two men whose expressions had been bored now looked at him with interest. The other woman was the only one who seemed unaffected by Earl’s statement.
She looked at him in the eye. After a long moment she simply said, “Please go with the guard and wait outside.”
Earl had stood and followed the guard and sat in the chair the guard pointed to. He nodded to the guard, thanked him and then sat down. As he sat he had to keep reminding himself not to fidget or look nervous. He sat quietly and outwardly he looked calm, but inside he was a bundle of nerves. He would look at the clock every few minutes, but after an hour passed Earl’s heart began to sink.
Another hour passed and Earl began to get angry. He did his best to hide his anger thinking of what his life would be like if he won his freedom. He would stay in Babylon and be the model employee for the Global Family. He would bide his time, work his way up the ranks, and then when he had enough clout he would ask for a transfer back to Oklahoma. Then he would find a way to kill Shade Cooper and his family. It was their fault that he was in prison in Babylon.
Especially Runt, she would pay for the humiliation she had brought on him. She was the reason he was here. It was all on that girl. If she had kept her mouth shut he would never had to run for his life from Shade. He never would have had to steal his brothers identity, never would have been in Oklahoma City after the tornado. He never would have had to kill that girl to protect his identity. No everything that had happened to him was all Runts’ fault. All of it, and she would pay and pay dearly, along with Shade and the rest of his family.
Earl jumped when the guard tapped him on the shoulder. He looked up and the guard indicated that he get up. Earl did and was led back into the office where the reviewers sat. He noticed that the chair that he had sat in before was gone so he stood quietly waiting for the reviewers to speak.
“We have gone over your file, and discussed what you told us today. You will report to human services where you will be assigned a place to work. Given todays loss of life during the hail storm, you will likely be given a job doing much the same as you have been doing, but without the stigma of being a prisoner. You will be given new Global Family uniforms and 750 Argros, enough money to rent a room or small apartment here in Babylon as well as enough to buy some food. The guard will escort you to the showers and then to human resources.” With that she stamped his file and pushed it to the side.
Now Earl lay on the bed of his tiny apartment smiling as he thought about his future.
- Zags
_________________________________________________________________
Whiteman Air Force Base Missouri
The hail storm had done its damage to the base. Soldiers were sent to the infirmary to be treated for wounds to every part of their bodies. Five lost their lives from the huge icy boulders that hit them as they ran for shelter. Buildings were damaged with gaping holes in the roof, broken windows, and dents in the siding. Andrew inspected the aftermath and noted repairs needed to begin immediately on the damage before night fell. He had given orders that no one was to leave the base and all able bodies were assigned to clean up. Mark and Sam had gone to the house to check on Alexis and Amy while Andrew performed his duties as base commander.
Mark stopped the jeep in front of the house and noticed a large hole in the roof. He literally jumped from the jeep and ran into the house fearing for the worst. He opened the door shouting, "Alexis, Amy where are you?" He ran down the hallway to the guest bedroom with Sam following close behind. Again he called out to the women, but no answer came. He looked at Sam shrugging his shoulders, "Where on earth could they be?" They heard a moan in the bathroom and both men bolted toward the door. Amy lay in the bathtub with blood oozing from her head and beside her lay Alexis. Sam pointed to the hole in the roof as he checked for a pulse on Amy and Mark checked Alexis. Amy's pulse was very weak and her breathing was shallow. Mark couldn't see any blood on Alexis while Amy was covered in blood.....or is the blood on Amy from Alexis. He turned her body over to face him and gasped. "We need help at the commander's quarters now," Mark shouted into his cell phone.
The hail storm had done its damage to the base. Soldiers were sent to the infirmary to be treated for wounds to every part of their bodies. Five lost their lives from the huge icy boulders that hit them as they ran for shelter. Buildings were damaged with gaping holes in the roof, broken windows, and dents in the siding. Andrew inspected the aftermath and noted repairs needed to begin immediately on the damage before night fell. He had given orders that no one was to leave the base and all able bodies were assigned to clean up. Mark and Sam had gone to the house to check on Alexis and Amy while Andrew performed his duties as base commander.
Mark stopped the jeep in front of the house and noticed a large hole in the roof. He literally jumped from the jeep and ran into the house fearing for the worst. He opened the door shouting, "Alexis, Amy where are you?" He ran down the hallway to the guest bedroom with Sam following close behind. Again he called out to the women, but no answer came. He looked at Sam shrugging his shoulders, "Where on earth could they be?" They heard a moan in the bathroom and both men bolted toward the door. Amy lay in the bathtub with blood oozing from her head and beside her lay Alexis. Sam pointed to the hole in the roof as he checked for a pulse on Amy and Mark checked Alexis. Amy's pulse was very weak and her breathing was shallow. Mark couldn't see any blood on Alexis while Amy was covered in blood.....or is the blood on Amy from Alexis. He turned her body over to face him and gasped. "We need help at the commander's quarters now," Mark shouted into his cell phone.
- P4H
_________________________________________________________________
The four former naval Seals had spotted the two helicopters as they approached the island. Sera 2 and 3 took up a position under two walk bridges on the left and right side of the open court area next the base of the statue. Sera 4 dropped back towards the water to flank the targets if he was needed. Sera 1 went inside the base and sat down at the guard table. He would be the last defense if they made it that far.
“Sera 2 to 1, birds are 800 yards out. Looks like Army”
“Copy 2… Everyone remember no shooting until they make a move on us or they attempt to remove the flag.”
Each member tapped the mic acknowledging they understood.
“Hey you all see those clouds? Wow, the whole sky just turned black and fast.” Sera 3 stated
“Starting to rain… no hail, we have penny size hail coming down”
“Penny size I see golf balls size and they are getting bigger, those helicopters better get out of here” Sera 2 replied
“Units, we have targets repelling, stand by”
“All units I can’t see targets, hail is getting bigger and visual is 5 feet.”
“All units, this is 1 status check, any sight on targets”
“Sera 3, negative”
“Sera 2, negative”
“Sera 4, all I see are bowling balls falling”
“All units, stay undercover, target can’t move if they land until hail stops, once it lets up give me a update?
Each seal fought to keep their view opened, surely they thought the helicopters turned back or they would be crashing soon. Sera 2 had just pushed a hail stone out of the way when he saw a flash and heard the roar and blast as the second helicopter hit the ground.
“Sera 2… One bird down… my 6… 200 yards”
“Copy 2, any sight of the other bird?”
“Negative”
Sera 1 (Todd) could hear the hail beating against the concrete and the copper statue. The noise was almost unbearable, he had to hold his ears and that is when the front doors opened and in ran three uniformed personnel. Sera 1 knew they were the targets so he raised his weapon, pulled the trigger twice killing two of the three. The third one had tripped over a chair and had falling behind a table. The first two were dead and with the hail coming down; it now was a stand off.
Todd could have tossed a conclusion grenade but he knew in a shot time the target would be dead if he wanted it.
Todd wanted to find out first hand who this force was and what made the US military give into this Global Force or Family crap.
After a few minutes it sounded like the hail was slowing down. By even with his hands over his ears, Todd had a hard time hearing anyone talking into his earpiece.
He had the target cornered and if the man was stupid enough to raise his head or try to change locations, Todd could end his life with one pull of his finger. The roar and thunder was now passed, not knowing who was left outside, Todd decided to have a little chat with the man he might have to kill.
“So you Army Ranger or some guy who volunteered for a mission?” Todd asked
“Sera 2 to 1, birds are 800 yards out. Looks like Army”
“Copy 2… Everyone remember no shooting until they make a move on us or they attempt to remove the flag.”
Each member tapped the mic acknowledging they understood.
“Hey you all see those clouds? Wow, the whole sky just turned black and fast.” Sera 3 stated
“Starting to rain… no hail, we have penny size hail coming down”
“Penny size I see golf balls size and they are getting bigger, those helicopters better get out of here” Sera 2 replied
“Units, we have targets repelling, stand by”
“All units I can’t see targets, hail is getting bigger and visual is 5 feet.”
“All units, this is 1 status check, any sight on targets”
“Sera 3, negative”
“Sera 2, negative”
“Sera 4, all I see are bowling balls falling”
“All units, stay undercover, target can’t move if they land until hail stops, once it lets up give me a update?
Each seal fought to keep their view opened, surely they thought the helicopters turned back or they would be crashing soon. Sera 2 had just pushed a hail stone out of the way when he saw a flash and heard the roar and blast as the second helicopter hit the ground.
“Sera 2… One bird down… my 6… 200 yards”
“Copy 2, any sight of the other bird?”
“Negative”
Sera 1 (Todd) could hear the hail beating against the concrete and the copper statue. The noise was almost unbearable, he had to hold his ears and that is when the front doors opened and in ran three uniformed personnel. Sera 1 knew they were the targets so he raised his weapon, pulled the trigger twice killing two of the three. The third one had tripped over a chair and had falling behind a table. The first two were dead and with the hail coming down; it now was a stand off.
Todd could have tossed a conclusion grenade but he knew in a shot time the target would be dead if he wanted it.
Todd wanted to find out first hand who this force was and what made the US military give into this Global Force or Family crap.
After a few minutes it sounded like the hail was slowing down. By even with his hands over his ears, Todd had a hard time hearing anyone talking into his earpiece.
He had the target cornered and if the man was stupid enough to raise his head or try to change locations, Todd could end his life with one pull of his finger. The roar and thunder was now passed, not knowing who was left outside, Todd decided to have a little chat with the man he might have to kill.
“So you Army Ranger or some guy who volunteered for a mission?” Todd asked
-Alex
__________________________________________________________________
Lieutenant Maskovy and his two cohorts, dashed to the doors at the base of the statue and yanked them open. Instantly, shots rang out. Fletcher and his tall friend fell to the floor, mortally wounded. L. Maskovy whirled to face his buddies just in time to see both crumple onto the ground. His foot caught on a table leg; he lost his balance, reached out to save himself from falling, but only succeeded in pulling a chair over onto his already sore leg. The Lieutenant's leg throbbed with pain. He heard a voice speaking, but his dazed mind could not decipher what was being said.
"Wh-What's that again," Maskovy asked.
"I asked you if you were an Army Ranger or some guy who volunteered for a mission?” the voice repeated.
"I'm a - well - I was marked for special work," answered the Lieutenant as he moved his hand toward the aching leg. The stranger eyed his every move. L. Maskovy tried to rise, but fell onto the floor with a groan of pain.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean, my commander ordered me and two others this @#$% mission," he grunted.
"Where is your commander," asked the cool voice which still sounded above the prostrate man.
"In Babylon. That's where we all are stationed. Who are you? You sound so, well, different. Like you aren't even affected by hail storms outside or anything." sighed L. Maskovy.
"Wh-What's that again," Maskovy asked.
"I asked you if you were an Army Ranger or some guy who volunteered for a mission?” the voice repeated.
"I'm a - well - I was marked for special work," answered the Lieutenant as he moved his hand toward the aching leg. The stranger eyed his every move. L. Maskovy tried to rise, but fell onto the floor with a groan of pain.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean, my commander ordered me and two others this @#$% mission," he grunted.
"Where is your commander," asked the cool voice which still sounded above the prostrate man.
"In Babylon. That's where we all are stationed. Who are you? You sound so, well, different. Like you aren't even affected by hail storms outside or anything." sighed L. Maskovy.
- KBR
_________________________________________________________________
Mark grabbed towels and began wrapping Alexis' face to try to stop the bleeding. Amy let out a groan as Sam lifted her into his arms and carried her into the living room. He ran back to the bathroom grabbing towels and wetting them to clean the blood from Amy's body so he could see how badly she had been injured. There was a knock on the door and Sam let the two medics into the room. Mark appeared with Alexis in his arms and lay her beside Amy. He brushed away the blood soaked hair from her face and could see the right side of her face had been ripped to shreds. The medic bent down to take her pulse and said, "We need to move her to the infirmary to get a better idea how badly she's been hurt." Mark gently picked Alexis up in his arms and carried her to the waiting ambulance while the second medic checked Amy. She had a strong pulse, but had many cuts about her face and upper torso. The women were placed in the ambulance as Sam climbed in beside them for the ride to the infirmary. Mark jumped in the jeep to follow.
Andrew looked around the base at the damage and walked to the infirmary to check on the wounded. The doctor greeted him at the door, "Sir, we have at least six dead and more than fifty injured. We are quickly running out of room and I would like to set up another room to treat minor injuries, if that is agreeable with you?"
Andrew nodded his head as he walked about the room, "You will receive whatever you need to treat those that are hurt."
He was watching the doctors and nurses as they rushed about the emergency room treating as many of the wounded as they could get to when he spotted Sam and Mark carrying the two women into the emergency room. The two medics helped them place the women onto the examining table then asked them to wait outside.
Mark had a look of concern on his face as he approached Andrew, "We found them in the bathroom trying to seek shelter from the storm. There is a huge hole in the guest bedroom roof and that is probably where they were hit and somehow they managed to get to the bathroom."
"Well, anyone living in Missouri has always been taught to seek shelter in the bathroom when a storm of this magnitude hits. I'm sure Alexis remembered the drill and figured that was the safest place to be," remarked Andrew.
Sam thought about his family and friends and worried that they might have been harms way during the storm. He wanted to call Christina, but knew he would just have to wait. "Lord, I ask Your continued protection be on my family and friends. Thank You for saving us. Help the doctors and nurses as they treat the many injured during this storm. Lord, Your will be done," Sam prayed.
Andrew looked around the base at the damage and walked to the infirmary to check on the wounded. The doctor greeted him at the door, "Sir, we have at least six dead and more than fifty injured. We are quickly running out of room and I would like to set up another room to treat minor injuries, if that is agreeable with you?"
Andrew nodded his head as he walked about the room, "You will receive whatever you need to treat those that are hurt."
He was watching the doctors and nurses as they rushed about the emergency room treating as many of the wounded as they could get to when he spotted Sam and Mark carrying the two women into the emergency room. The two medics helped them place the women onto the examining table then asked them to wait outside.
Mark had a look of concern on his face as he approached Andrew, "We found them in the bathroom trying to seek shelter from the storm. There is a huge hole in the guest bedroom roof and that is probably where they were hit and somehow they managed to get to the bathroom."
"Well, anyone living in Missouri has always been taught to seek shelter in the bathroom when a storm of this magnitude hits. I'm sure Alexis remembered the drill and figured that was the safest place to be," remarked Andrew.
Sam thought about his family and friends and worried that they might have been harms way during the storm. He wanted to call Christina, but knew he would just have to wait. "Lord, I ask Your continued protection be on my family and friends. Thank You for saving us. Help the doctors and nurses as they treat the many injured during this storm. Lord, Your will be done," Sam prayed.
- P4H
_________________________________________________________________
Babylon? Todd thought for a second.
“Sera 1, Sera 2, the hail is letting up, both helicopters are down”
“Copy, all teams be advised three individuals made it inside the statue, two are dead and I have one with me. Hold position”
Lt. Maskovy heard the man talking to his men. “So how many man you have here and why are you here protecting this illegal statue?”
“I have enough here to keep you and many more at bay. We are United States Navy Seals and our mission is to protect the interests of the United States from the enemy both foreign and domestic. You have good English for an Iraqi; that is where your Babylon is right?”
“Sera 1, Sera 2, the hail is letting up, both helicopters are down”
“Copy, all teams be advised three individuals made it inside the statue, two are dead and I have one with me. Hold position”
Lt. Maskovy heard the man talking to his men. “So how many man you have here and why are you here protecting this illegal statue?”
“I have enough here to keep you and many more at bay. We are United States Navy Seals and our mission is to protect the interests of the United States from the enemy both foreign and domestic. You have good English for an Iraqi; that is where your Babylon is right?”
- Alex
___________________________________________________________________
Statue of Liberty, USA
Lt. Maskovy felt the beginning sparks of temper stirring within his heart. How dare this man discredit Babylon in all her splendor? How dare he insinuate that the GF powers did not extend over the United States? What right had he to defy the Potentate's power? Let him do his worst; the Potentate would emerge supreme. But, the Lt. was not a rash, thoughtless man. He realized the utter foolishness of fighting or even talking back to his captors. He turned to the man towering above him.
"Yes, it is. I wasn't an Iraqi by birth. Like the soldiers of some nations, I was transferred to Iraq during the Iraqi War for Independence... I earned the good graces of my colonel, and have been his faithful assistant since." The Lt. began to wonder if his buddies were still alive.
"Sir, do you think-" His voice trailed off as he bit his lip at the thought of the bloody corpses lying nearby. Out of the corner of his eye he could see a growing strand of red creeping across the floor.
- KBR
____________________________________________________________________
"Your friends are dead and after what you’re crazy insane want-a-be government did to the men and women down south, I should place a bullet in your head right now." Todd tapped the barrel of his weapon on the Lt. forehead.
"So who is this so called leader you have? What country did he come from and who made him in charge? My men and I have been away from the news for the past nine months and I want to understand who or what I am fighting" Todd asked setting down on the corner of a table.
"So who is this so called leader you have? What country did he come from and who made him in charge? My men and I have been away from the news for the past nine months and I want to understand who or what I am fighting" Todd asked setting down on the corner of a table.
- Alex
____________________________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
Frank was surprised that there was so little damage at the Education Center. Parts of the fence had been knocked down by the large hail, but for the most part the damage to the buildings was minimal.
“So no one was hurt?” Frank asked Travis.
“No sir. We were all in the cafeteria eating breakfast. We heard the hail hitting the door and got up to check it out. I told everyone to get away from the windows and into the bathrooms when I saw the hail was getting to softball size.”
“Good work, Travis.” Frank nodded his approval. “Get some of the men and check the damage to the fence and have some of the other men check damage to windows and the roofs of the buildings.”
“Yes sir.” Travis nodded. He hesitated, “Was there any damage to your home?”
“Yes. It looks pretty bad. Tansy is in my office right now. She’s a little shaken up, but who wouldn’t be after seeing a chunk of hail the size of a beach ball sitting in the middle of your dining room table?” Frank said with a grimace.
“We are all glad that you and Tansy are ok. We started praying for you both during the storm.”
Frank clapped Travis on the back. “I appreciate your prayers Travis, more than you can know.”
“We’re family.” Travis said with a smile. “I’ll get the men checking things out and bring you a full report of the damages as soon as I have it.”
Frank nodded and headed for his office. Upon entering he saw that Tansy had turned on the news. The hail storm had struck New York City, as well as several other cities in the US. It had also done severe damage in Babylon. Frank gave a small smile to hear that Teodor’s city had been struck especially hard. Then his smile faded as he saw the number of dead. Thousands had been killed in the storm, and Frank sent up a quick prayer that some of those souls had known Christ.
“Jerome called while you were talking to Travis. He just wanted to make sure that we were ok. He said he and his mother were fine, and when you have a chance to call him and let him know the extent of the damage here.” Tansy relayed the message.
Frank nodded and hugged his wife. “Travis and the men are working on that now.” He kissed the top of her head. “Are you feeling better?”
“Yes. I’m just worried that once the full extents of the damages are assessed that maybe Argryos may decide to close this place down and send us somewhere else.” Tansy sighed. “I don’t want to leave our family here at the center. Maddie and her family, I’d really have to leave them.”
“Argryos won’t shut this place down. Remember it’s not really going to be an Education Center. When the second seal is broken, this place is supposed to be used to as a prison for Christians and those who refuse to follow him.” Frank reminded Tansy. “But we will do everything we can to make it a safe haven for as long as we are able.”
Tansy nodded knowing that at some point in the future Argryos would figure out exactly what was going on and then this place wouldn’t be safe for anyone.
Frank was surprised that there was so little damage at the Education Center. Parts of the fence had been knocked down by the large hail, but for the most part the damage to the buildings was minimal.
“So no one was hurt?” Frank asked Travis.
“No sir. We were all in the cafeteria eating breakfast. We heard the hail hitting the door and got up to check it out. I told everyone to get away from the windows and into the bathrooms when I saw the hail was getting to softball size.”
“Good work, Travis.” Frank nodded his approval. “Get some of the men and check the damage to the fence and have some of the other men check damage to windows and the roofs of the buildings.”
“Yes sir.” Travis nodded. He hesitated, “Was there any damage to your home?”
“Yes. It looks pretty bad. Tansy is in my office right now. She’s a little shaken up, but who wouldn’t be after seeing a chunk of hail the size of a beach ball sitting in the middle of your dining room table?” Frank said with a grimace.
“We are all glad that you and Tansy are ok. We started praying for you both during the storm.”
Frank clapped Travis on the back. “I appreciate your prayers Travis, more than you can know.”
“We’re family.” Travis said with a smile. “I’ll get the men checking things out and bring you a full report of the damages as soon as I have it.”
Frank nodded and headed for his office. Upon entering he saw that Tansy had turned on the news. The hail storm had struck New York City, as well as several other cities in the US. It had also done severe damage in Babylon. Frank gave a small smile to hear that Teodor’s city had been struck especially hard. Then his smile faded as he saw the number of dead. Thousands had been killed in the storm, and Frank sent up a quick prayer that some of those souls had known Christ.
“Jerome called while you were talking to Travis. He just wanted to make sure that we were ok. He said he and his mother were fine, and when you have a chance to call him and let him know the extent of the damage here.” Tansy relayed the message.
Frank nodded and hugged his wife. “Travis and the men are working on that now.” He kissed the top of her head. “Are you feeling better?”
“Yes. I’m just worried that once the full extents of the damages are assessed that maybe Argryos may decide to close this place down and send us somewhere else.” Tansy sighed. “I don’t want to leave our family here at the center. Maddie and her family, I’d really have to leave them.”
“Argryos won’t shut this place down. Remember it’s not really going to be an Education Center. When the second seal is broken, this place is supposed to be used to as a prison for Christians and those who refuse to follow him.” Frank reminded Tansy. “But we will do everything we can to make it a safe haven for as long as we are able.”
Tansy nodded knowing that at some point in the future Argryos would figure out exactly what was going on and then this place wouldn’t be safe for anyone.
- Zags
_________________________________________________________________
Jerome sat in his office, his head in his hands. His office had been built without windows so there was no damage...but Jerome hadn't been in his office when the hail began. He shuddered as he reflected on what had just happened....
"Man, it's a nice day outside," Jerome muttered to himself with a smile. Sometimes the Lord just did little things like this which were like small blessings. Things had been going smoothly for awhile; his cover was as solid as ever and he was continuing to learn more about Teodor's plans, although Teodor seemed to be speaking more frequently with Brett Reed, who Jerome thought could possibly be the future False Prophet. He was also getting closer with Teodor's mother Lena, and Teodor seemed to be happy that his mother had some other activity to distract her from him. They spent time studying the Bible and praying together, especially since their lives around Teodor were so dangerous.
Jerome furrowed his brow as the lighting of the main offices darkened significantly, and he looked outside to see dark, ominous clouds. "Well that developed quickly...almost too quickly," he murmured. Little tiny specks of hail began to drum against the glass, which at first did not concern anyone. Jerome's eyes widened as he saw the hail increasing in size, and he jumped in shock as one of the large windows shattered because of a softball-sized chunk of hail. That's when he took off running. He sprinted through the isles of cubicles, desperate to get to his windowless office or any sort of shelter. He could hear people screaming and shards of glass were flying over the cubicle walls, which were about 7 feet tall (as odd as that is). As he hit the end of the row he wrenched himself back as a woman flew through the air, a cantaloupe-sized hail chunk embedded into her abdomen threw her across the room. Eyes wide and adrenaline pumping through his veins, Jerome waited for a break in the action and took off. He ducked as another large hail ball attempted to destroy his head and rolled to avoid another aimed at his legs. He leaped off the floor and hit the ground across the gap, rolling into that hallway which shielded Jerome from the hail and breaking glass. Teodor's door flew open as he heard the screams, looking disheveled and panicked. He looked at Jerome, wide-eyed and shocked, and as his eyes scanned the devastation behind Jerome, he became very pale and his breathing erratic. Jerome had never seen the Potentate look so afraid and unable to speak or mask his wild emotions. They both stood, frozen until the hail suddenly stopped falling; the sun shined again into the office areas, almost like nothing had just happened...like it had all been a nightmare. Unfortunately it was very real. Jerome looked back at Teodor, who was trying to snap himself out of his shock and terror, but it was obvious Teodor was finding it difficult to do. Jerome turned back towards the scene and cautiously walked into the disaster area. Bodies were everywhere; some were clearly torn apart while others were severely injured; those alive were breathing heavily and struggling to move or quell the blood gushing from their wounds. A few lucky people were still huddled inside the cubicle hallways, terrified to move. Jerome ran over to the nearest injured person and attempted to help her, but clearly she was going into shock and could not comprehend how bad her injuries were. "Miss, miss, it's ok, I'm here to help" Jerome said, grabbing some towels which for some reason were in the area. He put pressure on the largest wound, which was in her lower abdomen. She gasped in pain and struggled to breathe; Jerome furiously worked to stop the bleeding, but it was obvious the injuries were too extensive. She shuddered each time she drew in breath, and Jerome realized her lungs were punctured. However, the woman's eyes were open and it seemed as if her mind was clear and aware. On instinct, he moved toward her head and whispered "Do you know the Lord?" She shook her head and muttered "No, but m-my sister a-always talked a-about h-him. I w-want to h-have w-what she h-had because sh-she was s-so h-happy" Jerome silently thanked God for this opportunity and proceeded. "What's your name miss?" "L-Lindsay" she muttered. "Ok Lindsay, repeat after me ok?" Seeing her nod, he continued: "Dear Jesus, I have rejected you my whole life, and I am truly sorry. I know you are the Son of God and that you died on the Cross to pay for my sins, for I am a sinner. Thank you Jesus for saving me, and I want you to come into my heart Lord. In your name, Amen". She had whispered along and a small smile graced her face. "Thank y-you J-Jerome"; apparently she knew Jerome from his status with Teodor. Closing her eyes, she slowly let out her last, final breath. "Thank you Jesus, thank you," Jerome murmured, in awe of what had just happened and joy stirring in his heart.
It had been some day, and after he had helped that woman, health care crews swarmed into the area; the healthcare center is on the same floor but sealed off in another windowless wing to protect privacy or something (Jerome was not sure), which kept all of the personnel safe and available. Jerome had backed away from the scene and returned to his office. He had also checked in with Teodor's mom Lena, who was fine physically but a little shaken up. "Oh Lord, please grant protection to your believers, especially since things are about to get a whole lot worse."
- Katy
__________________________________________________________________
"You mean the Potentate Angyros? I'll try my best to be your newspaper if that's what you want." The Lt. made a wry face at his captor. "He was born in Greece and entered into the world of politics when he was in his early twenties. Not much is known about his background other than the fact, his mother lives near him in Babylon. With the collapse of the global economy, the alien abduction of thousands, and the worldwide turmoil, we desperately needed a strong leader to guide us. He offered the world hope and change-"
His captor broke in, "Who is "he"?"
"Why, the Potentate Argyros of course!" exclaimed Lt. Maskovy.
"Go on," frowned the stranger. "Who elected him to do this job?"
"The people of the world, of course."
"What happened next?"
"We elected him and he consolidated the world's armies, navies, and economies. Everything runs much smoother and more efficiently that way."
"Who chose you for this task?" probed the rebel leader.
"One of the Potentate's assistants and my colonel," the prisoner sighed.
- KBR
_________________________________________________________________
Todd thought for a second, he remembered the crew on the HMS Wales talking about what they thought happened.
“Alien Abduction? You’re joking right?” Todd shock his head “I talked to many men and women who was standing next to people who disappeared and no green men from mars took them.”
Todd decided to go out on a limb and disclose some false information he normally wouldn’t do. “Well I know of ten submarines, two carriers and a hand full of other US Naval vessels that still fly the American flag and your Potentate Argyros or whatever his name is will not command them.”
Lt. Maskovy face shown the look Todd had hoped for, “No, the enemy fleet was destroyed a few weeks ago, your lying” the Lt. shot back.
“Am I?, I think not, We knew soon your forces would find us so we split up, your illegal use of nuclear weapons only got half the fleet, how do you think we got here? For you information, there is a nuke sub setting here in the Hudson River ready to unleash it power on whoever messes with the flag. Since I doubt your leader will believe me, I will tell you one more piece of information. With the information you have provided, I will be sending it to the fleet that is steaming towards your Babylon as we speak. You can rest assure that within a few days, your leader will either be in jail or vaporized like the Bright Star Fleet.”
Todd could see the fear grow on the Lieutenants face, it was all a lie but Lt. Maskovy didn’t know it and he would pass alone this information and the fear.
“How bad is your leg? Can you walk?”
- Alex
__________________________________________________________________
Dr. Saunders looked down at his patient as he prepared to piece together her shattered face. He had been one of the brightest young plastic surgeons to graduate from the University of Missouri and he knew he had been given the skills to repair the damage that had been done to this once beautiful face, but it would be a huge challenge. His practice in LA had once been the most successful in the nation, but he had eventually become disgusted with the selfish rich women and men that had come to him wanting to change their bodies for reasons that were beyond his comprehension. He had wanted to help the less fortunate and did offer his services to the needy, but he had also enjoyed the riches that came from treating the very rich and their desire to be younger and more beautiful than God had made them. He had grown weary of the selfish demands of the vein and when he had refused to treat a patient to yet another transformation of her body, she had made it her life’s goal to destroy his practice. He closed his practice and joined the military in order to help the soldiers returning from war. They had called on him to repair faces damaged by shrapnel from bombs or land mines. God had given him the skills necessary to help those that truly needed his expertise.
The nurse assisting him had done an excellent job cleaning the wounds and as he studied the young woman’s face he knew she had had a natural beauty. Her cheek bones refined and sleek were now left to him to repair the damage done by the icy pellets that had battered her face. His heart raced as he picked up the scalpel to begin his task then he noticed her face begin to change. The bones seemed to be healing themselves and the skin, well the skin was taking shape before his eyes and he lowered the scalpel and watched as her face began returning to its former beauty. The nurse gasped, “Doctor, her wounds are healing themselves. It is as though she was never injured. How can this be possible?”
“It is possible because God is in this young woman. God is healing her. We in the medical field have all seen miracles on a daily basis and those miracles could have only come from God. I once believed strongly in God. My father was Jewish and my mother was raised Catholic, but like so many that married outside their faith, they couldn’t decide which religion they wanted to practice so they gave up all beliefs and practices. I made my choice to follow neither religion and joined a friend who attended a local non-denominational church. I stopped going when I got to college. I owe my skills to God and I rejected all forms of God and His son, Jesus. You are witnessing the mighty power of God.”
The nurse looked at him as though he had lost his mind, but she had seen the power of God, but still she clung to her belief God had abandoned her. She had seen what the new government was doing for everyone and the promise of peace and prosperity to all. God hadn’t stopped all the horrors of war and the Potentate was delivering on his promises. No, she wouldn’t allow herself to believe in God or Jesus. Her parents had disappeared along with her sister so she would rather believe that the new government was going to take care of her rather than this so-called Jesus. She had laughed at her family’s beliefs and could never see the benefit of believing in a God who had never done anything for her.
Alexis opened her eyes and asked, “Where am I? What happened to me?”
The doctor’s spoke in a gentle voice, “You are in the infirmary. There was a storm and you were hit by large pieces of hail. At first, your injuries were devastating, but a miracle has taken place and your face and body have been healed.”
Alexis smiled, “I dreamed of Jesus holding me in His arms and whispering, “You will be alright just believe”, and I had the most beautiful dream of angels singing and being in the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.”
The doctor returned her smile and gently pressed her hand, “We watched God heal your body. It was the most miraculous thing I’ve ever seen in all my years of practice.”
Alexis’ gave the brightest smile, “I felt His Holy presence the whole time. How is Amy? Was she hurt, too?”
“She had some minor cuts and is waiting outside with your friends. Rest for a few moments then you can join your friends,” the doctor told her.
The nurse looked at the two of them and for a moment wanted to believe, but her heart was cold and she refused to believe what her eyes had seen. God had shown her over and over His power to heal the sick, but she would not believe. The world was full of people just like Elizabeth and they would spend eternity wishing they had made a different choice.
They helped Alexis off the table and she gave the doctor a hug and turned to the nurse, “Thank you for giving me such good care. Jesus is waiting for you both to surrender your hearts to him and you only need to ask for forgiveness of your sins and accept His loving grace. God be with you both.”
She opened the door and walked to join her waiting friends.
The nurse assisting him had done an excellent job cleaning the wounds and as he studied the young woman’s face he knew she had had a natural beauty. Her cheek bones refined and sleek were now left to him to repair the damage done by the icy pellets that had battered her face. His heart raced as he picked up the scalpel to begin his task then he noticed her face begin to change. The bones seemed to be healing themselves and the skin, well the skin was taking shape before his eyes and he lowered the scalpel and watched as her face began returning to its former beauty. The nurse gasped, “Doctor, her wounds are healing themselves. It is as though she was never injured. How can this be possible?”
“It is possible because God is in this young woman. God is healing her. We in the medical field have all seen miracles on a daily basis and those miracles could have only come from God. I once believed strongly in God. My father was Jewish and my mother was raised Catholic, but like so many that married outside their faith, they couldn’t decide which religion they wanted to practice so they gave up all beliefs and practices. I made my choice to follow neither religion and joined a friend who attended a local non-denominational church. I stopped going when I got to college. I owe my skills to God and I rejected all forms of God and His son, Jesus. You are witnessing the mighty power of God.”
The nurse looked at him as though he had lost his mind, but she had seen the power of God, but still she clung to her belief God had abandoned her. She had seen what the new government was doing for everyone and the promise of peace and prosperity to all. God hadn’t stopped all the horrors of war and the Potentate was delivering on his promises. No, she wouldn’t allow herself to believe in God or Jesus. Her parents had disappeared along with her sister so she would rather believe that the new government was going to take care of her rather than this so-called Jesus. She had laughed at her family’s beliefs and could never see the benefit of believing in a God who had never done anything for her.
Alexis opened her eyes and asked, “Where am I? What happened to me?”
The doctor’s spoke in a gentle voice, “You are in the infirmary. There was a storm and you were hit by large pieces of hail. At first, your injuries were devastating, but a miracle has taken place and your face and body have been healed.”
Alexis smiled, “I dreamed of Jesus holding me in His arms and whispering, “You will be alright just believe”, and I had the most beautiful dream of angels singing and being in the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.”
The doctor returned her smile and gently pressed her hand, “We watched God heal your body. It was the most miraculous thing I’ve ever seen in all my years of practice.”
Alexis’ gave the brightest smile, “I felt His Holy presence the whole time. How is Amy? Was she hurt, too?”
“She had some minor cuts and is waiting outside with your friends. Rest for a few moments then you can join your friends,” the doctor told her.
The nurse looked at the two of them and for a moment wanted to believe, but her heart was cold and she refused to believe what her eyes had seen. God had shown her over and over His power to heal the sick, but she would not believe. The world was full of people just like Elizabeth and they would spend eternity wishing they had made a different choice.
They helped Alexis off the table and she gave the doctor a hug and turned to the nurse, “Thank you for giving me such good care. Jesus is waiting for you both to surrender your hearts to him and you only need to ask for forgiveness of your sins and accept His loving grace. God be with you both.”
She opened the door and walked to join her waiting friends.
- P4H
_________________________________________________________________
Black Mesa, Oklahoma
“Hey everybody. I finally got the satellite working again and there is a breaking news report!” Renee shouted.
“What’s it about?” Matt shouted from his room.
“Something about Argryos.” Renee shouted back. She sat back and listened for a few minutes and then let out a gasp.
“YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!” She screamed at the TV.
“What!!!??” Shade and Maddie both asked coming up behind Renee.
All Renee could do was point at the screen, he lips compressed in her anger.
“OH!!” Zoe exclaimed as she read the ticker tape running along the bottom of the screen.
“What is it?” Kristen asked. “I can’t read it all that well.”
Nathan made a growing sound in his throat as Skunk, Mo and Raul all let out their own shouts of denial.
Becca and Ryan put their Bible’s down and walked over to see what all the commotion was about.
Matt had finally come out of his room to see what all the shouting was about and let out his own groan as Renee turned the TV up so they could listen to the announcement.
“Quite down everyone so we can all hear.” Shade said as everyone settled into their seats around the TV.
“This is Simon Simmons reporting live from New York City.” The reporters voice shook in his excitement. “I am so honored and pleased to report to you that Supreme Pontentate Teodor Argryos has been awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. This award should come as no shock to citizens around the world as Pontentate Argryos has accomplished what every world leader has expressed a desire to do, but failed to bring about. World Peace.
For the first time in history the world has lain down their weapons of war and embraced peace. And the man behind this historic event is certainly Pontentate Argryos.
With his sheer will and drive the Pontentate has made his life long dream, and the life long dream of us all a reality.
In a world that has been ravaged by war the Pontentates call for peace have been met with resounding success, from the unstable Middle East to Pakistan and India. Through out China, Russia, North Korea, peace has finally been established with men no longer looking at one another as enemies. Through Pontentate Argryos all of these people have come together as one. One family. One country. One community. Finally after hundreds, no thousands of years of war the world finally has peace and harmony.
Sources in New York and Babylon tell me that the Pontentate was overwhelmed, and honored when he heard the news early this morning. The Pontentate will be speaking about this great honor later on this evening. This is Simon Simmons reporting live.”
Matt had been making gagging noises throughout the broadcast, and after Renee turned the TV down he announced. “I feel like I’m gonna throw up.”
There were nods throughout the room.
Rev 6:2 And I saw. And behold a white horse! And he sitting on it had a bow. And a crown was given to him, and he went forth conquering and to conquer.
“Just like the Bible says. He will conquer the world with peace.” Maddie reminded everyone.
Everyone except Leon nodded their agreement.
“I don’t understand.”
- Zags
___________________________________________________________________
Riverside in Mosul, Iraq
The chilly rain quickly turned into ice crystals that sounded like millions of tiny critters dancing in the streets of Mosul. Abdul stood at the window of his cottage rejoicing in the Lord's goodness. He watched the little pellets bounce as they hit the ground. The bounces got bigger and so did the ice crystals. Abdul stared in horror at the men and women running for their lives to whatever shelter they could find. He tore himself away from the window just as a speeding hail bullet smashed into the window panes. Glass shattered all over the floor.
Aini staggered down the street, pain shooting through her side. The sky was raining balls of white hard stuff that hurt when it touched her skin. Aini couldn't understand what was happening as she half limped, half ran toward the fishmonger's cottage; and she remembered May telling her stories about the sky raining fire and brimstone. Up to the present, Aini thought such stories were just made-up tall tales, but now she began to wonder if such stories could happen. Almost there, she gasped a large hailstone plunked off her shoulder leaving an enormous bruise on her skin.
Abdul heard what sounded like a wounded cow bumping against his front door. Abdul sprang to the door and pulled a drenched, bleeding Aini inside the cottage. A cantaloupe size ball bounced into the room right behind her. Abdul shoved the door shut, and dragged Aini into the closet. He closed the closet door behind him and the two sat in pitch blackness listening to the screams of the dying mingled with the thuds of the hail.
Tears streaked Abdul's face as thought of how many were dying without the Savior. Folks who thought they were good enough that God would wink them into Heaven. Those who hated the only way to the Father. And those who rejected Jesus as their Saviour from sin. The poor, the rich, the young, the old, the babe, the father, and the tender mothers were facing the terrible judgment of a Righteous God. He was pouring out His wrath on the unbelieving. The days of His mercy was over and the window of opportunity for grace was slowly closing.
The chilly rain quickly turned into ice crystals that sounded like millions of tiny critters dancing in the streets of Mosul. Abdul stood at the window of his cottage rejoicing in the Lord's goodness. He watched the little pellets bounce as they hit the ground. The bounces got bigger and so did the ice crystals. Abdul stared in horror at the men and women running for their lives to whatever shelter they could find. He tore himself away from the window just as a speeding hail bullet smashed into the window panes. Glass shattered all over the floor.
Aini staggered down the street, pain shooting through her side. The sky was raining balls of white hard stuff that hurt when it touched her skin. Aini couldn't understand what was happening as she half limped, half ran toward the fishmonger's cottage; and she remembered May telling her stories about the sky raining fire and brimstone. Up to the present, Aini thought such stories were just made-up tall tales, but now she began to wonder if such stories could happen. Almost there, she gasped a large hailstone plunked off her shoulder leaving an enormous bruise on her skin.
Abdul heard what sounded like a wounded cow bumping against his front door. Abdul sprang to the door and pulled a drenched, bleeding Aini inside the cottage. A cantaloupe size ball bounced into the room right behind her. Abdul shoved the door shut, and dragged Aini into the closet. He closed the closet door behind him and the two sat in pitch blackness listening to the screams of the dying mingled with the thuds of the hail.
Tears streaked Abdul's face as thought of how many were dying without the Savior. Folks who thought they were good enough that God would wink them into Heaven. Those who hated the only way to the Father. And those who rejected Jesus as their Saviour from sin. The poor, the rich, the young, the old, the babe, the father, and the tender mothers were facing the terrible judgment of a Righteous God. He was pouring out His wrath on the unbelieving. The days of His mercy was over and the window of opportunity for grace was slowly closing.
- KBR
_________________________________________________________________
Black Mesa, Oklahoma
“Everyone could you give me a few minutes with Leon while I explain.” Shade asked.
Everyone got up and went about their business with the exception of Kristen.
“I’m gonna stay.” Was all the girl said, and Shade seeing the stubborn expression on her face decided not to argue.
“Leon, there is a lot that I’m sure your confused about, and I’ll do my best to explain.” Shade opened his Bible the passage I just read is the fulfillment of a prophecy that the Apostle John wrote down 2000 years ago. It was also prophesied about by Daniel hundreds of years before Jesus told John to write it down.” Shade thumbed through his Bible and read, “Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. And in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease, and on a corner of the altar desolating abominations, even until the end. And that which was decreed shall be poured on the desolator.”
Shade looked up and explained "The seven weeks is seven years. Argryos made a peace covenant with Israel and many nations wouldn’t you say?”
“Yes.” Leon nodded. “Like the reporter said, the Pontentate had brought about world peace.”
Shade grimaced but continued. “Do you remember how long this peace is supposed to last according to the peace treaties?”
“Seven ….. Seven years.” Leon looked a bit startled.
Shade nodded. “That’s right. Seven years. But the peace will not last." Again Shade picked up his Bible “Rev 6:2 And I saw. And behold a white horse! And he sitting on it had a bow. And a crown was given to him, and he went forth conquering and to conquer.
Rev 6:3 And when He had opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, Come and see.
Rev 6:4 And another, a red horse, went out. And power was given to him sitting on it, to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. And there was given to him a great sword.
The second seal is coming soon. War will break out, war brought about by Argryos himself.”
“But why would he start a war? He just won the Nobel Peace Prize for attaining world peace!” Leon looked stunned. “Who on this earth would he want to start a war against? He’s the President of the whole world!”
“Anyone who disagrees with him and doesn't join the Global Family, then eventually Shade, Maddie, me, and people like us. People who won't worship him.” Kristen said quietly. “He will start a war against Christians and the Jewish people and try to kill us all.”
“Everyone could you give me a few minutes with Leon while I explain.” Shade asked.
Everyone got up and went about their business with the exception of Kristen.
“I’m gonna stay.” Was all the girl said, and Shade seeing the stubborn expression on her face decided not to argue.
“Leon, there is a lot that I’m sure your confused about, and I’ll do my best to explain.” Shade opened his Bible the passage I just read is the fulfillment of a prophecy that the Apostle John wrote down 2000 years ago. It was also prophesied about by Daniel hundreds of years before Jesus told John to write it down.” Shade thumbed through his Bible and read, “Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. And in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease, and on a corner of the altar desolating abominations, even until the end. And that which was decreed shall be poured on the desolator.”
Shade looked up and explained "The seven weeks is seven years. Argryos made a peace covenant with Israel and many nations wouldn’t you say?”
“Yes.” Leon nodded. “Like the reporter said, the Pontentate had brought about world peace.”
Shade grimaced but continued. “Do you remember how long this peace is supposed to last according to the peace treaties?”
“Seven ….. Seven years.” Leon looked a bit startled.
Shade nodded. “That’s right. Seven years. But the peace will not last." Again Shade picked up his Bible “Rev 6:2 And I saw. And behold a white horse! And he sitting on it had a bow. And a crown was given to him, and he went forth conquering and to conquer.
Rev 6:3 And when He had opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, Come and see.
Rev 6:4 And another, a red horse, went out. And power was given to him sitting on it, to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. And there was given to him a great sword.
The second seal is coming soon. War will break out, war brought about by Argryos himself.”
“But why would he start a war? He just won the Nobel Peace Prize for attaining world peace!” Leon looked stunned. “Who on this earth would he want to start a war against? He’s the President of the whole world!”
“Anyone who disagrees with him and doesn't join the Global Family, then eventually Shade, Maddie, me, and people like us. People who won't worship him.” Kristen said quietly. “He will start a war against Christians and the Jewish people and try to kill us all.”
- Zags
_________________________________________________________________
Black Mesa, Oklahoma
Leon blinked a few times. “But he’s done so much good. How could someone who has done more for the good of the people be bad?”
Kristen let out a sigh. “Because he is the antichrist. The Bible tells us about everything he is going to do. He doesn’t want good for people. He wants people to worship him and he will kill anyone who refuses to do so.”
“How can you be so sure this antichrist guy is Teodor. There are a lot of people who have wanted to control the world. Look at Hitler and Stalin. Those guys were more like the antichrist than Teodor.”
“We know that throughout generations satan has probably had many men to choose from to be the antichrist, and Hitler and Stalin were probably high up on his list, but neither of those men signed the seven year peace covenant with Israel and the many nations that Daniel described in his prophecy.” Shade explained. “Argryos signed the treaty, a treaty that allowed the Jewish people to rebuild their temple and re-institute the sacrifices. It also promised that the Jewish people will live in peace.”
Again Shade read from his Bible. “2Th 2:3 Let not anyone deceive you by any means. For that Day shall not come unless there first comes a falling away, and the man of sin shall be revealed, the son of perdition,
2Th 2:4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself forth, that he is God.
2Th 2:5 Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you?
2Th 2:6 And now you know what holds back, for him to be revealed in his own time.
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already working, only he is now holding back until it comes out of the midst.
2Th 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the breath of His mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming,
2Th 2:9 whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2Th 2:10 and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, so that they might be saved.
2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie,
2Th 2:12 so that all those who do not believe the truth, but delight in unrighteousness, might be condemned.”
Shade looked up at Leon and saw the young man was shaking his head.
“This is another reason Hitler and Stalin could not have been the antichrist. There was no temple for them to stand in. There is now.”
Leon opened and closed his mouth as if to speak but no words came out.
“Argryos is the antichrist Leon. There is no doubt about it. Please don’t fall for the lie.” Kristen implored.
Leon looked at Kristen and quickly looked away. “Why? Why do you care? How could you after what I did to you?” Then he quickly stood and ran.
Leon blinked a few times. “But he’s done so much good. How could someone who has done more for the good of the people be bad?”
Kristen let out a sigh. “Because he is the antichrist. The Bible tells us about everything he is going to do. He doesn’t want good for people. He wants people to worship him and he will kill anyone who refuses to do so.”
“How can you be so sure this antichrist guy is Teodor. There are a lot of people who have wanted to control the world. Look at Hitler and Stalin. Those guys were more like the antichrist than Teodor.”
“We know that throughout generations satan has probably had many men to choose from to be the antichrist, and Hitler and Stalin were probably high up on his list, but neither of those men signed the seven year peace covenant with Israel and the many nations that Daniel described in his prophecy.” Shade explained. “Argryos signed the treaty, a treaty that allowed the Jewish people to rebuild their temple and re-institute the sacrifices. It also promised that the Jewish people will live in peace.”
Again Shade read from his Bible. “2Th 2:3 Let not anyone deceive you by any means. For that Day shall not come unless there first comes a falling away, and the man of sin shall be revealed, the son of perdition,
2Th 2:4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself forth, that he is God.
2Th 2:5 Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you?
2Th 2:6 And now you know what holds back, for him to be revealed in his own time.
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already working, only he is now holding back until it comes out of the midst.
2Th 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the breath of His mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming,
2Th 2:9 whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2Th 2:10 and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, so that they might be saved.
2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie,
2Th 2:12 so that all those who do not believe the truth, but delight in unrighteousness, might be condemned.”
Shade looked up at Leon and saw the young man was shaking his head.
“This is another reason Hitler and Stalin could not have been the antichrist. There was no temple for them to stand in. There is now.”
Leon opened and closed his mouth as if to speak but no words came out.
“Argryos is the antichrist Leon. There is no doubt about it. Please don’t fall for the lie.” Kristen implored.
Leon looked at Kristen and quickly looked away. “Why? Why do you care? How could you after what I did to you?” Then he quickly stood and ran.
- Zags
___________________________________________________________________
"I - I think I can stand it." Lt. Maskovy grunted as he pulled himself slowly to his feet. In spite of his bold words, his leg still throbbed, but it seemed to be better than it had been. He was anxious to get outside and see if the Potentate's banner still flew proudly over the statue.
"I think my assistants threw your symbol of defiance to the ground," commented the Lieutenant. "With all that hail we had, it's safe to bet that the banner we put up and your hunk of metal are decimated." Todd arched his eyebrows at his captive.
"We'll see about that," he said threateningly. "Follow me and don't try no monkey business or you're days will end instantly."
- KBR
_________________________________________________________________
All eyes seemed to be on the beautiful young woman as she crossed the room to greet her awaiting friends. Amy ran to meet her friend, “Alexis, you are completely healed. It’s amazing! I’m so glad you are alright. You saved my life.” Amy hugged Alexis tightly then pulled away staring at her.
Mark couldn’t remove his eyes from her face and he thought she was more beautiful than ever before. His heart soared, “Alexis, praise the Lord you are alright. We were really worried about you.”
Sam gave her a hug and held her at arm’s length, “You are a sight for sore eyes. Mark is right, the Lord has healed you and we are so grateful. No one would have believed this miracle unless they had witnessed it first hand. Our God is a mighty God.”
Alexis smiled brightly, “I felt Jesus’ presence the whole time and I had this beautiful dream of being in His arms and hearing angels sing. It was more beautiful than I can ever describe. I am so glad Amy is ok. I was more worried about her than myself. She was so frightened when the storm started and the only thing I could think to do was run for the bathroom. We always ran to the bathroom or a closet whenever there were storms.”
Sam began to laugh, “See, I told you Alexis knew what to do during a storm. Anyone who lives in Missouri knows about storms and procedures to follow.”
Dr. Saunders watched the group as they huddled around each other hugging and laughing and his heart was full with thankfulness to God for watching over them. He said a silent prayer, “Lord, I know I am a sinner and not worthy, but if You could find a way to forgive me of my sins and save my soul, I would greatly appreciate Your consideration in the matter. I would like to have the peace they have and have You with me. Thank You for healing Alexis.” He smiled as an inner peace engulfed his whole being.
The four walked arm and arm to Andrew’s office. Mark was enjoying the moment and thinking how much he adored this young woman, but this was not the time or the place to think of such things. She was like an angel sent from heaven above and he would be satisfied just being in her presence. Alexis was blessed with the most beautiful face he had ever seen yet it was her inner beauty that had transformed his heart and soul forever.
Andrew was sitting at his desk when the group burst through the door. He looked at Alexis and his mouth dropped open, “Alexis, you look more beautiful than ever. Our Lord has truly blessed you.” He gave her a shy hug and stood back to admire her miraculous healing.
She lowered her head, “Thank you, Andrew. The Lord has blessed me indeed. He has blessed me with good friends and His saving grace. It didn’t matter if I had been scarred by the storm, I still had Jesus and that is all I will ever need.”
They all nodded in agreement. Mark noticed there was a news conference on the screen and asked, “Andrew what is that all about? Teodor taking bows for stopping the storm?”
Andrew shook his head, “No. You won’t believe what has just happened though. He has been given the Nobel Peace Prize. That reporter, Simmons, has been singing the praises of the Potentate and how he alone has been able to give us WORLD PEACE. Makes me want to throw up, especially knowing what he will do in the very near future. It’s just disgusting watching this man’s ego soar to even greater heights.”
“You have got to be kidding me. That was accomplished rather quickly. It is rather mind boggling how easily everyone has been fooled, but then if they have never read the Bible they don’t understand what this all means,” Mark commented.
Alexis looked down at the screen and smiled, “He can proclaim what he chooses, but we all know who wins this battle. He deserves the Nobel Peace Prize along with all the other tyrants of our time. Remember how the Iranian president bragged he would wipe Israel off the face of the earth and low and behold Israel is still here and functioning. Although, it is a false peace, it is peace none the less. One day they will all know the truth and by that time, it will be far too little, too late.”
“I was reading in the books of Revelation and Daniel this morning and all that is written is coming to fruition. Just think what this world could have been like had everyone just believed. It’s a shame, a real shame. Thank the Lord I came to my senses and acknowledged the truth. Mankind can certainly be a stubborn lot,” Andrew responded.
Alexis walked to the window watching as the workers feverishly repaired the many damaged buildings and sighed, “There will be more storms and more death. We saw only a small example of God’s wrath. It will be a great day when Jesus makes His triumphant return to earth. Satan and all his minions will be driven out then the best part will begin……our eternity with the Father and the Son.”
- P4H
No comments:
Post a Comment