“Sera 1 to all members we are coming out”
“Copy 1”
As both men walked outside, the white hail made the area look like snow cover. Many of the trees were damaged and or laying on the ground. Walking away from the building they looked up at where the Christian flag once waved and where Lt. Maskovy men had tried placing the new flag.
Tattered cloth is all that remained of the new flag but the Christian flag that was dropped had caught the handrail and now flapped in the cool breeze undamaged by the hailstorm.
“Impossible” Lt. Maskovy shouted
“Looks like God has spoken and he only wants his flag flying” Todd said with a smile.
“Here is what going to happen; there is a rubber boat over there in the rocks, if it is not to damaged then you are going to get in it and go make to the mainland. What you do from there I could care less unless you plan to come back here. You see, this island is under the command and control of the United States. Now we might look like a small force but trust me we have handled bigger men then you or your want-a-be leader. Any questions”
Lt. Maskovy still looking up at the flag shock his head in disgust then asked about his men bodies.
“We will load them up for you and you can take them with you”
“Sera 1 to all members, on me”
The three other seals got up from their location and moved quickly to were the two men were standing.
Sera 3 came up and stood behind Lt. Maskovy, slowly he inched closer until he was just inches from the Lieutenant back. Maskovy could feel something and turned to his right. “Boo” Sera 3 whispered loud enough for the lieutenant to hear. Lt. Maskovy jumped backwards on his bad leg forcing him to fall.
“Enough” Todd announced, “We don’t want to sent the new Lieutenant back home with crap in his shorts.” All the men laughed as the picked him up.
“There are two men in the building, grab them and let’s get them and the Lieutenant down to the boat.”
The three men headed for the door, went inside and came back out with the two dead men. Walking on the hail stones was challenging but they got down to the rocks with only a few falls.
The rubber boat had been place upside down with had protected the motor, the rubber has flexible enough to bounce the hailstones off so no damages was noticed. They turned it over and placed the two men inside then allowed the Lieutenant to climb onboard.
“Remember lieutenant what I said, this is the new United States and you will not take it without a fight. Now leave while you still can”
The men pushed the boat out away from the rocks then watched and waited for Lt. Maskovy to start the motor and take off.
“Now what?” Sera 2 asked
“They will be back with a bigger force this could be our only victory. Let’s check the down Helo’s and see if they have anything we can use”
“Hey Todd if this is the new United States then I guess you’re the President” Sera 3 stated
“Yep and I appoint you the official White House Cook”
“No way, I was looking for a sweeter job like maybe Speaker of the House”
“Your right you have the mouth for it” They all laughed as they walked back to the statue.
“That is cool how our flag lasted through that storm, I figured everything would be destroyed” Sera 4 said
Looking up they all smiled, “Guess God wants his flag up a little longer”
“Copy 1”
As both men walked outside, the white hail made the area look like snow cover. Many of the trees were damaged and or laying on the ground. Walking away from the building they looked up at where the Christian flag once waved and where Lt. Maskovy men had tried placing the new flag.
Tattered cloth is all that remained of the new flag but the Christian flag that was dropped had caught the handrail and now flapped in the cool breeze undamaged by the hailstorm.
“Impossible” Lt. Maskovy shouted
“Looks like God has spoken and he only wants his flag flying” Todd said with a smile.
“Here is what going to happen; there is a rubber boat over there in the rocks, if it is not to damaged then you are going to get in it and go make to the mainland. What you do from there I could care less unless you plan to come back here. You see, this island is under the command and control of the United States. Now we might look like a small force but trust me we have handled bigger men then you or your want-a-be leader. Any questions”
Lt. Maskovy still looking up at the flag shock his head in disgust then asked about his men bodies.
“We will load them up for you and you can take them with you”
“Sera 1 to all members, on me”
The three other seals got up from their location and moved quickly to were the two men were standing.
Sera 3 came up and stood behind Lt. Maskovy, slowly he inched closer until he was just inches from the Lieutenant back. Maskovy could feel something and turned to his right. “Boo” Sera 3 whispered loud enough for the lieutenant to hear. Lt. Maskovy jumped backwards on his bad leg forcing him to fall.
“Enough” Todd announced, “We don’t want to sent the new Lieutenant back home with crap in his shorts.” All the men laughed as the picked him up.
“There are two men in the building, grab them and let’s get them and the Lieutenant down to the boat.”
The three men headed for the door, went inside and came back out with the two dead men. Walking on the hail stones was challenging but they got down to the rocks with only a few falls.
The rubber boat had been place upside down with had protected the motor, the rubber has flexible enough to bounce the hailstones off so no damages was noticed. They turned it over and placed the two men inside then allowed the Lieutenant to climb onboard.
“Remember lieutenant what I said, this is the new United States and you will not take it without a fight. Now leave while you still can”
The men pushed the boat out away from the rocks then watched and waited for Lt. Maskovy to start the motor and take off.
“Now what?” Sera 2 asked
“They will be back with a bigger force this could be our only victory. Let’s check the down Helo’s and see if they have anything we can use”
“Hey Todd if this is the new United States then I guess you’re the President” Sera 3 stated
“Yep and I appoint you the official White House Cook”
“No way, I was looking for a sweeter job like maybe Speaker of the House”
“Your right you have the mouth for it” They all laughed as they walked back to the statue.
“That is cool how our flag lasted through that storm, I figured everything would be destroyed” Sera 4 said
Looking up they all smiled, “Guess God wants his flag up a little longer”
- Alex
__________________________________________________________________
Rabbi held the door as David and Julie huddled together under the umbrella as they stepped out into the storm that was pouring down on them. Hurrying to the Rabbis car they piled in and slammed the door tight against the hailstones that were pelting the windshield. Julie breathed a sigh of relief as she nestled into the back seat and David took his seat up front with the Rabbi. Pulling out of the parking lot huge hailstones started slamming into parked cars as the Rabbi tried serving in and out to avoid his car getting hit. All 3 of them began feeling like they were riding a rollercoaster. As the Rabbi pulled the car under the overpass he turned to Julie to make sure she was alright.
"Wow!" exclaimed Julie. "I've never seen hailstones this big before." They had heard on the car radio that this event was taking place all over the world. As they huddled together under the bridge they could hear trees falling to the ground with a thud and the vibrations reverberating back to them. The Rabbi tried to call Yoshi to tell him they were on their way back but only got a recorded message that his call could not be completed as dialed. "The cellular tower must have been hit by one of these hailstones." he told David. David laughed." These hailstones arent big enough to cause that kind of major damage." he chuckled. No sooner said than they all watched as a tour bus full of tourist went flying off the top of the bridge and landed upside down about a hundred yards from them. The hail had increased in size and was coming down on top of the bus even faster. The trio could here shouts for help and cries of anguish but could not get to the bus yet. Julie began to cry as she heard the sorrow coming from the bus. "We must pray for them." said Rabbi as he reached out for David and Julies hands.
"Father in Heaven we ask for mercy for the people trapped in this bus. We pray you will minister to them with the healing in your hands. Lord God we pray for every soul involved that they may know you and call upon you in their hour of need. If some dont know you Lord we pray that those who do will will use it for your glory to touch the lives without you on that bus."
The trio jumped as they heard the loud explosion above their heads. Looking up at the top of the bridge they spotted a man holding a missle launcher on his shoulder. As they glanced over at the bus it was totally engulfed in flames and the screams had stopped.
The Rabbi let a tear slide down his cheek. "We must always remember that God is still in control no matter what we may encounter in our service to Him.
- Renee
_________________________________________________________________
Ra watched from his van as the car pulled into the driveway. The street lamp just fifteen feet way gave him the lighting he needed to check the identity of the driver and passengers. Stepping out of the driver side was an older man wearing a dark suit. Out from the passenger side came a woman and two kids who Ra figured was in their mid teens.
“Mr. and Mrs. Young, I have been waiting for you” Ra said to himself
Ra watched as the four hurried to the front door then went inside. “Tell the others greetings, when you seen them in heven” he mumbled as he pushed the button on the small box he held in his hand.
In a flash the whole bottom half of the home filled with a massive blast that sent the roof caving down on what was once the floor. Flames leaped up from the pile as Ra started his vehicle and pulled away.
“Stupid Christians”
Making sure he stayed the speed limit, Ra drove back to his hotel room where once inside, took his computer and placed a line across the name of Ben Young and family. Next he checked his list for new names. Names that would appear from the program he developed a few weeks ago.
Ra, a computer programmer and once Sunday school teacher at the First Community Joy Church now had so much hate in his body and mind he just wanted everyone who seek God to die and leave him to his misery. The Pastor had said for years that the rapture was a man thing and would not happen and Ra believed each word. Even when his wife had doubts about this teaching, Ra sucked in everything. Even when the pastor told Ra to get a handle on his wife and he would hit her and cuss at her for believing that false word. His anger grew and grew each time one of his friends or family members tried to tell him he was wrong. They were wrong, Pastor Ben was a man sent by God to show everyone, could they not see it, and did Satan have them so blind they couldn’t see the love Pastor Ben had for everyone?
And then that night; the night that sealed the deal, the night that pushed Ra over the edge. He and his wife had just had a fight, at first it was just words then quickly it turned to him hit her and forcing himself on her. When he finished he stood up and walked away from the bed, when he turned around she was gone. Disappeared in a flash, her torn bloody clothes that he had pulled off her laid on the bed. Still questioning what had happened, the screams from around the neighborhood started as others found loved ones gone. Within an hour, Ra knew what had happen, all the children were gone, all those who had questioned him about his beliefs were gone and Ra was left. Anger filled his mind as he raced to Pastor Ben house. Madness took over as he broke down the front door then pushed Kevin Flower, Ben’s live in away. “Where is he?” Ra demanded
“Up stairs” Kevin answered in his quite voice
Ra raced up the stairs and into the master bedroom. Anger filled Ra heart and mind as he looked upon the body hanging from the ceiling fan. Ra cussed at the body, how he could take his own life after taking the souls of others. Hatred was boiling over as Ra walked down the steps. Kevin stepped up to Ra and was going to hug him when Ra grabbed the lamp and beat the man. Beat him for fifteen minutes until his body couldn’t lift the lamp no more and then Ra just walked away.
Months had passed, Ra searched the internet for answers but there was so much information that he couldn’t decide what was right and what a lie, just like the lie he had followed.
“So you love everyone do you? Then why didn’t you warn me?” Ra shouted at God. You lie; you only wanted a certain group well if you didn’t want me then you surely will not want me now and I am even going to help you get the last few who might still be seeking you even after your lie”
Ra having the knowledge that many computer tec’s only dreamed of typed in a few word and soon list and list of names popped up. Make up names, like His Child, Jesus Son and others filled the screen. Next with a few more taps the true names appeared next to the computer names.
Within a few hours, Ra had each name and address of everyone who had visited all the main Christian sites since the rapture.
“So they want to know about God now, I will show them God.” Ra laughed
“Mr. and Mrs. Young, I have been waiting for you” Ra said to himself
Ra watched as the four hurried to the front door then went inside. “Tell the others greetings, when you seen them in heven” he mumbled as he pushed the button on the small box he held in his hand.
In a flash the whole bottom half of the home filled with a massive blast that sent the roof caving down on what was once the floor. Flames leaped up from the pile as Ra started his vehicle and pulled away.
“Stupid Christians”
Making sure he stayed the speed limit, Ra drove back to his hotel room where once inside, took his computer and placed a line across the name of Ben Young and family. Next he checked his list for new names. Names that would appear from the program he developed a few weeks ago.
Ra, a computer programmer and once Sunday school teacher at the First Community Joy Church now had so much hate in his body and mind he just wanted everyone who seek God to die and leave him to his misery. The Pastor had said for years that the rapture was a man thing and would not happen and Ra believed each word. Even when his wife had doubts about this teaching, Ra sucked in everything. Even when the pastor told Ra to get a handle on his wife and he would hit her and cuss at her for believing that false word. His anger grew and grew each time one of his friends or family members tried to tell him he was wrong. They were wrong, Pastor Ben was a man sent by God to show everyone, could they not see it, and did Satan have them so blind they couldn’t see the love Pastor Ben had for everyone?
And then that night; the night that sealed the deal, the night that pushed Ra over the edge. He and his wife had just had a fight, at first it was just words then quickly it turned to him hit her and forcing himself on her. When he finished he stood up and walked away from the bed, when he turned around she was gone. Disappeared in a flash, her torn bloody clothes that he had pulled off her laid on the bed. Still questioning what had happened, the screams from around the neighborhood started as others found loved ones gone. Within an hour, Ra knew what had happen, all the children were gone, all those who had questioned him about his beliefs were gone and Ra was left. Anger filled his mind as he raced to Pastor Ben house. Madness took over as he broke down the front door then pushed Kevin Flower, Ben’s live in away. “Where is he?” Ra demanded
“Up stairs” Kevin answered in his quite voice
Ra raced up the stairs and into the master bedroom. Anger filled Ra heart and mind as he looked upon the body hanging from the ceiling fan. Ra cussed at the body, how he could take his own life after taking the souls of others. Hatred was boiling over as Ra walked down the steps. Kevin stepped up to Ra and was going to hug him when Ra grabbed the lamp and beat the man. Beat him for fifteen minutes until his body couldn’t lift the lamp no more and then Ra just walked away.
Months had passed, Ra searched the internet for answers but there was so much information that he couldn’t decide what was right and what a lie, just like the lie he had followed.
“So you love everyone do you? Then why didn’t you warn me?” Ra shouted at God. You lie; you only wanted a certain group well if you didn’t want me then you surely will not want me now and I am even going to help you get the last few who might still be seeking you even after your lie”
Ra having the knowledge that many computer tec’s only dreamed of typed in a few word and soon list and list of names popped up. Make up names, like His Child, Jesus Son and others filled the screen. Next with a few more taps the true names appeared next to the computer names.
Within a few hours, Ra had each name and address of everyone who had visited all the main Christian sites since the rapture.
“So they want to know about God now, I will show them God.” Ra laughed
- Alex
_________________________________________________________________
Going down the list Ra noticed he had three more individuals in his local area that had been logging onto the most famous web site called Rapture Ready. Help Me Please real name was Alice Timberland, she had been logging on over the course of three months and by her post, she was acting like she wants to go home to Heaven to be with her family. “Ah how nice, well Alice, tomorrow will be your lucky day” Ra laughed as he stood up and went to check his supplies.
With the government more worried about global stuff, the laws and enforcement of laws dealing with explosives had eased greatly. No one questioned him when he ordered 5 cases of Dyotin 5 nor did anyone check when he failed to return his rental van. “Life is getting so easy now them Christians are gone, man how could I have been so stupid”
Back at his computer, Ra tapped some keys and all the names started to group under state and city names. Cleveland had 75 people, Atlanta had 47, New York had 5 and St Louis had 12. Those were the biggest cities but many of the people were living in smaller cities or towns. It didn’t matter, he would find who he could, the question was how could he get the biggest bang for his buck. Ra smiled
- Alex
_________________________________________________________________
The trio stared in shock at the burning bus. Sirens could be heard now all over the city but there was no hope for the people who had been on the tour bus. The Rabbi prayed that it had been people that had accepted Jesus already and maybe that was why they were on the tour. They wanted to walk where He had walked.
But who was the man with the missle launcher they had all seen on the bridge? He was no longer standing above their heads.
David and Julie both wiped the tears from their face as the Rabbi pulled out onto the road to head for home. The rain and hailstones had finally stopped and there was much debris to get around as they headed home.
Julie placed her forehead against the window and felt the coolness on her face. She felt so sad for the people on the bus and closed her eyes to quitely pray.
David surveyed the damage as they inched their way back to Jerusalem. Nazerath had sustained a lot of damage from the hail. They passed homes with windows shattered, roofs caved in and cars smashed low to the ground.
The Rabbi continued to pray as he swerved to avoid trees laying across the road. At the pace they were going it would take several hours to get home unless he could find a differant route without all the damage blocking them.
He tried Lisas cell number hoping she would answer but to know avail. He tried Yoshis number but again was told service was out for the area. He prayed everything was alright at home. The three at home had been still asleep when he had left early with David and Julie for her doctors appointment and know one had checked in before the hailstones had started.
Lisa had been up late and he had not wanted to bother her with his notes she needed to prepare for him before he left. She was writing a book she hoped would help new babes in Christ with their walk during the time they were in. She had titled it "From the Cross to Tribulation". She hoped it would bring a greater understanding to them of preparing for His return. THey had located a publisher who would print it for them when she finished. It would not be available to the general public for obvious reasons. The GF would have a field day rounding them all up if it were to get into the wrong hands. Before going to bed last night she had left the finished manuscript with the Rabbi.
Several of the lanes on the expressway appeared clear to the Rabbi so he headed up the ramp and excelerated his speed. "Well kids, if it stays clear now we should be home in about an hour.
- Renee
__________________________________________________________________
The Riverside in Mosul, Iraq
The hailstorm ended as quickly as it began. Abdul emerged from the closet to find huge lumps of ice in the interior of the cottage. Sunlight streamed into the room through a hole in the wall where the door should have been. Fascinated, Aini went towards the opening with Abdul following her. There on the ground, lay men and women writhing in agony and some were already dead. Many smaller buildings and shacks lay in heaps of damp rubble. The stronger and larger ones still stood despite missing window panes and holes in their roofs.
Aini’s breath caught in her throat. “Awesome!” she gasped. “Simply awe-some!”
“What are you saying awesome to, miss? Can’t you see that this is not something cool and grand?” People are dying in front of our eyes and you call that awesome?” asked Abdul.
“Well, I didn’t mean it quite that way: I mean… I mean… I can’t believe it!” responded Aini.
“I can’t either. Where did this storm come from so fast?” wondered the fishmonger. “All we had was a bit of rain, but we’ve not had hail before in our town. Not since I was born.” Abdul asserted. When he “rain” Aini instantly remembered the feral dogs that had been chasing her. Between exclamations, she told him what happened to her. The fishmonger frowned.
“Let me see your back. You could have very serious injuries and die if you don’t get medical treatment.” Aini was in no condition to argue. Her breath was coming in shorter, faster gasps. When Abdul examined her back, he found numerous gashes and claw marks. He couldn’t feel any broken ribs, and he could tell that his young friend was going into panic.
The hailstorm ended as quickly as it began. Abdul emerged from the closet to find huge lumps of ice in the interior of the cottage. Sunlight streamed into the room through a hole in the wall where the door should have been. Fascinated, Aini went towards the opening with Abdul following her. There on the ground, lay men and women writhing in agony and some were already dead. Many smaller buildings and shacks lay in heaps of damp rubble. The stronger and larger ones still stood despite missing window panes and holes in their roofs.
Aini’s breath caught in her throat. “Awesome!” she gasped. “Simply awe-some!”
“What are you saying awesome to, miss? Can’t you see that this is not something cool and grand?” People are dying in front of our eyes and you call that awesome?” asked Abdul.
“Well, I didn’t mean it quite that way: I mean… I mean… I can’t believe it!” responded Aini.
“I can’t either. Where did this storm come from so fast?” wondered the fishmonger. “All we had was a bit of rain, but we’ve not had hail before in our town. Not since I was born.” Abdul asserted. When he “rain” Aini instantly remembered the feral dogs that had been chasing her. Between exclamations, she told him what happened to her. The fishmonger frowned.
“Let me see your back. You could have very serious injuries and die if you don’t get medical treatment.” Aini was in no condition to argue. Her breath was coming in shorter, faster gasps. When Abdul examined her back, he found numerous gashes and claw marks. He couldn’t feel any broken ribs, and he could tell that his young friend was going into panic.
- KBR
_________________________________________________________________
Babylon, Iraq
“You ok Earl?”
“Yeah. Just a little wired I guess.” Earl lied.
He looked at the coffee cup in his hand and saw his hand was still trembling. He set the cup down and dropped both his hands into his lap.
He had been trembling since he had woken in a cold terrified sweat early that morning. The nightmare resonating through his mind. He could still see the giant snake swooping down on him and engulfing him in its mouth. In his nightmare he could actually feel the snake as it swallowed him whole.
Earl shuddered and noticed that several of the other men were watching him closely. Earl gave a small salute and looked away.
He sat through the morning meeting and when he was given his assignment he gave a small sigh of relief.
Helping move prisoners from one building project to another across the city should prove to be distracting enough to wipe the remnants of the dream from his mind.
As the day went on Earl forgot his nightmare but it came rushing back when one of the prisoners lost his balance and sent both men tumbling to the ground.
Earl’s face was in the dust and he reared up to berate the prisoner only to find himself staring into the eyes of a snake.
“You ok Earl?”
“Yeah. Just a little wired I guess.” Earl lied.
He looked at the coffee cup in his hand and saw his hand was still trembling. He set the cup down and dropped both his hands into his lap.
He had been trembling since he had woken in a cold terrified sweat early that morning. The nightmare resonating through his mind. He could still see the giant snake swooping down on him and engulfing him in its mouth. In his nightmare he could actually feel the snake as it swallowed him whole.
Earl shuddered and noticed that several of the other men were watching him closely. Earl gave a small salute and looked away.
He sat through the morning meeting and when he was given his assignment he gave a small sigh of relief.
Helping move prisoners from one building project to another across the city should prove to be distracting enough to wipe the remnants of the dream from his mind.
As the day went on Earl forgot his nightmare but it came rushing back when one of the prisoners lost his balance and sent both men tumbling to the ground.
Earl’s face was in the dust and he reared up to berate the prisoner only to find himself staring into the eyes of a snake.
- Zags
__________________________________________________________________
Black Mesa, Oklahoma
Leon was exhausted. He handed Mo another bolt and had to catch himself against the wall to keep from going down.
Mo, oblivious to Leon’s struggle to remain upright continued to screw in the bolts to the support beam.
“Leon!”
Leon’s eyes sprang open to see Mo looking at him with concern.
“Dude, your asleep on your feet. Why don’t you go catch a nap. I can finish this up by myself.”
“No. I’m fine.” Leon said picking another bolt up and handing it to Mo.
Mo frowned as he accepted the bolt. “You look like you haven’t slept in days. I’m worried about you. So is everyone else.”
“I’m fine!” Leon said through gritted teeth.
Mo shook his head but said nothing more.
After about an hour Mo decided to call it quits for the day, and both men headed back to the main room.
Leon slumped onto the couch and lay his head back for a moment. He let his eyes close for just a moment and could feel himself begin to drift. Realizing he was about to fall asleep he quickly got up and began to pace about the room.
Kristen and Renee both noticed Leon’s agitation and asked if he was ok.
Leon just glared at the two girls and walked out of the room.
“What’s wrong with him?” Skunk asked.
“I don’t know.” Maddie said. “He looks like he hasn’t been sleeping well and his appetite is practically non existent. I’m getting really worried about that boy.”
Trevor spoke up. “I think he’s afraid to sleep. When he does sleep he tosses and turns. I can tell he’s having some pretty bad nightmares.”
“About what?” Shade asked.
“I don’t know, but whatever they are about they’re obviously pretty bad. If he keeps going like he is his body will just give out. A person can only push their body so far.” Trevor shook his head. “The human body needs sleep, and by denying his body the rest it needs Leon is throwing his whole system out of balance. When he does crash it could be for days.”
Leon was exhausted. He handed Mo another bolt and had to catch himself against the wall to keep from going down.
Mo, oblivious to Leon’s struggle to remain upright continued to screw in the bolts to the support beam.
“Leon!”
Leon’s eyes sprang open to see Mo looking at him with concern.
“Dude, your asleep on your feet. Why don’t you go catch a nap. I can finish this up by myself.”
“No. I’m fine.” Leon said picking another bolt up and handing it to Mo.
Mo frowned as he accepted the bolt. “You look like you haven’t slept in days. I’m worried about you. So is everyone else.”
“I’m fine!” Leon said through gritted teeth.
Mo shook his head but said nothing more.
After about an hour Mo decided to call it quits for the day, and both men headed back to the main room.
Leon slumped onto the couch and lay his head back for a moment. He let his eyes close for just a moment and could feel himself begin to drift. Realizing he was about to fall asleep he quickly got up and began to pace about the room.
Kristen and Renee both noticed Leon’s agitation and asked if he was ok.
Leon just glared at the two girls and walked out of the room.
“What’s wrong with him?” Skunk asked.
“I don’t know.” Maddie said. “He looks like he hasn’t been sleeping well and his appetite is practically non existent. I’m getting really worried about that boy.”
Trevor spoke up. “I think he’s afraid to sleep. When he does sleep he tosses and turns. I can tell he’s having some pretty bad nightmares.”
“About what?” Shade asked.
“I don’t know, but whatever they are about they’re obviously pretty bad. If he keeps going like he is his body will just give out. A person can only push their body so far.” Trevor shook his head. “The human body needs sleep, and by denying his body the rest it needs Leon is throwing his whole system out of balance. When he does crash it could be for days.”
- Zags
__________________________________________________________________
The sun hit the windshield of the jeep almost blinding Andrew as he drove around the base inspecting the progress of the repairs to the many buildings damaged in the hail storm. 82 coffins lined the inside of the hanger where they were awaiting transport to the families of those killed during the storm. The flag draped coffins served as a reminder of the deadly storm, but the United States flag had been replaced by the Global Family flag and it somehow seemed out of place. He just shook his head and continued with his inspection. The roof on his house was finished and most of the clean up from the damage to the inside was almost complete and ready for their return. His thoughts returned to Claire and his heart ached from missing his beautiful, dear wife. Andrew whispered, “Oh Claire, I have missed you so, but I’m so glad you are in heaven with the Lord and not here to witness all the things that are happening. Mark looks at Alexis the way I always looked at you and I know he wants so much to begin a relationship with her, but he says the timing is wrong. Maybe he should just begin with a friendship as we did so many years ago. I will always love you and long to be reunited with you.”
He made a sweeping U-turn and headed the jeep back to the office. Sam would be leaving soon and he wanted to see him before he left. He had a bright idea and became anxious to get back to tell everyone his idea. He pulled into his parking space, jumped out and quickened his stride as he entered the office building. He saluted the officers standing in the entry way as he hurried past and on to his office. Andrew took a deep breath before he opened the door then with a bright smile greeted the group gathered in his office. “Alexis, I want to offer you a position with my office as my personal assistant of operations. I need your expertise in the weather and working with Mark on the flight schedules. What do you say?”
Mark gave him a surprised look and Alexis was taken totally off guard by his request. Amy was shocked and fearful while Sam gave Andrew a huge grin. He knew what Andrew was doing and he nodded in agreement of his offer. Alexis pushed her hair back from her face and put her hand to her chin thinking about the offer then slowly gave him an answer, “Andrew, I appreciate the opportunity and would love to take the position, but Amy needs me and I don’t want to abandon her. It is a great position that I think is suitable to my abilities, but …..” she trailed off as Sam spoke up. “Alexis, Linda is very close to Amy and loves her like a daughter and I’m sure she will be more than willing to continue in that capacity. Andrew needs you here and you would be doing him a service so I think you should reconsider your choice.”
Mark’s mind was in a whirlwind of thoughts and if Alexis should decide to stay, who knows just maybe they could become very good friends. She had his heart and he would be patient and allow God to direct their relationship and if it was to only be friends, he would accept whatever he could have with the woman who had been forever woven into his heart and soul.
Alexis walked over to Amy and put her arms gently around her and asked, “Well, dear what do you think about me staying here? We can still see each other and I know there will probably come a time when all of us will have to hide out at the cave so I’m not gone forever. I really want to help out here, but it’s up to you.”
A tear dropped from Amy’s eye and she quietly answered, “I will be alright. Jason left and now he’s gone and now you are leaving……I just don’t want to lose you, too. You saved my life and I will always be grateful so I must return the favor and let you stay here.”
Alexis gave her a hug and turned to face Andrew, “Yes, I want to stay.” She looked over at Mark and gave him a wide grin and a wink. She knew he had growing feelings for her and she was ready to explore a friendship with him. Her life was in God’s hands and whatever He wanted her to do, she would do.
Andrew smiled, “There’s a small house not far from ours that is completely furnished and ready to be occupied. I will ask Lt. Henson to have it thoroughly cleaned before you move in so if you want to go back with Sam to get your things I’m sure he will bring you back as soon as it’s ready. Is that agreeable with you, Sam?”
Sam nodded his head, “Of course, I can bring her back the first of the week. I think MD and Amy have a shipment up this way that should be ready by then. You just let us know when and we’ll coordinate things with the shop.”
Andrew and Sam shook hands and there were high fives all around. Mark was unusually quiet but his face told the whole story…..he was ecstatic that Alexis would be near.
Sam, Amy, and Alexis were saying their good-byes and Mark offered to take them to the hanger to begin their journey home. Andrew gave the women a hug and said, “Alexis, I look forward to have you working for me. Amy, you take care of yourself and we will make sure Alexis is well taken care of. Sam, let us know you arrived safely. We shall see you all soon.”
They walked to the jeep as Sam got in the seat next to Mark and the two women got into the back. Mark started the engine and hot footed it to the hanger in complete silence while inside he was shouting for joy.
- P4H
_________________________________________________________________
Babylon, Iraq
Earl stared into the eyes of the snake as terror enveloped his mind. He began to sweat and his whole body began to tremble.
He could hear someone talking to him, telling him to be very still.
All Earl could think of was the nightmare that had been haunting him. His terror mounted as the snake began to slowly undulate. Its head swayed back and forth it tongue flicking out to taste the air.
Earl began to feel his chest tighten and was suddenly gripped by pain radiating down his left arm.
He dropped to the ground his right hand going to his left arm as the pain traveled up his arm through his shoulder to spread across his chest.
He felt something small bump his cheek and heard someone shout, “It got him on the face!”
He heard someone else shout, “I think he’s having a heart attack!”
Also he could hear maniacal laughter. He wondered for a brief second who would be so cruel to laugh while he was being bitten by a snake and having a heart attack, but was quickly consumed with another fear.
Fear like he had never know swept though his mind, overwhelming the pain he felt. Just before he lost consciousness Earl desperately grasped onto the ankle of the man closest to him. “I’m afraid. Please, I don’t want to die. Please, don’t let me die!”
Earl stared into the eyes of the snake as terror enveloped his mind. He began to sweat and his whole body began to tremble.
He could hear someone talking to him, telling him to be very still.
All Earl could think of was the nightmare that had been haunting him. His terror mounted as the snake began to slowly undulate. Its head swayed back and forth it tongue flicking out to taste the air.
Earl began to feel his chest tighten and was suddenly gripped by pain radiating down his left arm.
He dropped to the ground his right hand going to his left arm as the pain traveled up his arm through his shoulder to spread across his chest.
He felt something small bump his cheek and heard someone shout, “It got him on the face!”
He heard someone else shout, “I think he’s having a heart attack!”
Also he could hear maniacal laughter. He wondered for a brief second who would be so cruel to laugh while he was being bitten by a snake and having a heart attack, but was quickly consumed with another fear.
Fear like he had never know swept though his mind, overwhelming the pain he felt. Just before he lost consciousness Earl desperately grasped onto the ankle of the man closest to him. “I’m afraid. Please, I don’t want to die. Please, don’t let me die!”
- Zags
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