Jerome was attempting to keep his face from showing any sort of shock or horror. He was watching some of the tv footage of the ongoing war...with the Potentate. He forced a small grin on his face when Teodor looked over at him with a look of mad glee. Jerome knew this was exactly what Teodor wanted to happen, despite his rhetoric of peace and safety that the world thirsted for.
"Isn't this wondrous Jerome?" Teodor voiced, sick joy evident.
Again the forced smile "Oh, oh yes Mr. Potentate. It's exactly what you hoped for".
Teodor came over and thumped Jerome on the back, "Now I will swoop in and calm the public, let them believe I have everything under control and tell them not to worry because the government will protect them. And they will buy it! Isn't this just hilarious?!"
"Yes Mr. Potentate, hilarious," Jerome fought to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. It was difficult when all Jerome wanted to do was start screaming.
---Breaking News---GFNN------
Carol Barker reporting for GFNN. It appears that the two admittedly radical men at the Wailing Wall have killed an innocent man. The man was sitting, perched in a tree, enjoying the sunrise when the two men are believed to have pulled out hidden flamethrowers and burned the man to death. Angry mobs larger than usual have formed around the men, screaming insults and grieving the loss of another man at the hands of these lunatics. More coverage of the story can be found on our website. Carol Barker, signing out.
-----------------------------------
Teodor's face blanched. The vein on his neck started to pulse, and Jerome, knowing it was a bad sign, started to slowy back away, fearing for his safety. Teodor didn't seem to notice Jerome moving, caught up in his own world, so Jerome made his way to the very edge of the room, next to the door, ready to run should something terrible occur. He is demonic, and I've seen him do supernaturally horrible things...I bette be careful.
Teodor's face became redder and redder, and he picked up the nearest chair and threw it across the room, screaming in anger. Jerome flinched as the coffee table was also thrown. Teodor fell onto his knees, "Master, how could this happen?! You said I could find a way to destroy these two men, but so far every attempt has failed! Why?!! I cannot let them spew such horrible words about you! I MUST DESTROY THEM!"
Jerome then heard another voice, more terrible than Teodor's, begin to boom at Teodor, "How DARE you question me?" Teodor flinched in pain from the words. "Do you not TRUST me? They WILL be destroyed!" Teodor writhed as a wave of pain struck him. "Do not question me again".
Teodor muttered "Yes my lord" over and over again, completely prostrate on the ground. Jerome, unable to stand feeling the horrific evil that was present in the room, left quickly, not stopping until he reached his room and locked the door. He panted as he leaned over his desk, scarred by what he had seen.
"Lord, I know You want me here, but I'm not sure how much longer I can take it".
"Isn't this wondrous Jerome?" Teodor voiced, sick joy evident.
Again the forced smile "Oh, oh yes Mr. Potentate. It's exactly what you hoped for".
Teodor came over and thumped Jerome on the back, "Now I will swoop in and calm the public, let them believe I have everything under control and tell them not to worry because the government will protect them. And they will buy it! Isn't this just hilarious?!"
"Yes Mr. Potentate, hilarious," Jerome fought to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. It was difficult when all Jerome wanted to do was start screaming.
---Breaking News---GFNN------
Carol Barker reporting for GFNN. It appears that the two admittedly radical men at the Wailing Wall have killed an innocent man. The man was sitting, perched in a tree, enjoying the sunrise when the two men are believed to have pulled out hidden flamethrowers and burned the man to death. Angry mobs larger than usual have formed around the men, screaming insults and grieving the loss of another man at the hands of these lunatics. More coverage of the story can be found on our website. Carol Barker, signing out.
-----------------------------------
Teodor's face blanched. The vein on his neck started to pulse, and Jerome, knowing it was a bad sign, started to slowy back away, fearing for his safety. Teodor didn't seem to notice Jerome moving, caught up in his own world, so Jerome made his way to the very edge of the room, next to the door, ready to run should something terrible occur. He is demonic, and I've seen him do supernaturally horrible things...I bette be careful.
Teodor's face became redder and redder, and he picked up the nearest chair and threw it across the room, screaming in anger. Jerome flinched as the coffee table was also thrown. Teodor fell onto his knees, "Master, how could this happen?! You said I could find a way to destroy these two men, but so far every attempt has failed! Why?!! I cannot let them spew such horrible words about you! I MUST DESTROY THEM!"
Jerome then heard another voice, more terrible than Teodor's, begin to boom at Teodor, "How DARE you question me?" Teodor flinched in pain from the words. "Do you not TRUST me? They WILL be destroyed!" Teodor writhed as a wave of pain struck him. "Do not question me again".
Teodor muttered "Yes my lord" over and over again, completely prostrate on the ground. Jerome, unable to stand feeling the horrific evil that was present in the room, left quickly, not stopping until he reached his room and locked the door. He panted as he leaned over his desk, scarred by what he had seen.
"Lord, I know You want me here, but I'm not sure how much longer I can take it".
- Katy
________________________________________________________
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Becca cast a furtive glance around. In the hours since the missile had hit the whole city had gone crazy. She still didn’t understand how she had survived. She had been standing in front of the stove talking to Dr. Rourke and then the world had exploded.
When she had come to she had been buried under rubble and had managed to claw her way out. She had spent over an hour frantically looking for Dr. Rourke and after digging where she thought the kitchen island had been she had been elated to move a large piece of drywall to see a hand. She had continued to dig and discovered that Dr. Rourke had been crushed under debris.
Becca shook her head slightly to try and erase the horrid memory and looked toward the car. She sent up a silent prayer that this one was in working order and darted toward it. Halfway to her goal she heard a shout. Putting on a burst of speed she made it to the car, her only thought of getting home to her family.
Just as she reached for the door an arm wrapped around her midsection.
“Where you going in such a rush sweetheart?”
Becca bit her lip to hold back the scream building in her throat.
She threw her head back and heard a satisfying crunch of a nose breaking under the force. The arm holding her loosened and she jerked her way free and began to run as fast as she could.
After several blocks she realized that she was not being pursued and slowed to a stop. Ducking behind a wall of a fallen building she stopped to catch her breath.
Looking around Becca saw that she was alone and slowly sat down. She felt tears welling and grit her teeth and gave a silent snarl at herself. She would not cry. She needed to find a way to get back to the safety of the cave in Black Mesa and she didn’t have time to indulge in such weakness.
She should have left with Trevor, Zoe and Matt, but she hadn’t wanted to face the memories of Ryan that waited for her at home. So she had elected to stay in Colorado Springs until she could deal with them.
Realizing where her thoughts were leading Becca shook off her thoughts and looked around. All around her were smashed up cars, buildings and the bodies of the deceased. She could hear sporadic gunfire and shouts as people went insane in the aftermath of the bombing.
She looked up at the sun and tried to guess how much daylight was left but the haze over the city from the fallout of the bomb obliterated most of the suns rays.
She looked at the compass she had stolen of the dash of a car and saw that in her escape from the unknown assailant she had run in the complete opposite direction she needed to be going.
She got up and after a quick glance around took off running southeast. Every time she heard shouting or gunfire she dove behind any object that would offer cover. Hours later she was taking another break and noticed that it seemed to be getting darker. She needed to find a safe place to stay the night and her time was running out.
She looked around and saw a semi truck lying on it’s side. She made her way over to it and looked inside. The body of the driver was lying against the passenger door and Becca grimaced. Looking up at the sky gauging the darkness, she decided she had no choice. She climbed down into the cab and crawled back into the sleeper moving the matress around she got herself settled.
She hoped anyone that happened by would see the body inside and move on. She sent up a prayer that the Lord would protect her through the night and closed her eyes. Exhasted she was asleep in minutes.
- Zags
________________________________________________________
North of Las Animas, Colorado
Trevor jerked awake. He jumped to his feet quickly as Matt stumbled back into the wall of the train car.
He began to reach for the demented man who was lunging sightlessly with a knife in his hand.
“Do not.” Mikhail said quietly.
Trevor froze at the deadly tone.
“No!” The other man slashed the knife through the air. “No!”
“Ricardo. All is well. We are safe. I’ll not let anyone hurt you.” Mikhail said softly.
Matt started to move away from the wall.
“Do not move.” Mikhail said. His tone remained even and his eyes never left Morrata but Matt knew Mikhail spoke to him.
Mikhail continued to speak to Morrata for several minutes and finally coerced the man into giving him the knife. After assisting him back to his makeshift bed on the floor Ricardo was asleep shortly.
Mikhail put the knife away and turned to Matt. “My apologies. I should not have left the knife out. He meant you no harm.”
“Of course he didn’t.” Trevor snapped sarcastically.
Mikhail didn’t respond as he tucked a blanket more securely around his former boss.
Trevor started to step forward, and Matt caught him by the arm. Trevor whipped his head around to glare at Matt.
“Stop it.” Matt mouthed.
Trevor looked at Matt for a moment and then shrugged his hand off. “What happened?”
Matt shook his head. “I don’t know. We were talking and then Morrata went off.”
“Morrata?”
Matt pointed toward the now sleeping man.
“Please do not call him Morrata. He has many enemies who would see him dead if they had the opportunity.” Mikhail said.
“Enemies?”
“I’ll explain later.” Matt said catching Trevor’s eye.
Trevor shrugged and walked to the door of the train car peeking out. “Any idea where we are?”
“We’re probably coming up in Las Animas soon. You were asleep for about twenty minutes.” Matt said as he sat back down.
“So..” Matt said. “You never had a chance to answer my question.”
Trevor turned to see Matt was looking at Mikhail intently. He stepped toward Matt and then turned to lean his shoulder against the wall. “What question?”
Matt looked up at Trevor. “I asked if he was a brother...”
“Do not say that name.” Mikhail said quickly. “It upsets him.” He swept his hand toward Ricardo.
“It does?” Matt looked confused.
“Yes.”
Matt waited a beat and then asked again. “So are you?”
Silence was his answer.
“Look. I know your leery of answering, but we’re not to the point where Argryos is gonna start lopping off heads if you are.” Matt hesitated. “Yet. Besides the odds of you surviving the Great Tribulation are pretty slim anyway. It would be easier for you if you had some support from fellow believers.” he said quickly.
Trevor’s eyes jumped to Mikhail. Could the man be a Christian?
“What do you mean Argryos will ‘lop’ off heads? What is the Great Tribulation? What do you mean about the odds of surviving?” Mikhail leaned forward eagerly. “You know what is happening?”
Trevor jerked awake. He jumped to his feet quickly as Matt stumbled back into the wall of the train car.
He began to reach for the demented man who was lunging sightlessly with a knife in his hand.
“Do not.” Mikhail said quietly.
Trevor froze at the deadly tone.
“No!” The other man slashed the knife through the air. “No!”
“Ricardo. All is well. We are safe. I’ll not let anyone hurt you.” Mikhail said softly.
Matt started to move away from the wall.
“Do not move.” Mikhail said. His tone remained even and his eyes never left Morrata but Matt knew Mikhail spoke to him.
Mikhail continued to speak to Morrata for several minutes and finally coerced the man into giving him the knife. After assisting him back to his makeshift bed on the floor Ricardo was asleep shortly.
Mikhail put the knife away and turned to Matt. “My apologies. I should not have left the knife out. He meant you no harm.”
“Of course he didn’t.” Trevor snapped sarcastically.
Mikhail didn’t respond as he tucked a blanket more securely around his former boss.
Trevor started to step forward, and Matt caught him by the arm. Trevor whipped his head around to glare at Matt.
“Stop it.” Matt mouthed.
Trevor looked at Matt for a moment and then shrugged his hand off. “What happened?”
Matt shook his head. “I don’t know. We were talking and then Morrata went off.”
“Morrata?”
Matt pointed toward the now sleeping man.
“Please do not call him Morrata. He has many enemies who would see him dead if they had the opportunity.” Mikhail said.
“Enemies?”
“I’ll explain later.” Matt said catching Trevor’s eye.
Trevor shrugged and walked to the door of the train car peeking out. “Any idea where we are?”
“We’re probably coming up in Las Animas soon. You were asleep for about twenty minutes.” Matt said as he sat back down.
“So..” Matt said. “You never had a chance to answer my question.”
Trevor turned to see Matt was looking at Mikhail intently. He stepped toward Matt and then turned to lean his shoulder against the wall. “What question?”
Matt looked up at Trevor. “I asked if he was a brother...”
“Do not say that name.” Mikhail said quickly. “It upsets him.” He swept his hand toward Ricardo.
“It does?” Matt looked confused.
“Yes.”
Matt waited a beat and then asked again. “So are you?”
Silence was his answer.
“Look. I know your leery of answering, but we’re not to the point where Argryos is gonna start lopping off heads if you are.” Matt hesitated. “Yet. Besides the odds of you surviving the Great Tribulation are pretty slim anyway. It would be easier for you if you had some support from fellow believers.” he said quickly.
Trevor’s eyes jumped to Mikhail. Could the man be a Christian?
“What do you mean Argryos will ‘lop’ off heads? What is the Great Tribulation? What do you mean about the odds of surviving?” Mikhail leaned forward eagerly. “You know what is happening?”
- Zags
________________________________________________________
Black Mesa, Oklahoma
“Mo you’re in charge while we’re gone.” Shade instructed. “Everybody stay inside and keep safe.”
“Ok.” Mo said.
“Be careful.” Renee said as she gave Maddie a hug. “I’ll keep trying to get the internet back.”
Kristen squeezed Shade hard. “Are you sure Frank will even be able to find out what’s happened?” She asked as she finally let go.
“I don’t know Kristen, but it’s worth a shot to try and see. He has access to information because he works for the GF.”
“I wish you would wait until morning to go.” Kristen said quietly as she hugged Maddie.
“I can’t.” Maddie said. “Matt, Trevor, Zoe and Becca were in Colorado Springs. Frank will be able to find out....” Her eyes filled with tears.
Mo pressed the button to open the big bay door. “You take care of them.” He said looking at Skunk.
Skunk patted his 9mm. “Ain’t nobody getting to them. They’ll have to get through me first.”
Leon shook Shade’s hand. “May the Lord go with you. May His hand of protection cover you, and may His mercy be upon you.”
“Thanks Leon.” Shade said quietly giving Leon’s hand a brief squeeze. “Hopefully we’ll be back tomorrow afternoon or evening.”
“We’ll be praying.” Kristen said. She dropped her hand to Grumpy’s head. “You keep an eye out boy. Let them know if there’s danger.”
Grumpy let out a short bark. Kristen opened the door of the car and Grumpy jumped in.
Shade got in the drivers seat as Skunk helped Maddie into the passenger seat. Making sure she was settled Skunk slammed the door and got into the back.
Mo waited until the car had disappeared from sight and then pushed the button to close the bay door.
“Lord please keep them safe.” He whispered.
“Mo you’re in charge while we’re gone.” Shade instructed. “Everybody stay inside and keep safe.”
“Ok.” Mo said.
“Be careful.” Renee said as she gave Maddie a hug. “I’ll keep trying to get the internet back.”
Kristen squeezed Shade hard. “Are you sure Frank will even be able to find out what’s happened?” She asked as she finally let go.
“I don’t know Kristen, but it’s worth a shot to try and see. He has access to information because he works for the GF.”
“I wish you would wait until morning to go.” Kristen said quietly as she hugged Maddie.
“I can’t.” Maddie said. “Matt, Trevor, Zoe and Becca were in Colorado Springs. Frank will be able to find out....” Her eyes filled with tears.
Mo pressed the button to open the big bay door. “You take care of them.” He said looking at Skunk.
Skunk patted his 9mm. “Ain’t nobody getting to them. They’ll have to get through me first.”
Leon shook Shade’s hand. “May the Lord go with you. May His hand of protection cover you, and may His mercy be upon you.”
“Thanks Leon.” Shade said quietly giving Leon’s hand a brief squeeze. “Hopefully we’ll be back tomorrow afternoon or evening.”
“We’ll be praying.” Kristen said. She dropped her hand to Grumpy’s head. “You keep an eye out boy. Let them know if there’s danger.”
Grumpy let out a short bark. Kristen opened the door of the car and Grumpy jumped in.
Shade got in the drivers seat as Skunk helped Maddie into the passenger seat. Making sure she was settled Skunk slammed the door and got into the back.
Mo waited until the car had disappeared from sight and then pushed the button to close the bay door.
“Lord please keep them safe.” He whispered.
- Zags
________________________________________________________
Andrew looked back seeing the GF officer approach the old doctor and knew it would not have a good ending. He turned to Sam and asked him to speed up that trouble would soon be heading their way. Mark felt for his gun and looked squarely at Andrew, “The doctor doesn’t have the resources that we have so just let that officer approach me.”
“Mark, we cannot bring any attention to ourselves. We just need to get out of here unscathed,” Andrew remarked.
The sky looked ominous and they needed to be in the air as quickly as possible. Sam turned down the dirt road leading to the airstrip. The van came to a stop and everyone jumped out grabbing their bags and running to the plane.
Mark and Sam sat in the cockpit preparing for take off when they noticed a black van approaching, “Do we take off or fight this out?” Mark asked.
“Get us out of here…..NOW!”
Mark fired the engines and started taxing when the van sped up trying to get them to stop. The plane seemed to speed up and before anyone was aware of the change the plane was in the air. Mark engaged the stealth apparatus and the plane suddenly became invisible to anyone trying to find it.
Sam looked down as the earth began to shake then a crack in the earth suddenly appeared. The van disappeared into the crack along with Sam’s plane and all that was around it. All evidence they were ever in that area had disappeared. Sam whispered, “Thank You. Just as You promised, You are with us always, even to end.”
Everyone was quiet as they watched the crack in the earth become wider and spread all the way to the outskirts of Memphis. Mark turned the plane to get a better view of the dividing of the land. It was following the great Mississippi River and showed no signs of stopping. Now the United States of America was clearly divided and the gap was growing wider.
Coordinates now set, the plane made a wide sweep and headed toward Jerusalem and their new home.
Andrew had been on his laptop since the plane leveled off and was busy monitoring any mention of the incident in Missouri that would alert the authorities there was rogue plane in the air, but no alert was sent out. God had protected them once again. They would have to make two stops for fuel, but Andrew had made all the arrangements with a former officer that had been his best friend throughout his military career. The Rabbi would be waiting for them at the airport as Andrew had been in constant contact with him for the last two weeks making all the arrangements.
Christina moved from her window seat to sit beside Alexis, “How our group has dwindled to just a few. I remember when we first formed our little family……so much has happened.” Tears formed in her eyes, “I wonder what’s happening with Mom and Bud. He was so sick and with no medicine I’m sure his condition has worsened. I only wish we could have brought them with us.”
Alexis patted her hand, “None of us are long for this world so they will just be going home a little quicker. They will be spared all the horrors that are to come. I would rather go in an earthquake than fall into the hands of the enemy. Jesus is waiting for us so it doesn’t matter when we are taken home. He must have more for us to do or we wouldn’t have been spared.”
The two women hugged each other then Alexis noticed Lt. Henson had a look of fear on his face so she rose from her seat and joined him. “You look a little distraught, Jonathan. Are you okay?”
He looked at her and shrugged his shoulders, “Some of this I understand, but I haven’t studied the Bible like all of you and there’s a lot I don’t understand. Why would God allow His children to suffer like this?”
She smiled at him and replied, “God loves us, but He also expects us to obey and when we don’t and turn away from Him and His son, Jesus, we have to answer for those choices. It is like a parent that asked something of his child and that child refuses to listen, the parent has to discipline that child so they will learn and know the way they should go in life. God is a jealous God and we are not to put other gods before him and by saying gods that could mean money, selfish desires, and anything that is worldly. Those that have rejected Jesus will face God’s wrath. We were all given a choice to choose between living a Godly life or following the desires of the world meaning Satan. We are to be in the world not of the world. Does that help explain anything?”
“Yes, but when we follow Jesus it isn’t an easy road.”
Alexis gave him a hug, “Yes, it isn’t an easy road, but it’s just that much sweeter when we finally meet Jesus in our heavenly home. It is worth everything to be in God’s good graces…….so to speak. Jonathan, do you think Jesus had it easy while He was on this earth? He gave His life for us. The least we can do is to give our lives for Him.”
“Thanks, Alexis.”
The sky became dark and the passengers settled in trying to catch a little sleep before they landed in Jerusalem.
Andrews screen lit up…..Andrew, danger a head. Bombs set to go off all across the world.
“Mark, we cannot bring any attention to ourselves. We just need to get out of here unscathed,” Andrew remarked.
The sky looked ominous and they needed to be in the air as quickly as possible. Sam turned down the dirt road leading to the airstrip. The van came to a stop and everyone jumped out grabbing their bags and running to the plane.
Mark and Sam sat in the cockpit preparing for take off when they noticed a black van approaching, “Do we take off or fight this out?” Mark asked.
“Get us out of here…..NOW!”
Mark fired the engines and started taxing when the van sped up trying to get them to stop. The plane seemed to speed up and before anyone was aware of the change the plane was in the air. Mark engaged the stealth apparatus and the plane suddenly became invisible to anyone trying to find it.
Sam looked down as the earth began to shake then a crack in the earth suddenly appeared. The van disappeared into the crack along with Sam’s plane and all that was around it. All evidence they were ever in that area had disappeared. Sam whispered, “Thank You. Just as You promised, You are with us always, even to end.”
Everyone was quiet as they watched the crack in the earth become wider and spread all the way to the outskirts of Memphis. Mark turned the plane to get a better view of the dividing of the land. It was following the great Mississippi River and showed no signs of stopping. Now the United States of America was clearly divided and the gap was growing wider.
Coordinates now set, the plane made a wide sweep and headed toward Jerusalem and their new home.
Andrew had been on his laptop since the plane leveled off and was busy monitoring any mention of the incident in Missouri that would alert the authorities there was rogue plane in the air, but no alert was sent out. God had protected them once again. They would have to make two stops for fuel, but Andrew had made all the arrangements with a former officer that had been his best friend throughout his military career. The Rabbi would be waiting for them at the airport as Andrew had been in constant contact with him for the last two weeks making all the arrangements.
Christina moved from her window seat to sit beside Alexis, “How our group has dwindled to just a few. I remember when we first formed our little family……so much has happened.” Tears formed in her eyes, “I wonder what’s happening with Mom and Bud. He was so sick and with no medicine I’m sure his condition has worsened. I only wish we could have brought them with us.”
Alexis patted her hand, “None of us are long for this world so they will just be going home a little quicker. They will be spared all the horrors that are to come. I would rather go in an earthquake than fall into the hands of the enemy. Jesus is waiting for us so it doesn’t matter when we are taken home. He must have more for us to do or we wouldn’t have been spared.”
The two women hugged each other then Alexis noticed Lt. Henson had a look of fear on his face so she rose from her seat and joined him. “You look a little distraught, Jonathan. Are you okay?”
He looked at her and shrugged his shoulders, “Some of this I understand, but I haven’t studied the Bible like all of you and there’s a lot I don’t understand. Why would God allow His children to suffer like this?”
She smiled at him and replied, “God loves us, but He also expects us to obey and when we don’t and turn away from Him and His son, Jesus, we have to answer for those choices. It is like a parent that asked something of his child and that child refuses to listen, the parent has to discipline that child so they will learn and know the way they should go in life. God is a jealous God and we are not to put other gods before him and by saying gods that could mean money, selfish desires, and anything that is worldly. Those that have rejected Jesus will face God’s wrath. We were all given a choice to choose between living a Godly life or following the desires of the world meaning Satan. We are to be in the world not of the world. Does that help explain anything?”
“Yes, but when we follow Jesus it isn’t an easy road.”
Alexis gave him a hug, “Yes, it isn’t an easy road, but it’s just that much sweeter when we finally meet Jesus in our heavenly home. It is worth everything to be in God’s good graces…….so to speak. Jonathan, do you think Jesus had it easy while He was on this earth? He gave His life for us. The least we can do is to give our lives for Him.”
“Thanks, Alexis.”
The sky became dark and the passengers settled in trying to catch a little sleep before they landed in Jerusalem.
Andrews screen lit up…..Andrew, danger a head. Bombs set to go off all across the world.
- P4H
__________________________________________________________
From the story line - Israel statement:
“Dean what are your plans after here?” Todd asked
Dean had been in the Navy and with the Seal Unit for eight years; his home back in Nevada was a joke so Dean never thought about life after the Navy. “No idea really, I don’t have a home or family to go home to so I guess I’ll just travel around seeing what kind of trouble I can stay out of. And you are you heading somewhere special?”
“I thought I’d head up North Dakota and see my grandpa farm. I was scheduled to go up there back last November until all this happened. I wonder if he is still there or if he disappeared, he and my Grandma were pretty faithful to God.”
“Well if they were then by what everyone is saying I doubt he is still around. Sorry” Dean replied
“Don’t be sorry, the way I figure all those who disappeared are the lucky ones. If what they say is true we are in for a real rude time in our lives. If it gets that bad, I hope it ends quickly”
“Ya me too, our country now belongs to the UN or GF punks and we are the last four American fighters. Hmm kind of ironic, here are the last of the American Fighters and we are about to just walk away.”
“I know I do not like it either. Where are all the fireworks and the John Wayne telling his men to move out? No more Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead.”
“Guess we leave that up to the Wales and her crew; do hope they make it back home”
“Oh I am sure they will get home the question is which home are they looking for?”
Dean wiped the sweat from his forehead as he watched the traffic below. It had been close to six months since he and the unit said their goodbyes under the Statue of Liberty. Setting under a hickory tree in Illinois, Dean smiled as the pain in his ribs was slowly going away.
Two day ago, while passing through what once was Springfield, Illinois, a group of men attacked him calling him a killer and traitor. Minutes before the local law enforcement got there, 3 men laid died and the other two had broken leg or ribs. One of them got lucky with a baseball bat and caught Dean in the side. When he saw the red and blue lights flashing, he was going to stick around and tell his story but a small voice told him to leave the area. Dean moved away and hide in the dark, he was amassed at what he heard the law enforcement officers saying. Calling this other Christian killing and how all the Christians needed to be rounded up, beat and then shot.
So indeed what the crew on the HMS Wales had said was coming true. The day that Christians were being rounded up was coming on fast.
Dean made sure no traffic was coming when he stood up, crossed the road and started his journey again. Were to? He asked himself, “Dean oh boy, let the Lord lead you”
“Dean what are your plans after here?” Todd asked
Dean had been in the Navy and with the Seal Unit for eight years; his home back in Nevada was a joke so Dean never thought about life after the Navy. “No idea really, I don’t have a home or family to go home to so I guess I’ll just travel around seeing what kind of trouble I can stay out of. And you are you heading somewhere special?”
“I thought I’d head up North Dakota and see my grandpa farm. I was scheduled to go up there back last November until all this happened. I wonder if he is still there or if he disappeared, he and my Grandma were pretty faithful to God.”
“Well if they were then by what everyone is saying I doubt he is still around. Sorry” Dean replied
“Don’t be sorry, the way I figure all those who disappeared are the lucky ones. If what they say is true we are in for a real rude time in our lives. If it gets that bad, I hope it ends quickly”
“Ya me too, our country now belongs to the UN or GF punks and we are the last four American fighters. Hmm kind of ironic, here are the last of the American Fighters and we are about to just walk away.”
“I know I do not like it either. Where are all the fireworks and the John Wayne telling his men to move out? No more Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead.”
“Guess we leave that up to the Wales and her crew; do hope they make it back home”
“Oh I am sure they will get home the question is which home are they looking for?”
Dean wiped the sweat from his forehead as he watched the traffic below. It had been close to six months since he and the unit said their goodbyes under the Statue of Liberty. Setting under a hickory tree in Illinois, Dean smiled as the pain in his ribs was slowly going away.
Two day ago, while passing through what once was Springfield, Illinois, a group of men attacked him calling him a killer and traitor. Minutes before the local law enforcement got there, 3 men laid died and the other two had broken leg or ribs. One of them got lucky with a baseball bat and caught Dean in the side. When he saw the red and blue lights flashing, he was going to stick around and tell his story but a small voice told him to leave the area. Dean moved away and hide in the dark, he was amassed at what he heard the law enforcement officers saying. Calling this other Christian killing and how all the Christians needed to be rounded up, beat and then shot.
So indeed what the crew on the HMS Wales had said was coming true. The day that Christians were being rounded up was coming on fast.
Dean made sure no traffic was coming when he stood up, crossed the road and started his journey again. Were to? He asked himself, “Dean oh boy, let the Lord lead you”
- Alex
___________________________________________________________
Which Path Lord cont.....
Trying to stay off the main roads, Dean found it more favorable to cross through the woods and valleys of once was rural America. Having been a Naval Seal for ten years, Dean left little tracks and could see and hear things before most people; this is how while walking under the canopy of the oaks and hickories be heard the scream of a rabbit.
“Hmm sounds like something is about to have lunch” he told himself stopping just below the ridge of the hillside. Slowly moving up so not to scare what was on the other side, Dean at first didn’t see the rabbit as it laid on it’s side, then a kick of the leg and Dean focused on the captured animal.
An old metal pressure claw trap had been set and the rabbit found the jaws. Knowing that a man had sat the trap and that he might need this rabbit to feed his family, Dean backed away and made a wide berth of the area looking for any other traps he might encounter. Three more traps were spotted before seeing spotting a clearing and a house or small cabin. Dean sat down and watch for any activity, not having eaten in a day his stomach was letting him know that soon it would need something or the rest of his body would stop functioning at 100%.
“Lord, you have been with me so far, and have provided to my needs, I trust my hunger to you as I trust my life. Amen”
About to nod off, Dean heard something down by the cabin. A man had stepped out, called his dog and now was heading up towards were Dean had found the traps. The older man moved slowly up the embankment not for fear of scaring something but years of hard work had taken it toll. Dean watched as the man checked each trap then heard the older gentleman shout with joy when he saw the rabbit. “Timmy you old hound dog looks like we eat tonight.” The dog hearing his master excitement barked twice before sticking it nose to the ground, barked again before making a bee line towards Dean.
Great, just want I needed, a dog catch his scent. Dean knew once the dog had a positive lock on him he would bark and carry on till his master investigated and found a stranger. Dean didn’t see a weapon so he knew he had the upper hand but he didn’t want any trouble.
The dog hit the trail and soon the barking began, “Timmy what you after now boy? Another rabbit, get it boy chase it back to me” the man shouted.
Twenty feet away the dog made out Dean and stopped. The bark of excitement quickly turned to growling. Being found, Dean stood up and announced his presents to the master.
“Sir I am here peacefully just passing through” Dean announced.
The older man, startled at first grabbed a long stick then moved closer. “Who are you and what do you want?”
“Name is Dean Holst sir; I am just passing through not looking for any trouble.”
Dean looked the man over as he came closer, his eye sight must also be bad Dean Thought. Clean cut hair, typical of what his dad use to wear, and a tattoo on his arm. Maybe the man is former military and would understand his request.
“What are you doing on my property; the road is a half mile over the hill.” The man asked after stopping fifteen feet from Dean.
“Sir, I was in the United States Navy and now I’m trying to get back home.”
“Navy huh, retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant here, why you not on the road hitching a ride like most people.”
“Sir, since this world has turned upside down, most people… I should say everyone I have met has hated me for being in the military. Once they learn I didn’t team up with that Global Military.”
“Ya… I don’t blame you, well come down to the house so we can talk, don’t have any food to give you, this rabbit is the first thing I’ve caught in three days.”
“Sir I saw a deer back about four hundred yards just over the ridge, I’m sure you could drop it.”
“Son, I ran out of ammo two months ago, unless you got a lot of money or something to trade, ammo is like gold around here.”
Dean figured he better talk to this man first before offering to go shoot the deer and making it known he had his weapons from the service.
“Names Tom Augustine, this here is Timmy” pointing at the dog who now was off looking for another scent.
“Dean Sir, glad to meet you”
“Like wise, what did you do in the taxi service?” Tom asked as they headed down the hill.
Dean knew Tom was joking and knew of the standing joke between Navy and Marines. “I am or was Special Forces, Navy Seal”
“Really now, I figured you boys would be better trained then that”
“Better trained… Sir”
“Ya, Timmy there, never had any training and he found you right off the bat”
“So he did, sir so he did.” Dean didn’t say that he could have dropped both the dog and master minutes before.
“Come on in, the house is a little messy since my wife and kids vanished”
“Vanished sir”
“Quit calling me sir, boy, I worked for a living. Yes vanished, happen one night, we were all just getting to bed, my Nancy was reading her bible and poof they were gone. Nancy said that God was ready to take his chosen ones home but I figured there was time. Heck, I had been hearing them same stories all my life.”
“A lot of people vanished that night sir… I mean Tom, afterwards, my unit was sent to a British sub manned by men from Israel, they all were saying and I believed them that they were saved now and awaited Jesus return.”
“Well I figure, I missed the boat the first time, so who am I to try and get on the second one. I cheated on my wife, gambled, lied, cussed and a whole lot more, sorry for it all but that’s all spilt milk now, time to pay the fiddler I guess.”
“Sir… Tom, from what them boys on the sub said and they showed it to me in the bible that we can still be saved. We just are going to have a harder time. We are going through what they called the Tribulation. Seven years of hate and death to anyone who give themselves to the Lord Jesus.”
“Sorry son but that is fine and dandy but I’m no good for Heaven, Hell son I still cuss like a grunt. Now let’s talk about food and where you are headed.”
Something was tearing up Dean inside, why would this man choose to stay an unbeliever and end up in hell. There was still time…. Wasn’t there?”
Trying to stay off the main roads, Dean found it more favorable to cross through the woods and valleys of once was rural America. Having been a Naval Seal for ten years, Dean left little tracks and could see and hear things before most people; this is how while walking under the canopy of the oaks and hickories be heard the scream of a rabbit.
“Hmm sounds like something is about to have lunch” he told himself stopping just below the ridge of the hillside. Slowly moving up so not to scare what was on the other side, Dean at first didn’t see the rabbit as it laid on it’s side, then a kick of the leg and Dean focused on the captured animal.
An old metal pressure claw trap had been set and the rabbit found the jaws. Knowing that a man had sat the trap and that he might need this rabbit to feed his family, Dean backed away and made a wide berth of the area looking for any other traps he might encounter. Three more traps were spotted before seeing spotting a clearing and a house or small cabin. Dean sat down and watch for any activity, not having eaten in a day his stomach was letting him know that soon it would need something or the rest of his body would stop functioning at 100%.
“Lord, you have been with me so far, and have provided to my needs, I trust my hunger to you as I trust my life. Amen”
About to nod off, Dean heard something down by the cabin. A man had stepped out, called his dog and now was heading up towards were Dean had found the traps. The older man moved slowly up the embankment not for fear of scaring something but years of hard work had taken it toll. Dean watched as the man checked each trap then heard the older gentleman shout with joy when he saw the rabbit. “Timmy you old hound dog looks like we eat tonight.” The dog hearing his master excitement barked twice before sticking it nose to the ground, barked again before making a bee line towards Dean.
Great, just want I needed, a dog catch his scent. Dean knew once the dog had a positive lock on him he would bark and carry on till his master investigated and found a stranger. Dean didn’t see a weapon so he knew he had the upper hand but he didn’t want any trouble.
The dog hit the trail and soon the barking began, “Timmy what you after now boy? Another rabbit, get it boy chase it back to me” the man shouted.
Twenty feet away the dog made out Dean and stopped. The bark of excitement quickly turned to growling. Being found, Dean stood up and announced his presents to the master.
“Sir I am here peacefully just passing through” Dean announced.
The older man, startled at first grabbed a long stick then moved closer. “Who are you and what do you want?”
“Name is Dean Holst sir; I am just passing through not looking for any trouble.”
Dean looked the man over as he came closer, his eye sight must also be bad Dean Thought. Clean cut hair, typical of what his dad use to wear, and a tattoo on his arm. Maybe the man is former military and would understand his request.
“What are you doing on my property; the road is a half mile over the hill.” The man asked after stopping fifteen feet from Dean.
“Sir, I was in the United States Navy and now I’m trying to get back home.”
“Navy huh, retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant here, why you not on the road hitching a ride like most people.”
“Sir, since this world has turned upside down, most people… I should say everyone I have met has hated me for being in the military. Once they learn I didn’t team up with that Global Military.”
“Ya… I don’t blame you, well come down to the house so we can talk, don’t have any food to give you, this rabbit is the first thing I’ve caught in three days.”
“Sir I saw a deer back about four hundred yards just over the ridge, I’m sure you could drop it.”
“Son, I ran out of ammo two months ago, unless you got a lot of money or something to trade, ammo is like gold around here.”
Dean figured he better talk to this man first before offering to go shoot the deer and making it known he had his weapons from the service.
“Names Tom Augustine, this here is Timmy” pointing at the dog who now was off looking for another scent.
“Dean Sir, glad to meet you”
“Like wise, what did you do in the taxi service?” Tom asked as they headed down the hill.
Dean knew Tom was joking and knew of the standing joke between Navy and Marines. “I am or was Special Forces, Navy Seal”
“Really now, I figured you boys would be better trained then that”
“Better trained… Sir”
“Ya, Timmy there, never had any training and he found you right off the bat”
“So he did, sir so he did.” Dean didn’t say that he could have dropped both the dog and master minutes before.
“Come on in, the house is a little messy since my wife and kids vanished”
“Vanished sir”
“Quit calling me sir, boy, I worked for a living. Yes vanished, happen one night, we were all just getting to bed, my Nancy was reading her bible and poof they were gone. Nancy said that God was ready to take his chosen ones home but I figured there was time. Heck, I had been hearing them same stories all my life.”
“A lot of people vanished that night sir… I mean Tom, afterwards, my unit was sent to a British sub manned by men from Israel, they all were saying and I believed them that they were saved now and awaited Jesus return.”
“Well I figure, I missed the boat the first time, so who am I to try and get on the second one. I cheated on my wife, gambled, lied, cussed and a whole lot more, sorry for it all but that’s all spilt milk now, time to pay the fiddler I guess.”
“Sir… Tom, from what them boys on the sub said and they showed it to me in the bible that we can still be saved. We just are going to have a harder time. We are going through what they called the Tribulation. Seven years of hate and death to anyone who give themselves to the Lord Jesus.”
“Sorry son but that is fine and dandy but I’m no good for Heaven, Hell son I still cuss like a grunt. Now let’s talk about food and where you are headed.”
Something was tearing up Dean inside, why would this man choose to stay an unbeliever and end up in hell. There was still time…. Wasn’t there?”
- Alex
_________________________________________________________
Boise City, Oklahoma
“Frank, I have to say I’m very impressed with how much work you have gotten done with such a small crew.”
“Thank you General. These men are some of the best men I have ever worked with.” Frank said seriously. “I’ve never in all my years with the FBI ever seen such a work ethic as I have with these men.”
The General nodded. “They certainly have gotten an extraordinary amount of work done in a short amount of time. I have to admit, I thought I’d come here and see half finished shoddy work, but what I see is a facility that is ready for use.”
Frank flinched inside but managed to keep his face impassive. “When can we expect students?”
“Oh, you won’t be getting students.” The General turned to Frank. “This facility will be used as a detention center. The opposition toward Pontentate Argryos has grown too dangerous. The Global Family has no choice but to incarcerate those who oppose the Global Family and our Pontentate. Don’t misunderstand, you will still attempt to re-educate the detainees, but I have my doubts that you will see much success. I’ll alert New York and Babylon that this center is ready for occupation.”
Frank nodded unable to speak. His thoughts raced. How soon until their first “detainees” arrived? How many of his men would stay or would more be added? Question after question ran through Franks mind.
“within a few days.” Frank realized the General had continued to speak as his thoughts whirled. He automatically shook the hand the General held out to him. “For the present I’ll leave you with your current crew. This Center will more than likely house opponents of the Global Family indefinitely or permanently.”
“Yes sir.” Frank nodded seriously.
“Umm, sir?” Travis approached Frank.
“What is it?”
“Umm, we have visitors at the gate.” Travis glanced at the General.
Frank’s gut clenched. “Who?”
“Well don’t just leave them sitting at the gate, let them in.” the General bellowed at Travis. Slapping Frank on the shoulder he missed the panicked look Travis gave Frank.
“Frank, I have to say I’m very impressed with how much work you have gotten done with such a small crew.”
“Thank you General. These men are some of the best men I have ever worked with.” Frank said seriously. “I’ve never in all my years with the FBI ever seen such a work ethic as I have with these men.”
The General nodded. “They certainly have gotten an extraordinary amount of work done in a short amount of time. I have to admit, I thought I’d come here and see half finished shoddy work, but what I see is a facility that is ready for use.”
Frank flinched inside but managed to keep his face impassive. “When can we expect students?”
“Oh, you won’t be getting students.” The General turned to Frank. “This facility will be used as a detention center. The opposition toward Pontentate Argryos has grown too dangerous. The Global Family has no choice but to incarcerate those who oppose the Global Family and our Pontentate. Don’t misunderstand, you will still attempt to re-educate the detainees, but I have my doubts that you will see much success. I’ll alert New York and Babylon that this center is ready for occupation.”
Frank nodded unable to speak. His thoughts raced. How soon until their first “detainees” arrived? How many of his men would stay or would more be added? Question after question ran through Franks mind.
“within a few days.” Frank realized the General had continued to speak as his thoughts whirled. He automatically shook the hand the General held out to him. “For the present I’ll leave you with your current crew. This Center will more than likely house opponents of the Global Family indefinitely or permanently.”
“Yes sir.” Frank nodded seriously.
“Umm, sir?” Travis approached Frank.
“What is it?”
“Umm, we have visitors at the gate.” Travis glanced at the General.
Frank’s gut clenched. “Who?”
“Well don’t just leave them sitting at the gate, let them in.” the General bellowed at Travis. Slapping Frank on the shoulder he missed the panicked look Travis gave Frank.
- Zags
__________________________________________________________
South of Campo, Colorado
Matt took a swallow of water. He had spent the last hour explaining to Mikhail what had happened since the night of the rapture. Each time he even began to mention Jesus name Mikhail had sent a furtive look toward the sleeping Ricardo.
“So this book of Revelation tells everything that will be happening for the next several years?” Mikhail asked incredulously. “How is it that people do not know this?”
“The Bible..” Matt noticed Mikhail once again cast a quick glance at Ricardo, “tells how people will believe they lies they are told. They don’t want to see the truth. They actually hate it.”
Mikhail nodded. “I have seen this myself.” He glanced at Ricardo. “When I found this little booklet in Jason’s room,” He held up the tract, “it repelled and fascinated me.” He flipped through the pages. “Many times I thought to discard it, but I could not. I tried to talk to Mr. Morratta about it….” He trailed off.
“May I see?” Trevor held his hand out.
Mikhail hesitated and then laid it in Trevor’s outstretched palm.
Matt saw the reluctance Mikhail had to let the little tract go. His heart went out to the man.
“It’s in Russian?” Trevor asked as he flipped through the pages.
Mikhail nodded as he watched Trevor.
Trevor and Matt both saw the gospel message was not only written, but was played out in pictures.
“Such a simple thing.” Trevor mused quietly. “The entire gospel in a little booklet, explained so simply a child could understand.”
The brakes on the train suddenly engaged, the sound of screaming metal tearing through the air. Trevor lurched forward dropping the tract while Mikhail lunged to intercept Ricardo who had woken up with a hoarse cry.
Within seconds the train has slowed enough that they could all see the GF vehicles running alongside the train. As soon as the train stopped GF officers began entering train cars. Several people were unceremoniously hauled from the train and shoved toward vehicles.
Matt scrambled to his feet as five GF officers boarded the car they were in. They grabbed Trevor and shoved him toward more GF personnel waiting on the ground. “We got five in here.” One of the men shouted.
Another officer reached to grab Mikhail and catching his arm began to jerk him to his feet. Wrenching away Mikhail reached for Ricardo again. Two of the GF officers descended on Mikhail their nightsticks swinging.
Ricardo began to scream and the officers stopped beating Mikhail to gape in horror at the disfigured man’s face.
Mikhail lay on the floor of the train car his arms covering his head as he listened to Ricardo’s screaming. “Please do not hurt him.” He shouted. “He is a defenseless old man, not in his right mind.”
Ricardo began to crawl around on his hands and knees one arm reaching out. “Mikhail?” He screamed. “Mikhail, the creatures are here. You must help me hide.”
“Creatures?” One of the officers asked.
“He sees things that are not there.” Mikhail said lowering his arms.
Ricardo’s hand found one of the officer’s legs. He latched on and curled both of his arms around the officers thigh.
“Get off me!” The officer said shaking his leg. “Get him off of me.”
Without warning a shot rang out and Ricardo fell limp to the floor of the train car.
Mikhail leapt to his feet only to be intercepted by Matt. “Don’t.” Matt pleaded in a whisper.
“What’s this?”
Matt turned to see one of the officers held the tract in his hand.
Mikhail stiffened and Matt quickly swung around in front of him. “It’s mine.”
Immediately Matt was swarmed by GF officers and placed in handcuffs. “You are under arrest for having treasonous materials against the Global Family and the Potentate. “ Matt gave Mikhail a pleading look as the shoved him out of the train car.
“This one’s dead.” An officer said as he unrolled the blanked that contained Zoe’s body. “Been dead for hours.”
“Leave it then.”
Mikhail was then handcuffed and led off the train car to a van with Matt and Trevor.
Matt took a swallow of water. He had spent the last hour explaining to Mikhail what had happened since the night of the rapture. Each time he even began to mention Jesus name Mikhail had sent a furtive look toward the sleeping Ricardo.
“So this book of Revelation tells everything that will be happening for the next several years?” Mikhail asked incredulously. “How is it that people do not know this?”
“The Bible..” Matt noticed Mikhail once again cast a quick glance at Ricardo, “tells how people will believe they lies they are told. They don’t want to see the truth. They actually hate it.”
Mikhail nodded. “I have seen this myself.” He glanced at Ricardo. “When I found this little booklet in Jason’s room,” He held up the tract, “it repelled and fascinated me.” He flipped through the pages. “Many times I thought to discard it, but I could not. I tried to talk to Mr. Morratta about it….” He trailed off.
“May I see?” Trevor held his hand out.
Mikhail hesitated and then laid it in Trevor’s outstretched palm.
Matt saw the reluctance Mikhail had to let the little tract go. His heart went out to the man.
“It’s in Russian?” Trevor asked as he flipped through the pages.
Mikhail nodded as he watched Trevor.
Trevor and Matt both saw the gospel message was not only written, but was played out in pictures.
“Such a simple thing.” Trevor mused quietly. “The entire gospel in a little booklet, explained so simply a child could understand.”
The brakes on the train suddenly engaged, the sound of screaming metal tearing through the air. Trevor lurched forward dropping the tract while Mikhail lunged to intercept Ricardo who had woken up with a hoarse cry.
Within seconds the train has slowed enough that they could all see the GF vehicles running alongside the train. As soon as the train stopped GF officers began entering train cars. Several people were unceremoniously hauled from the train and shoved toward vehicles.
Matt scrambled to his feet as five GF officers boarded the car they were in. They grabbed Trevor and shoved him toward more GF personnel waiting on the ground. “We got five in here.” One of the men shouted.
Another officer reached to grab Mikhail and catching his arm began to jerk him to his feet. Wrenching away Mikhail reached for Ricardo again. Two of the GF officers descended on Mikhail their nightsticks swinging.
Ricardo began to scream and the officers stopped beating Mikhail to gape in horror at the disfigured man’s face.
Mikhail lay on the floor of the train car his arms covering his head as he listened to Ricardo’s screaming. “Please do not hurt him.” He shouted. “He is a defenseless old man, not in his right mind.”
Ricardo began to crawl around on his hands and knees one arm reaching out. “Mikhail?” He screamed. “Mikhail, the creatures are here. You must help me hide.”
“Creatures?” One of the officers asked.
“He sees things that are not there.” Mikhail said lowering his arms.
Ricardo’s hand found one of the officer’s legs. He latched on and curled both of his arms around the officers thigh.
“Get off me!” The officer said shaking his leg. “Get him off of me.”
Without warning a shot rang out and Ricardo fell limp to the floor of the train car.
Mikhail leapt to his feet only to be intercepted by Matt. “Don’t.” Matt pleaded in a whisper.
“What’s this?”
Matt turned to see one of the officers held the tract in his hand.
Mikhail stiffened and Matt quickly swung around in front of him. “It’s mine.”
Immediately Matt was swarmed by GF officers and placed in handcuffs. “You are under arrest for having treasonous materials against the Global Family and the Potentate. “ Matt gave Mikhail a pleading look as the shoved him out of the train car.
“This one’s dead.” An officer said as he unrolled the blanked that contained Zoe’s body. “Been dead for hours.”
“Leave it then.”
Mikhail was then handcuffed and led off the train car to a van with Matt and Trevor.
- Zags
_________________________________________________________
"Jerome?"
He slowly lifted his head off of his desk where he had dozed off. "Yes Amelia? What can I do for you?"
Amelia smiled,"Just wanted to check up on you. I know you've seemed stressed and exhausted lately and was wondering if you wanted to talk about it?"
Jerome knew she was being genuine. Amelia was a younger woman who had been promoted to the head of the advertising branch of the Global Family. It was her job to find creative ways to make the Potentate look good and convince the public to continue trusting him.
"Thanks Amelia, but I believe I just need some coffee and then I can get back to work," Jerome rose to go across the room towards the coffee pot but Amelia beat him to it, pouring him a cup with one packet of sugar, just how he liked it. "Here you go," she said with a small smile.
"Thanks," Jerome replied, pausing for a bit. After a beat, he decided against asking her to stay. "I will see you later then."
Amelia's smile fell slightly but she recovered quickly, "Ok, well if you need anything..."
"...I will let you know", Jerome said with another tired smile. Amelia gave a small wave and closed the door behind her.
Jerome let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. They had become fast friends since she was transferred up to this floor a few weeks ago, but Jerome had kept some distance between them because he knew she wasn't a believer in Christ. How can you get close to someone who isn't on the same page as you? It was something he thought about daily, and he had held back on even mentioning anything about Christ because of his close proximity to Teodor. If he got caught, the repercussions would be enormous. But if I don't say anything, am I sentencing her to eternal damnation? Jerome let out a growl of frustration and then flinched as he burned his tongue on his coffee.
He slowly lifted his head off of his desk where he had dozed off. "Yes Amelia? What can I do for you?"
Amelia smiled,"Just wanted to check up on you. I know you've seemed stressed and exhausted lately and was wondering if you wanted to talk about it?"
Jerome knew she was being genuine. Amelia was a younger woman who had been promoted to the head of the advertising branch of the Global Family. It was her job to find creative ways to make the Potentate look good and convince the public to continue trusting him.
"Thanks Amelia, but I believe I just need some coffee and then I can get back to work," Jerome rose to go across the room towards the coffee pot but Amelia beat him to it, pouring him a cup with one packet of sugar, just how he liked it. "Here you go," she said with a small smile.
"Thanks," Jerome replied, pausing for a bit. After a beat, he decided against asking her to stay. "I will see you later then."
Amelia's smile fell slightly but she recovered quickly, "Ok, well if you need anything..."
"...I will let you know", Jerome said with another tired smile. Amelia gave a small wave and closed the door behind her.
Jerome let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. They had become fast friends since she was transferred up to this floor a few weeks ago, but Jerome had kept some distance between them because he knew she wasn't a believer in Christ. How can you get close to someone who isn't on the same page as you? It was something he thought about daily, and he had held back on even mentioning anything about Christ because of his close proximity to Teodor. If he got caught, the repercussions would be enormous. But if I don't say anything, am I sentencing her to eternal damnation? Jerome let out a growl of frustration and then flinched as he burned his tongue on his coffee.
- Katy
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