Mark unfastened his seat belt and motioned for Andrew to follow him to the back of the plane.
They took a seat facing each other and Mark with a solemn look on his face started talking, "Andrew, they are scrambling all AF planes to Babylon immediately. I don't think we have a problem since this aircraft has been retired and taken off the active list, but to be on the safe side I have sent a message to Commander Adams requesting instructions regarding our present mission and if it is still a go. Something's up, but they are not giving information over the airwaves. Maybe you could email Jerome and see if he knows what's up."
"I will email Jerome, but this may just be an exercise and only a trial run. Some big shot general may have decided he needed a few extra brownie points and decided they needed to see how fast all planes could be diverted to Babylon. You know the drill, surprise you've been chosen for active duty and on the next flight out. Soon as you hear from the commander, let me know. Let's keep this just between us for right now," Andrew said as he rose to return to his seat.
He looked over to see Julie asleep on David's shoulder, David was reading the Bible, and Connor was rummaging through the snacks Amy had sent. Everyone seemed undisturbed by the monitor's activity except Bill and he knew something was a miss and was looking to Mark for answers.
Mark sat in the co-pilot's seat and looked squarely at Bill, "You have heard the activity on the monitor and you know that something is happening. I don't think we have anything to worry about because as I explained to Andrew this aircraft has been taken out of service by the GFAF. To be on the safe side I sent the commander a message asking if our mission was still a go so for right now, stay on course."
Bill nodded, "Sir, we have the most powerful general leading us so I'm sure things will work out. You know we've all had some close calls, mine being shot down by the GFAF, but God brought us safely through all the danger. He is with us and we are about His business so I would think our mission overrides all others."
"You are exactly right. We only need to trust and allow God to go before us in this battle against the evil that is controlling our world. We've gone too far to turn back now," Mark told him.
They took a seat facing each other and Mark with a solemn look on his face started talking, "Andrew, they are scrambling all AF planes to Babylon immediately. I don't think we have a problem since this aircraft has been retired and taken off the active list, but to be on the safe side I have sent a message to Commander Adams requesting instructions regarding our present mission and if it is still a go. Something's up, but they are not giving information over the airwaves. Maybe you could email Jerome and see if he knows what's up."
"I will email Jerome, but this may just be an exercise and only a trial run. Some big shot general may have decided he needed a few extra brownie points and decided they needed to see how fast all planes could be diverted to Babylon. You know the drill, surprise you've been chosen for active duty and on the next flight out. Soon as you hear from the commander, let me know. Let's keep this just between us for right now," Andrew said as he rose to return to his seat.
He looked over to see Julie asleep on David's shoulder, David was reading the Bible, and Connor was rummaging through the snacks Amy had sent. Everyone seemed undisturbed by the monitor's activity except Bill and he knew something was a miss and was looking to Mark for answers.
Mark sat in the co-pilot's seat and looked squarely at Bill, "You have heard the activity on the monitor and you know that something is happening. I don't think we have anything to worry about because as I explained to Andrew this aircraft has been taken out of service by the GFAF. To be on the safe side I sent the commander a message asking if our mission was still a go so for right now, stay on course."
Bill nodded, "Sir, we have the most powerful general leading us so I'm sure things will work out. You know we've all had some close calls, mine being shot down by the GFAF, but God brought us safely through all the danger. He is with us and we are about His business so I would think our mission overrides all others."
"You are exactly right. We only need to trust and allow God to go before us in this battle against the evil that is controlling our world. We've gone too far to turn back now," Mark told him.
- P4H
_______________________________________________________________
Jerome was staring at the monitor in front of him. It contained orders for the AF to reroute to New Babylon immediately. Shaking his head, Jerome knew exactly what was going on.
Over the past few days, the Potentate had been muttering about brainstorming different ways to show the public that he was in complete control and that they could entrust him with their safety and lives. Jerome had seen him scribbling on his note pad every so often, crossing of some ideas and keeping a few highlighted. He wondered why Teodor hadn't asked him to help with the process, but who knew what Teodor was up to these days? All Jerome could do was obey orders and get as much information as he could, facts or guesswork.
He clicked on "New Message" and wrote this to Andrew:
Andrew,
Don't worry too much about the order for the AF planes to reroute to New Babylon. Teodor is putting on a huge "show", starting with the AF, to prove to the public that he can and will protect them with massive military force. He will probably do some outrageous demonstration, having them fly complicated flight patterns and shoot air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles at harmless targets in the sky and desert. He needs to show off his power. I'm assuming he will move on to showing off the general GFM and the GFNavy...but I'm worried about how the GFNavy is going to prove its power. As you know, there is a large number of rebel forces gathered at the tip of South America who want nothing to do with the GFNavy. Some are Christians, Jews, and non-believers, but as of now they are united against the GF. I fear....well, I am worried that Teodor is going to have the navy swarm and destroy the rebel forces to prove that the GF can and will destroy all "radicals" who reject the "peace and love" of the GF. Please, contact your people inside the rebel forces and let them know that it is very probable an attack may be imminent.
I will update you with more details as soon as they are available.
God Speed,
Jerome
- Katy
_______________________________________________________________
Andrew got Mark's attention and asked him to come to the rear of the plane again for a meeting. Mark removed his headset and walked to the rear of the plane and sat facing Andrew, "Did you hear something from Jerome? Commander Adams sent me a message saying mission was on and stay the course. We will not be noticed."
Andrew opened his laptop and began reading Jerome's email to Mark. "It looks as though we can proceed without any problem. Teodor is too busy showing off his might that he won't notice one plane that is off course. This aircraft did not show up on the list just as you said, so we are totally off the radar. I checked in with my office and it is as Jerome said, a training exercise and to show the world what can be done. You do realize that these types of incidents will be happening more and more as time goes on because the Potentate must prove to the world his power. He is smiling because of his more sinister plans for the world and how easily he can fool everyone."
"I am hoping that Sam can send us some of the notes he has on the tribulation so I can better understand what is coming and when to expect it. The night you and I talked you mentioned that a pastor had left all kinds of material to Sam and his group so it would be great if we could get those emailed to us. I know Amy and MD have information, too so do you think you can email and ask them to share the information with us?" Mark asked.
"Yes, I will do that. Claire had left me a lot of information marked in her Bible, but it would nice to have it in layman's terms. I am definitely not a Bible scholar and need a lot of help understanding the scriptures. My biggest regret is not going to Bible study with Claire.....then you and wouldn't be having this conversation.......God saved us for this time and place to help those that have come to believe in Jesus. We can never question God's plans for our lives. His plan is perfect."
Mark returned to the cockpit and Andrew sat writing emails to Jerome, MD, and Amy.
- P4H
________________________________________________________________
Mo sat down next to Zoe at the table. She was so distracted by what she was doing on the computer that when Mo bumped her she let out a gasp. "Mo!! You startled me!!"
"Sorry." Mo grinned. "What's going on?"
Zoe looked around and seeing no one else close turned the laptop toward him so he could see.
Mo's mouth dropped open at what he was seeing. He turned his eyes from the screen and looked at Zoe. "Wow. You found umph..." Mo was cut off in mid shout be the elbow Zoe gave him in the ribs.
"Shhh!!" She whispered furiously.
"So what are you gonna do with the information?" He whispered.
"Right now I'm trying to find out if they are still here or if they disappeared in the rapture." Zoe whispered back. "If they are still here I plan on going to Nebraska and bringing them back here."
"Need some help?" Mo asked excitedly.
Zoe grinned. "Yeah. Grab another laptop and see if you can find a current status of their whereabouts. And keep this to yourself. I don't want to get anyone's hopes up."
Mo nodded as he opened the laptop and powered it up.
- Zags
_________________________________________________________________
Stu parked his Fed Ex truck and headed into the headquarters. His boss had sent him an emergency page to report to his office. He had planned on surprising George later that evening at the observatory by bringing him dinner to share and some fellowship but it looked like his boss had other plans for him.
As he stepped off the elevator on the 7th floor his boss Caleb came running out of his office and grabbed Stu. Stu could barely catch his breath before Caleb told him he was leaving for Iraq later that night. He handed him his airline ticket and instructions what to do upon arrival. "You are the last of the drivers to check in today and your paperwork tells you everything you need to know until further notice. I have to get home and pack because I will be going tonight too, to set up our office in Babylon." Stu stopped in his tracks. "New Babylon?" he asked. "Yes". Caleb replied. "We will get to see a new city arise in the middle east. Pretty amazing huh?" "You might say that." Stu answered. His mind was racing trying to figure out what Gods plan was in all this.
As he stepped off the elevator on the 7th floor his boss Caleb came running out of his office and grabbed Stu. Stu could barely catch his breath before Caleb told him he was leaving for Iraq later that night. He handed him his airline ticket and instructions what to do upon arrival. "You are the last of the drivers to check in today and your paperwork tells you everything you need to know until further notice. I have to get home and pack because I will be going tonight too, to set up our office in Babylon." Stu stopped in his tracks. "New Babylon?" he asked. "Yes". Caleb replied. "We will get to see a new city arise in the middle east. Pretty amazing huh?" "You might say that." Stu answered. His mind was racing trying to figure out what Gods plan was in all this.
- Renee
________________________________________________________________
Ben was setting on his bunk reading his new bible when the messenger tapped on his door. “Sir the Reagan want you over there asap, said they would be sending a boat for you.”
“Very well” Ben replied laying the book down. Making sure his uniform was squared away, Be headed top side.
Like before, the boat came along side and Ben jumped in. After these past weeks and months, the whole fleet had formed a taxi service. Anyone could grab a boat and be on another ship within minutes if they wanted. One concern that was growing was the fact that food and fuel was starting to run short. With the winter months soon here, the plan was to move North and possible find a few ports that would still trade with them.
The boat arrived at the ladder and Ben once again found himself walking up what he thought was five hundred steps to reach Radio Central, at least now he knew where he was going and managed to not get lost. A week ago, he was onboard the Reagan trying to get to the weapon office and spent two hours walking around till finally he asked. Come to find out he was on the wrong end of the ship so it took another half hour.
Ben knocked on the door then waited for the little peep door to open.
Radioman 3rd Class Bates opened the small door and looked out. “May I help you?”
“Ben Shmona, got word you had something for me”
“Wait one” then the door closed
Four minutes later the small peep door opened again, “Sorry sir the message was sent to CIC, you can pick it up there.”
“Where is…” but the door closed again
Ben knocked once more.
“May I help you” Bates asked
“Where is CIC?”
“Forward down one behind the bridge” Bates stated before closing the door again
Ben was getting a little hot under the collar with this young man so he knocked once more.
“May I help you” Bates asked as he opened the small door once again.
“You close that door one more time before I say I am done and I will send three MK48 into the belly of this ship and you Seaman will be swimming for your life. Now tell me again how to get to CIC and tell me like I am your father.”
Bates looked at Ben then said he was sorry as he pushed a little red button just inside the door.
“Sir, if you go forward to the first ladder, go down one deck then forward till you see the door on your left that reads Combat Information Center”
“Now that is better, Petty Officer I thank you for your time” was the last thing Ben got out when he was tackled to the deck by two large Marines and two more standing over him with weapons drawn.
“What the heck….” Ben tried to shout
“Don’t move a muscle unless you are told to. Do you understand sir?”
“What the heck…”
“Sir don’t move, don’t speak unless asked to, do you understand?” The Marines shouted
“Sure but…”
“Sir, for the last time, don’t say a word unless asked to.”
“Ok but…”
Ben eyes got ten times bigger when he felt the boot in his gut and saw the 9MM barrel get pushed against his forehead. “Last time sir, you say one more word and I will shot. Do you understand now?”
Ben was terrified, did he say he understood or just lay there. He took the chance and just laid there awaiting future orders.
Two minutes passed when another Marine showed up, a officer Ben figured since he was took charge.
“Sir, I am going to tell my men to release you but just a little bit. I am going to ask you a question, if you refuse to answer me or give me an answer that I don’t like I will have my Marine shot you and we will feed the sharks. Do I make myself clear?”
Ben nodded his head the best he could. The marines eased their release and the 9MM was pulled away three inches.
“Sir, who are you, what ship are you assigned and what are you doing up in this part of the ship? Take your time answering; I want you to make sure you answer correctly.”
Ben tried to swallow but found his month very dry. “I am Ben Shmona the Weapons Officer onboard the Samuel of Ramah which now we are on the HMS Wales. I was told to come on board and get a message here.”
The Marine Officer looked into Bens eyes, Sir if that is true then why did Radio Central hit their intruder alarm?”
“Sir, I have no idea, you will have to ask them.”
“We will. Now I am going to let you set up while we check this out. Let me remind you that one bad move on your part will be your death. Understand”
“Yes sir” Ben stated wondering why he couldn’t have stayed in bed today. Lord, please get me out of this mess, he asked as the two big Marines sat him up next to the bulkhead.
“Very well” Ben replied laying the book down. Making sure his uniform was squared away, Be headed top side.
Like before, the boat came along side and Ben jumped in. After these past weeks and months, the whole fleet had formed a taxi service. Anyone could grab a boat and be on another ship within minutes if they wanted. One concern that was growing was the fact that food and fuel was starting to run short. With the winter months soon here, the plan was to move North and possible find a few ports that would still trade with them.
The boat arrived at the ladder and Ben once again found himself walking up what he thought was five hundred steps to reach Radio Central, at least now he knew where he was going and managed to not get lost. A week ago, he was onboard the Reagan trying to get to the weapon office and spent two hours walking around till finally he asked. Come to find out he was on the wrong end of the ship so it took another half hour.
Ben knocked on the door then waited for the little peep door to open.
Radioman 3rd Class Bates opened the small door and looked out. “May I help you?”
“Ben Shmona, got word you had something for me”
“Wait one” then the door closed
Four minutes later the small peep door opened again, “Sorry sir the message was sent to CIC, you can pick it up there.”
“Where is…” but the door closed again
Ben knocked once more.
“May I help you” Bates asked
“Where is CIC?”
“Forward down one behind the bridge” Bates stated before closing the door again
Ben was getting a little hot under the collar with this young man so he knocked once more.
“May I help you” Bates asked as he opened the small door once again.
“You close that door one more time before I say I am done and I will send three MK48 into the belly of this ship and you Seaman will be swimming for your life. Now tell me again how to get to CIC and tell me like I am your father.”
Bates looked at Ben then said he was sorry as he pushed a little red button just inside the door.
“Sir, if you go forward to the first ladder, go down one deck then forward till you see the door on your left that reads Combat Information Center”
“Now that is better, Petty Officer I thank you for your time” was the last thing Ben got out when he was tackled to the deck by two large Marines and two more standing over him with weapons drawn.
“What the heck….” Ben tried to shout
“Don’t move a muscle unless you are told to. Do you understand sir?”
“What the heck…”
“Sir don’t move, don’t speak unless asked to, do you understand?” The Marines shouted
“Sure but…”
“Sir, for the last time, don’t say a word unless asked to.”
“Ok but…”
Ben eyes got ten times bigger when he felt the boot in his gut and saw the 9MM barrel get pushed against his forehead. “Last time sir, you say one more word and I will shot. Do you understand now?”
Ben was terrified, did he say he understood or just lay there. He took the chance and just laid there awaiting future orders.
Two minutes passed when another Marine showed up, a officer Ben figured since he was took charge.
“Sir, I am going to tell my men to release you but just a little bit. I am going to ask you a question, if you refuse to answer me or give me an answer that I don’t like I will have my Marine shot you and we will feed the sharks. Do I make myself clear?”
Ben nodded his head the best he could. The marines eased their release and the 9MM was pulled away three inches.
“Sir, who are you, what ship are you assigned and what are you doing up in this part of the ship? Take your time answering; I want you to make sure you answer correctly.”
Ben tried to swallow but found his month very dry. “I am Ben Shmona the Weapons Officer onboard the Samuel of Ramah which now we are on the HMS Wales. I was told to come on board and get a message here.”
The Marine Officer looked into Bens eyes, Sir if that is true then why did Radio Central hit their intruder alarm?”
“Sir, I have no idea, you will have to ask them.”
“We will. Now I am going to let you set up while we check this out. Let me remind you that one bad move on your part will be your death. Understand”
“Yes sir” Ben stated wondering why he couldn’t have stayed in bed today. Lord, please get me out of this mess, he asked as the two big Marines sat him up next to the bulkhead.
- Alex
______________________________________________________________
On the Ranch
Mo and Zoe had no luck finding any information.
"I say we take a trip. The government is still trying to figure out who's here and who disappeared. We'd have better luck just going ourselves." Mo said.
Blowing a frustrated sigh, Zoe had to agree. "Let's tell Shade and Maddie what we're up to then head out."
"Today?" Mo asked surprised.
"Today." Zoe said as she got up. "We could be back in three days if we get ging now. The curfew has been lifted so we can drive the rest of the day all night if we have to."
Mo watched Zoe disappear into the kitchen and with a shrug got up to follow her. If they found who they were looking for all the time on the road would be worth it.
Mo and Zoe had no luck finding any information.
"I say we take a trip. The government is still trying to figure out who's here and who disappeared. We'd have better luck just going ourselves." Mo said.
Blowing a frustrated sigh, Zoe had to agree. "Let's tell Shade and Maddie what we're up to then head out."
"Today?" Mo asked surprised.
"Today." Zoe said as she got up. "We could be back in three days if we get ging now. The curfew has been lifted so we can drive the rest of the day all night if we have to."
Mo watched Zoe disappear into the kitchen and with a shrug got up to follow her. If they found who they were looking for all the time on the road would be worth it.
- Zags
________________________________________________________________
Nelson, Nebraska
After driving nonstop for hours they had finally reached their destination.
Mo and Zoe approached the elderly lady and asked her if Chris and Leslie Holt had been her neighbors. The lady had looked at them with suspicion so Zoe had explained about Kristen. The woman had gone pale.
“Kristen is alive?” She had asked shakily.
“Yes. A friend of ours found her. She was being held by the man who abducted her.” Zoe didn’t want to go into details, but the elderly lady who introduced herself as Mona Pike insisted on hearing everything.
“That poor child.” The woman had burst into tears. “They never gave up you know. They refused to believe that she was dead, and I always told Leslie she needed to let go. Lord forgive me!!” The woman had fallen to her knees and lifted her eyes to the heavens.
It had taken several minutes for the woman to get herself together enough to confirm that Chris and Leslie Holt had been her next door neighbors along with their eleven year old daughter Kennedy.
Zoe and Mo entered the house and began looking around. The first thing they saw was the family photo on the wall. Chris Holt had his arms around his wife and daughter and they all had big smiles on their faces. But what caught Mo and Zoe’s attention was the framed photograph that Leslie held. It was obvious that it was a computer generated photo, but the resemblance to Kristen was unmistakable.
Mo took the photo off the wall. “We’re taking this with us.”
Zoe nodded, and indicated the photo’s that covered the piano. “Take those too.” Many of the photos were of the family as well as several computer generated photos of Kristen.
Zoe walked down the hall and began looking in the bedrooms. Seeing what looked to be a little girls room she walked in.
There on the bed were a set of pj’s and a book. On top of the book was a pen and a hair scrunchie. It was a scene that Zoe had seen before at her own house when she saw her parents clothing draped over furniture when they had disappeared right out of them when the rapture happened.
Leaning over Zoe began to read.
Dear Jesus
Mrs. Pike is a mean old lady. Mommy had some updated pictures of Kristen and Mrs. Pike told Mommy she should just give up because Kristen was probably dead. She said Mommy and Daddy should just face the truth and move on. It made Mommy cry. Maybe if you would enter her heart she wouldn’t be so mean. Mommy said she is just lonely and we should pray for her so I will.
I love yo
The letter ended there so Zoe turned to the first page.
Dear Jesus
Today I turned ten. Mommy and Daddy gave me this diary to write stuff in so I decided to write to you. They gave me a painting of me and Kristen too. It’s really nice. We are hugging each other in it. Mommy had the man who has been making the aged pictures of Kristen make one of her just for the painting. I really miss Kristen so if you know where she is could you send her home?
I love you, Kennedy Ann
Mo walked into the room and Zoe looked up with tear filled eyes.
“What’s wrong?” He asked.
Zoe couldn’t speak for the lump in her throat so she handed Mo the diary.
After driving nonstop for hours they had finally reached their destination.
Mo and Zoe approached the elderly lady and asked her if Chris and Leslie Holt had been her neighbors. The lady had looked at them with suspicion so Zoe had explained about Kristen. The woman had gone pale.
“Kristen is alive?” She had asked shakily.
“Yes. A friend of ours found her. She was being held by the man who abducted her.” Zoe didn’t want to go into details, but the elderly lady who introduced herself as Mona Pike insisted on hearing everything.
“That poor child.” The woman had burst into tears. “They never gave up you know. They refused to believe that she was dead, and I always told Leslie she needed to let go. Lord forgive me!!” The woman had fallen to her knees and lifted her eyes to the heavens.
It had taken several minutes for the woman to get herself together enough to confirm that Chris and Leslie Holt had been her next door neighbors along with their eleven year old daughter Kennedy.
Zoe and Mo entered the house and began looking around. The first thing they saw was the family photo on the wall. Chris Holt had his arms around his wife and daughter and they all had big smiles on their faces. But what caught Mo and Zoe’s attention was the framed photograph that Leslie held. It was obvious that it was a computer generated photo, but the resemblance to Kristen was unmistakable.
Mo took the photo off the wall. “We’re taking this with us.”
Zoe nodded, and indicated the photo’s that covered the piano. “Take those too.” Many of the photos were of the family as well as several computer generated photos of Kristen.
Zoe walked down the hall and began looking in the bedrooms. Seeing what looked to be a little girls room she walked in.
There on the bed were a set of pj’s and a book. On top of the book was a pen and a hair scrunchie. It was a scene that Zoe had seen before at her own house when she saw her parents clothing draped over furniture when they had disappeared right out of them when the rapture happened.
Leaning over Zoe began to read.
Dear Jesus
Mrs. Pike is a mean old lady. Mommy had some updated pictures of Kristen and Mrs. Pike told Mommy she should just give up because Kristen was probably dead. She said Mommy and Daddy should just face the truth and move on. It made Mommy cry. Maybe if you would enter her heart she wouldn’t be so mean. Mommy said she is just lonely and we should pray for her so I will.
I love yo
The letter ended there so Zoe turned to the first page.
Dear Jesus
Today I turned ten. Mommy and Daddy gave me this diary to write stuff in so I decided to write to you. They gave me a painting of me and Kristen too. It’s really nice. We are hugging each other in it. Mommy had the man who has been making the aged pictures of Kristen make one of her just for the painting. I really miss Kristen so if you know where she is could you send her home?
I love you, Kennedy Ann
Mo walked into the room and Zoe looked up with tear filled eyes.
“What’s wrong?” He asked.
Zoe couldn’t speak for the lump in her throat so she handed Mo the diary.
- Zags
______________________________________________________________
"Whats wrong Amy?" as MD bent over to give his wife a hug for reassurance. " I havent heard a peep out of that rogue navy fleet. I have it in my heart that we should be praying for them, maybe we shouldnt have tried to qualify them with that security question about David and the five stones."
"No, we must qualify everyone these days, just to make sure. But maybe our question might have been misleading or mis-stated. Why dont we try a differnt one, and we will pray that God gets the message to them so that we will know for sure if He wants us to help that group."
Thinking together, they came up with a new question.
Amy began to type....
To the trib warriors of the south,
We are again attempting to make contact with you and prove you out to be added to our secure server. Please disregard the prior email and security question. If you can answer this, we will have you added onto our secure server and we will begin dialoge with you.
What was the name of Elisha's father?
We are sorry that we have to ask such questions, but we must make sure that the truth resides in you, and that the answers you give come from the only source of truth. We are praying for you and hope to hear from you soon.
In Christ,
Amy and the boys at the shop.
- mdulik
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