George sat at his telescope peering at the spacious sky overhead. He could remember many nights as a boy sharing this with his dad. His mom use to yell at them all the time to come in before they both caught a cold or something worse. Tonight the sky seemed brilliant in all Gods glory with the millions of stars looking down at him. The anomoly he had observed several monthas ago seemed even closer tonight. Using his instruments he began to measure and calculate the distance from the last data he had taken.
NASA had finally gotten back to him. They had sent him a report that the members of congress had sent him. They stated that they were not sure if it might be a comet, meteor, or a astroid. But they had decided to give it a name and keep a close watch to see what direction it would take and if their was any chance it might hit the earth. NASA reported that it had been named WORMWOOD.
As George took his measurements and downloaded the data into a terminal to be sent on to Nasa, he remembered his last visit with Stu. He was sad that he wouldnt be seeing Stu for awhile. He worked for Federal Expression, nicknamed Fed Ex. His company had asked for his help in transferring temorarily to Iraq. The government of the USA was trying to rebuild one of the old cities and major deliveries would be coming in. Stu had felt it was a sign from God for him to go. Being one of the 144,000 he would also be there to minister and bring the good news to the people of that country. George knew that 144,000 most likely would do Gods work alone but he still missed him. George did not know yet where the Lord would be sending him. But he sensed in his spirit it would be soon, and it would have something to do with Wormwood.
NASA had finally gotten back to him. They had sent him a report that the members of congress had sent him. They stated that they were not sure if it might be a comet, meteor, or a astroid. But they had decided to give it a name and keep a close watch to see what direction it would take and if their was any chance it might hit the earth. NASA reported that it had been named WORMWOOD.
As George took his measurements and downloaded the data into a terminal to be sent on to Nasa, he remembered his last visit with Stu. He was sad that he wouldnt be seeing Stu for awhile. He worked for Federal Expression, nicknamed Fed Ex. His company had asked for his help in transferring temorarily to Iraq. The government of the USA was trying to rebuild one of the old cities and major deliveries would be coming in. Stu had felt it was a sign from God for him to go. Being one of the 144,000 he would also be there to minister and bring the good news to the people of that country. George knew that 144,000 most likely would do Gods work alone but he still missed him. George did not know yet where the Lord would be sending him. But he sensed in his spirit it would be soon, and it would have something to do with Wormwood.
- Renee
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Emily had tried to keep herself busy throughout the day with the ladies bible study and helping in the garden. Her thoughts had wondered all day to Julie and David. "Who will I share my secret thoughts and fears with now?" she had asked herself. She loved Julie so much. They had been through so much together. Would she find another female friend to talk with? She hoped so. She knew she had the Lord, but she also knew that He knew she needed someone in the flesh to share with.
The dinner bell would be ringing soon and she wanted some time to talk to the Lord. She walked down to the pond and settled herself at a picnic table that was nestled under a weeping willow tree. She watched as a fish jumped straight up causing the water to form little ripples that lapped towards her. Julie and her had sat her many afternoons before dinner and just relaxed and talked. At the thought of Julie she felt the tears escape her eyes. "Oh please Lord, if its ok with you, and its your will, would you please let Julie be here when the baby comes?' " I bet He will." Kevin spoke as he slipped up behind her and gave her a hug. She smiled up at him and motioned him to set down with her. "I hope you're right." she told him. "You know the Lord still wants to give us the desires of our hearts. Just trust Him honey." he said as she laid her head on his shoulder. "Do you think I have time for a quick nap before dinner?" she asked him as she lifted her head. "MOthers to be can have as many naps as they want with dinner served to them when they are ready and that includes you my dear." he told her as he lifted her up from the picnic table into his arms and carried her back to the cabin.
The dinner bell would be ringing soon and she wanted some time to talk to the Lord. She walked down to the pond and settled herself at a picnic table that was nestled under a weeping willow tree. She watched as a fish jumped straight up causing the water to form little ripples that lapped towards her. Julie and her had sat her many afternoons before dinner and just relaxed and talked. At the thought of Julie she felt the tears escape her eyes. "Oh please Lord, if its ok with you, and its your will, would you please let Julie be here when the baby comes?' " I bet He will." Kevin spoke as he slipped up behind her and gave her a hug. She smiled up at him and motioned him to set down with her. "I hope you're right." she told him. "You know the Lord still wants to give us the desires of our hearts. Just trust Him honey." he said as she laid her head on his shoulder. "Do you think I have time for a quick nap before dinner?" she asked him as she lifted her head. "MOthers to be can have as many naps as they want with dinner served to them when they are ready and that includes you my dear." he told her as he lifted her up from the picnic table into his arms and carried her back to the cabin.
- Renee
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As the DC-9 taxied to a stop Bill and Connor pushed the steps to the cockpit door. Mark had slipped out of his seatbelt and opened the door as Bill was taking the steps 4 at a time. It had been along time since Bill had flown a plane this size and the sight of it had excited both men. "Dad?' Connor spoke. "Do you still have the ability tio fly such a plane, especially after what we just went through? he asked Bill. "Its just like riding a bike Connor. You never forget." Mark grinned at Connor. "Your Dads right son, come on board and meet Julie and David from the compound, and you already know Andrew." Andrew was busy talking to Amy at the machine shop. As he finished talking with her, he turned to David and Julie. "Amy says to bring you both to the shop while some of the guys load the shipment we will bw taking to Isreal with us. She says you two have to have a decent meal and meet everybody before you take off. The shops only about 10 miles from here. I have a jeep over at the hanger." "I'll get it and bring it over if you want." volunteered Connor. Not waiting for a response he jogged over to the hanger and fired up the jeep arriving back in less than 2 minutes.
David helped Julie into the back seat as Andrew took the drivers seat with Mark next to him and headed for the shop.
David helped Julie into the back seat as Andrew took the drivers seat with Mark next to him and headed for the shop.
- Renee
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The ride to the shop was filled with a lot of laughter as they talked about finally meeting MD and Amy and all those that worked at the shop. The jeep came to an abrupt stop just in front of the garage and MD was out the door hands flying and laughing, "We finally can put a face to the emails."
Julie rushed to him and gave him a hug, "Oh, it's so good to finally meet you in person. Thank you so much for everything you were able to provide. We were so blessed to find all of you."
"Oh, sweetheart, we were just doing what the Lord wanted us to do. It is a blessing to us to help fellow believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Shoot, He gave us all the knowledge to be able to do any of this stuff so my dear, you are very welcome," MD said.
Mark held out his hand to MD and said, "It's a great privilege to meet you. Andrew has filled me in on your operation here, but I would really like to meet your wizard.....I believe his name is, Austin?"
"All of you come in and I will introduce you to everyone. Amy has a bite to eat for all of you and something to take with you since it's such a long flight," said MD.
They followed MD into the shop and as Andrew shut the door behind him his hand stuck to the door knob. He was smiling and trying to appear as though nothing was wrong while he kept pulling at his hand to free it. Everyone was well a head of him and didn't seem to notice he was unable to go any further than the door. MD just happened to turn around to see Andrew trying to get loose of the door knob then he notice BJ slipping around the corner. What had BJ done this time? MD walked back to where Andrew struggled to get loose and looked down to see an oozing mess, "Looks like BJ has given you a big welcome. I know what it is and I'll be right back with something to get you loose."
Andrew started laughing, "MD, does this happen often around here?"
"Uhh, more than you will ever know. Let me pour this liquid around your fingers and you will be free in a matter of seconds," he said as he poured the cold liquid on Andrew's fingers.
His hand suddenly popped off and was finally free, "I may have to give BJ a taste of his own medicine when I finally get to meet him," Andrew said laughing.
"Well, maybe somebody should teach him a lesson," MD said shaking his head.
They could see everyone gathered in the lunchroom waiting for them to arrive, but BJ was noticeably missing....hum.
Julie rushed to him and gave him a hug, "Oh, it's so good to finally meet you in person. Thank you so much for everything you were able to provide. We were so blessed to find all of you."
"Oh, sweetheart, we were just doing what the Lord wanted us to do. It is a blessing to us to help fellow believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Shoot, He gave us all the knowledge to be able to do any of this stuff so my dear, you are very welcome," MD said.
Mark held out his hand to MD and said, "It's a great privilege to meet you. Andrew has filled me in on your operation here, but I would really like to meet your wizard.....I believe his name is, Austin?"
"All of you come in and I will introduce you to everyone. Amy has a bite to eat for all of you and something to take with you since it's such a long flight," said MD.
They followed MD into the shop and as Andrew shut the door behind him his hand stuck to the door knob. He was smiling and trying to appear as though nothing was wrong while he kept pulling at his hand to free it. Everyone was well a head of him and didn't seem to notice he was unable to go any further than the door. MD just happened to turn around to see Andrew trying to get loose of the door knob then he notice BJ slipping around the corner. What had BJ done this time? MD walked back to where Andrew struggled to get loose and looked down to see an oozing mess, "Looks like BJ has given you a big welcome. I know what it is and I'll be right back with something to get you loose."
Andrew started laughing, "MD, does this happen often around here?"
"Uhh, more than you will ever know. Let me pour this liquid around your fingers and you will be free in a matter of seconds," he said as he poured the cold liquid on Andrew's fingers.
His hand suddenly popped off and was finally free, "I may have to give BJ a taste of his own medicine when I finally get to meet him," Andrew said laughing.
"Well, maybe somebody should teach him a lesson," MD said shaking his head.
They could see everyone gathered in the lunchroom waiting for them to arrive, but BJ was noticeably missing....hum.
- P4H
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Julie and David stepped into the lunch room and felt surrounded by laughter and a great deal of love. Amys arms gathered Julie into them for their first hug. "Oh Honey, we are so glad to finally meet you. Brother Aaron writes us all the time about each of you and I feel I know you already." she said. "We have been so blessed by your ministry." Julie told Amy. Looking around she saw the lunch table filled with plates of fried chicken, baked beans, potatoe salad, and hot rolls. "Smells delicious". David said. "Well set down and get started". said MD as he slapped David on the back.
I'll be right there as soon as I wash this mess off my hands" chuckled Andrew. Everyone in the room broke oput on laughter as they looked for that culprit BJ to show up for lunch. Somebody had already placed a scoop of baked beans in his seat.
Amy carried over a picnic basket and handed it to Andrew to put on the plane. "This is full of sandwiches and chips to take with you. Also have a container here for you filled with fresh fruit, some apple slices, grapes, and bananas." "Amy you are so good to us." he smiled at her. "Well just dont forget you have David and Julie with you. Make sure they are taken care of too." she told Andrew. "Yes mam, I sure will." he said as he motioned for Mark to take charge of the food for the flight.
Amy glanced over at her guest and could see they were having a wonderful time with everyone. She was glad they were able top relax before their long flight.
I'll be right there as soon as I wash this mess off my hands" chuckled Andrew. Everyone in the room broke oput on laughter as they looked for that culprit BJ to show up for lunch. Somebody had already placed a scoop of baked beans in his seat.
Amy carried over a picnic basket and handed it to Andrew to put on the plane. "This is full of sandwiches and chips to take with you. Also have a container here for you filled with fresh fruit, some apple slices, grapes, and bananas." "Amy you are so good to us." he smiled at her. "Well just dont forget you have David and Julie with you. Make sure they are taken care of too." she told Andrew. "Yes mam, I sure will." he said as he motioned for Mark to take charge of the food for the flight.
Amy glanced over at her guest and could see they were having a wonderful time with everyone. She was glad they were able top relax before their long flight.
- Renee
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Andrew finished washing his hands and started toward the lunchroom when he spotted someone out of the corner of his eye. The shadow was darting from room to room so he figured it had to be BJ. He walked into the lunchroom, grabbed a chicken leg and pulled MD over to the side. He described the person he had seen darting out of the room and asked, "Could this be BJ?"
"Yep. He can't stay hidden forever and I'm sure he'll surface in a few minutes so in the mean time sit down and have a bite to eat with us."
Andrew pulled up a seat beside Doug and listened to all the chatter going on around the table. Mark was busy talking to Austin about all his projects and he looked at Andrew, "You know this guy is a genius and we could use him to come up with a few pieces of equipment to help us avoid detection......he's a genius.
"Amy, this is the best meal I've had in a very long time. In fact, it's the best meal I've had since Claire was called home to be with the Lord. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness....." Andrew stopped in mid-sentence and noticed the lanky younger man walk into the room. "And you must be BJ? I have just the solution for you young man."
"Yep. He can't stay hidden forever and I'm sure he'll surface in a few minutes so in the mean time sit down and have a bite to eat with us."
Andrew pulled up a seat beside Doug and listened to all the chatter going on around the table. Mark was busy talking to Austin about all his projects and he looked at Andrew, "You know this guy is a genius and we could use him to come up with a few pieces of equipment to help us avoid detection......he's a genius.
"Amy, this is the best meal I've had in a very long time. In fact, it's the best meal I've had since Claire was called home to be with the Lord. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness....." Andrew stopped in mid-sentence and noticed the lanky younger man walk into the room. "And you must be BJ? I have just the solution for you young man."
- P4H
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BJ squared his shoulders and stood looking at Andrew as though he had just swallowed the canary. He was unsure what was coming next and he smiled broadly at Andrew hoping to win him over with his charm.
"Young man, I am Commander CSM Andrew Carter and I am on a mission of the utmost importance. You seem to have a lot of time on your hands so it would be in your best interest if you volunteered for the GFM. I could use your services in our move to our new location where you would be a private and undergo the vigorous training that will allow you to serve the global family with pride. What say you, young man?" Andrew asked in the most stern voice he could muster .
A look of shock came across BJ's face and for once he was actually at a loss for words. He finally found his voice, "Ugh, sir, ugh...I don't think I would be military material, sir...you know what I mean....sir......I mean, MD needs me here and Doug, well....sir, I just don't think that I could do it. I've never been away from home, sir," BJ's smile was gone and he was genuinely trying not to show how afraid he really was. He began stuttering again, "Sir, if it would help.......I would be a little more helpful to MD and Doug...........Sir, please.......I don't really want to go in the Army, sir."
Andrew looked over at MD and Mark for some assistance, "Young man, do you understand the importance of serving God and your country? All of us will need to make sacrifices so why not volunteer and see the world?" Mark said.
BJ began shaking his head and said, "I can serve God just as well right where I am.....sir, I will do more.....MD, tell them I do work around here.......please MD," he looked at MD with his hands clasped together and pleading with all his might.
MD started roaring with laughter, "Ok, BJ, I'm sure we can arrange for you to stay where you are. I would like to think you would try to curb your practical jokes for a while........what do you say?"
"You've gotta deal......as long as I can stay here, I will do whatever you tell me to do," said BJ.
Everyone in the room burst out laughing. MD patted BJ on the back and told him to sit down and eat before things got cold. He pulled out the chair on the other side of Austin and plopped down only to jump right back up, "UGGGH, what in the world was in my chair?"
Again, everyone was laughing so hard they had tears rolling down their cheeks. MD was laughing and clapping his hands, "BJ, it's about time you got some of what you've been giving."
"Young man, I am Commander CSM Andrew Carter and I am on a mission of the utmost importance. You seem to have a lot of time on your hands so it would be in your best interest if you volunteered for the GFM. I could use your services in our move to our new location where you would be a private and undergo the vigorous training that will allow you to serve the global family with pride. What say you, young man?" Andrew asked in the most stern voice he could muster .
A look of shock came across BJ's face and for once he was actually at a loss for words. He finally found his voice, "Ugh, sir, ugh...I don't think I would be military material, sir...you know what I mean....sir......I mean, MD needs me here and Doug, well....sir, I just don't think that I could do it. I've never been away from home, sir," BJ's smile was gone and he was genuinely trying not to show how afraid he really was. He began stuttering again, "Sir, if it would help.......I would be a little more helpful to MD and Doug...........Sir, please.......I don't really want to go in the Army, sir."
Andrew looked over at MD and Mark for some assistance, "Young man, do you understand the importance of serving God and your country? All of us will need to make sacrifices so why not volunteer and see the world?" Mark said.
BJ began shaking his head and said, "I can serve God just as well right where I am.....sir, I will do more.....MD, tell them I do work around here.......please MD," he looked at MD with his hands clasped together and pleading with all his might.
MD started roaring with laughter, "Ok, BJ, I'm sure we can arrange for you to stay where you are. I would like to think you would try to curb your practical jokes for a while........what do you say?"
"You've gotta deal......as long as I can stay here, I will do whatever you tell me to do," said BJ.
Everyone in the room burst out laughing. MD patted BJ on the back and told him to sit down and eat before things got cold. He pulled out the chair on the other side of Austin and plopped down only to jump right back up, "UGGGH, what in the world was in my chair?"
Again, everyone was laughing so hard they had tears rolling down their cheeks. MD was laughing and clapping his hands, "BJ, it's about time you got some of what you've been giving."
- P4H
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Julie and David could not stop laughing as they watched BJ exit the lunchroom leaving a trail of beans as he walked down the hall to change his pants mumbling under his breath. Everyone knew that BJ was a prankster and this episode of embaressment might slow him down a bit but would'nt stop him. They knew to be on guard the next couple of days for his comeback.
As everyone finished the delicious lunch that Amy had prepared Andrews mind began to race with thoughts of the flight ahead of him. " Amy and MD I just want to thank you for your hospitality. This has been a very joyful lunch but I need to head back to the plane and complete all the pre-flight inspections and make sure your load is secure for take-off. Mark I need you with me also for confirmation that all has been done." "Yes sir, right behind you." Mark said. "We''ll drive Julie and David to the plane after you radio us that you are ready" MD said. "Bill you and Connor go with Andrew and Mark too. Since Bill will be flying with Andrew as his co-pilot on this flight he needs to be a part of the pre-flight inspection and Connor can help make sure everything is loaded that we are sending." Amy said.
Lunch fun was now officially over as everyone swung into action with multiple activities. Julie and David both pulled out their laptops. Julie wanted to e-mail the Rabbi with time of arrival and David wanted to send an e-mail to Brother Aaron to let him know what time they would be arriving in Isreal and to have the people pray for their protection during this time. Amy gathered baskets she had filled with food and coolers filled with drinks and handed them to Bill and Connor as they headed out the door and back into the jeep with Andrew and Mark.
As everyone finished the delicious lunch that Amy had prepared Andrews mind began to race with thoughts of the flight ahead of him. " Amy and MD I just want to thank you for your hospitality. This has been a very joyful lunch but I need to head back to the plane and complete all the pre-flight inspections and make sure your load is secure for take-off. Mark I need you with me also for confirmation that all has been done." "Yes sir, right behind you." Mark said. "We''ll drive Julie and David to the plane after you radio us that you are ready" MD said. "Bill you and Connor go with Andrew and Mark too. Since Bill will be flying with Andrew as his co-pilot on this flight he needs to be a part of the pre-flight inspection and Connor can help make sure everything is loaded that we are sending." Amy said.
Lunch fun was now officially over as everyone swung into action with multiple activities. Julie and David both pulled out their laptops. Julie wanted to e-mail the Rabbi with time of arrival and David wanted to send an e-mail to Brother Aaron to let him know what time they would be arriving in Isreal and to have the people pray for their protection during this time. Amy gathered baskets she had filled with food and coolers filled with drinks and handed them to Bill and Connor as they headed out the door and back into the jeep with Andrew and Mark.
- Renee
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As Bill and Connor started to walk out the door, BJ came running up behind them. "I just want to say I'm sorry about the jokes and offer a gift of friendship. Here are some suger cookies for you to take on your flight. Please accept them with my sincerest apologies."
With a look of skeptisism Bill reached into the box and randomly pulled out one of the cookies. Carefully tasting it, it was ok. Oh how he loved sugar cookies. "Well ok BJ, thank you and I will let everyone know that these came from you."
"That would be perfect, thank you and have a great flight to Israel."
Bill and Connor turned and walked out to the truck waiting for them, and rode off to the airstrip.
Amy witnessing this whole episode, glaring at BJ, asked.. "Where those really sugar cookies?"
WIth an innocent look on his face, "well of course they were... snickering, at least the top layer anyway... Starting to chuckle. the bottom layer I sorta changed the 2 cups of sugar to 1/2 cup of salt... " said BJ with a wide grin on his face as he passed Amy...
"Well see who gets the last laugh.... 
With a look of skeptisism Bill reached into the box and randomly pulled out one of the cookies. Carefully tasting it, it was ok. Oh how he loved sugar cookies. "Well ok BJ, thank you and I will let everyone know that these came from you."
"That would be perfect, thank you and have a great flight to Israel."
Bill and Connor turned and walked out to the truck waiting for them, and rode off to the airstrip.
Amy witnessing this whole episode, glaring at BJ, asked.. "Where those really sugar cookies?"
WIth an innocent look on his face, "well of course they were... snickering, at least the top layer anyway... Starting to chuckle. the bottom layer I sorta changed the 2 cups of sugar to 1/2 cup of salt... " said BJ with a wide grin on his face as he passed Amy...
"Well see who gets the last laugh.... - mdulik
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Bill sat down in a seat on the plane and opened the cookies that BJ had so generously given to him and Connor." BJ must really think I'm stupid" he chuckled to himself. Pulling out the M&Ms that were in his pocket he placed each half melted one on each cookie till they were all set in place. Switching the box so BJ would'nt notice he wrapped them in brown paper and then addressed the box to BJ. He grinned to himself knowing he would be thousands of miles away in Isreal by the time BJ recieved his package. Placing the right postage on the front of the box he stepped out of the plane and walked over to the hanger where the mail slot was and dropped the box in.
Walking back to the DC-9 he boarded and took a seat next to Andrew to help with pre-flight inspection. He could hear Connor asking Mark where his Dad was and Mark told him to check the cockpit. Peering his head in the plane he opened the cockpit door. "Hey Dad, what did you do with those cookies that BJ gave us for the trip?" "I was hungry for something sweet and already ate them." he told Connor. "wow Dad could'nt you save me one?" Its ok son, Amy packed us plenty of sweets we can have once we get under way" he smiled up at Connor.
Walking back to the DC-9 he boarded and took a seat next to Andrew to help with pre-flight inspection. He could hear Connor asking Mark where his Dad was and Mark told him to check the cockpit. Peering his head in the plane he opened the cockpit door. "Hey Dad, what did you do with those cookies that BJ gave us for the trip?" "I was hungry for something sweet and already ate them." he told Connor. "wow Dad could'nt you save me one?" Its ok son, Amy packed us plenty of sweets we can have once we get under way" he smiled up at Connor.
- Renee
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Mark taxied out onto the runway and pushed the throttle forward with Bill shouting, "YAHOO" they were on their way to God's beloved Jerusalem. He gave Bill a smile and banked to the left and said, "It's all yours, Bill."
"This is great. Son, this is top of the mountain GREAT. When I get time I will teach you to fly and then you can be my co-pilot," Bill shouted back to Connor.
Andrew picked up his laptop thinking he might get a little work done when suddenly the monitor was going off warning of a scramble for all military aircraft. "What in the blue blazes is going on?"
Mark switched the monitor to be heard only on his headset and waved back at Andrew to hang on. He could hear all the chatter between pilots and was trying to filter out the background noise, too. The Potentate had issued orders that all active military aircraft be rerouted to Babylon. He would need to get in touch with flight command immediately or maybe he could go along as though they are reporting to Babylon and turn toward Israel at the appropriate time. He would have to consider his options and discuss this with Andrew.
"This is great. Son, this is top of the mountain GREAT. When I get time I will teach you to fly and then you can be my co-pilot," Bill shouted back to Connor.
Andrew picked up his laptop thinking he might get a little work done when suddenly the monitor was going off warning of a scramble for all military aircraft. "What in the blue blazes is going on?"
Mark switched the monitor to be heard only on his headset and waved back at Andrew to hang on. He could hear all the chatter between pilots and was trying to filter out the background noise, too. The Potentate had issued orders that all active military aircraft be rerouted to Babylon. He would need to get in touch with flight command immediately or maybe he could go along as though they are reporting to Babylon and turn toward Israel at the appropriate time. He would have to consider his options and discuss this with Andrew.
- P4H
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