Escaping the Cataclysm

by Keith Robinson

  Noah shook his head in dismissal. “Continue please. We need to hear the whole tale before we begin our search for answers.”

  Somewhat disconcerted by the reaction of her audience, Rebecca continued. “With the help of many others, we used the information in the books to complete the pyramid. However, before we could test the completed device, we were attacked…” Rebecca trailed off as she glanced at Goliath and considered how to proceed. Deciding to leave out the involvement of the giant and his now dead partner, Hercules, she resumed her account. “…and were forced to activate the pyramid. When we did, it launched us into…the heavens. After we landed back on Earth, we discovered that it had taken us back in time.”

  Rebecca was actually surprised by the lack of surprise exhibited by Noah and his family. If someone came to me with this kind of crazy tale, I would’ve had them locked up in a loony bin! she thought. Yet, they don’t appear skeptical. Do they really believe me? Still confused by their lack of reaction, Rebecca decided to plunge ahead. “The pyramid was somehow pre-programmed…uh…following instructions given to it by someone else. We made several journeys through time until we ended up here.”

  “At first light, you must return to your vessel and leave immediately,” Shem said, his face revealing open disgust. “The time in which we live is cursed. For the wrath of the Almighty, may His glory shine forevermore, is about to be poured out upon all flesh.”

  “But that is our problem,” Rebecca replied. “The pyramid is no longer working. We don’t know what’s wrong with it. There doesn’t appear to be any damage, yet it just suddenly pulled us out of time and landed us here.”

  An expression of deep concentration clouded Noah’s expression. Hoping for some insight, Rebecca paused. However, when none was forthcoming, she decided to press on. “And even more, one of our friends was grievously injured in our last journey and is in desperate need of medical attention. Please, can you help us?”

  For the first time since they had finished dinner, Eema spoke up. “What kind of injury did your friend receive?”

  Mack translated her question to Rebecca and the others, then answered the question himself.

  Eema nodded slowly as a compassionate expression spread across her face. “We brought medicine with us on the Ark. We will give you something to help your friend.”

  Japheth’s wife turned to face Eema, a questioning look in her eyes. “But mother, surely one of us should go and show them how to use the ointment.”

  Noah leaned forward and shook his head sadly. “We cannot violate the Lord’s command. He told us to enter the Ark, and it is here we must remain. My daughters will teach you how to apply the medicine before you go. I am sorry, but we cannot leave.”

  Rebecca inclined her head. “We understand, and thank you for your assistance.”

  “Now, let us discuss this pyramid further,” Noah said. “Why did you come to us for help? What makes you think that we would know anything about how to repair it?”

  “Mack, show him the technical journals,” Rebecca said. As the language specialist withdrew the two ancient books from his backpack, Rebecca once more addressed their host. “These are the books that we found in the chamber with the pyramid. Since it was written in the Language of Eden, we assume that someone from before…before the Flood must have written them.”

  Noah reached out and accepted the books from Mack. As he opened the ancient tomes, Japheth, sitting to Noah’s left, leaned closer while Shem and Ham moved over and crouched behind their father. All four men studied the books intently for several minutes without comment. At last, Noah looked up at the five travelers, his expression dark.

  “I must implore you, my friends. Make your peace with the Creator, blessed are the works of His mighty hands. For you will need His guidance and protection in order for you to return home.”

  Mack’s voice began to tremble as he related Noah’s cryptic words to his friends.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Jerome asked, his own words catching in his throat as fear began to well up within him.

  “It’s obvious he knows something,” Goliath interjected. “But I wouldn’t let his religious superstition bother you. We make our own destinies, not some…invisible, vindictive god. I’m getting tired of all of this. Let’s find out what he knows and get out of here.” Despite his dismissal of Noah’s comment, Rebecca could see clear traces of uncertainty and trepidation reflected on the holographic image that represented the giant’s face.

  “I agree,” Jeffrey said curtly.

  Rebecca could only guess as to what her husband was truly feeling, but judging by the pale tinge to his skin and the sickly expression he wore, she knew that something was afflicting him. Just an hour ago, she would have relished watching him suffer, and in the eyes of many, she would have been justified in doing so. However, right here, sitting inside the Ark, she knew it was not the kind of response that God would approve. As she studied Jeffrey’s face, she felt a gentle presence nudge her spirit, like a downy feather lightly brushing against her skin. Feeling reassured that the affliction was something sent on him to bring about a change for the good, she prayed quickly for him, then turned her attention back to the conversation.

  “Mack, ask him to explain!” Jerome implored. “Can he help us?”

  After a brief exchange with Noah, Mack began to translate his response to the others. “He wants to know how much we know about the history of…of this time period?”

  “Not much, really,” Rebecca replied, speaking directly to Noah. “We have a few ancient, sacred documents that describe your account of the Flood and the account of Adam. But many believe that they are simply myths and legends—fictional stories that are not true. And even those of us who do believe they are true, know very little, since the documents are very short and don’t contain much information about this pre-Flood world.”

  Noah frowned. Rising to his feet, he handed the technical journals to Japheth, walked over to one of the chests, opened it, and withdrew two scrolls. Returning to his seat, he unrolled the larger of the two and handed it to Mack. The language specialist took one look at the document, then, looked at his friends; his face riddled with guilt.

  “What is it?” Rebecca asked.

  The corners of Mack’s lips twitched into a week smile. “Uh…it’s…it’s Noah’s journal.”

  “His…his journal?” Jerome repeated. “As in, his personal journal that we took from the cave?”

  “Yep. That’s the one,” Mack confirmed.

  Rebecca shot him a look of disapproval. “Just remember, when we get that contraption working properly, we’re going to return the copy we stole, right?”

  “You mean, if we get it working,” Goliath mumbled.

  “Right. Of…of course,” Mack stuttered.

  “So, why is he showing it to us now?” Jeffrey asked.

  Glad to be changing the subject, Mack turned in Jeffrey’s direction. “He wants to know if this is one of the ancient documents that Rebecca was referring to.”

  “What did you tell him?” Jerome asked impatiently.

  “Nothing yet,” Mack responded, his own irritation beginning to show.

  “Well, what are you waiting for?” Jerome countered.

  “I’m waiting for you to stop asking me stupid questions,” Mack shot back. “Sheesh! Give a guy a break. If you want to take over the translation job, feel free to step in at any time. But let me warn you, the pay is terrible and the working conditions stink!” As he turned back to face the Patriarch, he mumbled under his breath, “Who would’ve ever thought that I would sympathize with Threepio? How pathetic.”

  Once Mack had answered Noah’s question, the older man’s face fell. “That is unfortunate. I had hoped that my journal would survive for many years as a written testament of the truth. I am keeping an accurate, detailed record so that my descendants will know what the world was like before the Deluge, as well as why it deserved destruction.”

  Taking his journal back
from Mack, he rolled it up and set it next to him on the rug. “But, you have traveled many years into the past. I cannot expect that my journal would survive all that time.” Picking up the other scroll, he gently unrolled it as he had done with the other. Rebecca and her friends could tell that while the first scroll had been new and undamaged, this second one was old and obviously precious to its owner. For as he handed it to Mack, he cradled it in his arms, like a loving parent holding a newborn. “What about this one. Have these words escaped the ravages of time?”

  Matching the other’s care and respect for the scroll, Mack drew it towards him. Looking down at it, his eyes suddenly grew wide as he stared at the intricate, flowing letters scrawled on the page. Gently, yet impatiently, Mack unwound the scroll to reveal the next section.

  “What is this one?” Rebecca asked, intrigued at Mack’s reaction. “Do you recognize it?”

  Looking up from the text, Mack stared at Rebecca, Jeffrey, and Jerome as a look of confusion spread across his features. “It…it contains the first several chapters of the Hebrew Torah. This is the Creation account from the Bible.”

  “But how is that possible?” Rebecca said, her own expression mirroring Mack’s. “I thought that Moses was the author of Genesis?”

  Jerome glanced at Jeffrey, who averted his gaze, clearly not comfortable with the current discussion. Left to answer the question himself, Jerome sighed. “Although the rest of the Bible often refers to the first five books as the Law of Moses, many have speculated that Moses was only the compiler, or editor of Genesis. After all, Genesis is divided up into several ‘accounts,’ such as the ‘account of Adam,’ the ‘account of Noah,’ and the ‘account of Abraham.’ Furthermore, supporters of the theory cite the fact that there are several alternative names written in parenthesis, as if Moses was converting the ancient names for cities and countries into their more modern names.”

  “I always thought it was odd that Moses would have written the account of Creation, since he wasn’t even there,” Mack commented. “I mean, did God sit down with Moses and dictate to him how He created the world? But if Moses was the editor, then…”

  “…then who wrote this original scroll?” Rebecca finished for him.

  “I see that you do recognize this writing,” Noah said. “I had expected nothing less—for these are the writings of my forefather, Adam, which were passed down to me. Although the words were written by human hands, they are inspired by the Author of Life—glory to His Name—and therefore, shall never pass away.”

  Rebecca smiled broadly. “There’s your answer, Mack. Moses didn’t write the account of creation: it was written by someone who spoke with God personally. That means the accounts in Genesis are eyewitness accounts.”

  “But, if Noah didn’t write his own account, then who did?” Mack asked.

  “He probably did write his own account,” Rebecca added. “He just hasn’t written it yet. In fact, he could have even written it after we had met him during the Ice…” Her voice suddenly trailed off as a look of shock registered on her face.

  “What’s wrong?” Mack asked, concerned.

  “Don’t you see?” Rebecca said, her eyes still unfocused, as if she were staring at something in another time and place. “When we first met Noah, he hadn’t written his biblical account yet because he still had his journal.”

  “But since we took it, he was forced to write a summary—which is what we find in our Bible,” Jerome said in awe.

  “For some reason, maybe God didn’t want the world to have Noah’s full account,” Mack suggested. Rebecca smiled as something within her leapt with excitement. Mack actually accepted the existence of God! she thought.

  “I’m sure this is all quite fascinating,” Goliath interjected sarcastically, “but do you mind if we get back to the more important topic of finding out what Noah knows, so that we can get back to our own time?”

  Rebecca, Jerome, and Mack, as well as Noah’s entire family, all turned to look at the giant, who stood behind them near the door, his posture communicating his impatience louder than his words.

  “Your friend appears disturbed,” Ham commented. “Is something wrong?” Judging by the stiffness in his body and the dark inflection of his voice, Rebecca could tell he was distrustful of the giant.

  “No, everything is fine,” Rebecca replied. “Please accept my apologies for my…friend’s…behavior. It’s just that he is eager to hear more about…about this land.”

  Noah cast one last, brief glance in Goliath’s direction before returning his attention to the scroll still held in Mack’s hands. “Since you are familiar with the account of Creation, the Fall of mankind, and the history of my forefathers, I will begin with my own story.”

  “Great Patriarch, although we don’t know all of the details contained in your journal, we are familiar with your story,” Rebecca said. “Our sacred documents do contain an account of the Flood, although I’m sure it is not nearly as detailed as your journal. We know that because of the wickedness of these people, God decided to destroy them with a Flood. He instructed you to build this Ark,” she said, her eyes scanning the room for emphasis, “and care for your family and the animals. But, we know very little about this world. Is there anyone here who can help us fix our vessel? And what is it about these books that makes you so concerned for our safety?” Rebecca asked, pointing to the technical journals from the pyramid that Japheth still held.

  Noah paused momentarily before answering. As he began to speak, Rebecca saw Mack sigh heavily in relief. Turning to his friends, he translated the Patriarch’s words. “He says that he believes there is someone living here who knows how to fix the pyramid!” At the news, Rebecca, Jerome, and Jeffrey all duplicated Mack’s response, while Goliath merely muttered, “Now we’re finally getting somewhere.”

  Their host’s face darkened as he observed their relief. “You misunderstand me. Although I know who might be able to fix your pyramid, I do not think they will be willing to do so.”

  11

  Dark Discussions

  Mack’s crestfallen face told the others that something was wrong before he ever finished the translation. “What?” Jeffrey asked in frustration. “Why won’t they fix the pyramid?”

  Noah stood and walked over to the chest. Placing the scrolls back into it, he turned around once again. Based on the expression of concern and helplessness on his face, it quickly became apparent to Rebecca that his news was not going to be good. “I recognize this kind of technology. But very few know how to build it or fix it, for the self-proclaimed gods are very jealous of their secrets.”

  As Mack translated the last sentence, Rebecca and the others turned to look at him. “Are you sure that’s what he said?” Jerome asked. “What do you think he means by ‘self-proclaimed gods’?”

  Mack shrugged. “Don’t look at me. I’m just an interpreter.”

  “Well, ask him what he meant,” Jeffrey urged.

  Noah began to pace the floor slowly, his gaze becoming unfocused as Mack relayed the others’ request for clarification. Placing his hands behind his back as he walked, Noah began to speak. “My father Lamech often told me how, when he was young, he would sit on the knee of the Patriarch, our father Adam. The firstborn of all men would tell my father how the world was once perfect and free from sin, and the garden in which he dwelt was free from thistles and thorns of any kind. Then, with the terrible heaviness of sorrow upon his shoulders, Adam would relate the tale of how he and Eve, the mother of all mankind, disobeyed their Creator, and brought ruin upon the world.” Noah paused in mid stride as he became lost in long forgotten memories. “But for the forgiveness of the Almighty Father—righteous, yet full of mercy is He—Lamech believed that Adam would have long ago perished under the crushing weight of his guilt if it had not been for the hope given him by our merciful Creator. My father said that Adam often spoke of the One who would someday come to strike the head of the serpent and redeem mankind.”

  Noah paused to al
low Mack time to catch up with his translation. After he had finished, Jerome made a comment before the Patriarch could continue. “Wait a second. Did you say that Noah’s father Lamech used to sit on Adam’s knee? But that’s impossible! Adam would have been long dead before Lamech was born, wouldn’t he?”

  “I’m not so sure,” Rebecca said. “I do know that most of the patriarchs lived to be over nine hundred years old. I never thought about it before, but it would make sense.”

  “It’s just…just so hard to believe that someone could live that long,” Jerome commented.

  “If Doc were here, he would probably know their exact ages,” Rebecca said wistfully.

  “Then again, we’ve got someone right here who knows firsthand how old they were,” Mack added. “We could ask him.”

  Goliath rolled his eyes in frustration. “No thanks! He’s having a hard enough time getting to the point as it is without you giving him something else to talk about. Now, if you three would kindly shut up, maybe he would get back to his explanation,” the giant growled.

  “Don’t be hasty! It’s not like we’ve got anywhere else to go tonight,” Mack shot back. “You know, in fantasy stories, elves and other long-lived races are always commenting on how humans are always in such a hurry. Maybe Noah and his family are like them. Just be glad he’s not an Ent. If so, we’d still be waiting for him to finish saying ‘hello’!”

  Goliath ignored the comment and leaned back against the wall of the chamber.

  Although the rest of his family still seemed disconcerted by the giant’s presence, Noah appeared unconcerned. Seeing that the interchange had apparently run its course and that no questions were forthcoming, he continued his explanation.

  “As more and more time passed, and more and more children and grandchildren were born, Adam watched as sin worked its poison deeper and deeper into his offspring.” Now that Noah had resumed his narration, he began pacing around the room once again. “In the course of time, many turned from the Creator and began following in the path of Cain. Cities grew and flourished, but so did evil. Before long, Satan intensified his attack upon Adam’s seed.