by Samuel David
They all nodded in agreement and then he said, “Go to work. We have a mess in California that is of biblical proportions and we need every man at the helm.”
The President then motioned to Jamal Jones, Director of Homeland Security, and said, “I need a moment of your time alone Jamal,” as they left the room.
Chapter 19
8:35 AM EST Day one of 1260 New York - Somewhere in New York Traffic
As we had gotten in the limo, I looked at Gabriel as he motioned for Mark to sit on the same side as myself, facing both Gabriel and Ariel. The driver then pulled away from the parking area of the studio and moved down towards Fifth Avenue into the early morning traffic of New York that never ceases.
Gabriel looked directly at me. He said, “I see Jack that you did it without a hitch, but I also see you are very troubled too. I do understand, and it will get more complicated and troubling.”
I looked right at him then turned my head and looked out the window, knowing that possibly thousands, no millions of people think I am the cause of such a disaster. It was so hard for me to figure which side I was on and he was right it was troubling me a lot. I looked over at Gabriel and said, “It always hurts me when another human, no matter who they are, die. Even people executed for crimes bothers me at times. I know death is the natural progress of life, but even natural catastrophes do not make it any easier. I also know that this one was planned and that there are going to be a lot more people dying.” I knew that because we had already talked about this when we first met.
Ariel said, “Jack, when God said destroy the world the last time, all He kept was a small remnant. There was no plan to save humanity then as now. You are able to warn them, this allows them to prepare and make peace with God. The other witness will be the opposite of you. He will cause disasters and kill many in the name of God. Your function, at least for now, is to warn the people of what is coming and allow them to prepare. All of this, as you know, is part of the time we are in and you were, chosen. You will I know follow as God tells you to. Am I right?”
I bowed my head and simply said, “I am my God’s servant. And I will follow his instructions faithfully and deliver as I have promised.”
Gabriel took his hand, laid it on my head, and said, “You are a good servant Jack. You will be fine.”
Mark was sitting there taking all this in, shaking from head to toe, and then he said, “Who the hell are all of you?”
Gabriel looked at him and said, “We are the messengers of God Mark. I have told you that before.”
“Oh my God!” he said. “How did I get into this?”
Gabriel said, “You are a man of faith and you were selected. We know you will do what you can to help. You are a side player in a big story and we need your expertise until Jack leaves here. Eventually, they are going to try to incarcerate him and see if they can coerce anything out of him. You know the system and you can stop them or at least slow them down. That is all you have to do from this point forward. You are in no danger and your firm can and will make the difference.”
“Are you angels. Are you really from God?”
Gabriel smiled. “No, we are messengers. We discussed all of this before. You have read too many books and seen too many movies. We look just like you, but we have powers you do not have. When this is all over, through your faith, a special place will, be made for you in heaven. I know you’re fearful, but we need you now more than ever.”
As they were talking, I was thinking of being a child and the guardian angel picture I received once as a gift. Now as I sit across from two of them, they just look like everyone else, not the picture from my childhood. I suddenly realized that when the strangers went to Abraham and dined with him, they were like Gabriel and Ariel, possibly the same. Now I was in the same situation. I felt maybe the same as Abraham, might have thousands of years ago.
As I looked at them, I noticed Gabriel and Ariel were both dressed in suits, ties, wing tipped shoes, as they always did, and looked like any other businessperson. Gabriel looked athletic with a straight jaw, short blonde hair, blue eyes, and had a fair complexion. His nose was longer than normal and he had a strong chin. Ariel, on the other hand, looked Middle Eastern, with black hair and dark eyes. His complexion was dark also. He was thin and stood only about five ten. Gabriel was well over six foot. One looked very different from the other. I guess like the people here on earth, the messengers, come in all shapes and sizes too.
“Jack,” Gabriel said, “We need to go over what is going to happen at Bear News.”
“Okay. Hopefully Lucas, from Anthony and Williams, sent the graphics we need.”
Mark said, “They are there Jack. Luke sent them. He called me to confirm it.”
Then I asked, “Is John Roddenburg doing the interview?”
Gabriel looked at Mark and Mark turned to me and said, “Yes. He will be the one.”
Gabriel handed me three typed pieces of paper from a folder on his lap. “This is what is going to happen next, in detail. Leave it with Mr. Roddenburg before you leave today. Bear News will need it to analyze all the data. It goes against most weather and physical knowledge currently known here on earth.”
I started reading the pages and I was immediately in shock.
“Gabriel,” I said, “This will pretty well decimate a large portion of the U.S. in less than a few days, let alone the other parts of the world.”
“That’s very true Jack, but we have already discussed most of this and you are aware of what is to occur not only now, but over the next few years. You are also aware that for the prophecy to come true, the U.S. needs to be, disabled as a world power. This and the California disaster are only the first salvo. It is going to get much worse. Jack, I know you are a compassionate person, but you need to understand. As we discussed before, it will all makes sense in due time. You will understand then and this will no longer bother you during your ministry. However, let me reinforce again to you, the only way to get them to listen is to make them fear God and that is what we are going to do. Do you understand Jack?”
I nodded my head, than quietly said, “Yes, I do understand. I just wish there was another way.”
“Now you know how Noah and Abraham felt.”
Mark’s phone rang. He answered the call, and was listening to the caller, he then told the caller, “Okay, I will get back to you on that. Yes, soon in just a few minutes. Okay, I will call you right back.” He folded his cell back down and turned to me.
“Jack that was John Roddenburg’s assistant with, Bear News. They want to have a panel of religious leaders to question you as part of their interview today. I am to call back and say yea or nay. I think we have gone over those types of questions pretty well in the last few days. We knew that eventually, someone was going to request it. Do you feel comfortable with that Jack or should we tell them no?”
I looked at Gabriel and asked, “What do you think Gabriel?”
“It’s up to you Jack. We have discussed what to do when you are at a loss for words. You know how you need to communicate with God when that occurs, correct?”
“Yes, I remember what you told me. So I guess then I am ready.” I then added, “Can I use the ‘If you don’t believe or you threaten me, I will cause an immediate catastrophe’ scenario if needed?”
“Not yet. Not until we have Shraya, the second witness, in place so he can make those threats. We do not want you being able to call God’s power by your word yet. That will be Shraya’s position and ability. For now, you are the good guy, telling people what will happen so the believers can make preparations to avoid individual disaster.”
It got very quiet for a few moments, and then Mark said, “Also state that you are going to hold your first sermon in Kansas City, Missouri for the people at Memorial Park on Thursday. Luke has already obtained all the permits and the equipment we need. It has already been, shipped and will be set up and ready by then. There will be secure seating on both sides of the stage for security issues. T
hat is for the dignitaries, if they should choose to attend. However, under the circumstances, I think many will. You’re now well known and after this next interview, you will be very famous in some people’s minds and extremely infamous in others.”
Mark also added, “Lucas’ firm is sending special invitations to the President of the U.S., Israel’s Prime Minister, Great Britain’s Prime Minister, Prime Minister of Canada, President of Mexico, most of our U.S. allies, and a few enemies. They will get them this evening after the interview today. I’m sure that by the end of the day, everyone in the world will want to attend to hear what you will do next.”
“How many people do you think will come then?” I asked Mark.
Gabriel piped in and said, “Have you ever seen on television when the Muslims go to Mecca?” Not waiting for an answer, he continued, “It will probably be something like that.”
“How are we going to accommodate them,” I asked. “It’s going to take a lot of equipment and preparation for all those people to be able to see and hear the sermon.”
Mark said, “The reason we hired Lucas’ company is that he can put on a Super Bowl or Woodstock. All it takes is money and you have plenty of that. It will be fine Jack, it will be fine.”
Then Gabriel said, “Take note, that on that day, someone will try and assassinate you. It is okay. We know who it is and will deal with it.”
“Thanks Gabriel. That is just what I wanted to hear. How do you know they won’t be successful?”
“Have faith Jack, have faith. We just want you prepared.”
“So Jack, do I call Bear News and tell them okay?” Mark asked.
“Yes, tell him it is okay.” More to think about, I thought. This was getting to be a very long day.”
Mark was on the phone finishing his call, as the car started to slow down, stopped, and the driver turned his head and said, “We are here.
Chapter 20
9:10 AM EST Day one of 1260 New York - Bear News Headquarters
I looked out the window of the limousine and there was a huge crowd assembling outside the Bear News building. As I looked up, the limo door opened and a security officer stuck his head in and said, “Hurry please, my men will surround you and get you in the building; otherwise, this crowd will tear you apart.” He then looked at Mark and said, “Are you coming too?”
Mark said, “Yes.”
Then it occurred to me the guard could not see Gabriel and Ariel or he would have asked them too and yet Mark and I still could. “Let’s go Mark,” I said. Mark looked at Gabriel who winked at him and then climbed out of the car. We started sprinting for the doors between the guards.
The security detail was good. It only took about ten seconds to push the crowd away and get us safely in the doors. They doors were then locked and guarded by Bear News private security force. The people outside the building were screaming and waving their arms and hands in the air. Many and had signs that said ‘Save Us’, and ‘Satan Is in Our Midst.’ I then turned around from the glass door and said, “Where we are going?”
“Up to the third floor, to the studios,” the guard said. I took note of his nametag that said McDonald.
“Thanks, Mr. McDonald,” and then I looked at my watch. It was 9:12 a.m.
Chapter 21
9:15 AM EST Day one of 1260 Washington, D.C. - White House Rose Garden
“Ladies and gentlemen of the press,” Press Secretary, Christopher Hughes said. “The President will be out in a moment. I want to let you know we will not be taking any questions or be answering any at this time. The President will speak to you briefly about the disaster we face in California and what steps the federal government and its agencies are currently taking. A full copy of the statement will be delivered to you afterwards, along with an executive order that will be implemented immediately.”
Secretary Hughes stepped away from the microphones and stood next to the other cabinet members already present. The Sergeant of Arms then stepped up to the microphone and announced, “The President of the United States.”
President Stevenson walked down the walkway from the White House, up to the podium and said, “Good morning everyone and thank you for coming on such short notice. We are all aware of what has happened in Southern California and that this act of nature is one that we knew might be coming someday. We are moving as quickly as we can to start the process of helping secure the areas affected in California and to provide immediate aid for those in need. FEMA and Homeland Security are already mobilizing in the area to meet the needs in California as necessary.”
“I have spoken to Governor McClellan of California and have advised him that we have declared a state of emergency not only for the affected area but the surrounding areas also. We are also implementing Article 1, Section 9 and declaring martial law in those areas. The National Guard is immobilizing as we speak and will have a command post set up shortly. Rioting and public disorder will not be, tolerated and all police powers are being, given to the field commanders and their troops. They are to take whatever measures are necessary to secure the area and keep the peace.”
“Due to the incredible amount of death and injury, we are moving portable hospitals and appropriate personnel in as quickly as we can. The Red Cross mobile units are being, flown in and as a precaution, due to the amount of personnel needed. All unnecessary flights to Los Angeles have been, diverted to San Francisco or San Diego. With the exception of military and humanitarian aid in the usable parts of the airport, LAX, due to damage, will remain closed until further notice. And what is left of it will be under military control. Thank you for your time and patience. We have a lot of work to do.”
The President then turned and walked out of the garden to the White House as several of the reporters were calling out questions that they knew would not, be answered.
Chapter 22
9:30 AM EST Day one of 1260 New York - Bear News Viewing Room
We could see the anchor desk from the glassed in area we had been, escorted too. There was a large flat-screened monitor to the right of us mounted on a wall to watch the actual feed. It was a bit confusing. We could sort of make out the words from watching the anchor desk, but with the delay on the monitor, it was like an echo.
Mark and I watched the President’s Rose Garden speech and then watched the commentators take their jabs at what was said, what they thought should have been said, and what they themselves would have said. Welcome to American media. No matter what is said, there is always an army of people more than willing to give an opinion and some actually get paid for it.”
John Roddenburg was dressed casually, which was common when national disasters took place. Most likely tomorrow he will be at ground zero reporting live in California. He stood about six foot two inches, weighed around 200 pounds, and had a full head of perfectly groomed brown hair. His eyes were brown and he had not a trace of body fat. Roddenburg was a powerful man who commanded attention on and off the camera. He was a man unto himself. As a renegade, he drove the establishment nuts with his innuendos and threats to those in power. He was a conspiracy believer. To him, the world was, controlled not by governments, but a few select, people and he made his views known everywhere. His following were a combination of right-wing government control haters, radical talk show hosts, and religious leaders and their flocks who were afraid of the “beast rising to power.” His following was almost as a religion and his network and his shows ran second only to The Network in ratings.
John Roddenburg had graduated from the University of Missouri, School of Journalism in the middle of his class. He played football for the Tigers and was an All American at his position of tight end; that is until at a Texas Longhorns game, he blew out his left knee after a pass completion.
After graduation, he was a Junior Reporter with the Kansas City Star. He then moved to a local TV station and became an on the street reporter. He quickly rose to weekend anchor, then anchor of the evening news in Kansas City with a Bear News affiliate.
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Within two years, his theories and accusations of the political arena won him the top job as Anchor for Bear National News. He has written three books about how the governments rip us off and control us. He is, considered by many a definite threat to the government, both in and out of Washington. Fortunately, in spite of his accusations about the government, he is still; supported by Bear News management and they generally give him a free hand in news reporting. Mark and I both knew that, and after today, but unknown to John Roddenburg, he will be the most watched broadcaster not only, in America but the world.
I turned my attention back to the monitor. Brian Wilcox was reporting from the south lawn of the White House and John Roddenburg had asked him, “What exactly does Article One, Section Nine mean?”
Brian responded, “It means John, that Habeas Corpus is suspended till the government stabilizes the area. In non-technical language, your Constitutional rights are, suspended until the order is, rescinded. For example, you may want to stay in your property even though it has not, been damaged by the quake, but you have no right to stay there if asked or told to leave. On the same note, if you are, arrested for a crime for example, the usual process such as Miranda rights, forty-eight hour maximum hold in jail without a charge, and other rights are suspended. If you are arrested, you can be held indefinitely until the order is rescinded.”
“Wow! John exclaimed, “So what you are saying is that the military now has all the power to do as they deem necessary and the people’s constitutional rights have been taken away?”
“Basically John, that is right. Even though someone might want to challenge this order, it would take years for that to happen. No search warrants, no Miranda, no nothing. It’s like being in a third world country.”
“Thanks Brian for your input. Now for more on the FEMA and Homeland Security movements, here is Ann Davies, live from San Diego California.”
