Rapture Advent of the Last Days

by Jocolby Phillips

  “I lost my wife—actually, she and her parents were taken,” Christopher said, thinking back to that fateful morning at the farmhouse as he watched the dazzling light show before him.

  “I’m really sorry about that, sir. What do you think happened to all those people?” Charlie asked, his confusion evident.

  “Please, call me Christopher, but we’ve finally reached the core question, Charlie. I think all those people, including millions of children and special-needs folks, are in Heaven right now. I have zero doubt about that. Whether I will ever get there is another question,” Christopher answered soberly.

  Charlie appeared to be engaged in a radio-checkpoint update and almost disinterested in Christopher’s explanation. Then he said, “Sorry about that. Yeah, I’ve heard that theory from a few folks over the last couple of months. It’s the most logical thing I can seem to wrap my head around. I mean, Cross’s whole alien intervention thing sounds too clean-cut, you know? It’s like he took what so many already accepted—that aliens exist and interact with us—and just fed it to the world.”

  “So do you believe in God now, Charlie? I mean, have you accepted Him into your life as your personal Savior?” Christopher asked.

  “No, I’ve never been one for religion or God or anything like that. However, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that my interest in the supernatural has peaked in the last couple of months. The Christian explanation of things just makes the most sense to me for some reason. I mean, if I were God, I would come to get my people before punishing everybody who has willfully chosen to reject me. I just don’t know enough about God to make a decision.”

  “Let’s change that,” came the voice of Jackson from the dark cabin behind Charlie and Christopher.

  “Ahh, we’ve awakened the sleeping preacher, Charlie,” Christopher said with a laugh.

  “You’d better listen, too… Wait a second. The sky looks like a bunch of fireflies are having a square dance,” Jackson remarked in wonder.

  Laughing again, Christopher said, “Charlie, welcome to my world.”

  * * *

  Gabriella was shocked as she watched Draven Cross enter the conference room. The man’s eyes appeared to shimmer with energy. The trip to the Middle East seemed to have energized the megalomaniac global leader. She sensed that Draven viewed the mishaps overseas as playing out in his favor. The rage she had expected from him was replaced by an even scarier outpouring of optimism.

  “John, can you hear me?” Draven asked.

  “Yes, sir, loud and clear,” Barnes replied.

  “Excellent. Where are you, my good man?” Draven inquired, causing everyone in the room to look at each other in surprise over his mood.

  “Sir, we are crossing the Mediterranean as we speak, about 400 kilometers from Rome,” Barnes answered.

  “That’s good to know. Stay tuned, as you will likely need to divert to a new destination soon,” Draven said. Then he turned to the others in the room and said, “Well, my esteemed inner circle, what a few days we’ve had, right? Those two idiots in Jerusalem attacked me, and the world’s religions are set to become a single faith controlled by me. One win for me, one win for the enemy, but I am about to break the stalemate.

  “Gabriella, I was pleased to learn that your loyalty to me and the U.E. vision of global peace are unquestioned. John tells me you were actively assisting him in the Middle East, and your daily reports on President Rodgers and the Omega Group have been well received, despite your inability to pinpoint Omega’s location. You can’t win them all, right, dear?”

  “Thanks, sir. I have tried to do all I can to show my commitment to your mission,” Gabriella replied, drawing a brief but intense stare from Gemma.

  “Yes, your efforts are commendable. However, the time has come to put down the final vestiges of the old world and its power system. I have consolidated the world leaders around my vision of the future and will not have it undermined by outliers who desire to promote the old way of thinking.” He turned to Mallory and asked, “Evan, what is the status of the U.E.’s military capabilities as of this morning?”

  Evan clicked a few buttons on his laptop and brought up an infographic on the large television monitor hanging on the wall at the end of the table, which displayed various military installations around the world. “Sir, based on your mandate that every member state of the U.E. brings ten percent of its military capabilities under U.E. authority, including all nuclear weapons, we are well positioned for any form of dissent. We have over two million personnel located at U.E. military installations, which were claimed from the host nation for our purposes. The future regional ambassadors have done a tremendous job in pushing the countries that will be under their authority to turn over personnel and hardware to the U.E.”

  “How much resistance have the ambassadors met in their regions, and how many nuclear weapons do we have?” Draven inquired.

  “Varying levels of dissent were present in each member state,” Evan answered. “Resistance came in the form of simple resignations of military leaders, legislative bodies attempting to remove heads of state, and—in a few isolated cases—violent demonstrations. Again, the regional ambassadors were able to stamp out resistance and maintain order, albeit using diplomacy, as they are not in charge of their regions as of today.

  “The nuclear weapons have been a bit more of a challenge. Per your orders, we have retained about twenty-five Russian and Chinese nuclear weapons. As heads of their respective states, the future ambassadors from Russia and China have made available to you the launch authorization codes for these particular weapons. The remaining weapons are being stored temporarily at central holding areas in Kazakhstan, Russia, and the United States until Babylon comes online, where they will be dismantled.”

  “I have to say, Evan, you’ve almost impressed me with your oversight of the regional ambassadors and the religious leaders,” the secretary-general said. “However, I will not destroy the remaining nuclear weapons. I will leave them at the holding sites in the event I need them.”

  “I am doing my best, sir, and we will do as you wish regarding any weapons systems at your disposal,” Evan agreed.

  “Sir, it seems to me that you’re preparing for war. My only question is, with whom?” Gabriella asked.

  “Very astute of you, Gabriella. Thank you for providing a segue to the conclusion of our meeting. Despite Evan’s report, he was inept in reporting everything correctly.”

  “Sir, but I—”

  “Silence,” Draven said, cutting him off. “As usual, Evan, you got the job only halfway done, and I’m left to clean up the mess, as always. While the regional ambassadors have done well in suppressing the open resistance, I have insight into a vast underground movement led by some influential leaders. I plan to launch a preemptive strike against these subversive groups at a date that will be disclosed to everyone later. After we stamp out this resistance, I will enable the regional ambassadors to take control over their regions, and me the world.

  “John, I want you to divert to the hidden base of the resistance leader you previously identified to me and destroy whoever and whatever you find there. Your confirmation that the base has been destroyed will initiate the attack against the remaining resistance network. The U.E. staff and everyone here, minus Evan, will not be notified of our new headquarters location until we are safely on the way to that location.”

  “Sir, I thought Babylon was going to be our new headquarters,” Gabriella said, hoping to gain something she could relay to the people who were depending on her.

  “That’s what I want everyone to think. It’s merely an alternate location, which I publicly announced, so the resistance would tip its hand. I am playing chess, Gabriella, and everyone else is playing checkers.” Draven ended the meeting curtly, saying, “You’re dismissed, and be prepared to depart for the new headquarters at a moment’s notice.”

  CHAPTER 20

  Gabriella didn’t know where to start or what to do given everythin
g she had just learned from Draven Cross. She raced back to her office and sent a group message from her communicator to President Rodgers, Christopher, and Jackson.

  “I don’t have much time. Long story short, Cross is preparing for war against an undisclosed resistance to his leadership—though I think we all know who that is. He is fully prepared to use nuclear weapons. Also, the new U.E. HQ is NOT at Babylon, which is being prepared instead as some sort of logistics node. You can reach me by phone in an hour, as I will be at my apartment packing. Godspeed.”

  Once the message was on its way, Gabriella left her office, heading for the elevators.

  “Interesting meeting,” Gemma mused, walking into the elevator with Gabriella.

  “Terrifying is more how I would describe it,” Gabriella replied.

  “I am wondering if it was wise for me to disclose such personal information to someone who so easily sells out her country,” Gemma said as the elevator doors opened to a busy U.E. lobby.

  “Look, Gemma, we are all playing a game that’s for keeps. I have been doing just enough to keep myself alive, nothing more and nothing less. What lies are you telling to keep your job and status? I certainly haven’t sold out my country, nor would I put you in harm’s way. Good day,” she said curtly, turning her back on Gemma as she headed toward the lobby exit.

  “Gabriella, wait, please. Look, I was out of line, okay? I am just on edge since it seems like World War III is looming over our heads. Please accept my apology,” Gemma pleaded. “You’re the only friend I have that I can trust.”

  “I get it, Gemma. You’ll just have to believe me when I say that I am not your enemy. I’ve got to go to my apartment and pack a few things. If anyone is looking for me, you know where I am and have my number,” Gabriella said before heading out onto the sidewalk. “I hope somebody calls me back,” she mumbled under her breath as she jumped into a rideshare car.

  * * *

  As Christopher dozed on and off, he caught snippets of Jackson and Charlie’s conversation regarding God, the rapture, the tribulation, and—what was most important to Jackson—salvation. Charlie had been so enthralled by Jackson’s story of how he had lost everything a couple of months ago but had found renewed hope in Christ Jesus that the plane was left on autopilot for hours.

  “I have to say, Jackson, you make a compelling case for me to ask Jesus to be my personal Savior, as you say. I’ve never had much use for religion before and have never really been exposed to any religion, much less Christianity. I’ve always felt that Christians above all others were arrogant in their view that Jesus was the only way to God, that their worldview was the only logical answer. Yet after two-plus hours with you, I can’t find an argument against Jesus,” Charlie confessed, checking the instruments and preparing the C39XER for final approach into Anchorage.

  “That’s great news! So you’re ready to have Jesus take control of your life—similar to the way you’re controlling this fancy plane?”

  “I am. I mean, what do I have to lose at this point? It seems to me, based on your outline of the next few years, that things are about to ratchet up a notch or two in the pain department. There’s no better time than now, but I’ll be honest—I have no idea how to ask Jesus to save me.”

  “Your decision to follow Christ Jesus is awesome! Let me help you with a prayer, but remember—it’s not this prayer or any ritualistic formula that will save you here today, Charlie. It’s your repentance of living a life of sin and your faith that Jesus’ death on the cross redeems you back to Him as you place your life in Jesus’ hands. You can pray something like this: Lord Jesus, I’ve kept You out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that no matter what I try, I cannot save myself. I’m no longer running from You or ignoring Your invitation for help in life. By faith, I ask for your forgiveness and gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I trust you as my Lord and Savior. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.” Charlie repeated the prayer after him.

  Jackson was enthused, embracing the pilot. “Charlie, did you mean what you just prayed? If you did, that’s it, man. You just joined the family of God. Welcome to the eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ.”

  “Wow, it feels weird, but in a good way. Who knew getting saved at 50,000 feet could feel better than anything else I’ve experienced up here? What now? I mean, do I need to do something else?”

  “No, that’s how simple it is to receive Jesus as your Savior. I have a spare Bible I can give you, and I’d recommend you start reading the four gospels to get a better understanding of who Jesus Christ is and what He came to accomplish. I’ll email you the links to a few commentaries and other resources that will help you understand more about what you’ll be reading.”

  “Sounds great. Let’s get you boys into Anchorage.”

  “Congrats, Charlie,” Christopher said.

  “Thanks,” the pilot responded. “It feels good to know I am right with the man upstairs.” That congrats was all Christopher could muster up after watching yet another person go from foe to friend of God. The major was beginning to abandon hope that he could ever summon the resolve to surrender in his fight with God. He felt hollow, knowing he needed God in his life right now, but still too afraid to let go of his pain. He thought of what Erin would have said to him wanting to give up, for all of eternity. “God, bring me to a place where I can meet You and surrender,” he quietly prayed.

  * * *

  Gabriella quickly opened her apartment door, tossing her purse toward the couch so she could answer the incoming call from President Rodgers.

  “Hello, sir. It’s good to hear from you. I’m glad you got my message. Cross is planning a decisive offensive strike at a yet determined time and location. No, I don’t know the headquarters location, but I do know I’ll be there—so think carefully about how you want to conduct a strike. It’s not too late, sir. Millions, if not billions, of lives are on the line. Yet you have resigned yourself to war as the only policy option. No, sir…respectfully, you need to hear me out. If Cross is who you think he is, will a war stop him? Exactly, sir…you don’t know. Look, just go along with him for now to gain more time to figure out how to bring him down. If you attack him or if he attacks the U.S., there is no turning back. Next week? Why are you accelerating the attack timeline? Have you heard nothing I’ve said? Hello? Hello?”

  Gabriella screamed with frustration and threw the sophisticated quantum communicator against a distant wall. She couldn’t prevent the tears from streaming down her cheeks or the sobs welling up from deep inside, and she collapsed in an emotional heap on her living room floor.

  “God, why? What are we supposed to learn from all of this?” she screamed. Receiving no answer, she continued to sob as what little energy she had faded away, and a restless sleep overtook her.

  * * *

  As the sun began to appear just above the horizon of the snow-covered Chugach Mountains surrounding Anchorage, Christopher’s communicator buzzed for the first time in days. “We must have cleared 10,000 feet. I just got a voice message from Gabriella to call her,” he remarked quietly to Jackson, who was now seated next to him in the passenger cabin.

  “Yeah, I got the same message. I wonder what’s up. Whatever it is, it doesn’t sound good,” Jackson said glumly.

  “I’m calling her now. It’s midmorning in New York,” Christopher said thoughtfully.

  When she answered, he was shocked to hear the defeat in Gabriella’s voice. She described both Rodgers’s and Cross’s plans, and they both agreed that President Rodgers felt a fatalistic sense of duty to go down fighting if he was going to be the last American president in history.

  “Okay, I’ll contact you in a couple of days from here in Alaska. Just do your best to give us a heads up if you find out where the initial strike is going to take place. Be careful, bye,” Christ
opher admonished as a cold rush of frigid air filled the cabin when the door was opened.

  “Well, how bad is it?” Jackson asked.

  “It’s bad, but let’s discuss it with Jimbo on the way back to the base. We need to have a plan going forward—things are about to go from bad to worse.” He waved an arm in greeting toward the massive Jimbo waiting for them on the tarmac.

  “Okay, but give me a minute to wrap up things with Charlie. I’ll meet you in the truck,” Jackson replied.

  “You got it.”

  Charlie was going through his postflight checks when Jackson entered the cockpit.

  “Hey, brother. I just wanted to check in with you before we head off into the unknown. I just wanted to reemphasize that you’re saved. You belong to Jesus forever now,” Jackson assured his new brother in Christ.

  “I know,” Charlie replied calmly. “I’m not worried about the future.”

  “How do you know? I mean, I am glad you do, but you’ve only been saved a few hours.”

  “God told me He was never leaving me. I don’t mean He came and sat in the copilot’s seat and told me that out loud…but He did just kind of tell me in my head. It’s weird, you know?”

  Laughing, Jackson replied, “Man, do I? I don’t think I will ever get used to that still, small voice that’s in my head sometimes. One other thing, where do you live or where are you based when you’re not on call for us? I mean, I’m fairly certain you weren’t just sitting in Israel waiting around.”

  “Well, I have a house outside of Nashville, Tennessee, but I am never there. I have flexibility in where I am based as long as I can be reached anytime. For example, when you were running around in the Middle East, I just flew over to Bulgaria and spent my downtime with an old buddy.” Charlie went quiet, and his face grew red, almost like he was embarrassed.