“Yes,” he said.
We walked over to a couch and sat down. He took a drink, and said, “I find you interesting Jack.”
“So does the rest of the world Mohammed; but I want to ask you, why did you not get on the bandwagon of trying to nail me about Allah and my God?”
“Simple. If I started that question in light of what is going on today and what I am seeing, riots would break out everywhere. I did not want that to happen today. It is the wrong time.”
“Thanks, I do appreciate it. I really felt it was going to be the other way. Your insight may well have stopped even more disaster today. I sincerely appreciate it.”
“I understand. The world is changing and I have read the prophecies from your bible. We have many of our own and they are very similar.” He paused before continuing, “I really believe you are the witness as described in your scripture and I feel for you. Very soon, everyone will hate you on earth. You know that don’t you?”
“Yes I do.”
He got up from his chair and said, “I do not need to stay to see if your prediction is true. I know it will happen. I have no doubt. We need to talk again Jack, very soon.”
He bowed. I returned the gesture and watched him leave the area. I assumed he was leaving to go and discuss this with his colleagues.
I turned my attention back to the monitors that were showing the broadcast from the news desk.
Chapter 47
1:20 PM EST New York - Bear News Desk
John Roddenburg was on the TV monitor and we saw a piece of paper handed to him by a page. He read it then turned to his co-anchor and said, “We have breaking news.” He then turned back to the camera, “Satellite pictures are showing a disturbance about four hundred miles off the coast of Hawaii. It appears there was an undersea earthquake in that area at approximately 1:15 p.m. and there is notable ash coming from the sea floor to the surface. That is all the details we have for now. We will have more for you later as more information is available. That would mean, viewers, that Jack South, self proclaimed Witness of God, is right again.”
Chapter 48
8:25 PM CEST Brussels - The Waldger Group Corporate Headquarters, 42nd Floor
David was listening to the announcement from Bear News on the monitor. “Jack was right again,” he heard John Roddenburg say. “He had challenged the panel and won, yet again. That was impossible, yet he did it.
They had heard from Aafre after the panel interview, and learned that the person owned by The Waldger Group was the Hindu. It appears he was trying to get Jack to say that it was either his God or no God, and all the rest will go to hell. Well, he did not quite pull it off, but there was damage.
They had thought the cleric would capitalize on the next session, but he did not. In fact, he had probably helped Jack out, especially with the challenge. Jack and his God, if there was one, had pulled off another exact prediction. Fortunately, it was in a remote area in the Pacific and damage to property or people was not a concern. It was just a show of power or, as Jack put it, of his God.
Aafre began addressing everyone, so David turned his thoughts to what Aafre was saying. “Gentlemen, we now know for sure he is our man and we also know that the plan that we have worked on for years must now go into play. That means events as we think they are going to occur will allow us to start taking control of the world’s affairs at the insistence of the countries themselves. However, before all that happens, we need to start moving our assets out of harm’s way. The first, obviously, is the Transatlantic. Traffic will be difficult for the next few weeks due to the predicted hurricanes, so we need to reroute everything to minimize damages.”
“Stevenson,” referring to the U.S. President on the monitor, “you may have to declare martial law in your country very soon and start moving things like the stock market and the government to other cities, temporarily. New York will certainly be uninhabitable for sometime it appears. In addition, I am sure that Jack is not through with the U.S. He may well unleash more carnage and damage on North America. However, if the hurricanes he has predicted are all category fives and fours, it will paralyze the Gulf coast states, your refineries, and major ports. I would suggest that at the first start of trouble, you start gas rationing and shut down unnecessary transportation in general, at least until things stabilize.”
Richard Stevenson said, “We will have our best people working on scenarios regarding the eastern seaboard and the Gulf coasts, along with the expected rainfall in the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, which usually follows hurricanes. Within the next few days we should have a plan to evacuate these areas, sooner than later. Regarding our oil facilities and refineries in the Gulf, they are a matter of national security and we need to figure a way to handle the lack of fuel that, as you well know, runs our nation. This matter is of the utmost importance to us. We are also concerned that many of our seaports will either be closed temporarily or severely damaged. This means, most likely, airfreight will become the primary source for some time. This also means that with the shortage of fuel, we may have even more problems.” The President stopped for a moment, and then asked, “Aafre, do you have any idea why we are being singled out?”
“No. We do not know the answer to that.” However, Aafre did have an idea on why, but was not going to share that at this time. It would not be in anyone’s best interest.
“Thanks Aafre. In light of what’s happening here, I think it will be best that we move the U.S. government to Cheyenne Mountain as soon as we can to make sure our government is secure. However, I really think we need to move on Jack, or this so called witness, and put him through a questioning session to get information from him. I don’t think he is telling us everything he knows.”
“No, Mr. President. That would not be wise. If we were to take him with the power he has, it would possibly unleash disaster that we could not contain or be unable to control our losses. In time, he will be taken care of. I am only going to repeat this one more time for everyone. This person is hands off. The people themselves will hate him in a month, along with his other witness, wherever he is. Do I make myself clear?”
The President said “yes” and a formal nod of heads and murmurs were heard.
The President of Venezuela spoke up and said, “Do you know if he is planning any other rallies other than the Kansas City one in the States at this time? I really do not want him in my country.”
“No we do not know his plans, but he is free to go wherever he wants to go, including your country. We cannot afford to have the entire world rise up against us, not this early in the game. That is what will happen if we try and contain him, at least for now.”
“Alright, sir, we will comply. Also,” the President of Venezuela continued, addressing the U.S. President, “We will be suspending shipping oil to you through the Gulf and Atlantic until these disasters are over, to protect our ships; but will resume once the ports are reopened.”
“Thank you,” the President said. “I appreciate that.”
David thought that that was interesting. In the public eye, these two countries acted as if they hated each other, yet in here, they were all like best friends. Amazing!
Aafre then said, “We need to have a meeting scheduled very soon, maybe right in Kansas City after Jack South’s speech. There we can introduce our new champion to battle Jack and the other witness. I would like to thank all of you for attending on such short notice. However, I need to take care of some other business and see what else these witnesses may have in mind. This is the end of the meeting today.”
As David got up to follow everyone out, he overheard Aafre quietly asking the Cardinal to stay.
Chapter 49
1:30 PM EST New York - Bear News Studios, Helipad on top of Corporate Building
Finally, the whirlwind day was winding down and it was time to go to the next phase of my mission. All I knew was that the next thing on my agenda was to fly to the Middle East where I assumed I was to meet my fellow witness an
d introduce him to the world. I just was not sure when. Then I would be off to Kansas City on Thursday for the first of many stops around the world to proclaim the message.
We took the elevators down to the ground floor, assuming Gabriel had arranged transportation. As we moved towards the door leading out of the network, through the glass we could see a mass of people and police attempting to hold them back. But there was no limousine there. I stood back looking out the door and asked Mark, “How do we get out of here now?”
At that same moment, a page came up to us and said, “Mr. South, can you follow me? We are going to take you to the roof.”
As we followed the page back to the elevators I asked, “Why are we going to the roof?”
“There is a helicopter there to pick you up. I thought you knew that.”
“No, I didn’t.” I looked at Mark as I shrugged my shoulders and said, “I guess we are really going to fly with angels, assuming that Gabriel arranged this.” The assistant just looked at us saying nothing. He seemed more in shock than anything from my comment. He must have watched the broadcast.
When we walked out onto the roof from the elevator, we saw the helicopter. It was a Bell Long Ranger, six-seat commercial passenger copter. We hurriedly moved across the roof to the pad, then ducked down under the rotating blades and climbed into the open door.
When we got in, I was not surprised to see Gabriel and Ariel. Someone had shut the door and then we were quickly airborne. I looked out the window and saw the cameras on the roof. They had evidently been filming our departure. “Now they can go and say, ‘Elvis has left the building.’ Maybe that will make the crowd outside the building disperse,” I said to no one in particular.
“Where are we going?” I asked, looking at Gabriel.
He answered, “To LaGuardia airport to take a jet to Israel. You have a lot to do and a short time in which to it .I will meet you there after you land. I have other business to attend to.”
I nodded. “I thought that was tomorrow?”
“No, it is better you go now Jack,” as he handed me a bound folder. “Read all of this and memorize it. It tells the story you need to start relating to the world, not as man wrote it, but as God and Jesus wrote it. You will be the second mortal man to ever read the Word of God directly from his hand. Memorize and believe, for you are the one who needs to tell the Gentiles the truth.”
Gabriel then turned his attention to Mark and asked, “Do you have everything in place at your office for the fallout that is sure to start coming?”
Mark said, “Yes, and I need to get back to my office to attend to business.”
“The pilots will drop you off at the airport with Jack and you can catch a limo back to your New York office.”
“No,” Mark said, “I can catch a shuttle back to Chicago. I need my resources there, if that is okay.”
“That’s fine Mark, but be careful. We cannot protect you in public like that.”
Mark replied, “I will be fine. They are interested in Jack, not me. I guess we will all meet up again in Kansas City on Wednesday or so for the Rally Thursday?” he asked.
“No Mark. We need you where you are. I think you will be very busy the next few days.”
“Okay Gabriel, as you say,” Mark replied.
I looked over at Gabriel and said, “I have invited the Reverend Marks, whose first name is Thomas, by the way, to handle the Kansas City rally for me. I also asked him to be my right hand man. I hope that is okay.”
Gabriel smiled and said, “You’re doing well Jack. You have a Mark,” pointing at Mark, “and now a Doubting Thomas. I am also glad you are taking on the responsibility for your sermon there. You will soon be totally on your own with only your friends you trust, and the other witness around you. Choose each one of those friends carefully, for there is always a traitor in every group.”
“I know Gabriel. I am well aware of betrayal.”
“We’re landing soon Jack. God be with you, and also you Mark,” Gabriel said, and then he sat back and was quiet.
The copter landed at LaGuardia. We stepped off the helicopter right by a waiting car that whisked me off to a jet on the tarmac. As I got out, I told Mark, “Thanks and I’ll call you later.” I then walked up the steps of the private jet. I was greeted by one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen.
She said, “Take your seat and buckle up Mr. South. We need to take off.”
Chapter 50
2:00 PM EST somewhere over the Atlantic
As the jet took off from the airport, it dawned on me that I had no luggage, no passport, and was hungry and tired. I looked around my surroundings and took notice that this was a private corporate jet. I assumed some of the lottery winnings had bought it. Mark was really good, I thought. He knew how to get things done. He had gone through a lot today and what was now in his mind was more than any one mortal could comprehend, I assumed. I hoped he was okay.
I looked at the binder I held in my hand that Gabriel had given me, and just stared at it. I was afraid to open it. This was God’s message that I was to start preaching worldwide. I was the one to teach and evidently punish the Gentiles. The other witness would deal with the Jews of the world and their conversion to Jesus.
As I closed my eyes, I wished that I had a cigarette or a drink. I wondered if that was a sin. I had committed so many sins in my life up to this point that I still could not comprehend why I was chosen. I was also thinking that my time here on earth was also limited and I thought of my family. I would be dead in a little over three years.
As I sat there in my own world, I felt a tap on my shoulder. the cabin attendant was standing there with a package of Marlboros, a lighter, and a cold Coors Light. She said, “I think you might want these. They might help you relax.”
“Thanks,” I said. I asked her where she was from and her name.
“My name is Veronica. I am from just about everywhere.”
“Are you a friend of Gabriel or Ariel?” I asked
“Yes. I, like them, and I am here to help and protect you.”
“Are you an angel?” I asked, for I did not know of any female angel’s names.
“It’s best that you do not concern yourself with angels just now. I am here to help you with your journey. For the next three and a half years someone will always be with you to help.”
“Well, that’s good. Can you answer a question for me?”
“Of course.”
“Are smoking this cigarette and drinking this beer sinful?”
She laughed. “If you do in moderation and follow the Ten Commandments, then there is not a sin in smoking or drinking. If it destroys God’s gifts, then yes, it is a sin. I do not think that you are sinning by drinking a beer. I will also have some dinner for you in a few minutes. If you like, there is a phone on board. Your wife and family have been trying to reach you all day, especially since the TV news has you on nonstop and worldwide. I am sure your wife is worried.”
“Thanks.” I looked at the sky phone, as I thought of what I was going to say. I never really told them what I was really going to do, except that since we won the lottery people would try to take advantage of us and so I had to move them out of the country. Now she would know the truth and I needed to comfort her and the kids somehow. How, I did not know. I laid the binder on the seat beside me as I lit the Marlboro.
I finished the first cigarette then lit another and stared at the phone.
Chapter 51
9:00 PM CEST Brussels - The Waldger Group Corporate Headquarters, Aafre Waldger’s Office
After everyone left, Aafre and the Cardinal went to his private office to talk and have some dinner. After they were through and the service was removed, he turned to the Cardinal and said, “It is time to implement the plan Cardinal. It must be done soon. We need to start to battle these witnesses sooner and not later. Are you in agreement that it is time?”
“Yes I am. We have always been ready. We also know the prophecies of Saint Mala
chy. It is time for the last Pope to arrive. It is also now time for Peter to take power of the church, is it not?”
“Yes it is, yes it is. Do you have a timetable and is your Peter ready?”
“Yes, he is ready. We have spoken several times before and he knows the plan and his role in it.”
“How are you going to depose of the current Pope?”
“That is our problem, but as you know, he is old and not doing so well. Therefore, his death will not be a surprise to anyone. We have already taken steps to ensure that Peter takes office on the very first vote without any no’s, but all yeses. We will take care of it as promised, and soon.”
“Well within the week, two at the most please; for we need to move forward as soon as possible.”
“It will be done, Aafre.” The Cardinal stood, bowed, and took leave of the room.
When the Cardinal had gone, Aafre sat thinking about how they had waited for this time to come for thousands of years. The Master had laid out every step from this point forward and now The Waldger Group would be the one to carry it forward. He knew that his faith in his God, known only as the Master, had always shown him that the earth did belong to him and that title of the earth had been given to him a long time ago. However, God had reneged on the deal and sent Christ to reclaim the earth for God. It was a bad bet, and the Master had been fighting it ever since.
The final battle for earth was now less than seven years away and with the Hebrew God trying to destroy a large portion of mankind in these next few years, they had a lot to do to minimize damage and maintain the infrastructure needed for the final decision.
He had listened to this witness on TV today and was surprised at how nervous he was. Not at all a Moses or Abraham, but seemingly doing what he needed to do on autopilot, being almost afraid. The close up showed the fear in his eyes.