Director Ives was only a little surprised when the invitation came from the new United Nations headquarters in Rome. After New York had been totally destroyed, the nations of the world had chosen Rome to re-establish the international body, in hopes of ending the terrible war that had ravaged America. With many of the heads of world governmental bodies present, it was only natural that Ives would be asked to come. The thing that really shook him up was when the messenger of the master had shown up. What was said was even more surprising.
"The master has a new assignment for you. Don't ask me why after the way you botched so many things in America. I'm here to tell you that he has decided to give you another chance."
"What is the assignment? Is he sending me to Jerusalem?" Ives asked hopefully.
The messenger laughed at Ives.
"Jerusalem? Why would you think that? You can't actually believe he would trust someone like you with such an important job. No, you will be here in Rome. You have shown you can manipulate these monkeys, that will be useful to him in this new world order of his. The replacement for the Nazarene is ready to take his place there. He will need you here to make sure all of his plans come off like he wants them to happen."
"I will do as he wishes." Ives said. Disappointment was clearly present in his voice.
"There is one more thing. You will have to give up this body. It wouldn't be appropriate to your new assignment."
"I can't wait for that. I don't know how these creatures can put up with it. They are so feeble and weak."
"That's because they don't know the power that the master offers to those who serve him."
"What about those ones that actually worship him?"
"You can't be that stupid. You know what these things are like. They say they worship him. What they really want is the power he offers for their own purposes. Much like the last president of America. The master will not have anyone challenge his power."
"So when do I get the new body?"
"Soon. That one won't make it back to America."
As the aircraft reached cruising altitude after leaving European airspace, Ives leaned his seat back and closed his eyes. He considered what would happen next.
The Nazarenes' replacement had been shown to him. A fierce looking fellow who, unlike the rest of the fallen ones, had no use for these human females. Even though he had yet to take his rightful place in Jerusalem, the humans were already beginning to understand he wasn't like any of their kind. And the monkeys were so stupid they couldn't even see the contradictions in him. He claimed to be a man of peace. He even had plans for ending the global war and making the Chinese lose this war and be driven back to their own country. Yet he worships the 'god of war'.
Ives considered how stupid even his own servants were. Since they didn't read the Nazarenes' book, they didn't have a clue as to what was going to happen next. Well that suited him just fine. He smiled to himself and prepared to leave this body. It wasn't important that he be here when the plane fell from the sky. There would be no survivors. In this way nobody would suspect that he would now be elsewhere serving the masters prophet.
Just as he thought, the people on the plane whose job it was to meet Ives every need didn't know they would be dead in less than an hour. In fact, as they looked on his face while they thought he was asleep, they were comforted by the peaceful look they found there. They believed that Ives had received good news in Rome, and they would all soon in another place doing something else.
In a way, they were right on both counts.
The group ended up staying in the area of the cabin for a week. The first several days were for the purpose of allowing Michelle to recover from her delivery. During this time Alex and Michelle decided that the only reasonable thing to do was name their new baby girl Kathy Jewel. Both women were flattered and considered the honor of the first name should go to the other woman. It was settled when Michelle told them why that name was chosen.
"If it wasn't for Kathy, it could have had a much worse. Thanks to Jewel, we had a safe, warm, and dry place to bring this child into the world."
Kathy looked at Alex.
"So what do you say about it? Wouldn't you like it more if the baby was named after your mother?"
"Mike never met Mom. So the name would only be meaningful to me. Besides, you know what they say. 'If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.' That settles it. You have a namesake Kathy. Get used to it."
Jewel and Cindy ended up being happy for the company, in spite of the shaky start. They had been alone for quite some time and appreciated the update on all the news they had missed. Even if it wasn't always the best news.
After Michelle said she was ready to move on, both Kathy and Jewel over rode her choice and insisted to Bob that they wait at least another forty eight hours. True to his word, Bob refused to go against the medical advice.
When they finally got moving again Jewel was placed in one of the wagons rather than either a truck or the S.U.V. Cindy at first protested having her grandmother exposed to the cold weather, but Jewel herself put a quick stop to that.
"Child, tell me something. Which of these pregnant women do you want in that wagon? Maybe you'd like Michelle and her new baby girl out in the cold? No? Alright then, ask Bob what supplies he thinks we can do without so I can ride in a truck."
The argument ended there. As they all began to move once more, Bob got a call on his radio from Tim.
"Bob, have you noticed the gas gage?"
"I was wondering when you'd see that. Yes I know. The gages are starting to drop."
"What do you think it means?"
"I think it means we are getting close to our final destination, what else?"
Bob was of course right. Within two days he called a halt to the traveling. They had made it to a valley, which was perfectly suited to their needs. The cliff sides were complete with a number of caves that could be easily converted to living quarters. There were also sheltered ravines that could be used for housing with a little more work. Being a heavily wooded valley, logs for the homes could be brought in with only minimal effort.
More importantly a river ran through the valley that was deep, clean, and fresh. Even better, not far away were a series of hot springs which would allow bathing at any time of year.
Within a week the caves had been converted, and though crowded with everyone in them, they provided shelter while the matter of building homes could be tackled.
One evening Bob was sitting with a gathering of different members of the group in a communal cave and he listened as others spoke. Until one man said something he couldn't let pass.
"I wonder how long we have left until the Tribulation is over."
"Friend, you've got that all wrong. The Tribulation hasn't even started yet."
"What? I'm sorry Bob but with all we've been through, how can you say that?"
"It's a matter of scripture. The Tribulation begins when the anti-christ takes control of the world. All governmental powers surrender their authority to him. That hasn't happened yet. What we have been through so far is know as 'The Time of Jacobs Trouble', not the Tribulation."
"If that's true, what is going to happen to us?"
Bob bowed his head for a moment and prayed. Then looking upwards he said,
"Thank you Lord. Folks come with me for a minute." He stood and walked out of the cave. "Take a look for yourselves."
As the people looked at the ridges around the valley, they saw huge men in white robes, holding flaming swords. Speechless they followed Bob back into the cave as he turned and went in. He waited for them all to come back in before he spoke.
"Friends, we have reached a place of refuge provided by The Lord, Himself. If you don't believe me, or the evidence of your own eyes, there is only one thing I can suggest. Read the Book of Revelation."
Dear Readers,
This is the last installment of the 'Overthrown' series. It has been my honor and privilege to bring this story to you. While it might not be the ending you had hoped for, from this point in the story it would be necessary to get into the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John had a very clear warning for anyone who would either add to or subtract from that book. Since I have a real fondness for my own skin, that is a risk I choose not to take. Besides, as believers in our Lord, Jesus Christ, we know the end of the story. If you are not a believer, may I suggest that you do as Bob said.
"Read the Book of Revelation."
BW, Vietnam Vet