by Mark Goodwin
She smiled but seemed to have to exert herself to do so. “That’s great.”
Josh worried that she wasn’t getting better. He said a silent prayer and watched as she drifted back to sleep.
Micah came into the room. He knelt next to the bed and whispered, “Mom had a rough day.”
“I can see that.”
“Emilio and Nicole want to know if we can take the television back into the living room. They want to see the news, catch up on what’s going on.”
“That’s fine. Just be quiet about taking it,” said Josh.
Micah tiptoed to the dresser and gently unplugged the TV.
Josh got up to open the door and followed him out, closing the bedroom door as he left the room.
Nicole sat on the sofa next to Emilio. The color had returned to both of their faces. Josh’s mind was far too busy with worrying about Stephanie and the people from the woods to go to sleep anytime soon, so he elected to stick around and watch the news.
Micah quickly set up the television and turned it on.
The middle-aged male WNN reporter read statistics related to the Red Virus outbreak. “The CDC estimates close to 250 million Americans have been infected by the virus. The agency predicts that the death toll will continue to rise in the coming weeks but expects that the pathogen will begin to burn itself out as antibodies in survivors appear to be preventing reinfection. However, the CDC believes as much as 15 percent of the country’s population will have died by the time the pandemic subsides.”
Josh felt his gut sink at the thought of a rising death toll. He’d come in search of something to get his mind off of Stephanie’s poor health, not to be reminded of it.
The reporter continued his coverage. “As predicted early on by the WHO, the virus is continuing to affect critical infrastructure services, and to a greater degree. We’ve been watching as police departments, emergency services, and hospitals have become strained to the breaking point over the previous weeks of the outbreak, but now the stress is beginning to creep into the utilities sector as well. Several large metropolitan areas are experiencing rolling blackouts and internet outages. Domestic trucking and rail services have all but completely shut down and global shipping is operating at a fraction of the capacity needed to maintain normal commerce. These issues are not only affecting America, but also Europe, Great Britain, Australia, and other countries where the pandemic has hit the hardest.
“This cascading failure within the global food supply chain is causing massive commodity shortages and astronomical price increases on basic necessities. In the woefully few places where food is available to purchase, it is priced far out of reach for the average would-be consumer. The average price for a loaf of bread in America is currently 4 marks. Of course, that’s if you can find a seller in the first place.
“Secretary-General Alexander, who is scheduled to give a press briefing later this evening, has signed a global executive order allowing the Global Union to temporarily annex food supply chains, communication companies, utilities, and other service companies vital to the survival of the GU.”
“Temporary,” Josh sneered. “Nothing is more permanent than a temporary government program or law.”
“A conqueror bent on conquest,” said Micah.
Josh was surprised to hear his son referencing scripture. “You’re studying Revelation?”
Micah lifted his shoulders. “I have to read the Bible to keep my rifle, don’t I? It might as well be something applicable to what’s happening.”
Josh felt a warm feeling inside. “So, you believe that we’re in the end times?”
Micah stared at the television. “It’s getting harder and harder to argue against. I mean, what he said about bread right there. Four marks, that’s what, 80 dollars in pre-crash currency? It’s getting pretty close to a quart of wheat for a day’s wages.”
“What about you, Emilio?” asked Josh. “Are you ready to admit things are sounding very familiar?”
Emilio cleared his throat. “The globe has had famines before. It’s just that this is the only one in recent memory. I don’t think that constitutes positive proof of some ancient prophecy. I respect your beliefs, but I’m going to need a little more than that.”
Josh continued to make his case. “But the Sword of Allah, AKA the Red Virus. The second horse is red, and he carries a sword that kills a large swath of the population. And you can’t tell me that Lucius Alexander rode in on anything other than a ….”
Emilio nodded, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, a white horse. I get it. I’m just saying that you could apply these exceedingly vague prophecies to several points in history.”
“Like which ones?” asked Micah.
“I don’t know, the plague in medieval times. You could say the pope was the rider on the white horse. The Black Death was the red horseman. Inflation rose.”
Micah looked unsatisfied with the response but challenged him no further.
The reporter paused from his commentary. “I’m being told that Secretary-General Alexander is stepping to the podium at the new Global Union government building complex in San Francisco Bay.” An aerial view showed an impressive construction project being undertaken next to the Bayshore Freeway in Brisbane, California.
“Wow. That’s the first I’ve heard about it,” said Josh.
“I read an article about it early this week while I was sick in bed,” said Emilio. “Alexander bought something like 180 acres from a sand and gravel supplier. The thing is going to be massive, but all the buildings are only going to be one or two stories. With the virus, not many other news items are getting coverage.”
The camera focused on the vacant podium with the GU red dragon logo engraved on the front. Lucius Alexander stepped up to the microphone. Carl Jacobs stood behind the secretary to his right.
Lucius smiled, exposing his perfectly white teeth, which were even whiter than his skin, hair, and turtleneck. His pale blue eyes were the only hint of color on the man. “Good evening, global citizens. I come to you tonight with a heavy heart. I sorrow with the entire world as we watch this terrible plague ravish our planet, claiming the lives of our friends and relatives.
“However, I also come to you with a message of hope and encouragement. Those of us who have been chosen to survive owe it to the ones who have passed on to work together, to make the world a better place. It is time to put our differences aside, to get rid of the things which divide us, and to embrace one another’s differences.
“Despite our best efforts to bring the globe together, the GU still faces resistance from people addicted to the past, trapped in a world that no longer exists. My prayer tonight is that this horrific bout with death and destruction brought on the world will serve as a wake-up call. We need to let go of hatred and anger based on antiquated biases, and the misunderstanding of well-meaning religious texts.
“As you can see, the Global Union is progressing well with our new building project here on the bay. I hope the world will look to what the people working on this project are accomplishing in the face of adversity. I want you to be inspired by this and let it direct your thoughts to the bright future ahead. We are through the worst of the pandemic and on the other side of every dark and stormy sky awaits a glorious rainbow shining brilliantly for all to see.
“No one knows this better than our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, who like the fabled Noah, endured a tempestuous deluge of persecution and shame, yet opened the door of their own ark to see the rainbow which has become the symbol of their solidarity and pride.
“Most of you have heard by now that the GU has initiated an executive order to take control of critical infrastructure and the food supply chain. We will begin immediately dispatching GU crews to make sure citizens have basic supplies and services needed for survival. Unfortunately, our efforts must be delegated to the highest population centers to keep from spreading our efforts too thin. Such a misstep could endanger our available resources and render them completely ineffective.
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br /> “Working with my Silicon Valley cohorts who serve on the GU Governing Council, we’ve developed a new way to build and design cities that will bring our world in line with Agenda 2030 goals. We’ve also set up protocols to retrofit existing cities with the necessary technology to make them safe, efficient, and sustainable. Smart meters will feed data about every activity within those cities to the Omniscience quantum computer. Omniscience will make real-time decisions about everything from how many public transit vehicles should be running at any given time, to what foods should be delivered to which grocers. Omniscience will decide the best temperature to set thermostats in homes and retail establishments to regulate energy usage while taking into consideration the comfort of the occupants.
“Cameras will monitor the flow of foot and vehicle traffic to adjust walk signal and traffic light timing. These same cameras will monitor the streets for petty crimes and dispatch law enforcement who will be able to respond in record time. Additionally, the movement of suspected criminals will be tracked throughout the city making it nearly impossible to evade capture by police.
“The new development is called Optimized and Sustainable Infrastructure Systems, or simply referred to by its acronym, OASIS.
“We have designated twelve metropolitan districts around the world which will be our initial OASIS cities. We’ll be setting up temporary relief centers in and around those cities in the weeks to come with goals to construct permanent housing for anyone who wants to make one of these OASIS cities your new home. All you have to do is get here, and we’ll take care of the rest.
“Food, shelter, hygiene, and security will all be provided. You’ll need to arrive with tempered expectations and patience until we can get the project up and rolling, but I promise that if you’ll put your faith in the GU, by this time next year, you’ll be living in a new age super city that you never could have imagined. The latest innovation coming out of Silicon Valley will power these new OASIS cities making them decades beyond anything that exists presently in the terms of technological advancement.
“The first cities to receive this designation will be New York, LA, Chicago, San Francisco, Jerusalem, Paris, Hamburg, London, Rome, Sydney and two more that might be a little bit unexpected. Those are Quito and Caracas.
“I’ve just returned from a summit with the leaders of Venezuela and Ecuador. Both of those countries have agreed to sign on with the Global Union. We’ll be assisting them with creating OASIS cities and in exchange, they’ve promised to share their vast petroleum resources with our global community. The GU has pledged to provide them with military support in evicting the oppressive state powers of China and Russia who have tried to deny them the opportunity of participating in this coming age of peace and prosperity. We’re not looking for a fight with China or Russia, but we must stand together to defend the right of self-determination for countries within our own continents.
“I hope you’ll allow some of this good news to encourage you and distract you from the cloud of despair which has engulfed the planet since the outbreak of this terrible scourge. I’ve asked Carl Jacobs to say a few words to you, which I pray will grant you solace in these trying times. Thank you for your enduring spirits. I love you all and only want the best for every single life on the globe. Minister Jacobs.” Lucius stepped back from the podium.
Carl Jacobs approached the microphone. “Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Wow. Talk about a tough act to follow.” He turned away from the camera to look at Alexander. “This man has unified North America, South America, Australia, and Europe, almost single-handedly. Alexander the Great, the Romans, the Babylonians, all of them would have been awed by your success.”
Jacobs turned back to the camera. “But those empires went forth with sword and shield. Lucius Alexander has gone forth with an open hand, a soft word, and an aura of generosity.”
He looked back at the man in white. “Not by power, nor by might, by your spirit, Mr. Secretary. I’m honored not only to be standing beside you on this stage but even just to be alive to witness what you’ve been able to accomplish. It is a humbling experience indeed.”
Jacobs focused his attention on the camera after he’d gotten hold of his enamored emotions. “Citizens of the globe, what I want to talk to you about tonight is rebirth and renewal. It is the common denominator amongst all the world religions. The Hindus have Shiva. Shiva is often referred to as the destroyer, but he is also a creator. Through destruction, he transforms the universe. This same concept is visible even in the Global Union logo.”
Jacobs pointed to the image of the red dragon eating its own tail on the front of the podium. “The ouroboros is a symbol of the old giving way to the new. Sometimes, it looks like death and destruction, but in reality, it is the nature of life. The divine cycle of re-creation. Just as winter gives way to spring, death gives way to life. It’s hard to see sometimes. Especially when you are in your darkest hour. But please try to remember as you go about your week, it is always darkest just before the dawn.
“I recall when I was a little boy, my mom had this craft room. Well, it was just a skinny little desk and a chair opposite the washer and dryer in the laundry room, but she called it her craft room. She’d do her scrapbooking in there, write greeting cards, that sort of thing. It was her space. Somewhere she could go and get away. Well, she had a poster on the wall over that narrow little board that she called a desk. That poster had a kitten hanging by one paw on a rope. The caption at the bottom said Hang in There.
“Cliché? Of course. Simple? To be sure. But that kindergarten-level message stuck with me all through my adult life. And when I have bad days or feel like I can’t go any further, I think back to that silly little picture of that tenacious baby kitten not giving up. And I say to myself, if that cat can do it, then so can I.
“So, keep hanging in there. We’re almost through this trial. And when you get discouraged, as I know you will, remember, The secretary-general loves you, and so do I. Good night. Be good to each other, and be good to yourself.”
Josh stood up from the loveseat. “I think that’s all the blasphemy I can handle for one night. I’ll see you all in the morning.”
CHAPTER 21
Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.
Lamentations 1:12
Josh slept little Monday night. Instead, he kept a vigil over Stephanie who continued to get sicker with each passing hour. She had bouts of scorching fever and woke regularly from restlessness, complaining of bizarre dreams.
The first glow of morning reflected around the edges of the curtains. The dim light illuminated the room just enough for Josh to see that his wife was awake. “How are you doing?”
She closed her eyes and turned her head ever so slightly. “I feel terrible.”
He sat up. “Let’s get some more water in you. I’ll give you two Tylenol now, and two more if you can get down a whole glass of water.”
She took his hand, stopping him from getting out of the bed. “No, Josh. I don’t want water, and I don’t want any more pills.”
“I know, baby, but we have to keep you hydrated.” He tugged his arm away.
She held on tightly. “No. You don’t understand.”
He lay back on the bed and looked into her bloodshot eyes. “Okay, tell me.”
“I’m not getting better. Forcing me to drink water is just adding to my torment.”
“We’re not giving up.” He forced a smile to push back the tears.
“I’m not giving up, Josh. I’m letting go. There’s a difference.”
“Well, I’m not!” he said.
“It’s not up to you, baby.” Her voice was faint.
Josh saw the same look of knowing in her eyes that he’d seen in Rev’s. Unwilling to accept the inevitable outcome, Josh sank to his pillow and wept. Stephanie stroked his back with the tips of her fingers. Josh los
t all of his strength. He let the emotions flow through him. After a few minutes of venting his own sorrow, he swallowed hard and turned back to her. He took her hand and kissed it softly. “What can I do? Tell me.”
“You can promise me that you’ll never let up on Micah. He’s moving in the right direction. He believes in God now. But you mustn’t let him fall back into unbelief. We won’t be apart for long. But Heaven won’t be Heaven if my son isn’t there.”
Josh nodded. “I promise.”
“Can you go get him? I want to say goodbye.”
Josh crawled out of the bed. The air was cold. The temperature had dropped dramatically overnight. He put on his sweatshirt and made his way upstairs to get Micah. He opened the door to see Micah and Emilio both fast asleep. Josh nudged his son.
Micah rolled over. “Hey, Dad.” His eyes were puffy and still mostly closed. “What’s up?”
“Mom wants to see you.’
“Now?”
“Yes.”
Micah sat up, whispering so not to wake Emilio. “Is she okay?”
Josh didn’t answer. He looked to the floor.
Micah got out of the covers without any further explanation. He pushed his arms through the sleeves of his hoody and zipped it up. Josh followed him out the door and down the stairs.
“Mom, you’re going to be okay.” Micah sat on the edge of the bed and took his mother’s hand.
“I know, Son. Just a few more hours of being sick.” She strained to smile. “Then, I’ll be with Jesus, and I’ll be well.”
Micah cried. “No, Mama! No, don’t say that.”
“Believe me, I don’t want to leave. But I can’t stay. I need you to be happy for me. And I need you to be strong.”
Micah buried his head into his mother’s arm and wailed.