* * * *
IN THE SENATE chamber, Howard Bennett was concluding his reading of Stuart Hatcher's speech. Crowley and Jesus had not been able to give it much attention during the past few hours, as they were dealing with the matter of the fabricated military aggression of Israel.
"And it was at this point, my good friend collapsed and died,” he said, his voice choked with emotion.
Ray observed the entire senate was quiet, from the gallery all the way through to the floor. Stuart's words carried great impact, all the more so for coming from beyond the grave. Maybe people would listen after all, he found himself daring to hope.
"That was effective,” Arnold leaned over and whispered to him.
He nodded his head in agreement. He was not very hopeful it would have any long-lasting impact, however. But perhaps Angelino could take advantage of the momentary wave of doubt Harold seemed to be creating.
Harold continued.
"Many of us here, indeed probably most of us, were raised to believe this country was founded upon some noble principles. Our founding documents, The Declaration of Independence, and our Constitution, contain some of the most profound concepts ever devised by the mind of man. I remember being told in my high school history class that never before or since in history have so many great minds been gathered in the same time and the same place as were gathered in the founding years of this great nation. I don't know if that is literally true or not, but it is certainly not hard to believe.
"The greatest gift the thinkers of the founding era gave us was the concept all of our rights are inalienable. ‘We hold these truths to be self evident; that all men are created equal and they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ Inalienable. What does that word mean? Webster's says it means, “incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred.” That means our rights are as much a part of our own existence as our life itself. Governments do not grant rights. Rights exist whether governments exist or not.
"This bill attempts to turn the entire concept on its ear. It is perhaps hard to realize there was a time when such proposals would have brought a universal cry of protest from the citizenry. The assumption our government existed to create rights for us would have been immediately recognized for the demagoguery it is. What the government can give you, it can also take away. Rights can never be taken away. Yet, here is a proposal designed to do just that.
"Today, as this concept has been gradually eroded with time from generation to generation, we have forgotten those principles, or worse, redefined them into something entirely contrary to their original and true meaning. George Orwell warned us about this perversion of language in his classic novel, 1984. In his fictional world of Oceana, the Ministry of History has the task of redefining words to fit the propaganda of the state. ‘War is peace,’ ‘defeat is victory,’ ‘slavery is liberty.’ In this way, the very meaning of the word itself becomes confused and perverted.
"Yet, is that not in fact what we see today? Today, a ‘right’ is not something you are born with, it is something government gives you. And all rights are not equal. Some segments of society have more important rights than others. Certain groups are made to give up some of their inalienable rights so others can benefit from manufactured rights. People have come to expect from their government the things their grandparents were proud to work to achieve on their own.
"Yes, it is a surreal world in which we find ourselves at this point in history.
"Then along come the Son of God—Jesus—cloned from the essence of his own DNA ... to tell us government is right and our founders were wrong. He tells us to worship the material world. Yet did he not first say to us two thousand years ago ‘it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven?'
"Which are we to follow? And what is the compelling argument advanced to follow either? These are the questions we need to be asking ourselves, my fellow Americans. But we are not allowed the forum to ask these questions. There is to be no debate, no discussion, no dissenting voices raised against this nefarious plan which will lead to nothing short of the enslavement of the entire human race ... all in the name of freedom for all. ‘Slavery is liberty.’ Orwell's world is upon us."
* * * *
In Springfield, Illinois, Marge Platte, a contributing member of Mathias’ Church of the Christ hissed angrily at her television, “You tool of the devil!” She switched her television to the Christian Broadcast Network, where the minister was explaining to everyone how the Lord was once again returned to lead us to the Kingdom of God. Good. At least there was one sane voice out there. Any man who would speak out against Jesus must surely have a soul of pure evil.
* * * *
In Janesville, Wisconsin, Rob Seymour was reading his newspaper, Harold's speech on the television in the background. He had not heard a word. His six year-old daughter, Joline, came skipping into the room with her best friend Suzy Simmons. “Daddy, can we turn on the Disney Channel?"
"Sure, Honey,” Rob said, the greater part of his attention focused on a story about the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team.
* * * *
In Berkeley, California, Harold's speech was being taken seriously by one Jane Dorset, Editor of the Berkeley Free Press. She was watching as she sat at her word processor, typing her column for tomorrow's edition.
"Seldom has a voice for fascism been more blatantly raised than that of Senator Harold Bennett of Georgia, who spewed his venom of hatred and dishonesty to a wary and suspicious Senate audience yesterday afternoon."
Chapter 25
"WELL, AT LEAST they haven't gone public with it yet, Saul,” Prime Minister Ishmael Sahrat said with relief. The phone line was secure so he could talk freely. “The Americans are up to something. We have no troop deployments along the Syrian border or any other border."
"They have satellite photos, Mr. Prime Minister. I saw them myself. They appeared to be authentic."
"We have our own satellite photos, Saul. They show nothing. Somehow, they have managed to fake satellite photos. You say there was no indication of tampering?"
"None. There was something odd, though, now that I think about it."
"Go on,” the Prime Minister said with interest.
"When Jesus threw the photos on the table, both President Crowley and General Musgrave expressed surprise. In fact, the general said something like, ‘That wasn't there before,’ something like that. I think sometime between the time I entered the office and when Jesus showed me the photos they were altered."
Sahrat was silent on the other end of the line. Gerash could hear him breathing. The silence continued for a long time before the Prime Minister finally spoke.
"How?"
"I don't know. I have heard rumors about the powers of Jesus. He has performed many miracles in front of thousands of witnesses. Altering photos might not be all that difficult for him."
"How do we prove that?"
Gerash thought for a moment before responding. “I'm not sure we can, Mr. Prime Minister. If Jesus can change a photo, even if we produce photos from our own satellites to refute the American photos, he will just alter them as well."
"Do you have any idea why the Americans are doing this?"
"I'm not sure it's the Americans. It might just be Jesus. Like I said, the President and the General both seemed genuinely surprised when the photos showed the troop movements."
"Certainly he knows it will be America who will be forced to respond to the phantom troop build-up. He must be quite confident of his ability to manipulate the power structure there."
"That is how I see it, too, Mr. Prime Minister. We may have a government subverted to the will of a single individual."
"What do you make of this Jesus, Saul?"
Gerash considered the question for a moment. He had only this one encounter with him to measure by. Of course, the news was co
nstantly filled with glowing stories of the wonderful deeds Jesus had done ... the sick he had healed, the hungry he had fed, the downtrodden he had uplifted. Yet his personal encounter with him had sent a cold chill through his being. He had also noticed the deference the entire Joint Chiefs of Staff had shown toward him. Crowley, too, seemed to be following Jesus’ lead. Yet always there was an underlying sense of fear that Gerash could almost taste.
"Mr. Prime Minister, I don't trust him."
"I see. That is a mighty controversial opinion to have about the alleged Son of God."
"Be that as it may, it is my honest impression."
"And I need your honest impressions, Saul."
"Would you like me to return to Israel, Mr. Prime Minister?"
"No. I need you there. You are my eyes and ears. If Jesus is determined to create conflict between us and our neighbors, you might be the only one who can prevent a major war."
"As you wish, Mr. Prime Minister. I will keep you advised."
"Be careful, my friend,” Sahrat said, with concern clear in his voice.
"I will, sir. You, too."
"Saul?"
"Yes, Mr. Prime Minister?"
"Be careful what you say. Guard your words about Jesus. To have a Jew appear to be critical of Jesus would create some serious diplomatic problems for us."
"I understand."
* * * *
THE SEVEN KNIGHTS of the Ascension and one Pope in transition materialized in the countryside on the outskirts of Kyoto. Kyoto was the home of a new and interesting religion founded by Yokamoto Naiguma, an intriguing combination of Eastern and Western philosophy that he had named Mokiami. Other than Angelino himself, Naiguma was the only one of the priests who had gained some fame independent of his position as a Knight. Both Time and Newsweek had run complimentary stories about the “gentle Samurai."
The seven Knights and MacArthur entered Kyoto together. Cassidy was surprised to realize they were recognized. More accurately, Father Angelino was recognized. The people also realized that his companions were the Knights of the Ascension.
A crowd of happy well-wishers followed them and reporters and cameras surrounded them. It was a stark contrast to the clandestine mission in China.
Imahoptec and Monsignor Cassidy were clearly enjoying the attention. The Japanese press found the innocent joy of Imahoptec particularly to their liking. The children gravitated to him as if he were a joyful Pied Piper of Hamlin. The language barrier dissolved. The people of Kyoto were excited that the Knights of the Ascension were in their city.
Soon, the destination of the eight became apparent—the small temple of Mokiami. As the crowd tagging along realized where they were heading, they talked excitedly among themselves. Yokamoto Naiguma was a beloved citizen who had brought much honor to their city. Was it possible he was one of the Knights of the Ascension? The crowd's buzzing intensified as the group neared the modest temple.
Naiguma was standing on the steps of the temple when they arrived. He descended the steps and came face-to-face with Angelino.
Angelino greeted him with a traditional bow. Yokamoto returned it respectfully.
"Yokamoto Naiguma, it is an honor to make your acquaintance."
"The honor is mine, Father Angelino. You have been an inspiration to my students and me. This,” he gestured at the temple, “is our modest way of honoring the ideas which you have inspired."
Angelino was sincerely moved. He bowed slightly again in gratitude. “You honor me more than I deserve,” he said softly.
Naiguma scanned the crowd, attempting to pick out the members of Angelino's group from the crowd, which was continuing to grow even as they stood there. Angelino introduced each of the Knights to Naiguma.
"My friends,” Naiguma finally called out to the gathered crowd. “You have honored me with your love and acceptance. It is with a heavy heart I must leave you. As you know, I am called to perform a sacred duty and I must honor that calling, not only for myself, but for all the generations who will follow us.
"Trying times lie ahead of us. I count on each of you to do your duty to the truths we all hold dear. Honor the Spirit of Creation which breathes life into us all. Remain true to that and all will be well, however dark the times may become.
"Now I must join my friends. I will return as soon as I am able."
Sadness fell over the people as Naiguma descended the steps. He took a last look at his neighbors and said to Angelino, “Let us depart."
White light enveloped them and they disappeared from the streets in Kyoto, leaving a murmuring throng behind them.
* * * *
SENATOR BENNETT WAS beginning to show signs of exhaustion. Yet, somehow he managed to continue, often with flares of brilliant rhetoric. Ray and Arnold had remained in the press gallery for the duration. It wasn't much, but Harold's occasional glances up at them told them their support was appreciated. Ray realized that Harold appeared to be nearing the end of his rope. He wondered just how much longer Harold could continue, and if the filibuster was going to accomplish anything in the end.
Harold's voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper. “Is this what we are about? Have we become so obsessed with our own material comfort we will allow any petty demagogue to seduce us with promises of even greater wealth and prosperity? Yes, I know the thought of a life without toil and strife is appealing. There are times when even the strongest feel the struggle is pointless, that it would be so wonderful if someone would just give them that which they sought. It seems, at first glance, such a life would indeed be a paradise on earth.
"But would it be?” The Senator seemed to grow stronger.
"Or was Man made to overcome difficulties? To triumph over adversities? To ascend to ever-rising heights? What happens to the athlete when he no longer competes? He grows fat and flabby. His muscles, once so finely sculptured and immediately responsive to his very thought, become sluggish and ponderous. As he progresses into a life of ease and comfort, the struggles which inspired him and which molded his skills fade into memory, and he is left with a body which lumbers about lethargically, barely hinting at the great feats which it once performed with consummate skill and ease.
"When we are no longer challenged, we decay. Paradise is an ideal which we never expect to achieve but for which we expend monumental efforts to attain. It is the great paradox of life. Thomas Jefferson wrote of the pursuit of happiness, not its attainment. With a wisdom which seems to be alien to modern thought, he understood happiness was a journey, not a destination ... that as long as the spirit was unfettered in its pursuit of its desires, it would rise to higher and higher plateaus of achievement. Freedom has no other purpose but to allow us to aspire to the best we can become.
"Our souls cry out to be free, even when we know freedom can often bring with it failure, heartache, and disillusionment. Yes, when we are free, we are equally free to bring pain and suffering into our lives as happiness and contentment. It is the very possibility of suffering and failure which gives victory and success their sweet taste.
"Jesus would eliminate the priceless sense of accomplishment we experience when we overcome adversity in the pursuit of a goal by removing the struggle itself. I say to you all, citizens of the world, if you allow that, you sell your soul for less than the thirty pieces of silver Judas took for his betrayal."
He stopped for a moment, appearing to be trying to catch his breath. He began to swoon and for a moment it looked as if he had exhausted himself for the final time. Where was he getting this strength from? Ray wondered to himself with admiration. He could see even Senator Bennett's most strident political foes were looking at him with deep respect. However strongly they may disagree with him, none could diminish his commitment to this cause.
Suddenly, the Senate chamber was disturbed by the figure of a man rushing quickly down the central aisle to Jeremy Dale's raised seat. It was Harvey Thatcher, President Crowley's chief of staff. He bent over and urgently whispered something into the vice president
's ear. Dale visibly reacted to the news.
This interruption was totally outside the normal procedures of the Senate. The senators and press present murmured among themselves. Harold took advantage of the interruption to lean against his desk and steady himself. He looked so tired.
Jeremy Dale pounded his gavel. “Senator Bennett, my apologies. I have just been presented with some grave news which I must share with you all. Will you yield?"
Harold regarded Dale warily. Was this a trick? He finally said, “I will yield with the understanding I still hold the floor after your announcement."
"Agreed, Senator,” Dale said.
Harold sat down gratefully.
"I have just been informed that Israeli forces are amassing along the Syrian border. War in the Mideast appears to be imminent."
Ray leaned forward and exchanged a glance with Arnold. “What's going on here?” Arnold shrugged in response.
Shock spread through the senate chamber. Senator John Dunning of Wyoming stood.
"May I be recognized, Mr. President?"
Dale glanced toward Harold, who nodded.
"Senator Bennett, given the grave nature of the news we have just received, I move we adjourn for twenty-four hours in order to consult with our advisors. When we reconvene, we will continue where you left off."
Senator Joanne Lockley rose. “I second."
Harold spoke up before Dale could call the vote. “Mr. President, if I may speak before you put the issue to a vote."
Dale agreed.
"I will voluntarily relinquish the floor for twenty-four hours. No vote will be required. But I will expect my colleagues to honor their promise to allow me to continue when we reconvene. If we should discover circumstances warrant it, I will yield the floor permanently when we reconvene."
"Very well, Senator. The Chair thanks you,” Dale said. “The Senate is dismissed until 10 AM tomorrow morning.” The pounding of his gavel was drowned out by everyone talking at once as the chamber erupted.
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