by Pam Funke
CHAPTER one hundred and forty-eight
Unable to sleep Byron got up and walked back to Gage’s room. He hoped Gage was awake now, but he wasn’t. He sat quietly in the chair next to Gage’s hospital bed thinking about the flash drive in his pocket. A half hour later, Byron was in a peaceful slumber. Twenty minutes after Byron had fallen asleep; Gage opened his eyes and looked around him.
Where are we? Where are my clothes? Why am I lying in bed, it’s almost noon? How did we get here? He sat up in the bed. That’s when he noticed the bandages and wiring in his reflection in the mirror across from the bed; he must be in the hospital. He stared at his reflection then looked over at Byron. Byron had a bandage around his head, but other than that he seemed to be okay.
“What in the world had happened?” he whispered. He reached over and gently woke Byron.
Startled, Byron nearly fell out of the chair. “Oh, you’re awake now. How are you feeling?” he asked.
“I’m fine, Byron. What about you? What happened? Why are we here?” Gage asked.
“We were in some kind of accident, the car flipped over. There was a small crater in the road and the rear tires were slightly melted.”
Gage’s eyes widened. “What about our equipment? All the footage we took!”
“I’m afraid that we’ll need new equipment, Gage.”
Gage frowned at this—all his hard work down the drain. Gage slunk back against the bed defeated. He laid there staring out of the window. Byron had been sitting with his head in his hands when he suddenly sat up remembering the drive.
“But there is this,” Byron said showing Gage the drive.
Gage took the drive in his hands as if trying to remember something. He turned the flash drive over and over then suddenly sat very still.
“What is it, Gage?” Byron asked.
Gage handed the drive back to Byron and jumped out of bed and removed the wires attached to him.
“We have to get out of here. We can’t be here. It’s too dangerous. Besides, we need to get to Jerusalem. Go and get your clothes on and make sure you have that drive. Meet me back here in twenty minutes,” Gage said grabbing his clothes and heading towards the bathroom.
Byron stared after Gage then put the flash drive in his pocket and returned to his room. When he got there he heard noises inside; it sounded like someone was rummaging through his things. He peered into the room. Someone in a nurse’s uniform was steadily going through his clothes and all the drawers in his room. They were obviously looking for something.
“Who knows that we are here?” he wondered.
He backed quietly out of the doorway and went into the room next to his. The patient in the room looked at him curiously but said nothing. Byron watched through the crack in the doorway until the person left before he returned to his room. He quickly put on his clothes. He had been smart to take the drive with him. He figured that was what the person had been looking for.
“Just what is so important about this drive?” he asked no one.
Upon returning to Gage’s room, he found Gage pacing back and forth.
“What took you so long?” Gage asked.
Byron told him what happened. Gage looked at him.
“Do you still have the drive?” Gage asked.
“Yes,” Byron replied.
“Good, now let’s go,” Gage replied walking out of the room.
Byron followed Gage concerned. He was not only concerned about their welfare but for Gage. He didn’t think Gage was in any shape to leave the hospital so soon, but he understood why they had to go. He decided to keep a close eye on Gage from now on.
Once outside, they walked a few blocks away from the hospital before Gage hailed a taxi to take them to the nearest car rental facility. He did not trust the cab driver to take them to Jerusalem. He did not trust anyone. Gage took out his cell phone and handed it to Byron.
“Call your wife and let her know that you are okay. Let her know how much you love her,” Gage said firmly.
Byron was surprised by this. Maybe Gage had been knocked into some sense. Byron laughed. Happily, Byron took the cell phone and dialed his wife’s number. The other end of the line was full of static and never rang. That cannot be right. He dialed the number again, the same thing happened. Something was terribly wrong. He reluctantly gave the phone back to Gage. Gage looked quizzedly at Byron but did not say anything.
The cab driver looked at them. “Can you believe the insanity happening today?” he said.
They each looked at him. “What are you talking about?” Gage asked.
“Where have you two been? Mars?” the cabbie replied.
“Look will you please just tell us what you are talking about?” Byron said.
“You really don’t know,” the cab driver asked looking at each of their faces. He shook his head and sighed.
“New York City, Bogotá, Washington DC and Beijing were attacked today. They were all completely wiped out. If you ask me, it’s just like those attacks on Haifa and Tel Aviv. But no one ever asks for my opinion,” the cab driver said solemnly.
“No! That can’t be,” Byron yelled. “You’re wrong sir. You have to be,” Byron said slunking down in the back seat.
Gage patted Byron’s hand. “I’m sure that your family is fine, Byron.”
“I hope so,” Byron said barely above a whisper. No wonder she did not answer her phone. God please, please don’t let my family be dead. I’m not ready for that.
CHAPTER one hundred and forty-nine
The State Representatives were gathering in California. It was now official that the President, the Vice President, and the rest of his cabinet were all deceased. They needed to do something about this before the country went ballistic. A country with no one in charge was a bad thing—yes, a very bad thing indeed. The fifty delegates were calmly trying to figure out what to do. The nation had never been in this situation before. They knew they should appoint one of them as acting President and another as acting Vice President; at least until the American people could vote for someone. Then they were going to have to come together and replace the entire government. Oh boy, what were they going to do? It was bad enough that the nation was in mourning, but on top of it the nation was without a leader; without a government, and the people were terrified. The next few days were going to be interesting. And what if whatever was happening wasn’t over yet?
****
Katya Gorbachov and her husband Aleksei were walking around Izmaylovo Market in Moscow, Russia. They were on their honeymoon as they had just gotten married that weekend. They lived in the town of Serov. Katya’s father had given them the vacation in Moscow as a wedding present for he knew Katya had always wanted to visit Moscow. Even when she was a little girl she had dreamed of seeing the changing of the guards at the Eternal Flame. She wanted to see Red Square, Izmaylovo Market, and the Kremlin. Katya was finally living her dream. Her husband Aleksei was a marvelous man. He was so romantic and loving. She was truly in love with the man. What more could I want than to be married to my soul mate touring the city of my dreams?
Aleksei stopped in front of a vendor selling beautiful Matryoshka dolls.
“Katya, how about a souvenir? This one is absolutely beautiful, but it doesn’t compare to your incredible beauty,” Aleksei said.
Katya blushed and smiled. “Aleksei, you are so sweet. It is quite beautiful, but it’s a little expensive; are you sure?”
“Nothing is too expensive for my beautiful wife. Besides, we can afford it. Would you like it, my dear?”
Katya looked at her husband; he was so handsome and caring. He truly loved her with all of his heart. She was a very lucky woman to have found someone like Aleksei. She stood up on her tippy toes and kissed her husband lovingly.
“Thank you, sweetheart, I know just where we can put her,” Katya replied holding the doll in her hands. Aleksei wrapped his arms around his wife; he was the luckiest man in the world.
The vendor carefully wrapped the
doll and placed her in a bag; she then handed the bag to Katya.
The woman smiled at Katya, “A little gift for the newlyweds. May it bring you long life and prosperity to your marriage,” she said wrapping a small lacquer box.
“Thank you. You are very kind,” Katya replied.
Aleksei paid the vendor and tried to give her a little extra money for her kindness, but the woman would not take it.
“Spend it on your beautiful new bride,” she said handing the extra money back.
“May God bless you for your kindness,” Aleksei replied.
He turned and wrapped his arms around his wife and kissed her. Smiling he walked proudly with his arm around his beautiful new bride. He was truly happy. God has blessed me with the most wonderful treasure—my Katya.
They continued to walk and look at Izmaylovo Market purchasing a few more souvenirs. They were going to visit the Kremlin next and Red Square; afterwards, they were going to have a romantic brunch at Krasnaya Ploschad then back to the hotel. They hailed a taxi to the Kremlin. It was absolutely incredible. It was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. She smiled lovingly at her husband,
“Thank you for coming here with me. It really means a lot to me,” she said. Aleksei hugged his wife.
“Stand here and I will immortalize you with a photo,” Aleksei said taking out his camera.
Aleksei stood there smiling as he looked through the view finder—what a beautiful picture. Aleksei took the photo then moved to take another from a different angle. He looked through the camera and saw something glinting in the sunlight. He looked over his camera and saw it again. He looked puzzled.
“What is it darling?” Katya called.
Aleksei was silent; he stood very still staring at something in the sky. As she watched the smile washed away from his face.
“What is he staring at?” she wondered
She started to turn around to look, but Aleksei grabbed her. “No my dear, it is nothing,” he lied. “I love you my darling, more than anything in this world. Thank you for honoring me by becoming my wife. You have made me the happiest man alive.”
Aleksei leaned down and kissed his wife passionately. He held her as tight as he could in his arms; he could not allow her to see what was about to happen. The missile struck the Eternal Flame and wiped out most of Moscow. The second missile struck and demolished what was left of Moscow.
CHAPTER one hundred and fifty
Missiles eleven and twelve stuck Tripoli in a burst of flames. The first missile malfunctioned slightly, exploding in the sky above the city. Fire reigned down upon the city as well as the BTX spores. The second missile struck the city wiping out a fourth of the city. Unfortunately, many people survived the missile attacks only to die due to inhaling the BTX spores and contracting the disease; they would be dead within a couple of hours.
****
Queen Arabella was pacing the great hall in Buckingham Palace located in London, England. She was frustrated and upset by the news broadcast she had just finished watching. It was hard to believe there had been twelve missile attacks around the world in a single day; sixteen missile attacks if you counted the attacks on Israel the day before.
“What is to become of this world?” Arabella wondered stopping to glance out the window.
Arabella was pacing so much she was surprised there wasn’t a bare spot on the carpet. What can I do to protect my country from this madhouse? She was going to have to have a meeting with British Intelligence and Parliament; they would need to come up with some sort of strategy together. She could not have her country attacked in this way. There had to be something that they could do.
Hermione Kennicot, the Queen’s personal aid, quietly entered the room.
“Queen Arabella?” she called before curtseying before the Queen.
“What is it, Hermione?”
“Have you been watching the television? It is absolutely horrendous. All those poor people gone just like that. What is anyone to do?”
“Yes. Hermione, I know. Don’t worry dear; I am working on protecting our country. Hermione, I want you to set up a meeting with British Intelligence and Parliament. Yes, I know they don’t much get along, but they must attend the meeting together. Tell Intelligence to gather and bring all the Intel they can find about these various attacks. I want the meeting to occur as within the day.”
“Yes, ma’am. Queen Arabella? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine Hermione, thank you for inquiring about me. Now go dear.”
Hermione rushed off to set up the meeting for the Queen.
Queen Arabella wasn’t fine, she was worried as she walked to the window and looked out over the city. It was going to be another gorgeous rainy day. She hoped it wasn’t going to be too chilly out. God help us. She stood watching the raindrops run down the window. She remembered playing a game with the rain as a child; trying to pick which raindrop would make it first to the bottom of the window. She smiled to herself. Funny what comes to mind in situations like this. Arabella turned as Hermione came back into the room.
Hermione curtseyed, “It’s all arranged, your Majesty. They will all be here in forty minutes. Is there anything else that I can do for you?”
Queen Arabella smiled. “Thank you, Hermione, you have been a joy to have around.”
“You are quite welcome your Majesty. It has been an honor and a privilege serving you.”
“I want you to go home and be with your family. Do not worry about me, I shall be fine.”
Hermione stared at Queen Arabella; she wasn’t sure what to make of this.
“Did you hear me, Hermione?” Queen Arabella asked.
“Yes ma’am, if you are sure.”
Queen Arabella smiled, “I am sure dear. Now go before I change my mind.”
Hermione hugged the queen; she did not care if it was proper protocol or not. The woman had treated her with such kindness and Hermione knew the Queen had a lot on her mind though she did not show it. Queen Arabella stiffened slightly as Hermione hugged her; she was not sure what to think. No one had hugged her once during her reign as queen. It shocked her slightly, but after a moment, she returned the hug. Hermione smiled before turning and walking out of Buckingham Palace. Feeling as though someone were watching her, Hermione paused at the gates and turned back to look at the Palace. Queen Arabella stood on the balcony waving to her; Hermione smiled and waved back before continuing through the gates of the palace. She liked working for Queen Arabella; she was a tough lady, but she was a sweetheart when she wanted to be.
Hermione looked back at the palace one last time before getting into the taxi the guard had hailed for her. She decided to stop by and visit her mother before going home and gave the driver directions to her mother’s place. She couldn’t wait to see her mum as she had not been to visit her in some time. Traffic was heavy and the cab drove along at 5 kilometers per hour.
“Is there another route that I can take to your destination?” the driver asked annoyed.
“No sir, I’m sorry. This is the only way,” Hermione replied.
The driver sighed, he had been anxious to get home early today. Now it looked as though he would be getting off work late again as usual.
“Will you put on some music please?” Hermione asked.
The driver fiddled with the radio until he found a station playing Rachmaninoff. The classical piece currently playing was absolutely breath-taking. Hermione wasn’t really a classical person, but she had to admit that the music playing was beautiful. It was so relaxing. She laid her head back against the seat and enjoyed the music and the ride. A few minutes later, the radio was full of static as though they were losing the station. The driver tried to clear up the station, but nothing seemed to work.
****
Queen Arabella watched as Hermione got into her taxicab. She looks happy to be going home for a little quality time. Perhaps, I should allow her to go home early more often. The Queen started to turn away from the window when something strang
e caught her eye. Through the rain and mist, she could see an odd object streaking across the sky. It looked like it was heading toward the palace. Is that a missile? Why us? What have we done to become a target? I have failed my country. How can I protect my people now?
Queen Arabella was afraid; it was too late for her country, she wouldn’t be there to protect them anymore. She closed her eyes and waited for it. She didn’t have long to wait; the missiles struck half a minute later destroying Buckingham Palace along with most of London.
****
Gage and Byron finally arrived at the car rental facility. Byron couldn’t wait to get out of the taxi. The driver had been driving him crazy with all his opinions about what was happening in the world. Byron really didn’t want to hear it, but the guy just didn’t seem to get it. He was really worried about his family; he had tried calling his wife twice more but to no avail. What am I going to do? It is going to drive me crazy until I hear her voice. I have to know that they are okay.
Gage took the car keys away from Byron and slid behind the wheel. Byron just stared at him and reluctantly got into the passenger’s side of the car. Gage didn’t know what to say to Byron to cheer him up, so he said nothing at all. He was beginning to think they should just abandon this story and return home to the United States. But what’s waiting back home for me? Unlike Byron, he had nothing to return home to. After Jerusalem, he would send Byron home for a while.
Gage continued driving in silence; he was enjoying the drive. Ever since the hospital, he had been looking at everything through a new pair of eyes. He was even thinking about looking his ex-wife up when he finally returned to the states. He didn’t really expect anything to come of it, but he thought they could have a nice civil dinner together. He hoped they would get to Jerusalem soon; he was anxious to meet with Prime Minister Olmert. Not to mention they needed to see what was on that flash drive that Byron had.