by Chad Josey
Joe's eyes pierced Gabriel from across the room in anticipation.
“Eden has positioned elements within the various militaries around the world. As funding comes, they funnel part of the money through different contractors and intermediaries. You would be surprised what governments are willing to spend when war and chaos rules.”
“What? I get a sense you are saying Salvation has started wars to get funding?”
“Um, yes. That’s one method we have used… this so-called war on terror has been a fantastic funding vehicle for us.”
Joe could not believe Gabriel had confirmed his conspiracy suspicions about Salvation.
“So, yes, to answer your earlier question, we are selecting you to join us. We need your help humanity with ten thousand people. How we funded Salvation is not important.”
Joe sank slowly into the sofa. He sat speechless.
“I know… it’s a lot to take in. But, it’s the only way.”
“But, I'm still having trouble accepting how people like you and the others watching me don’t get to go. I mean, what’s in it for you?”
“Eden studied and recruited me, and others like me, to join Salvation. We all perform our role. For us who don’t go, we enjoy a certain power here on Earth in our time remaining. This power is very intoxicating for us, and that’s how we manage.”
Joe stood from the sofa as Gabriel continued talking.
“You think Salvation is powerful in keeping its secrets. Imagine the things we can enjoy here in our remaining time in agreeing to support Salvation.”
Joe stood in silence. Gabriel’s words sank into Joe’s overflowing, melting brain. A few moments had passed.
“You mentioned you selected everyone based on a purpose they are to fulfill, there.”
“Yes.”
“What about Mary? Why did Eden select her? I mean, you could have just kidnapped me or something?”
“You know the answer to this, Joe, don’t you? Come on, really. Do you think you could have brought any value to Salvation knowing Mary was still on Earth, or if we forced you to go?”
The question lingered unanswered for a moment. “So, Mary has been chosen because of me, because you need me?”
“You’re finally getting it. Your research is so critical in helping select who gets pregnant and who doesn’t. And, if you create a cure for cancer along the way or your research contributes to this in the future, then all the better.”
“But, what is she expected to do there?”
“She’s an excellent teacher and an administrator, now. As more children are born, they will need caretakers and teachers. You can say Mary has a critical role in helping the future children learn and grow.”
Joe relaxed somewhat as he paced in front of him. Gabriel’s response relieved his building anxiety about her. His questions about Mary had been bothering him.
More silence lingered in the office. “Another question… what about other life on Earth like the animals and plants, how are they being accounted for at Salvation?”
“Well, we have limited room there. So, no animals will be part of the program. And as far as plants, we have been shipping tons of seeds to Salvation. Some have survived, others have not. But, there is an effort to send the seeds—”
The alarm from Joe's smartphone blared through the office interrupting Gabriel.
“Gabriel, I have to go. I told Mary I was coming here this morning. She said it was fine as along as I made sure I left on time.”
Gabriel stood and headed to the door. “Joe, we’ll continue our Q-and-A later. But, now you need to mourn your friend. Again, I’m so sorry about the accident.”
“I still have lots of questions… but, thanks again for stopping by. I’m not surprised you knew where I was since you’re watching me.”
“And, let me remind you again, Joe, tell no one about this. I will give you instructions about what and how to tell Mary.”
Joe again sensed the seriousness in Gabriel’s statement. Hell, I tried telling Charlie. He thought I was insane, so I’m not telling anyone else.
“I’ll wait until you tell me it’s okay to tell her… I’m still not sure how she will take it.”
“I’ll help you. But, for now, be with Mary and Becky. And, again, I’m so sorry for your loss, Joe.”
Gabriel opened the door and left. Joe gathered his coat and a few mementos for Becky he had taken earlier from Charlie’s desk.
Only ten thousand people? … I help to choose who gets pregnant? … Everyone else really will die? … Hell, on that happy note, let’s go to a funeral.
1:00 p.m.
BECKY HAD JOINED the church as soon as she had enrolled at the University of Stony Brook. Charlie had joined to impress her in college, never belonging to a church of his own. Her happiest moment there came seven years later when she had married Charlie at the altar. The same place now where his body lay inside a casket in front a hundred people who turned out for his funeral.
Amazing Grace echoed through the sanctuary. Not a dry eye was present. Tears fell silent down Becky’s face in the front pew. She did not waver in her appearance; she was through crying.
Her new mission was to be a rock for her twin daughters, each sitting on either side of her as they both cried. Their faces buried into her black dress.
Becky’s parents from Indiana sat on her left. To her right sat Charlie’s parents, who had flown up from Georgia. His parents cried the loudest doing their best to console each other.
Joe and Mary sat behind Becky. The reality of the service was surreal. Joe’s thoughts consumed him as he relived the memories of the times he had with his best friend.
Heck, I’ve spent as much time alone with Charlie as I have with Mary.
As the music stopped, the minister stepped to the podium to deliver her sermon.
“As Jesus said, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Charlie was a loving man, a loving husband, a loving father, and a loving friend.”
The words floated over the casket and remained lifted in the air by the sounds of crying and sniffling noses.
“Also, as Jesus said in John, Chapter Fourteen, Verses One through Four, Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you I go to prepare a place for you? I will come again and will take you to myself that where I am you may be also.”
The words the minister said entered the recesses of Joe’s memory. He had attended unfortunately too many funerals in his life: his parents, Mary's dad, and his grandma.
I can’t believe he’s not here… I was with him just before the accident.
“In times like these, we always seem to question God. Why Charlie? Why now? But as Ecclesiastes Chapter Three, Verses One and Two tells us, For everything, there is a reason, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die... ”
“How are you doing?” Joe said in a whisper in Mary’s ear.
Mary said nothing in return. When she made eye contact, Joe saw two, large tears roll down her face. She worked to give a small grin to show she was okay. The grin was a lie hiding her deep sadness.
Joe held her hand tighter leaning over to kiss her forehead. I want to cry, but I can’t.
The music of a hymn played. The choir sang. Childhood memories overcame Joe as he whispered in Mary’s ear, “This was one of my favorites to sing in church with Grandma.” With a gulp of breath, he sang along with the choir.
Once the hymn ended, the minister retook her podium. “What a beautiful song… how great Thou art, indeed. Charlie lived a wonderful life. Now, in this time of sorrow, we should give our shared strength to Becky and the children,” the Minister said.
Becky continued to look at Charlie's casket. She knew if she made eye contact with anyone during the service she would start crying.
“We can also look to Psalms Chapter Forty-Six, Verses One through Eleven to see how God will provide his strength to us.”
The minister flipped the pages of her Bible and read out-loud. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We will not fear. Though the Earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Joe followed along from a Bible he found in front of him. The words had an eerie familiarity.
“The holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts his voice, the Earth melts.”
Mary stroked the back of Joe’s hand, which held the Bible. Joe did not feel Mary as the minister had his complete attention.
“The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the Earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the Earth.”
As the minister concluded her words, six large men stood. They walked and surrounded Charlie’s casket. With ease, they lifted and carried it to the back of the church. Everyone stood turning to follow the men as they passed.
The words the minister had spoken still rang in Joe's ear. Psalms Forty-Six... I need to remember this passage.
The men carried the casket down the front steps of the church and into the graveyard. Along the tree line, a pile of fresh, brown dirt lay beside a six-foot deep, rectangular grave. Mountains of different colored flowers provided a bright setting for the somber moment.
Charlie's casket came to rest on a platform over his grave. The congregation followed. Once everyone was in position, the minister stood in front of a seated Becky and the twins. The cries within the audience contrasted to the love songs sung by birds in the trees overhead.
“And, we commit his body to the ground. Earth-to-Earth. Ashes-to-ashes. Dust-to-dust. The Lord bless him and keep him. Amen.”
“Amen,” the congregation said in unison.
As the casket lowered, Joe looked across the graveyard. He saw a figure in the distance.
Is that Gabriel? Looks like the suit he was wearing?
The service ended with the congregation dispersing from the graveyard. Joe and Mary watched Becky and the twins in a tight embrace with Charlie’s parents.
As the people cleared out in front of him, Joe noticed the figure in the distance was no longer there watching.
I still can’t believe Charlie’s gone… What a terrible accident... It was an accident, wasn’t it?
A black limo left the church parking lot. A faint purr of a motor lowered the tinted window dividing the driver from the passenger.
“Thomas, make sure your team watches him even more closely. If even any hint exists he may talk about Salvation, call me immediately like you did last week. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Gabriel, I understand,” Thomas said as he drove the limo away from the church.
“Oh, and great job in cleaning up this situation last week.”
21-Acceptance
PRESENT - Stony Brook, New York
1,727 Days Prior to Impact
THE PAST WEEKS in the lab have been a constant reminder of Joe’s heartbreak since Charlie’s funeral. Uneasiness fills his sanctuary.
For years, Joe would complain to Charlie. His work area was untidy with books and papers everywhere. His music would echo through the undecorated hall bouncing against the stairwell door. But, now, what Joe would not give for Marvin Gaye or Otis Redding to come blaring into his office.
Cataloging his equipment needs for Salvation has been a Godsend. This monotonous task cleared Joe’s mind. His newfound solitude allowed no fear of Charlie asking too many questions. Joe had the entire floor of the research building to himself. Joe was alone.
Since the funeral, Joe and Mary have gone through the motions of their days. Joe spends his time in the lab, and Mary puts in extra time at the school.
Becky took the twins to go live with her parents in Indiana. She sold their house in Stony Brook with its horrific reminder along the front sidewalk. The twins had constant nightmares of their Dad rolling under a pickup truck.
With her, Becky took Charlie’s possessions from his lab and office. This unintended consequence made Charlie’s presence disappear. Joe’s confidant, his best friend, was gone.
On the selfish side, Charlie’s death brought a sense of comfort to Joe. He can focus on Project Salvation without the worry of Charlie being left behind.
The holiday season has arrived which was never the happiest time for Joe. Too much family tragedy brought a foreboding sense to him. Joe always wondered what sad event was next.
As Joe sat on a stool in Charlie’s work area, the stairwell door opened at the end of the hallway. The footsteps grew loud. For an instant, Joe imagined seeing his friend come bouncing through the entry.
With anxious anticipation, his wish did not come true. The footsteps belonged to Gabriel, who was visiting for the first time since the funeral.
“Merry Christmas, Joe.”
“Hi, Gabriel. Merry Christmas… what do I owe the visit?” Joe stood from the stool and shook Gabriel’s hand.
“I wanted to personally give you the good news.”
“Good news, that’s long over-due.”
“First, we’ve completed the electronic transition of the items you sent. The second thing is we have obtained the equipment you have requested. We are making arrangements to send this to Salvation.”
“I may have a few more items to include.”
“Not a problem, let me know. But, the biggest news is I can finally give you the instructions for leaving.”
Joe’s heart pounded at the news. The reality of the pending journey was becoming surreal.
“I’ve been waiting… keeping this from Mary has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. This includes burying my family and friends.”
“Damn, Joe, so morbid.”
“What? I’m supposed to be happy over seven billion people will die in a few years, and they don’t even know it?”
“Like I’ve said many times, you can’t focus on those left behind. Focus on sustaining the future.”
“But—”
“Focus on the fact you and your wife will get to live,” Gabriel said cutting Joe off from his argument.
Joe did not respond. He walked by Gabriel across the hall to his office and sat behind his desk. Gabriel followed shutting the office door and sat in the chair across from him.
“So, tell me, how are we doing this?” Joe asked.
“Here is the information and instructions you will need,” Gabriel said as he gave him an iPad.
Joe read the instructions on the screen as Gabriel explained the events. “On Friday, January 29th, a limo will pick you and Mary up at your house taking you to JFK. There, you will board our private jet, which will fly you to Mauritius.”
“Mauritius? Where the hell is that?”
“It’s a beautiful island in the southern Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar.”
“Africa?”
“Yes.”
“You will give Mary this trip to our resort for Christmas. Tell her the Eden Foundation is giving you this as a gift for our partnership.”
“What do I tell her about Salvation?”
“Nothing at the moment. We will handle this in Mauritius. But, you both can tell your friends and co-workers about taking this trip.”
“Look around… ” Joe waved his hands in the air, “what friends and co-workers?”
“Between you, I am sure you need to notify people of your two-week vacation? Pack the normal things to take for a two-week beach trip.”
“So, we’ll leave for Mars from there…” Joe stopped himself as he laughed. “Sorry, that still sounds crazy when I say it.”
“We will give you the specific instructions at our resort.”
“And, we will blast off, I imagine it’s a blast off, from Mauritius?”
“Again, we will tell you there.” Gabriel ra
ised his eyebrows. “What’s wrong Joe? Aren’t you happy to be finally getting closer to going?”
“I’ve accepted this is real. But, I still need to tell Mary everything. These past weeks since the funeral have been so hard on us.”
“Joe, this is why we do not want you to tell her, yet. Go to Mauritius. Enjoy our resort. The water, the beaches are so beautiful. Have that to enjoy.”
Joe listened but imagined how Mary would react when he explains everything.
“Trust me. I’ve been doing this a long time. We have learned from past recruits how to handle these types of situations.”
Joe leaned back in his chair trying to comprehend Gabriel’s comments. “Hell, we’ve not taken a vacation since a job interview in Paris many years ago.”
“Yeah, on 9/11, I remember,” Gabriel said.
“You remember?” Joe asked as he did not recall having this conversation with Gabriel about Paris.
“Oh, no. I meant I remember from reviewing your files.” Gabriel stood from the sofa distracting Joe.
“What about things associated with our house? Bills and shit?” Joe asked.
“Do you care about that where you’re going?”
“I guess not. Hell, I should have stopped paying my rent months ago,” Joe said as he laughed.
“I’m glad to hear you make jokes… No need to worry about paying rent where you’re going that’s for sure.”
“Well, this brings up more questions about Salvation.”
“Like?”
“Like, how do we pay for things? If Earth is destroyed, how does Salvation get new equipment?”
Gabriel laughed surprising Joe. He could not remember hearing Gabriel laugh before. Gabriel had a short-winded, high-pitched laugh, the complete opposite of Charlie’s.
“Getting paid? Money? That’s funny. No one is paid. Everyone works to support each other. People will consume everything equally. Of course, who is to say future generations may develop a new economy.”
“Huh, a socialist utopia, then?”
“I don’t know about that… but after 2020, everyone at Salvation will be on your own. That’s why you’re going now. You will establish your lab and have time to inform us if you need other equipment so we can get this to you before…”