“Oil,” he said in a nature as glossy as the aforementioned substance.
Those at the table, their attentions thoroughly arrested, looked at their boss with interest obscurely sprinkled with disbelief.
“Oh yes,” he answered their expressions. “The power that oil can have upon this world has been completely underestimated by most. Its wielder can use it to bring about peace, or weaponize it to cause chaos. In fact, Henry Kissinger once said…” As Maximos spoke, an image from the wrapping wall superseded itself from the others and stood still for their observation. It was a photo of the US statesman next to a line of text in quotes.
“Control oil, you control nations,” Derek read somberly.
“That’s right,” asserted Maximos. “Technology may be the new fashion this world is racing to don, but oil is still its life-blood. It is the resource which will never go out of style, despite some organizations’ efforts to outdate it in favor of ‘cleaner’ alternatives. But what they don’t understand is that nothing they can offer as a substitute will ever be able to match the effectiveness, convenience and revenue that oil provides. As long as there is one drop of oil left within the bowels of this earth, there will be someone trying to harness its power and profit. And believe me, when I tell you there is plenty more than a drop still out there.
“There is even a saying…” he went on ponderously as the Kissinger photo dissolved back into the montage, giving place to another image. Curiously, it was an open scroll displaying a Bible verse. “There is even a saying in the apocalyptic book of Revelation that when the numinous third seal is opened and a disaster of famine is heralded upon the earth, the orders are given that ‘a measure of wheat for a penny, three measures of barley for a penny, but see that you spare the oil and the wine.’”
Several executives glanced at their companions with a look of the lost—clearly having no idea what Maximos was getting at.
James, who had heard preaching on this portion of the scripture before, stepped up to the plate for his new comrades. “It means,” he explained, “that while the world will be rationing their bread because of famine, oil will continue to flow; and producing countries will continue to enjoy plenty.”
“Ha-ha! Yes, even God knows better than to try and shut down the oil industry.” Maximos’ eyes glowed with victorious fervor. “He knows the power it has to inflict harm on global economy…or to be its salvation.” As he spoke, more and more images came forward from the band of color rushing around the room—oil rigs and refineries from all over the world along with slides showing economic reports and stats of oil-producing nations.
“It’s not gold, or technology or even the climate-change agenda that holds sway over this world. Why, any disruption in oil immediately and drastically affects currency markets and nations’ economies, particularly in America. When oil prices go up, it pushes the dollar down.”
“And what does this have to do with GED?” a stoic executive spoke up, apprising Maximos’ excitement but not comprehending enough to share it. “I thought we were in the loaning business, not oil.”
Without skipping a beat, Cyndi jumped in with the reply, relaying it with an air that made James wonder if she and Maximos had rehearsed this meeting. “GED is in the World Management business, and everything that entails: world peace, world prosperity, and happily-ever-after for everyone. While that agenda includes loaning money to nations for projects to get their economy/and or society back on track, it is not limited to it. For the past several months, our new focus has been on the “rescuing” of oil-producing nations from the strangleholds of competitors such as America, IMF, and World Bank in order to harness the use of this powerful resource to bring about GED’s ultimate goal.”
“And what is the ultimate goal?” A man with guarded, almond-shaped eyes posed his question gingerly—riding a fine line between looking like someone who didn’t know his own company’s purpose and trying to get to the bottom of what Maximos was saying.
“Securing a peaceful future for the world, of course,” answered Maximos, his arms opened wide in the same manner as a magnanimous father bestowing a gift on his beloved child. Along the walls, the pictures instantly changed from oil infrastructure to war-ravaged landscapes and desperate and dying people. Contrary to their speeding predecessors, these photos marched around them in a steady line, compelling the room’s occupants to face the horrors they portrayed.
“Left to their own devices, nations have set a course of self-interest, and, inadvertently, self-destruction. They may claim to want peace, but none are willing to pay the price for it—their pride. What the world needs at this crucial time is leadership—for one neutral leading party, whose loyalties are not tied to a country, or culture, or religion, to take hold of the reins and save us from ourselves.
“And that party is GED.
“You see, ladies and gentlemen. By controlling their oil, we can steer the nations away from the edge of annihilation they are so eagerly plummeting toward. We can provide a safe haven for those who embrace and work for peace…and we can pressure those who still determine to set themselves against it.”
Maximos began to take a turn about the room, his lithe figure somehow blending in with the rolling montage behind him. The captivated executives watched him closely, spellbound not only by the magnitude of his intent but also by the realization that he was already in the process of carrying it out, and that he would, without a doubt, see it through.
“And what about the Middle East mess?” Derek ventured to ask. “Between the oil hoarders and the war mongers we’ll have a hard time getting much footing. How are we going to simmer them down?”
Maximos, now walking in front of images concerning the history of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict, failed United Nations peace talks, and rejected resolutions, shot a warm smile to Derek and answered. “We will be negotiating with them soon enough. I only hope they will see reason, for I do fear for any radicals—on either side—who refuse to yield. For the last decade we’ve been funding labs where a new breed of robotic soldier is being prepared for World War III. Then, there’s our Virtual Viruses Combatant Unit and Cyber Security Systems, which are geared up for Biological and Cyber Warfare. It’s true, total peace will not come easily, but with these tools, our Global Peace Initiative will bring the end to all wars, diseases, and economic instability.
“This, my friends, is truly the dawn of a new world!”
Chapter 44
James sat in his new office staring at his treasured wooden ark carving, which had been brought over from his London office along with the rest of his files, books, and work desk paraphernalia. In taking up his sudden new position of Executive Liaison for West Africa, he had been mandatorily moved to GED Headquarters. He immediately found out, however, that this new position was not to be his sole role or responsibility. His newest task, assigned the evening before by Maximos himself at the close of their meeting, was to compile the numbers, statistics, quantitative forecasting, projections, and econometrics calculations needed to justify the amount of funds GED was going to begin pumping into the Middle East. “A proof of intent,” Maximos had explained, “to show the Israelis and the Palestinians that beginning to put their faith in us will be to their great benefit.”
James knew where to start—and even had the right files open on his desk—but his attention wouldn’t hold. He mechanically scanned his workspace, letting his eyes and thoughts wander over the new surroundings: the back wall of windows; the wooden cabinets; the expensive artwork. A black suede sofa stood against one wall; he doubted it was there to encourage rest…more likely to encourage staying in the office all night working. He sighed as he remembered how late the meeting had gone last night and how…interesting…it had been. He had sat there with the other executives, nodding and smiling and applauding at the right times, though all the while knowing that the presentation was not really going to be open for serious questions. It was an unveiling, nothing more. So he had played along an
d kept his qualms to himself. But now in the relative safety of his office, he began to seriously examine exactly what Maximos was planning; and it was a little alarming.
Peace was a goal he could get behind. It was the goal he wanted to get behind—the reason that he had taken the GED job in the first place. All the way around, the ends Maximos was shooting for were admirable and praiseworthy…but the means were what James was feeling the most troubled about.
The sound of a slamming door jolted him out of his thoughts as Cyndi urgently barged in carrying a load of files.
“James, we’ve got to move ahead with forming the Sub-Saharan Union. These—” she dropped the files onto his desk—“are the next countries that we need reports for. They are on the brink of bankruptcy and need to be snatched up ASAP or we could lose billions. You can use your report you made on the Ukadan Republic as a template. Just find the largest resource each country has and use it to project the economic benefits of taking a loan from us to develop it.”
She turned on her heels and walked out of the room just as abruptly as she had entered it. James didn’t bother to call her back to ask questions. He knew better than that by now. Instead, he took a deep breath and rubbed his hand over his short-cropped hair as he opened the first few folders to check out their contents. He was met with photos of West African leaders, their faces somehow emitting disapproval at his staring at them. Quickly, he shut the folders against the looks and smashed them back on the pile, harder than he had planned to.
All of a sudden, the TV across from him flicked on. It surprised James a little as he hadn’t given much notice to it mounted on the wall. Digging the remote out from the file pile, he curiously flipped through the channels—news, weather, news, talk show, and some kind of French Soap Opera. After browsing through a few more uninteresting channels, James intended to shut the TV off but paused upon a display of a preacher walking back and forth across a carpeted mauve platform, obviously worked up about something. The camera had panned in and James was surprised to find that the minister’s navy and silver-striped tie looked exactly like his favorite tie which was still back in his closet at home. What was more interesting still was that James had been thinking about that tie just this morning; an early knock on his hotel door had signaled the arrival of a local tailor (“Compliments of GED”) who had brought with him several new, ready-made suits which fit almost to a “T.” Though James had been pleased with the new clothing and paid his compliments to the outfitter, he couldn’t but realize the underlying message they conveyed—there were no plans of him getting back to London to gather his own suits. The idea brought with it a frustrated depression and set him to wondering how he could get Maximos to just give him a couple days off to go to London and gather up some of his own things, in particular, his favorite navy and silver tie that Sarah had given him for his birthday last year. But even as his mind sidled through all the options and outcomes of his asking, he knew it was going to be a no-go. He was in a very delicate position. If he gives Maximos or Cyndi one hint that he wasn’t up to the tasks and schedules they gave him, he was sure to be out faster than a jackal after a jackrabbit. Not only would a boot like that cut off his generous salary, but also smudge his resume and reputation for any future business employment. So, he had resigned to forget about the tie. And, funnily enough, here it was now, waving at him from the television - an uncanny coincidence if he ever saw one. Curious, he turned the volume up a couple notches.
“There is a mystery, my friends, a glorious mystery which we, as the Church of Jesus Christ, have been destined to partake in. You see, after His resurrection, Jesus promised His newly-birthed Church—comprising all races, colors, genders, professions, and backgrounds—that their mortal, earthly bodies—our skin sloughing, dirt attracting, pain racking, old cracking, tired, bored, dissatisfied bodies—would be renewed, would be gloriously redeemed in the same manner as Christ’s was. Now, think about this. Christ could appear, disappear, travel instantly on by an impulse, walk through walls, and… ya’ll listening to me? He could walk and not be weary. He could fly and not faint. He could eat and not waste.” James laughed along with the congregation.
“You think I’m joking, don’t you?” the preacher played. “I am telling you, we cannot even comprehend the freedom, the joy, the love, the strength, the power, the fearlessness that will be emitted from this new matter-manipulating, gravity-defying, oxygen-uninhibited, indestructible, unsusceptible, eternal, glorified flesh. You think Superman is something? Look out! I said look out. Cuz you ain’t seen nothing yet!
“And it’s coming soon, people. I’m talking….today, tomorrow, next week, next month - soon. The Bible says He will return in the sky to change our bodies and take us, His Holy Church, away! Through Church history, this mystery has become to be known as…say it with me…‘the Rapture.’ There is a group of people, the apostle Paul says, who will be here one moment and gone the next. And the purpose of this, ladies and gentleman, is not solely to fulfill the promise of the redemption of our bodies, but to fulfill the promise of salvation from judgement. Jesus dying on the cross fulfilled the sentence of God’s holy judgment upon all who accept him. And that’s good news. I said that’s good news. The Holy God will not punish the righteous with the wicked. God saved Noah and his family before wrath fell on that world. He saved Lot and his family, before judgement devoured Sodom. And He promised to save you, and me, and Aunt Fae, and Uncle Joe, and everyone else that is clothed in the righteousness of Christ Jesus from the imminent apocalyptic wrath set to be justly poured out on this world.
“Are you ready? He’s coming. Are you ready? Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? Do you believe that the punishment for your sin was voluntarily taken by Him and His righteousness was freely given to you? Do you believe that—”
A sharp rap on the door made James jump as he was suddenly pulled from the orator’s words, feeling embarrassed as he realized the stark difference between what he was doing and what he was supposed to be doing. Fumbling for the power button, he managed to shut the TV off; but not before a balding, round head peeped in at him.
“Excuse me for the intrusion, Mr. Mode. But Ms. Pale asked me to stop in and tidy up. I can come back when you are out of the office.”
Confused, James glanced around the room which he had only occupied for a few hours since his arrival to HQ. Why would Cyndi send over the custodian? He hadn’t even been here long enough to put any trash in the bin. Well, he conceded finally. It didn’t really matter—what she wanted is what she got.
“Uh, no come in, please,” James invited.
“I’ll be just a moment, sir,” the man replied as he pulled his slim cleaning cart along behind him with ease. For having a pear-shaped frame, the man seemed amazingly agile as he immediately gathered some materials and began dusting the decorative sculptures and artwork.
James went back to his desk and made a show of being busy by rummaging through his briefcase. He pulled out some papers and stiffened as their removal revealed his small pocket Bible. Slowly, he lifted it out and thumbed through the pages; he hadn’t opened it in a few days.
“I didn’t mean to barge in, sir,” the custodian relayed again in a tone hovering between apologetic and caution as he caught sight of the little book.
“No, go ahead,” James insisted as he set the Bible down and straightened the papers on his desk. After a few minutes of quiet bustling, the man came round to the front of the desk and began dusting the light fixtures.
“Thank you for doing that,” James said sincerely.
The other beamed, “Just doing my job, sir.” Then, his eyes again caught the mini Bible now resting on the desk. “I like your small Bible.”
“Oh, that’s something my mother gave me when I was a boy. She made me promise to read always. My wife has a similar one…” He paused as he thought about Sarah’s disappointed voice when he’d told her he’d be staying in Brussels longer.
“I haven’t been to church in years,” the
cleaner went on. He suddenly looked around and bent his head closer. “It would be hard to be a believer around here.”
Surprised by the man’s changed tone, James’ eyes locked onto his as he measuredly asked, “What do you mean?”
Taking a step back, both in physical proximity and professional, the custodian shook his head as to dismiss his thoughts and walked back to his cart.
Slightly perturbed but not wanting to push the issue, James stood and excused himself. “I’m just going to let you finish up and step out for a moment.” He moved out of the office, trying hard not to scurry out of the suddenly uncomfortable atmosphere. Heading down a path with no destination in mind, he was surprised when a high, stern voice cut at him from the office he didn’t realize he was passing.
“James!” the voice scolded. “Didn’t I just give you some work to do? Why are you out here moseying around like you’re taking a walk in the park?”
Chapter 45
James stepped into Cyndi’s office to explain. “I was just letting the cleaner finish up with my desk. Thought it was better to get out of his way. Thanks for sending him over, by the way. Appreciate the gesture.” He turned to leave when Cyndi called him back.
“I hope you’re finding that you can keep up with the pace around here. It’s a killer, I know. I don’t think I’d be able to manage throughout the week if I didn’t force myself to set aside some time for fun.”
“Yeah,” agreed James, feeling surprised at her sudden bestowal of polite conversation. “It’s pretty intense, but I think I’ve got it under control. I called my wife and asked her up for the weekend, so that’s some fun to look forward to.”
Cyndi nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, I suppose it is. There are some really nice restaurants in town. I’m sure she’d love to experience a few. In fact, a new place just opened close to your hotel. Maximos asked me to try it out and give him my opinion. He always likes to know about a place before he goes there. You wouldn’t be interested in trying it out with me tonight, would you? It’s not out of the way, and I’ll pay.”
The Snare Page 16