At the age of only twelve, Masika left her home in search of a better life. Never looking back even to contact her family, she found a way, no matter how despicable or demeaning, to survive and eventually pay for school.
When she finally went to college and met Ari, she knew that he would be her ticket to success. Her survival instinct took over and by the end of their first year of dating, she had managed to obtain a marriage proposal from him.
Fortunately for Masika, it did not take much convincing. Both shared the same fascist and existentialist views of life. Like Nietzsche’s master morality theory, both adhered to the belief that wealth, strength, and power were the strong Homeric traits that should be emulated. They created and judged their own actions and if the outcomes benefited them or increased their stature in any way, then it was deemed positive and moral regardless of the consequences.
She knew that one day they would be in charge and the future was theirs to take.
“And the last step,” Razmi finished explaining, “will be to create a shallow lake three by two miles wide just above the bunker. It will serve to help both cool the bunker and conceal it from any sort of unwanted intrusions. Then, my Malik, the bunker will be fully operational.”
The holograph then depicted blue water from the Aegean Sea flowing along the surface of the bunker, creating the lake Razmi had mentioned.
Blood pumped vigorously through Masika’s body and her eyes widened with anticipation. She could barely hold herself still, thinking of what the future held for both her and Ari. It did not matter that billions would die from The Disease. It was their destiny, and they were meant for greater purposes.
Ari kept a cool demeanor and with a presidential air said, “Minister Razmi, I must say that I am very impressed. This project is the culmination of everything that I and the UAA stand for. The world will not forget your name, Minister Razmi.”
Chapter 18
The League of World Leaders (LWL) had been assembled on an urgent basis at Albert Rosenberg’s request. Notably absent were France, Iceland, and Greece while the remaining 84 members attended.
Even Ari Lesmana was present. With a smug look on his face and an air of superiority, he already knew the motive behind the meeting. Just a few hours prior, Albert informed him of his intensions, and assured Ari that the UAA would be exempt from the meeting’s outcome.
Though Albert called this conference on short notice, many of the world leaders had already been meeting in private. The fallout from The New Reality’s financial takeover of three countries was far-reaching. Similar to a large surface earthquake in the Pacific, it generated enough momentum to cause a tsunami-like effect around the world.
The LWL met in a virtual arena created by The New Reality technology. Holographic images of the 84 world leaders were set against a backdrop similar to an ancient Roman forum. With white pillars, arches, flowering plants, and statues depicting ancient Gods, the setting appeared both beautiful and awe-inspiring.
Discussion spread immediately throughout the crowd. Worried, the members spoke collegially amongst themselves. Never before had an assembly of world leaders been so cordial or accommodating to one another. Sometimes it takes the worst to bring out the best in people.
The image of Albert appeared in the center of the Roman forum. The leaders from the other 84 countries sat in inclining, circular rows behind this central arena. His appearance brought an immediate silence to the crowd. Most tried to appear presidential and confident while a few carried their worries like a scarlet letter.
“I’d like to thank you for convening on such short notice,” Albert said in a strong, loud voice. “I understand the importance of your busy schedules and thus appreciate your promptness.”
Despite Albert’s recent reputation as a ruthless businessman, he always kept an accommodating and affable air himself. He was the type of guy who would rob an unsuspecting stranger blind but do it with a smile on his face.
Albert holographically presented himself to the forum with a previous, healthier image of himself. No longer cachectic and balding, he now boasted a full head of white, curly hair and a vibrant face. Plus, his previously strong build was evident as he filled out his black pinstripe suit like a man half his age.
Not unique to Albert, many of the other world leaders did the same. Wrinkles, skin blotches and extra pounds had a way of disappearing every time they met for an LWL conference.
“The world has entered disturbing times,” Albert went on to say.
The leaders from the various countries all nodded their heads in agreement. Hoping the subject concerned The Disease, many spoke of it in hushed voices, eager to lead the topic in that direction.
Albert looked around in a panoramic view to capture their attention. “What I am here to discuss with all of you today is an affliction far worse than The Disease which has strangled the life out of some of your countries while threatening others.”
The mumbling had ceased as the attendants waited like wayward school children called to a scolding from the principal. Each leader had the same question: Was what happened to France, Iceland, and Greece just a warning, or was it an omen for the future of all of their countries?
“Irresponsibility,” Albert said, and took a pause before continuing. “It’s a simple word, but it has far-reaching implications. In school, I was taught to avoid it, and in business, I learned it would get me fired.”
Albert made a pondering gesture and placed his left hand under his chin. “So what happened?”
The world leaders kept quiet. The longer Albert stared at them without speaking, the more their angst grew. The question resonated throughout the room as they each asked themselves: What happened?
“The New Reality,” Albert finally said, “has not only loaned each of you here a substantial amount of money, but it has also donated large sums of currency to all of your countries. And for what? To be spent frivolously? To be used in creating more governmental jobs that fail to foster economic growth in any way? Or just to be allocated in such a way as to get you all reelected?”
The Mexican president was the first to interject. No longer able to tolerate being chastised like a child, he wanted this indignity to cease. “We have not come here to listen to a lecture Mr. Rosenberg!” he boldly stated in broken English upon rising to his feet. “This assembly of world leaders was created for the sole purpose of political discussion and not for accounting purposes. If you have any further economic concerns, please discuss them with the appropriate party and do not waste our valuable time.”
Some members kept quiet while others shouted disparaging remarks at Albert and feigned leaving in response to these offensive accusations.
Unfortunately for them, Albert was not a novice in either economics or world politics. He had anticipated such a response and scoffed at their feigned rebuttal.
“President Delgado,” Albert said in a stern voice, “your country is at the brink of financial collapse, your streets are overrun by drug lords, and your people are risking their lives to flee your borders. Sir, you need to sit down and listen to what I have to say!”
He glowered at each of them with the sternest of stares. Even his most vehement detractors were left paralyzed. Unable to respond, they all returned to their seats with the proverbial tails between their legs.
“You all need to listen to what I have to say!”
Albert’s initially affable tone had turned into a disciplinary one. He had no time for further distractions.
“What I have seen throughout my tenure with The New Reality,” Albert said, “is rampant irresponsibility. Not a single one of you here or your predecessors has made any strides to foster an independent and strong economy.”
Albert slammed his fist into his hand.
“The time is up! I am calling in all the loans!”
An audible gasp could be heard throughout the room. Fear and surprise had replaced the former looks of pride and dignity.
“I’m sure you all are f
amiliar with the content of these loans,” Albert commented, knowing full well they had signed the contracts in desperation. “And as of right now, I plan to exercise the clause which states that each of your countries has to ante up one third of your debt in seven days or be in default on all your loans.”
Albert’s message was short but to the point. They had all borne witness to the consequences that had befallen Iceland, France, and Greece and none had doubts about his sincerity. No longer taking a strong stance, the world leaders began to plead and implore Albert for mercy. Some blamed their previous leaders, while others openly chastised their cabinets or economic counselors.
“Mr. Rosenberg,” one voice rose up amongst the commotion. “Surely you do not believe that such a request can be met on such short notice. I do appreciate you and your company’s generosity, but in these times a demand like this is unquestionably impossible to accommodate.”
The gentleman distinctly articulated what the rest were thinking. As speaker of the LWL, the English Prime Minister, Thomas Harrison, held a particularly powerful position and attempted to use this influence to persuade Albert into a more lenient position.
“Prime Minister,” Albert said to the distinguished Englishman, “let me briefly reiterate myself. Seven days.”
These two words had never carried such a powerful meaning as they did now. In a mere week, the balance of world power would be changed irrevocably.
Chapter 19
The hot summer air laid over them like an unwelcome blanket.
Alex and the team had hidden their Stratoskimmer not far from Megiddo in one of the forests scattered across the landscape. Though Israel was known for its harsh desert climates, this area near its western Mediterranean coast had lush vegetation and green grasses. It was the last oasis before entering the eastern sand-stricken scenery.
William panted as sweat made large stains under his armpits. Not one for exercising, he certainly did not enjoy the mile-long walk just to get to the ancient city of Megiddo. He much preferred his air-conditioned office with all the modern conveniences the 21st century had to offer.
“You do realize I’m not having fun here,” William complained. “Alex, would it have killed you to stay an extra day at Madeira? I mean, if I wanted to be stuck anywhere, that’s the place I’d want to be.”
The Stratoskimmer had taken less damage than expected. Only the navigation and magnetic stabilization systems were affected and their refurbishing took less than half a day to complete.
Thus, Tom was not only able to enjoy two bottles of Madeira’s famous wine but he also saw the island’s magnificent fireworks display. He enjoyed himself so much that Alex teased him that he had planned to crash-land there the entire time.
Alex, however, did not partake in any of the festivities. His thoughts were on the necroids back at Neurono-Tek. He knew they must have fully infiltrated his company and were most likely sending confidential information back to the UAA.
It would provide the only feasible explanation as to why the UAA was waiting to ambush them in Crete. Neurono-Tek was hardwired with the latest spy-ware technology; nothing had been stolen or leaked for years as a result. Simply, it was the modern equivalent to Fort Knox.
While the emergency detour to the island had given the team a much-needed break, they knew they couldn’t risk staying put for long. Though admittedly a little hungover, the team set off for Megiddo in the Stratoskimmer at dawn.
“This isn’t tel Megiddo,” William continued to whine, “this is hell Megiddo.”
Guri fared no better. Out of shape and refusing to remove his sport jacket, he slowly walked with William along the dirt road, at least twenty feet behind Alex, Marissa, and Jonathan.
“You were explaining to us about the Bible code back on Crete,” Alex said nonchalantly, turning to Jonathan.
Though acting casual about the subject, he had been deliberating upon it ever since they were interrupted on Crete. Marissa, too, had remained curious but after their near-death experience, she did not have an appropriate opportunity to ask any further questions.
Jonathan responded, “Well, since I’ve already almost gotten us killed, taken you to Crete, and now have brought you here to the Biblical site of Armageddon, a full explanation only seems fair.”
The sweltering heat did not hinder the quick cadence of his response. In fact, he seemed to enjoy the weather. Though red in the face and sweating, Jonathan appeared energized by the heat and ready for a full day of activity.
He took a swig from his water bottle to moisten his palate before continuing. “You see, William Miller once considered himself a Deist and believed that God was a distant being, far removed from all human affairs. But after partaking in the Battle of Plattsburgh in the War of 1812, all that changed. Though vastly outnumbered by the British forces, the Americans were able to overcome the assault and claim victory for their country.”
William interrupted from the rear with an, “Are we there yet?” like a discontented youth.
Marissa rolled her eyes, and Alex smirked in agreement.
“And you know what he concluded?” Jonathan asked aloud before taking a dramatic pause. “That only a Supreme Being could have brought them victory that day. It was a telling statement, but I sincerely believe the man was correct.”
Alex had to ask, “So how do you explain The Disease, genocide, or natural disasters?”
“I do not have all the answers, nor do I claim to fully understanding the inner workings of God’s mind,” Jonathan said. “What I do know by reading the Bible is that God has helped man many times in the past, and that the Bible code is a tool which he has bestowed upon us to help ourselves.”
“‘He who walks wisely will be delivered’,” Marissa said. “Proverbs 28:26.”
Alex and Jonathan were both silenced by her quotation. Not many people in these times were still able to quote the Bible, especially a more esoteric verse such as this. In the fast-paced modern world, religion was considered by many to be a relic or an outdated tradition clung to by the old, disenfranchised, or poor.
Marissa slightly blushed, surprised by their response. “What can I say? I’m a Sunday school teacher. If I’m not out on location, I make a point to spend time with the kids in my parish.”
Beautiful, intelligent, and wholesome, Alex thought. Now if she could only cook…
“You must understand,” Jonathan continued, “that the Bible has time-locked hidden messages within it that will only reveal themselves to us when we cross a certain threshold of technological and intellectual advancement.”
“I can assume that you have crossed that point?” Alex commented.
“I have crossed a point, but the significance of the point to which I have crossed is uncertain. You see, the code is like an onion. There are many layers to it, and all that I have done is just uncover one of these layers. Will it provide us with an answer, or will it lead us to the next layer? I cannot say.”
They had arrived at the base of Megiddo and waited for both William and Guri to join the group under a large palm tree. Both men appeared to be nearing heat exhaustion and stumbled to the ground upon reaching the tree.
“Are you two O.K.?” Alex asked, wondering if they could take the heat much longer.
“Just need to catch my breath,” William responded, beet red in the face.
“With my breathing condition,” Guri tried to say in his usual nasal voice before William interrupted with a stern look.
They all drank from their canteens and enjoyed the reprieve provided by the shade for a few minutes.
“What exactly are we supposed to be looking for in this hellhole anyway?” William asked. “If it’s heatstroke, then I found it and we can go home.”
They all looked towards Jonathan, expecting an answer.
“I can only tell you that as part of our journey,” he answered spryly, “we must be here. What we’re supposed to find is unknown but will become known when we find it.”
“So you
don’t know,” William blurted. “That’s great! Just great.”
Marissa whispered to Alex, “And why did you invite him along? I assume it wasn’t his charming personality.”
“He’s just blowing off steam. I’d be more concerned if he weren’t saying anything. Then we’d be in real trouble.”
Alex took William and Guri by the hands and lifted them back to their feet. “Time to act like tourists.”
Alex led the way as the group began the ascent up the original seventy-foot ramp to the city. Once able to accommodate horses and wagons, the road was now full of rubble and stones that had fallen from the city’s crumbling outer walls. Grass grew alongside the ramp, and a few more palm trees greeted them along the way.
At the top of the hill, the extent of the ancient city could be visualized. Much of it lay in ruins, but the remaining stones gave a skeletal impression of how Megiddo appeared in the past.
A tour guide saw their approach and waved them over in his direction. Already surrounded by ten people, he was glad to welcome a few more.
“The tour is just beginning,” he said with a hint of a Hebrew accent. “Come join us. Come.”
Alex shrugged his shoulders and turned to the rest of them. “It’s probably the best way to see the city.”
Jonathan and Marissa nodded in agreement while Guri and William appeared too exhausted to put up any argument.
The tour guide wore khaki pants and a short-sleeved, collared blue shirt. He also donned a cowboy hat and a large pair of sunglasses that seemed to overwhelm much of his bearded face. The rest of the people surrounding him looked like classic tourists. With large sun hats or baseball caps, Hawaiian shirts and sandals, they waited eagerly for the tour to commence.
“My name is Hillel,” the tour guide announced with a large smile, “and I will be personally guiding you through the magnificent ruins of ancient Megiddo. If you don’t already know, this is not just one city but a total of twenty-six different cities layered one upon the next.”
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