by Cliff Deane
King questioned Chen about this time period, and he stated that he had gone to a Buddhist monastery during this time. Chen said that his family were devout Buddhists and that he had been going through a period of religious crisis. This crisis was resolved after his one-year hiatus.
During one of his daily check-ins with Vice Admiral Perry, Sky asked for an analysis of both Putin and Chen. The result was the same. Sky couldn’t seem to shake a kernel of doubt about Chen’s monastery story, but he certainly could not prove otherwise.
Admiral King then offered both men the opportunity of remaining in the position of Captain under special contract or transferring to the SRI-F Flagship upon its arrival.
Putin’s response was one of utter disdain for the SRI-F and asked to remain as Captain on the Phobos. He also asked about the possibility of being granted a commission in the USSDF.
Chen, however, made no such disclaimers about the SRI-F and informed the Admiral that he would have to consider his options when the SRI-F Fleet arrived.
14 September 2116
Captain’s Dining-In
USSN Cruiser Leyte Gulf
The first formal Dining-In for the Senior Officers of the fleet designated as Taffy III included the Fleet Captains, their XOs, and the Commander of the Marine Detachment, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Sullivan. Only Captain’s Putin and Chen wore the Corporate Uniform of their employer.
With the dinner finished, the Admiral ordered the bottom button of the Officer’s Mess White Uniform undone. He then stood and made his way to the podium.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to express my gratitude for welcoming me, so graciously, into my role as Fleet Commander. Much of yesterday was spent with Captain Flynn going over the sealed orders which she had kept safeguarded for me since departing Red Sands.
“My friends, these orders have radically changed my initial mission parameters. With your arrival, we have gone from a civilian task of moving Holly Thorne’s big ass well outside of the orbit of Luna. We are well on the way to accomplishing this undertaking as we are nearly ten percent into the job.
“Now, however, the mission has added a distinct military flavor as I have been informed that the SRI-F has sent a seven-ship fleet on a course to intersect with us around 15 October. There was no direct intimation of hostile intent from the SRI-F in my orders, but those orders did say that the SRI-F vessels were equipped with rail guns and nuclear missiles.
“We are now tasked with preventing the SRI-F from firing those missiles into our comet, until, or unless, we have proven incapable of completing our primary assignment. Getting down to the nitty-gritty; we are cleared to use force to prevent the SRI-F from prematurely launching their nukes.”
Several Captains looked a bit surprised as they realized that using force against the SRI-F Fleet meant global war on Earth, and global war was unthinkable.
King informed his officers of the sealed orders he had received from Captain Flynn. He also made the official announcement that he would be moving his flag to the Leyte Gulf sometime in the next forty-eight hours. As he returned to his seat following his speech and the inevitable questions, Admiral King offered the final toast of the evening.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, a final toast, if you please; to absent comrades.” This traditional toast was offered to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to their country.
Captain Ward was seated to the right of Admiral Sky King. After hearing his AI’s message from Chief of the Boat Harkins, he discretely passed the message on to Admiral King via AI. The Admiral asked if Ward knew what the Chief could possibly want.
“No, sir, I don’t, but it must be of some import if Chief Harkins has sent this message to me. I am more concerned that he sent the message, eyes only, and did not elaborate on the reason.”
“All right,” said Sky, “send a message to the ship’s computer telling the Chief that we would like to speak to him concerning information garnered by our meetings. Let him know we will return to the ship at around 2330 hours. I’ll break this shindig up in another hour.”
15 September 2116
Captain’s Ready Room
USSN Astrid
Admiral King decided to put off the meeting with Chief of the Boat Harkins until 0800 hours of 15 September. The meeting consisted of Admiral King, Captain Ward, Commander Barnes, Senior Master Chief Harkins, Master Chief Karson, and Vice Admiral Perry, via AI. His presence was not disclosed to the other attendees.
The ship’s computer was ordered not to record this meeting. Both Admiral’s AIs would, however, make verbatim recordings of the proceedings.
Chief Karson laid out his concerns about possible espionage and was supported by Chief Harkins. The physical evidence was displayed leaving little doubt in the Officer’s minds that they did, indeed, have a destructive force aboard the Astrid.
Admiral King ordered the replacement and inspection of all CF-BT modules aboard the Astrid. Inspecting the CF-BT modules on the Phobos and Ceres seemed unwise as this action may alert the saboteur that his acts of sabotage had been uncovered.
Following the meeting, the two Admirals discussed possible available avenues to snare the spy. Admiral King ordered his AI to download all computer files concerning the damaged R4W reactor. The two men hoped that the computer specialists at NASA could find some evidence of tampering with the video files. Beyond that, there seemed little else to do.
King wanted to bring Captain Ward into the loop concerning the AI communications breakthrough and the Thirty-Eight Protocol.
Vice Admiral Perry denied Sky’s request, stating that, until the mystery was solved, everyone on Astrid was under some level of suspicion.
15 September 2116, AD 1800 hours
On Station
50,000 miles Portside of Holly Thorne
Admiral King’s AI, JJ, informed Sky that the time for a commo check with Vice Admiral Perry was due in one minute, 1800 hours.
“Thanks, JJ,” said Sky, make contact and then I’ll speak with the Admiral.”
At exactly 1800 hours the commo check between AIs was completed, and the Vice Admiral’s AI was informed that Admiral King wished to speak with him. Dolph came on line a second later saying, “Hello, Sky, what’s new?”
“Dolph, I just wanted to personally report that Operation HT is progressing exactly as planned. We have now been utilizing our lasers for two weeks, and Holly Thorne’s trajectory has been moved by five percent of goal.”
“Sky, that is, indeed, wonderful news. Say, how do you keep those lasers from overheating and blowing out? You do have replacements, I presume?”
“Yes, sir, we run the lasers on a rotation between the three ships. They are, however not on constant burn. The lasers fire in accordance with the rotation of Holly Thorne. This allows for relatively short bursts in the same place as she turns over.
“Two ships are firing all the time while one rests. We do the same with our individual onboard lasers. Only two-thirds of them operate at any given time. And yes, we do have five replacements for each laser.”
CHAPTER SIX
559 Days to Earth
15 September 2116, AD
Philadelphia, PA
Roger Dean, one of General Wolfe’s Aides, buzzed the General’s desk,
“Yes,” said General Wolfe.
“Sir, it’s Roger Dean, I think you should turn on CNN. There’s trouble in Philly.”
Wolfe said to his AI, “Give me a CNN Newsfeed.”
Immediately the COS was able to see the newscast on what appeared to be a seventy-five-inch video screen. He watched as the Philadelphia Affiliate of CNN announced that a large protest march, apparently organized by Pastor Elijah Wright’s Church of the Light.
The affiliate reporter said, “The Pastor, himself is not available for comment, but a Senior Deacon of the Church has a statement to read. Please, go ahead, Deacon.”
The Deacon thanked the reporter and made it clear that this gathering was no protest march, but the beginni
ng of a movement which will save the world from destruction.
He then read the following statement. “Peoples of the world, we are here in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love to announce that the Messiah has returned to walk among us. Our Pastor, Elijah Wright, has been taken by a host of heavenly Angels to his just reward, and the Lord and Savior, the Child of God, the Host of Hosts has taken his body. Yeshua lives and will make his presence known to all, tomorrow at 1:00 pm.
“His words will echo throughout the world, proclaiming His return. He returns, not as a Prince of Peace, but as the Warrior Prince proclaimed in the Book of Revelations. On these streets, you see a peaceful demonstration of nearly ten-thousand saved souls. On this day there will be no rioting, no harsh words, threats, or demands, but know Ye that the Warrior Prince, the Son of God will speak from our Church of the Light to tell the world of God’s plan to give mankind one final chance at redemption. The Church only holds six-thousand worshippers. Speakers will be set up around the Plaza fronting The Church of the Light. JESUS IS AGAIN AMONG US! HALLELUJAH!”
The CNN Reporter said, “So, there you have it. Once again Philadelphia is to become the center for revolution. Reverend Wright, the self-proclaimed Son of God, Jesus Christ will speak to the world tomorrow at 1:00 pm. Tune in to CNN for the latest on this developing story.
15 September 2116, 1:00 pm
Church of the Light
Philadelphia, PA
Had there not been ten-thousand parishioners in the streets, the announcement of a news conference would have been cause for laughter. However, just as Pastor Wright, aka Yeshua, anticipated, the news networks were all in attendance. They were set up and ready for his pronouncements.
CNN reporter Adrian Brandt, in a soft voice, said, “The huge crowd gathered in and outside of the Church of the Light must number near one-hundred thousand, and I am receiving reports that thousands more are taking to the streets to be a part of this spectacle.
“At this moment, Reverend Wright, who claims to be Jesus Christ, the Son of God is seated to the right of the pulpit from which he will make his statement. Surprisingly, this crowd is calm, quiet, and eagerly waits to hear what the Pastor has to say.
As the comet Holly Thorne approaches, many feel that the return of Jesus is to be expected. Oh, look, Reverend Wright is standing and making his way to the pulpit. Reverend Wright, who many say is just another false prophet while others believe that he is the embodiment of the Son of God.”
His parishioners watched in a state of rapture as the Reverend rose from his chair and walked slowly to his Pulpit. As he dramatically raised his head in a slow and scripted manner, the Pastor’s eyes took on the barest hint of a golden sheen. His face also appeared to hint of gold. He looked out over the multitudes numbering perhaps as many as fifty-thousand filled the Church and many streets.
He raised his hands into the air, allowing the purple of his vestments to be clearly seen. The crowd immediately quieted and waited for their Messiah to speak.
His address began in a conversational tone, but quickly rose, as did his passion, he said, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to the One True God, Jehovah. For His judgments are true and just; for He has judged the great prostitutes, that are the sinful governments of Man. For they have corrupted the earth with their immorality, and have poured upon her the blood of His servants.”
Once more they cried out, HALLELUJAH!
He continued; “The smoke from THE PURGING OF THE SINS OF MAN GOES UP FOREVER AND EVER! BEHOLD! THE FINGER OF GOD APPROACHES. GOD HAS GIVEN YOU ONE FINAL CHANCE TO REPENT YOUR SINS, AND CLEANSE THE EARTH OF THE VILE GOVERNMENTS, RUN BY IMMORAL, CORRUPT, AND SINFUL MEN WHO LUST AFTER POWER OVER THE MULTITUDES.”
His voice then dropped from passion to an earnest, heartfelt plea, “You must take heed, and accept the love of God before it is too late. Praise God! Jehovah has thrown a dirty snowball at you, and you must change your ways. You must become the People of God! You must stop worshipping at the altar of lust!
“When my Father gave you this planet, it was a paradise, now, it is a cesspool of filth, greed, lust, and degradation of every sort. I say to you that I have been sent to judge the people of this Earth. I have not come as the Prince of Peace, but rather as a Judge. I, alone, will decide if Man is worthy of receiving God’s Grace. I warn you, take heed, for if you fail in your God’s demand, his simple snowball will not miss the Earth, but will destroy it.
“Even now, you have sent mere men to push the comet of God away from the Earth. THIS IS BLASPHEMY! For should you fail in God’s last test, He shall return his tool of destruction to collide with you. REPENT! REPENT, NOW! Over the next two months, here in the United States, elections will be held to determine who shall rule in this nation. Good Men of Faith are being chosen to run for these offices. Yes, this is the first part of God’s test for Man.
“Once the government of the United States is in the hands of God’s chosen few, other nations will follow until your world is united under the One True God, Jehovah. The path is clear, and it is yours for the taking. You must choose. Do not fail to act, time is short, JUDGEMENT DAY IS AT HAND!”
And with that, the new Messiah turned away from his audience and walked off the stage. Those in attendance fell to their knees praying for salvation. The streets, filled with thousands, were also silent as they prayed.
“Oh crap!” said the President’s Chief of Staff. He redialed Roger Dean and directed him to put together a file on this Pastor Wright and pass it along to the General’s AI.
He then sent a transcript of the statement, which was garnered by his AI, and forwarded it to the President, along with a request to meet with her, ASAP.
16 September 2116,
Office of the Supreme Leader
Tehran, Iran
“The Great Satan is again insulting Islam.” A member of the Ruling Mullahs informed the Supreme Leader of Iran. “In Philadelphia, a man claims to be the resurrected Jesus Christ. He calls on all nations of the Earth to deny Islam and to become Christian in order to save Earth from destruction by the comet which bears down upon us.
“Supreme Leader, surely this outrage cannot go unpunished. I urge you to pronounce a Fatwa against this blasphemer of the one true God, Allah, Allahu Akbar.”
“No, my friend,” said the Supreme Leader, “there shall be no Fatwa. I agree that this false prophet must die, but we must do this quietly, and with no trail leading back to us. I task you with making contact with the Special Operations Branch within the QUDS Force. Pass this mission to them with my approval and remind them to use discretion. He must arrange it so that the hated Zionists appear responsible. Allahu Akbar!”
And with that, the Iranian Cleric was excused to contact the QUDS Force Commander, Major General Mohammad Kasemadi.
16 September 2116, AD
Oval Office White House
Washington, DC
Tessa, the President’s Secretary ushered the “Comet Committee”, as they had named themselves, into the Conference Room. Once everyone was seated, the President, Mrs. Eileen N. Greene entered. As the attendees began to rise, Eileen directed them to remain in their seats. This habit of Presidential informality was a constant irritant to the ultra-formal Chief of Staff.
The President began with her COS, “Harry, please give us your thoughts on the Right Reverend Wright, aka Jesus Christ.”
“Yes, Madame President, the Reverend has a long history of long rants in which he rails against the immorality of the government, specifically, the White Government. In the past, his antics have been almost comedic, but now we might have a problem.”
“How so?” asked Eileen.
The COS leveled his gaze at the President before replying. He said, “Madame President, he has touched a nerve with huge numbers of the electorate. As Holly Thorne becomes visible, people will become scared. This will be as a direct result of his constant barrage against the corrupt, and immoral, government.
“Ma’am, it is
quite possible that a groundswell of fear could sweep the Reverend’s candidates into office, giving him virtual control of the purse strings of our Republic.”
Eileen looked shocked as she replied, “Harry, do you believe this scenario is a real possibility?”
“Madame President, I believe it is far more than a possibility. Holly will arrive just before the mid-term electees take office. More and more voters will begin to wonder if Wright’s words really do come from God. They will be seeking redemption and God’s grace. So, yes ma’am, this could well be our future.”
Turning to the National Chief of Intelligence, the President asked, “George, what are your findings?”
“Madame President, I must concur with the assessment of the Chief of Staff. We are entering uncharted waters. Imagine, if you will, a newly installed Legislative Branch filled with the followers of a Religious Zealot like Wright.
“The early information we are receiving around the world is that if the US goes with Wright, many other nations will follow. The nations embracing Islam, however, will resist this movement and may declare war on Israel.
“Ma’am, the potential for disaster will increase exponentially over the next month, leading up to the elections. The timing for Wright is absolutely stellar. People will feel compelled to act, with little time for reflection as they perceive desperate times hurling at them.”
“Wow!” said a shaken President of the United States. “Perceiving the logic of your arguments, I have to ask; what do we do about this?”
The intelligence chief said, “Madame President, I would ask that you keep a tight rein on Israel. If the Mossad assassinates him and word gets out, well, I can see the headlines now; Jewish Pharisees have murdered Christ for the second time. Our position in support of Israel would become untenable.