ACovenantwithDeath

(ThePeacockTrilogy–Book3)

ACovenantwithDeathisaworkofFiction.Names,person,eventsandincidentsareaproductoftheauthor’simaginationandusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetopeople,places,oreventsispurelycoincidental.

PublishedbyWildSideNovelsintheUnitedStatesofAmerica

Copyright©2015byBillWetterman

Othernovelsandnon-fictionworksbyBillWettermanare:Room1515(ThePeacockTrilogy-Book1(2012)Madness(ThePeacockTrilogy–Book2(2013)TheFifthStep(2012)Busted(2013)TheLiteraryMurders(2014)

SoYouWanttobeaPublishedAuthor(2014)

PrologueSixmonthspassedsince

Ammadal-Sistani’sfatherdied.AmmadputabroadsmileonhisfaceandsteppeduptoaGlobalRealminductionstation.“Iwishtobecomeacitizen.”

Theadministratorglancedupward.“Onemoment,letmefinishclosing

mylasttransaction.Themanbeforeyouisheadingtohistestingbooth,andthesign-inmustbecompletebeforehebegins.”

Ammadswallowedhisdisdain,knowingpatiencebringsgreatrewards.Onceprocessed,heheadedtohistestingbooth.Fortywell-briefedfollowerswouldenrollafterhimandembarkonalong-termmissioninthe

hopesoferodingtheGlobalRealmfromwithin.Ultimately,AmmadplannedtoendthereignofFirstCitizen,ArthurPendleton,andreplacehimovertime.

HisupbringinggavehimauniqueunderstandingoftheracialandreligiousviewpointsintheMuslimregionoftheworld.Heselectedcareerpathsincommunicationsand

negotiationsinCore412,PacificationoftheNon-CitizenWorld,Division51-Sociology.

Asheansweredthequestions,thinkingasagoodcitizenwould,heremindedhimselfthatallpriorhumangovernmentsbeganwithgoodintentionsanderodedintochaos,evidentiallyfallingintoruin.Why,becausetheywerehumangovernments.

OnlyaCaliphaterunbyAllah’sruleswassustainable.

Heandhisfollowersknewthelocationofhiswhitegarments.Oneday,howeverAllahworkedthingsout,Ammadwouldemergetobringthisworldoutofdarkness.Hefinishedhistestandtheresultsplacedhiminthetop85thpercentile,qualifyinghimtoselectoneofthreeopenpositionswithin

theGlobalRealm’sSocialSciencesResearchandImplementationDivision.

Heturnedandfollowedthesigns,stillwritteninbothEnglishandArabic,tothefardoortohisleft.Asheopenedthedoor,aguardexaminedhispapersandpointedhimtoanofficialwiththesilverstripesofanupperlevelsupervisor.

“Areyoumarried?”

“No,myfamilydiedinthewar.I’vewanderedthemountainsidesuntilIcametomysensesthatunderthisGlobalgovernmentpeopleseemhappier.”

“Soyouhavenofamilyandnotiestothisprovince?”

“No.”“Verywell,Ammadal-

Sistani,youwillgothroughsixmonthstraininghereinMashhad.”

Thismanwasn’tPersian,maybeMongolianfromhisfacialstructure.Thenameal-Sistanididn’tleaveanimpressiononhim.Ammadrefusedtohidehisbackground.TheGlobalRealmforgavetheenemieswhocooperated.Admirable,hethought.

“Aftersixmonths,youwillberelocated.Doyouhaveapreferencebetween

Irkutsk,Bern,orPhiladelphia?”

“Bern,Switzerland,youmean?”

“Yes.”“Iwouldprefer,Bern.”“Sonoted.Hereisa

housinglist.Pickanybluelocationforhousingwhileyouareintraining.”

“Thisone.”AmmadpointedtoaunitnearMalekAbadPark.“I’mfamiliarwith

thearea.”Theparkservedasa

meetingplace.Heandhisfriendscouldmaketheirplansfromthere.

ThegovernmentprovidedAmmadauniform,astripeindicatingatrainee,andaroomkey.Securitythoroughlysearchedhisbag.Theyfoundnothingofasuspiciousnature.

Ammadremembered

thefacesofhisenemies.Hewouldfindthem,andwithtime,killthemall.Theadvantagehehadoverhisfatherwashisage.

AllahAkbar.Hekeepsmestrong.

Thefaceofonepersonembeddeddeepinhismind,afiercefighterwithredhair.Shekilledwithouthesitationandseemedtoenjoytheact—findherandhewouldfind

theothers.

Chapter124yearslater

“DirectorChui,”GeorgePendletonsaid.“MayIaskafavor?”

“BeforeyoureturnfromtheAlphaCommandStationorafter?”

“Ihaveanuneasyfeelingaboutal-Sistani’slatestshipmentstoSpace

Complex8,”Georgesaid,ashegazedattheuniversefrom200milesabovetheearth.“Couldyourpeopleassessthecarriershuttle’sclimbrateagainstreportedcargoweight?”

“Yoususpectaheavierpayloadthanreported.”Chui’svoiceranginagreement.“Ialreadyhadmytechniciansruntheanalysis.Heavierthanreportedbyover

aton.”“Ishouldletmyfather

know.”“Whichwould

accomplishwhat?”Chuiclearedhisthroat.“I’lltellyouwhathe’llsay.‘Thankyou.I’lllookintoit.’You’llneverhearanythingagain.”

“We’llrecordourfindingsandamassasetofdatatobackupoursuspicions.”

“Sayhellotoyourmother,”Chuireplied.

“IndeedIwill.”Georgedisconnected

thecallsadtohavetoagreewithChui.Hisfatherwoulddonothing.He’dbebackonTerraFirmasoonanddealwithhisfatherinperson.BeingtheeldestsonoftheGlobalRealm’sFirstCitizen,ArthurPendleton,carriedwithitaheavyburden.A

logicalmind,asteadytemperament,andanI.Q.of159helpedhimhandletheresponsibilitywithease.

Hismother,Laverna-SmythePendleton,heldaspecialplaceinGeorge’sheart.Contrarytoherprofessionalruthlessnessasanassassin,shegaveherloveunselfishlytoherchildren.AndGeorgeconnectedwithhermuchmorethanwithhis

father.“Departuretime,2300

hours.”Thecharmingvoiceof

theautomatedattendantcapturedhisattention.Hestillhadelevenhoursbeforehewastoleave.Withagoodsleepbehindhim,hecoulddevotethetimetothehistoryhewaswriting,entitled,TheGlobalRealm—TheFirst25Years.

Lookingattheformerworldthroughtheeyesofhisfamily,thestepstakenbyhisfatherseemednecessaryandlogical.Yettheelderleadershipunderhisfatherbelievedmuchofthesoulofhumanityhadvanishedalittleatatime.Georgeweighedbothashewrote.OnMaslow’sHierarchyofNeeds,allthehumanbasicsweremet,butfreetimelefta

greatnumberofthepeoplepsychologicallydisturbedwithnowheretogoandnothingtodo.

Manyconflictingviewsofhistoryexisted.Onlyonewouldbetaught.Hisfatherrelatedhisexperiencesinone-sidedcommentaries.Georgewroteamoreexpansivetext,takingtheopinionsofseveralprominentobserversintoaccount.

Fromhisquartersorbitingtheearth,hescouredtheoceansviasatellite,comparingdatafromtwelvemonthsearliertothepresent.Thebattletosaveaquaticanimalsandplantlifehadstoppedthedevastatingeffectsontheoceansfromhumanpollution.Globalwarming,althoughslowed,continued,andwouldforseveralcenturies.Oneofonly

twopossibilitiesremainedforhumankind.LeavetheEarthforMarsorayetunidentifiedlife-supportingplanet.Orstayandfacetherealthreatofhumanextinctioninasfewastwohundredyears.

Hisfatherbelievedthecomplexescouldlastfarlonger.Georgedoubtedthatwarpedviewofthescience.ArthurPendletonlistenedtoHansVanMeer,hissecondin

command.VanMeerwasn’tascientist.

“Commander.”ThestationnursesteppedthroughtheopendoorwayintoGeorge’slivingquarters.“Timetotakeyourvitalsbeforereentry.”

“Yes.Yes.Thankyou...”Heglancedathernametag.“NurseMarshall.”

“You’rewelcome.Openyourmouthandstickoutyour

tongue.”Withoneinsertionofthemedicalwand,histemperature,bloodpressure,bloodoxygen,heartrate,andamini-EKGwererecorded.“Everything’speachy.Haveagoodtrip.”

Georgeturnedbacktohiswriting,whichincludedtheachievementsanddreamsofhisfamilyandthebuildersoftheRealm.Atage22,heproposedtheMars

ExplorationProjectbeexpandedtofullcolonization.SincehehadalreadydesignedaworkingmodeloftheStanfordTorus,apermanentself-sufficientorbitalhabitat,theGlobalRealmDepartmentofSpaceScienceandExplorationappointedhimtoheaduptheproject.Nowat28,GeorgePendletonwasreadyforspaceexploration.

Hemeticulouslyrecordedthechanginglandmass.Theportionremainingabovesealevelvariedweeklyitseemed.Overthepasttwentyyears,tenpercentofthelandmasshadvanishedbeneaththedeep.AnothertenpercentoftheEarth’ssurfacewouldsubmergeinthenexttwohundredyears,whenalltheiceintheAntarcticdisappeared.Still,fromhis

vantage-point,thewhitish-bluespherebelowhimofferedabreathtakingpanoramaoflightandcolors—thegemofthesolarsystem.

UsingthetrappedmethanegasundertheGreenlandicecapasanenergysourcedramaticallylessenedtheenvironmentalcatastrophethatcouldhaveoccurredwhentheicemelted.

TheGlobalRealm’sengineersworkedfranticallyinstallingequipmentinAntarcticatoperformthesamefeat.Swiftresponsewaspossible.Hisfatherunifiedtheworld,andmankindhadachanceforsurvival.

Fascinatedbytheconstructionmiracles,Georgejotteddowntheamazingprogressmadebytechnologythatremovedsolidrockfrom

mountainsandbuiltnewhumancities.Followingstrictenvironmentalstandards,demolitionandreconstructioncrewshadworkedtwenty-fouryearstearingdowntheoldcitiesandbuildinggiganticenvironmentallyfriendlycomplexeswithinsturdierinfrastructurestoreplacetheformerdwellingsofmen.Thesecomplexes,borderedbyeight-footthick

rockwallsadheredtogetherbycompoundsresistanttoweatheranderosionextendedsomethreehundredfeetintotheair.

Supportedwithsteelinternal-beamconstructionandcoveredwithamaterialthatfilteredoutdangeroussolarrays,thelivingquarterstheGlobalRealmcreatedprovidedtheircitizenrywithabundantnutrients,renewable

energy,andenvironmentallysafelivingconditions.

Theonlyoceantravelcamefromtouristsandafewexpeditionships.TheroadsremainingweremadefrommaterialunheardofbeforethePendleton.Indestructiblecomposites,strongerthandiamondsorGraphene,madethenewroadscapableofhandlinganyweightyetcreated.Fewvehiclestraveled

onthem.Environmentallysafetransportationhadbeendevelopedreplacingpollution-creatingvehicles.

George’scommunicatorbuzzedandheputdownhispen.

“Commander,ThadClineisholdingforyou.”

“Puthimthrough.”“George.”TheDirector

ofGlobalScience’svoicesmackedwithconcern.

“Yes,Thad,”Georgeanswered.“HowcanIhelp?”

“IneedyoutoconvinceGlobalSecuritytoinspectMuslimcargoshipments,”Clinegrumbled.“SofarI’vebeenstymiedwhenImakethesuggestion.Theysayregionalproceduresaresufficient.”

“We’reallconcerned.I’llbeincontactwithmyfathertomorrow.”George

hadhadlittlecontactwithArthurPendletoninthepastfewmonths.“He’sheadingtotheBeringStrait.OnceI’mdebriefedinTaipei,I’llcallhim.”

“Ifhedoesn’tlistentoyou,noonewillbeabletoreachhim.Ammadmaybeasaint.ButIthinkhe’sasinner.Haveasafetriphome.”

“Rogerthat.”George

disconnectedthecall.Ammadal-Sistani,the

mastermanipulator.Whydidn’thisfatherseethethreatal-Sistaniposed?ThemanexploitedtheRealm’smajorweakness,boredomandlackofvigilance.Asapeople,mankindexplodedtheboundariesofknowledgeandscientificunderstanding.MotivatedcitizensoftheGlobalRealmlivedworry-

free.Keeptherulesandliveatpeace.Yes.Therightwaytolive,Georgethought.

Butsomecitizensdidnotagree.Tothemthenewwayboredthem.Theyoverwhelmedtheentertainmentcentersduringtheirfreedays.Self-centered,godlessmenandwomen,hejudgedthem.

OverabillionenemiesoftherealmfelltoGlobal

forcessincethetakeover.Enemycombatantsnownumberedunder500million,mostlocatedinformerlyIslamiccountries.Ammadwooedthem,offeringpeaceandinclusionoutwardly.Butinwardly—GeorgefearedAmmad’smotives.

Manyhumans,twohundredmillionofthem,chosenoside.Theyroamedfreeonthefaceoftheplanet.

Nomadsandloners,theyweresubjecttotheelements,otherhumans,andthegrowingnumberofanimalpredatorsanddisease.Ammadignoredthesepeople.Globalcitizenscalledtheoutsider’scondition“theSecondDarkAges”.TheylivedStoneAgelivesorworse.

EminentdangerconcernedGeorgemorethan

weatherortheoutsiders.Hisfather,Arthur,ruledasFirstCitizen,butoppositiontohimgrewfromtwoseparatesources.Ammadal-Sistani,thesonoftheformerGrandAyatollah,gatheredpowerinhisroleaspeacemakertothoseoutsidetheRealm.HetestedsecondonlytoArthurPendletoninleadershipcapabilities.Ayearago,Ammadrefusedtoallow

inspectionteamsintopredominantlyMuslim-controlledcomplexes,andhisdisobediencewentunpunished.

ThesecondchallengecamefromformerGeneralTzuChui,aclosepersonalfriendofGeorge’s.ChuiheldtheFarEastRegionfirmlyinhisgrasp.Overtime,Chuihadworkedbehindthescenes,gainingfavorasa

manofforwardthinking.IfanysignofweaknesswasfoundinGeorge’sfather,Chuiwouldmovetograbpower.GeorgebelievedChuirespectedArthurPendleton.HewouldstrikedownAmmadandallowGeorge’sfathertoretirewithhonor.

Tothoseoutsidehisinnercircle,ArthurPendletonshowednosignofweakness.Buttothoseclosesttohim,

thechangeswereobvious.Sincethedeathofhisclosestadvisor,MiltonRogers,theFirstCitizengrewmoreindecisivewitheachpassingday.

Georgeputawayhiswritings.Inafewhours,hewouldpilotGlobalOrbiter5backtoEarthfromAlphaCommandStation200milesabovetheplanet.TheGlobalSpaceStationandOrbital

SpaceComplexeslikeAlphaCommand,modularindesign,formedanetworkofscientificanddefensestationsthatpreparedforinterplanetaryspaceexploration.ThedevelopmentofaworkinghabitationwheeldesignbyajointRussian-Americanteamprovidedgravitytomostspace-craftsandstations.

IfIcouldpickanytime

inHistorytobealive,I’dpicknow,Georgethought.AchancetoexploreMars,unbelievable.Apacifist,unlikehissister,ConnorAnn,heheldnointerestinmortalcombat.Connorsurpassedhismotherinthatskill.

IfIweren’taChristian,I’dbefilledwithfearforthefutureonEarth.

Chapter2“MyGod,I’marguing

withanapparition,probablyfrommychemo.”LavernaSmythe-Pendleton,akaPeacock,placedbothhandsonhermattressandgrinnedatthetall,glowingmalefiguretoweringoverher.“AftersixoperationsandthemedsI’mon,I’mluckyyou’refriendly

andnotsomehorneddevil.”“I’mnotanapparition.”

Hegaveherawarmsmile.“YouandIhavetalkedfourtimesbefore.”

“Oh,sorry,”sheanswered.“Idon’tremember.”

“Ofcourseyoudon’tremember.Youdon’trememberanythingafewweeksaftertheyoccur,andyouhaven’tinoverfive

years.”Notdangerous,butnot

ofthisworld.Hisimagecouldbrightenaroomatwill.Definitelyamale.Hiseyesreflectedagespast,andhiscalmandreassuringmannersoothedher.Handsome?Beyond.Therewasnowaytodescribehim.Theembodimentofwisdomandpower,anangelofGodmostlikely.

Hegrewtallerandspreadhisarms.“Inyourprivatejournals,lookatBook5,page73.”

She’dkeptprivatejournalsfrombeforethecancerdestroyedherabilitytorecallnear-termevents.Sherememberedwherethejournalswerestored,unlockedthebureaudrawer,andgasped.Continuoussurpriseruledherlife.Her

journalsnumberedseven,yetsheonlyrememberedauthoringthree.PullingoutBook5,sheflippedthepagestopage73.

Ahalf-hourlater,shelookedupfromherreadingtoseehervisitorgrinningather.“WhateveryoutellmeI’llwritedownimmediatelyafteryouleave.I’msorryIdoubtedyou.”

“Godasksthatyou

warnyourhusbandhisruleisending.HeistofollowGod’scommandandreadytruebelieversfortheLord’sreturn.”

ThejoyinLavernaevaporated.Guiltfilledeverypore.“You’redeliveringmessagesfromGodtome,awhoreandamurderess.WhywouldGoduseme?”

“Youwerethosethings.”Theroombrightened

ashespoke.Inagentle,voiceheasked,“WhatwereyoudoingwhenIappeared?”

“Praying.”“Questionanswered.”“Arthurwon’tlisten.”“Goddoesn’tholdyou

accountablefortheresult.Heasksthatyouobey.”

Shegulped,hardlyabletobreathe.Accordingtoherjournal,she’ddeliveredfourmessagestoherhusband.

Eachtimehe’dignoredher.EachtimeGod’smessageprovedcorrect.

“I’lldoasyouwish.”Shepaused.“Arthur’sagoodman.Stubborn,buthelovesGod.”

Theangel’sheadtiltedslightlyleft.“YourhusbandacceptedJesus.ThathelovesGodisforGodtojudge.Stillheisrebelliousandthatdetractsfromhis

effectiveness.”“WillIlivelongenough

toseeourLord’sreturn?”Thefigurevaporized

andblewawayasifawindcarriedhim.Buttherewasnowind.Lavernafellonherbedfacefirst.Tearsrushedforth,andshedidnotwipethemaway.Rahabaprostitute,RuthaMoabite,andTamaraseductress,allwonsalivationandthehonortobeincluded

inthelineageofChrist,yetshecouldn’tpictureherselfinthesamelight.

Iobeyyourpreceptsandyourstatutesforallmywaysareknowntoyou.

AknockatthedoorstartledLaverna.“Lovey,weleaveinfiveminutes.”

“I’llberightthere.”Wipinghereyes,sherushedintothebathroomandstaredintothemirror.Combatscars

anddarkblotchesmarredthebeautyshestillpossessed.Sheappliedhermakeup,carefulnottolooklikeamanikin.Herfigure,curvedandalluring,remainedhergreatestasset.Herhusbandcravedherbody.Forsomereason,sheheldthesamepoweroverhimnowasshehadwhentheyfirstmet.Ignoringthefactshe’dturnedfifty-three,Arthursawheras

twenty-fiveandnotadayolder.

Thepathwaytoheridremainedexpress-trainfast,luckyforArthur.Shesmirked,rememberingDoctorBeatriceKolb,thefiendwhoimplantedmind-controldevicesinherbrain—theaffectsnowprovenirreversible.Oneofthosedevicesoverstimulatedherlibido.Anadvantagetoher

eversince.Shechangedintoher

GlobalRealmbusinesssuitstoredinhercloset,joinedherhusbandinthehall,andgraspedhishand.“Leadon,nobleprince.”

“KingArthur,Darling,”hesaidandwinked.

“Hardly,”HansVanMeerpokedPendletoninhisego.“Hisroyalpaininthearseismoreappropriate.”

“I’llcallhimwhateverheasksmeto.”

VanMeerhuffed.“Yes,youandtheotherfivebillioncitizensoftheRealm.”

NexttoVanMeerstoodLaverna’sbestfriend,FeliciaLange-VanMeer,lookingdrop-deadgorgeous.VanMeerpickedFeliciatomarry,becauseshehadn’tmindedhisearlierindiscretions.OnelookatFelicia’sbeautyand

jealousyroseinsidePeacock.Shequicklyquotedascripturesheusedtokeepperspective.ThouShaltNotCovet.

AllthesouthwesternblockofroomsinBalmoralCastlehadbeenconvertedintoresidencesforthePendletonfamilyandtheiradministrativestaff.Therestofthecastlehousedconferenceroomsand

executiveoffices.LavernalovedBalmoralandtheScottishcountryside.WhenArthurtraveled,she’dhikeupthehillsidetoaglenhe’dshownherontheirhoneymoon.ThoughtheEuropeanIceAgefrozethegroundsixmonthsoftheyear,therestofthetimelifeflourished,plantandanimalalike.

Thedecisiontomove

GlobalRealmHeadquarterstotheIslescameaftertheeruptionoffivevolcanosinIcelandandItaly.TheashanddebrisdroppedtemperaturesinEuropeanaverageoftwentydegreesandcausedsnowfallfromNorwaytoTurkeytoleapupfifty-fivepercent.Thathappenedeightyearsearlierandhadn’timprovedmuchsince.TheIslesexperiencedalesser

coolingofsevendegreesonaverage,soPendletonmovedlocations.Lavernadidn’tunderstandthescience,butwhileEuropefroze,therestoftheearthcontinuedtowarm.NorthAmericanwinterswereabalmy65onaverage.Summersreached118,asfarnorthasMaine.

ThefourarrivedatBoardroomGlobalAdminA.Beforetheyentered,Laverna

whisperedtoherhusband.“Ihadanothervision.Canwetalkaboutittonight?”

Hepulledherclose.“Remember,you’retravelingtotheBeringStraitBridgetomorrow.I’llgiveyouanhour.Thenit’stobedbynine.”

“Thankyou.”Withhercancerandhermemoryproblems,sheneededmorerestthanshereceived.

Lavernatookherseattotheleftofherhusbandattheheadofthetable.VanMeerpositionedhimselfonPendleton’sright.FifteenscientistsfromtheGlobalWarmingTaskForcefilledouttheattendees.Nowdonningspectaclesatage62,Pendletonscannedseveralpagesofrawdata.

“Synopsizethisforme.”Hefrownedand

scratchedhishead.“Toocomplicatedforanovice.”

Thespokesmanforthegroup,athinItalianwithcurlyblackhair,answered,“Bluntlyput,we’rewinningthebattlewiththeoceansbuthavealreadylostthebattleoftheweatherandtheland.”

“Howso?”“Throughcontrolling

methaneandourspeciesharvestingpractices,the

oceansarerebounding.That’snottosaythey’lleverreturntotheirformerstate.Butanew,healthyenvironmentforaquaticlifewilldevelop.”

“Shouldn’tGlobalwarmingbecurbedaswellbecauseofmethanecontrol?”

“Sir,”thecurlyhairedmansaid.“We’retoolatetosavetheland.”

“Don’teversaythat!”Pendletonflushed.

Lavernarubbedhisarmtocalmhimdown.

Theresearchertookadeepbreath,butdidn’tflinch.“We’veseenanincreaseinthedevastationfrommassivecyclonicstorms.Theriversareaspureaswecanmakethem,butstillpollutedandbelowpar.Inanotherdecade,mostofNorthAmerica,Africa,Asia,andtheMiddleEastwillproducelittleof

ediblevalue,requiringustorelyonSouthAmericaandAustralia,pluswhatweproducewithineachcomplextosustainthepopulation.Eventually,theminiIceAgewillend.Earthwillrepairitselfwithtime,butnotfastenoughforourpresenthumanpopulationtosurvive.”

“Well,that’salljollygood.Areyouplanningforustohaveanotherseriesof

volcaniceruptions,sotheIceAgegoesonevenlonger?”

Herhusband’ssarcasmescapedbeforehecouldholditback.Wherewashisself-confidence?Lavernathought.

“Allright.”Pendletoncrackedhisknuckles.“Savetheoceans,butIwon’tgiveupontheland.Doublethemanpowerworkingonasolution.”

“Thetopfiftypeoplein

theworldhavetackledtheproblemallwiththesameconclusion.”

“Unacceptable.Puttheup-and-comingscientistsonthetask.Lookforanewprospective.”Heslammedhisfistandwavedtheteamaway.

Afterthisgroupleft,Pendleton’sdailyscheduleflashedbyinten-minuteblocks—ameeting,aquick

decision,anothermeeting.Troublesmountedwithfewsolutions,Lavernaleanedinclose.“Ididn’tthinkthingswerethisbad.”

Thelastreportonworldtopicsoccurredtwomonthsago,farpastherabilitytorecall.

Pendleton’slipspursed.“Forthreeyearsnow,we’vefollowedtheland’sdecline.We’vehadproblemswith

rebels.Peopledied.Ihategivingupontheland.”

VanMeer’sheadtilted.“Peoplediedbecauseyouputthemtodeath.”

“Theyweren’tputtodeath!”Pendletonpoundedthetable.“Combatantsdiedaidingrebels.ThoserebelswereassistingAmmadal-Sistani,thesneakybastard.”

VanMeertouchedPendleton’sarmwithasoft,

reassuringgesture.“Miltonandyourmotheraregone,myfriend.YourchildrenservetheRealm.Iknowyoumisstheircounsel.Whocanspeakthetruthtoyou,ifnotme?”

Theoverheadscreenrotatedintoplace,announcingthenextpresenters.ThePacificationoftheNon-CitizenWorldCommitteeanditsChairmanAmmadal-Sistaniwould

soonappearviasatellite.AmmadandPendletonhadn’tmetface-to-faceintwoyears,eversinceAmmaddeclaredtheMuslimcomplexestobecomposedofIslamicbelieversonly.TransfereesinmustbepracticingSunnisorShias.RumorsaboundedthatShiaMuslimsandSufisreceivedpreferentialtreatment.

Ammad,the

peacemaker,earnedPendleton’searwhencivildisobediencebrokeoutintheGlobalcomplexofJerusalemadecadeearlier.Tomaintaincontrol,theJerusalemgovernorhadlimitedtheChristianEasterpilgrimageto50,000visitors.AmmadnegotiatedanagreementinvolvingJewish,Muslim,andChristianfactionsthateasedthetension.Stillthe

singlemostdifficultproblemtheRealmfacedwasthezealotsonallthreesides.

AmmadproposedandnegotiatedaneutralJerusalem,withtherestoftheIsraelicomplexestobeJewishexclusively.Pendleton,believingthistobearoadtopacification,boughtintotheplan.ThenAmmadusedtheJewishprecedenttojustifyhisclaim

toMuslimcomplexesbeingrestrictedtoMuslimsonly.Lavernacringedatthesightoftheman’sfaceasitformedonthescreen.AsPeacock,sherememberedthisteenagesonofGrandayatollahal-Sistani.

VanMeerhadwarnedPendletonthatanyal-Sistaniwasathreat.PendletontookthepositionthatAmmadwasuseful.Ifhebecamea

problem,he’ddealwithhim.Thusfar,hehadnotdealtwithhim.

#25yearsearlier.“Wherearewe?”

Ammadal-Sistanifollowedhisrescueralongthesteep,rockymountainside.

“NearingtheValleyoftheMagi.”AtashAkbarianswered.“Ourmeetingplaceisinsight.Seethe

crescent-shapedrockacrossthegorge,juttingoutlikeaweaponembeddedintheground?”

Ammadsquinted.“Thewholearealookslifelessandbarren.Iseetherockyoumention,butnothingnearit.”

“Theentrancetothecaveispositionedoutofsight.Therewewilllearnourfate.”

Ammad’steeth

clenchedasthewindpepperedhisfacewithspecksofdebris.“Stopamoment.Ineedtocatchmybreath.”

Hetookadrinkofwaterfromagoatskinbaggiventohimasthetwofledtheambushthatkilledhisfather.

“Painaccompaniesyourtariq’,myyouthfulfriend,”Akbarisaid.“Besttothirstandsucceed,thansatisfythebodyandfail.”

“Sowhatmyfathersuspectedistrue.”Ammadsmiledatthewordshisprotectorspoke.OnlyaSuficlericwouldspeakthisway.HisfatherliftedthebanonSufipractices,andAmmadwasendearedtohimallthemore.“YouareaSufi.”

“Yes,aspiritualdescendantofImamal-Ghazaliinpractice.Icometoenlightenyoutothetruthin

thisfinalage.”Akbaritouchedhisshoulder.“Ourpathsconnectforlife,andsoonyouwillunderstandwhy.”

Thetwodescendedthemountain,followingawindingtrailthatweavedsnakelikealongthewesternside.Ammadstillbledfromthewoundsofbattle.Hisfatherdiedatthehandsoftheredheadeddevil-woman.If

notforAtash,hemostlikelywouldhavesufferedthesamefate.Minutesturnedintohours.Ammad’seyesmoistenedfromsorrowandpain.Buthedidnotcomplain.SacrificeandpainwouldbehistoacceptifAllahsaidso.HewouldnotseedisappointmentinAkbari’seyesagain.

Finally,hismentorleftthepathandthetwoducked

behindtherockhe’dseenfromtheoppositesideofthevalley.

“Here.”Akbarislippedintoanarrowfissurethatsplittherock.Ammadfollowed.

“Behold,”Akbarisaid.Beholdechoedin

Ammad’smind,andhissensesopenedtothefaintestsoundandbeamoflight.

Therockwallgaveway,revealinganimmense

cavern.Twoshaftsoflightilluminatedthespaceinside.Smallholesintherockceilingallowedeerie,orangeraysofsunlightthrough,appearingliketheeyesofaleopard.Thewindhowledonemomentandwhistledthenext.Hesworeheheardvoiceswithinthestreamsofairswirlinginsidethecave.

AkbarifelltohiskneesasdidAmmad.

“HereistheplacewheretheMagiofoldspoketothespiritsinJannah,”Akbarisaid.Hebowedlowtothegroundandchantedhismantra.

“Wait.”AmmadgrabbedAkbari’ssleeve.“Allahforbidscallingupaspirit.”

“ThisistheplaceJannahmeetsearth.”Akbaripulledaway.“Iinterpretthe

Qurandifferently.Wewillsee.Ifnothinghappens,nothinghappens.”

TherewasnoguileinAkbari’svoice.WhowasAmmadtoquestionhisfriendandhisfather’sclosestadviser,evenifthemanwasonlysixyearshissenior?Ammadremainedsilent.Thechantcontinued—hypnoticandmelodic.Gradually,thewindquietedandmorphed

intoaclearwhisperingofvoices.OnevoicespoketoAkbari.Onevoicespoketohim.Theothersechoedeeriemurmursofapproval.

Atfirst,imagesandconceptsfilledAmmad.Imagesofpowerandauthorityspuninhismind.Hewastowait,bidehistime,andusedeceptionagainsttheEnemy.

Youaremyherald.

WhenyouhavebeenpreparedforthedefeatofthefollowersofChrist,Iwillrevealmyselfandrewardyou.

HesawtheflagsofIsraelandthecrossedkeysofSaintPeterinflames,asthefigureoftheEgyptianGod,Set,carryinganAnkh,loomedoverhead.

IwillgiveyouthepowertobringJannahto

Earthforatime.Converttheinfidels,usingthepleasuresofthehouri.Fulfillthedesiresoftheirhearts.Thisisyourgift.

Asquicklyasthevoicescame,theyvanished.Ammadwipedthesweatfromhisbrow.Akbarikneltbesidehimtrembling.HeopenedhiseyesandbowedlowtoAmmad.“TheSaviorofHumanityAl-ImamalMahdi.

YouaretheTwelfthImam.”ThewordsTheCanon

ismyword,theorderismydeed,andthetruthismyinteriorstate,ranginhishead.Mohammad,theProphet,musthavespokeninthewind.Ammadknewonethingforsure.Hewasmeanttodosomethinggreat.Theprideofbeingchosenmingledwiththesorrowoflosinghisfather.

“Wemustgobackandburymyfather,notrunandhide.”

“Ofcourse.”Akbari’sheadtiltedleftandhiseyestookonaquestioninglook.“Youknowwhattosay?”

“Ido.”Ammadsmiledwithgratitude.“Youshallbemyspiritualadvisor.ButdonotsaythewordsTwelfthImamagain.Theconceptismisunderstood.Ihavebeen

reborn,nothidden.AndIonlyrealizedthisnow.”

“Then,leadon.”#

AmmadgulpedthreedeepbreathsbeforeBoardroomGlobalAdminAcameintofocus.Hecenteredhisgazeontheredheadedbitch,theShe-Devil,whomurderedhisfather.WhentheOn-Airlightflashed,henoddedtoPendleton,gaining

pleasureinseeingtheFirstCitizen’swifescarredanddyingaslowdeath.Onlytheinnercircleknewofhercancer,andheprayedAllahwouldallowhimthepleasureofmurderingherwhenthetimecame.

“Goodmorning,FirstCitizen,”hesaid,feigningallegiance.“IbringsomegoodnewsfromtheIslandofSumatra.Fourhundred

outsiders,mostlyMuslims,havedecidedconditionsarenolongersuitableforthemtosurvivewithoutourhelp.Theyrequestcitizenship.”

“HavetheygonetotherebuiltComplexofMedantoregister?”

“No,FirstCitizen.”Ammadsaid.“TheyfearthesightofthewallsandthemassiveareaoftheMedanComplex.Severalhavehad

encounterswithyoursecurityforcesinthepastandhavebeenshotwithstunguns.”

Pendleton’shandmovedtohischin.“Theymustbasewithinacomplex,betested,andsecuredintoworkdetailsbeforebeingallowedtoworkortraveloutsideacomplexoftheRealm.Canweacclimatethesepeopleinstages?”

TheFirstCitizen

blabbednonsenseunworthyofAmmad’stime.Butnotforlong.Hiswaitwasnearlyover.Victoryoverthismadmanwasonlyamatterofweeksaway.

“Wecouldbringthemtoaholdingareaoutsidethecomplex,”Ammadanswered.“Testthem,putthemtoworkinthefieldsnearMedan,andafteramonth,bringtheminsidethegates.”

“Agreed.”Ammadhadcultivated

overathousandsuchgroups,indoctrinatingthemintoAl-jihadfisabilillah,readyingthemtostrikeforthecauseofAllah.Thattimewasnow.

Asthemeetingprogressed,theredheadedbitchjotteddownnotes.ThisirritatedAmmad.AmanofPendleton’sstatureprotectedandaidedbyawoman—

unfathomable.But,hewouldn’thavetoputupwiththeseinfidelsmuchlonger.TheFirstCitizenhadrelaxedhisvigilancesincehismentor,MiltonRogers,died.Ammadsmirked.

Hewon’tknowwhat’scominguntilit’stoolate.

Chapter3Afteralongdayof

meetings,acoolshowerrefreshedLaverna.Herdiseasehadn’thinderedherabilitytokeepfitandgivesoundadvicetoArthuronthingsshecouldrecall.SheworkedoutwiththeteamherdaughterConnorassignedtoprotecttheFirstCitizen—

Peacock’soldteamofShinMaoMing,SharescaBaidya,(nicknamedCher),andKlausBruegman.Fivetimesinanaverageweek,LavernaplayedPeacockagainhidingherpainandpuffingthroughthefullunittrainingexercise.

This,however,wasn’tanaverageweek.Tomorrow,sheandArthurwouldheadtoCapePrinceofWales,AlaskatochristenthethirdBering

SeaCargoBridge.Theoceanswerepristinetotheeye.Topollutethemastheywererecoveringwouldbecriminal.Movingcargoacrossthestraitbytrucklinkedtogethermostoftheworld.ThisfinalbridgeguaranteedcargoshipswouldneveragainsailthePacific.

ShegrabbedatowelandslippedintobednexttoArthur.Hecaressedheras

shesatisfiedhim.Hermindandbodypleasuredhimwithenergyanddriveequaltoherbestyears.SheunderstoodfromtheBiblethatsexwasagiftfromGodtomankindandwastobeenjoyedbyhusbandandwife.ShehadconfessedtoGodallhermanyindiscretionsandbeenforgiven.

Arthurnuzzledhercloseafterward,runninghis

fingersalongthescarredrutslininghercheeks—complimentsofBeatriceKolb.

“Nowtellmewhatvisionyousawthistime,”hesaid.

“MyguttellsmeIsawanangel.”

“That’swhatyousaidthelastfourtimes.”

“Idon’trememberthosetimes.Iwish...”

Asighescapedherlips.“Allrightnow,”he

whispered.“Whateveryou’veseenorheardhashitspoton.Ithinkyouhallucinate.Andbecauseyou’rebrilliant,you’vebeenright.Sospeaktomemyoracle.”

“Theangelsaid,‘Godcommandsyoutowarnyourhusbandhisruleisending.HeistofollowGod’sinstructionandreadytrue

believersfortheLord’sreturn.’”

“Ouch!”Arthur’sfacereddened.Heshotupstraight.“Iknowyouwantmetostepdown.ButI’dbealunatictooffanddeclaredtheendoftheworld.Icouldn’tpullitoff.It’sahugeundertakingtoevenidentifytruebelievers.”

“Notforyou.Youreorganizedthewholeworldwithlightningspeed.”

Herhusband’sshouldersdrooped.“I’llhavetothinkonthis.RightnowallIcanvisualizeiswalkingthroughcomplexaftercomplexwithasignreading,‘Repent!TheEndIsNear!’MaybeIshouldgrowabeardandwearagoatskintunic.I’mnotpreparedforthetask.”

Lavernawrungherhands.“I’mfrightened.Ifeel

soinadequate,andIdon’ttrustmyselfwiththewaymybrainfunctions.ButIbelieveI’mspeakingthetruth.”

“Iloveyou,butIdon’ttrustthisvision.”Hestrokedherhand,andherneckrelaxed.“Thefirsttimeyoucametome,youtoldmetoevacuatepartsofBostonandNewYorkandmovetheresidentsinland.Irefuseduntilourownoceanographers

explainedthesciencetome.”Shechuckled.“Igetso

confused.Iknowtherisingoceansfloodedthecoast,butIdidn’tknowIwarnedyouitwouldhappen.”

“That’sthething.Younevergivemedetails.Maybethat’showGodtestsmyfaith.UntilIlearneddifferently,mybestscientiststhoughtdikesweretheanswer.Dikeswouldhavebeenadisaster.Sohow

doIaccomplishthisnobletask?”

“Nano7,”Lavernasaid,brushingherhairbackfromhereyes.Allcitizensworeathinwristbandusedforincomingtransmissions.SelectiveexecutivelevelsaccessedoutgoinglinesforRealmpurposesonly.Aten-contactpersonalcommunicationdevicecompletedtheRealm’s

citizenaccess.“SpreadingthewordtobelieverscouldhappeninstantlythroughtheGlobalCommunicationsCenter’sNano7technology.”

Shecouldn’texplainwhythosewordscameoutofhermouth.ShehadlittleideaofwhatNano7was.Duh.Sheglancedtoseeifanangelhadappeared.Therewasnone.

“Dangerous,”Arthur

replied.“Toomuchchanceofbeinglabeledaloony.Acallfortestingcouldoccurinafortnight.Iftheresultswereclose,Imightbedeposed.”

“WecouldvisitthepredominatelyChristiancitiesandmakedirectappealstotheChristianleadership.”Sheleanedinclose,reachedbeneaththecoverstorubhisthigh,andwhispered,“Givetheideasomethought.”

Arthursqueezedhergently.“You’reatemptress.Nowlet’sgettosleep.Tomorrowwego‘roundtheworld.”

Tomorrow.Yes.Herpeoplewereready,butshewantedconfirmationabouthervision.AfterArthurfellasleep,shedialedtheteam’sdorm.Bruegmanansweredwithagruff,“What?It’smidnight.”

“Sorrytobotheryou,Klaus,butIneedtospeaktoCher.”Bruegmanpoundedonadoor,andsheheardChergrabthephone.

“Iamhere.”AtypicalresponsefromherbestfriendsaveforFeliciaVanMeer.

“Sorrytowakeyou.Ineededtotalk.”

“Iwasdoingyoga.I’llsleeplater.”

“Ihadanothervision.”

Lavernasighed.“Arthurdoesn’tbelieveIhavethem.ButIdo.IevenmentionedNano7,andIdon’trememberwhyIknowwhatitis.”

Cherchuckled.“Whatelseisnew?Menneverlisten.MyfamilyneverlistenedtowomenuntilIbeatthecrapoutofmybrothers.Astoyourvisions,myChristianfaithandformerBuddhist

upbringingtellmetojudgetheoutcome.IfGodisbehindthem,youwillalwaysberight.”

“Thanks.Ineededthat.”“Well,don’tgetmushy.

I’mnotgoingtohugyou.”Lavernarelaxed.“Go

backtoyouryoga.Thanksforthereassurance.”

Aglanceattheclocksaidshehadtogettosleep.Whereshewasgoingthenext

dayescapedher.#

Walkingathinlinebetweenbeliefanddoubt,Pendletonformulatedaplantotestboth.Herolledoutofbedat2a.m.Physiciansknewtheirworkhadnotimelimits.HerangupLaverna’sdoctor.

“FirstCitizen,”thedoctormumbled.“TowhatdoIowethisuntimelycall?”

“Anotherhallucination.

NowshethinksJesusiscomingbacksoon,andI’mtodropeverythingtoprepareawelcomeorsomething.Howistheworkcomingalongonrestoringhermemoryandcuringhercancer?”

“Myword,Arthur.Youcan’trushscience.”HischuckleirritatedPendleton.“Myopinion,achildborntodaywilllive100years.Yourwifewillnot.Genomic

advancesworkmiracles,buttheycan’tcreateareasthathavebeeneradicated.Kolb’stoblameforthat.Theshort-termmemorywillneverberestoredinyourwife.Thecancerisslowed,butinoperable.Onemoreyearwillverifymyopinion.”

“You’renobloodyhelp.”Pendleton’sjawtightened.“Areyoutellingmeshe’llbedeadinayear?”

“Ah,shootthemessenger,anddoitat2:15a.m.”Ayawnaccompaniedthewords.“Inayear,LavernawilleitherbedeadormimicsevereAlzheimer’s.”

“Whatdoyouthinkofthesevisionsshehas?”

“Fourvisions—fourdirecthits.She’sremarkable.Idon’ttrytospeculateonwheresheobtainsherinspiration.Thedivine,

however,I’dputlastonthelist.Butgowiththefacts.Shehitsthetarget.”

Pendletonhungupandpoundedhisfistsonhisarmchair.He’ddoneeverythingmedicallypossibletosaveherlife.Theleasthecoulddowasactlikehebelievedher.AfterthetriptotheBeringStrait,he’dcallforaconferenceofChristianpastors.He’dsuggestwelive

asthoughGodwascomingtomorrow.He’dsetGod’splaninmotion.HowhardcoulditbetopullChristianleadersfrom30,000ComplexesoftheRealmintoameeting?Hewouldmakehiswife’srequesthismissiontofulfill,evenifhelookedsillydoingit.TheFirstCitizenworksmiraclesdaily,hethought.What’sanother,ifit’stheLord’sdoing?

#“Zipupmyoutfit,Obie

dear.Theheadofmyfamily’ssecurityteamisrequiredtoappearsmashingatalltimes.”ConnorAnnUbastruttedintothelivingroomofhersuiteinLondon’sGlobalQuarters,aquadrantreservedforgoldandsilverlevelRealmpersonnel.

Herhusbandoftwomonths,ObadiahUba,

DirectorofAgriculturefortheLondonoftheRealmComplex,zippedherupandgaveherapatonthebehind.“Don’tbegonelong.I’llmissyou.Imissyoualready,especiallyyourcharmingways.”

“It’stheanimalinyouI’llmiss.”SherubbedhisshouldersandsnuggleduptoherNigerianhusband,adoringhismassivearmsand

bulwarkofachest.“I’matmyfather’scommand,andhe’sheadingtotheBeringStraitswithMum.She’stheoneIneedtowatch.I’llmissyou,too.”

“Isupposeyouwill.”Hegrinned.“I’llkeepbusymanagingtheplantingcrews.We’venectarinesandgrapestoharvestthisweek.KeepsyourObiebusy.”

Thesweetauraofbeing

anewlywedstillflowedthroughConnor.TaughtbyhermotherthatsexwasmadebyGodandanythingGodmadewasgood,sheembracedherhusbandeagerly.Unlikehermother’sformerlife,shegaveherselftoonemanonlyasGodinstructed.Ifshehadherway,she’dtakeherhusbandtoArubaandgetherselfpregnant.Alas,thatwasnot

tobe.HerdutytotheRealmsupersededeverythingelse.

Connorkissedhisfull,moistlipsandhurriedoutthedoor.Justoutside,shestoppedtobaskinthebeautyofthegold,emerald,anddiamond-studdedgranitewallsliningherpathtothemainfloortransport.WhenshelivedinZurich,she’dwatchedthatcitytransform,mixingsomeofthe

traditionaloldwiththeremarkablenew.Likenow,herfamily’slivingquartersweredecent,butonlyafewembellishmentsbetterthanaserviceworker’s.CitizensoftheRealmenjoyedallitsbenefitsforwhichshethankedherfather.

Locatedonthe55thfloornorthwestcorner’souterwall,Connor’ssuiteandsurroundinghallwayglowed

withreflectedsunlightfromtheiridescentdomecoveringthispartofthecomplex.Oneoffivecitiesof200,000people,eachhavingLondoninitsname,TheLondonoftheRealmComplexsatwheretheoldcityofReadingusedtobe.TheoldLondonhaddisappearedintorubbleadecadeearlier,saveforthehistoricalbuildings.TheThameshadbecomepartof

theEnglishChannelandmanybuildingssubmergedintothedeep.

HansVanMeerandhiswifeFeliciametherattheTransport.

“Benicetoyourfatherthistrip,BustyRusty.”VanMeerquipped.

“Ihatethatnickname,whetheryou’remydad’sbestfriendornot.”Connorgavehergodfatheralovingtapon

theshoulderandboardedthetransport.“He’srarelynicetome.HeneveracceptedObi,andIchallengehim.”

“Youarewellendowed,Honey,”Feliciaquipped.“Andnomanisevergoodenoughforamegalomaniac’sdaughter.”

“Well,youhavethemegalomaniacpartright.”Connorsaid,thenchangedthesubjecttokeepherfrom

goingballistictalkingaboutherfather.“IhearwehavesomeseriousissuessurroundingtheGlobalComplexofJerusalemagain.”

“TwelveHolyLandcities,actually.Religiousfactionsalwaysbelievetestscoresandmanagementdecisionsunfairlytargetthem.I’veadvisedyourfathertotransferMuslimand

JewishcitizensoutofthosecitiesandreplacethemwithHindus.Hehasn’tresponded.”

FeliciagrinnedasshepushedtheDownbutton.“LoveyandArthurwon’ttakecitizensfromalandGodgavetheminthefirstplace,andhewon’ttreatMuslimslikesecond-classpeonsbytransferringthem.Themanisn’tprejudiced.”

“Hewon’tconfrontal-Sistani,youmean.”Connor’scommentreceivednoreply.

Inseconds,thetransportopenedonthepublicfloor.Thetwelvesquare-milecomplexsprawledoutbeforethem.Broadavenuesledtoalltheconvenienceshumanityrequired.Connorcheckedherwatch,anautomaticchronographwithsomanyfeaturestheuserhad

toprogramtheirtwelvemostneededcontactsintoitandkeeptheonlinemanualontheircomputerforreferencetootheruses.Womenworethegarnet-inlaidsilverandmenworegold—onestylesufficedforall.

Connerpulledalowhangingappleoffatreenearthetransportationdistrict.“Obie’sharvestingfruitwhileI’mgone.Givestheman

somethingtofocuson.”“I’llbetyou’reproudof

him,Red.Ourcomplexisalmostself-sufficient.”FeliciaVanMeerflashedherbadgeandthedoorstotheSupersonicRailSystemopened.“Yourhusband’sdoingabang-upjob.Weonlyimportwheatandcorn.Tellhimhowvaluableheis.”

“He’sawinner.”Connorentered,turnedleft,

andswungintoherseat.Shefastenedthesafetyharnessandpressedanoverheadbutton.Withinseconds,acupofcoffeeappearedonthetraytableinfrontofher,steamingandreadytodrink.“HehatesitwhenIgoonamission.”

“He’shorny,”Feliciaquipped.

“Always,”Connorsaid.“Butheworriesaboutmysafety.”

“Heshouldn’tworry.”VanMeerturnedonhisoverheadlightandspreadoutamaponhistraytable.“You’reasdeadlyasyourmotherwasinhertime.AndIshouldknow.Itrainedyouboth.”

“Never,”Connorreplied.“Mymother’sthebest.Evendisabled,sheoutperformstherookies.”

“Yououtperform

everyone.”VanMeertracedtheirroutewithhisfinger.“Atninehundredkilometersanhour,we’llarriveatourdestinationintenhourstops.”

“Onboardingpersonnel,”Thesterilewordsechoedfromanoverheadaudiosystem.

ThroughtheSupersonic’sentry-doorsstruttedhermother’ssecurityteam,ShinMaoMingleading

thewayfollowedbySharescaBaidya,nicknamedCher,andKlausBruegman.TheThreeMusketeers,Connordubbedthem.She’dassignedthemtohermotherwhenshereplacedherasDirectorofSecurityforGlobalRealmtop-levelpersonnel,sincetheyhadprotectedPeacockforaquarterofacentury.ShereassignedLoomisandMagnusduetoagetoless

activepositions.Loomishadan

unhealthycrushonhermotherthateveryonebutherfatherclearlysaw.Yethewasloyalandhands-off.Unfortunately,hediedofnaturalcausesthreeyearsearlier.Hermotherwasvisiblyupset,butConnorneverbroachedthesubject.

ThePendletonsenteredwhenBruegmansignaled

themitwassafe.“Hello,Mum.”Connor

calledoutandwavedawelcominghand.

“Hi,Darling.Youlookwonderful.”

“Fastenyourselfintoyourseat,Mum.Thecoffeeissuperb.”

Hermotherscootedintothewindowseatontherightsideoftheaisle,andherfatherslidinnexttohiswife.

“Andahellotoyoutoo,Pumpkin,”hegrumped.

“Sorryaboutnotgreetingyou.ButMum’stheonewithmemoryproblems,andyou’renotapleasantfellowmostofthetime.”

“ChangeyourcareerpathtoGlobalAdministration,andI’llbejovialmoreoften.”

“Sorry.Noneofyouroffspringwanttoascendto

yourthrone.”“NextstoptheBering

Strait.”Asinglehornblastfollowed.

TheSupersonic’sdoorshut.Withoutasound,thehovertraindepartedthestationatthespeedlimitofonehundredkilometersanhourandescalatedasitflewthroughtheChanneltunnelandontomainlandEurope.Onceoutofthetunnel,the

Supersonicliftedtwometersoffthemagnetizedtrackandincreasedspeed.

“Shouldbeanuneventfultrip,Pumpkin,”Pendletonsaid.

“Ihopeso.”Shesmirked.“NothinginvolvingyouorMumisuneventful.”

#Lavernaopenedher

notebook.Findingherdaughter’spage,she

remindedherselfherdaughterwasn’tfourteenanymore.MarriedtoaNigerian?Shehadn’trememberedthat.Nochildren.DedicatedtohercareerasDirectorofSecurityfortheGlobalRealm’stop-levelpersonnel.Lavernawarmed.Herdaughterbestedher,evenwhenshewasPeacock,bothinIQtestingandfieldcourse.Hersonsexcelledinlessphysical

skills.Georgewasagoldlevelphysicisttrainedforspaceflight,andHarryexcelledinpaleoecologypresentlystudyingancientBiblicalarchivesandruinsfortheGlobalArchaeologyDepartment.

“Let’sprayforasafetrip,”Connorsaid,asthetrainracedacrosstheformerGermancountryside.

WhenConnorledthe

prayer,Lavernaabsorbedtheastoundingbeautyofthelandscape.Inthedistance,theBerlinComplexroseskyward,atoweringeighty-foottallfortresshousing200,000humanbeings.Thegleamofthebejeweledwallsglistenedinthesun.Totallyreconstructedfromtherecycledmaterialsofoldcitiesandsolid,mountainrock,Berlinhadcelebratedits

seventeenthyearsincecompletion.TheEuropeanIceAgetransformedthecomplexintoasnowcastlewiththeraysofthesunglisteningoffitsparapets.

Thesurroundingcoveredcountrysidethrivedwithwildlifeandnewlyplantedvegetation.Spruceandfirtreeshidthedensoffox,thehidingplacesofwildboar,andmanyvarietiesof

deer.Butfartherawaytotheeast,thelandgrewtreacherous.Littleinthewayoffoodcouldbefoundformanorbeast.

LavernaloweredherheadandpetitionedtheLordtohelpherhusbandreachbelieverswiththeangel’smessage.HowhardcoulditbecommunicatingwiththeChristiancommunity?DifficultifArthurdidn’t

believewhatshe’dtoldhimwasthetruth.

Amazed,yethonored,thatanangelofGodhadcommunicatedwithher—theworstofsinners,LavernadeterminedtohelpherhusbandreacheveryChristianwiththeangel’smessage.She’dpersonallymetPopePetertheII.He’dbeherfirstcallwhenthistripwasover.

Chapter4AfigureinwhiteArctic

clothingtrudgedupagradualslopetoahedgeofsnow-coveredconifersoverlookingthesteppesofCentralRussia.ASupersonicpassedthislocationfortykilometerssouthofNorilskeveryeighthours.

Underinstructionsfrom

Ammadal-Sistani,hemuststopthenextvehicleregardlessofthecost.ThesameAmmadwhofulfilledIslamicprophecywhenheinterruptedhisfather’sfuneralinthemountains.AmmadwiththeSufiImam,AtashAkbari,athissidesteppedintothemidstofthemourners.

“Moveasideallwhowouldspeak.”Ammadhad

changedfromtheboyofdaysbefore.“OnlytheChosenOneshallpresideatGrandayatollahal-Sistani’sfuneral.”

AllpresentfeltAmmad’spower.Allpresentunderstoodthatevenindefeatcamethebrightestlight—agiftofAllah—thehopeofIslam.

ThemanontheplainsonRussiapossessedno

weaponcapableofpenetratingtheforce-fieldsurroundingthegiganticmonsterspeedingtowardhim.HeonlyhadanelectronicdevicesmuggledoutoftheShevchenkoComplexandahundredwarriorshiddenamongthetrees.Twosmallboxesthatlookedliketransmittershadbeenplantedtwenty-threemetersawayoneachsideof

theSupersonic’spath.Thetechnologyescapedhisunderstanding.Butoncetheforce-fieldshutoff,hispeoplecouldboardthetransport.Theyhadmanycapableweaponstohelpthemdestroytheirtargets.

Oncehesawthemonsterapproach,he’dhavenochanceofstoppingit.Hehadtoanticipateitsarrivalbasedontheaccuratetiming

ofpastruns.AGlobaltimepiece,alsosmuggledoutofShevchenkoComplex,keptprecisetime—allthetime.Oneminutetoarrival,heandhiswarriorsbentinprayer.AllahAkbar.Thenhepressedtheswitch.

#Connoranalyzedthe

computerreadingsfromhersatellitefeed.Sheglancedoverathermotherwhoslept

soundlyinherseat.Laverna’sfaceheldthemarksofmanybattles,yetherbeautyclearlyradiatedthrough,aqualityofinnocencethatcausedwonderfulmemoriesofConnor’schildhoodtogrowwithinher.Hermumalwaystoldherthetruth.Sheunderstoodthepressureofbeingagirlinamale-dominatedhome.Whileherdadseemedpreoccupied,her

mumlistenedandshowedhershewasloved.

Connor’seyecaughtalaser-likeflashonthesatellitescreen.Sheunhookedherseatbelt,signaledCherandBruegmantojoinherinthebackcompartment.“Idon’tlikethisreading.”

Chernodded.“Something’sinterferingwiththemagneticsatcheckpointNorilsk8.HaveMilitary

Commandmagnifythearea.”Connorcalledinthe

orderandreportedtheflash.Thesatellitezoomeddowntoaground-levelview.Inaninstant,theformsofwarriorsappearedamongthetrees.

“Cameljockeyswithpeashooters.Notacredibleforce,”Bruegmanjested.

“Formidableifwe’restopped,”Connorsnapped.“Whatcausedtheflash?”

Ajoltthrewheragainstthesideofthecar,astheSupersonicwobblederratically.“Whatthehell’sgoingon?”

“Magneticstabilizermalfunction,”thecontrolroomresponded.“I’venochoicebuttostopforrepairs.”

“Keepgoingasfarasyoucan.”

“Thatwouldbeless

thanaminutetraveltime.”Hecutaway.

“IwantdronesnowatNorilsk8.”

“Rogerthat,”answeredavoicefromSupremeMilitaryCommand.“Tenminutestops.”

Thatmightbetoolate.Connorscreamed.“Callinthedrones.Now!”

Hercargo,morepreciousthanherlife,

dependedonhermakingtherightcalls.TheSupersonic’sbrakeshadbeenapplied,andthevehicleslowedtoacrawl,stabilizingasthespeeddecreased.

“Attention,”Connorcalledoverthemaincabinspeakerphone.“Thisisnotadrill.Armyourselves.Setyourweaponstokillmodeandassumebattlepositions.Repeat.Thisisnotadrill.”

Hermotherwasupandintotheaislecheckingeveryone’spositionandweapon.Amazingwoman,Connorthought,alwaysinattackmode.

Thelatestlasertechnologyhadthreesettings,anervesetting,firingextremelethalchargesthatdestroythespinalnerves,ablindsetting,andasettingforintolerablesoundwaves.Connorheldthe

latestmodel,whichhadanelectricalpulsesettingtoincapacitateorkillthestrongestopponent.“Highestnervesetting.”

“Prepareforaroughstop,”avoicefromthecontrolroomshouted.

ConnorranfromthebackcompartmentandstrappedherfatherintohisprotectionshielddevelopedfortheFirstCitizenonly.He

smiledatherassheclosedthedoors.Theman’sunshakable.

TheSupersonicglidedtothegroundafterlosingthespeednecessarytomaintainitsaltitudeovertheguidepath.Connortookherpositionagainsttherightsidewallandstrappedin.Asthelockclicked,snowflewacrossthewindows,andtheSupersonicslammedtoastop

sendinganythingnotcontainedthroughthecabintowardthefrontofthetransport.

Connorreactedtotheflashingsensors.“TheSupersonic’scontrolroomdoorshavebeenbreached.Shin,Klaus,staywithmyfather.Therestfollowme.”

Asshemovedforward,thegroundshuddered.

Thedroneshave

arrived.“What’sthestatus?”she

whisperedintoherheadset,asexplosionsrattledtheground.

“Nooneoutsideisalive.”ThevoicewasCher’s,controlledbutalarmed.“Inside,however,youhaveguests,maybethirty.”

“Holdyourattack.Waitforwordfromme.”

“Rogerthat.”Anexplosioninsidethe

transportknockedherandhercompanionsofftheirfeet.Anotheralarmsounded.Theenemyhadbreachedthedoorfromthecontrolroomtotheengineer’sroom.“Cher,sealofftheforwardcompartments.”

Cherhitthewallswitchclosingthesecondsetofsteeldoors.Anotherblastoccurredbutnobreachthistime.Cher’sactionsavedthem

momentarily.Connorassessedthesituationashermother,nowinPeacockmode,reachedherside.

“Whereareourfriendlies?”Peacockasked.

“YouandCherarehere.KlausandShinarewiththeFirstCitizen.Ifearanyoneinbetweentheengineer’sroomandthefrontcompartmentisdead.”

“VanMeerandFelicia

arebackwithArthuraswell,”Peacocksaid,asanotherblastsetoffthealarmagainindicatingtheenemyonlyhadonedoortobreachtoengagethem.“Yourfatherisintheshield.Weneedallhandsavailable.”

“Hans,”Connorwhisperedintohercell.“Sendmyboystome.YouandFeliciausetheemergencyexitandsurprisethemattheir

rear.”“It’sbloodycold

outside,Bustygirl.I’mnotaspringchicken.”

“Coldornot,doit!”“Yesyourladyship.I

willyourladyship.Rightaway.”

Hischuckleseemedoutofplacewithhermood.Feliciasaid.“Connor’sright.Let’smove.”

“Ohbloodyhell.All

right.”Connorswitchedher

communicationstoMilitaryCommand.“Ihavetwooperativesheadingoutside.Leavethembe.Fireatthefrontcompartmentnow,thendiverttoarearecon.”

Beforeshereceivedananswer,anexplosionoutsidetheSupersonicthrewmetalagainstitssides.Apartialdronewingrippedagashin

theceiling.Afinalexplosionblewoutthedoorbetweenherandherenemies.KlausandShinappearedatthedoorwaybehindher,asdebrisflew.

Peacockmetthefirstmanthroughthedoorwithachoptotheneck,snappinghiswindpipe.

AsConnorrushedtohelphermother,avoiceyelled,“Grabthewitch.I’ll

holdofftheothers.”Fatchanceofthat,

Connorthought,asPeacockdashedforwardoutofhersight.Forseveralminutes,herstruggleforsurvivalkeptherfromtrackingPeacock’smovements.CherandKlauswereoccupiedwithcombat.Theycouldn’tgoafterPeacockeither.

Landingakillingblowtothenoseofanattacker,she

lookeduptoseetheircabinfreeofenemycombatantsandstumbledforward.Shin’shandgrabbedhershoulder.“Commander,regroupbeforeracingtoyourdeath.”

#VanMeerexitedthe

backwithFeliciaastepbehind.Notasspryasheusedtobe,heexercisedcautioninhisapproach.Leaningaroundthe

Supersonic,hesawseveralbodypartsstrewnaboutinthesnow.Theresultofthedrone,heimagined.BeforeheandFeliciacouldmoveintothefield,aflashoflightandsoundblastedtheareaandanotherdronecrashedintothefieldandcollidedwiththefrontoftheSupersonic.Feliciapulledhimbackbehindthetrainaspiecesofmetalblewpastthem.

“Whatthehellisthat?”VanMeerwhispered.“Ablastoflightandsoundthatbringsdownahigh-techdrone?”

“It’snotours,”shesaid.Hepeeredbackaround

toseeeverythingonthatsideofthetrainblackenedandsmoldering.“Comeon.We’vestillgotajobtodo.”

ThetwoheadeddownthesideoftheSupersonic

towardthefrontwherethebreachoccurred,whenaflashoflightcausedthemtodroptotheground.Anotherdronewobbledandcrashtoearthaquarterofamileaway.Hansraisedhishead.Menonjetskis,wearingwhiteliketheothergroup,flewintoviewoutofnowhere.Feliciaroseupfiringherweaponandwashitwithmultipleroundsofreturnfire.

VanMeergrabbedherandkeptlowastheenemyenteredthroughthebreachinthesupersonicandthrewthebodiesofthefirstattackgroupoutoftheirwayastheywent.

Arivalgroup.No.Thefirstgroupisexpendable.

Chapter5Mistake.I’vegonetoo

far.Havingdispatchedthree

menduringherchargeforward,Peacockfacedtwomoreattackers.Amandressedinawhiteparkastoodbehindthem.Sheflungherself,armswideandheadforward,betweenthefirst

two,droppingthembackwardstothefloor.Alightflashedasshestabbedthemantoherleftinthethroat.Heatshotthroughher.Shecouldn’treachthemanonherright.

Stillwide-awake,shecouldn’tmove—notafinger.Herbreathingcameinstrugglinggasps.Themanintheparkagrabbedherbythefeetanddraggedherout

throughthegapingholeintheSupersonic’sCommandCenterwall,asanewgroupracedinandkilledthoseleftfromthefirstwaveofcombatants.

“Sorry,”themaninwhitesaid.“There’snotenoughroomtotakeyouback.Betterdeadthancaptured.AllahAkbar.”

Flashesoflightshotaroundher.Shehearda

numberofthuds.Asshewasbeingloadedontoavehicle,avoiceinherheadwhispered.“Fearnot.Iwillneverleaveyouorforsakeyou.”

Sevenoftheenemystillbreathedoutofthetwoattackgroups.Themaninthewhiteparkalookeddownandspitinherface.Theothersixfollowedsuit.Hebentcloseandwhispered.“Youwill

regretthedayyoumurderedtheAyatollahal-Sistani.Peacebetohissoul.”

#“Dronedown!”Connor

yelled.TheGlobalCenter

Commanderrespondedtohiscrew.“Geteyesonthem.Now!”

“Reconsatellite’sresponding,”sheheardavoiceanswer.“Waita

moment.TheareaaroundSupersonic’slocationhasaLevel9glare.Ican’tmakeoutfeaturesonthegroundoversix-squaremiles.”

“Shit!Howfarawayistheemergencyrescueteam?”Connorasked.

“Tenminutes.”“Doyouknowwhathit

thedrone?”“Instrumentssaya

shockwave.”

There’smorethantreacheryatworkhere.

“Wecan’tdependonhelp,”Connorwhisperedasshemovedherteamforwardcompartmentbycompartment.Bodiesfrombothsideswerestrewnthroughoutthetrain,overtwentybodiesinall.Peacock’sworkcouldbeclearlyseenbythemannerofeachenemy’sdeath.The

Supersonic’sfive-personcrewhadputupavaliantfight,dyingwithhonorinthedefenseofworldfreedom.

Nosignofhermothersofar.Shepushedasidethemangledmaterialthatmadeupthecommandcenterandexitedthroughtheholeintheside.Shecoveredhereyes.Alightfromsomedistanceawayblindedher.

“Pullonyourface

shields,”shescreamed.Cherreachedherfirst,

shieldonandabled.“I’veseenthistechnologybefore.Outsidersdidn’tdothis.WehavetraitorswithintheRealm.”

“Findmymother!”Aweakvoiceanswered.

“She’sgone.Threementookher.”

Connor’sheadwhippedleft.Evenimpaired,she

recognizedthemanspeaking.LeaningagainstapartfromtheDrone,HansVanMeercradledthelifelessbodyofhiswifeFeliciainhisarms.Herupperbodywasn’trecognizable.

Theenemyhasthesetypesofweapons?

Cherwasright—traitorsindeed.

“Hans,I’m...”“Shediedinstantly.”He

wipedatthebloodgushingfromhiswife’sneckunabletocontroltheflood.“OnlyoneoftheoriginalattackerstookPeacock.Otherscameinridingonjetskis.Theykilledsixoftheirownpeople,shotFelicia,andstunnedme,astheseconddroneexploded.Icouldn’tmove,butIsawthementerandcomeoutwithyourmother.”

“Wassheharmed?”

“Shewasstunned,”VanMeersaid,astheglareintheskyvanished.“`I’dsayshe’sinnoworseshapethanIam.”

KlausBruegmanfollowedtheskitracksuntilhewasadotinthedistance.Whenhereturned,hesaid.“She’sgone.Theglaredissipated,andIrealizedtheskitracksendedaboutthirtyyardsfrommyposition.Ibelieveachopperpicked

themup.”Connorslumped.

“ReleasetheFirstCitizenfromhisprotectivevault.Weneedtoregroup.”

“ApairofSupersonicsisaminuteaway,”GlobalCommandsaid.“I’veconversedwiththeFirstCitizen.He’sdecidedtocontinueontothebridgededication.”

“Understood.”

Gloomsurroundedher.Whatwouldhermotherwanthertodo?Followorders—theonlylogicalresponse.ThepopulacemustnotknowofLavernaSmythe-Pendleton’sabduction.Connor’scharge—protectherfather.Hermother’sfatelaywithGlobalCommandforces,atleastfornow.

Bruegmanapproachedher.Hisjawset,stone-faced,

hebrushedsnowmixedwithfrozenbloodoffhisuniform.PuttinghisarmsaroundConnor,hewhispered.“Focusonyourfatherandyourduty,aswillI.KnowI’mhurtingasyouare,butbestrongandofgoodcourage,astheBiblesaysintheBookofJoshua.”

AwhooshannouncedthearrivalofadifferentSupersonic.Forafew

seconds,Connorembracedhermother’sclosefriend,allowingherselfamomentofvulnerability.

“Ourtransportationhasarrived,”shesaid.“Oncethistripends,IwanteveryresourceoftheRealmconcentratedontheinsurgentsandonmymother’srescue.”

#Pendletonwipedaway

histears,auselessact.Lipsquiveringwithrage,heshoutedordersintohiscell.Threedronesflewoverhead.OverahundredGlobalRealmwarriorsarrivedbyhelicopterandspreadouthuntingthroughthearealookingforsignsleadingtoPeacock’slocation.

“Whereinthehellwereyouwhenwewereattacked?”hescreamedintohiscell.

“Sir,”afatiguedvoiceanswered.“Weweresurprised.Weactedasquicklyaswecould.”

Pendletonthrewhiscell,bouncingitoffapieceofthedronewreckage.“Dammitalltohell!Nothingbreaksinthisdamnednewworld.”

“Getonthetransport,Father.”Connorranthroughthesnowandshovedhimforward.“You’restillatarget

here.”“I’mpersonallyleading

thesearchforyourmother.”“Hardly!”Fireeruptedinsidehim.

“ThebloodyhellI’mnot.”“I’llkeepyou

informed.”Connorreddened.“I’llfindthevillainsbehindthistreason,andyou’llpunishthem.”

Pendletonsighed,dippedhisheaddown,and

enteredthesecondSupersonic.Hedidn’trespondtoConnor.Whatwasthepoint?Heknewshewasright.Nowordswerenecessary.Sheknewshewasrightaswell.Hewatchedashisdaughterdisappearedintotheforwardcompartmenthercelltoherear.

Justlikehermother.VanMeerswunginto

theseatnexttoArthurand

graspedhishand.Pendletonreturnedthesqueeze.

“Felicia?”heasked.Hansshookhishead.

“Betterwedon’ttalkaboutthisrightnow.”

“Yes.Allright.”WhyGod?Pendleton

thought.LoveyisYourchild.She’sabetterChristianthanI’lleverbe.Hasn’tsheenduredenough?Thesilenceirritatedhim.Hehadtothink

onotherthings.FightingwithGodwasn’tawinnablewar.LeavehertoJesusandpray.Heshivered.Wasthetimeoftheendhere?Theworldhadbeenradicallytransformedinthepasttwenty-fiveyearsbyhim,withoutanycommunicationorcounselfromtheAlmighty.IndividualhumanbeingsinsidetheGlobalRealmhadtheirneedsmet.Whyshould

thereberebellion?Maybepeaceonlyexistedasadream.

Witheighthourslefttotravel,hethrewawaythethoughtsoftherebellionandconcentratedonmemoriesofLovey.VisionsofherteachingConnortheartofself-defensewarmedhim.Whileheforgedaunifiedworld,Loveyraisedthreechildrenandstillmanagedto

defendtheGlobalHighCommandbyattractingthebrightestandthebestintoGlobalSecurity.

SheprayeddailytoGod.Sheencouragedhimasaloverandneverrefusedhim.Thenthecancerstruckherdown,butshefoughtwithafurytobeatthedamnthing.Loveyenergizedanddominatedeveryventuresheundertook.GeorgeandHarry

tooktheireducationalpathsindirectionsdisqualifyingthemfromsucceedinghim.Hehadobjected,butLoveydefendedthem.IfaPendletonwastobecomeFirstCitizenafterhim,Connorhadthebestchance.Butshewasn’treadyyet.

Thethoughtoflosinghispartnerinlifeterrifiedhim.Shedirectedhiseverystepuntilthecancer.How

muchmorecouldsheendure?#

Thousandsofcitizens,mostlythebuildersofthismonumenttoGloballogistics,applaudedasFirstCitizenArthurPendletonsteppedupontotheplatformattheNorthAmericanendoftheThirdBeringStraitsBridge.Connorjoinedhimonhisright,andVanMeertookhispositionontheleft.

GlobalSecuritypersonnelcollectedvideosofthecrowd’sreaction,scouringfacesforsuspiciousmovementsorreactionstoLavernaPendleton’sabsence.

“Whatagloriousday.”Pendletongrinned,hidinghispainthebesthecould.“Whatamonumentalachievement.Today,bycompletingthisbridge,we’vefreedtheseasfromhumanpollutionand

fossilfuelwastefromoceanfreighttransports.”

Somecitizenschanted,“WeloveArthur.”ManycarriedGlobalRealmflagsoftheirownmaking.Allworethecolorsoftheirprovince,industry,andrank.Theatmosphereofloyaltyanddedicationelatedhim.

“Iappreciateyourfeelings.But,eachofyousharesinthis

accomplishment.Enjoyyourachievement.”

Withthat,hegrabbedachampagnebottle,struttedofftheplatform,andannounced.“Ichristenthisbridge,TheGloryoftheRealm.”

Pendletonswungthebottle,shatteringitagainstacornerstonebeam,foamspewingseveralfeetintheairasthecrowdroared.Heheadedbacktothe

Supersonic,adeepdreadencompassedhim.Allthiswayforaswingofabottle,hethought.MyLovey’sgone.Whathappensnow?

Hestrappedhimselfintohisseat,andVanMeerhookedinbesidehim.“TzuChuiisholdingforyou.”

“TzuChui?IhopethecurfewproblemwiththeMuslimsinhisregionhasn’tescalated.”Pendletongrabbed

hiscell.“RegionalGovernorChui,towhatdoIowethispleasure?”

“Iknowwhathappened.”

Pendletonsuckedinair.“How?”

“Yourson,George,spottedabarrageoflightflashesovertheareanearNorilskjustbeforedepartingSpaceinGlobalOrbiter5.”Chuipaused.

“Yes.Goon.”Pendletonheldhisbreath.

“FirstCitizen,thebeamcamefromasatellitelaunchedfromtheBasraComplexlastyear.Thisissupposedtobeaglobalweatherorbiter,notalightorlaserweapon.Isuspecttreachery.IsuspectAmmadal-Sistaniisbehindyourwife’sabduction.”

Pendletonmulled

Chui’scommentover.“Howdidyouknowmywifewastaken?”

“TheSpaceExplorationtrainingfacilityattheBeijingComplexputeyesonthegroundatyourlocation.Usingsunrayfiltrationtechnology,theywereabletoviewthekidnappingandflight.Unfortunately,Mrs.Pendletonandherabductorswentundergroundfifty

kilometerssouthofthecrashsite,andwelosttrackofthem.”

“Underground?”“Yes.Ibelievetheyhad

atunnelconcealedforsuchapurpose,andtheyemergedelsewhereoutofourrange.”

TherealizationoftheenormousscopeofthedangerconfrontingtheRealmshockedPendleton.Howcouldhehavesuchawide

spreadinsurrectiongoingonandnotknow?AndhowdidChui’speoplethinktousesunrayfiltertechnologyandnotGlobalCommand?“Isthereanythingelse?”

ThelongbreathlesssilencesickenedPendleton.Finally,Chuiwhispered,“ThesignalactivatingthesatellitecamefromtheGroznyComplex.FirstCitizen,thesatellitecame

fromBasraandthesignalfromGrozny—majorMuslimstrongholds.SeizeAmmadnow,beforeyoulosepowerandtheRealmfallstoradicals.”

“Let’sbefrank.YouarefiveyearsyoungerthanIam.YouwishtobeFirstCitizen.Isthiscloudingyourjudgment?”

“No.”Chui’svoiceshowednosignofdeception.

“WhenIbecomeFirstCitizen,Iwillhaveearnedtheright.IfAmmadoranyoneelsechallengesme.Iwilleliminatehim.Butwhileyouholdtheoffice,Iamatyourservice,andIamloyal.”

“Givemeeighthourstoseekothercounselaswell.ThenIwillcallameeting,andyou’llbepresent.”Pendletonclearedhisthroat.“Chui,thankyou.Irelyon

yourtalentandyourloyalty.”“Youaremost

welcome,FirstCitizen.Inthemeantime,IwillsharemyinformationwiththeGlobalRealmscientists.Wewillattempttolocateyourwife.”

Chapter6Peacockpickedup

voices.Shefocusedonhersurroundings.Theterroristsboardedatwenty-yearoldtroophelicopter.Theythrewherontothefloorandshackledher.Theyflewawayinlessthanfiveminutesfromherinitialcapture.

Themanwiththewhite

parkaspoketothehelicopterpilotinFarsi,butsheunderstood.”Headsouthwesttothecoalmine.”

Theyflewforwhatseemedlikeaneternity.Shecouldn’tjudgetime.Shecouldn’tclearherhead.Continuouspainshotthroughherbody.Akicktotheheadremindedherhowhatedshewas.Spitcoveredherface.Herrestraintsfailedtohold

hersecure.Everydiporairpocketthrewherfromsidetoside.Abackpackfelloutofitscompartmentandhitherknee.Whenshecouldfinallymove,she’drefusetoshowanysignofpain.

Abumpylandingjarredher,andtheyunlatchedherrestraints.Theirleadershouted.“Smackheruntilshecanmoveonherown.”

Hardopenhandstothe

facebroughtmovementtohermuscles.Shegotupandtookastep,thentheydraggedher—half-runninghalfbeing-pulledalong.Downatunnelintoaminetheywent.Closetotheentrancetheycametoatrackwithaminetrolleyonit.Thementookturnsprovidingthepowerpushingthemechanicalseesawupanddown.

Theytraveled

undergrounduntilmostofthemlookedexhausted.Thenthetrolleyburstintotheopenandheadeddownalongslopinghillsideuntilitcametorestinavalleyseveralmilesfromtheentrance.There,anoldmilitarytruckwaitedforthem.

“You’vestartedalongjourney,Devil-woman.”TheleaderspoketoherinEnglish.“Prayyousurvive

it.”Shesmiled.Fortheman

wouldneverbelieveherifshetoldhim.Behindhimandtohisleft,herangelstoodtoweringoverhim.

#Ammadal-Sistani

flickedapieceoflintoffhisroyalrobes.RecliningatAmmad’srighthand,hisspiritualadvisorandclosestfriend,AtashAkbari.They

listenedastheotherfiveattablebroughtAmmadthenewsfromtheMuslimComplexes.

“Thegenesisofourplanwentwell.”Atallman,hisbeardfullandhiseyesdark,readfromascrollattachedaroundhisbelt.“TheredheadeddeviliswiththeBlackForce2interrogationteamaswespeak.”

“TheteamunderstandsI

donotwantherkilled.”Ammadsuckedonafig.“Iwantherbroughttotheedgeofdeath,likeananimalbrokenontherocks.Squirminginpain.Gaspingtobreathe.Wishingdeathwouldcome.ButaliveuntilIendhersuffering.”

“Pendletonknowsofyourtreachery.”Themandippedhishandsintoawaterdishandwipedthemona

towel.“Hewillattackyou.”“Pendletonknowsonly

afractionofourplans.”Akbariclaspedtheman’shands.“OurLivingHopehasorderedanotherattack.”

“AllahAkbar,”Ammad’sinnercircleresponded.

Sevenveiledbeautiesenteredthedininghallfromthekitchenareaas“AlfLayla”playedoverthesound

system.“Whatwasforbiddenisforbiddennomore.”

Ammad’shandsspreadwide.“JannahcomestoEarthwithGod’sblessing,athousandyoungflowerstograceyourharems.”

Nudetothewaist,thelowerpartoftheirbodiescoveredwiththinbeadedstrandsofcordhookedtoawaistbelt,theladiesdancedfortheirmasterswith

abandon.“Pickanyyouwish,”

Ammadsaid.“Butdonotbeheadtheminthemorning.”

Laughterbrokeout.Akbariraisedhishand.“Amuseyourselves.Butremember,GodlovesthesecreaturesasHedoesyou.InJannah,whichyoumaynowexperiencehere,continualpleasuresaboundforall.Noticethezestwithwhich

thesemorselsperform.Maytheyliveforever.”

Hisspiritualministerfollowedhispathwell.ThehonestyfedAmmad’splans.Ammadrose,whiskedadark-eyedPersiangirlintohisarms,andcalledoutashelefttheroom,“Ordertheattackstocommenceperplan.”

#“George,Ineedmybig

brother,”Connorpleaded,as

GeorgePendletonansweredhiscell.

“I’minfinaldebrief,Sis.And,yesIknowaboutMum.”

“IsuspectAmmadal-Sistani.”ConnorracedupthestepsoftheLondonComplexGlobalSecurityCenter,abriskwindswirlingaroundher.“TzuChuiagrees.Dad’smullingoverhisnextstepsbehindcloseddoors.”

“IagreewithChui.Idon’ttrusttheAsianleader.Butinthiscase,he’scorrect.”Hisvoiceturnedtoawhisper.“Trustonlyloyalcomrades—VanMeer,Duarte,Ziebach,andProfessorCline.”

“What?Notmyownsecurityteam?”

“Duh.”George’stoneirritatedher.“TheycanhelprescueMum.Theycan’thelpfindher.Theotherscan.”

Evenwhilebeingatease,bigbrothermadesense.Healwaysdid.HarrywasoutoftouchonadigneartheKampalaComplex.Hisknowledgeofterraincouldbeofhelp.“CanyoureachHarry?”

“I’lltry.Heusuallyreturnsmytexts.”

“Good.Hemaybeabletonarrowthesearchwithhisknowledgeofterrain,timing,

anddistance.”AsighfromGeorge

causedhertopurseherlips.“What?”

“YourlackofunderstandingofHarry’scareerpathcausesyoutounderestimatehistalent.Hisknowledgeofterrain,timing,anddistanceexceedsevenmybrilliantmind.Buthisusefulnessisfargreater.Ourbrothersurpassesevenyour

husbandinhisabilitytocommunicatewithlivingthings.We’llneedhim.”

Afterapause,Georgesaid.“Ofcourse,I’llbeyourstrongestasset.”

“Dammit.Quittheegotrip.Justhavehimcallmewhenyoureachhim.”

“WilldoBustyRusty.”“God,you’resocrude.”

Shecutoffthecall.Brothers.#

Peacock’seyesstareddownatthecementfloor.Sherelaxedherjawasherbodywentlimp.Asmashingblowfromamassivefistshotbloodandseveralofherteethintotheair.Thefirstthreeblowshadloosenedthem.Thisonefinishedthejob.Visionsofcloudsandthesoundofsongbirdsfilledhermind,asavoicefromsomeoneunseensang“TheLord’sPrayer.”

“You’llbetoothlesswhenI’mdonewithyou.Thenwe’llhaveanicechat.”Loomingoverher,asix-foottall,hairyfiguregrinned.“Myordersaretokeepyoualive.Outsideofthat,Ihavenoorders.”

Heflippedoffthelightsandslammedthesteeldooronhiswayout.

Shecoughedupbloodandslidsideways,dumping

thechairtoherleftandlandingfacedownonthecement.Sometimepassed.Whensheopenedhereyes,darknesssurroundedher.Herwristsweretiedbehindherback.Heranklesboundtogetherandthentothechair.Theironshackleshadcutherskininseveralplaces.

I’mnotgettingoutofherealive,shethought.Thevoicethathadbeensinging

whispered,“Yes,youare.Youhaveonemoredutytoperform.”

“Idon’tminddying.”Shetriedtochangepositions—auselessthingtodo.Shedoubtedthevoicewouldspeaktoheragain.Afterall,shewasinsane.Sherememberedleapingfeetfirstatanattacker,whocollapsedbeforeshereachedhim.Hisheadblownaway.Asecond

groupofinsurgentsarrived,killingthoseremainingfromthefirstgroup.She’dthrowntwoofthenewassailantstotheground,whensomethingflashedandnumbedher.Shecouldn’tmoveuntilshewasdraggedintothemine.

Wherewasshenow?Inacell.Acell—morelikeatorturechamber.Sheguessedtheareatobe8by8feet.Onelonelampdangledabovethe

centerofthespace.Thewallsandthefloorwerecement.Tomblike?Yes.HerenemiescouldencaseherandleaveherforGodtofreeher,ifHewished.Onthewallswerechains,whips,andonelarge,greencircularsymbolwithShiawritingonit.Peacockknewthename—Muhammad,theChosen.

That’swhenshesawthewriting.Onthewallnext

tothegreensymbol.Standing,liketheAlif.Kneeling,liketheDai.Prostrating,liketheMim.Sufi?Godhelpme.

“Godishelpingyou,”theangelsaid.

Thesteeldooropened.Fivemenentered.Alllookedasviciousasthefirstman.Buthewasnotamongthem.Twoofthemsetherupright.Theirleaderasked.“Doyou

knowwhereyouare?”Shouldsheremain

silentorengageinmindgames?Shedecidedonthelatter.“MyguesswouldbetheGroznyComplex.ButIdon’tknowhowlongI’vebeenimmobile.”

“You’rewrong.”Heliftedherheadtomeethiseyes.“Butyou’reontherighttrack.You’reninetykilometerseastoftheoldcity

ofPerm.Nocomplexesnearhere.TheGroznyComplexisinvolved.Theycooperatedinorchestratingyourcapture.”

“IsAmmadcomingtopaymeavisit?”

Inasurprisingsofttone,heanswered,“Notyet.Hesendsyouamessage.‘Telltheredheadedbitchshewilldiebymyhandwhenthisisthrough.’”

Peacockjerked.

Surprisedthatshe’dnamedAmmad.Yes.She’dsuspectedhimofhavingambition.Buttoberightonherfirstguess?

Remember.You’renotalone.

She’dgowiththevoiceinherheadandseewhereitledher.Thepainfromherbeatingdidn’tbotherher.Tooseveretoregisterinmymind,shethought.“Whatdoyou

wantwithmeotherthantokillmeforGrandayatollahal-Sistani’sdeath?Eyeforaneye,sotospeak.There’snotmuchmoreyoucandotome.”

Hetossedaharshlaughatherfollowedbyanorder.“Hoistherup.”

Theothermenunfastenedherwristrestraints,attachedtheendstothewallhooks,andpulledher

towhereherfeetbarelytouchedtheground.Hercalfmusclesimmediatelycramped.Sheborethepainandattemptedtokeepfromscreaming.

Iguessedwrong.“Yourhusband,your

daughter,yourwholefamilysearchesforyou.Theiranguishgivesusagreatreasontokeepyoualive.Informationisanother.You

possessknowledgeweneedtoknow.Also,youwillproclaimAllahonewayoranotherbeforeyoudie.”

“Never.I’maloyalfollowerofJesus.I’msorryforyou.YouareforcingtheworldintoamoderndayCrusade.”

Heyankedonthesupportingchain.Shewincedatthesuddenpain.“ThinkaboutwhatIsaid,asyou

hangthere.Constantpainuntildeath.”

HermindclearlyrememberedhertraininginHercules—thewaterboardingandothertortures.Herspiritcouldendure.Herbodycouldn’t.Evenasthepainincreased,thevoicecomfortedher.Thenthepainvanished.

Enduretotheend.Yourrewardwillbegreat.

Chapter7ConnorAnnUba

strainedtofollowthetechnicalchartsrevealedbya360-degreeprismmonitor.SheclenchedherfistsatthescopeofthetreasonatworkagainsttheGlobalRealm.ThaddeusCline,DirectorofGlobalScience,EduardoDuarte,ArthurPendleton’s

personalChiefofStaff,andDoctorPederson,hermother’sformerpersonalphysician,arrivedfirst.RetiredagentMichaelZiebach,nicknamedPolaris,andFarEastRegionalGovernorTzuChuicameinafewminutesafterthem.FromtheirpositionsattheroundmahoganytableinLondon,theyscannedtheoverheadcomputerdisplays.

ControllingthefeedfromtheBeijingComplex,herolderbrother,George,providedinformationcollectedfromsatelliteandspacestationsources.“IreachedHarry.Hesaidifwecanobtainanybiologicalmaterial,plantscraps,pollen,dustfromtheinsideofshoes,wemightbeabletoassociatethemtoaspecificterrainandcloseinonwherethey’re

hidingher.”ThaddeusClinetapped

hispencilandarchedhisback.“Ourscienceteamisscrutinizingeverybitofevidence.We’vealreadyfoundinformationgivingussomeclues.TheoriginalattackerscamefromnearNorilsk,aharsh,coldclimatewithonlyarcticvegetation.”

Clinewiggledandrubbedhisleg.

“Damneduncomfortablechairs.”Hegrumped.“However,wefoundatunnelaboutsixtykilometerssouthoftheSupersonic’scrashsite.NearwhereChui’speoplesaiditwouldbe.Therewefoundclogsofgoodmaterialfromamuchmoisterclimate,andsomethingelse.”Hepausedamoment.“Clonorchiasis!”

“Rawfishparasite,”

Chuiproclaimed.“Indeed,”Cline

responded.“SinceIhighlydoubttheycouldhavetransportedhertoThailand,Ibelieveshe’ssomewhereneartheKamaRiverclosetotheUrals.Thepoorpopulationinthatareausedtobe80percentinfestedwiththesebuggers.”

“Whatcomplexeswouldbeclose?”Connor

asked.“None,”Clinereplied.“TheoldGovernanceof

PermwaslocatedonthebanksoftheKama,”Georgesaid.“Withyourpermission,I’llreportthesefactstoGlobalSecurity.They’llattempttolocateandadviseonarescuemission.”

Connorwonderedatthebrillianceofbothherbrothers.Herintelligence

quotientsurpassedthemboth,butnotintheareaofretainingfacts.Implementationwasherspecialty.ShepulledouthercellandcalledVanMeer.“Hans,how’sDaddoing?”

“Neitherofusisdoingwell,norwillweforalongtime.He’sorderedyourteamtosearchforAmmad.”

Sheclutchedthearmofherchair.Bitingdownonher

lowerlip,shesaid.“AlltheevidencepointstoAmmad.Butwehavenoproof.”

“He’scutoffcontact.That’sevidenceenough.”Chuiroseandpacedtheroom.“MysourcestellmeseveralcomplexeshavehaltedcommunicationswithGlobalCentralCommand.Theyareoperatingunderanindependentcommunicationsnetwork.”

“We’velosttouchwithone-hundredfifteenGlobalcomplexes,”VanMeercontinuedechoingChui’sconcern.“Ammadsentamessagetoyourfather.HerequestsameetingataneutralsitetonegotiateaseparateMuslimRealmindependentfromtheGlobalRealm.”

“Whatdidmyfathersay?”

“Hehasn’tresponded.I’veneverseenhimlikethis.AllhecanthinkaboutisLaverna.Hecan’tmakeabloodydecisiononanythingelse.”VanMeersighed.“I’msecond-in-command.Butinmystateofmind,I’mdelegatingthatresponsibilitytoyou,Connor,untilwemeetwithourfamilyteam.”

“Givemeafewhours.I’llcometoyou.”She

disconnectedthecall.“Gentlemen.UntilIspeaktomyfather,I’missuingyoutheseinstructions.ProfessorCline,upgradethespace-basedmissilesystemsstatustoCodeRed.Reportanyproblemswiththepower-uptome.TargettherebelComplexes,andwaitforfurtherinstructions.Mr.Duarte,gatheralltheinformationcollectedsofar

byGlobalIntelligence.BothofyoumeetmeattheBalmoralComplexinfourhours.”

Clinerushedoffmuttering,“God,let’shopethemissileshaven’tbeencompromised.Theycouldn’thavebeen.I’vethreefailsafeprogramsinterlockingthem.Still,thisisnerveracking.”

“Excuseme,Director,”Duartesaid,asheturnedto

leave.“I’veservedyourfatherfortwenty-sevenyears.I’lldoublemyefforts.”

DoctorPederson,Chui,andZiebacheyedher.Chui’sgazeboredownonher.

“RegionalGovernor,I’mgratefultoyou,”Connorsaid,ashereyesmethis.Shedidn’tturnaway.“Assessthescopeofthedefectioninyourregionandpreparetoattackanddestroytheoffending

ComplexeswhenyoureceivethewordfromtheFirstCitizen.”

Chui’sheadtiltedslightly.“Yourmothergainedtherespectofallwhomether.Nowisyourhourunderfire.Youhavemyloyalty,asdoesyourfather.But,ifGlobalCommandandControlslips.Iwillactforthegoodofmyregionagainstallenemies.”

Asheheadedoutthedoor,headded,“Therearenodefectionsinmyregion.Idemandobedience.Yourfatherdidalso,untilafewyearsago.”

MichaelZiebachwaitedtobedismissed.Connorpulledachairnexttohimandtookhishand.SheglancedatPederson.“IneedbothofyoutoaccompanymetotheBalmoralComplex.Youtwo

knowmymotherbetterthantheothers.Howshe’dreactunderpressureandwhatshe’ddotohelpusfindher.”

“Ihaveanideathatmayhelp,”Ziebachsaid,withacomicalgrinonhisface.“Shehasanotherimplant.Shedoesn’tevenknowshehasit—ahairfilamenttrackingdeviceimbeddedunderherrightbreast.”Hescratchedhishead.“Noonehasattempted

tomakecontactwithitforyears.Whetherthedamnthingworksornotisuncertain.”

“Whatdevicecouldyoufindtotrackitwith?”Connorasked.

“AnyGlobaldevicewouldwork,ifyouknowtherightfrequency.”Ziebachfrowned.“HerHerculeanfilewouldholdthefrequencynumber.”

“I’vegotthatfile,”Pedersonsaid.“I’lltrytofindthefrequencyandgetittoGlobalSecuritybeforeImeetyouatBalmoral.”

#ArthurPendletonthrew

afit.Aloneinhisbedroom,heflunganythinghecouldgethishandsonacrossthefloororagainstthewalls.Nothingbroke.Builttolastforeons,thecabinets,

furniture,coffeecups,andevenhisclothesdidn’tcrinkleordent.Blast.Howhewishedtheywould.Hadhebecomecomplacent?AmmadhadsomeacceptanceoutsidetheworldofMuslimbelievers.Andhe,theFirstCitizen,hadallowedhimtogetafootholdintheheartsofthepeople.

Asifinanswertoprayer,VanMeerknockedonhisdoor.“MayIcomein?I

haveareportoutoftheDamascusComplex.Ammad’sloyalistsputdownaninternalinsurrection.Thecitizenstrappedinsidethecomplexhavenochoiceabouttheirsituation.RadicalIslamistshavetakencontrol,forcingIslamicLawonthepopulace.”

“Conversionbythesword?”Pendletonopenedthedoor.

“Yourroom’sabloodymess,OleBoy.”VanMeerhuggedhim.“Notthesword.Thethreatofexile.”

PendletonheldHanstight.“Youshouldbemourningyourwife’sdeath.Takesometimeoff.”

“BloodyhellIwill.”VanMeerpressedintighter.“Herbody’sbeencrematedandherashesspreadovertheMichigancountryside.Ihave

toworktokeepfromgoingcrazy.”

“Connorselectedagrouptomeetwithus.She’llbehereinanhour.”Heletgoofhisfriendandstraightenedachairhe’dknockedover.“Livesareimproved.We’vemadegreatprogresswithtechnology.Howcouldthistraitorhavepulledoffsuchamajorcoup?”

“Tworeasons.He’sa

fanaticlikehisfather,andPeacockkilledhisfather.”VanMeerinhaled.“Second,lookingbackonourproceduresatthebeginning,weshouldn’thaveallowedhimadmissionintotheRealm.Butwedidinthelightoffairness.He’shadtwenty-fiveyearstoconstructthisplan.And,he’shadhelp.Thescheme’ssophisticated,calculated,anddangerous.

Faceit.WehaveaCivilWaronourhands.”

“Letmewashupandwe’llheadtothemeeting.”Pendletonopenedhisbathroomdoor“Prayonwhatweshoulddo.AcivilwarissomethingIdon’twant.Ihaveadifferentmission.”

“I’mnotmuchontheprayerpart.”VanMeershrugged.“MaybeIshouldbe,butI’veneverbeensold

ontheGodthing.”“YouknowwhatI

believe.”“Yeah.Yeah.Heardit.

Gotthesweatshirt,notinterestedinmore.”

Pendletonclosedthebathroomdoor.

RememberwhatLoveyaskedofyou.

Whereinthebloodyhellhadthatvoicecomefrom?Hesearchedthe

bathroom—toosmalltobehidinganything.TherealizationstruckhimthatthetargetsofthisCivilWarwouldbeChristians,notHindus,Atheists,orothersects.HeknewtheScriptures.He’dsoundthealarmassoonashehadalltheinformationontheenemy’splans.

Damn.Lovey’sneverwrong.

Lovey.Wherewasshe?

Withouther,hecouldn’tfunction.

Chapter8Showeredanddressed

inhisGlobalattire,PendletonheadedintotheGlobalBoardroomfollowedbyVanMeer.Astrangearrayofofficialshadgatheredaroundhisdaughter.Ifshehadaplan,hehadyettounderstandhowalltheseplayersfit.Thenitstruckhim,she

alwayshadaplan,andheusuallydisagreedwithit.

HisdaughterwasseatedattheboardroomtablealongwithLovey’sformerphysician,DoctorPederson,hisownChiefofStaff,EduardoDuarte,andMichaelZiebach,formerlyPolaris,whomhehadn’tseenforyears.

“Well,whatarewewaitingfor?”VanMeer

huffedandtookachair.Themaindooropened

themomentVanMeersatdownatthetable.AnoutofbreathThaddeusClinerushedin.“Sorry.I’mlate,butIhavegoodnewsandbad.Whichdoyouwantfirst?”

“Onemoment,”Connorsaid.Sheflippedonthesatellitefeed,andherbrother,Georgeappeared.“Iwantmybrotherinonthisdiscussion.

Heneedstoheartheupdateonthisinsurrectionbeforewecanmakeanydecisions.”

“CivilWar,”Pendletonmumbled.“It’sabloodyCivilWar.Yes.Iwanttohearwhatthesituationistodate.ButthenIwantabattleplanandadamngoodone.”

Connorpointedatherfatherandsnipped,“That’sexactlywhatwe’redoing,developingabattleplan.So

don’tinterruptme.Thefateofbothmymotherandthisplanetdependsonlogicandfacts.Neitherofwhichyouareoperatingwithrightnow.Anddon’tassignmyteammissionswithouttalkingtomefirst.”

Pendleton’sfaceragedhot,butVanMeertouchedhisarm.

“She’srightyouknow,”hesaid.“Thisiswhywehave

acontinualtestingprograminplace.Relyonyourowneducationalsystem.Don’ttrytodoallthejobs.”

“Now,DirectorCline,giveusallthenews,thegoodandthebad.”Connorploppeddown,turnedtowardherfather,andglared.

Pendletonbithislowerlip,asClinerose.Snippyasshecouldbe,Connornevertalkedtohimthewayshehad

today.VanMeerseemedtoagreewithher.Hemustbelosinghisperspective.Loveytaughthimbreathingexercises,asacalmingtechnique.Heinhaled.Hemuchpreferredtheolddays.Rulebyedict.Peopleweretoobloodystubborntofendforthemselves.

“Thegoodnewsisthatouroffensiveanddefensivecapabilitiesremainfully

operative.”Holdingamicro-minicomputerinhishand,Clinepacedinfrontofoneoftheimagesbeingdisplayedonthescreensintheroom.AgehadmaturedtheoncebrashCline.Hisself-assurancestillregisteredinthe99thpercentile,asdidhisintelligencequotient.“Wecanstrikeanywhereontheglobewithprecision.Thebadnewsis…socanAmmad.”

“Explainthat,”Pendletonsaid.“HowinthehellcanAmmadstrikeanywhereintheworld?”

“Whilewepreparedforspaceexplorationbybuildingthoseenormousshipsyoursonwillcommand,agroupunderAmmadwasaddingmissiles,launchers,andsupportequipmenttotheshuttlesthatsuppliedourspacestationsfromMuslim

Complexes.Hispeoplebroughtweaponsinalittleatatime.”

“Andwedidn’tpickthatup?”

“SpaceComplexes8,9,and10aremannedwith70percentMuslimworkers.Ofthethirty-pluslivableorbiters,theenemysecretlyinfiltrated3.”

“FirstCitizen,”Georgeinterjected.“MayIspeak?”

“Byallmeans.”Pendletonsoftenedhistone,“Makesomesenseoutofallthismess.”

“Theincomingcargoshuttlesaremassive.ThosecomplexesareheavilymannedbyMuslimcrews.YourmisplacedtrustinAmmadandhisaccesstosuchsophisticatedweaponrybecameadeadlycombination.”Georgesighed.

“Thatbeingsaid,thesoonerwecorrecttheproblem,andneutralizethethreat,thebetter.”

“Recommendation,Thad?”Pendletonasked.

“DestroySpaceComplexes8,9,and10,andfireupontheenemiesspaced-basedmissilelaunchers,beforehefiresuponours.”

Connorinterrupted.“Haveyouanalyzedtheir

offensiveanddefensivecapabilities?”

“Notknowingwhatkindandhowmanyarmamentshehas,it’simpossibletodo,DirectorAbu.Buteachdaywedelay,theoddsincreasehewillbeaheadofus.”

“MayIsuggestwecontactAmmad,”Connorsaid,“picktheneutralsite,andafterwehavedestroyed

hiscapabilities,accepthissurrender?”

“Shadesofyouinyourprime,OleBoy.”VanMeerslappedPendleton’sknee.“Thiswillbeagoodtestofourdefenses,bothinspaceandontheground.”

“Youagreewithher?”“Absolutely.”“Andyou,Thad?”“Youhavenochoice.”“Butthebastardhasmy

Lovey!”Pendletonyelled.“Dad,”Georgechimed

in.“That’saseparateissue.”“Weavoidaground

war,ifpossible.”ConnorstoodandjoinedClineinfrontofthemonitors.“We’vepracticedscenarioslikethismanytimes.”

“Allright.”Pendletonslammedhishandonthetable.“Tellmehowwecanfindandrescueyourmother,

andI’llblowupanydamnthingyouwantmeto.”

DuartenoddedtoZiebach,whosaid,“GlobalintelligencecombedtheminingtunneltheinsurgentstookPeacock—excuseme—Mrs.Pendletonthrough.Theexitwasaboutthirtykilometersfromtheentrance.Fromtheexaminationofthetunnelandthematerialsinthevehicletracks,Thad’s

analysisisconfirmed.They’reholdinghersomewherealongtheKamaRiverBasin.”

Clineinterrupted.“Michaeltoldusaboutanimplantunderyourwife’sbreast.”

“BothDuarteandIlookedforthefrequencysettingsforMrs.Pendleton’simplant,”Ziebachsaid.“Wedidn’tfindthem.”

“ButIdid.”DoctorPedersonstood.“FilesfromHercules’experimentationonMrs.Pendletoncontainedthefrequencycode.AGlobalSecurityteamledbyDirectorAbuisreadyingtodropintothesuspectedareaandsearch.”

“Goodnews!”Pendletonexclaimed.

Thedoctorpursedhislips.“Thechanceofthat

deviceworkingafteralltheseyearsisremote.Butitisworthtrying.”

PendletonturnedhisattentiontoConnor.“Ifyouwanttoreassignyourteam,it’syourcall.”

“I’vealreadygiventhemmyapproval.Buttheyareonlytotakeordersfromme.”

Pendletonfoughttheurgetoconfronther.Peacock

hadearnedhisconfidenceenoughtodisobeyhim.ButConnorwashisdaughter.

“Duarte,”hesaidwithashrug.“MakecontactwithAmmad’sgo-between.Setupaneutralsite.Idon’tcarewhere.Thad,takeouttheirmissilebanksandorderSpaceComplexes8,9,and10tosurrenderandbeboarded.”

“Yes,Sir.”“AndDirectorAbu,join

yourteamandbringoutyourmother.”Heloweredaneyebrow.“Youwillbeheldpersonallyresponsiblefortherescuemission.”

“ButI’mneededhere.Myteamcanperformwithoutme.”

“You’regoing.That’sanorder.”

Connor’smouthdroppedopen.“Yes,Sir.”

Pendletonglaredather,

assheclompedout,slammingthedoorbehindher.

“Everyoneisexcused,exceptHansandEduardo.George,stayontheline.”Pendletonrubbedhispalmsoverhiseyelids,waitinguntiltheothersweregone.“IwantameetingofChristianleaderscalledimmediately—tomorrowatthePope’sresidenceinRome.Here’salistofattendees.”

#Inthehalloutsidethe

boardroom,VanMeerleanedagainstapillarinanattempttoclearhishead.Themostbrilliantstrategicmindinhistoryseemedonthevergeofabreakdown.Connordidn’tmakethingsanybetterbychallengingherfather.AndwherewouldhefindanyonetoreplaceFelicia,whowasnotonlyhiswife,

buthispersonalassistantaswell?

“Sir.”Hehadn’tnoticed

Ziebachinhiswheelchairafewfeetfromhim.“Yes?”

“Iwasbroughthereforonlyonereason,”Ziebachsaid.“I’mtrustworthyandagoodpersontobounceideasoff.Sir,I’munderutilized.”

VanMeerchuckled.“Backallthoseyearsago

whenUrsa’steamwasbroughtintooursphere,youweretheonlyoneItrusted.Whereareyouassignednow?”

“I’mnot.”HewheeledhischairuptoVanMeer.“I’mretired—fromGlobalSecurity,thatis.Nooneeverretires.Look,I’mhealthyforacripple.I’mintelligent.AndIbelieveyouneedanadministrativeassistant.Why

notgivemeatry?”“You’dhavetopassthe

tests.”“Haveyoupostedan

opening?”“Notyet.Feliciabested

thecompetitionthelasttimethetestwasgiven.”

“Testme.IfIbeatherscore,hireme.”

Damn.He’sgotspunkforsomeoneinhissixties.

“You’vegotadeal.”

Chapter9Coldwatersplashingin

herfacestartledPeacock.Abeardedmansmiledatherholdinghishandstowardherwithhispalmsup.

“Wouldyouliketobeunchainedandtakeashowerinprivate?”heasked.

Thesmellofherownurinegaggedher.She

recoiledattherealizationthiswasn’tabaddream.Shecouldn’tescapedeathbyherself.Shehadtotrustthevoiceinherheadthatsangbeautifulhymnstoher.

“Asyouwish,”shemanagedtosay.

“Iwishforyoutobecomfortable.AllyouhavetodoisgivemethelocationoftheGlobalRealms’hiddenmastercomputer,Edison.”

“Idon’tknow.Idon’tevenknowwhoIam.”

Themangrinned.“Whatisthenameofyourdaughter?”

DoIhaveadaughter?Shecoughed,thenwent

limpunabletoholdherselfupandwrenchedhershoulder.

“Whereistheundergroundmastercomputer?”

Peacockshookher

head.“Don’tknow.”Hepouredaglassof

waterandheldittoherlips.Shedrank.

“Slowly,”hesaid.“Alittlesipatatimeoryou’llthrowup.”

“Thankyou,”shesaid.“Letusapproachthisin

adifferentway,”themansaid.“Tellmewhatyouremember.Anythingatallwillbehelpful.”

Peacockstruggledtothink.“You’retwicemysize.I’dthinkbetterunchained.”

Hetookakeyandunlockedherwristcuffs.Sheslidtothefloorandsatquietlyforamoment.Thenahardbackhandslammedherheadagainstthewall.

“Justsoyouknow.I’mnotaniceguy.”Hechuckled.

“WhyamIhere?”“You’veaskedusthat

toomanytimestocountinthelast10days.Tellmewhatyouremember.”

Speak.I’llgiveyouthewords.

Hervisioncleared.Acrosstheroomfromherstoodatallfiguresurroundedbyabeautifullight.Sherememberedhim.Hewasherangel.Hishandmotionedtohernottomentionhispresence.“IrememberIam

lovedbymyLordandsavior,JesusChrist.IrememberI’mtheworstofsinnerswithoutHim.Idon’tremembermuchelse,exceptIbelieveI’mgoinginsane—anillnessorsomething.”

Theman’sfacereddened.“Youarenottomentionthatnameagain.CallhimIsa.MentioninghimasbeingGodoutsidethisroomwillbringdeath.Isawentto

hispeople,theJews.Theyrejectedhismessage.NowhewaitstoappearatthecomingofMuhammad,theChosenOne.”

“I’mnotascholarofthesethings.AllIknowisyouarewrong.”Peacocksurprisedherselfwithherwords.Awarenessthatshehadbeenawarriorawokeinher.

“Inmyprime,youand

fivelikeyoucouldn’tdefeatmeinbattle.”Shesmiled.“ButtodayI’mhelpless.I’mdying.Iknowthataswell.”Shereachedoutherhand.“Iforgiveyou.You’relikeIoncewas,followingordersthatleadtodeath.”

Themancockedhishead.“DeclareMuhammadastheProphetofAllah,andIwilltreatyouwell.RefuseandAmmadwillcomesoon

tokillyouhimself.Youwillbehardlyhumanbythen.Makethingseasyforyourself.”

“Ammadwon’tchangemymind.”Peacocksighed.“Alwayskillingandconvertingbythesword.MyLordbelievesinpeace.Helovesthesinnersandoffersthemlife,ifonlytheywillbelieve.WhydoesthegodofMuhammadforcehisservants

tocovertbythesword?”Hehithersohardinthe

ribs,anoldribinjurycrackedagain.Shegroanedassherealizedherabilitytokeepherreactiontopainfromherenemyhadfailed.Heyelledather.“FightthosewhobelievenotinGodnortheLastDay,norholdthatforbiddenwhichhathbeenforbiddenbyGodandHisApostle,noracknowledgethe

religionofTruth,eveniftheyareofthePeopleoftheBook,untiltheypaythetributewithwillingsubmission,andfeelthemselvessubdued.”

Shemanagedabreath."YetGodteaches,‘Followpeacewithallmenandholiness,withoutwhichnomanshallseetheLord.’"

“HowisityourememberScriptures,butnothingelse?”

Shelookedintohiseyes.“Ican’texplain.ButScripturecomfortsme.”

Apparently,hetookpityonher.HesaidsomethinginArabicintohiscell.Twomenenteredtheroomcarryingacot.Athirdmanfollowedwithasmallplateoffigsandcheese.Thebigmanpointedtotheplate.“Eat.I’llbotheryounomore,andmayAllahhavemercyonyoursoul.”

Welldone.Yourtimeisshort,butheavenawaitsyou.

Shewishedshecoulddienow.Thatwasn’tgoingtohappen.Insideherbodybonesreknitandtearsinherfleshsealed.Shethoughtofanoldjalopywithtireplugs,radiatorpatches,andrust.

Yep.That’sme.#

Thebigmanshrugged,ashecounseledwiththe

others.“Thiswomanconfusesme.First,sheisphysicallyhangingon—threeteethmissing,abrokennoseandjaw,crackedribs,andadislocatedshoulder,plusmoreinternalinjuriesthanIcancount.”

“Sheisaprofessionalassassin.”Acomradereasoned.“Hertrainingneverleavesher.”

“Ihaveconcludedshe’s

tellingthetruth.Sherememberslittletonothingexceptherreligiousbeliefs.”Hefrowned.“Sheisnotgoingtoconvert.Sheisnotgoingtogiveusanyusefulinformation.Beatingherfurtherisuseless.”

Themaninthewhiteparkasittingoffawayfromthecirclestood.“Ammadsaidsheistobebeatendaily.You.”Hepointedtothebig

man.“Neednotadministerthepunishment.Iwill—thirtylasheswithapreparedgrapevine.Shewillweltandherskinwilltear.ButshewillnotdieuntilAmmadkillsher.”

“AllahAkbar,”allsaidinagreement.

ThentheirPacStarsystemrangwithanincomingcall,andtheircommunicationsman

answered.Foramomentheseemedconfused.Thenhehungupandturnedtothegroup.“ThatwasAtashAkbari.Hewantsustobringthewomantohim.”

“Annrusaret,”theirleadercursedandthrewaclumpofmudatthecommunicationsman.“JustwhenIwasgoingtohavesomefun.”

“Don’tkillthe

messenger.”“I’llkillwhomeverI

please.Didhesuggesthowtotransporther?Doanyofyouhaveanidea?”

Thebigmanmulledoverthequestion.“Twothousandplusmiles.Ourtruckwon’tmakeit.IfwecangethelpfromtheGroznyComplex.Maybeairtransportation.WemightbeabletogethertoDubaiina

coupleofdays.”Themaninthewhite

parkarubbedhisbeard.“Possible.Wecouldcreateatemporaryrunwayeastofhereandhopetheycanlandanaircraftonit.Theground’shardenough.”

“Amir.”Hewavedtothecommunicationsman.“ContactGroznyandaskforhelp.”

“You’dthink,as

importantaprisoneraswehave,thehigher-upswouldalreadyhaveaplan.”Heshruggedwhennoonelaughed,anddialed.

#Ammadthumbed

throughthevarioussuggestionsfromhisscientistsandtechnicalcommanders.Akbaripaced,handsbehindhisback.Heseemedoverlyconcernedto

Ammad,whosimplywishedtoweighwhichattackplantothrowagainsthisenemy.Wageagroundwar?Thepeoplehewishedtowoowouldhavereasontofearhim.ButwagingawarprimarilyinspacewouldstrainPendleton’scapabilitiesandmightrevealEdison’slocation.

“Stoppacing.”Akbariskiddedtoa

halt.“I’msorry.Ican’tshakethisfeelingIhaveaboutthatredheadedshe-devil.Myspiritisdeeplydisturbed,andIcan’tignoremyinstincts.”

“Wellshehasn’tarrivedhereyet.”AmmadpointedhisfingeratAkbari.“Worrywhenshegetshere.RightnowIneedyouradvice.AttackLondon,Rome,Balmoral,andeveryChristianstronghold,orattack

Pendleton’sspacecapabilities?”

Akbariwenttohiskneesandprostratedhimself.Afterwhatseemedlikeages,hestoodandspoke.“HitRome,London,andafewotherChristiancomplexeswithwarningshots.ButdrawoutPendleton’sfirepowerinspace.Ourintelligencesayshehasn’tmuchtospare.”

Ammadnodded.“Yes.

Thatissageadvice.”Ifhecouldbeat

Pendletonbychallenginghimonthecompetencytests,he’dforceanelectionortakethejobofFirstCitizenoutright.Scarehimfirst.Challengehim.Then,withthemandemoralized,destroywhatconfidencehehadleft.Afittingplan.

Chapter10“Anticipatetheworst,”

Clineinstructedhiscrew.HousedintheGlobalMissileControlCenterdeepundertheLondonComplex.,thetimehadcometoattackAmmad.“Mythinkingisthereareseveralenemymissilebankscloakedassomethingelse.Beprepared

toreorientandfireataplaceyou’dleastexpect.”

“Edisoncananticipateandreprogramfasterthanwecan,”saidascientistatthefarcornerofthecontrolroom.

“Yesindeed,”Clineresponded.“Youdothesame.”

Theelementofsurprisewillworktomyfavor,Clinethought.Whatkindoftechnologythey’vedeveloped

istheunknownfactor.Pendleton’soffholdingchurchmeetings.Heshouldbeheregivinginstruction.IfIscrewup,it’smyfault.

Asuddenflashoflightfromwhatshouldhavebeenacommunicationssatellitesoundedtheattackalarm.

“Shit!They’vefiredfirst.”Clineinhaledadeep,slowflowofair.“Fireonalltargets.”

Theroomdarkenedandthree-dimensionalscreensdepictinga360-degreeviewoforbitalspaceilluminatedtheroom.TheareaabovetheEarthlitup.AgaspwentupasthetotalityofEarth’sorbitingstationsandmissilebanksfilledthescreen.Fivenon-nuclearmissilesfired.Clineexhaled.Thinredstreaksspreadawayfromeachotherlikefireworksand

headedtowardseparatetargets.ThefirsthitSpaceComplex9,whichignitedintoanexpandingorangefireball.Theotherfoursucceededinthesamemanner.Thesilenceintheroomcreatedaneeriechillasglowingshowersofdebristumbleddownfromtheheavensalongwiththousandsofhumansouls.

Someoneshouted,“My

god,theradar’slightingup.”“SetEdisontoReact

Mode,”Clineyelled.“We’llinterceptthosewecananddestroytheirlaunchsites.”

“Rogerthat.”Hissecond-in-commandandthestationshighlyskilledpersonnelwereaheadofCline’sinstructionbytraining.

Thebattlewasoutofhishands.Anunderground

computerandhisstaffnowcontrolledtheworld’sfate.HeneededtocalltheFirstCitizen.

#“Mywifeseesvisions.”

Pendletonfoldedhishandsandaddressedhisaudience.“Ineverbelieveher.Turnsoutshe’sneverbeenwrong.”

Pendleton,PopePeter,andtwelveChristiandignitariesfromeachofthe

twelvegovernances,facedeachotherinthePope’sadministrativeofficeintheRomeComplex.ThePopelivedinthesamesizeapartmentasPendleton.Infact,ChristianleadersfollowedtheGlobalhousingguidelinestothefullest.

“Soyou’resayinganangelfromGodtoldherweneedtoprepareforChrist’sSecondComing.”Theman

speakingcamefromtheCordobaComplexinSouthAmerica.“NooneknowswhenHeiscoming.”

“TheBibleisclearonthat,”anotherintheroomjoinedin.

PopePeterraisedhishand.“Neitherthedaynorthehour,butwewillknowtheseason.I,forone,believethetimeisclose.”

“Yes.Yes,”the

Cordobanscoffed.“But,sodidBrotherPaulinthe1stCentury.Ithasn’tcomeyet.”

“Lookattheweather.”Pendletonhandedouttalking-points.“Inthepastfiveyears,thesealevelshaverisenanothersixfeet.Supertornadosandgigantichurricaneshavedestroyedhugelandareas.Evenourcomplexes,mega-fortressesthoughtheyare,quake

againstthesemonsters.”Silencesaidhe’dmade

hispoint.“Lookatthedroughts

andtheinsects.”Hepoundedthetable.“ButtheworstofallisthetreasonofAmmadal-Sistani.Hesentwordtomehewishestonegotiateaseparaterealmofhisown.MysourcessayhemaypromisetheJewshe’llhelpthemrebuildtheirtemple,if

theywillnotopposehismovesintheirregion.”

“ButwhatshouldaChristiandotoprepare?”PopePeterasked.“AsIseethings,weliveourliveswithoureyesonGodandfearnot.”

Pendletonnodded.“True.Weshouldn’tspeculateonhowGodwilldothings.ButweshouldusereasonasHischildren.

Prepareourintellecttobeready.Ididn’tseetheangel.Lavernadid.TheangeltoldherIshouldalertGod’speople.”

“Then,”themanfromCordobasaid,“yourjobistorunthisRealmasGodinstructsyou.AndourjobistospreadthewordtoeveryChristiantorekindleourfaithandsparkrevivalthroughouttheBodyofChrist.”

Theenergywithintheroomignited.Thefacesofthosepresentbeamedwithenthusiasm.Pendletonhandedeachofthemasmallcommunicationsdevice,redincolor,magnetized,andthesizeofaquarter.“IwillletyouknowthemomentanythingsignificanthappensaroundtheGlobe.Ibelievethetimeisveryshort.”

Anorangeglow

brightenedtheskyoutsidetheirwindow.Flashesoflightandthesoundofhigh-pitchedsirensfloodedtheair.LoudexplosionsresoundedfromallsidescausingPendletonandtheotherstocovertheirears.Afewmembersdoveundertheconferencetable.

“Godhelpus,”someoneyelled.

PopePeterdidnotmove.Hegrabbed

Pendleton’shandandprayed.“Paternoster,quiesin

caelis:sanctificèturnomen

tuum;advèniatregnumtuum;fiatvolùtastua,sicutincaelo,etin

terra.Panemnostrum

cotidiànumdanobishòdie;etdimittenobisdebita

nostra,sicutetnosdimìttimus

debitòribusnostris;etnenos

indùcasintentatiònem;sedlibera

nosamalo.Amen.Thedoortothe

conferenceroomburstopen.AheavysetCapuchinfriardressedinabrownrobewitharosaryswingingonhis

waistenteredtheroom.“TheRomeComplexhascomeunderattack.Fromwhereorwhom,nooneseemstoknow.Theshieldsheldbutwehavehadsomestructuraldamage.Itisn’tsafehere,FirstCitizen.”

You’rebloodyrightitisn’t.

Pendleton’scellbuzzed.ItwasThaddeusCline.

#

CalamityreignedbothintheskiesandontheEarth.Ascalculationsflashedoverthescreensandstatisticspiledup,allClinecoulddowascallPendleton.Thescenarioplayingoutwasnotinhishands.ThankGod.

“Whatthebloodyhellisgoingon?”Pendletonscreamedintothephone.“They’rerushingmeoutoftheRomeComplex.We’ve

haddamagehere.”Clinewaitedamoment.

“TheMuslimblockfiredfromwhatwedeterminedwasacommunicationssatellite.God.Arthur,wefiredbackatourpredeterminedtargets.Thenthewholeskylitup.IsetEdisonintoReactModeperplan.”

“Iwanttheheadofthemaninchargeofinspecting

theMuslimComplexesforderelictionofduty.”

“S-Sir.”Clinestuttered.“YoudelegatedthatdutytoAmmadal-SistaniwhenSakorovdied.Yousaidyouwouldfollowupandvisitthosesitesperiodicallyaswell.”Silence.Cline’sthroatclosedtightandhisbreathingcameinshortgasps.“Wehavegoodandbadnews,FirstCitizen.”

“Goon.”Clinemanagedto

composehimself.“We’vebeenabletointerceptthemissilesaimedatourspacecomplexes.”Hewatchedtheactivityslowtoastopasstatisticsflowedinworldwide.“Noenemysatellitesremain.AndIdoubttheyhavemuchinthewayofgroundmissiles.Unfortunately,onlytwo

banksofourownareleftfunctioning,forty-twomissilesinall,notnearlyenoughtowipeoutouropponentfromspace.”

“Whataboutourundergroundmissilesilos?”

Howcouldthisbethemastermindofworlddomination?HadPendletonbecomesenile—complacent?“FirstCitizen,wedisarmedanddismantledallweapons

ofmassdestructionyearsago,exceptforthespace-basedsystems.”

“Doyouhaveadamageassessmentasfarastheenemy’sattackonEarth-basedtargets?”Pendleton’svoicequivered.ArthurPendletonnevershowedfearorhesitation.

“Onemoment,”Clinesaid.Heexploredthedataandpulledupvisuals.

“Ammad’speoplehavesomeplaninmind.Theirmissiles,besidesreturningfireonourmissilebanks,targetedcomplexesinaswathafewhundredmileswide.Marid,London.Paris,Berlin,Amsterdam—fiftyinall—sufferedminordamage.Thesestrikesweren’tmeanttodestroythecomplexes,rathertostrikefearintheresidents.Myopinion,First

Citizen.”“Thankyou,Thad.”

Pendletonsaid.“Ihavetoscheduleameeting.Itlookslikeweareatwar,andgroundforceswillberequired.”

Clinestaredathiscell.Atwar?Ifthatwasawar,whatwasitspoint?TheRealm’smissileskilledcitizensinfivepopulatedMuslimbiospheres.If

Ammad’smissileskilledanyone,ithadn’tbeenreportedtohim.Couldthepointhavebeentoreducethenumberofspace-basedmissiles?

Butwhatdidthatmatternow?Pendletonwasofftotrackdownhisenemyanddestroyhim.Clinewonderedhoweasythattaskwouldbe.

“Ican’tbetoohardjudginghim,”Clinesaid

aloud.“LosinghismotherandMiltoncausedhimseverepain.Laverna’scancertookitstoll.Hercapturemayhavebrokenhim.Thatplusageandcomplacency.MyGod!”

#Connorchewedher

lowerlip,anunbecominghabit,butoneshe’ddevelopedlivingwithKingArthur.Theterrainbelowherboredher,coldandsnow,

graytundra,andafewgreentrees.HerorderstobringhermotherhomefromtheKamaRiverBasintookpriority,butitalsosyphonedprecioustimeawayfrommeetingwithherbrothersandplanningforthesafetyoftherestofherfamilyandtheGlobalRealmexecutives.Herfatherwasn’treturninghercalls.HowdidheplantofindAmmad?Or,didheintendtoattack

MuslimComplexes,hopingAmmadwouldcomelookingforhim?

“There.”Thehoverjet’spilotpointedtoasmallareawherethegroundwasbareandgrasscovered.“YourbrotherHarrysaysthisisasclosetogroundzeroaswecangetthatisn’tfrozen.Iftheenemypickedupthoseparasitesanywhere,itwouldbenearhere.”

“Landandwaitthereforus,”shesaid.

SincetheEuropeanIceAgeformed,thisareareceivedovertwohundredinchesofsnowinayear.Wolvesroamedinpacks.FewerthanfourthousandfreemenrangedtheformerRussiancountrysideonthenearwesternsideoftheUrals.Connorhadfiveorbitingsatellitesfocusedin

onherpositionscanningafifty-kilometerareaforanysignsofacamporundergroundrefuge.

NosignalhadbeendetectedfromthefrequencyPedersonprovidedforhermother’strackingdevice.Aftertwenty-sevenyearsofaging,corrosionmusthavesetin.

Onceontheground,shekneltonthemud-covered

groundandprayedforsuccessandthesafetyofhermother.ThenCher,Bruegman,Ming,andConnorheadedsouthtowardanareathatshowedslightlywarmerreadingsindicatingpossibleshelters.ThehowlingofwolvesfaroffsentshiversrushingthroughConnor’sbody.Shewishedshecouldwrapherselfinherhusband’smightyarmsandfeelsecure.

BeingaPendletonandagenius,herdutytotheGlobalRealmtrumpedallelse.

Cher,whoseemedtoseeandhearthingsbeforetheothers,raisedherhand.ThisGurkhawarriorwasafast-friendofPeacock.HerdesiretorescueherfromAmmad’speopleblazedasstrongasConnor’s.

“Noises,”shewhispered.“Soundslike

generators.”Connorwavedhercrew

forwardupasteepinclineandpeeredoverthetop.Belowher,twobuildingsstoodlikegraysentinelsinthegloom.Thegeneratorsoundhadbeencausedbyfanbladesmountedoutsidethefirststeelstructure.Theforceofthewindturnedtheblades,notanyelectricalsource.

“Appearsabandoned,”

Mingsaid.“Novehicles.Nomovement.”

“Becautiousuntilweknowforsure.”Connorwavedthemforward.

Usingrocksandshrubsasprotection,theydescendedthethirtyyards,orso,totheclosestofwhatappearedtobepre-fabricatedQuonsethuts.Thewindwhippedthepull-stringsonConnor’sfurhoodie,assheleanedaround

thecornerofthebuilding.Nothingofsignificancemoved.Inthedistance,shespottedwhatlookedlikealandingpad.

Shesignaledwithtwofingersforhercrewtosplitup.SheandCherapproachedthenearestbuilding,whileBruegmanandMingranthetwenty-feet,crossingtheopenspaceandenteredthesecondstructure.Afterthetwomen

disappearedintothesteelhutwithoutreceivingfire,Connorkickedthedooropenonthenearsideofthefirstbuilding,andthetwowomenentered.

“Musthavebeenakitchen.”Chershinedherflashlightaroundtheroom.“Propaneheat.Propanegenerator.Temporaryquartersformaybeeightpeople.”

“Insulatedverywellforamakeshiftdwelling.”Connortrembledatthethoughtofhermotherbeingheldhere.“Warm,butdirty.Let’smoveon.”

Shepuntedanemptysoupcanacrosstheroom.Atinnysoundrangout.Loudenoughtostartleanyoneclose.Nothingmovedandnorustlingnoisecouldbeheardinresponse.“Openthenext

door.”Cherpushedopena

woodendooropen,revealingalong,narrowhallwaythatranthelengthofthebuilding.Sleepingquartersonbothsidesheldtwobunkbeds.ThewallswerescrawledwithIslamicsymbols.

“Ammadisourculprit,”Connorwhispered.

“TellmesomethingIdon’tknow.”TheGurkha

chuckledandmovedon.Halfwaydownthehall,

aroombecamevisibleonConnor’sleft.Theentrancewaspadlockedandpaintedblack.Thesmellleakingoutunderthedoorframeshockedhersenses.Sheshotoffthelockandkickedthedoorinward.BothsheandCherdonnedtheirgasmasks.Brokenpiecesofchain,fragmentsofwhatlookedlike

steelwool,plusabustedchairlaystrewnonthefloor.Abrokenlightfixture,whichmusthavehungfromtheceilingatonetime,hungonahookbythedoor.Twowristironswerefastenedsevenfeetuponthewall.

Cherbentdownandpickedupthreeteeth.“I’llbagthese.We’lltestthem.”

“Theyheldmymotherhere.”

“Let’swaitforthetests.”

“Iknow.I’mherdaughter.Shewashere,andshe’sstillalive.Nooneistougher.”

AcallfromacrossthealleywayintheotherfacilityalertedConnor.SheandChercautiouslybackedoutofPeacock’sholdingcell,exitedtheirbuilding,andmetBruegmaninanopen

doorway.Thefifty-threeyearold,stillasfitaswhenhejoinedtheGlobalRealm,heldamanilafolderinhishand.

“Yourmotherwashere.TheyheldheruntilinstructionscamefromAmmad.Hisnameisspecificallymentioned.Accordingtothesedocuments,theyleftherenomorethantwelvehoursago.”

Mingraninthrougha

doorwayleadingoutsidetothebackofthegrounds.“Confirmed.TheirtransportationtoandfromherewereelectricSnowCats.”

“Theseevilbastardswereplanningthisforquiteawhile,”Chermuttered.

“Theyholduptofivepeopleeach.”Bruegmanopenedthefolderandrevealedaphoto.“These

tank-treadcarscantraveluptofiftymilesanhouronsnowandmaneuveronterrainlikenothingyou’veeverseen.”

“Theytookyourmotheroutviaair.”Mingmotionedtotheright.“Theybuiltarunwayforaliteaircrafttoland.”

“Nopointinstayinghere.”Connorheadedbackoutside.“We’retoolate.”

Thehowlingofthe

wolvesgrewcloser,astheicywindwhippedpelletsofstingingsleetagainstConnor’sface.“Let’sheadbacktoourcraftandreportourfindings.MyguessiswhateverplansAmmadhasformymotherwon’tbefoundoutuntilwecapturehim,orheexecutesthem.”

Theteammovedbackuptherockyslopefromwhichtheycame.Withinten

minutes,theywereaboardthehover-jet.Thepilotpointtothewestasthejetgainedattitude.“I’dsayadozengraywolvesaredisappointedweleft.”

“Nomatchforourstunguns.”Connorstretchedherlegs.“Goodtoknowthey’rethrivingouthere.Godknowslittleelsecan.”Shetookinadeepbreath.“Thisareaisalmostathousandmilesfrom

theattackpointontheSupersonic.Howdidtheymanagetobringhersofarwithoutusseeingthemonsatellite?”

“Amoreimportantquestion,”Cheranswered.“Wherearetheytakingher?”

Chapter11GeorgePendleton

arrivedbackattheGlobalRealmCommandSpaceStationinearthorbitafterleavingearthfromtheBeijingComplex.HebrieflygreetedthecommanderandheadedtotheSpaceObservationandExplorationRoom.

“Puta360degreescan

upforme,Charlie,”hesaidasheentered.

Thetechcomplied.Thelightsdimmedandtheroomreflectedonedegreeoforbitalspace,startingatthePrimeMeridianandmovingwestonedegreeeachminute.Forsixhours,hechartedthenumberofsatellitesintact,thosedamaged,andthosedestroyed.Thecarnageevidencedahorrifyingtollon

humanlife.Nearly50,000humanbeingshaddiedwhentherocketdestroyedtheMuslimSpaceComplexes.Yetfew,ifany,casualtiesontheearthoccurred,onlydamagetostructuresandpeople’ssenseofsecurity.

Ammad’sattackdestroyedsevencommunicationsatellitesthatconnectedtoEdison’sbrainnetwork,blockingkey

transmissionsoftransportationdata,suchasthewhereaboutsofcargointransitglobally.TherealdamagefromhisattackwastheGlobalRealmsmisuseofvaluablemissilesthatcouldhavebeendeployedinafutureconflict.

Sadly,Georgeresignedhimselftoauthorizingcleanupefforts.“Deploythesweepers,”heordered.Debris

fieldmagnetsandtightlywovennetsorbitedtheglobeforsuchapurpose.Largepiecesofshrapnelposedarealthreattolivesonundamagedspacecomplexes.

Ifhisfatherdidn’thaveafollow-upstrategy,he’dbetterputonetogethersoon,asworldconditionsdeterioratedfast.

#Thesettingsunshone

brilliantandfulloverthePersianGulf.FromhisquartersatoptheexecutivefloorsoftheDubaiComplex,Ammadal-Sistanitookinthesplendoroftheview.Risingtopowertookmuchpatience,subterfuge,andtactics.Anavidreader,heabsorbedmostofthemajorworksofthemilitaryartsandstudiedthegreatesttacticianofall—ArthurPendleton.Several

yearsafterjoiningtheGlobalRealm,hereceivedthepromotiontoChairmanofthePacificationoftheNon-CitizenWorldCommittee,apositionwhosereachextendedprimarilythroughouttheMuslimWorld.

MiltonRogershadobjectedtohiselevationafewmonthsbeforehedied.Pendleton,however,viewed

himasthebestmanforthejobbytestresultsandperformance.Thenextfiveyears,AmmadworkedtodevelopthetrustofallthemajorplayersintheGlobalRealm.HewooedtheJewishComplexesbyplantingtheseedofcooperation.TheSonsofAbrahamcouldbereunitedandliveinpeace.

PendletonhaddestroyedbothkeyHebrew

andIslamicholysitesduringtheholocaustthatbroughthimtopower.SoAmmadusedtheploythat,workingtogetherinpeace,thetworeligionsmightbeabletoco-existandrebuildTheHolyLands.Privately,headvocatedthattheChristiansweretherealenemy.WhilehelpingChristianleadershiponminorissues,heplottedtheirdownfalllong-term.

HeeventossedouttheideaofrebuildingtheJewishTemple,usingthecommonwesternwallasthedividingpointbetweenanewJewishTempleandthegroundsoftheDomeoftheRock.Yes,strictestJewsobjectedwantingevenmoreconcessions,butthemoderatesleapedattheidea.

Forthelastfifteenyears,Ammadsecretlybuilt

space-basedweaponry.HebroughtthegreatestMuslimscientistswithinhissphereofinfluenceandplannedfortheeventualdemiseofArthurPendleton’sreign.TheGlobalRealmhadprovedtobetheperfectworldwithinwhichtounifyallmankindtoAllah.Peacereigned.Sciencecreatedpossibilitiesbeyondthewildestdreamsofhumankind.Theevilofself-

indulgenceoutwardlyallbutdisappeared.Inwardly,peoplewishedtobeelevatedandrecognized.Hewouldcapitalizeontheirlongingssoon.Yes,thereweretheentertainmentcenters,butwithinthepredominantlyMuslimcomplexes,themenenjoyedthesepleasuresasbeingentitledtothem.

People’sviewofaChristianheavenpaledto

Ammad’sconceptofJannah.TheChosenwastobringJannahtoearthforatimeuntilAllahmadeallthingsnew.InJannah,whateveronedesiresonemayhave.Aman,awoman,willberewardedfortheirsacrificehereonearth.HewouldchangethenameoftheentertainmentcenterstoJannah’sGateParlors.

Therewasoneworldly

womanheknewwouldneverseeJannah.Hisgreatestprizehadbeenbroughttohim.Theredheadedshe-devillayimprisonedjustoutsidetheDubaiComplex.Heandsheneededtohavealittletalk.Heinstructedhisvalet.“Bringmyescortteam.IwishtogotoAlAweerprison.”

OnlytenminutesawayoutsidetheComplex’sfortification,Ammadarrived

andenteredwithoutanotherwordtoanyone.Heranhisaffairsonaneed-to-knowbasis,andhereasonedhe’dbeensuccessfulinconcealinghisplanstooverthrowPendletonbydoingso.OnceinsideAlAweer,hemotionedtotheofficer-in-charge.“TakemetoCellBlock42.”

Theofficerpaled.“Yessir.Doyouwishtowearamask?”

“No.”Thegruffresponsegiven,theofficergrabbedasetofrustykeys.AmmadfollowedhimthroughthemazeofdimmedhallsandlockedirongatesuntilhestoppedatCellBlock42.

“Whichcompartment?”theofficerasked.

“Ninelowerlevel.”“She’squitemad,you

know.”

“Good.”Withoutanotherword,

thetwoheadedintoCellBlock42.Animmediatestenchofhumanwasteandmoldfilledtheair.Ontheupperlevel,thewomenwerechainedtoaneight-footlegshackle,whichallowedthemthefreedomoflyingoncotsandsittingtoeatmeals.Themealsconsistedofdates,ricepudding,andoccasionally

tuna.Ammadchuckled.

“LesscomfortablelivingconditionsthaninPendleton’sprisoncolonies.”

“WorsethanAbuGrebe.”Theofficialheadeddownthestairsguidedbya25-wattbulb.Atthebottomofthestairs,thewalkwaysdividedintopitchblacktunnels.Theofficialturnedonaflashlightandslowly

guidedhisfeetlongthenarrowconcretefloor.

“Here—she’sinhere.”#

Peacockpulledherselfupoffthecoldfloor.Sherestedherbackagainstastonewallinthefarcornerofhercompartment.Nothingelsewasinsidewithher,excepttheurinedrainandawaterbucketforfeces.Ammad’speoplecameclose

tokillingherbeforetheylockedheraway.Sheoverheardthementorturinghersayshemustbeinsane.Well,nosurprisetoher,shehadbeenmostofherlife.Butthatbeatinghadbeendifferent.Shefeltnothingwhenpunchedorwhipped.Herbodybledandbruised,andherbonescracked.Butnopaincamewiththebeating.

Herangelsangandspokewordsofcomforttoher.Mostamazingtoherwashermemory.Shecouldn’trememberherownnameafewdaysago,butnowhermindleapedwithremembranceswhensheneededthem.

Acreakingatthedoorcaughtherattention.

“Howhasroomservicebeen?”

Peacockknewthatvoice.Shedidnotrespond.

Ammadplacedhisflashlightonthefloortoilluminatetheroom.Heletoutashriek.

“DoIlookthatbad?”“Heseesyouasyou

werethedayyouslewhisfather.”Herangelstoodagainstthefarwallandsmiled.

Ammadsteppedback.

“Thiscan’tbe.”Hetookawhipfromhis

beltandwenttostrikeher,butthewhipfellfromhishand.

Peacockheardherangelwhistlingajoyfultune.Sheresponded.“TheLordismyshield.”

AmmadquotedfromtheQuran.HenamedeachverseashespokeAlFaqua113.1,113.2andsoon.Then

hesaid.“Yourblackmagichasnoeffectonme.”

Hisfacetoldadifferentstory.

PeacockhadnostrengthtostanduponsavewhatGodprovided.Sheknewwithoutherangel,deathwouldbeswift.AllowhimtoseemeasIam.

Ammad’seyeswidened.Hesneered,pickeduphiswhip,andswung.

Again,thewhipflewoutofhishand,andhegrabbedhisshoulder.Acryofpainescapedhislips.

“Keeptryingtohurtmeandyou’llneverbecomeFirstCitizen.”Peacocksmirked.“Youwantmealiveforsomepurpose?”

“Iliveforthedeathofyourhusbandandtheendofyourreign,youredheadedbitch.”

“Notmuchofmyhairisleft.”Shesighed.“Don’tattempttohurtmeagain.Myprotectorwillnotallowyouthepleasure.”

“Youmumblenonsense,crazywoman.TheGlobalRealmwillgoon,butwithoutyouoryourhusbandleadingit.”Ammadwalkeduptoherandbenttomeethergaze.“Whenthetimecomes,Iwillkillyoumyself.”

Fatchance.Herangelhadasenseof

humor.“Whydoyouwantto

allywiththeIsraelis?”Asinisterchucklefilled

hercompartment.“Youknowmorethanyouleton.Youmaybeinsane,butyou’recunning.”

“WhydoyouwanttofindEdison?”

Hepursedhislips.

“WhyareyouinleaguewithIblis?TrueMuslimsabhoryourconceptsandteachings.Butyouwillbewitchthem.”

“Youbitch.”Heflunghimselfatherandwoundupsmashingintoastonewallacrosstheroomfromwhereshesat.

Heturnedandfled,takinghisflashlightwithhim.Peacockheardhimtellthe

guard.“Nooneistoenterhere.Slideherfoodandwaterinunderthedoor.”

#“Imustbesuffering

fromlowsugar.”AmmadorderedasnackbebroughthimandorderedaspeedyreturntotheDubaiComplex.Ashereenteredhissuite,hisaideracedinfromtheadjoiningroom.“Ourmissilescreatedthedesired

damageontheselectedtargetsandcomplexes.TheGlobalRealmonlypossessesfiftyorlessspace-basedrockets.”

“Iwantaunifiedworldwhenwe’redone.”Heloweredaneyebrow.“Unifiedunderme.AnyindicationPendletonknowswhereIam?”

“No,YourEminence.TheDubaiComplex,

accordingtoourcomputerSayyid,wouldnotranknearthetopofplaceshe’dlook.”

“LetushopeEdisoncalculatesthingsthesameway.”

“Sir,”hisaidesaid,“GovernorChuirejectsanypartnershipwithyou.HeclearlysupportstheFirstCitizen.Buthewillnotcometotheaidofeithersidemilitarily,sayingtheissueis

oneforthepeopletodecidebycombiningtestingprofilesandaGlobalRealmvotewithEdisondoingthemath.”

“ThatplaysintomyhandsifmyadversaryisasweakasIthinkhimtobe.”

“Agreed,Eminence.”“Putmethroughto

Pendleton.”Theaidepressedthe

SummitButtononthecommunicationssystemand

waited.AmmadpossessedoneofonlytwelvedirectlinestotheFirstCitizen.

“VanMeerspeaking.”“ChairmanAmmad

wishestospeakdirectlytoFirstCitizenPendleton.”

Silencefollowed.“I’llconveyamessage.”

Ammadspokeup.“EitheryourbossagreestoacompetencychallengeandGlobalRealmcitizens’vote,

orhefacesall-outwar.All-outwarservesnopurpose.Ifhewisheshiswifebackunharmed,he’llagree.Hewinsthechallenge.Shecomesbacksafely.”

“Holdon.”Nothingbutstaticand

backgroundbumpsechoedoverAmmad’ssystem.Ammadglancedatthetime.VanMeerhadbeengoneovertenminutes.Finally,he

returned.“Infourteendays,pertheoperatingrulesoftheGlobalRealm.Allexecutivelevelleadersareeligibleforconsideration.Ifyoulose,youwillbearrestedfortreasonandimprisonedforlife.”

“Notunlesshewantswarandthedeathofhiswifetosettletheconflict.”

“Hewantstoseehiswifetobesuresheisingood

health.”“Thedaybeforethe

citizens’vote,butafterthecompetencychallenge,I’llallowhertotalktotheFirstCitizen.”Theconnectioncuttosilence.Ammadshouted.“ProgramSayyidtorunfivevariationsofthetestEdisonwillprepare.AMuslim-builtcomputerwilltrumpapaganoneanydayoftheweek.”

“Well,”hisaide

chuckled,“hisrulesstate‘Noapplicantcanrunacomputerteststudy.’Butthen,hedoesn’tknowSayyidexists.Doeshe?”

“HaveAkbaricomein.”Ammadcouldn’twaitanylongertoconfideinhisfriendabouttheshe-devil.

AfewmomentsandAkbaristrodeinasthoughttheworld’sweighthadfallenonhim.“Don’tspeak,”he

said.“WhatyouknowIknow.Whatyou’veseenI’veseen.Isuspectvastwitchcraftatwork.Allowmetostudythebooks.GivemetimetoalignmyspiritwithJannahanditsholiness.Thenwewillspeak.”

“But...”Akbaristompedhis

foot.“Ceaseyourprotest.OnlyontheseissuesamIincharge.Understood?”

Ammadloweredhishead.“Understood.”

Chapter12FirstCitizenArthur

Pendletonflungawastebasketacrosshisboardroom.Itbouncedharmlesslyoffthesolidrockwall.“Dammit.Iwishsomethingwouldbreak.”

“Yousaythateverytimeyougetmad.Pullyourselftogether.Youhavea

meetingwithyourfamilyandstaff.”VanMeerstraighteneduptheroomandbuzzedDuarte.”

“Sendinthefamily.”Connorenteredfirst,

eyesflamingredandhipsswiveling.

“Iloveitwhenyou’reintense,BustyRusty.”VanMeersaidwithawinkaccompanying.Hegaveherapatonthebehind.

“Seriously,pervert,”Connorscootedaway.“Feliciahasn’tbeengonethatlong.”

“Ouch.”VanMeer’sfacereddened.

Onethinghisdaughterlearnedfromhermotherwashowtohandlemen—onetoughwoman,thatone.Georgestruttedinbehindher,self-assuredandhandsome.Heneverdesiredapositionof

politicalpowermuchtoPendleton’sdismay.Hecravedtheadventureofspaceexplorationandcommandedtherespectofthetopastrophysicistsintheworld.Ah,Pendletonthought.Nowforthetreehugger.

Strollingin,handsinhispockets,hisGlobalRealmshirtstickingoutofhispantsintheback,HarryPendletonofferedanod,andsaid,“The

prodigalreturnshome.”“Harry,”hisfather

answered,wonderinghowsomeonesobrilliantcouldbesolaidback.“HowwasyourtripinfromKampala?”

“Concerning.”Harrywipedcurlyredstrandsoffhisforehead.“IviewedthedamagetothreemajorcomplexesfromtheSupersonic.They’rebuilttolast.Buthowmanymissiles

didwewastefightingthat—skirmish,policeaction,orthingamabob?”

Pendletongrumbled.“TherearetimesIwishthethingsIdowouldjustbeacceptedforwhattheyare.Wedefendedourselves.”

“AsIseeit,we’releadinginthedeathcount.Isthatwhatyouwanttheworldtoknow?”

“Well,no.”Pendleton

rubbedhislowerjawandcutofftheconversation,asDuarteentered,notepadinhand.“Wehavelittletimetowaste,”hecontinued.“Allowmetobringyouuptospeed.Ammadrequestsacompetencychallengeandvote.Hehasyourmother,andbythelawoftheRealm,Ican’trefuseevenifhedidn’thaveher.”

Connorblurtedout.

“ThebastardwoostheJews.Chuiwillremainneutralorrunagainstyouboth.IfAmmadwins,therewillbereligiouswarandpersecution,aswehaveneverseen.Isaywedestroyhim.”

“Iagreewithyourdaughter.”VanMeersighed.“Findhimanddestroyhim,beforetheGlobalRealmfallsfromwithin.”

“It’snotjustAmmad.

Overone-thirdoftheworldhasalreadybeeninfluencebyhim.”Pendletonshrugged.“Killoneradicalandyoucreatemillionsmore.WehadthatsituationbeforeIblewuphalftheworld.”

“We’llhaveitagainifyoudon’tactnow,”Connorsaid.

“No.”Pendletonhadalreadymulledoverhisoptions.Heremained

resolute.“Myplanworked.Animprovedhumanityrunsthisplanet,exceptforthefanatics.Thesystemrequireswepracticewhatwepreach.LastnightIprayed.YourmotherhadavisionofthecomingofChrist.ShetoldmetopreparetheChristianbelieversforHiscoming,notkillmorepeople.ThatisexactlywhatI’mgoingtodo.Preparebelievers.”

“Poppycock,”VanMeerblurtedout.

“No.Hespeakswisdom.”GeorgePendletonstood,pulledhimselffullheight,andflexed.Brilliant,goodlooking,andpersuasive,thisPendletoncarriedhimselfwithassuredness.“Ifwehavenodignity,wehavenothing.However,wemustplanforalleventualities.Wewin,someoneotherthanAmmad

wins,orAmmadwins.Worst-casescenario,AmmadwinsanddeclaresJihadonChristianity.Whatwouldourgameplanbe?”

VanMeerbristled.“HowthebloodyhellcouldAmmadwin?”

“Iasked.Whatifhedoeswin?”

Silence.ButPendleton’ssmilebroadened.

“Weleave.”George

passedoutdetaileddiagramsofthenumber,size,andlocationsoftransportshuttlesaroundtheglobe.“Iheadupthesub-surfacecolonizationbranchofMarsResearchProgramWarlord.Presently,wehavethirtyenvironmentallysoundhumanbiospheresbeingreadiedfordeparturetoMars.Ouradvanceteamshaveequipmentinplaceonthe

MartiansurfaceandhavestartedbuildingundergroundcomplexessimilartoourEarthComplexes.”

“IfChristianityisthreatened,howmanypeoplewouldthoseshipshold?”

“Eachhasroomforoverahundredthousandonboard,plustheorbitingSpaceComplexesholdthirtythousandeach.They’reminiaturecitiesin

themselves.”Georgeplacedhishandsonhiships.“ThereareEarthshuttlescapableoftransportingusup.AfewmillionChristianscouldleavesoonwiththeproperplanning.”

“Howsoonissoon?”Pendletonasked.

“Wecouldbereadyintwomonths.”

Itwasn’twhattheBiblesaidshouldhappen.Butwith

theChristianleadershipalreadyalerted,whatdifferencediditmakewhetherChristcametoEarth,orChristianslefttheEarth?Thelatter,notbeingthepreferredplan,butasensibleone.Eitherway,Christianswouldbesafe.

Pendletonsmiled.“MyorderstoallChristianleadersaretoprepareforChrist’scomingthroughprayerand

peacefulspreadingoftheGospel.I’lladdthatasmanyaspossiblebereadytoevacuateatamoments’notice,ifworldconditionswarrant.”

“Understandafewmillionrepresentsonlyafractionofbelievers.”Georgesighed.“I’dhatetobeyou,Father.”

Duarterose.“I’llpreparethenecessary

communiquésforyoursignature,FirstCitizen.”Ashesteppedtowardthedoor,hesaid.“Thewordwilleventuallygetout.”

“Hopefullynot,atleastuntilaftertheelection.”

AsDuarteleft,MichaelZiebachcameinandrolledhiswheelchairupnexttohisboss,VanMeer.Hehandedhimafileandstayedathisside.

“Preparingforanevacuationisonlyaprecaution,”Harrymanaged.“Youaren’tgoingtolosethechallenge.”

Pendletonslumped.“Idon’tknowthatIwillorIwon’t.Lookatwhat’shappenedwithoutmyknowledge.”Hiseyesmoistened.“IlostMilton.Hewasmyeyesandearsonthechangesgoingoninthe

world.SirJarvisFranksdevelopedAlzheimer’sdisease.Overtime,Irelaxed,overconfidentsinceweweremakingsuchpositiveprogress.”

Connorfoldedherfather’shandinhers.Shecouldbeanastywitchoralovingdaddy’sgirl.Heneverknewtowhomhe’dbetalking.“Specifically,howdoweprecede,Dad?”

“Here’stheplan,”hesaid,asshehelpedhimtohisfeet.Slightlyoffbalance,hesteadiedhimselfwithhishandonthetable.“First,setSeptember12thasthedateforthevote.SetthedateofthecompetencychallengeforSeptember6th.Second,notifyallTier1executivestheymustapplybySeptember5th.HowmanyTier1Executives

areeligible?”Duartereenteredthe

roomandanswered,“Fourteen,besidesyourself,FirstCitizen.Thetwelvegovernors,Mr.al-Sistani,andMr.VanMeer.”

“Fourwillrun.”VanMeerpushedhischairbackandtossedafootuponPendleton’sbestboardroomtable.“Ammad,Chui,Arthur,andme.”Hepointedafinger

athisboss.“Let’seventheodds.”

Pendletoncockedhishead,butdidn’trespond.Let’seventheodds?

“Hans,alertallourgovernorstopreparetheirdefensesjustincase.Armdefensiveweaponry,andreinforcecomplexperimeterswithasecondlineofconcretebarriers.Connor,provideincreasedprotectionforVan

Meerandmyselfuntilaftertheelection.Finally,George,fullspeedaheadwithpreparingboththeremainingSpaceComplexesandtheshuttlesforMartiancolonization.”

“I’llstartthepreparations,”Ziebachsaid.

“Beginbydevelopingacombatplanforme,Michael.”VanMeersaid,andshookhishead.“I’mnota

militarystrategist.”Ziebachgrinned.As

PolarisworkingforHercules,heexceededmostinoffensivestrategy.Defense,notsomuch.

“Youforgotme,Dad,”Harrysaid,grinninglikeaCheshirecat.“Ofcourse,I’minvisibletoyoumostofthetime.”

“IneedHarry.”Georgesteppedtohisbrother’sside.

“Toachievetheoptimumfromthebiospheresforsustaininglife,Harry’sknowledgeisvital.”

IguessI’mnotonetotossoutcompliments,Pendletonthought.“I’mproudofeveryoneofmychildren.”

HegaveHarryanod.Unfortunatenoneofthemqualifytorunagainstme.Maybeonedayinthefuture,

howeverlongthefuturewouldbe,agrandchildwouldwishtorule.“Harry,followyourbrother’sdirections.Now,let’sprepare.”

#ConnorUbaarrived

backattheLondonComplexforlookingforwardtoaday’srest.ThenshewouldbeaboutthetaskofprovidingeachcandidateforFirstCitizenthefullprotectionoftheGlobal

RealmSecurityForces.ThelackofevidenceofanotherplannedattackhadherwonderingwhatthepurposewasforAmmad’smissilestrike.Withinaminute,theterrorintheeyesoftheaveragecitizenclearedupthequestion.Globalcitizens’faithintheirsecurityhadbeenshaken.

Yet,onlyafewcomplexesexperiencedthe

bombardment.Therestoftheworldknewnothingaboutit,savefortheMuslimComplexes,whichonlyheardtheversionAmmadsoldthem.Connorclenchedherfists.AmmadhadcreatedtheidealtimeforaplaytobecomeFirstCitizen.Upwardsof90,000deaths,mostlyMuslims,assuredhimoftheirvote.

Whensheflewthrough

theopenbedroomdoor,Obiewasonhiscommunicationscell.Sheplantedakissonhischeekandheardhimgruntareluctant,“Yes.I’llpreparetoleaveAugust30th.Butyou’llhavetoclearthiswiththeComplexAdministrator.”

Afewmoregruntsandhehungup.

“Yourbrother,Harry,commandsmetosomesecretmeetingneartheSanDiego

Complex.Ileaveinaweek.”“Yes,Iknow.”She

rushedtothebathroomandundressed.“We’lltalkabouttheworldsituationlater.I’mhornyashell.SobepreparedafterIcleanup.”

“Yes,mylove.YourObieisalwaysatyourservice.”

Chapter13Stillshackledather

feet,Peacockstumbledoutoftheholethatwas9lowerlevel.Forcedtowearaburka,shedraggedherselfalongthehallwaysandupseveralflightsofstairsforwhatseemedtobeaneternity,followingahairymaleguardwhosmelledofgarlic.She

reachedtheupperlevelofCellBlock42.Prisonersofbothsexeswhistledatherandshoutedobscenities.Pervertscameinallshapes,sizes,andreligions.

Atthemainentrancedoor,twowomenstoodwaiting.“Makeherlookrespectable.”Theguardaccompanyingherinstructedthewomen.“ThentakehertoCellBlock12fora

videotaping.”Videotaping?“I’mtoweighyou.”

Thewomanonherrightgentlyledhertoascale.“45.8kilograms,”thewomansaid.“Writeitdowninpoundsaswell.101poundscountingtheragsshewears.”

Peacockfellasshesteppedoffthescale.Theyoungerofthetwo,holdinganotepad,helpedherup.I

weighed142poundsthedayoftheattack,shethought.

Downtwistinghallsonconcreteanddirtfloorsshehobbled,hummingtunestheangelhadtaughtwhenhewaswithher.Ofcourse,hewasalwayswithher.Shejustdidn’tseehim.

“Sad,”theyoungerwomanwhispered.“Thisonewasbeautifulonce.”

“Noone’sbeautiful

here,”theotherwomansnapped.“Walkingcorpsestheyare.”

Brilliantideaherhusbandhad,forcingeveryonetouseEnglishorMandarin.Shecouldunderstandthegravityoftheplaceshewasin.“Grantthesesoulspeace,”shewhispered.Theangel’svoicecalledout,“Fornow,yes.Soonpeacewillvanishfromtheearth.”

ArrivingatCellBlock12,twomaleguardsgrabbedherandforcedherintoakneelingposition.Adentistaffixedatemporarysetofcapsoverherbrokenteeth.Ahairdresserfitherwithamatchingredhairpiece,andacosmetologisthidthepallorinherfacewithlipstickandblush.

“Putthison.”Anogre-like,elderlywomanhanded

heraGlobalRealmoutfit.“Besuretosmileforthecamera.”

“Stepoverhere.”Thecameramanpointedtoachair.“Sit.Turntoyourleftandrelaxwithyourmouthslightlyopen.”

Shecomplied.Ifsheguessedcorrectly,thepictureswouldgotoherhusbandtoshowshewasalive.Heruniformwasthatof

ahotelworkerbycolorandstripes.Sheplacedherrighthandwithherlittlefingerpointingatasmalllabelonthewaist.

“Holdthepose.”Hedidn’tspotthe

signal.Afterthecameraman

snappedthreephotos,thewomaninchargeorderedPeacockremovedfromCellBock12andtakenbackto

herpit.Oncelockedbackin,shenoticedthelightwason.Asingle10wattbulbilluminatedthecell,usuallykeptdark.Inthecornerlayatraywithaclothtuckedunderthecornertokeepoutrodents.Shepeeledtheclothbacktofinddates,figs,cheeses,andaglassofGlobalRealmnectardrink.Anoteaccompaniedherpresent.

Enjoy.Ineedtofatten

youupfortheslaughter.Love,Ammad.

#Connorheldher

husband’shandastheydisembarkedfromtheirtransportandheadedintotheGlobalSpaceandExplorationCenter.TheCenter,locatedintheSanDiegoComplexintheNorthAmericanRegion,heldthecoreprojectsforMarscolonization.Herbrothers

werealreadyatworkrefiningthecontrolroomprotocolsforapossible,massivelaunchofbiospheres.

“Obi!”HarryPendletonshoutedandraceduptogreethim.“I’mfacingseveralproblemshere.Ineededyoulastweek.”

“AndhereIam,”Obianswered,grinninglikeasmittenschoolboy.“Let’sgettowork.”Heturnedandgave

Connorapassionatekiss.“Callmewhenyouhavetime.Iknowitmaybeweeksuntilweseeeachother.I’llmissyoueveryminute.”

“Iloveyou,”Connormanaged,beforeObiwaswhiskedawayandvanishedintherushofworkersmillingaboutthearea.

“Comeon,”herbrotherGeorgesaid.“Updatemeonthepreparationsfor

Tuesday’scompetencychallenge.”

“Chuithrewhiscandidacyintotherace,asweexpected.Ammadremainshidden,probablystudying.VanMeerseemsnonchalantaboutthewholething.IworrythatwhenthevotingtakesplacehemighttakeawayfromDad’sbase.”

Herbrothercockedhishead.“Dad’ssurvivedtwo

challengesbefore.”“Boththosechallenges

werebeforeMiltondied.”SadnessdeepenedwithinConnor.“GramandMiltonbothgoinginthesamemonthhascrushedhisspirit.I’vewatchedhimgrowmoreindecisivethelastfiveyears.I’mafraidforhim.”

“Momkeepshimfocused.”

“Mom’snothere,”

Connorsnapped.“Twenty-fiveyearsofpeaceandprogresscouldcrumbleinaday,ifAmmadoutscoresDadonthetest.”Sheshuddered.“Showmetheescapeplans.”

Georgeledherupasetofspiralmetalstairstoamastercontrolroomonthe2ndfloorofthebuilding.FromhervantagepointlookingthroughtheglassatthebraincenterofProject

Warlord,shegaspedattheimmensityoftheendeavor.“MyGod,Ididn’trealizehowfarwe’vecome.”

“Youcouldn’thave.”Georgegaveherthatnaïvelittlesisterlook.“Noonecouldhavepredictedhumanityrebuildingourcitiesintothesecomplexesintwenty-plusyears.OrourgoingtoMarsandfindingtheprotectionoftheunderground

caves.”Shenodded.Further

evidenceofman’sabilitylaybeforeher.Anareathesizeoffoursoccerfieldsfilledwithenoughtechnologytolaunchhundredsofbiospheresintospacewithtime.Humansmilledaroundanalyzingdatarealtime.Herbrotherpointedtoaclusterofscreensateyelevelwiththeirposition.“Twenty-fiveearth-based

biospheresarecompleted,stocked,andreadyfordeploymenttoEarthorbitfordockingwithourmotherships.”Hegaveherapairofbinocularstoviewthefarendofthemassivemanufacturingarea.“Therestarewithinweeksofcompletion.”

“Soyou’remonitoringtheassemblyaroundtheworld.”

“Everylocation.Dad’salertingChristiancommunitiestoselectindividualsfortransportonthebasisofskillandfamilyconsideration.Obviously,wecan’ttransporteveryone.”Hisbrowfurrowed.“Howpreparedareweforagroundwar?”

“Virtuallydefenselessagainstone,”Connorsaid.“Wehavelawenforcement,

dronecapabilities,andfiftyorbitingrockets—nostandingarmies.Thedrones’capabilitieswerecrippledwhentherocketattackscommenced.Sowhilethey’refunctional,theirprecisionisquestionable.”

Georgeturnedtoheadbackdownthestairs.“Weneedtoleavethisplanet.Mybet—Ammadhasarmies.Wereliedonourspace-based

weaponry,andnowallwehavearethosefiftyorsorocketsyoumentioned.Capableofdoingdamage?Yes.Capableofwinningaground-foughtwar?No.”

Asshedescendedthestairs,shewhispered.“Willyouaccompanymeonanunpleasantassignment?”

“Whatkindofassignment?”

“Dad’scontemplating

shuttingdownalltheentertainmentcenters.”Sheshookherhead.“I’veneverbeeninanentertainmentcenter.Imaybeclosingtheminafewweeks,ifDadhashisway.Ineedtofindouthowdifficultandunpopularataskthatwillbe.”

“Sure.I’llgowithyou.ButIwon’tlikeit.”

Georgeheadedofftoarrangefortheirtrip.She

waitedattheentrancetothefacilitytryingtocatchaglimpseofObi.ObiwasoffwithHarrytohugtreesanddreamofbotanicalgardens,theresponsibilitiesinsidetheGlobalRealmleftlittletimeforthemtobondasmarriedcouplesshould.Sheyearnedforsomeonetoshareherinnermostjoysandstruggles.ShemarriedObiwiththatinmind,butthephysicalcame

firstforhim,andacoupleofdayswerealltheyhadbeforetraipsingofftooneassignmentoranother.

Heyearnedforherbody.Sheyearnedforhiscompassionandunderstanding.Neitherofthemwascompletelysatisfied.Aquickglanceattheirschedulessaidtheywouldn’tbeforquiteawhile.

#

“Dammit!”Ammadslammedthedoortothetestingroom.“TearSayyidapart.Thepieceofjunkisn’tworththepowdertoblowittohell.”

“Calmyourself.”AtashAkbaristrolledacrossthehallwaytoAmmad’sside.“Patience.Youstillhaveafewdays.WhatyouarefailingtodoisinvokeAllah’speace.Don’tthinktoomuch.

LetHimguideyou.”Ammadgrimaced.The

redheadedwitchshookhisconfidencewithherevilcraft.Hisshoulderstillhurt.

“Youmustunderstand,”Akbarisaid.“Mywalkhasgivenmepowersofaseer.Iseewhatyousee.Thejinn,theMaridwhoprotectsher,playswithyou.Maybehe’sacousinofSatan.RecitethefourQulsandpraytworakat

namazaHajjats.PrayferventlytoAllah,andallfearwillvanish.”

Ammadfelltohisknees.Akbariknewfarmorethanhedidofthespiritworldandthepeopleoffire.Thebitchmustbepossessed.MaybeevenasexslavetotheMarid.SurelyAllahwouldhelphimconquerthisdemon.“I’mAllah’sservant.Iwillnotbeswayed.Hewillbe

withme.Ineedhimeverywhereandineverysituation.”

“YouwilldefeatthisGlobalRealm—thismonsterofPendleton’screation.”AkbaripulledAmmadtohisfeet.“Inyourhands,themonsterwillbetamed.Youwillruletheworld,andIwillserveyou.NowtakeSayyid’stestagain.”

Chapter14Withhermainteam

busysecuringtheGlobalRealmtestprocedures,ConnortraveledinthecompanyofsecurityguardsthatusuallyprotectedtheWesternRegionalGovernor.FoursturdyhulksaccompaniedherandGeorge.Theyboardedahovercraft

andtraveledthe12milesfromtheGlobalSpaceandExplorationCentertoEntertainmentCenterCA-19.LocatedclosertotheoldCityofPalmdale,theEntertainmentCentersatwheretheSanGabrielMountainsshieldeditfromthePacificOcean.

PartsoftheLosAngelesandSanFranciscolocationshadtoberelocated

eastbecauseofseismicactivity,andnonetoosoon.Onlythreeyearsearlier,amassiveearthquakedestroyedtheBayAreaandfloodedtheNapaValley.

CA-19tookupanareaofthirty-sixsquaremiles.Over30,000workerslivedpermanentlyintheCenter.Fromtheair,themountains,thevalley,andthelightsoftheCenterappearedlikea

paintingbyEmoCo,oneoftheartistswhodecoratedtheLondonComplex.

Thehovercraftlandedonapadoutsidethebackentrance.Ifaguestdevelopedaseriousmedicalconditionrequiringamajorprocedure,theyweremedevac’dout.Everyoneelsecheckedinandoutatthemaingate.

“Rightthisway.”Aladyinherlatefortiesled

ConnorandherteamintothebackoftheCenteranddownahalltotheadministrativequarter.“PleasechangeintoCenterattire.Youcan’tgraspthescopeofourcapabilitieswalkingthroughinanofficialcapacity.Ifyoureallywanttounderstandwhathappenshere,comeasaguest.”Shewavedherarm.“Vargas,escortthelady.Haveyourfemalestaffersaccompany

themen.Howlongdoyouneed?”

“WhyamIaccompaniedbyaman?”

Thelady’sheadtiltedandshescoffed.“Youwanttherealfeel.Men’seyeswillbeonyou24/7.”

“Howlongisacompletetour?”

“Threehourstoseeeverything,butnotimetotastethelife.”

“Idon’tneedtotastethelife.Mylifeisfull.ButI’llneedmoretime.I’mgoingtointerviewpeopleatrandom.”

“Asyouwish.”Theladyextendedherhand.“MynameisJessicaSparks.I’mtheCenter’sChiefAdministrator.Hereisascheduleoftoday’sevents.”

Connorperusedthesheet.AGlobalcircustroop

performedthreeshowsdaily.Twomagiciansheldliveperformancesinaballroomcalled,“NowYouSeeIt.NowYouDon’t.”AnorchestrawouldperformanallBachprogramthateveningintheCA-19ConcertHall.

“WhatisTheGlobalFieldFootballLeague?”Connorasked,notfamiliarwithteamsports.

“Fieldfootballisasportformerlyknownassoccer.TheRealmdevelopedtwelvesix-teamleagues,oneleagueforeveryRegion.Attheendoftheseason,therewillbeplayoffsbetweenthewinningteamsineachregionuntilwehaveaGlobalwinner.TheRioComplexplaysourteamatfourp.m.Caretowatch?”

IntriguedasConnorwas,herinterestlayinthe

process.Howwerepeoplescreenedforadmissionandexit,aswellas,theseamysideoflifewithintheCenter?“WheredoIchange?”

“Rightthisway.”Shepointeddownahallway.“Mr.Vargas,pleaseaccompanyhertothedressingrooms.”

#“You’resurethese

picturesweretakenrecently?”

“Yes,FirstCitizen.”“Andyoucan’tblow

themupanylarger?”“Notwithoutdistorting

them.”ThemantalkingpointedtoPeacock’sfinger.Itmaybenothing,butshe’swearingahoteluniformwithalabelonit.Herfingerseemstobepointingatthelabel.“Thelabelissolidred,aswastheoldDubaiEmiratesflag.Mr.VanMeerbelievessheis

beingheldnearorintheDubaiComplex.”

Pendleton’shandstrembled.HisLoveylookedghastly,andnotfrompoorphotography.Thewomaninthesepictureshadenduredunimaginedsuffering.Hereadthenoteaccompanyingthephoto.Init,AmmadgloatedoverhisaccomplishmentincapturingPeacock.Hethreatened

Pendletonnottotrytorescueher.Butassuredhimshewouldbereleasedafterafairvoteofthepeople.Hecalledherhistrumpcard.

Purebullshit!“GiveHansmybest

wishesonhistestperformance,”hesaid.“And,thankhimfortheheadsup.Wecandonothinguntilthetestsaretakenandtheelectionisover.”

OncePendletonwasalone,hemadeacall.“TheFirstCitizenforPopePeter.PleaselethimknowI’montheline.”

#Dressedincivilian

clothesthatshowedoffherfigure,ConnorleftherdressingroomandmotionedtoVargaswhowouldconducthertour.“Ihopeyouknowwhatyou’redoing.”

“Itestedtopinmydivision.”Vargasstrolledatleisuretowardthemainentrance.“IplaythetrumpetinthesymphonyorchestraandassistJessicaasatourguide.”

Connor’sbrotherandtwoofthesecuritypeoplehadheadedinadifferentdirection.SheandtwoothersfollowedVargas.Centersecuritypersonnelarmedwith

stungunswerepostedateveryaisleandintersection.Connormusedthatshecouldkicktheirasses,stungunsornot.

“HaveyouworkedatotherEntertainmentcenters?”sheaskedherguide.

“Fourinall,”hesaid.“Thisoneisthecrownjewel.”

“Whyso?”“Offerings—wehave

morevenuesforhumanoutletsthanmostothercenters.”

Connorleanedagainstapillarandobservedtheentryprocedures.Scanningdevisesfoundanyitem,nomatterhowsmall,thatapersonforgottocheckinwithsecurity.Apieceofchewinggumwouldnotgounnoticed.Satisfiednoweaponscouldbebroughtinotherthanthose

possessedbyCentersecurity,shefollowedVargasontothecheckoutarea.

Astheyambledlongliketourists,hermouthjarredopen.TheceilingswithintheCenterglimmeredfromthebeamsoflightreflexingontheirgoldplating.Thesoundoflaughter,music,andadinofhumannoiseoverwhelmedhermind.Shethoughtshecaughtaglimpseofher

brotherascendingastaircasetowardthemagicians’venueandwonderedwhetherthismightbetoomuchforhim,bachelorashewas.

Alcohol,shethought.Ismellalcohol.

SheandVargaspassedunderalargepinksignpointingtotheexit.Infrontofheranareaopenedupwithseverallinesofpeopleweavingtheirwaytoward

medicalpersonnel.“MyGod,thislooksliketheemergencyroomofahospital.”

“Goodobservation.NooneleavesCA-19untiltheypassthemedicalcheckout.”Hegrinned.“Thesefacilitieshavevirtuallyeliminatedamultiplenumberofinfectionsandsexuallytransmitteddiseases.Plus,theRealmreceivesanemotionallywell-adjustedindividualbackinto

societyreadytowork.”Hum.Herdefinitionof

emotionallywell-adjusteddifferedfromhis.Whywouldahappycitizencometoaplacelikethis?

Mostpeopleexitingpassedtheirtestsandleft.Afewwerepulledasideandrequiredtowaitbeforebeingreleased.Connorapproachedawomansittingaloneinaholdingareaandsatdown

nexttoher.“Hi,thisismyfirsttimehere.Howaboutyou?”

Thewoman,mid-thirties,slender,withapleasantface,glancedup.“Icomehereonmytimeoff.I’mnotmarriedandit’sdullathome.”

“WhatdoyourecommendIsee,whileI’mhere?”

Thewomanloweredher

glasses.“Whydidyoucome?”“Curiosity.”“Theyhaveeverything.

Iseeyouhaveaneventcalendar.Tryitall.”ShelookedatConnor’shand.“Nicering.Openmarriage?”

“Myhusband’sonanassignment.”

“TheCenterhasanythingyoudesiresexually.Followthepurplesignsto

ClubFantasy.Butdon’tdrinktoomuch.Dullsthesenses.”

“Describeeverything.”Thewomanlaughed.

“Areyouserious?Ifyoucanthinkofit,itcanbearranged.Letyourimaginationroll.”ShetouchedConnor’sleg.“Thepersonnelhereknowhowtopleaseyou,ifyougetmymeaning.”

“Thanks,”shesaid,andmovedonfollowingVargas.

“MakeClubFantasyyourlaststop.Seethemoresophisticatedsightsfirst.Mary,whomyoujustspokewith,isaregular.She’sabiochemist.SheobtainsanescortfromtheClub,attendstheattractions,getslaid,andleaves.”

“Whatdidshemeaneverything?”

Vargaspointedtoapetitewomandressedina

tightfittingoutfit.Shelookedlikeafifteen-yearold,freckled,blue-eyed,andaninnocentsmile.“Shecomeshereonceamonthforthesolepurposeofhavingsexwithasmanymenastimeallows.She’sacomputerlogisticsoperator,atensejob.Here,shelivesoutherfantasy.Ifyou’rebenttowardwomen,wehavealternatepreferencestoo.”

Workingwithmenallherlife,nothingshockedConnor.Shepointedtothecomputerlogisticoperator.“Isupposeshegetstolookattheirgenitalsfirst.”

“Noneed.Jobrequirementsaresufficient.”

GoodGod.Aftertwohoursof

observingthegames,entertainment,restaurantsandbars,ConnorfollowedVargas

toClubFantasy.Shewasgreetedattheentrancebyfourgorgeousexamplesofmaleandfemalehumans.Wearingsee-throughcasualattire,themaleoncallsteppedforward.“WelcometoClubFantasy,beautifulone.Wheredidyoufindher,Vargas?AndwhyhaveInotseenherherebefore?”

“Becarefulwhereyouputyourhand.”Sheflashed

herI.D.card,andtheyoungmanturnedpaleandjumpedback.

“Iapologize.”“Don’t.I’dliketospeak

toyouprivately.”Sheturnedtoatiny,delicateblondetryingtotiptoeaway,andsaid,“I’llbeinterviewingyoutoo,afterRomeoandIaredonetalking.”

VargashustledConnorandtheyoungmanintoone

oftheprivatesuitesdownaredhallwithpsychedeliclightsflashing.Onceintheroom,Connorpointedtoachair.“Haveaseat.Idon’tbite.”

“Youcould,”hesaid,“ifyou’regentle.”

“I’mhereonrealmbusiness.”Shepulledarobeoffthemassivewhitebedandtosseditathim.“Putthison.You’llbemorecomfortable.”

“You’llbemorecomfortable.I’mperfectlyfine.”Hecomplied.Themomenthedidheappearedlikeasheepishschoolboycaughtkissingagirlinthehall.

“Whatwouldyouliketoknow?”heasked.

“Tellmeaboutyourself.Whereyou’refrom,andhowdidyoustartworkinginthesexprofession.”

“Myname’sHalPerkinsfromtheTulsaComplex.”Hegrinnedandfoldedhishandswitharelaxingmotion.“Asateen,Iplannedtobeamolecularscientist.ButIhadahardtimewithsolidgeometry.Iwastheguywhocracked-upmyfriendswithjokesandcomicroutines.SoIswitchedtotheentertainmentcorestudiesandflewupthe

scale.”“Whatareyourduties

here?”Connorasked.Hallookedaway.“I

wishyouwereaclient.Iwouldfeelmorenaturaltalkingaboutthis.”

“LikeIsaid,I’mhereonrealmbusinessandIdon’tbite.”

“TwiceaweekIperformwiththemainvocalattractionsattheMelody

Auditoriumasabackupsinger.Here,withmyequipment,theladiesflocktomeasanescort.”Helaughed.“Myegocouldn’tbehealthier.Allinall,I’mhavingaballworkinghere.OnedayIhopetobecomeaheadlinerandtakeastarringrole.ButI’llneverstopworkingwiththeladies.”

“DoyoubelieveinGod?”

Hecockedhishead.“TheStatehasnobusinessknowingmypersonalbeliefs.”

“I’mcurious.”Hemoistenedhislips.

“Godcreatedandmovedon.WhateverHeorSheishasnothingtodowithhowIlivemylife.I’mcomposedofmatterandanunseenforce.I’llliveagainsomewhereatsomeothertime.That’swhat

Ibelieve.Iwon’tchangemyopinion.”

“Sohavingsexwithanyoneassignedgivesyounocauseforshame?”

“Shame?Why?Ihavefun.Theyhavefun.Noonegetshurt.It’saperfectworld.”

“WhatkindofGlobaltestingdidyouhaveforthisjob?”

“FortheEntertainment

CareerModule,businessmanagement,finance,organizationaldevelopment,andhumanresourcesandhumanbehavioralpsychology.Themusicalin-houseperformancesarebyaudition.”Hegrinned.“Forhealthpurposes,everyonehereisscreenedweeklyforSTD’s.Butwithtoday’smedicaladvances,therehasn’tbeenacaseinthis

centerinthepastsixyears.”Afternearlyanhour

withHalPerkins,Connorreleasedhimbacktohissupervisorandbroughtinthetinyblonde,whohadAphroditeradiancebeamingaroundher.

“Howoldareyou?”Connorasked.

“Twenty-three,”thegirlrepliedandslidontotheedgeofthebed.Atleastshe’dput

arobeontohidehernudity.“Andyourname.”“LexiLee.”“GlobalRealmname.”“LexiLee.It’stheonly

nameIgot.”Another“Hmm”

escapedhermouth.Lexi’suseoftheverbgotsaidhertestscoreswouldbelow.“HowlonghaveyoubeenhereatCA-19?”

“SincethedayIturned

sixteen.”Connor’sheadjolted

back.Thensherememberedtherealm’slegalageofconsentwassixteen.“WhatEducationalCoredidyoutake?”

Lexilookeddownatthefloor.“IonlypassedElementaryBasics.”

MyGod,thatwasthebeginninglevelchildrenagefivetooktoestablisha

baseline.“Andafterthat.”“Ma’am,IhaveanIQ

of74.Icleanedrooms.”Shegrinned.“Itesteachyear.IhopethestuffIlearnherewillhelpmelearntocook.”

“Didyouchoosetobeasexworker?”

“No.Thetestcentersaidthejobsasfruitpickersneededastrongerperson.Plus,theysaidmybodywassuitedforthiswork.SoItook

thisandjustkeptmymouthshut.Why?Didsomeonecomplain?”

Connor’sfaceburned.“Nocomplaints.Doyoulikewhatyoudo?”

“Yes.Whenpeoplelikeme,I’mhappy.Besides,cleaningtheroomsislonely.”Shegrinned.“HereI’mtouchedandappreciated.Ineedtobetouchedandappreciated.”

“Lexi,doyoubelieveinGod?”

Theyounglady’seyeswidened.“Yes.Italktohimeveryday.”

“WhoisGod?”Shelookedupandto

theleft,thengrinned.“Heistheonewhomadeeverything.Heislove.”

“Doeshehaveaname?”

Lexi’seyebrows

furrowed.“God.”“Wherewillyougo

whenyoudie?”“I’llgotoGodandask

him,‘What’snext?’”Lexisateyeswideandmouthopen,gazingatConnor.

Connorwarmedtothisinnocentgirl.“Ihopeyouneverchange.”

ShetookLexitothedoor.“Vargas,givemethefilesofeveryfemalesex

workerhere.Now!”Lexiturnedtoherand

said,“Don’ttakemeawayfromhere.Ican’tcleanroomsallmylife.”

“Idon’tmakethosedecisions.Sodon’tworry.”

Vargasalreadyhadseveralfilesinhishand.“Ianticipatedyourrequest.Globallawstates,‘Everycitizenmustperformworkofsometypeequaltotheir

abilityandattitude.’”“Howmanygirlshere

arelikeLexi?”sheaskedasLexihurriedofftowork.

“Oftheninety-twoatthisfacility,twenty-sevenarementallychallenged.”Vargassighed.“Youhavetounderstand.Thewaitinglisttoworkhereisbackloadedtwo-yearsout.SomeofthosewaitinghaveIQ’sofover130.”

“BringsomeoneworkingherewiththattypeIQ.”Shedidn’tthinkVargascould.Whatwouldanintelligentwomanwantinaplacelikethis?Thelinesofmenandwomenwaitingforappointmentsgrewbytheminute,aslateafternoonapproached.

“Fine.”HemovedclosetoConnorandwhispersothoseinlinecouldn’thear.

“Lexiisfortunatetohavethisjob,andsheisthebestofthebest.She’shappy.Theclientsarehappy,andthisisthebestmatchforheraccordingtoGlobalStandards.”

Vargasleftandreturnedwithatallbeauty.FromwhatConnorhadseen,onlythecreamofhumanphysicalsexualityworkedhere.Thisladyglidedingracefully,reachedoutherhand,and

said,“MynameisConnieIvaconni.”

HerwristsportedthreegoldbandsencircledwithpinkRealmemblems.Eachsayingthiswomanexcelledasaspecialistinthreefieldsofexpertise.Connordidn’taskwhich.

“CallmeConnor.”Shereplied.“Why...”

“WhyamIworkinghere?First,Ithriveonmale

attention.Second,I’llruntheWesternHemisphereEntertainmentcentersbythetimeI’mforty.Third,Everythingfunishere.Sports,you’vegotit.Classics,you’vegotit.Finefood...”

“Igetit.”ConnormotionedforConnietositdownandpulledupadeskchairtositacrossfromher.“Describeatypicaldayfor

me.”“Isleepin.Oneofthe

guysbringsmebreakfastaround10a.m.”ShepointedherfingeratConnor.“RapesundertheGlobalRealmarerare.Whydoyouthink?Exceptforonedayaweekoffandaweek’svacationayear,ourcitizenswork75%ofthetimeandsleeptheother25%.That’swhytimeoffisvitalforthem.Myjobisseeingto

ittheygetexactlywhattheywantandstayproductivecitizens.”

Loweringherbrow,Connorsaid,“Sticktomyquestion.I’mnotlookingforyoutodefendwhatyoudo.”

“Sixdaysaweek,Ientertainwalk-inclientsfromeleventofive,withtenminutesoffforlunch.Atfive,Ihookupwithanoff-dutyexecutiveclient,andwego

outabouttheCenterenjoyingthefestivities.Wereturnaboutmidnight,Heleavesabout3a.m.andIsleepuntilten.”

“Andyourseventhday?”

Thewomansmiledabroad,winningsmile.Alaughescapedherlips.“ItakethetransporttotheLosAngelesComplexandspendtimewithmymother.She’sa

nurseandwehaveourdaysofftogether.”

Vargasstuckhisheadinthedoor.“Yourcompany,particularlyyourbrotherisanxioustoleave.”

“I’llberightthere.”ConnorstoodandshookMs.Ivaconni’shand.“WhatdoyouthinkofthegirlslikeLexi?”

“Shehasthebestdealshecangetforherself.She’s

notbright,butshe’sgiving.Themenloveher,sowhat’stheharm?”

What’stheharm?“Doyoubelievein

God?”Connorasked,asConnieglidedtothedoor.

“Remember,theGlobalRealmdoesn’tforcereligiononitscitizens.”

“Justaquestion.”“Maybe.Havehim

comeovertomeetmeand

we’llhavealittlechat.”Withthat,shewentoutthedooranddisappearedintotheever-growingthrong.DisgustandenvyfilledConnor.She’stooperfect.

Chapter15Pendleton’ssweat

drippedfreelydownhisface.Thedamncomputerthrewscenarioafterscenarioathim.Edisonmixedamultitudeofsituationstogetherinvolvingpersonalissues,family,religiousconvictions,andworldcomplexities.Themachinedemandedthe

selectionofonlyonecourseofaction.Sixhoursnow,he’dstruggled.

“Time.”Amechanicalvoicespokeandthescreenfadedtoblack.

Allparticipantsstartedandendedatthesametime.Pendletonrosetoastandingpositionandalmostcollapsed.He’drarelybeenchallenged.Lessthanahandfulofcompetitorsever

scoredhighenoughtoforcehimtotakethetest.HisoriginalgradeonEdison,a99.4%logicallyaccurate,exceededallothertestscorespreviouslyrecordedby2.6%.Hewaitedforhisresulttopopuponthescreen.

Suchself-doubt.HeneversecondguessedhisdecisionsuntilMiltonpassedaway.Thentherewerethetremorsinhishands.Bloody

hell.EarlyParkinson’s.Opponentscouldnotknow.Hisscoreflashedonthescreen.Hedidadouble-take98.9%.Thesecondhighestscoreeverrecorded.Hischestpuffedout.I’mnotgoingdownwithoutafight,hethought.

Heemergedthroughthedoorandgingerlystrodeacrosstheroom.“Haven’tlostmyedge.Nosir.I’vestill

gotit.”Duartepointedatthe

70”screenshowingEdison’sfinaltallyoftheresults.ChillsrandownPendleton’sspineandhestoppedmid-stride.

“MyGod,”hegasped.“Thisisn’tpossible.”

HansVanMeerexitedfromhistestingarea.“Well,Ididn’tscorehighenoughtomaketheballot.Wow,will

youlookatthat.Iguessmy92%reallysucks.”HepokedPendletoninthearm.“Jollygoodshow,98.9%,OleBoy.”

“A92%isthefifthhighestscoreeverrecordedonthisexamuntiltoday,Mr.VanMeer.”Duarteshookhishand.“Overelevenhundredcitizenstookthisexamintheearlytestingstages.Youshouldbeproud.”

Pendletonslumpedinto

thenearestchair.“Ammadhasa99%.Chuihasa98.8%.Bytherules,thevarianceputsusinavirtualtie.”HowcouldAmmadhavescoredthatwell?

“Ammad’sadeviousbastard.”VanMeerpokedPendletonagain.“DeviousbastardsareacesatrulingtheRealm.Lookatyourself.You’reasdeviousastheycome.”

Duarteinterruptedwithawaveofhishand.“TheRealmhasonlysixdaystopreparetovote.I’llhavetonotifythepublicandinstructthemonhowtousethevotingapplicationontheiruniversalcommunicationsdevices.NoonehasvotedfortheFirstCitizenbefore.They’llbeconfused.”

“Whatever.”Pendletonfidgeted.He’dgonefrom

elatedtoglum.“WhenareConnorandGeorgearriving?”

“Withinthehour,”Duartereplied.“ShallIshowtheminwhentheyarrive?”

“Yes,pleasedo,”Pendletonsaid.“AnddraftnotestoChuiandAmmad,offeringthemmycongratulations.”

Duartestoppedandturned.“Areyouserious,

FirstCitizen?Ammadalmostforcedusintowar.”

“Myenemyornot,hisachievementisextraordinary.”

“Onemoment,”VanMeersaid.“Ratherthandoinganelaboratetutorialwiththem.Showthemrealtime.Developafewbasicpicturesoftheuniversalwatch,andtheycanfollowthestepswithyouonvotingday.”

Duartereflectedforamoment.“Iknowthisisn’tproperinaGlobalSociety,butIliketheideathateveryoneintheworldwillwatchme.”

Hepivotedonhisheelandstruttedoutoftheroom.

Withinthehour,thedoortothetestingfacilityopened.Hisdaughterandoldestsonrushedin.Beforetheycouldsitdown,

Pendletonaddressedthem.“You’veheardthenewsbynow.Therewillbeathree-manrunoff.I’mrequiredtogiveaonehouraddresstojustifywhyIshouldberetainedinpower.”HehuggedConnorandshookGeorge’shand.“I’mconflictedbytheentertainmentcenterissue.ShouldIkeepthemopenorclosethemifIcontinueas

FirstCitizen?Ammadwillcertainlyaddresstheissue.WhatdoIsay?”

Georgechuckled.“Well,they’requiteadilemma.AsaChristian,I’dneverhavecreatedthem.”Hepointedhisfingerandshookitathisfather.“Butyoudid.”

“Iregretthatdecision.”Pendletonletoutadeepwhooshofair.“Thebestadvisorsbelievedthe

populaceneededanoutletandtheRealmprovidedlittleexceptfortheCenters.”

“Probablytrue.”Georgepattedhisfather’sback.“Eightypercentofwhathappensthereisterrificentertainment.Twentypercentisdebase,thelowestformofhumandebauchery.It’sdepravedanddemeaning.SoIsaylet80%remainandclosethebloodyrotdown.”

Connorcollapsedontoachair.“Don’tpreachtoDad,BigBrother.Heneverwantedtobeamoralpoliceman.”

“Sotellhimyourtake,Sis.Don’tholdback.”GeorgetookaseatnexttoVanMeer,asfarfromhissisterashecouldgetforfearofrepercussions.

“IfyouwanttopleaseGod,youfollowGeorge’slead.”Sheinhaledadeep

breath.“Ifyouwanttowintheelectionandmakefriendsaroundtheworld,youkeepthecentersastheyare.”

Pendletonleanedforwardandmadeeyecontactwithher.“Whysayyouso?”

“Honestly,fromahumanviewpoint,youwereright25yearsagoandyoustillare.Youcan’tbeamoralpoliceman.FromGod’sviewpoint,Hewouldnever

agree.Youhavetochoose.”Lookingmorelikeher

mothereveryday,hethought—perky,bright,andpassionate.HowhemissedLovey.

“Ifeeldisdainfortheprostitutionandalcoholuse.”Connorlookedatthefloor.“Butthosewhotakepart,immoralthoughtheyarebyourstandards,willbecometroublemakerswithoutthose

outlets.Theworldpopulationwillbecomeunmanageable.Whatgoesonwithinthecenterswillspilloutonthestreets.”

Pendletonrosetohisfeet.“Ammadpositionedhimselfwell.Whenwediscoveredhisdeceit,heattacked.Hedestroyedenoughofourspace-basedtechnologytorenderacompletevictoryforeither

sideimpossible.Intheprocess,heruinedenoughofthecountrysidetoputfearanddoubtinpeople’sminds.Imustpointthatouttoawaitingworld.”

“Takefiveminutesdoingthat,”Georgesaid.“Therestofthetimedenouncewar,pointouttheachievementsofthepast25years,andoutlineaplantomoveforward.”

HesippedsomeGlobalnectarfromhisglass.“And,continuepreparationsforChristianevacuationincasewelose.”

Lose?Pendletonwastired.Notonlyphysically,butmentallyaswell.Hismindrespondedastepslowerthanithadinyearspast.

“Where’sHarry?”heasked,suddenlydesiringtohaveallhischildrenaround

him.“WithObi,”Connor

brooded.“They’remakingfinalpreparationsonthebiospheresforspaceflight.I’llprobablynevergetmorethanacoupleofdayswithhimatatimethewaythingsaregoing.”

“I’msorry,Honey.Ihopetheprojectshe’sworkingonwillturnouttobeunnecessary,”Pendletonsaid.

“ButIfeartheworst.WhenIsawmyscorepostedfromEdison,Iregainedstrength.Now,IseeIwasprematureincelebrating.”

“Ourquestionshouldbe.HowdidAmmaddosowell?”VanMeerchimedin.

“Yes.Howindeed.”

Chapter16Likefirefliesinthe

darkness,theshimmeringlightsaroundPeacockheldhergaze.“Pretty.”

She’dbecomeawareofhersurroundings.Timehadceasedtobeforher.She’dforgottentobreatheadayago.Hermindshutdownandsurrenderedtototaldarkness.

Deathispeaceful,shethought.Nowmyangelbringsmebacktolifelongenoughtocomfortme.

Thensheremembered.Yes.Sheactuallydiddie.Herbreathleftherandherspiritroseabovehercell.Peopletalkedaboutmovingtowardabrightlightandseeingfamilyandfriends.Butforher,shewatchedherselflyingdeadonthefloorofthecell,andthen

nothing.Thatis,untilnow.“It’stimetogo.”The

lightgrew,andshecouldmakeoutherangel’sshapeinthefarcornerofhercell.

“Areyoutakingmetoheaven?I’mready.”

Abubblingspring-likelaughterfilledherearsandinitthewords“Notyet,butsoon,”spoketohermind.

“WhydidIseemdeaduntilyourousedme?”she

asked,andknewtheanswerwithoutaresponse.“Ididdie.Didn’tI?”

Hesmiled.“Godhasapurposeforyou,andyouwillnotgotoheavenuntilyoufulfillit.”

“Leadon.”Shefoundherselfonherfeetmovingthroughthesoliddoorofhercell,adoorboltedfromtheoutsideandfartooheavyforhertomove.Shefeltnopain,

andwhenshelookeddown,acleanpairofjeansandawhiteshirtcoveredher.Tennisshoesadornedherfeet.Shestoppedandranherhandsdownherbody.Theskeletalwraithhadvanished,andshewashealthyandwhole.

UpthestairsshewalkedtotheupperlevelofCellBlock42.Aguardsloucheddownbytheexitdoor.

Anotherstrolledalongthehallway.Theangelledherpastthemwithouttheirnoticing,andoutshewentintothefreshair.Sheinhaledacomfortablebreathandturnedtoherguardian.“Whereto,kindSir?”

“Toameeting,thatwillhappeninaweek.Untilthen,goodnight.”

Avoicecalledtoherfromwhatseemedlightyears

away.“We’rewaiting,Donna.”

“Mother?”Noonehadcalledher

Donnainthelastthirty-threeyears.Hermindfellintoadeepsleepandnothingdisturbedher.

#Pendletonwatched

PopePeterwalkunassistedupthestairstohisprivatequartersintheRome

Complex.Aidestriedtohelphim,buthe’dshoothemawaywiththewaveofhishand.Sharpinmind,quietinmanner,Peterwasafriend,notareligiousfigure.HeextendedhishandtoPendletonsaying,“Congratulationsonyourtestscoreandgoodluckwiththevote.Luckily,noonedaresvotemeoutofoffice.”

“We’veprepared

ChristianleadersworldwideforeithertheraptureofTheChurchortheirescapebyshuttlelaunchestothebiospheres.”Pendletonshookhishead.“ThepressI’mhearingsaysyouandIreceivedstrongapproval.Afewscoffers,butnoonethoughtwewereweird.”

“Whatdoesitmatterwhatscoffersthink?IfGodisinthis,Hewilljudgethem.”

Petersighed.“Mystaffwillstaytoleadwhateverresistancewecanmuster.Idohaveseveralnon-clergywhoI’veencouragedtogo.Besureyourpeopletakegoodcareofthem.”

“Certainly,Iwill.”PendletonenteredthePope’squartersandedgedintoaleatherarmchair,simpleinstyleandcolor.“Keepingthislowkeyhasbeenstressful.

Luckily,Ammadisbusypreparingtodefeatmeintheelectionandnottryingtoblowupspacetransports.”

PopePetergruntedasheloweredhimselfontohiswing-backedchair.“Arthritis,”hesaid,“aneasierconditiontokeepsecretthanyourplantoevacuatetheChristianpopulation.”

“Probablyso.”Nothingwaseasy

anymore.Whatwouldthepopulacedo—riot,refusetogo,comply?Maybetherewouldn’tbeaneed.Laverna’spreviousvisionscametrue.So,maybethepeoplewouldbetakentoheavenbeforeanyevacuationwasnecessary.

“Ican’tworryaboutanyone’sreactiontoourplans.IcanonlydowhatGodsaid.”

“Awisedecision.”ThePopegrinned.“Youtrulyarehelplesswhenitcomestooutcomes.Allyoucandoiswhatyou’retold.That’showGodworks.”Peterleanedforward.“MysourcessayAmmadisholdingameetingwiththeIsraelis.He’spresentingthemwithaplantorebuildtheirtemple.Soundlikesomethingyou’veheardbefore.Huh?Likeinthe

BookofDaniel?”#

AmmadpeeredoutthewindowofhistransportasitspedtowardtheTelAvivComplex.Thetemperatureexceeded120degreesFahrenheit.Notasoulcouldbeseenoutsidealongtheroad.TheJewishComplexeshoused99.4%ofthenativeJewishpopulation.Onlyafewnomadsrefusedshelter

undertheGlobalRealm.TheTelAvivComplex

lookedlikeaStarofDavidfromEarthOrbit.ApartofhimadmiredthesplendorofthetowersateachpointoftheStar.TheGlobalRealmemblemgracedthemainentrance,atwo-headedeagleetchedingoldandblack.Asacompromise,theformeremblemofIsraelemblazonedinblueandwhitewas

encasedwithintheRealm’semblem.

AnotherpartofAmmadtrembledinanticipationofthecomingmeeting.HisplantounifytheSonsofAbrahamandtheirancientPersianconquerorsmightbetheverymoveneededtowintheelection,nowonlytwodaysaway.AshisentourageenteredTelAviv,theyweremetbyRabbiLevinsonofthe

GreaterSanhedrinfromtheTiberiusComplex.

“WelcomeChairmanal-Sistani.”RabbiThomasLevinson,eighty-twoyearsoldandstillafigureofgoodhealth,greetedAmmad.“WespeakfortheGreaterSanhedrinandhenceforthetrueSonsofAbraham,Isaac,andJacob.Wewishtopreserveourheritageandrebuildourholysites,

especiallytheTempleMount.ThankGoditstillstands.”

“IbringyougreetingsfromtheSonsofIshmael,Esau,andKourosh.”Ammadanswered.“ArabsandPersiansalike.Allasyou.ChildrenoftheBook.”

BehindLevinsonstoodsixty-nineotherrabbisallfromTiberiusofGalilee.Anxioustorebuildtheirtempleandbringbacktheold

religiontoitsformergreatness,AmmadsawthesefoolsasthemeanstowincontrolovertheentireMiddleEastvote.

AbroadsmileformedonLevinson’sface.“Wegreetthemaswell.Letusmovetoamoresecurelocationanddiscusshowaunionmightbepossible.Rememberwehaveareputationfornegotiatinga

lotofextras.”Heshrugged.“We’rerustyinthisGlobalRealm.NoroomtoGentileanyoneoutoftheirmoney.Thereisn’tanymoney.”

Levinson’scommentamusedAmmad.Truly,themanwasanidiot.HeandhisdelegationfollowedtheGreaterSanhedrinintothecomplextoareservedmeetingroom.Thesignoutsidesaid,Welcome

PacificationoftheNon-CitizenWorldCommittee.Agoodwaytohidethetruepurposeofthemeeting,Ammadthought.

StrangetoseesomanyMuslimsinsideaJewishComplex.Theaveragecitizenmighthavesuspicions.Themeetingroomdividedintothreesections,Levinsonandthreeofhistoppeoplesatonthefarsideofarectangular

conferencetable.AmmadandAkbarisatontheotherside.BehindLevinson,therestoftheSanhedrinfiledintochairs.ThefiveremainingmembersofAmmad’sdelegationsatinarowofchairsbehindhim.Ateachcorner,alegalsecretarywasseatedtorecordtheproceedings.

“Whatismostimportanttoyou,Rabbi

Levinson?”Akbariasked.“Thatourtemplebe

rebuiltandthatwemaypracticeourfaithintheplaceofitsbirth.”LevinsonpointedafingeratAmmad.“Areyouamanofpeace?Or,areyoualiar?”

“Whatmanisn’taliar?ThequestionisamIlyingnow?Theanswerisno.”

“Letmebeblunt.”Levinsonpoundedthetable.

“Eitheryou’reusingustogainpower,onlytobetrayus.Or,you’reusingustoconvinceyourfollowersyouarethegreatpeacemaker.ConvincemeI’mwrong.”

Ammad’sinsidesboiledatthesestatements,buthemanagedacontritesmileandresponded.“Iunderstandyourdistrust.Millenniumsofstrifebetweenourpeopleareembeddedinourgenes.I

offerpeace.IfIwintheelection,youcanreceivethego-aheadtorebuiltHerod’stempleusingtheremainingwallasananchorpoint.”

Akbarireachedintoasuitcasehe’dplaceunderthetable.HepulledouttencopiesofapeaceproposalalreadysignedbyhimselfandAmmad.Ammadwatchedtheeyesofhisadversariesscouringthedocument.

They’llaskfortime,butthey’reintrigued.

Levinsonandtwoofhisadvisorslookedoverthepapersandconsultedtogether.ThenLevinsonsaid,“Giveusuntilaftertheelectiontoreadthefineprint.”Levinsonneatlyreassembledthepapershehadrearrangedwhilereadingthem.“YouagreethattheJerusalemComplexwillbea

freezoneavailabletotheJewsaswellastheMuslims?Nopreferentialtreatment.”

“Withnootherreligionshavingentrance,”Ammadsaid.“Whenyoureadcloser,you’lldiscoverthisistrueforallremainingholysitesofourpeopleworldwide.”NowAmmadpointedafingerbackatLevinson.“Signingtheagreementisaformality.Iwanttoleavehereknowing

wehaveone.Soyouhaveuntiltomorrowmorningatnineo’clock.Igivemyaddresstotheworldthen,andwhatIsaywilldependonyouragreement.”

Levinsonroseabruptly.“Thenwehavenotimetositheretalking.You’llhaveyouranswerbyeighto’clock.”Hewavedtoasecuritydetailinthebackofthemeetingroom.“MarshallPerezwillseeyou

andyourdelegatetoyourquarters.”

“Iwanttomorrow’sbroadcasttobewellattended.”

“I’llseetothat,andwe’llbroadcastfromtheTelAvivGlobalEventCenter.It’sRomanesque.”

Ammadnodded.“Howdelightfullytomyliking.”

#Theleaderofthe

TeheranComplexandtheOrganizationofPersian’sforIslamgruntedaudiblyoverthephone.“Onfacevalue,yourpactwiththeIsraelislookslikewe’regivingintotheirdemands.HowdoIsellthis?”

“Areyouuncomfortable,Sadaam?”Ammadasked.“Letmeputthisinperspectiveforyou.IwilldefeatPendleton.Iwill

destroyChui.Butwemustspeakofpeacefirst.Icanreplaceyouwhenthisisover.Oryoucansellthisprogram.Say,‘TrustAmmad.Thinklong-term.OnedaytheJewswillbowtohimwithouthesitation.’”

Ammadrelishedthefearfulsilence.Init,hecouldfeelthesweatrunningdownSadaam’sface.“Iunderstand.”

Hisraspyvoiceattemptedtohidehisterror.

“I’llhaveAkbariprayforyouinperson,”Ammadwhispered.ThatstatementaloneshouldsealSadaam’sloyalty,hethought.

“Notnecessary.I’mawillingservant.”

“Imadethemthisofferyesterday,andI’mgivingmyspeechsoon.So,thatisouroffer.”Ammadlickedhis

lips.Challengestohisauthorityirkedhim.Theseidiotsdidn’tunderstandthebigpicture.“Restassured,afewyearsfromnow,thepact’smeritwillbefullyunderstood.”

Hehungup.HavingAkbaripreyuponyou—toohorribletocomprehend.Aknockatthedoordisruptedhisthoughts.“Yes.”

“Theirdelegation’s

waiting.”Apause.“Levinsonmadetwocorrections.”

Onlytwo?TheyweremoreeagertoagreethanAmmadanticipated.“I’mcoming.”

Heglancedinthegold-framedbathroommirroronelasttime.HairwornperShiastandards.Dressedinwhitefromheadtofoot,headmiredhisimageinthemirror.

Akbari’svoicecutoff

hisself-adulation.“Coming?”Throughthedoorway

hewent,thenlosthisbreathforaninstant.AtashAkbari,hisgreenrobesdrapingoverhisoutstretchedarms,embracedhismasterwithabearhug.“Givethemthespeechofyourlife,Allah’sChosenOne.”

OnAkbari’srobes,everysymbolofIslam,thestarandcrescentmoonin

emeraldandingoldandthenameofAllahwritteninFarsi,gavehimtheappearanceofanancientMagi,withpowersbehindtheKing.

“Followme,”hesaidtoAmmadandbowedlow.

“Leadon.”Ashewalkedbehind

hismentor,AmmadwonderedatAkbari’sopenrevelation.“Isittoosoonto

announceme?”“Tothewholeworld,

yes.Tothewiseamongourfollowers,no.”Akbarididn’tmissastride.Hiswordsrangclearinthehallways.“Yourappearancealonesayswhoyouare.”

IntotheconferenceroomstrodeAmmad.Levinsonandhisdelegation,alreadyseated,rosetogreethim.

“Welcome,Chairman,”Levinsonsaid.

“Let’sgetdowntobusiness.I’mscheduledtogivemyaddressintwohours,andIhopetohavegoodnews.”

Ammadscannedthefacesintheroom.ZealousJewsworetheirvotesintheireyes.OfTheSeventy,themajoritygatheredfavoredLevinson’sposition.Buta

smallgroupoftwelvestonefacedmen,Hasidicinbackground,satawayfromtheothers,eyesscowlingatAmmadasheapproached.

Oneclearedhisthroatandsaid,“Iwillnotagreetothis,unlesstheconstructionbeginsimmediately,groundsareclearedandthefoundationputin.”

“Asashowofgoodfaith?”Ammadasked.

“Youmightsayso,”hesaid.

“YouknowwhattheysayabouttheChildrenofAbraham,”Akbarisaid.

Asilencefollowed.Finallythemansaid,“Whatdotheysay?”

“Thatyouhavebignosesbecauseairisfree.”

Raucouslaughterfollowed.

OnedayI’llmakethis

manpayforhisinsolence,Ammadthought,butnottoday.“Youhavemyword.ThemomentIbecomeFirstCitizen.Iwillsigntheordertobreakground.”

“RabbiShamir,”Levinsonsaid,hisfacestillreddenedfromtheman’soutburst.“Ihavethevotestosignthisagreementwithoutyourdemands.”

Ammadseizedthe

opportunitytofeignpeacefulintensions.“Peace,brothers.”Hesighedasiftheirdisputepainedhim.“WeareallbullheadedwesonsofShem—you,theoffspringofArphaxad,andwetheoffspringofAram.OnethingPendletondidtouniteuswastodestroyourkeyholyplaces.Heshowedhisdisdainforbothourbeliefs.Whenhecouldnotsettledisputes

betweenus,Isettledthem,andnotallinfavorofMuslimgroups.Tohavepeacewemusthavetrust.Tellmeyourdemands.”

TheHasidicacquiesced.Levinsonspokewithhis

handspalmupasoneacceptingagift.“Wehaveahandcarvedcornerstone.MosesLawdemandsthis.Weaskthatstonebethefirststonelain.And…”ahushfell

ontheIsraelidelegation.Ammadwaited,keeping

anevencountenance.“Jerusalem,and

particularlyEastJerusalem,mustnotbelongtoanypeople.ItmustbeTheLord’sCity.”

Levinsonswallowedandsatquietly.Thetremorinhishandsshowedhedidn’tbelieveAmmadwouldagree.

Ammadlaughedso

loudhisvoiceechoedaroundhim.“After25yearsofunsettledpeace,theseareallyourdemands?”

Hetossedamapontothetable.Levinsonandhiscounselorsreviewedit.TheHasidicshoveredoverit.

“Wedon’tunderstandthecircleswithincircles.Theyoverlapthewholeeasternsidefromnorthtosouth.”

“FromHerod’sGatetotheDungGateandeastwardshallbeGod’sState.”Ammadrosetohisfullheight,toweringovertheassembly.“Howyouexplainthistoyourpeopleisuptoyou.GodwillshowHimselfoneday.IftheGodoftheHebrewsshowsup,IwillpersonallysubmittoHim.IfAllahthroughhisprophetshowsup,youwillsubmit

yourselves.Untilthen,GodaswebelieveinHimshallrule,eitherintheTempleorintheDomeoftheRock.AstothecomplexofJerusalem,TheGlobalRealmshallprovideforitscitizensinafreezone.”

“Letmehearyourvote,onebyone,”Levinsonsaid.

AkbaricountedthevotesasLevinsonpolledhisdelegation.OfTheSeventy,

allbutthreevotedinfavor.ThethreeHasidicmen,beardstrimmed,hairbraided,andwearingblackdresses,declaredasone,“NevershallweagreetoequalitywithanIranian.”

“ThenIstripyouofyourpositionintheSanhedrin!”Levinsonscowled.

“Weresign.”Theywereoutofthemeetingroomin

lessthanaminute.“Jews,”Levinson

quipped.“Youcan’tfirethem.”

AmmadhandedapentoLevinson.“Yousignfirst.IhaveaRealmphotographerhereforsuchatime.”Hewaiteduntilallhadsigned,thentookthepenandsignedhisname.“Thisdaywillchangethehistoryofourpeople.”

Heflashedahugesmileandthephotographersnappedphotos.Asurgeofenergyranthroughhim.Hestoodandshookhandswitheachsignersaying,“PeacebetweentheSonsofShem,”untilAkbaritappedhimontheshoulder.“Yourbroadcastisinfifteenminutes.”

Chapter17AsFirstCitizen,

Pendletonwouldspeaktotheworldlast.Hescrutinizedhisnotesagain.Thebrightestmindsintheworldpreparedthetalkingpointsforhim.Buttheseweren’tthewordshewishedtosay.Hescribbledaone-pagelistofkeypointsandslumped

forward,handspressedagainsthisforehead.Theloveofhisachievementshadblindedhimtotherealityofdeception.He’dbaskedintheadulationofhisowncircleoffriendsandignoredhiscritics.SohehadtoaccepthisfailureandrelyonGod.Rulingasinfulworldwasanimpossiblejob.

RegionalGovernorChuiwrappeduphisspeech

infortyminutes.HespokeinEnglish,translatedintoMandarinforthosewhoseprimarylanguagewasChinese.Wellliked,polite,ChuiextolledPendleton’svirtues,pointingoutthehugeaccomplishmentsofmankindin25yearsbyworkingasateam.HepraisedtheFirstCitizen’sroleinabolishingmoneyandcleaninguptheoceansandtheair.

ChuidefendedhisowncapabilitiesandthesuccesseswithinhisRegion,whichledtheworldinalmosteverymeasurablecategory.HenevermentionedAmmad.Buthisclosingstatementthrewaknifedirectlyathim.“ArthurPendletonkeepshisword.Hedidwhathesaidhe’ddo.Buthistimeisatanend.Ifhewins,Iwillcontinuemysupportofhim.

Butdonotbemisledbyflowerywordsandpromises.Donotbeswayedbyfalsestatementsandpipedreamstoogoodtobetrue.Relyonyourintellectwhenyouvote,notyouremotions.”

DressedinhisgoldandblackGlobalRealmuniform,ChuiwavedatthecameraandthefeedfromtheBeijingComplexceased.

“ScorefromEdison,”

PendletonwhisperedtoVanMeer.

VanMeerraisedahand.“Onemoment.”Thenhiseyebrowsfurrowed.“Ninety-twopercenteffective.Thebestsinceyourspeechintwelveyearsago.Infactthebestratingever.”

“Let’shopethepeopledon’tthinklikecomputers,”Pendletonsaid.

Thefeedconnectedin

fromtheTelAvivComplex,andAmmadal-Sistaniappeared.Relaxed,self-confident,hespokewordsofcomfortandpeace.Inthefirstfifteenminutes,heusedthewordreconciliationeighttimes.“IforgiveArthurPendletonandGlobalRealmpersonnelfortheirattackonMuslimSpaceComplexes,”hesaid.“Andapologizeforanyunintendeddamagein

response.”“PopePeterisonthe

lineforyou,”Duartecalledfromthedoorway.

VanMeerhandedPendletonhiscell.

“Yes.”“TheDevilspeaksof

peacewiththeJews.Listentothetone.Hiswordsaresweetashoney,butlacedwitharsenic.Hehasn’tmentionedyouexcepttoalludethatit

wasyouwhoseattackskilledpeoplewhenthealtercationoccurred.He’sspeakingtoonlyMuslimsandJews.Itisasthoughtherestoftheworlddoesn’texist.”

“He’sgettingtous.ButI’mnotsurewhathe’llsay.”

HeheardPetersigh.“Nothinggood.Preparetofleeifyoulose,mydearfriend.AndmayGodhavemercyuponusall.”

Ammadwenton,“IhaveamessageformyChristiancitizens.Thehourofdecisionisuponyou.LifeintheGlobalRealmwillnotchangeundermyrule.Theonlyexceptionwillbeemphasisonfindingcommonagreementinourfaiths,astheJewsandIhavearrivedat.”

Thecamerasroseabit,showingAkbariinhisgreenrobes,armsstretchedwidein

awelcomingpose.“Together,theSonsof

Shemwillworkforacommonpurpose,evenrebuildingtheTempleinJerusalem.”AmmadmatchedAkbari’spose.“WeextendthesameofferingofpeacetoourChristianbrothersoftheBook.IpersonallywilltakeupresidenceinRomeandallowforthereopeningoftheVaticanasaseparateStateas

tosovereignty.RomewillbeasJerusalemwillbe.RuledbyGod.TheGodwhoshowsHimselftrueshallbeadoredinboth.”

AsAmmadwasclosing,thecamerasrolledinforaclose-up.Heclaspedhishandstogether.Hiseyeswerethecenteroffocus.“OurFirstCitizenhaslongdebatedtheclosingoftheentertainmentcenters,atleastthepleasure

houses.He’stoldmeanumberoftimeshedoesn’twanttobeamoralpoliceman.”

“Thebastard!”VanMeeryelled.Pendletonraisedahandtosilencehim.

“Ifearhe,likemanyChristians,hasaskewedviewofwhyGodcreatedsex.”Ammadsmiled.“WhathappenedwhenthetribeofBenjaminwascloseto

extinction?Howwerewomentreated?DuringtheCrusades,didn’ttheChristianarmiesrapeandplunder?Goddidnotwishforwomentobetreatedso.”

“Whereishegoing?”VanMeerasked.

Pendletonshookhishead.

“Hereisafact,whentheblessedprophetisrevealed.Hewillcreate

Jannah,orHeaven,onearth.BelieversinJannahmayhavetheirheart’sdesire,bothmenandwomen.SexisoneofthegreatestofGod’sgiftsforboth.Itisnottobewithheld.”AmmadmotionedtoAkbari,whonoddedapproval.“ThisiswhyMohammedagreedtoMut’a,thetemporarymarriage.Hiswarriorshadnowifewiththemduringtheholywar.Inhismercy,the

Prophetallowedthemtomarryawoman(temporarily)bygivingheragarment.Mut’aasapracticeexiststoday.Ifamanandawomanagreetomarrytemporarily,andsheacceptshisgiftwithoutquestions.Theyaremarrieduntiltheyagreetoseparate."

Hepointedhisfingerandwaggedit.“Entertainmentcenters

achievethissamepurpose.MayAllahblessyou.”

Thefeedcut.EvenPendletonsatmesmerized.Soeloquentandreassuring,themanofferedeverythingwithoutreallyofferinganything.Nospecificsexceptthepromiseoftherestorationoftheprimaryreligioussitestotheirformergloryandkeepingtheentertainmentcentersopen.Notaspeech

anyoneonhisstaffhadexpected.Hewonderedhowhewouldsoundspeakingaftersuchanorator.“HowdidEdisonratehim?”

VanMeershookhisheadashestaredatthescreen.“EdisonsaysAmmad’sspeechwasnotmeasurable.Hisvoicetonesdidnotemotionallytranslate.”

“What?”

Pendletonshuddered.Hetriedtohidehisshakinghand.HehadnogaugetomeasureAmmad’seffectiveness,plusthespeechgavehimnothingtocombat,excepttheentertainmentcentersandtheattackonMuslimsites.Ifhedeniedthespecificsoftheattack,he’dsounddefensive,andhewouldbe.

“You’reoninfive

minutes,FirstCitizen.”God.Givemeyour

words,notmine.Healmostchuckled

aloud.Inhismostdirehour,hereachedouttotheAlmighty.Whyhadhenotdonethisbefore?Hisownpride.CallingonHimmeantlosingcontrol.PendletonfiguredhewouldonlyaskGodforafavorwhenallseemedhopelessandsaveHis

Sovereignthetroubleofbailinghimout.Hethrewawayhispreparedspeech.Timeforfaith.Hisproblem—hehadmoreheadknowledgethanfaith.

PendletontookhispositionatthepodiumoftheGlobalRealm,goldandblackoutfit—goldandblackpodium.Heinhaledalongbreathofair.Thecountstarteddownastheredlight

flashed,5,4,3,2,1.Thegreenlightcameon.Pendletonmoistenedhislipsandsaid.“Asofthismoment,IamnolongerFirstCitizen.IamcandidateArthurPendleton.Icouldspeakforalongtimeaboutouraccomplishmentsoverthepasttwenty-fiveyears.Buteachofyouhasyourownopinion.”

Manyoldenemieswere

dead.Manyoldfriendsaswell.Hestoodforamomentwonderingwheretheywerekeepinghiswife.Hecouldalwayslooktoherforreassurance.NoLovey,noMilton,noMum,onlyhimselfandGod.“Mydaughtertellsmetheentertainmentscentersservearealisticpurposeandshouldremain.However,Iregretallowingthem,becauseGod

dislikestheactsthatgoonwithinthem.IfyouretainmeasFirstCitizen,Iwillclosethesexparlors.Therestoftheentertainmentcanremain.”

Hemayhavedestroyedhishopeofreelectionbythatstatement.ButGodtoldtheIsraelitestoteardownthepaganaltars.TheydisobeyedandsufferedHiswrath.Pendletonwipedhis

forehead.HethoughtaboutmakinghispleaforChristianstoprepareforChrist’sreturn.Butcouldn’tspeakthewords.Instead,hesaid.“We,ashumanity,willneveragreeonreligion.SoIwillnotmakeitanissue.Believewhatyouwill.IfyouarehappywiththewaytheGlobalRealmisrun,keepmeinpower.Ifnot,chooseDirectorChui.I’mcomfortablewithhiminthe

job.”Pendletoncalledfora

closeup.“AsforAmmadal-Sistani,whenhislipsaremovingheislying.NeitherDirectorChuinorIwilllietoyou.Thankyou.Godblessyouall.”

VanMeer’smouthdroppedopen.Duarte,whowasnearthedoor,hurriedtoPendleton’ssideasthegreenlightwentoutendingthe

broadcast.Hewipedhismentor’sforeheadandsmiled.“Well,nowthepeoplewillvote.”

“Allthatpreparation,”VanMeershouted,faceredandsweaty.“Whydidyoubothertoappearatall?YoupracticallytoldpeopletovoteforChuiinsteadofyou.”

“Edisongavehiman85%.”Duartesaid,pointingatthescreen.

“I’msurprisedhedidthatwell.”VanMeerwaddedupPendleton’spreparedspeechandflungitacrosstheroom.“Toolatetochangethingsnow.”

“Godtoldmewhattosay,andIsaidit.”Pendletonrushedtothedoorandleft.“I’mgoingtoreachouttomykids.”

Ashewent,VanMeercalledtohim.“Atleastyou

landedapunchonAmmad’sjaw.I’llsaythatforyou.”

Pendletondashedacrossthehalltotheloo,wentin,slammedthedoortotheneareststall,andsatdownwithhishandscradlinghishead.Hislife’sworkflashedthroughhismind.Millionsdead.TheEarthfailing.MiscalculatingAmmad’sintentions.HisLoveymightbedead.Hisdaughter

opposedhisdecisions.OnlyGeorge,Harry,Hans,andDuarteremainedonhisteam,andHanswaspissedathim.

God.WhatdoIdo?Repent!Pendletonchokedmid-

breath.Thesoundofamightyvoiceranginhismind.Hewantedtorun,buttherewasnowheretogo.Confinedandhelpless,hislipstrembledandstreamsoftearsfloweddown

hischeeks.“I...”Silence.Pendletongaspedfor

air.“Youareavaporbut

forMe.DidInotknowyoubeforethecreationoftheworld?”

He’dheardthatallhislife.GodkneweverythingManwoulddoandcreatedhimanyway.

“YoucannotknowMy

plans.Yourplanswillfail.Nowspeak.Besincereinwhatyousay.”

“ForgivethesinfulmanIam.”

Thevoiceheheardsoftenedtothatofafatherspeakingtohisson.

“Alreadydone.Iforgiveyourdeedsandwillsaveyoursoul.Consequencesareadifferentmatter.Icannotinterferewithwhatisalready

inmotion.”“Tellmewhattodo?”“Yourreignisover.Go

toRome.”Achillrolledover

Pendleton.Heunderstood.Withoutsayingthewords,Godtoldhimtogo.Hewoulddoonlythat—seeknoadvice—tellonlyDuarte.Asherose,hesnickered.Thesnickerbecameanoutrightlaugh.LeaveittoGodto

speaktohimonthepotintheloo.Heavenmustbeawonderfulplace.

Chapter18“Whereismyfather?”

Connortappedherfoot,abadhabit.Shegaveabitchyimpressionwhenshedidit,butdidn’tcare.“Hewassupposedtocallusafterhisspeech,ifyoucouldcallitthat.”

“I’llhaveZiebachlookintoit.”HansVanMeer’s

raspingirritatedher.“Heleftthreehoursago,sayinghewasgettingintouchwithyouguys.Hasn’the?”

“No,”Shewantedtoscreamathim.Shewouldn’tbecallinghimifherdadhadcalledfirst.“Fine.Takecareofyourself,Hans.ReadyourBibleandrethinkyourpositiononGod.Asofrightnow,you’reonyourown,asamI.”

Connordisconnectedandturnedtoherbrother,George.“Howdowegetthepeopletothetransportsorthetransportstothepeople?”

“I’vealreadydispatchedthebiospheresviaallpossiblemeans.YourhusbandisinchargeofsixteenunitsbeingrelocatedtositesintheAmericas.HarrycontrolsnineteenunitsheadingforcitiesinAustralia,Africa,

Europe,andAsia.”Hesmirked.“Oncethebiospheresarelaunchedanddockwiththeirmotherships,shuttlecraftswilltransportcitizensintospacetojointhem.Whowillactuallyshowuptoboardthem?OnlyGodknows.”

Maybefivemillionpluscouldleave.Notnearlyenoughtosavethoseleftbehindfromthewrath

Ammadwillbringuponthem.“Father’sdisappeared.”

Georgepaledandshruggedhisresignation.“Eventsareonthemove.Thepeoplewillvote,andwe’lldoourduty.Youhavetogivehimcredit.HecalledAmmadoutforwhoheis.”

Headaching,stomachinknots,ConnorkickedaVapo-Wastetrashcanandsentitflyingagainstthewall

ofherbrother’sLondonlaboratory.Thethudandsubsequentrattlingechoedthroughout.Atechniciancasuallyretrieveditunharmed,tossedareamofpaperintoit,andwatchedthepapervanish.

“I’llbechuggingalong.”HewalkedawaywithabriskCitizenoftheRealmstepinhisgait.

Theworldwasaboutto

collapse,yetthecommoncitizenrytooklittlenotice.Programmedtothecomfortofpredictability,theydidn’tfindachangeinFirstCitizentobedistressing.

Withonlyfivehourslefttothevote,Connorhadn’theardonecommentfromanexecutiveoraworkerastoafavorite.Whatwouldbewouldbe.Herfatherachievedhisdream,an

efficientworldwithoutwar.ThesterileatmosphereoftheRealmmadethelifeofthenormalcitizen—well,boringatbest.Yetthoseengagedinfascinatingprofessionsfoundthefreedomtopushtheedgesofpossibility,whilethecommoncitizenlivedfortheentertainmentcentersandanescapefromthedrudgeryofnormallife.

BeingaPendleton

meantexcellingateverything.Althoughneverpushedbyherparents,shepushedherselftoupholdthefamilylegacyofexcellenceineverythingshetouched.GeorgeandHarrydidn’toutwardlysharethesameurge.Buttheydidyearnfortheknowledgetobethebestintheirrespectivefields.Thefactthattheywerementookacertainpressureoffthem.

PerhapsbecausethetopRealmofficialsconsideredhermotherthe#1contributor,shefelttheextrapressure,andhermotherofferedherallthehelpnecessary,smilingandencouragingherthroughout.

“Whatareyoudaydreamingabout?’Georgetouchedhissister’sshoulder.“Wecan’treachourfather.Wedon’tknowwhere

Motheris.Butwedohaveduty.RightnowourdutyistoGodandeveryChristianonthisplanet.”

“I’mcommittedtoprotectingtheExecutivelevel.”Shepursedherlipsandlookedaway.

“Whichexecutivelevel?”Heturnedherandraisedherhead.“YourpeoplewillnotprotectAmmadorChui.Theyareinplacefor

threatsagainsttheexistingleadership.Soforgetyourearthlyobligationsandconcentrateonthosethatbringrewardsinheaven.”

Acidstungherthroat.Obviously,herfather’ssecurityteamobeyedhisordersbeforeconsideringhers.Theydidn’tanswerherqueriesabouthiswhereabouts.Adeepbreathandasighofresignation

answeredherbrother.“Good,”Georgesaid.“I

needyouwithmeattheimplementationofourevacuationplan.We’releavinginsixdays.”

#“ManySunniswere

angeredbyyourstatements.”AkbaripacedtheboardroominTelAviv,withAmmadseatedeatinganorange.

“Yes.Yes.”Sunniswill

neverbesatisfied.“Radicalsalsodespiseme.AskmeifIcare.”

“Toolateonewayortheother.”

“You’veprayedandmeditatedontheelection.”Ammadwipedhishandsandstood.“Whatvisionshaveyoureceived?”

“Youwillwin,butwarwillcomeinthefuture.”

“FromChui,yes.We’ll

prepareforthatwhenthetimecomes.”

“Ifwehavetime.”Ammadlaughed.

“Don’tbeanaysayer.”#

StanKaplanadjustedhismicrophone.HehadbecomeVanMeer’sfacetotheworldsinceheaidedtheRealmintheearlymonthsafterthedestructionoftheUnitedNationsBuilding.

Stanrelishedthedramaofa24-hourvote.AfterDuarteexplainedthemechanics,theworldwouldonlyseehisfaceandhearhisvoice.Atseventy-one,Kaplan’senergylevelandspiritedvoiceearnedtheloveofbillionsaroundtheglobe.

“Greetingcitizens.”Hesmiledintothecamera.“TodaymarksamilestoneinGlobalRealmhistory.This

electionisafirst.Itsetstheguidelineforalltofollow.Everycandidatehascommittedtoapeacefultransitionofpower.”

Peaceful?Hmm.Kaplandidn’tholdmuchfaithinthatoutcome.Ascompartmentalizedastheworldwas,onlytheelite,thirtyorsoindividuals,knewtheinfightingandposturinggoingonwithintheirranks.

Kaplanunderstoodfullwellthereligiousdivideandfanaticalfactionsvyingtowinthiselection.HealsoknewofthepreparationsforlaunchingtheMarsColonizationProject.HehighlydoubtedthemissionwasreallytocolonizeMars.

“StartingattheInternationalDateLine,”Kaplansaid.“Voterswillregistertheirvoteswhentheir

timezonestandsatnoon.Eachcitizenwillhaveonehourinwhichtovote.”Hegrinnedandadded.“Thereisnopossibilityofcheating.Onceyouenteryourvote,yourconnectionwillceasetoexist.Edison,ourmastercomputerwillkeepanongoingtally,butwillnotrevealthevoteuntilalltimezoneshavebeencounted.”Hisheadtilted.“Twenty-four

hoursandsevenmicrosecondsfromthestartingpoint.Amazing.”

Hepointedafingerattheclockandsaid.“You’veallbeeninstructedbyEduardoDuarteontheuseofyourdevices.TimeZone1,beginvotingnow.”

HepouredacupofArabiancoffeeandleanedbacktorelax.Theregularprogrammingcontinued

showingamassivehurricanebearingdownonthePhilippines.Windsapproaching235mphonlytwohoursfromcomingashorenearDaetandexpectedtoimpactManilaafewhoursaftermakinglandfall.Kaplanwouldcomebackeveryhourtostartthenexttimezonevoting.

Yearsbefore,journalismheldatainted

reputation,andrightlyso.Sensationalismdrovetheindustry—allmoney-motivated.Now,withoutamoneymotivation,heandotherslikehimreportedthefacts,helpedpeopleunderstandthem,andactivelyimprovedlives.KaplanlovedtheRealm.

Whenthefinaltimezonehadvoted,hereappearedwithaprecise

countof92percentoftheworld’spopulationwatching.Ammadal-Sistani’sfaceappearedontheupperleftcornerofKaplan’sscreen,RegionalGovernorChuiontheupperright,andHansVanMeerinthelowerleft,representingArthurPendleton.Kaplanwatchedintentlyasthevotesbytimezonescrolledalongthebottomofthescreenanda

totalappearedandfixed.Kaplanstaredattheresultsattemptingtounderstandtheimplications.

“Onemoment,”hesaid.“IneedtoconsultwiththeHeadoftheElectionBoard.”

Amomentlater,Kaplanreturned.“Asyoucansee,ArthurPendletoncannolongerclaimthetitle,FirstCitizen.Hisvotecountdidnotreach25percent.

Chairmanal-Sistanihas37percentandRegionalGovernorChuihas38percent.ThecomputerhasfactoredintestscoresanddeclaredChairmanal-Sistanithewinnerbyvirtueofthetestscores.”

Kaplanscruncheduphismouth.Heperusedthecopyhandedtohimandsaid,“AccordingtotheLaw.Chairmanal-Sistaniwill

assumepowerbytransitioninoneweek.ThepresentstaffwillremainuntiltheyaretoldotherwisebythenewFirstCitizen.Eachcandidatemaymakeatwo-minutestatement.Chairmanal-Sistani,pleasegofirst.”

Ammad’sfaceappearedonscreen.“FellowcitizensoftheRealm,youhavenoreasontofear.Iamamanofpeace,andpeaceshallreign

supremeovertheworld.TodayisaNewAge.IwelcomethecooperationofRegionalGovernorChui.IhavepromisedtheChildrenofShemtherighttoexpresstheirbeliefsfreely.ThisincludestherebuildingoftheHebrewTempleinJerusalemandunrestrictedpilgrimagestotheHolySitesofIslamthroughouttheworld.Iwillhavemoretosayaftermy

officialinductionasFirstCitizen.”

Shortandsweet,Kaplanthought.Buthedislikedtheman.Sly.Trickylookingeyes.No,hedidn’ttrustAmmadatall.Whytherewasnorunoffwheretherewasnomajoritydidn’tmakesense.Butthatwasthelaw.

RegionalDirectorChuiappearedonthescreen,butonlyforamoment.“Ireject

thedecisionofacomputer.Myregionvotedunanimouslyforme.Therearetwootherregionalgovernorsinmycamp.Ourlandsconnectandsowillourcommerce.Regions9,10,and12,respectfullysecedefromtheGlobalRealm.

VanMeer’sfacenolongappearedon-screen.NoannouncementcamefromArthurPendleton’scamp,and

thevideofeedswitchedtohurricanecoverage.

Chapter19ArthurPendleton,

accompaniedbyDuarteandhispersonalbodyguard,arrivedinRomewithoutfanfareandwasescorteddirectlytoPopePeter’squarters.

“Sotellmeaboutthevoice,”Peterinquiredaftertheappropriatepapalhug.

“I’mdyingtoknowwhat’sgoingon.”

Pendletongulped.Thelast24hourshadbeenablurofactivity.Ifhelookedlikehefelt,peopleoughttobeshyingawayfromhim,notbadgeringhimfordetails.“I’msorry,HolyFather.Forgiveme,butI’mstruggling.Letmerest.ThenI’lltellyoueverything.”

“I’magoodlistener,”

Petersaid.Hisbrowneyessparkled,anditseemedtoPendletonasthoughtheweightofhisthirteen-yearreignasPontiffhadliftedfromhim.Youngerinlooksandintone,PetergaveastronggrasptoPendleton’shand.“Thesooneryoureleasethetensioninside.Thebrighterthingswillseem.”

“Inthemorning,”hesaid.“I’llholdnothingback

overteaandscones.”“Onethingiscertain,”

Petersaid,asPendletonturnedtoleave.“TheaveragecitizenoutsideChui’scontrolwillacceptAmmadandblindlygoonwiththeirlives.Scriptureisneverwrong.”

Thatnightafterathree-hourrestPendletongrabbedapencilandpadandjotteddownaconfessionofsorts.Helistedthosethingshehad

noremorseoverandthosehewishedhe’ddonedifferently.HeponderedhowmanytimesDavidhadfallenintosin,onlytorisebackupintofavorwithGod.Howmanytimeshadhedonethesamething?Toomany.Thankfully,heknewheavenwashishome.Hellwashisfaterighthereonearthfortheevilhe’ddonebothknowinglyandunknowingly.

Occasionally,helistenedtothevotingresultsandsecretlybeamedwithpleasureatChui’sactions.Hedidn’ttrustChuitobeabenevolentleader,butheadmiredChui’sstandagainstAmmad,knowinghewouldnotlivelongenoughtoseetheoutcome.Analarmclockbuzzerwokehimateighta.m.Hewasdressedandatbreakfastbynineo’clock.

ThetimealonetosortthingsoutmadehimeagertotalktoPeternow.ThepatientpontiffjokedandbanteredwithDuarteandothersattable.Then,maybesensingPendleton’smoodchangeasked.“Areyoureadytotellusaboutthevoice?”

Withsixmenpresentincludingtwofromthepontiff’sinnercircle,Pendletonletdownthe

barrierthathadsurroundedhimforyears.“IheardthevoiceofGod.HetoldmemyreignwasoverandtogotoRome.”

“Andthisverymorningyourreignofficiallyended.”Peterleanedbackinhischairandinhaledsteamingteafromhischalice-shapedcup.“AmmadisFirstCitizenover68percentofthepopulation.ButChuiopposeshim.

Ammadsaysnothingaboutretaliation.I’mnotsurehowthiswillplayout.”

Pendletonfingeredthegoldchainaroundhisneck.“Godallowedmetocometopower.ButIneverconsultedHimonwhatneededtobedone.LoveybecametheworshipperIneverwas.”Heshookhishead.“IwasafooltoactwithoutGodinmycamp.”

“Hewasinyourcamp.”Peterchuckled.“Hewasn’tincharge,butHewasthere.ThethingsyoudidthatlinedupwithHiswordgainedyoufavor.Buttheywerefew.”

“Rightyouare,oldboy.”Pendletonletoutamuffledgroan.“IlistenedfarmoretothewordsofMiltonRogers,mymum,HansVanMeer,andLovey,thanIdidtotheWordofGod.YetHe

forgivesme.Hetoldmeso.”“Yes.Godisaforgiver

oftherighteous.”PeterpointedtothemassescollectinginthestreetsbelowhiswindowinfrontoftheVaticanGardens.“Youcannottellthesavedfromtheunsavedfrommyroom.Manystandbeforethesewindowshopingfordirection.ButonlyfaithinYahweh,KingofKingand

LordofLords,cansaveyou.”“Iknow.BecauseI

confessHimasmyLordandSavior,I’msaved.Butmydeedsareanotherstory.Hetoldmethis.”

“Andunfortunately,myuncomelydeedsfollowmeaswell.”Peterofferedhimacrumpet.“Ah,thecrumpet.TheoneandonlythingtheBritishcanproudlyofferasanexcellentadditiontothe

internationalcookbook.”Pendletongrinned.

“Touché.We’renotknownfortheculinaryarts.”

“Godwantsyouwithme.SoIassumesomethingimportantwillhappenhere.IbelievethisistheplacefromwhichyouwilldirectOperationAscension.”PopePeter’sheadtiltedleft.Aslightgrinappeared,givinghimamischievouslook.“I

doubtAmmad’sgovernmentwillbeChristian-friendly.”

“No.Notatall.”#

“ToparaphrasetheAmericanauthor,GeorgeOrwell,wordsareaconduittothought.Destroythewordandtheideadieswithit.”AmmadpluckedagrapefromavineintheDubaiComplexandpoppeditinhismouth.“Delicious,”hesaid.

“Amazing,thisfoodtechnologythatfeedsthepeople.”

AkbariandtheguardssurroundingAmmadkeptthecrowdback,manycallingout,“GreatisAmmad,theChosen.”AkbariledtheprocessionuptotheentrancetotheDubaiFestivalCityBusinessCenter,thebusinessandlivingquartersofal-Sistaniandhisinnercircle.A

hugegatheringformedoutside.TheGlobalRealmproceededtoset-upamajorbroadcastingcenterrightnextdoor.AkbariandhisstaffalreadyhadseveralhoursofprogrammingplannedeachdaytoencouragetheMuslimandJewishworldsandeducatethechildrenofHamandJaphethonancienthistory.

“Keeptheoutbursts

describingmeastheChosenwithinMuslimComplexes.Notamentionofthistoothers,particularlytheJews.”Ammadmoistenedhislips.“IwanteverybroadcasttochangethewordsusedtotypicallydescribeChristianlife.Wenolongerwillusewordslikesalvation.Ratherreplaceitwithhappiness.Wehavenothingfromwhichtobesaved.Allahwishesusto

attainhappinesswithhim.”“Sindenotesathingto

beashamedof.”Akbariadded.“Allahisnottobequestioned,norishismessenger.ThereforesinshallbedisobedienceofthecommandsofAllahandyou,andthebreakingofacovenantwithAllahandyou.”

Ammadchuckled,“Liketheonetheeagersons

ofJacobmadewithus.”Heraisedaglassofwine.“DuringmysevenyearsbeforeAllahjudgesallmen,IvowtomaketheEarthliketheHeavenlyGarden.Myfollowersshallreapthegoodlifeearly.Thosewhorebelwillsuffer.Pleasureistoreplacetoil.Hedonismistobepursuedasvirtue,whilepuritanismistobedeclaredsinful.”

“Gradually,Ammad.Nottomorrow.”

“Thefactisthatmankindsuffersfromthefallenflesh.”Hepausedtogatherhisthoughts.“Iwantthewordssinful,damnation,andevilappliedtothosewhoseekmoralperfection.WhenAllahcallsushometojudgeus.Hewillmakeusperfect.Thosetotrytoperfectthemselvesnowareinfidels,

tryingtobegodlikewhentheycannot.”

Hesatforafewminutes,hishandupnotpermittingAkbaritospeak.Withinthefirstyearofhisreign,wordengineeringwouldtransformthinking.Inthesecondyear,hewouldimposenewlawsconformingtohisstatedpremise.Thepursuitofhappinessisthegreatestgood.The

entertainmentcenterswouldtripleinsize,cateringtoeverydesireoftheflesh.HewouldmanagetherebuildingoftheJewishTemplehimself,providingtheJewseverypossibletooltocompleteit.

HehandedAkbaria500-pagedirective.“Preparetoimplementtheseassoonaspossible.Butdon’treleaseanythinguntilItellyouto.”

Akbarileft,hisgreen

robestrailingbehindhim.Ammadspokeinthe

darktothespiritofhisfather.“Pendletonunknowinglylaidthefoundationforcontrollingtheworld.Hediditbyforce.Iwillspeakonlyofpeace.Chuicomesagainstme.Iwillwoohim—toywithhimlikeamouse.ThenI’llattackhim.”

DestroyPendletonandtheredwitchnow.

“ButItried.Akbarisays

shehasaMaridguardingher.DestroyPendleton,you

destroyher.

Chapter20Ashegazedoutatthe

mountainouslandscapeofnorthwesternChina,RegionalGovernorChuitappedhisfingersonhisdesktop.Bigdogandlittledog—hisnamesforAmmadandAkbari—wallowedinconceit.Butthebigdogwasn’ttheonlyonewho’dbuiltplansoverthe

pasttwodecades.Chuihadlearnedfromthebest.ArthurPendletondidtheimpossiblethroughmanipulationandpower-brokering.He’dplayedtheultimategameofRisk,thrownthedice,andwon.Chuinowwaspositionedtodothesame.

IfPendletonsoughtasylum,Chuiwouldgrantittohim.NexttoSunTzu,Pendletonandhisinnercircle

werethefinestmilitarymindstheworldhadeverseen.AllmorningChuibusiedhimselfconfirminghisalliances.TheWestwaslost.TheysoonwouldcrumbleunderAmmad’sdemands.LeaderswestoftheUralswereoncePendleton’sloyalists.WithChristiansgone,theywouldopposeChui.Anevenfight,hethought,inthetermsofmanpower.Theadvantage

wouldgototheonewhoattackedfirst,whenfeigningpeace.

Hedialedhissecurephone.

“Yes,RegionalGovernor,howmayIbeofhelp?”GeorgePendleton’svoiceremainedassureandsteadyasalways.

“Anywordfromyourfather?”

“No.Hehashisown

agenda.Ihavemine.”“Yourbiosphereships

arereadyinourprovinces.”Chuihadnobeliefinagodoragod-man.Thebesthecouldmusterwasabeliefinmakingtheutmostofone’slife.“IpresumebothofyouarefocusedontakingasmanyChristiansofftheplanetaspossible.”

George’ssilenceansweredhisquestion.

“Ihaveafavor.”“Ask.IfIcandoitfor

you,Iwill.”“Fiftyrocketsescaped

destruction.”“Correct.”“You’llhavenoneed

forthemwhenyouleave.”Chuiheldhisbreath.

“IntheBeijingComplexinmylocker,”Georgesaid.“Thefiringcodesaretapedtothebackon

alist.I’llgiveyouthecombinationtounlockthesecuritydevicewhenIleave.”Chuiheardasigh.“AndGovernorChui,anyattempttoopenmylockerwithoutthecodeisuseless.Itellyouthisonlyforyoursafety.”

Yes,thatresponsewasexpected.Georgeplannedahead,ashisfatherusedtodo.“Understood.Thankyou.”

“Ihopedyouwouldhavewonoutright.”

“Regrettable,buttherearetoomanyMuslimsintheworld,andwhateverAmmadpromisedtheJewsseemstohaveworked.”Chuilistenedforareactionoradditionalinformation.

“Myfathermayknowthedetails.OtherthanwhatAmmadsaidinhisspeech,Idonot.”

“Tellhimifhisplanfails,theGlobalRealm’spresentleadership,includingyouandyourfamily,havesaferefugewithme.”

“Ispeakformyfamily.”Georgesoundedsad.“Onceweembarkonthisperilousjourney,Idoubtyou’llbeabletoreachusifwefail.Butweappreciateyouroffer.”

“Ihavemorecapabilitiesthanyouthink.”

Chuihatedlying.Hedoubtedhecouldgivethemasylum,unlesstheyleftforhisRegionnow.“SolongasIcan,I’llhelp.”

Afterhedisconnected,hecalledhisheadofsecurity.“Nowweimplementthecalltoservice.Iwanttwo-hundredmillionhighlytrainedcombatants,andIwantthemreadyforwar.”Hepaused.“Byhighlytrained,I

meanlikenogroundforceeverbefore.”

#Connorbitherlip,as

GeorgeagreedtogivethecodestoChui.VanMeerslouchedonacouchintheBalmoralTacticsRoom.WithherhusbandandHarrytravelingtoassurethereadinessofthelaunchvehicles,she,George,Hans,andZiebachstrategizedthe

broaderpicture.HowcouldtheyholdoffattacksonthePendletonfamilystrongholdsofBalmoralandLondon?

“Howdoyouplantodefendusif...nowhen,Ammadattacks?”Connorasked

GeorgedisconnectedfromChuiandshotheramischievousgrin.“Watchyourbloodpressure,BustyRusty.We’llhavenousefor

themonceinEarthorbit.Chui’swelcometothem.WouldyouratherAmmadhavethem?”

“I’dratherwekeptthem,mobilizedGlobalRealmforces,andfoughtagainstAmmadandhisfanaticism.”

VanMeerlookedupatherandreachedouthishand.Shegrabbedit.“Clearyourhead.Yourfathervowedthe

killingwasoveroncetheRealmwassecure.Itissecure.Thevastmajorityofitscitizensdon’tmuchcarewhotheFirstCitizenis.Oratleast,theywon’tuntilit’stoolate.”

Hanswasright,andsheknewit.Damnherfather,racingoffwithoutaword.WhatwouldAmmad’snextstepsbe?Whowouldrunhisgovernmentormakeuphis

cabinet?Shesulkedforamoment.Wherewasherfather?MaybehisabsencewashiswayofdivertingAmmad’sattentionawayfromBalmoral.

“You’reright,”shesaidwithasheepishgrin.“Weneedtomoveforwardwithourownplanforevacuationandnothingelse.”SheploppeddownnexttoHansandZiebachandasked

George,“Whatareouroptions?”

“Notmany,”Ziebachsaid.“Georgehastheonlyrealisticoneinprocess.”

Georgepulledoutaschematic,6’by6’,andpinneditontoalargecorkboardonthenorthwall.Heplacedthirty-fivecoloredpinsontheboardrepresentingeachshipandbiosphere.“We’llbeloading

andlaunchingtheseinfourdays.”Hegrinned.“Theydon’tfireintoorbit,becausethesearen’tmotherships.ThemothershipsarealreadyassembledandinorbittetheredtotheOmegaSpaceStation.Thebiosphereswillliftupgraduallytoanaltitudeof60,000feet.Thendown-forcethrusterswilltakethemintoorbit.”

Connorstudiedthe

schematic.“Whataretheseother100-plusmarkerswithfigureswrittenundereachunit?Theylooklikemathsymbols.”

“Wewererushed.Theseareshuttletransports.Somearefullyoperational.Othershaveonlylimitedspacereadiness.Alltransportswillattempttomakefourormorelaunch-and-returntripstoevacuate

thecitizenswhowanttogo.”Georgepointedtofourareascircledinred.“Ammadwon’tbeabletostopeverylaunch.ButIbelievehe’lltargetthesefourcomplexesinanattempttocapturethepresentleadershipbeforetheycanescape.”

“He’llbegladwe’regone,”Connoroffered.Shestudiedthecircledareas.London,Balmoral,Rome,

andDallaswerehighlighted.“IunderstandAmmad’spurposeforlaunchinganattackofsomesortonBalmoralandLondon.ThesearethePendletonfamilystrongholds.RomeisthehubofCatholicism.ThePopewouldnaturallybeatarget.ButwholivesinDallas?”

“Notwholivesthere,butwhatgoesonthere.”Georgestaredatherlikea

fatherwouldstareathisdaughterwhenshesaidsomethingimmature.“Over70percentofallChristiansareEvangelicals.TheDallasComplexisthemajortrainingcenterforEvangelicalChristians,producingthousandsofnewministersayear.Whilemostdenominationsarestagnant,Evangelicalscontinuetogrow.Holdtheirleaders

captiveandthegrowthceases.OfcourseIdidn’tcomeupwiththetheory,Edisondid.”

Connor’slogicalsidekickedin.Ammadmightbeabletocoerceherfatherintopublicallysupportinghim,usinghermotherasabargainingchip.She’dprotectedbothherparentsforfiveyears,buthadlostcontrolwhentheSupersonic

wasattacked.Swallowyourfeelings,shethought.Concentrateonprotectingtheevacuationprocess.

“Allright.IfEdisoniscorrect,thosecomplexesneedtobenotified.I’llcallGlobalSecurityandputthemonalert.”Shepunchedinthesecuritycodeandwaited.Noconnection.Beforeshecouldredial,heremergencylinelitup.“Yes.”

“Imayhavethirtyseconds.”Thevoicewasthatofhersecondincommand,theAssistantDirectorofGlobalSecurity.“Ammad’speoplearehere.They’rereplacingeveryone,directingustoleaveimmediatelyandwaitforreassignment.”

“EdisonhaspredictedthatBalmoral,London,Rome,andDallaswillbeattackedbyAmmad.Canyou

warnthemordivertanyloyalforcestothoselocations?”

“I’lltry.”Shedidn’tbotherto

respondasthelinedeactivated.“Oursecuritylinesarecut.”

Georgecheckedhiscell.“IstillhavearoutingthroughtheFarEastsystem.ItpaystobeChui’sfriend.I’lltrytogetawarningoutbeforeAmmadcutstheline.

Hehastohavesomeoneinsideeachcomplextodothat.”

Connornodded.Howhadlifebecomesodarkinsuchashorttime?ThetreacheryofAmmadmusthavebeenfesteringalongtimetohavehispeoplesoentrenched.Withoutcommunications,hercontrolwasatanend.ShedialedCher,Ming,andBruegman.

Chapter21“Ifanyonespeaksto

you,say‘Letmebe,saiththeLord.’”

ThewordsregisteredinPeacock’sbrain,asformsandfiguresappearedaroundher.ThePortofTerracina,Italylayofftherightsideofavesselshedidn’trememberboarding.Howsheknewthe

port’snameescapedher.Thepresenceofherangeltoldherthiswashisdoing.Craggywhite-stonecliffspassedby,revealingasandyexpanse.Thelongseawallextendedoutalmostahalf-mile,formingaquietbaybetweenthesandyshoreandtheocean.Hervesselenteredintothebayandproceededtodock.

Lavernarealizedshe

washerselfagain.PeacockvanishedwhennotinAmmad’sprisonorfightingforacause.Hadhefoundoutshewasmissingyet?Hisvisitswererare,andfoodwaspassedbeneaththedoor.Hemightnotdiscoverherabsenceforawhile.Thesunwarmedher.Sheventuredoutontothedeck,wearingherGlobalRealmblackandgoldoutfit.Howshe’dacquiredit

couldonlyhavebeenamiracle.

“Pleasehaveyourtravelpermitsavailableforcheckingasyoudisembark,”yelledacrewmemberwithamegaphone.Thevesselonlycarriedthirtyvacationerspluscrew,maximum.Howlongshe’dbeenonboardwasamystery.Timeseemedtohavelittlemeaningtoher.

“Papers,”barkedashort

muscularman.“Letmebe,saiththe

Lord.”Shewalkedpast,and

themangreetedthenextvacationer.“Papers.”

Warbegins.Abattleiscoming.Youcan’twinthebattle.Butfearnot,Godwillwinthewar.

Idon’tlikelosingbattles,shethought,thendisappearedintothethrongs

ofpeoplefillingthestreets.Onlyseventy-fivemilesfromVaticanCityupSR148.Ninetyminutesbycar.Herdestinationgrewcloser.Whoshe’dmeetandwhatlayaheadwereoflittleconcern.Whiletheangelwalkedwithher,shewassafe.

“What’syourname,”sheaskedhim.

“Custos.”“Whatdoesitmean?”

Laughterwastheangel’sonlyresponse.

Angels!Wonderfulcreatures,buttight-lipped.

#

“Evaluateoursituation.Iwantfeedbackontheresponseofthepopulacetothechangeofpower.”Armsbehindhisback,Ammadpacedattheheadoftheboardroomtablerobes

swishing.TwelveImamsoftheShiafaith,twowithSufileanings,andfourmilitaryadvisorssataroundhim.

“Chuiandhisallieshavecutcommunicationswithus.”

“Weanticipatedhewould.ThemovehurtstheEastmorethanitdoesus.Theywillsufferhardships,particularlyinfoodsupplies.”

“Yes,FirstCitizen.”

Themanspeakingcontinuedhisreport.“Intherestoftheworld,onlytheradicalChristiansopposeus.OurintelligencesaysGeorgePendletonisplanningtoevacuatemanyChristianstotheSpacePlatformconnectedtoOperationWarlord,theMarscolonizationproject.”

“Wedidn’tplanontheirevacuating.”Heponderedthatmoveandrubbedhis

beard.“Nootherthreatsofrebellion?”

“None.TheChristiansarenotgoingtofight.Somearegoingtoleave.Otherswillconformtothenewgovernment.”

“Yes.Theywillcomeinlineonewayoranother.”Ammadgrinned.“Whataction,ifany,doyouproposeatthistime?”

“Pendletonappearsto

beinhiding.Hemaybewithhisright-handmaninBalmoral.Fromwhatcommunicationswe’vebeenabletotrace,GeorgeandConnorPendletonarethereaswell.Butwedoubtforlong.”

“HowreadyarethelaunchvehiclestocarryChristians?”Ammadbrowlowered.

“Mostcanleaveinamatterofdays.”Theman

speakinggrimacedandloweredhishead.“Theirnumbersaretoowidelydispersedforustostopthemall.”

Aknockontheboardroomdoorinterruptedtheconversation.AtashAkbariappearedwithhishandsraisedandhisbodybowed.“Master,theredheadedwitchisgone.”

“What!”Ammadswung

hisarmsendingapitcherofwaterflyingacrosstheroom,drenchingtwooftheImamsnearesthim.“Howcanthatbe?”

“Nooneknows.Hercelldoorremainslocked.Theslopmanreportednoemptytrayandnosoundfromhercellinalmostaweek.”Akbaritrembled,hisfacewaneandgaunt.“Theypulledbacktheshieldovertheglass

andshinedalight,expectingtoseeadeadbody.Shewasgone.”

“Killthemboth.Theslopmanandtheguard.Oneofthemmustbeatraitor.”

“No,”Akbaribegged.“Thejinn,theMaridwhoprotectsher,mustbebehindthis.Anevilisatworkhere.AslopmanisnomatchforaMarid.Whatcolorsdidyouseewhenconfrontingthe

redheadedwitch?”“Nocolors.Ididnotsee

thejinn.But...”Ammadreachedbackintohismemory.He’dheldalight,butithadchangedcolorslightlyuponenteringtheroom.“Mylighttookonaviolettonealternatingbluesandreds.”

“NodoubtanangryMarid.Whatshehaspromisedhimforsuchafavor

Icannotguess.”Akbarirubbedhischin.“WhatsayyouElders?”

Theoldestamongthemraisedhishand.Heroseandstrokedhislongbeard.“Ourloreissometimestruth.ItissaidSolomonhadaringcraftedofironandbrass.Themetalsweakenedthejinn’spowersothebeingcouldbecontrolled.SoSolomoncouldseeitscraftyliesand

mischief.Thejinnhelpedhimbuildandholdhiskingdom.”TheoldImamswayed,eyesclosed.“Youcannotkillajinni,andofthem,theMaridisthemostpowerful.Butyoucanweakenhimandperhapsbreakthepacttheredheadedwitchhaswithhim.”

Akbarileanedcloseandwhispered.“AllahAkbar,forgearing.”

Sweatrandown

Ammad’sface.“Yes.Yes.Doit.I’llneedallthepowerIcanmusteragainstthisthing.”Hecomposedhimself.Thegroupsettleddown,andhesat.AkbariplacedagreenturbanonhisheadandedgedinonAmmad’sright.

“Backtothesubject,”Ammadsaid.“Wemuststrikewherewecandestroytheevangelistswhocanincitethecitizensbypreachingfalse

doctrine.Also,wemustkeepasmanyPendletonsaswecanhere.Wecanconvertthembytheswordandusetheirtestimoniesaspositivepropaganda.”

TheoldImamraisedhishand.“Thehowisthequestion.Wepreachpeace.Sowecometopowerpeacefully.ThewonderfulthingabouttheGlobalRealmisthatnoneofthebadnews

travelsacrosstheworld.Whenourplanwasdiscoveredandthemissilesfired,London,Balmoral,andRomesufferedminordamage.ThePendletonswillbeinoneofthoseplacesorscatteredamongthethree.TheevangelistswillbeinDallas.WestrikewithSWATteams.Seekoutourenemies.Killorimprisonthem.AndproclaimapeacefulRealm

withoutmentioningtheincidents.”

Crafty,Ammadthought.TherearemanythingsIwon’tmention,eventoyou,oldman.

#Akbarirosefromhis

incantations.Theoven,heatedto2200degreesFahrenheit,heldthemixtureofironandbrassreadyforpouring.Theinsidelinerof

super-duty,highaluminahardenedair-rammedmaterialhaddoneitsjobtoperfection.Amodelsculptedfromwaxwithallthedetailshewantedtheringtohavewasprepared.Hedippedthewaxringintoaglassceramicpowderandfiredthemold.Asthewaxevaporatedintheoven,themoldshatteredexposingthering.

Trimmed,buffed,and

polishedusingahighspeeddremel-typetool,AkbarihelduphisrecreationofSolomon’sring.“Asofold,thepoweroftheringshallprotectmymasterfromthepoweroftheMarid.Heshallbevictoriousovertheshe-devil.AllahAkbar.”

Chapter22“Nowthatyou’re

settledhere,”PopePetersaid.“Letyourfamilyknow.Helpthemcoordinatetheevacuationplans.Useyourcontactsfromheretoassistinamaximumturnoutwhentheshipsarereadytodepart.”

“You’reright,”Pendletonsaid.“Myinner

circleshouldknow.IalsoshouldthrowmyweighttowardChuiandsupporthisdefection.”

Toolateforthat.AndnotinMyplanforyou.

PopePeter’sheadtilted.“IthoughtIheardsomething.”

Pendletonsmiled,butremainedsilent.Hehadhisorders.Therewouldbeonlyalittletimetohelpmusterthe

wordtotheChristiancommunitiesthatanevacuationwasunderway.Hefeltlikeaheavyloadhadbeenliftedoffhim.Hewasn’taruleranymore.Hewasaservant.Whydidn’tGodwanthimtosupportChui?NopointsecondguessingGod.HedialedGeorgeandnoticedintherighthandboxthatalltheregionalgovernorsandofficialpersonnelwere

gonefromhislist.Ammadmovedquickly,theslimyrat.

“Father,wherethehellareyou?”

“Notforyoutoknow.Ammad’smovingfast,replacinghisenemiesasquicklyaspossible.Myofficiallinetothegovernmentisgone.”

Heheardaslychuckle.“Ourphoneshavea

namememorybackup.”

Georgesaid.“Connorhadtheminstalledforjustsuchanoccasion.”

HeheardConnorinthebackgroundsay,“Someonehastobethebrainsinthefamily.”

“Theproblemis,”Georgecontinued.“Youcanonlymakeacalltoanindividualonce,andthemastertrackingsystemwillturnoffthatconnection.”

“IwanttohelpinsurethatasmanyChristiansaspossiblegetonthosetransports.”

Silence.HesupposedGeorgewasevaluatingthesituation.

“Allright,”George’sbreathcameinshortrasps.“I’llhaveHanscalltheteamsateachlocationtohaveaspeakerhookedupforabroadcastfromyou.Thatway

youcanmakeonecallandbeheardbyasmanyascanbebroughttooneplace.AndFather...”

“Yes.”“London,Balmoral,

Rome,andDallasarethefourtargetsEdisonpredictsAmmadwillstrike.Heoranemissarywillcomeinpeace.But,he’llhaveastrikeforcetocaptureorkillthepeoplehefearsmost.”

“DoesAmmadknowwhereEdisonis?”

“No.Ifhedid,we’dbecooked.”Georgepaused.“Idon’tevenknowwhereEdisonis.ThaddeusClineandhisteamaretheonlyonesintheknow.Savefortheworkersstationedthere.”

“Allright.I’lltrytocontactyoulater.”

“Or,I’llcallyouwhenHanshasmadeallthe

contacts.”Cline.Whyhadn’the

thoughtofClineearlier?HecalledClineandgotanabrupt.“What!”

“It’sme,Arthur.”“They’reafterme.I’m

onaSupersonictoRome.I’mgoingtoVaticanCitytoseekrefuge.”Clinesighed.“Arthur,twelveofmyteammatesaredead.Threearewithme.Ican’ttalk

furtheruntilI’msafe.I’llcallyouwhen...ifImakeittotheVatican.”

Thelinedisconnected.“Iheard,”PopePeter

said.“I’llhaveasecuritydetailmeethimatthestation.”

#Clineexaminedhis

phone.Damn.Arthurcan’tcallmeagain.

Hehadonechance

whenhereachedRometogivehisbosstheinformationheneeded.ThingshadgonehorriblywronginLondon.Ammad,thescourgeoftheearth,camesmilingandwavingtothepopulace.Hepreachedpeaceandprosperity.Hetoldthepeoplenottofear.Thetransitionofgovernmentwouldbepeaceful.Heapologizedforthemissileattackofafew

weeksearlier.Blamingamissedcommunicationbetweentwosatellitesinorbit.

Peoplebelievedhim.GlobalRealmmediapresentedeventsonaneedtoknowbasis.ThebriefmilitaryexchangebetweenAmmad’speopleandGlobalforcesdidn’tmakearipple,exceptinthecitiesaffected.

Clineandhisteamwere

finishinginstructionstoHarryonenteringtheundergroundlivingcentersadvancecrewshadbuiltundertheMartiansurfacewhenanintruderalarmsounded.HedisconnectedthecallandheadedfortheCenter’semergencyexitchute,grabbinghisfileonEdisonashewent.WhateverAmmad’smenwerefiringathispeople,theweaponmadenonoise.

Onlytheresults—bodypartsandbloodremainedetchedinCline’smind.

Threeofhisteamescapedwithhim,thelastmanclosingandlockingthechute’sdoorasheleft.Withinanhour,thefourmenwereontheSupersonicheadingforRome.Clinehadnotimetowarnanyone,exceptthecrewguardingEdison.Theyinturnwould

gathertogetherthewell-trainedforcepreparedbyPeacockandConnorthemselves.Ahundredbodiesstrongtoholdoffanattack,ifEdisonwaseverfound.

ButwhowouldlookaroundSupai,Arizona?LocatedatthebottomoftheGrandCanyon,aboutfourmilesoutsideSupai,andbuiltintotherock,Edisonoperatedinanenvironmentallyperfect

worldofitsown.GuardedbyfifteenGlobalRealmcombatunitsloyaltotheoldregime,thebrainsoftheworldcontinuedtofunctionasthoughnothinghadhappened.

Whydidthecitizenryacceptthisasshole,Ammad?InCline’sopinion,theworldhadmadeadvancesbyworkingtogetherthatsurpassedwhatmankind

couldhavedonewithoutPendletonin500years.Butthemaincomplaintwassimple.Noone’segogotstroked.Yes,therewerecertainprivilegesearnedbyrank,butnofameoraccoladeswentwithperformance.Peoplelivedwell,butfeltused.

Ammad’smouthflowedwithhoneyandsugareverytimeitopened.Themanwas

theDevil,andfewcitizensrealizedit.Luckily,alltheprogrammingfortheMarsmissionswasinEdison’spossession.EdisonhadanalyzedthewaterintheMartiansoil.Evenattheequator,itwas5%waterbyweight.Inthearcticregions,60%waterbyweight.Andthecomputerdevelopedtechnologythatbakedwateroutofthesoiltomakeit

available.SunlightattheMartian

equatorwasaboutequaltothatofNorway.Andtherewasenoughnitrogenandalltheotherelementsneededtomakefertilizersandsoforth.SoEdisondeterminedthatwater,alongwithMars'plentifulcarbondioxide,wouldmakeitfeasibletogrowfoodandotherplantstomakeproductssuchas

clothing,atleastinsomeregions.

Marsproducedenoughgeothermalpowerunderground.Utilizingthatpowersource,plusanyexploratorycombustion,nuclear,orhydroelectricpower,mankindcouldsustainapopulationonMarsforseveralcenturies.Socrewsdrilledforaccesstogeothermalheat,hopingthey

mightalsofindliquidwateraswell.

Theyhuntedforstructuresunderground,wherethatpowercouldbeharnessedandamini-worldcouldbecolonized.Protectedinatemperaturecontrolledenvironment,humanityhadachance.OnlyEdisonhadallthedetails.ThosebiosphereshadtohookupandleavebeforeEdisonwasdiscovered

anddisabled,ormankindwouldbeheldprisoneronEarthuntilallhumanlifeceased.

Therehastobeanothercomputer.

Cline’smindranrampantwithpossibilities.Toarmspacemodules,develophighpowerweaponryforhisterrorists,andwinanEdison-generatedleadershipexamtookscientificprowess

Ammaddidnotpossess.OncesafeinsidetheVatican,he’dcommunicatewithEdisonanddeterminethelikelihood.GodhelpusifhewasrightandAmmaddidpossessanEdison-typecomputer.

Chapter23Pendletongreeted

ThaddeusCline,asClinewasescortedintothePope’squartersbythepapalguard.SoonafterPopePeterledthemtoaplaceofsafety.Atleastforthetimebeing.

“InsidetheVaticanareplacesonlyafewintheHolySeeknow,”PopePetersaid,

ashe,Pendleton,Duarte,andClineheadedintotheSacristy&TreasuryMuseumandpassedthelistofPopesburiedinSaintPeter’s.“Weneedseclusion.I’vehadmypeoplecleartheSacristyforus.”

Pendleton’smouthdroppedopenasPeterledthemdownthecorridortotheSacristyandacrosstoanaltarwithcandlesbrightlyburning.

Twistedcolumnsroseoneachside.Highabove,aclockchimednoon.

PeteredgeddownandpushedasmallbuttonatthebaseofapictureofJesusbeingtakenoffthecross.Agrindingnoiseaccompaniedthemovementofthealtar,asitslidafewfeetforwardrevealinganarrowstaircaseleadingdownward.Peterdescendedafewstepsand

turnedonalight.ThenPendletonandtherestfollowed.Onceallhadreachedthelowerroom,Peterpushedanotherbuttonandthealtarslidebackintoplace.

“GoodGod,”Pendletonquipped.“RightoutofthelegendsoftheKnightsTemplar.”

Peterchuckled.“Nothingsosinister.Butthisisausefulplacetohideor

seeksolitude.”Inaroomsometwenty

feetsquaresattwosofas,threecomfortableleatherarmchairs,awritingdeskcompletewithcomputercapabilities,andafull-sizebedincaseonewishedtonap.Pendletonasked.“Waterandfood?”

Petersmiled.“Some.”Hepulledasidethebed

behindwhichwasasmall

refrigerator/freezerstockedwithenoughfoodforadayortwo,notmuchmore.“It’snotthewinecellar,buteverybodyknowsaboutthewinecellar.”

“Youseemprettyspryforyourage,”Pendletonsaid.

“Goingdownstairsisn’taproblem.Goingbackuptaxesme.Butinsuchtimes,Godprovidesstrengthtotheweary.”

Duarte,whohadbeenstandingnexttothestaircase,said,“Sir,ifGeorge,Harry,andyourdaughteraretobegiveninstructions,weneedtopreparethemsoon.”

Aslightsmilecurledthecornerofhismouth.

“Tobusinessthen.”Pendletonmotionedforhiscompanionstositdown.

Duartetookachairatthedesk,whiletheothers

relaxedintotheleatherarmchairs.

“ProfessorCline,”Pendletonsaid.“Telluswherethingsstand.”

Forthenexthalf-hour,ClinerelatedtheattackuponhisLondonfacilitiesandhisescapefromAmmad’sforces.Thenhechangedthesubjecttohissuspicionofthesecondcomputer.“It’stheonlythingthatmakessense.Ammad

scoredwellonthetestsfromthebeginning.Butnotthetop1%.Howelsecouldhehaveaccomplishedwhathedid?”

Pendletonconsideredthepossibility.“Ifso,he’llmakefindingEdisonhistoppriority.”

“Hencehisattempttocaptureme.”Clinepulledthefilehe’dleftLondonwithupintohislap.Openingit,hespreadouttheplansEdison

developedforlaunchingthebiospheresanddockingthemtotheirtransportships.“ThesepapersshowingthelocationofEdisonandthelocationofthebiospherelaunchingsarewhatAmmaddesires,evenmorethankillingyouandLaverna.”

PendletonfearedAmmadhadaccomplishedhalfthattaskalready.“Howcanwestophim?”

“Whatmilitaryforcesdowehave?”

Pendletonshookhishead.“TherulesoftheGlobalRealmareairtight.AllprotectiveandsecuritypersonnelareundertheruleoftheFirstCitizenandhisappointees.”

“Sowe’rescrewed.”Clineclosedhisfileandtappedthecorneragainsthispalm.“Edison’sprotection-

personnelreporttoyourdaughter.Theyareloyaltoyou.Buteventually,Edisonwillbefound.Ourjobistodelaythatfromhappeningaslongaspossibletoallowforthelaunchestotakeplace.”

“Howwillthatbeaccomplished?”PopePeterasked.

“Howtodelaytheenemyorhowthelauncheswillproceed?”

“Both.”Peterchuckled.“Therearesome40,000ChristianshereinRomealonewhodesiretodepart.”

“HarryPendletonandObadiahAbupositionedthemajorbiospheresonlaunchpads,twenty-fiveinall.”Clinesmiledbroadly.“Tomorrowmorningthefirstlauncheswilltakeplace.Byweek’send,allunitswillbeinorbit,andourteamswill

beginconnectingandtestingthelifesupportsystems.Alllauncheswillbeaccomplishedwithlighter-than-airtechnology.”

“Mr.PendletonandIhadthepleasureoftakingarideinoneofthelighterthanairshuttlecraftsatleasttwentyyearsago.”Duarte’seyesglistened.“AremarkablememoryduringmytimewiththeFirstCitizen.”

“Yes,”Clinesaid.“Andthetechnologyhasleapedsincethen.Thenewshuttlecraftsaretentimesmoreadvancedthantheoneyourodein.WehaveoverahundredbeingreadiedtocarryChristianstotheirwaitingspacecraftsforthejourneytoMars.”Hefrowned.“Evenso,theevacuationwilltakeweeks.”

Pendletonjerkedhis

headleft.“WhywouldAmmadwishtodetainus?You’dthinkhe’dbedelightedtoberidofus.”

“Therun-of-the-millChristiandoesn’tinteresthim.”Clinesighed.“Leadershipdoes.Whataprize—afeatherinhiscaptohaveArthurPendletonconverttoIslamonGlobaltelevision.”

Pendleton’smind

darkened.AmmadhadLovey.IfhemanagedtocaptureGeorge,Harry,andConnor,Pendletonwouldbeathismercy.ButhemustleaveaninterventiontoGod.Hehadhisorders,andhemustobeythemregardless.

#HansVanMeerwrung

hishandsashecircledhisofficeinBalmoralfortheumpteenthtime.Georgehad

gonewithConnortojoinupwithHarryandObi.Hiscommunicationwiththeworldgrewnarrowerbythehour.Edisonstillfunctioned,controllingtheareasitwasconnectedto,butthoseconnectionswererapidlybeingpulleddownbyAmmad’speople.Soon,onlythecoresecurityprotocolswouldbeleftuntilAmmad’steamfinallyfoundEdison

andshutthecomputerdown.Atearmoistenedhis

cheek.HeyearnedforFelicia’spresencetonoavail.Hehadnoone,butMichaelZiebach.HisvaluetotheGlobalRealmhadended.BeforeConnororderedherbrothertogowithher,shesummonedallherassetswithacalltoCher.Whenheaskedwhathecoulddo,sherespondedbytouchinghis

armlovinglyandsaying,“AmmadisinLondon.Clinehasrun,butisstillcommunicatingwiththelaunchteams.WhenAmmadcomeshere,youmustdelayhimwithoutrevealingwhereanyofuswent.”

Soherehewas.Abloomingdecoy—adeadduck,actually.Finekettleoffish.Hispacingincreased.Hissecurityteamsurrounded

theBalmoralComplexwithorderstocooperatewiththeenemy.Thetacticofpassiveresistancedidn’tsitwellwithhim.Butlikeagood#2,he’dsetupthelineforPendleton,whereverhewas,toaddresstheChristiancommunityforthelasttime.

“I’velivedadamngoodlife,”hesaidaloudtonoone.“Helpedcreateanewsocietyoutofabunchofgreedy

idiots.Idid.”Thesoundofhisown

voicegratedonhisnerves.TheglorydaysendedwithFelicia’sdeath.Thepastwaspast,andthefuture—bleakasafish’sbonesdryinginthesun.Heglancedoutthewindow.SnowinearlyOctober?Thelongerhewatched,theharderthesnowfell.MaybetheEuropeanIceAgehadmovedtothewest.

Regardless,itwassymbolicofthetimes.MaybeheshouldconverttoChristianity.Atleasthecouldhangontosomedelusionofhappiness.

Ziebachopenedthedoorandwheeledin.“Ammadisapproachingfromthesouth.”

Chapter24“Preparetoenter

Balmoral,”Akbarisaid,asherodenexttohisboss.TheconvoyofvehiclescomingupfromLondonseemedstrangetoonlookers.Rarelydidvehiclestravelonroads.Supersonics,eliteaircraft,andpollution-freeoceancraftwerethemaintransportation

methods.Ammadstoodinthebackseatofaconvertedlimousineandwavedtotheworkersonthe50,000acreestateandthoseleaningoutovertheparapetsofBalmoralComplex.

Ammadknewthesignificanceoftheplace.PendletondrewthehighestrankingofficialsherewhenhemarriedLavernaSmythe,theredheadedwitch.Now

Ammadhadcometogloat.Byallaccounts,Pendletonandhisfamilywerestillhere,andwithforcefulpersuasion,theywouldcometotheirsensesandurgetheirfollowerstofallinline.

Ofcourse,Pendletondidn’tknowaboutPeacock’sescape.Howcouldhe?ThatwouldbeAmmad’scallingcard.Bowthekneeandspareyourwife.Ammadnever

studiedthejinnortheblackarts.Humansweremadeofclay,angelsoflight,andthejinnofsmokelessfire.HiseducationcenteredontheTwelveImamsandhisroleafterthem.HelefttheresttoAkbari.

Amicrophonewassetjustoutsidetheentrancegate.Ammaddisembarkedhisvehicleandapproachedthemicrophone,asGlobal

Broadcastinginterruptedtheirprogrammingtobroadcasthisspeech.“IamhereatBalmoraltodaytomeetwithArthurPendleton,ourformerFirstCitizen,andforgeapeacefultransitionofgovernment.I’llreceiveadebriefingonmattersofvitalimportancetothesurvivalofourplanet.”

#AsAmmadwaxed

eloquently,HansVanMeerdescendedthestaircasetothecastle’smainfloor.He,Ziebach,andtheirdelegationproceededoutofthecastleandontothegroundsinthecenterofthecomplextowaitforAmmad’sentrance.

“Becordialandprofessional,”Ziebachinstructedtheentourage.“Givethebastard’speopletheGlobalinformationthey

require.SaynotonewordaboutArthurorhisfamily.Answeranypersonalquestionswitha‘You’llhavetospeaktoMisterVanMeer.’”

VanMeerstiffenedasthedoorstotheoutsideofBalmoralCastleopened.WhatwouldAmmaddo—trytoconverthim,imprisonhim,ortorturehim?Noneofthosetacticswouldwork.Van

Meer’strainingremainedrocksolid.Hecouldwithstanduntildeathifneedbe.

Rottenpieceofluck.Ammad’scaravan

enteredtheinnercourtyardashugecrowdsgathered.Heretoseethespectacle,VanMeerthought.AkbariledtheentranceprocessionfollowedbyAmmad,whowassurroundedbysecurity

personnel.Akbari’soutfitseemed

ridiculoustoVanMeer—somethingstraightoutoftheTalesoftheArabianNights.Onhisrobes,everysymbolofIslam,thestarandcrescentmooninemeraldandingoldandtheFarsinameforAllahTherewasnoquestionthehalfoftheGlobalRealmunderAmmad’scontrolwouldbeareligiousstate.

AmmadhadshedhisGlobalattireforaQutwanicloak,lookingmorelikeaJewthanaPersian.Hiswhitehead-coveringaccentuatedhistannedhandsomeface.VanMeerattemptedtorecallthesignificanceoftheclothing,butthesheergaudinessoftheprocessiondistractedhim.

AsAkbaristoodasideandAmmadstruttedupto

him,VanMeersaid,“Where’stheparty?HadIknownIwastowhereacostume,I’dhaveputonmyRichardtheLionheartedoutfit.”

TheexpressionVanMeersawonhisenemy’sfacechangedfromaninsinceresmiletoascowl.Ammadglanceddown,presumablycheckingtoseeifhismicrophonehadbeen

removed.“Watchyourwords,mouthpiece,ifyouvalueyourlife.”

InhismanymeetingswithAmmad,VanMeerhadneverheardthisvoicebefore—deep,sinister,almostsatanic.Hisbodyshiveredfromthesound.Notapersonwhobelievedintheangelsordemons,VanMeer’soutlookreceivedablowtoitscore.Unbelievableevilhad

revealeditself.He’dtrainedforthephysicalworld,notthesupernatural.Hisspiritshriveledinaninstant.

“Nowshakemyhand,smile,andwe’llgointothecastlewithmyprimeminister.Therestwillstayoutside.”

VanMeerdidasinstructed.HemotionedtoZiebachtostaywherehewas.HisjestaboutRichardthe

LionheartedandtheCrusadesstillstuckinhisthroat.OnceinsideBalmoral,AmmadheadedintoVanMeer’sofficeasthoughitwerehisown.“WhereisArthurPendleton?Whydoesheinsultmebysendinghis—howdoyouBritsputit—lackeytogreetme?”

“Ihaven’tthefoggiestwhereheis.Heleftafewdaysagoandhasn’tbeen

heardfromsince.”“Don’tlietome.”

AmmadswungintoVanMeer’sleatherchairandcrackedhisknuckles.“Whereishisfamilythen?”

“Goneaswell.Godknowswhere.”Hetoldthetruth.Theyweregone,andGod,iftherewasaGod,knewwhere.VanMeerdidnot.

Akbariseemedtogrow

instature.HegrabbedVanMeerbythenapeoftheneckandclosedhiseyes.

“He’stellingthetruth,”hesaidtoAmmad,releasinghisgriponVanMeer.

“You,then,arethehighestrankingofficialoftheoldguardlefthere.”Ammad’sicystarefrozeVanMeer’sspirit.“Youwillsignthisorderofficiallyendinghisadministration.Now!”

“It’sjustaformalityanyway,”VanMeersaidandstudiedthedocument.“You’renotoriginal.ThesearetheexactsamewordsusedwhenbestowingpoweronArthur.”

“Theysuitmypurpose.HehadthepowertosetuptheRealmhisway.NowIhavethepowertochangethewaytheRealmoperates.”

“Onlyhalfofit,”Van

Meerquippedandsignedthedocument.

“Atemporarysituation,”Ammadresponded.Heexaminedthesignatureclosely.“So,willyoumakeapublicstatementinsupportofmygovernment?”

“No.ButIwon’tmakeapublicstatementagainstit.”

Ammadhandedthreebookshehadhiddeninside

hiscloaktoVanMeer.“HerearetheQuran,theAlJafr,andtheTawrat.Iwillallowyoutoeducateyourself.ThenIwilldemandapledgeoryouwillpaytheconsequences.”

VanMeergulpedashisenemiesleft.HeownedaBible.He’dreadthatfirst.Withnopower,nopersonallife,andhisfriendssaveZiebacheitherdeadorgone,hehadthetime.

#“WhoamInow?”

PeacockaskedtheangelasshestrolledalongapathinsidetheVaticanGardens.

“GodcallsyouDonna.”

“NotLavernaPendleton.”Shelaughed.Shelaughedalotlately.“Ofcoursenot,LavernaSmythePendletonisalie.IamwhoIwasborntobe.”

“Youarealmosttransformedintotheeternal.”

Shesawtheangel’seyesglimmergoldandwhite.“Onlyonemorethingtodohere.WhatyoulearnedasPeacockwillbecomeprofoundlyimportant.”

“Istillcan’tbelieveGodlovesmesomuch.”Shewantedtoweeprecallingherformerlife.“I’vebeentheworstsinnerintheworld.”

Theangellaughed.Thesoundseemedlikewaterskippingoverrocks.“Allwhohaverepentedfeelthatway.ButGodknewwhatyouwoulddofrombeforeHecreatedyou.HeknewyouwouldturntoHim.YouraisedchildrenwhowalkinHisways.YouproclaimHisnameunashamed.Youarenotperfected,butyouwillbe.”

Shewarmed.“AmIdead?AmIalive?I’mcertainlynothumananymore.Humansdon’tgothroughsolidmatter.”

Theangelpattedherarm.“Youthinktoomuch.Let’sjustsayyouarealiveinastatefarbetterthanyouwereinbeforenow.”

Well,hisanswerdidn’treallyexplainthings.Sheguesseditdidn’tmatter.She

sawpeopleandobjects.Sometimestheysawher.Butonlywhentheangelallowed.ApartofherwishedshecouldgotoGodandsingatHisthrone.Anotherpartdesiredtoseeherhusbandagain.Avisionenteredhermind.Shestoodbetweenherhusbandandthedevil,andthedevilcoulddonoharm.

Theangelpointedatoneofseveralvideoscreens

setuparoundVaticanCity.“Listenandwatch.YourhusbandisabouttoperformthelastactGodasksofhim.”

“I’mproudofhim,”shesaid.Herangelsmiled.

Chapter25“Yournetworkfeedis

up.”ClinepointedtoPendleton’smicrophone.“Saywhatyouhavetosay.Idon’tknowhowlongbeforetheenemycutstheline.”

Pendletontookadeepbreathandsteppeduptothemicrophone.Hedidn’tunderstandtechnologyallthat

well.Howthisworkedwasamysterytohim.Heregoes,hethought.“MyfellowChristiansinthefaith,Ibelieveallwhoaremeanttohearmenowhearmyvoice.Donothesitate.Followtheordersofyourpastorsandourtransportationcrews.Leavethisplanetassoonasyouareable.Anewworldawaitsyou.Thebiosphereswillsustainyouduringyourflight

andbeyond.OurscientistshavecreatedlivableconditionsinseveralundergroundlocationsonMars.”

“Youhavemaybetenseconds,”Clinesaid.“Thelineisbeingdisconnected.”

“Assemblyofthebiospherestothemothershipsisgoingonnow.Transportswillbereadytoshuttleyouwithinafewhours.”

“Line’scut.”Clinesmiledathinsmile.“Goodjob.”

Pendletonthrewhishook-uponthefloorandshookhishead.“That’sallIcando.”

“No,that’snotall.”PopePeterhurrieduptohimandgavehimalovingembrace.“YoucanpreparefortheonslaughthereinRomeandseethatthe

shuttlescleareverybelieverwhowishestogooutofhere.”

“I’lldowhatIcan.”“Ihavewordfrom

Balmoral.”Clineraiseduphisphone,showingareplayofAmmad’sspeech.“VanMeersignedtheofficialorderturningpowerovertothedevil.”

“Don’tblamehim.Hehadnochoice.”Pendleton

bowedhishead.“Prayforhissoul.”

Cline’sbodytrembled.“OurLondonoperationshavebeenraidedandBalmoralputupnoresistance.ButRomeandtheDallasComplexwillbeabloodymess.ThewordfrommysourcessaysthatlargecontingentsofGlobalSecurityForcesareontheirwayacrosstheMediterraneanSea.They’llcomehere.I

imagineAmmadhasanotherforceheadingtoDallasinNorthAmerica.”

“Howmuchtimedoyouthinkwehave?”PopePeterasked.

“Aweektops,”Clinesaid.“They’llland,organize,andmarchnorth.Wehavesomeforces,theSwissGuardandtheChristianmilitiasloyaltoPendleton.Butthey’llonlyslowdowntheenemy.”

“Justsotheyslowthemlongenoughforourpeopletoboardthetransports,”Peterreplied.“WorkersarebusyfinishingashuttleportattheRomeCentralSupersonicTerminal.Non-Christiansrefusetohelp,buttheywon’thinderusforfearofreprisals.”

Pendleton’scellbuzzed,startlingthethree.“Yes?”

“It’sme,Hans.”

“Iheardthingshavebeenroughforyou.”

“He’sthedevil.Ifelttheevil.Ihavenothingheretostophim.He’sgoingafteryou,Arthur.Run.Ifyoustayinoneplace,Ammadwillfindyou.”

Pendletongulped.“Howdidyougettome?Ithoughtyouwereblocked.”

“IcalleduponafriendinBeijing,”VanMeersaid.

“They’restillconnectedtoEdisonandprogrammingsecurityblockstostoptheenemy’sattemptstodamagecommunications.”

“Ineedtospeaktomychildren.”Pendletoninhaledadeepbreath.“Ifthey’rerunningtheshowontheevacuation,Ineedastatusreport.”

“GeorgeisconnectedtoChui’speople.Youshouldbe

abletoreachhim.”“Iusedmyonechance.

Idon’thaveanother.”“Haveyouevercalled

Harry?Theyshouldbetogether.”

Pendletonfurrowedhisbrow.Whyhadn’thethoughtofthatpossibility?Hehadthatcallleft.“Rightyouare.AcalltoHarryitis.AndHanstakecareofyourself.”

#

ConnorjumpedwhenHarry’scellbuzzed.Nervesfrayedbeyondherpointofcontrol,hertrainingkickedintosteadyher.

“Yes,”Harrysaid.Hepulledhishandoverthereceiverandmouthed.It’sDad.

HarryhandedthephonetoConnor.

“CanIspeaktoGeorge?”

“It’sme.Georgeisworkingwiththeawaysitesontimingtheshuttleflights.”ThesilenceconfirmedherfeelingsthatDaddidn’tviewherbrotherorherselfasworthytotalkto.“Well?”

“Allright.Ineedastatusreport.Howreadyarewetocompletelyevacuate?Idoubtwehavemorethanafewdays.Hanssaysaweektops.”

Connorheardhermother’swordsfromlongagowhenshewastwelve.“Yourdadlovesyouallequally,sweetie.Buthecan’trelatetowomenlikehecantomen.Onlyhismotherwillhelistento.”

“Nottoyou,Mom?”she’dasked.

“He’lllisten,anddowhathewantsto.Butthen,sodoI.”

Connorsighed.“Mostofthedeparturesitesaresettogo.Butthat’sbecausethere’snoresistancecoming.Ifyou’rebackinLondon,atBalmoral,Rome,orDallas,itwillbetouch-and-go.Hewantsyou,andhe’llkillanyoneinhiswaytogettoyou.So,whereareyou?”

“Tellmewhereyouarefirst.”

Ugh!Whywashisneed

toknowmoreimportant?Butdespitehismanner,shelovedhim,andnowwasn’tthetimetochallengehim.She’dbeendisobedientenoughoflate.“We’rewithEdisonoutsideSupai,Arizonawiththreehundredtrainedwarriors,includingMom’spersonalguards.”

“HowdidyouknowEdison’slocation?”

“ClinegaveGeorgea

generalidea.AndyouknowGeorge.Hedidn’ttellanyoneuntilitbecamenecessary.”

“You’reintherightplace,Connor,ifyouwanttodieforhumanity.I’dpreferyoulivetoagoodoldage.”

“Nonetheless,thisiswhereweare.ThankstoChuiandhisintelligencepeople,wediscoveredtheactualcoordinates.”Shepaused.IfChuicouldfindEdison,

eventually,Ammadcouldtoo.“Sowhereareyou?”

“I’minRome.PopePeterisafinehost,andThadClineiswithus.”

Connoraddedupwhereeachfamilymemberwasandconcluded,“We’reintheworstpossibleplaces.HansisinBalmoral,we’rehereoutsideofSupai,andyou’reinRomewithClineandthePope.OnceAmmadfindsout

whereEdisonis,we’llallbeunderattack.”

“Promiseme.Whenit’stimetoboardashuttle,you’llgo.”

“Ipromise,Dad.”Thetruthcouldn’tbetold.Ifshedidherjob,thelastpersontoleavefromherlocationwouldbeher.“I’llseeyouonthemothership.”

“Thanksfortheupdate,sweetie.I’llseeyouthere.”

Hehungup.Connortrembled.

Wherewashermother?Shecouldn’tduplicateherselfandbeinfourplacesatonce.Shehadherbrothers,herhusband,andEdisontoprotect.Becauseoftheirlocation,theshuttleswouldcometothemlast.Harrylookedatherwithaleftoutagainmopeonhisface.Shegavehimabreathtakinghug.

“You’remyhero,littlebrother.Wecan’tmakeitonMarswithoutyou.”

#Threelargemen

wearingcamouflageuniformsandGlobalRealmheadcoveringssurroundedHansVanMeer,avirtualcaptiveinhisownresidence.Beforehimtheyhadplacedalivevideofeed.ThescreenshowedAtashAkbariholding

anaxeovertheheadofMichaelZiebach.

“WhereisEdison?’heasked.

“Idon’tknow,”Ziebachspit.“Iwouldn’ttellyouifIdid.”

“Onelastchance.”“Gotohell.”Ziebach

closedhiseyes.“LordJesus,receivemysoul.”

Akbariswunghisaxe,cleavingoffhisheadatthe

shoulders.Thevideofadedtoblack.

“Youhaveuntiltomorrowtogiveustheinformationwewant,”oneofthethugsinVanMeer’sroomsaid,andthethreemenleft.

AcidcausedVanMeertocough.Ziebachprovedtobealoyalandfaithfulfriend.Thesebastardswereruthless.IfChristianswereright,VanMeer’ssoulwasintrouble.

He’dreadtheBibleandthebooksAmmadlefthim.Hehadsomeseriousthinkingtodoandnotverylongtoarriveatananswer.

Chapter26GeorgePendleton

edgedalongtherockyslopebetweenthecaveentrancetotheEdisonfacilityandthelandingpadforShuttle12—thetransportcomingforthelabpersonnelandhisfamilywhenthisexodusended.ThankGodforChui.Coordinatingthelaunches

fromtheGrandCanyongavehisteamtimetodothejobright,beforeAmmadcamedownuponthemwitheverymanintheWesternHemispherehecouldrecruit.

Connorhadpreparedthedefensesremarkablywell.OnceHarryandObideliveredthebiospheresandsetupthelaunchtimes,theydepartedforSupaiandweretherein24hours.Georgeand

ConnorabruptlyleftVanMeerandtraveled18hourstojointheothers.Ammad’speoplecouldn’tbeeverywhereatonce.Ammadwasorganized,butnotthatorganized.

TravelbySupersonicacrosstheBeringStraitstooktime.ThetripslowedagainacrossAlaska.ButtheJuneautoVegaslegregainedsomelosttime.Ammad’smen

couldn’ttrackthemamongstmillionsofothertravelersonGlobalRealmbusiness.OutsideoftheinfightingamongtheeliteoftheRealm,lifeintheworldranasithadforthepast25years.

OnceinVegas,thePendletonchildrentooktheGrandCanyonshuttletotheHavasupaiTrail.Theyproceededbymuledownintothecanyon.Whenthey

reachedthebottom,theyenteredthetownofSupai.Connor’ssecurityteamandselectguardsfromEdison’sprotectionforceawaitedthematthetowngate.Howshe’dcommunicatedwiththemallshenevertoldGeorge.Itdidn’tmatter.HefeltathousandtimessaferwithCher,MingandBruegmanthere.

TheresidenceofSupai

hadregressedbacktotheDarkAges.Mightmaderightinthisdesolateplace.Familieshadnoloyaltytooneanother,andthefittestmadeslavesoftheweak.Someagricultureexisted.ButlifedependedonthefloodingoftheHavasuCreek.Georgehadcountedclosetoahundred-fiftypeopleacrossthearea.Thewomenoutnumberedthemen,but

wereherdedbythestronglikecattle.ThiswastheworldoutsidetheGlobalRealm’scontrol.Millionsofhumanslivedthiswayallacrosstheglobe,iflivingwasthecorrectterm.

Georgeexaminedtheshuttlelandingareaascrewspackedandpoundedthesoilintoasmoothsurface.Asreadyaswe’regoingtobe,hethought.Extendingthe

timetableintothefuture,theywouldleaveinsixdays,adaylongerthansafetyallowed.IfonlyClinewasonsite,buthewasinRomeandhadproblemsofhisown.

AglanceoverhisshouldercausedGeorgetostiffen.Theindigenouspopulationhadspottedhimandtwobravesoulswereedgingtheirwayuptheslopetowardhislocation.Hefired

hisweaponatapartoftheWigleevaRockformationsendingitdownwardtoblocktheirascent.Hemadehiswaybacktothelabtorunthedataagain,hopinguponhopehecouldfindawaytosecureashuttlesooner.

#“Letusassesswherewe

are.”Ammadglaredathisadvisersuntilnotonecouldraisehiseyestomeet

Ammad’sstare.“TheJewsarewaitingformyarrivalinJerusalemtoinspecttheirpreparationsforthebuildingofthetemple.Ican’taffordtohaveanyleaksaboutwhatishappeningtoChristianleaders,andspecificallyaboutmysearchforPendletonandEdison.Theseeventscan’treachtheearsofthepopulation.”

“It’sgeneralknowledge

thattheChristiansareleavingaspartoftheMarscolonizationproject,”oneImamsaid.

“That’saseparateissue.”Ammadcrackedawickedgrin.“We’reallowingtheirdeparture,exceptfortheirleaders.ThoseinRome,London,andtheDallasComplexwhoarezealousagainstusmustnotbeallowedtogo.Thatincludes

thePopeandPendleton.IhaveafeelingwhenwefindEdisonwe’llfindPendleton’schildrenandtheredheadedwitch.”

“WhatofVanMeer?”“Heconvertsordies.”

Ammadgrewmorepowerfulwitheachpassingday.“Balmoralhasbeenneutralizedwithoutaglobalripple.LondonhasafewofCline’speopletobe

accountedforasyet,butgenerally,theComplexhasbeenrunningnormally.WewillfindtherestofCline’sloyalistsandofferthemthesameopportunitywe’veofferedVanMeer.Someonewillcrack.”

Atthatmoment,Akbarirushedintotheroom,adjustinghisturbanashecame.“I’msorryI’mlate.PendletonandClinearein

Rome.SayyiddetectedacommunicationfromPendletontohisson,Harry.PendletonisdefinitelyinRome.”

“AndHarry?”Ammadasked.

“SomewhereontheNorthAmericancontinent.Somewhereeitherundergroundorbelowsealevel.Sayyid’sguess,afourhundredmileradiuswithin

theformerstatesofCalifornia,Nevada,andArizona.”

“Wheretheyare,Edisonis.”BloodrushedtoAmmad’shead.Hisheartbeatincreased.“Beginimmediatetransportofourmosthighlyskilledcombatantstothatarea.LandthemattheVegasComplex.Onceweknowtheexactlocation,we’lldestroythemandEdisonwiththem.”

“Ammad,”AtashAkbariwhispered.“YoumustcatchtheSupersonictoJerusalemintwentyminutes.AllowmetoadministerjusticetoHansVanMeerwithyourapproval.”

“Granted.”Ammadrosetoleave.Supersonicornot,theridefromtheBasraComplextoJerusalemwasn’taslongasthetripfromJerusalem’soutskirtsto

selectedtemplegroundsnexttotheDomeoftheRock.EachtimehetraveledtotheformerNationofIsrael,thecrowdswelcominghimgrew.Today,hehopedtowintheheartsofbothPalestiniansandJewsaliketowardtheideaofunifyingthechildrenofShem.

#Asliveroflightcrept

intoVanMeer’sroomat

BalmoralCastle,abittersweetmomentforhim.Hislastsunrisemostlikely,andyetthelightbroughtahopehecouldn’tfindinthedarkness.Aroundfourinthemorning,he’dgivenhimselfovertoChrist,recitingfromthePsalms,“OLordmyGod,inYouIputmytrust;Savemefromallthosewhopersecuteme;Anddeliverme.”

Agrowingpeacefilled

him.HeknewhisspiritdweltwithGod.Hissoulandanewbodywouldfollow,butnotbeforethedevildemandedhislife.He’dregrettedhispast—wastedonworldlygoalsandpleasures.Butwithwhatshorttimehehadleft,hewouldservehisLordthebesthecould.

Atnoon,thedoortohisroomopened.Thesamethreemenwhohadthreatenedhim

thedaybeforeledhimoutthroughhissittingroomintothe1stfloorgroundsneartheterrace.Thereintheopenairthreeflagshadbeensetup,theOfficialFlagoftheGlobalRealm,theGlobalRealmPeaceFlag,alight-blueflagwithawhitedovecarryinganolivebranch,andAmmad’sofficialflag,agreenflagwithared-crescentmoonandawhitestaretched

onblack.Infrontoftheflags,a

hoodedgiantdressedinblackstoodnexttoachoppingblockwithanaxeinhishand.Hisfacewascoveredsoonlyhiseyesandmouthcouldbeseen.Therewerecamerasandvideofeedsstationedaroundtheyard.

Doeshereallyintendtobringattentiontothis?

“Yourexecutionwillbe

broadcastonlytoMuslim-controlledcomplexes,”oneofthemenholdinghimsaid.

“Goodmorning,Hans.”Akbari’svoicesoundedfromthespeakersclosesttoVanMeer.“WillyoujoinusanddeclareallegiancetoAmmad,theChosen,andhisGlobalRealmgovernment?”

HearingthatproclamationsickenedVanMeer.Hewethislipsand

responded,“IwillcontinuemyallegiancetotheGlobalRealm.ButIdonotacknowledgetheexistenceofachosenreligiousleader.”

“HeisthenewlyelectedFirstCitizen,Ammadal-Sistani.”

“Hecanchoosetocallhimselfwhateverhewants,butIdonotbelieveinanIslamicprophetorinIslam.”

“Well,ifyouareloyal

totheGlobalRealm,pleaserevealthelocationofEdison.Ourpeopleneedaccesstoitforthegoodofourcitizens.”

VanMeertriedtogetavisualonAkbari,butonlyhisvoicecamethrough.Hewasn’tanywherenearby.“AsIsaidbefore,Idon’tknowwhereEdisonis.”

“DoyouknowhowtoreachThaddeusCline?”

“No.”

“ArthurPendleton?”“Itried.Mycellwon’t

recallhisnumber.”Akbariteasedhim,

askingthesamequestionabouteverymemberofPendleton’sfamily.VanMeeranswerednotoallhisquestions.

“Thisisyourlastchance.YouseemtobetheleastinformedformercandidateforFirstCitizenthe

worldhaseverseen.DoyouacceptanddeclareallegiancetoAmmad,theChosenandhisGlobalRealmgovernment?”

“Myansweristhesame.IdonotbelieveinanIslamicprophet.”

“Axeman,carryoutyourduty.”

VanMeer’sbodyshookashetriedtopray.Prayingwasn’thisstrongpoint.A

handforcedhimtohisknees.“LordJes...”

Aclampsecuredhisnecktotheblockandcutoffhiswind.Receivemy...

#Akbariclappedhis

handsanddancedbeforeAmmad’sadvisors.“PuthisheadonthehighestspirenexttoMichaelZiebach.Leaveitthereuntilitrots.”

#

“YouwillneedalltheskillofPeacocknow.”CustossatonahillsidebenchlookingdownattheRomeComplexandtheentrancetoSaintPetersSquare.

“MayIaskyouaquestion?”Peacocksaid,wonderingaboutthefutureofherhusband.“ArthurwillbeinHeavenwithme.Hemurderedmillions.Iwillbethereaswell.Ibrokeevery

commandment.Howcanthisbe?”

“NoteveryonewhoknowsJesusisLordwillentertheKingdomofGod.”Custosshrugged.“ButonlythosewhoplacetheirtrustinHimandfollowHim.BothyouandArthurtriedtopleaseGod.Youfailed.YetlikeDavid,yourepented.”

“ButIfailedsooften.”“Yetyoutried.Thinkof

yourselfbeforeyouacceptedChrist.DidyoufollowHim?”

“No.IwastooangrytofollowHim.”

“Andnow?”“Nowmyconscience

bothersmewhenIstray,andIaskforgiveness.”

“Andthat’sthedifferencebetweenthesavedandtheunsaved.TheyaretooproudtoacceptJesusasLord,eventhoughtheyknow

intheirheartsHeis.”Custossighed.“TheLordweepsatthelossofeveryhumansoul.Buttheychoosedisobedience,becausetheyrefusetobeheldaccountabletoanypowerhigherthanthemselves.EventhoughtheyknowtheysinbeforeGod.”

Peacockreasonedoutwhattheangelhadsaid.“SobecauseItrytofollowChrist,andIplacemyfaithinHim,

I’msaved.”“Faithcomesfirst.Your

gooddeedssecond.Forwithoutfaith,yourworksarenothing.”

“I’mgoingtofaceAmmad.EvenknowingI’msaved,I’mafraid.”

“IntheGardenatGethsemane,Jesusfearedwhatwascoming.ButHeobeyedGod.”

“Andyou’llbethere?”

“No.I’llbenear.”Custosheldherhand.“God,Himself,willbewithyou.”

Chapter27Ammadwavedtothe

crowdsgatheredontheHaolanRoad.HiscaravanofvehiclesturnedthroughtheDungGateintotheJewishQuarterandheadedtowardtheWestWall.HundredsofHebrewclericsandtheseventyfromtheSanhedringreetedhimashesteppedout

ofthelimousinethatbroughthim.

RabbiLevinson,awidesmilegracinghisface,lockedAmmadinabrotherlyembrace.Theswine’stouchsickenedhim,butAmmadreturnedthehug.Afewyearsfromnow,LevinsonwouldeitherbowtohimordielikeVanMeerhaddone.ArrogantHebrewbelieversweren’tbrothers,onlythosewho

droppedtheirfaithinfavorofmoneyandpowercouldservehispurpose.

“Soshowmetheplansandtheinstrumentsforthesacrifices.”

Levinsonrolledoutalongscrollonacedartableinsidetheconstructionpavilion,aportablestructurecoveredwithtarps.“SotorebuildthenewtempleinJerusalemalltheinstruments

thatwillbeusedforthesacrificeshavebeenpreciselyrecreated.Redheifers,requiredforpurificationofthesanctuaryandthepeople,arebred.Wehavepurereds.Nowthatpeaceexists,onlyadisagreementamongusJewswhetherElijahneedstocomefirsttooverseethebuildingprojectisstillindispute.”

“I’llsettlethis.Callyourpeopletogether.”

LevinsonscurriedabouthustlingasmanyeldersashecouldinsidetohearAmmad.Whentheyhadgathered,Ammadasked.“HowmanyhereawaitElijah?”

Sometwentyhandsshotup.

“DoyoutrustGod?”“Yes,”theycried.Onemanuttered.“It’s

youI’mnotsureof.”Ammadtiltedhishead

andshrugged—amovefamiliartotheJewsasmeaning,Igetyourpoint.“IfyoutrustGod,andyouknowHecandoanythingHewishes.Thenrelyonthat.GodpromisedElijahwouldreturn.Ifnowisthetime,hewill.Untilthen,buildyourtemple.”

HeturnedtoLevinson.“Sendmealistofeverythingyoulack,andGlobal

distributionwilldeliverthematerialstoyou.”Hestretchedouthisarmsandasked,“Doesanyonedisagree?”

Onlyonehandwentup,RabbiShamir,thesameonewhoopposedhiminTelAviv.Ammadhadhimonhislist.Apainfuldeathwouldfollowwhenthiswasover.“Sobegin,andmayAllahbegracioustoyou.”

Levinsonreddenedandreplied.“Yahwehwilling,wewillbefinishedinforty-twomonths.”

AmmadleftthepavilionandheadedtomeetwithadministratorsatTheDomeoftheRock.HechuckledasheimaginedtheaxeseveringVanMeer’sneck.

“It’swhatyougetwhenyoufailtobendtheknee.”Hesaidaloud.Hiswordsnever

reachedanotherhumanear.#

ThebuzzingofhiscellstartledPendletonfromadeepsleep.HerolledovertoseeGeorge’snameonhisscreen.“Howdidyoumanagetomakethiscall?”

“Edison’sfiguringouttheroguecomputer’soperatingpatternandundoingsomeofthedamage.IfyoucangetClineontheline,he

mightbeabletohelpusgainmorecontrol.”

Clearly,hedidn’thavetoppriorityeveninhisownson’slife.No,howisitgoing,Dad?No,Iloveyou.JustgetClineonthephone.Butthatwashowhe’dtreatedhischildrenwenthehadpressingbusiness.

“Holdon.I’lltrytowakehim.”

Hestumbledtothedoor

andheadeddownthecoldtileflooroftheVatican’ssleepingquarterstoThad’sroom.Heknocked.

“I’mawake.Comein.”Realizinghewas

barefoot,Pendletonopenedthedooracrackandsaid,“Georgefoundawaytocall.Apparently,Edisonisundoingsomeoftheroguecomputer’sdamage,andhewantstotalktoyou.”

Clinerantothedoorandgrabbedthephone.

ForthenexttenminutesthemanwhoonceruledtheworldstoodbarefootinthehalloutsideCline’sroomwithnopowerexceptthatofadeliveryboy.Godtoldhimhistimewasover.Whydidhefeelsodepressed?Theimmensepridewithinhimcouldn’tdealwithhislossofpower.Thethoughtcameto

himtorestinthissituationandenjoyGod’speace—ahardthingforaproudmantodo.

“Here’syourphoneback,”Clinecalledoutasheclompedtothedoor,hisVaticanpajamaslookingmiserablycrumpled.“Comeinandhavesometea,whileIupdateyou.”

“Myfeetarehalffrozen.”

“I’vegotthestandardpull-ons.Onesizefits,youknow.”Clinetossedhimapair,andPendletonslippedthemon,slouchingasheenteredCline’sroom.“YoulooklikeAmmad’salreadyputyouinprison,orworseyet,orderedyourexecution.”

Tomorrow,hemorethanlikelywould,Pendletonthought.

Clineflippedtheswitch

ontheEco-StreamTeadispenserandpushedtwice.TwocupsdroppedintoplaceandhotEarlGreyteapouredoutreadytodrink.HestirredPendleton’sandsetthecupdownonthedurableservingtableatthefarendoftheroombythewindows.Dawnwasstilltwohoursoff.

OutsideCline’swindow,thevividlightsoftheVaticanbuildingstossed

rainbowsofcolorsintothenightsky.EverysteepleonSaintPeter’sBasilicareflectedvaryinghuesofyellowandgold,blueandviolet,offnearbybuildings.ThesightcalmedPendletonabit,asdidCline’ssoftsmile.ThehumongousegothatusedtobeThaddeusClinehadvanishedastheyearspassed,leavingastoutfellowandgoodfriendinitsplace.

“Here’slife’scruelfact.Totalcontrolisnotpossible.Tryasyoumight,Arthur.Youcan’tmaintainpowerforever.”Clinetookasip,andPendletonploppeddownontoachair.“Youpulledtheswordfromthestone,andyouwieldeditwell.Buttimesandpeoplechange.”

“Idon’tneedalecture.”“No.Youneeda

friend.”Clinesighedandhis

lipsquivered.“Hansisdead.”Hearingthewords

didn’tmeanunderstandingthem.Pendleton’sheadjerkedbacklikeaprizefighterhadcaughthimwithanuppercut.Theairlefthislungs.Ifhehadn’tbeensittingdown,he’dhavefallen.“I’malone.Lovey,Milton,andnowHans,allgone.”

Clinetouchedhishand.

“Godiswithyou.Haveyoueverconfessedyoursins?Idon’tmeanwithwords.Imeanwithyourheart.HaveyouevertrulygivenGodcontrol?DidyouaskHimwhattodobeforeyoucamehere?”

Pendletonshookhishead.“Theconversationwasoneway.Godtoldmetocomehere,andIcame.”

Clinetiltedhisheadand

loweredaneyebrow.“Don’tyoubelieve

me?”“Ifit’strue,showitby

beingconfident.Whatdoesthescripturesay,‘IfGodisforus,whocanbeagainstus?’”

Helookedlikeaschoolmaster.PendletonglancedtoseeifClinehadarulerinhishandwithwhichtoswathim.Hetriedto

respond,butnothingcameout.

“Look.Iwasarounderandanegotist.”Clineshookhishead.“IpushedthebuttonthatblewuptheUnitedNationsbuilding.Yes,youandIhavebloodonourhands.Godistheonlysalvationforus.Stopworryingandstartdoingwhatyou’retold.”

Pendletonnodded.

“WithGeorge’shelp,EdisonreversedmuchofAmmad’sdamage,”Clinesaid.“Butthisisonlyatemporaryfix.Heopenedtwolinesofcommunicationscoveringninety-threeprimarilyChristiancomplexes.Iwrotedowntheshuttleschedules,andIneedyouandPopePetertorecordamessageforbroadcastovereachline.Soonerorlater

someonewillbreakdownandrevealEdison’slocationandwe’refinished.”

“IshouldhavemaintainedanarmyandkeptsurveillanceontheMuslimcomplexes.”

“Quityourbitchingandbeatingyourselfup.Dowhatyoucannow.Forgetaboutthepast.”

Pendletonsquirmedinhisseat,pushinghisshoulder

bladesbackagainstthespindles.“Iwill.WhatelsedidGeorgetellyou?Youtalkedforquiteawhile.”

“Ifyoumean,didheaskaboutyou?”Cline’scommentirritatedhim.Becauseithithome.“Hedid.Hesaidtheyallmissyou,andforyoutodowhatneedstobedone.HealsosaidConnorhaspreparedtofighttothedeath.Heseesnowayoutfor

usbutup—onewayoranother.”

Pendletongulpeddownsometeaandfixedhimselfanothercupbeforesayinganything.“Idoubtwe’lleverleavethiscomplex.Unlessit’sonashuttle.ButIwillbethelastpersonout.”

“Anoblethought.”ClinebumpedhiscupagainstPendleton’s.“LetGoddecidethat.”

Chapter28HowardWhitedidn’t

makeittothetunnelwhenAmmad’speopleransackedCline’sLondonlaboratory.Hehidinsideacabinetuntilhethoughttheattackershadgone.Amistake.Theyfoundhim,pulledhimout,andthrewhimdownontothefloor.Sincethen,he’dbeen

confinedinthedarkattheformerBlundestonPrison—theonlyprisonerthereinovertwentyyears.HowardWhiteforgothisnameandeverythingelseinhislife.Heonlyknewpain.

“Thiscanstop,Howie,”avoicecalledtohimfortheumpteenthtime.“WhereisEdison?”

“Howie,Howie,comehomenowie,”hecackledand

drooledabit.“Yes,Mommy.”

Themensurroundinghimlaughedasthescrewmanturnedtheironhandleforwardanotch.Howard,caughtinacrouchbetweentheironjawsofaScavenger’sDaughter,groanedashisribscrackedalittlemore.WhereisEdison?WhereisEdison?

“Soapie,Dopie,Idon’tknowpee.Somewhereinthe

mountainsnearSoapie.”“Soapie?”His

tormentorwondered.ThenHowardWhite

forgottobreathe.#

AtashAkbarireviewedthetapeofWhite’slastwords.Heknewhisgutfeelingshouldn’tbeignored,buthedidn’texpectagoodresult.HecalledhisconnectiontoSayyid.“Find

anylocationsoundinglikeSoapienearbyamountainrange.”

AmmadhadlefttheDubaiComplexafewhoursearliertojoinhisforcesapproachingRome.AkbarineededthistimetofindEdisonandsealhismasters’fateassupremerulerofthenon-Asianworld.Oncesecure,hecouldfulfillhisplanstoenslavetheJewsand

defeattheAsianEmpireledbyTzuChui.

Hiscellbuzzed.RabbiLevinsoncallingwithanotherrequestforassistance,hethought.“HowcanIhelpyou?”

“Ineedmoreworkers.”Levinsonsighed.“Also,Ihavequarrelsamongsomeofthereligiousworkmenthatfirewillburnthemifthetimeisn’tright.Youknowhowit

is.TwoJewsequalthreeopinions.”

“ThequarrelsIcan’thelpyouwith.WorkersIcan.Howmany?”

“Five-hundred.Wedidn’thaveenoughprecutstoneinstorage.ThankstoArthurPendleton,precutstoneisavailableinquantity,butnotnearJerusalem.”

Akbarilistenedwithinterest.Pendletonhadsetin

motiontheperfectconditionsforprojectslikethis.“You’llhave500menfromtheGreenlandprison,plustwenty200-tonhaulersfortheadditionalstone.Satisfied?”

“Jewsareneversatisfied.Butappeased,ofcourse.”

Akbaridisconnected.Theabilitytotransnavigatetheglobefromanywhereintwenty-fourhoursmadethe

impossibletwenty-yearsagopossiblenow.Hiscellbuzzedagain.“Yes.”

“ImamAkbari,SayyididentifiedthreepossiblespotsforEdison’slocation,buttwoareunthinkable.”

“Howso?”“Oneissubmergedin

thePacificOceanandtheotherisinAntarctica.”

Akbarigroan.Ameagertryatbest.“Andthethird?”

“ThereisaformersettlementintheAmericansneartheGrandCanyoncalledSupai.AphonecommunicationwasexchangedbetweentheRomeComplexandGeorgePendleton’scellfromalocationnearSupaionlyafewhoursago.”

Maybenotameagertry.Maybegeniusatwork.“Sendmeeverythingwrittenabout

thatarea,includingmilitaryinstallationstheAmericansbuiltyearsago.Also,givemeananalysisofthenumberofourloyalistsinthearea.”

“Rightaway.AllahAkbar.”

TheformerUnitedStatesusedtheAmericanSouthwesttotestweaponryandhadnumerousmilitaryfacilitiesincloseproximitytotheGrandCanyon.Asneaky

locationfortheworld’sbrainchild.Butalogicalone.WipeoutEdisonandPendleton’sfamilyatthesametime.Thebeautyofthethoughtwarmedhim.Butwherewastheredheadedwitch?Shewouldbeinoneoftwolocations—RomeorwithEdison,noquestion.

LettheChristianswhocan,leave.Thosewhoremainwillconformorelse.

#TzuChuitappedhis

fingersonhisconferencetable.Aquarterofthescheduledshuttleflightsworldwidehadbeencompletedandtheircrewshadreturnedtomakeasecondrun.OneactivesatellitebankprovidedhiminformationongroundmovementsmadebyAmmad’sforces.With

LondonandBalmoralfallingwithoutafight,ChuiwonderedifRome,Dallas,andSupaiwoulddothesame.

“Doweassistourfriends,iftheyputupafight,orremainneutral?”Hisgazemovedfromadvisortoadvisor,stoppinglongenoughtomakeanimpression.“Yourthoughts.”

Alongsilencefollowedbeforeareluctanthandedged

up.“DirectorSun,youhave

myattention.”Sun,afrailmaninhis

eighties,roseunsteadilytohisfeet.Heinhaledadeepbreathandspokeinaconfidenttone.“Fiftymissileswillnotbringusultimatevictoryovertheevilone’sforces.Theyarefortactical—surgicalstrikes.Agreed?”

Headsnodded.Thosein

attendancenervouslyadjustedthemselvesintheirchairs.Sunwaiteduntiltheysettled.

“Myadviceistwofold.First,decidehowmanymissileswecanaffordtouseinaidingourfriends.Second,howwilltheybeststrikefearintheheartofourenemy?AsSunTzusaid,‘Whenyouarefarawayactasthoughyouareclose.’”

Chuiheldbackasmile.

“Astoyourfirstpoint,Idoubtmorethanfourorfivemissileswillbeneeded.Ourtaskistodelayourenemy,notdestroyhim.Allfiftycouldnotdothat.Tothesecondpoint,thefewmissileswefiremustbesoaccurateourenemywillknowwecanseehiseverymove.Hewillnotstrikeusback,fearingdefeat.Hewillwaituntilhecanbuildupstrongerforces.”

Sunnodded.“Precisely.”

Heslowlydroppedbackintohischair.

“Arewetogetheronthis?”Chuiasked.

Therewasnoopposition.

#ConnorUbarushed

aboutthemountainenclosureshoutingorderstohertwo-hundredeightywarriors.

She’ddividedtheforcesintofourgroups,Bruegman,Cher,Ming,andherselfheadinguponeeach.“Reportsareenemyforcesareapproaching.OneforceisplanningtoscaledowntheHavasuCanyonwallswestoftheoldHavasupaiNationreservation.Theotherisapproachingthetrailwearrivedon.”

“Howmany?”Cher

asked.“Harry,howmany?”

Mingcalledout.“Oh,”Harryanswered

inaquietvoice.“Overathousandtroopsfromeachside,we’venowheretogo.ButwehaveGod.SoifIfollowGideon’slead,weshouldallgototheriverandgetadrinkofwater.We’llsendthosewholapthewaterlikeadogaway.”

Georgedashedinthroughtheentrance,facegrimyandpantsshredded.“Theshuttleleftthemothershipafewminutesago.Withanyluck,they’lllandheretomorrowmorning.Ifwecanholdoffthevulturesfortwelvehours,wecangettherestofthepersonneloutofhere.”

Connortrembled.Therestofthepersonneldidn’t

includeherteams.Thatwouldmeanathirdtrip,andbythen,shedoubtedanyonewouldbeleftalive.Shenoddedandsmiled.“Goodnews.Thankyou,bigbrother.NowkeepEdisonrunningandleavethefightingtous.”

“TheHavasuRiverappearsblue-greennowagainstthemaroon,travertinerocks,”Georgesaid.“Ihadourconstructioncrewplant

twodetonatorsandsixsticksofdynamiteintothemountainsideeastoftheirmostlikelydescentpoint.They’llbeimpossibletoseegiventhecoloring.Travertinerockisporousandfragile.Themountainshouldcrackandcollapse.Idon’tknowwhattheresultwillbetousinhere,buttheenemywillreceiveheavycasualties.”

Bruegmangrumped.

“Theassholeswillbeannihilated.Butotherswillregroupatthecampgroundtwomilespastthevillage.Givemetwenty-fivevolunteers,andI’lltrapthemthere.”

“Eachofyouhasachargedlaserweapon.”Connorraisedhersintheair.“Setitonkill.Howmanydynamitesticksdowehaveleft?”

“Three,”Cheranswered.“Enoughtodisruptanddisorient.”

Connorconsideredtheirsituation.Eachplannedattackdependedontheirguessesbeingcorrect.WhatAmmad’scommandersdecidedcouldn’tbepredicted.Buttheyhadtopulltogetherquickly,sohowwelltrainedthesefighterswerewasquestionable.

“Okay,nomorethantwenty-fiveandgrabsomedynamite.Takeyourpositionsbeforetheenemyarrives.”

Harryraisedhishandagain.“Chuijustcalled.HispeoplehaveAmmad’sforcesonsatellitefeed.Hehasagreedtohelpus.Hispeoplecanfireafewmissilesintotheirmidst.”

“Whoa,”Connor

gaspedandshookherhead.“Thosemissilesclearafivesquaremilearea.”

“Thenativesarelonggone,sis.It’sthemorus.”

#Christianleader,Sean

O’Dell,wavedtothethirdteamofshuttlesleavingtheDallasComplex.AllroadssurroundingtheComplexhadbeenblockedbyAmmadloyalists.Fourartillerypieces

broughtfromFortHoodwerepositionedinrangeoftheDallasComplexEvangelicalSeminaryandEducationfacility.

O’Dellandhisstaffformedalinenexttotherunway,determinedtoremainthereuntileithertheshuttlereturnedforthemorAmmad’sforcesattacked.Theyhadnoweapons.Theyhadnoprotection.They

vowednottobowtheknee,andoverahundredcitizensgatheredatthegatetotheshuttleareatoblocktheentrance.

“Noviolence,”O’Delldirected.“Peacefuldisobedienceonly.”

Thoseatthegatesang“Itiswellwithmysoul”andheldhands.Ammadloyalistsfiredallfourartillerypiecesatthegate.O’Dellandthose

aroundtheshuttleareawereknockedtothegroundasexplosionsblewthegateandthosesingingintominisculefragments.Whenthedebrissettled,theloyalistsbreechedthegateandapproachedthelandingarea.

“PledgeyourallegiancetoAmmadal-SistaniandtheGlobalRealm.”Thevoiceovertheloudspeakeradded.“Anywhodowillbe

welcomedwithoutharm.Youhavethirtyseconds.”

“Iwillnotforbidyoutogo,ifyousodesire.”O’Dellremainedonthegroundkneelingandprayed.

“WewillnotforsakeGod,”avoicereplied.

Allofthoseawaitingtransportstayedtheirground.

Afteroneminute,thecrowdrushedO’Dellandhisstaff,cuttingthemtopieces

withknives.Outnumberedthirtytoone,theChristiansdiedwheretheyprayed,andthebattlefortheDallasComplexended.

Chapter29“They’reunawareofthe

numbers.”Chui’sassistantpacedhandsbehindhisbackandheaddown.“Tensofthousandsarecoming.They’llattackinwaves.”

“Pendletondestroyedarmieswithhismissiles,”Chuisaid,staringatthesatellitefeed.“Wecanonly

delaythisarmy.Firetwomissiles—oneattheforwardgroupandoneatthefarthestbehind.Thistemporarilytrapsthethreemiddlegroupsfromadvancing.They’llscatter,regroup,andgivetheevacueessomeneededtime.”

“Beijingcommand.Firerockets14and15—oneattheforwardgroup—oneattherear.”

ChuicalledGeorgeat

Edisonbase.“Pullanyonedeployedaboveawayfromthemountainside.”

“Thismaybethelasttransmissionyou’llbeabletosendus.”TheconcerninGeorge’svoicecaughtChui’sear.“TheenemycomputeriscuttingofftransmissionlinesfasterthanIcanbringthembackup.”

“Oncetheyfoundyourposition,theirjobbecame

easier.”Chuihesitated,thensaid,“Satelliteindicateswelloverthirty-thousandareapproachingfromthenorth,aboveyouandatyourback.Maybefivethousandfromthefront.”

“Isee…”George’svoicetrailedoff.“I’llpulleveryoneinside,exceptforthosedeployedtothecampground.”

Thelinedisconnected.

“Howmuchtimebeforetheshuttletouchesdown?”Chuiasked.

“Sixhours,”hisassistantreplied.

“Thesecondgroupwillmakeitout.Nottherest.”

#Thescreamingofher

brothercaughtherattention.ConnorracedtotheentranceintimetoseeGeorgeracingupfromthedirectionof

Bruegman’sencampment.“Harrywasonlypartlyright—thethousandpart.Tryoverthirtythousandcomingupfrombehindandfivethousandinfront.”

Connorgasped.“Howmany?”

“Let’snotwastetime.”Georgeracedpasther.“Chui’sattemptingtobuyussometime.He’sprovidingamissilestrike.Getinside.”

ThewallsoftheEdisonenclosureshookandpiecesofrockfellfromthereinforcedceiling.

“Underthetables,”Connoryelled,asahugepieceofinsulationfellwithinafootofherhead.

“Edisonhasbeenshutdown.”GeorgePendletonfollowedbyConnor’shusbandObislidunderastandardGlobalconference

tablewithher.“Icalledthecrewtosetthememorywipeoutprogram.Ammadwon’tbeabletorecoveranythingofvalue.”

Obitossedheranorange.“Eatfruit.You’llfeelbetter.”

Sheedgedovertohimandclungontohisarmastheinteriorshookagain.Havinghimathersidehelpedherfeelsafe,butworriedherat

thesametime.Shemightlosehimatanyminute.“Whenthetremblingstops,comewithmetoourroom.Idon’twanttodiewithoutshowingyouhowmuchIloveyou.”

“We’renotgoingtodie.Godiswithus.”

“GodwaswithPeter,too.TheRomanscrucifiedhimupsidedown.”

#KlausBruegman

hunkereddowninthetrenchhe’ddugonthewestsideofthecampground.Ahugecloudofdebriswaftedoverhead.Inhishand,thedetonatorsforboththecliffsideandthecampgroundcharges.Theenemytimedtheirarrivalprecisely,whatwasleftoftheforcesabovehadbeguntheirtrekdownthecliffasthefirstunitsofAmmad’sloyalistsreached

thegroundsandset-upbasecamp.

Hispeople,fifteenmenandtenwomenarmedwithweaponssettokilllayinwaitonlytwentyyardsfromtheedgeoftheenemycampinthreefootdeeptrenches.Acamouflageblanketdrapedovereach.Bruegmangrinned.Eagerforbattle,helovedhuntingdownapredictableenemy.

Asthetroopsonthecliffdescendedthemountainside,Bruegman’sfingermovedatopthedetonatorbutton.Whenthecliffhadfilledwithsoldierstoptobottom,hepushedthebutton.Ahugebillowofsmokeanddebrisflewintotheairbeforethepercussivesoundrenderedhimtemporarilydeaf.Oneminutetherewasacliff.Thenext

minuteaV-likefissureappearedsplittingtherockysidewallandspreadingnorthseveralyardsaminute.

Bruegmandidn’thesitate.Hepushedtheseconddetonator,andthecampgroundexplodedintoflames.Awaveofhishandoncethedebrisstoppedfallingandhistwenty-fivewarriorsragedwestkillingeveryonetheymet.Through

thecampgroundandtowardthemuletrailwheretheyhadfirstenteredthevalley,Bruegmanracedalongsidehisteamfiringhislaserweaponandpickinguptheweaponsofthedeadthatwereusableforfuturecombat.

Atfirsttheenemyran,butthenregrouped.Theirnumbersvastlydiminished,theyfiredtheirweaponsfrombehindtreesandboulders,

andtheiraccuracyprovedadequate.Bruegmancouldn’theartheircries,buthesawatleastfiveofhispeopleblowntobitsbyaweaponmorepowerfulthantheonestheycarried.Deathisdeath,hethought.HedoveforcoverbehindastonestatueofaHavasuIndian.

Theenemykeptcoming,reinforcingtheirtroopsandwieldingmassive

firepower.Aswhatseemedlikeanhour’sbattledrewon,Bruegmanglancedathistimepiece.Fifteenminuteshadpast.Onebyone,hesawhispeopledie.Fromwhathecouldremember,onlysixremained.Ifhetriedtomakeitbacktothecompoundhe’dleadtheenemytoitaswell.Letthebastardsfindtheentrancethemselves.

He rolled out to his

right back toward thecampground, grabbing theweapon of a fallen comrade.Theotherswithhimhesitatedone moment too long. AsBruegman turned and firedwith both hands at thosepursuing. Ammad’s peoplecut him off from the others.Maybethey’llkillafewmorebefore they die, Bruegmanthought, then his thoughtsceased.

#“Theshuttle’slanded.”

GeorgePendletonwavedthirty-oneworkersandtheirfamilymembersoutthecaveentrance.Hehelpedthemuptheslopetotheeast.Twocrewmembers,hosesstretchedtight,refueledthecraft.

“Notimelefttoreturnforyou,”thecaptainsaid.“Bringyourfamilyandlet’s

go.”“Wehavemaybeeighty

peopleholdingoffAmmadforces.”

Thecaptainshrugged,blueeyesreddenedfromstress.“Icanonlytakefortymore.”

“I’lltelltheothers.”Georgescrabbleddownhillandintothecompound.“Connor,hecan’tcomeback.Hesayswe’reoutoftime.He

cantakefortymorenow.”“Bruegman’steamhas

beendestroyed.”Connor’sfacetoldhimshewasn’tgoing.

“Butwecansavefortypeople.Howdowedecide?”

Cherwavedahand.“Iplannedforthis.WhileyouandObiwereresting,wedrewnumbers.”

“Drewnumbers?”Georgecockedhishead.

“Youthinkonyourfeet.Whogoesthen?”

“You.”Cherpointedafingerathim.“YouknowmoreabouttheMartiancomplexesthananyone,butthefewengineersthere.Numbers1through39willgoaswell.”

“WhataboutConnorandHarry?”

“I’mnotgoing,”Connorsaid.

“We’renotgoingeither,”HarryechoedandpointedtoObi.“Soyoufortygrabwhatyoucan,andgetthehelloutofhere.”

Georgescreamed.“No.I’mnotlosingmyfamily.”

Alleyeslookedaway,exceptforHarryandConnor.“Godhasaroleforeachofus.Yoursiswiththemission.Oursishere.”

Harryhuggedhis

brother.“Leadthemwell.”

Chapter30“Donotbealarmed.”

AmmadwavedahandatthecuratorofHadrian’sVillaneartheoldcityofTivoli.“Tomorrow,weheadintoRome.Buttodaywechoosetocamphereandadmirethebeautyofpaganhistory.”

Thecuratortwitchedatthewordpagan,butsetabout

toaccommodatethenewFirstCitizenandhisentourageofseveralhundred.Meanwhile,AmmadmadehimselfandAkbaricomfortableinthecurator’soffice,quartersthesizeofahotellobbycompletewithmedia,computers,andelegantloungechairsandsofas.

“Manythingstoinformyouof.”Akbariscannedthroughdatabeingsentin

fromsatellitefeeds.“Doyouwishtohearthesenow,ordoyouwishtowaituntilafterourvictoryinRome?”

“Informationispower.Givemeeverythingyouknow.”Hemusedathisfriend’sapparentfear.“Holdnothingback.IfIstrikeyou,forgiveme.”

Akbarisquirmedwherehesat.“Edisonhasbeenshutdown.Myguessistheenemy

planstowipeoutthememorybeforewecangetourhandsonit.”

“WehaveSayyid.WhateffectdoesthelossofEdisonhaveonChui?”

“Nonethatwecandetermine.He’soperatingonoldersystems,neverdismantledduringtherebuilding.”AkbariprintedoutasummaryandhandedittoAmmad.“Apparently,he

neverdismantledhismilitarycapabilitieseither,atleastnotthenon-nuclearones.”

Gazinguponseveralphotosofmilitarymight,aircraft,ships,tanks,mechanizedmissilelaunchers,Ammadtrembledandclenchedhisfists.“Heout-gunsus,out-man’sus,andout-producesus.Wecan’tattackhimyet.Wemustorganizeourresourcesfirst.”

“Pendleton’speoplegaveChuithecodestotheremainingmissilesystems.”AkbarihandedhimthephotosoftheSupaiareabeforeandafterthefirstattack.

“Sotheshuttletookoff.”

“Welostoverathousandwarriors.”

“Westillhavethousandsmore.These

photosshownoenemiesoutsidetheircave.”Ammadsneered.“PositiontheweaponwetookfromtheYumafacility.Ithasabreech-loadedmortarlauncherthatfires120-millimetermunitions.Correct?”

“Yes,master.”“Positionit,anduseit.”

Hesighed.“Problemsolved.”Thenumberofhis

forceskilledwasoflittlesignificancetohim.Themassesweresimplepawnsinagreaterscheme.Pendleton’schildrenweretrapped.Ah,thatwasthegreatestreward.Thenhecouldfacehisadversarywiththeirbloodalreadyspilled.Whatconcernedhimmostwasthewhereaboutsoftheredheadedwitch.She’descapedhisdungeon.Regardlessofwhat

Akbaritoldhim,theMaridjinnguardingherpossessedpowerfulmagictohavebrokenheroutofthatpit.

Hesensedhe’dmeetherinRome.Heshivered.

#“Moreconcreteblocks

outsidetheentrance,”Connorshouted.“Iwantasix-footwallprotectingusfromthosebastards.”

Cherdisagreed.“We

needthreeforces,twooutsidehiddenalongthemountainwallsandoneintheverybackofourcompound.”

“Thepurpose?”“Myforcetotheleft.

Ming’sforcetotheright.”Cherwavedherarminthedirectionwhereshespoke.“We’llfortifybehindthosebouldersthatlitterthearea.Fromtherewehaveaclearviewoftheirmanpowerand

equipment.Iftheyhavenoartillery,wemovetothesecurityofthecenter.Iftheyfireheavyweaponry,wedefendfromthesides.Theyblowtheblocksapart,butnoonedies.”

Reasonable,Connorthought,“Ididn’tthinkofcannons.They’dhavetobringtheminfromYuma.”

“Yes,”Chersaid.“Countonit.”

ThisGurkhawarrior,tough,lean,andcoldasaSiberianbreeze,commandedConnor’sattention.

“Allright.Ming,positionyourpeopleasCherinstructsyou.”Connorcalledtoherforces,twenty-twostrong,“Movetheheavyequipment,forklifts,toolcarts,anythingyoucanfind,intothespaceinfrontofthedirtinclineexitingtothe

landingfield.We’llholdoutupalongtheedgeofthelandingfieldinhopeswecanstillbeshuttledout.”

Nothirdshuttlerunwascoming.Sheknewthatfullwell.ButthelongertheyhadaglimmerofhopeandkeptAmmad’sforcesatbay,themoretimeEdison’sdestructprogramhadtoeraseallidentifiablememory.Ammadwouldn’tgetanyuseable

information.Shecrawleduptotheopeningthirty-feetabovegroundlevelandlookedoutatthelandingstrip.

Highaboveherwasthemountaintop.Ateyelevel,atwo-footballfieldsizelandingstripstretchedacrossamesa.Nothingmoved.Theenemyhadn’tfoundawaytothetop.TheyhadtocomethroughherfortificationstogettoEdison

ortheimaginaryshuttlethatwouldnevercome.Ahandtouchedhershoulder.Harryhadclimbedtojoinher.“LovelydaytomeetourMaker.”

Hisgentlesmileandrosyoutlookmadehimeversoattractive—thekindheartedPendleton.“Alovelydayindeed,littlebrother.AtleastGeorgeisofftocarryonthefamilyname.”

Ajarringblastrippedintothecomplex.BothHarryandConnorscrambleddowntothegroundandshinniedtotheridge’sedge.Theconcreteblockshaddisappeared.Onlyfragmentsofrubbleremained.

“We’reokayouthere.”Cher’svoiceresoundedonConnor’sreceiver.

“Anotherblastandnothingwillremaininside,”

Connorsaid.“Idoubtthey’llriskdestroyingEdisoncompletely.Dotheyknowyou’reoutthere?”

“They’recommandersarescanningtheentrancefromatopthemortarlauncher.”

“I’llseeifIcantakethemout.”Connorwhispered.

Shewavedherpeopleupthedirtincline.HerhusbandwaswithMingon

therightflank.Shecheckedtherangefromtheedgeofthemesa’sridgetothelauncher.ShecouldseethreeofficialspointingattherockswhereMing’speoplehid.Withouthesitation,shefiredatthemaninthemiddle.Herlaserweaponlostsomeaccuracyatthatdistanceandhitthelegofthemantotherightofhertarget,blowingitapart.

CherandMing’sforces

firedattheflanksoftheenemy’stroopswhoseemedlikeaswarmofantsfromConnor’sposition,rushingtowardtherocksfiringtheirweaponsatwill.Thiswasnotanorderlyarmy.Thiswasacrazedmob.

“Takeoutasmanyasyoucan,”shecalledtothosewithher.Hercompanionspositionedthemselvesattherimofthelandingareaand

fired.#

ThecommanderofAmmad’sforcesorderedhisslainsecond-in-commandbedraggedbehindthelauncher.Jumpingoff,heandhisfieldcommanderdirectedtheattack,issuingordersthatConnor,George,andHarryPendletonbecapturedifpossible,butnotkilled.

Everyfewminutes,the

launcherfiredmortarroundsattherimabove,untilthereturnfirestopped.Thecommanderdrewhissword,checkedhiswatch,andsteppedoutintotheopen.Nothingmoved.“Stepaside.”

Histroopsgaveway,ashemarchedtoMing’ssideofthedefenses.Aglanceathistimepiecesaidthebattletooksixteenminutes.He’dlostanothereightypeople,buthis

enemylayhelplessinfrontofhim.Whenhefoundabody,woundedordead,heslititsthroatandcutoffanear,droppingtheearinabaghecarriedonhiswaist-belt.

“Awoman,”someonecalledout.

“Alive?”heanswered.“No.”Heapproachedthe

body.“Oh.AGurkhawarrior.”

Withrespect,onehighlytrainedcombatanttoanother,hedoffedhishat.“Buryherwithhonor.”

Insidethecompoundhewent,sendingadozentroopsupthedirtpathtotheshuttlelandingarea.Whenheheardtheall-clear,heheadeduptheslopetolevelground.Asicknessofmankind,war,hethought.Eachdirectionhelooked,bodiesorpartsof

bodieslaystrewnaboutlikemanikins.

Heappreciatedvalor.Asbefore,he

approachedeachbody,slittingthethroatandremovinganearforhisbag.Fourofhisenemieswerecrawlingwhenhefoundthem,draggingthemselvesalongandwrithingfrompain.Beforeheslittheirthroats,helookedtoseeifhehadoneof

thePendletonchildreninhishands.Hestaredcarefullyateachface.IfHarry,George,orConnorPendletonwerealive,they’dlikelybehere.

Agurglecaughthisear.Whatfortune.Justwhenhefearedhisinformationwaswrong,there,lyingontopofawoman,shieldingher,wasHarryPendleton.Thecommandercalledoverhisphotographer,theman

assignedtorecordthedeathofanyPendletonencountered.“Beginrecording.”

HebentdownandrolledHarryontohisback,revealingthefaceofConnorPendletonlookingupathim.Hesmiled.Takinghisknife,heplaceditatHarry’sthroat.“ProclaimyourallegiancetoAmmad,theChosen,andAllah,andIwillsparehis

life.”Connorspit.Hecouldseetheblood

runningfreelyoutofawoundinHarry’sneck,hencethegurgling.Hegraspedhewastoolateforsport.Themanwasdead.

Chapter31AsConnoropenedher

eyes,sherealizedherbrotherhadshieldedherfromthelastbarrageofmortarroundsthrownbytheenemy.SherememberedfiringatthehordeofattackersoverrunningMing’sposition.Harry,notadeptatfighting,grabbedweaponsforher

fromfallencomrades,asherslosttheircharge.Thenablastnomorethantwenty-feetawayknockedherunconscious.Harrymusthavefallenonhertoprotecther.

Shewishedshe’ddied.Harry’sweightliftedoff

her,andsheheardavoice.“ProclaimyourallegiancetotheChosenandAllah,andIwillsparehislife.”

Shespit.Hereyelidsliftedopentoseegrayskiesaboveandblooddrippingoffher.Apieceofshrapnelpinnedhertothegroundatthewaist.Shestrainedtoseewhereithadpenetratedher.

“Themetalenteredbetweenyourhipandyourspinethreeinchesfromtheedgeofyourleftside.”Abearded-manstoodoverher.“AgainIaskyou.“Proclaim.

..”“Forgetit.”Connor

forcedoutthewords.“MyallegianceistomyLord,JesustheChrist,tomyfather,andtomyfamily.”

“Afamilythatisdwindling.”

Herangerincreasedherpain.Shebitherliptokeepfromscreaming.Harrydiedprotectingher.Shewouldn’tgivethismonsterthepleasure

ofseeingherinagony.Connorsethermind,ashermotherinstructedher.Shepicturedheaven,brightandwelcoming.

“Cutoffhishead,”thecommandersaid.

Aheavysetmantookastep,swung,andbloodspattermistedoverConnor’sface.

“Doyouhavethisoncamera?”

“Yes.”“Putitonapoleand

plantitherenexttothisinfidel.”Hebentdownandglaredather.“Beforelong,youwillbegformetokillyou.”Hestoodandshouted,“Salomon,stripher.”

Hourspassed.ConnorlaynakedlookingatHarry’sheadsetonapoledrippingblooduntilnonewaslefttodrip.Sweetbrother,she

thought.Atleastyou’vefoundpeace.Everyounceofhertrainingkickedintopicturebeautyinthemidstoftorture.Thesunbrokethroughthecloudsandthetemperaturerose.Thewinddieddown.Herbodysweatedasherlowerstomachswelledwithblood.

Thebeardedmanwalkedup,tookahammerandspike,anddrovethe

spikeintoherrightelbow,smashingitandpinningittothegroundaswell.“YoucanendthisbyproclaimingallegiancetoAmmad,theChosen.”

Shebitthroughherlipwhenthehammerstruck.Closinghereyes,sherefusedtogivehimthepleasureofbeggingforherlife.Lord,makethisend.

Timepassed.Shesaw

SaintStephenbeingstonedtodeath,andSaulholdinghiscloak.ShesawJesusstanduptoreceiveStephen’sspirit.Flashesofredpoppedintohervision—spotsthatdidn’tbelonganddidn’tgoaway.Shefeltherselfbeingliftedupanddraggedacrossthelandingarea.

“Wedonothaveyourmother.”Shethoughtshesawthebeardedman.“Butwe

haveyou.Soyouwillreceiveherpunishment.”

SurroundinghimweremassesofIslamists,eachwithabladein-hand.Apolewasembeddedintheground,andshewashoistedupbyaropeloopedunderherarms.Thespikesinherbodyremainedinplace.Lightheadedanddying,Connorletherbodyslump.Eachwarriorstabbedherashepassedby.Herlegs,

arms,side,everypartofher,allbeingrippedapart,whileavoidingkillingblows.

Whenthestabbingstopped,herminddriftedawaytoinsanity.Shebabbledincoherentlyforawhile.Thebeardedmanraisedhishand.“Sheisavegetable.Dropherdownandputherheadontheblock.”

Theycuttherope,andshecollapsedtotheground.

Theydraggedhertothechoppingblockandsetherheadonit.Herbreathingcameingasps.Inaninstant,shesawherselffloatingaboveherbody.Shewatchedthemassesrejoicingoverherdefeatasthecameramanrecordedtheevent.Theaxefellseveringherhead.Theyplaceditonapolenexttoherbrother’sandleftitthereforthevulturestopeckouther

eyes.Agradualchange

occurredintheworldaroundher,fromhorrortocalm,fromcalmtopeace,frompeacetojoy.Heavenopenedtowelcomeherandthecaresoftheformerworlddisappeared.

#“Itisdone.”The

beardedmanspoketohiscommandheadquarters.

“HavethecameramanuploadtherecordingtoImamAkbari.”

#Akbariclappedhis

handsastherecordingofConnor’sexecutionended.AmmadhadlefttogivefinalinstructionstohisfollowersbeforeheadingintoRome.Reportswerethatfiveshuttleshadcomeandgonefromthecomplexitself,but

thatthePopeandPendletonwerestillintheVaticanandhadnotboardedashuttle.Thetimehadcometomove.

HesentAmmadamessage.Comeinassoonasyoucan!

Hewaitedforalmostanhour,knowingAmmadwouldcomeashepleased.Finally,thedoorswungopen.“Thecuratorisimpatientforustoleave.”

Ammadgrumpedandslammedthedoor.“I’veputonthefrontofpeace.”

“Youmustseethisbeforewego.”

Ammad’sgazefixedonthesceneinfrontofhimasAkbarireplayedthemurdersofPendleton’spreciousimps.HisfacecontortedintofiendishsneersandgleefulsmirksaseachPendletondied.

“Theyshouldhaveskinnedheralive.”Heslappedhissidesandroaredwithlaughter.Hisrejoicingceasedafewsecondslater,andhefrowned.“HowcanwebesurePendletonwillseethiswithcommunicationsnowcut?”

“Hislinesarecuthereonearth,butnotfromspace.Sayyidmaybeabletosendamessagetohimthroughan

openspaceline.”“Icommanditbe

done.”“Atonce,master.”

#ArthurPendleton’s

limousinereturnedtotheVaticanafterheobservedthefifthshuttleleaveforthemotherships.“ThankGod.They’vetakenoff.”

“Let’shopetheyreturnintimefortherestofus,or

Godhelpus,”Clinemused.“Thejourneytakestwenty-fourhours.OurscoutssayAmmad’sforcesareapproachingRome.TheydepartedTivoliafewminutesago.”

“He’safiend,”Pendletonspitout.Heflushed.“TherestoftheworldhasnoknowledgeofthebeheadingsinBalmoralortheattackhe’sattemptingat

theEdisonsite.”“Orwhathe’sdoing

hereforthatmatter.”Clinetouchedhisfriend’sknee.“ButChuiknows.Hispeopleknow.Andthat’salmosthalftheworld.”

AstheyenteredtheSacristyandTreasuryMuseum,thePope’sbutlerandpersonalvaletranup.“Sir,wereceivedafilefromthemainspacecomplex,

Titled,TheBattletosaveEdison.We’vewaitedforyourreturntoviewit.”

“Maybeit’sgoodnews,”Pendletonsaid.“Wecouldusesome.”

Clineopenedthedoortotheirquarterandsaid,“Wouldn’tgoodnewscomestraightfromGeorge?”

Ofcourse,itwould,Pendletonthought.“Letmeseethefile.”

ThePope’sbutlerledhimtoacomputerconnectedtotheVaticanserver.Hepulleduptheattachment.Thesender’scodeonthemessagewasacombinationoflettersandnumbers.Pendletoncopiedthosedownandtypedthemintothesearchbox.Restricted.

“Let’scallGeorgeattheSpaceComplex,”Pendletonsaid,anddialed.

#GeorgePendleton

staredoutatthevastuniversesurroundinghim.Moreathomeinspacethanonearth,hewasn’tdistractedbyfearorspacesickness.He’dwatchedthedestructionoftheEdisonComplexandtheruthlessmurdersofhissisterandlittlebrother.Havingthebestseatinthehouseandnowaytochangetheoutcome,

GeorgeforcedhimselftoaccepttheirdeathsaspartofGod’splan.

He’dprayed.He’dbegged.Onhisknees,weeping,“Godsavemyfamily.”

Hehadforty-eightmissileshecouldfireathisenemy.Buteverytimehedecidedtodoit,hishandwouldn’tmovetogivethecommand.Itwasasthough

anotherhandpressedatophis.Themorehetriedthemoredifficultmovingbecame,untiltheurgepassed.He’donlyfeltpressure,butnotpain.Heunderstood.God’shandheldhisdown.

Why?Thescreaminsidehis

mindshoutedtotheRuleroftheUniverse.Astheringinginhisheadquieted,thebuzzingonhistable

increased.Heliftedhiscell.“Yes.”

“George,it’sme.”Hischesttightenedasherecognizedhisfather’svoice.“IreceivedafileonthebattletosaveEdison.ThecodeisRestricted.Doyouknowaboutthefile?”

Hisjawquiveredandtearsburstdownhischeeks.“Donotopenthatfile.Foryourownsanitydestroyit.”

Hisfathergasped.Chokingandsobbingfollowed.Whenthesoundsfaded,therewasaclankandthenavoice.“ThadClinehere.What’sgoingonGeorge?Arthur’scollapsedonthefloor.”

“Theymurderedeverypersonthere.TheytorturedConnor.Whentheyweredone,theyputHarryandConnor’sheadsonpolesand

leftthemforthevultures.”Hebreathedinafullbreath.“Don’tletmyfatherwatchthatfile,anddon’ttellhimthedetails.Itwillkillhim.”

“Yes.Iunderstand.”Anabruptclickendedtheconversation.

Georgeslumpedintoachair.“Don’tYouhavesomethingtosaytome?”

Heshookhisfistattheviewofthestars.Heopened

hismouthtocurseGod.Nothingcameoutbutair.HepicturedthepaintingTheScream.Therefectioninthewindowofhisfaceseemedtomorphintoareplication.Hehadnothingavailabletotakehisfrustrationouton,sohemadeablinddashintoasupportpostandeverythingwentblack.

Chapter32Twentyguardsstoodat

eachsideoftheentrancetoSaintPeter’sSquare.Ifyoudidn’thavetheproperpapers,youcouldnotenter.Ammad’sapproachhadunnervedthepopulace.PeacockstrolledpastthemwithoutmakingeyecontactwithCustosbyherside.

“Ihaven’tanypain.IlookasthoughI’veneverbeentortured.PeopleonlyseemewhenIwantthemtoseeme.So...”

“Soyouroldbodyunderwentarestorationofsorts.Yournewbodyisyettobe,foryouaren’ttransformedyet.”Hetiltedhishead.Hisexpressionsaidsheaskedtoomanyquestions.“You’llneedall

thestrengthIcangiveyouwhenyoufacethedevil’spawn.”

“I’vefacedhimbefore.”“Notlikethis.He’s

grown.”Custossmiled.“Theworldloveshim,becausehetellsthemwhattheywanttohear.Hewillsubjugatewomenandcloudthemindsofmen.Humanitywilldounspeakableperversionsandbelievetheyaredoingthe

rightthing.”“ThenIknowwhoheis

now,”shesaid.Herwholebodytrembled.“Sohehascome.”

“Hehas.Butprophesymustbefulfilledtothenthdegree.Andyouwillfulfillit.Youhavebeenpreparedforthistimebythelifeyou’veledwithoutyouknowing.Godturnswhatthedevilusesforeviltogood.”

“IknowConnorandHarrydiedviolentdeaths.Idon’tknowwhyIknow.”

Custosgrewtwicehissizeandglowedlikeaheavenlyflame.“Theyhavereceivedgreatrewardandawaityouinpeace.”

AmIwillingtofacethelawlessone?

Eveninarestoredstate,Peacockchilledtothemarrowofherbones.The

realizationofhertaskmomentarilystunnedherandshestoppedwalking.“Ican’tkillhim.CanI?”

Custosvanished.Shestoodindarknessinthemiddleoftheday.Couldshefacethesonofperdition?IfGodbeforme,whocanbeagainstme?

“No,”shesaid.“Iamnotwilling.ButIwilldoit,andIwillnotbealone.”

Thebrightsunlightreappeared.ThedomeofSaintPeter’sBasilicaradiatedbeautifulshadesofgoldandredinthedistance.Custosreappearedandtookherhand.“Wellsaid.Nohumanbeingcouldbewillingtofacehimnow.ButlikeGideon,youdonotseethehostsofheavenonthesurroundinghills.However,Ammadwillnotdie—yet.”

Peacock,Laverna,DonnaO’Connor—whoevershewas,inhaledtheairwithnewresolve.Likeshehaddefeatedherhusband’senemiesinthepast,shewouldaccomplishGod’spurposenow.“IfmyinterpretationoftheBibleiscorrect.Myroledoesn’tleadtovictory.”

“Yes.Itdoes.Justnotyet.”

“Then,leadon.”Astheystrolled

togethertowardtheBasilica,thewindblowingagainstPeacock’sbodycooledher.ThearcticwinterthatplaguedNorthernandCentralEuropeasfarsouthasGreecemissedaswathfromWesternEurope,includingtheBritishIsles,toItaly.StillthetemperatureinRomewassevendegreescooleron

averageallyearround.Yetshehadn’tnoticedtemperature,norhadsheexperiencedhunger.Nowshefeltboth.AquickglanceatCustosgavehertheanswer.He’dliftedtheprotectivehedgearoundher.

“Guardailtuopasso,Signora.”Calledoutanofficialpassingher.

“Grazie.”SheascendedthestepsoftheBasilicawith

ease.Strengthenteredherbody.Herlungsfilled.Sherealizedshestoodwholeandhealthyevenwithherscarsandoldwounds.Ammadwouldseehishandiworkhaddonenothingtoweakenhermind,body,orspirit.ThroughtheBasilicashetraveledwithfullstrideandpurposeacknowledgingthefewindividuals—mostlynuns—asshepassed.

ShelefttheBasilicaoutasidedoorandheadedthroughahugeparkinggaragenexttothePalaceoftheHolyOfficeandtowardTheHouseofHospitalitySaintMary.BuiltbyPopeJohnPaulIIandMotherTeresatoservethepoorofRome.TheHouseofHospitalityhadfed,clothed,andhousedthepoorbeforeherhusband’sreign.During

histimeasFirstCitizen,ithadbeenconvertedintolivingquartersforthoseleftwithintheVaticanwallswithnoresidenceelsewhereduringthereorganization.Onlythreepeoplewerehousedtherenow,herhusband,ThadCline,andEduardoDuarte.Godrevealedthingstoherwitheverystepshetook.

Peacockpushedopened

themaindoorandslidinside.AllthemenwereseatedwiththeirbackstoherwatchingaGlobalbroadcast.Sheletthedoorslamshut.“I’mhappytoseeyou’reallalive.Thehourisuponus.”

#GeorgePendleton,head

stillsmartingfromtheshockoftheannihilationoutsideSupai,liftedthelidonacoldstoragecontainerandgrabbed

apre-packagedGlobalRealmapproveddinner,includingeveryvitamin,mineral,andantioxidantthehumanbodyneededtosustainitself.Hetosseditinhisheatkitandfoursecondslaterhadafullycookedmeal.Eventheexquisitetastedidn’tbrightenhisspirits.HarryandConnor’sdeathsgratedonhisnerves.Hishandsshookandtheknotsinhisstomach

stayedwithhimregardlessofhiseffortstorelax.

Hisfatherhadlessthanafifty-fiftychanceofescapingonthelastoutboundshuttlefromRome.Thatshuttlewasstillfourhoursfromtouchingdown,andAmmadandhisbandofcutthroatswerewithinanhourofenteringtheRomeComplex.Afterthat,itwouldbeonlyamatterofminutes

beforehe’denterVaticanCityandsearchforhisenemy.

Thewhereaboutsofhismotherstillunknown,hisguttoldhimshewasalive.Hisheadsaidthatwasimpossible.HewipedhislipsandheadedforameetingoftheChristianCentralCommand,thegovernmentofbelieverswhorepresentedeightypercentofthosegoing

ontheMarsmission.“We’reonourschedule,

butnotonmyfather’s.”Georgefrownedandploppeddownintheonlyavailablechair.“ThelastearthboundshuttleistouchandgotogethimoutbeforeAmmad’sforcesoverwhelmhim.”

Oneofthemeninthebackmuttered,“Iquestiontheman’sevenaChristian.”

Georgeshotanasty

glanceathim.“Nomatterwhathe’sdone,aChristianheis.It’snotforyoutojudgehim.TellmeonecrimemyfathercommittedthatDavidorMoses,ortheSonsofIsraeldidn’t.You’reherebecauseofmyfather.”

“He’sright,”Atallmansittingnexttotheaccuseranswered.“ArthurPendletonandPopePetergotourgrouptogetherandwithGeorge’s

helpwemadeitoutofthatplace.Let’snotbickerorpointfingers.”Heputhisstrongrightarmontheman’sshoulderandsaid,“Ifyousayyouarewithoutsin,thetruthisnotinyou.”

Therestofthegroupnoddedagreement.Themanreddenedbutremainedsilent.Thelookonhisfacesaidbutnotrepentant.

“Thelandingareais

neartheFountainoftheAquilone.”Georgesighed.“OntheothersideoftheVaticangroundsfromwheremyfather’shiding.Hehastomakearunforitnow.”

“WeareonlyonedayfromMarslaunch,”thetallmansaid.“Thatshuttlecaptainwillhaveashortwindowtodropoffpassengersandboard.”

Georgenodded.“Close

callsseemtobethenorm.You’reright.We’recommittedtoleavewhenwe’refullypoweredupandthetrajectoryforaperfectMarsorbitisuponus.Wegothen,whetherothersmisstheconnectionornot.Solet’sdiscussgovernmentoptionsoncewe’vecompletedourjourney.”

Themissionclockread25:18andcountingdown.

Only800,000plusChristianshadagreedtoleave.Fourspace-craftshoused200,000peopleeach.ThesemassivestructureswerescheduledtocolonizeMarsanyway,butAmmadhadnointerestinthesoulsleavingEarth.ThesmallerthenumberofChristiansremainingthebetter,asfarashewasconcerned.

ArthurPendleton

wishedalltheChristianpopulationcouldleave.Butsheernumbersmadethatimpossible.OnlyGodwieldedthatkindofpower.

Afterhismeeting,Georgeheadedtohispostintheleadship’scommandcenterforfinalpreparation.Heconnectedtotheshuttlecaptainandasked,“WhatareyouroptionsonceyoulandbackattheVatican?”

“One,they’reready.Theyboard,andweleave.Iestimatethebestcasescenarioat10%.Two,someindividualswillboardimmediately.Inthatcase,I’llwaituntil8:45beforelaunch.Ihavetobegonebythen.”

“Givethemsomemoretime.Leaveatnine.”Georgegulpedatthethoughtthathisfathermightnotmakethatschedule,butotherliveswere

atstake.“Iunderstand.”The

shuttlecaptainanswered.“Butnocando.Three.Iapproach,butAmmadhascontrolofthelauncharea.Inthatscenario,Iabortandreturntoyou,Georgie.”

Georgie!Howhedislikedbeingcalledthat.HewasGeorge,aPendleton,notGeorgiePorgie.

“Ten-four.”George

wonderedwhyeverythinghadtobesodamnhard.

Chapter33Ammadenteredthe

RomeComplextothecheersofhissupporters,fewinnumberthoughtheywere.GlobalRealmmediacarefullyorchestratedtheircamerashotstogivetheappearanceofmultitudesofadoringcitizensgreetingthenewFirstCitizen.Ammadreasoned

thatwithhisenemiesallbutgone,thecrowdwouldincrease.He’dplayontheiremotionsandprovidethementertainment.Worthyentertainmenttocelebrateoftheriseofhumankindtoitspeak—aheavenonearth.

“Citizens,I’mheretoissueinanewday.IthankArthurPendletonforunitingtheworld.But,Icriticizehimforalltherulesand

deprivationheforceduponus.”Hissmileradiatedakindlyappearance—onethathe’dpracticedformonthstoachieve.“I’mheretothankhimforhisworkonourbehalf.”

Howhe’dexplainhisenemy’sdemise?Well?Hewouldn’t.Hewouldnevermentiontheman’snameagain.Peopleforgetyouquicklyandputanother

championinyourplacewhenyoulose.Still,hewasnowonrecord,praisinghisenemy.TheJews,Islamists,thenon-Christianworld,andsomedeceivedChristiansbelievedhimtobeasinceremanofpeace.Chuinowbecamehistopconcern.

SomeItalianswhoattendedMassdailybecauseoftraditionshoutedAmmad’spraises.Moststayedaway

withawaitandseeattitude.Allinall,Ammadexpectedthemtobewatchful.Helovedtheideaofgraduallyplayingontheirlustsforthingsunholy.Howsimple-mindedhumanswere.WhyGodmadethempuzzledhim.Andyet,withoutthem,hisfightwithGodwouldbeboring.Inthecaveyearsearlier,hereceivedthevisionofpowerandauthoritygiven

tohim.ThepromiseofglobalruleandrevengeagainsttheJewandagainstPendleton.Thisvisionguidedhiseverydecision.Nowhehadaccomplishedhistask.

OnceAmmadfinishedspeaking,heheadedintotheSquareandstraightwaytovisitthePope.ThePope’sbutlerandpersonalvaletmethimoutside t heDomusSanctaeMarthae,named

afterSaintMarthaandusedasthePope’sresidence,thesameusedbyPopeFrancis.

“HisHolinesshasnointerestinseeingyou,FirstCitizen.Hebidsyouagoodday.”

Outofsightofthemainentrance,nocamerasexisted.Nooppositionfacedhimtowithstandhismen.Hewavedahand.Threeofthethugswithhimgrabbedthebutler

andguttedhim,leavinghimdeadintheemptystreet.

“Searchtheresidence.”Akbariraisedhisarms,

droppedtohisknees,andchantedincantations.Agreenishlightmistedaroundhim,asifafloatingoceanblockedthesunlight.Whenhefinished,hesaid.“Theredheaded-witchisnear.”

#Peacockheldupher

hand.“Don’ttrytotouchme,darling.”

ArthurPendletonstoppedhisadvanceafewfeetfromher.“ThankGodyou’realive.”

“Alive?Yes.MorealivethanI’veeverbeen.Butyouhavetostopthinkinginearthlyterms.IhaveamissionfromGod,asdoyou.Onlyyoursisdoneandmineisstillongoing.”Shesmiled

athimandachedatseeinghiminagony.“Ipromiseyou.We’llseeeachotheragainsoon,butnotinthislife.”

PopePetermotionedtoherfromacrosstheentryroom.“I’vetriedtotellhimthatsincehearrived.GodaskedhimtorallywillingChristianstopreparefortheend,andhehasdonehisjob.”

“Lovey,”Pendletonsaid.“Youcan’tdefeat

Ammad.Cometotheshuttlewithme.”

Shehuffed.“I’mgoingtodowhatGodaskedmeto,notwhatyouwishIwould.Thetimeisshort.Yourfateisn’there.Mineis.”

“AmmadhasenteredVaticanCity,”PopePetersaid.“Isentmypersonalassistanttodelayhim.I’mnotgoingontheshuttle,butArthur,Thad,andEduardo

shouldboardwiththelastgroup.”

“I’mnot...”ShestoppedPendleton

mid-sentence.“Youaregoing,

Arthur.”Faceburningandatfullstrength,Peacockstompedherfoot.“Mypurposehereistoconfrontthemonsternow.Go,I’llseeyouinHeaven.”

#

PendletonfollowedshakinghisheadasPopePeterledthethreemenoutandaroundthebackofthecomplexawayfromtheentrancetoDomusSanctaeMarthae.TwoguardsfromthepapalserviceescortedthemwestthroughthepalaceofSaintCharlesandoutthroughtheResidenceoftheArch-Priest.Hisfeetmoved,buthismindtoyedwith

forebodingvisionsofhisLoveyandthatmaniacwhopursuedher.CouldshedestroyAmmad?Impossibleforamortal,butnotforGod.

TheycontinuedwestbetweentherailroadstationandtheMosaicSchool’sundergroundparkingunit.ThisrouteblockedtheviewfromtheeastwhereAmmadwouldsurelycome.Theycircledbacknorthpastthe

PalaceoftheGovernatorate.ThePopeandtheguardsstopped.“Yougoonahead.AsItoldyoubefore,I’mnotgoing.”Hegavethesignofthecross.“IfIlive,I’llshepherdthoseleftbehindasbestIcan.IfIdie,Godwillreceivemysoul.”

Whydoeshehavesuchgreatfaith,andIhavesolittle?Pendletonthought.Nopowertochangeanything,he

decidedtodoastold.“I’llseeyouinHeaven.”

Thatseemedtobetheplaceeachpersonhopedtogo,includinghim,thegreatesttyrantofthemallaccordingtosome.

HegrabbedDuarte’shandandthethreedashedaroundTheFountainofthe“Aquilone”intothefieldclearedfortheshuttleruns.TheTowerofGallinarostood

asaguideposttothenorthwest.Pendletoncheckedhiswatch.Theshuttleshould...

AroarandblastofwindhitPendletonandhedroppedtotheground.Heatfromtheshuttle’senginesburnedhisface.

Thadyelled.“Comeon.Thelandingisgoodandbadnews.We’vegotachance,butAmmad’speoplenow

knowwhereweare.”Pendleton,legbleeding

fromanailembeddedinhiscalfwhenhefell,limpedalongtowardtheshuttle.Aboutafootballfieldaheadofhim,itglidedtoastopandmadeaswiftturnaroundfordeparture.Nottheheavycraftofthepast,theseshuttlesweremadeofultralightmetalsandcouldliftoffthegroundstraightupbefore

blastingintospace.ButwithoutEdison,thepilotreliedonhisonboardcomputerandthecomputeronthespacestationforaccuracy.

DuartestoppedandwrappedhisarmaroundPendleton’sforleverage.Pendletonincreasedspeedwithassistanceandreachedtheshuttleoutofbreathandoutoftime.

“I’vegotaircraftapproaching,”theshuttlepilothollered,“andlessthanaminutetoliftoff.Climbin.”

NosoonerdidPendleton,withThadandDuarte’shelp,clearthedoorwhenthepilotyelled.“Strapin.”

Hefoundhimselfshootingstraightupandclimbingandlostconsciousnessontheascent.

Chapter34AtashAkbarisignaled

toAmmadtoceasepursuingPendleton.

“Lettheidiotgo,”Ammadsaidtothecommandcenter.“Goneisgone.We’lllaunchateamanddismantletheSpaceStationandtheSpaceComplexes.Oncetheyleave,theycan’tcomeback.

Seehowlongtheysurvivewithoutsupport.”

Akbariraisedahand.Hechantedmoreincantationsasthearmsofhisrobesflutteredinthewind.

“Thisway,”hecried,andheadedoffinthedirectionofTheHouseofHospitality–StMary,Ammadandhisguardsfollowedafterhim.Ashewent,hisrobestransformed

fromnormalgreensintoshadesofincomprehensible,neverbeforeseen,shadesthatcauseevenAmmadtogasp.

Akbariscaledthestairstwoatatimetotheentrancedoor,butAmmadcollidedwithanunseenforceandfelltotheground.

Akbariyelled,“Waituntilthedoorstandsopenbeforecomingupthestairs.”

Hegrippedthedoorand

pulleditopen,onlytocomeface-to-facewithatallglowingcreaturewhoseeyespiercedhissoulwiththeheatofanunquenchablefire.Hedoveinsidetheroomasthedoorslammedshut.

“Hearme,”hecried.“Isummonthepowerofmytariqa,thepathIfollow.Ihavecompletedmyperfecttawhid.MyBektashijourneyiscomplete.Thefourgates

havebeentraversed—theSharia,Tariqah,Marifa,and,Haqiqah.Naimiismyteacher.”

“Well,IamCustos,”theangelsaid,asthetwocircledtheroom.“AlmightyGodforbidsyoustay.”

“Butmymaster’stimehascome.”Akbarigrew.“Letmepass,Marid.”

“Deceived,youare.AMarid,I’mnot.”Custosfilled

theroomandagoldenlightencompassedAkbari.“Begoneevilone.YourmasterandGod’sservantmustmeetandsettletheirissuethemselves.”

Custospointedtothebackdoor,andAkbaripulledhimselfupandexited.

#Ammadsawflashesof

light,felltohisknees,andmomentarilyfroze.Hepulled

himselftohisfeetandheardthunderousvoices—oneofthemAkbari’s.Thensilenceandthepressureholdinghimbackfromascendingthestairssubsided.Thedoortotheentranceopenedonitsown.

Trembling,hepausedandprayedtotheentityhe’dencounteredinthecaveintheValleyoftheMagi.Thenhestraightenedup,strodeupto

theentrancedoor,andedgedthrough.Hedrewoutthedaggerhiddenwithinhisrobes.Atfirsttheroomappearedempty.Ashiseyesadjustedtothelight,heperceivedtheshadowofafemaleoutlinedagainstthefarwall.Shiverscrawledoverhim.Theshe-devil!

#Peacocksensedher

husbandhadescaped

Ammad’sclutches.Notthathisoutcomewasn’talreadysealed.HisfatewouldnottakehimtoMars.Unawareofwhathisfuturewas,otherthansecurewithGod,sheconcentratedonherapproachingenemy.Custoshadleftheralonetocompletehertask.Theoutcomeremainedsolelyinherhandsandmind.Forindeedamindgamewastobeplayed.

Ammadflippedthedaggerfromhandtohandashestoppedinthecenteroftheroom.Theonlylightcamefromaskylightintheceilingseveralfeetabovehim.

“ThefirstreportIreceivedaboutyou,”Ammadsaid,“toldofawomanwhousedsextoentrapmen—aspy,anadulteress,amurderer.Youarethebreakerofmostofthe

commandments.”Shegulped.God

confirmedhiswordsinherspirit.Thenshesaid,“I’marepentantsinner.”

Again,herwordswereconfirmedbyGod.ShequotedtheBiblewithoutthinking.“’Godlysorrowbringsrepentancethatleadstosalvationandleavesnoregret,butworldlysorrowbringsdeath.’”Thenshe

smiled.“IhaveexperiencedHisforgiveness,butI’mpayingformypastinthislife.”

“InJahannamaresevengates.Destructivejinns,theirfollowers,andhypocritesdwellinthelowestofthedepths.”Ammad’sswordglowedred.Hehelditup.“IhaveSolomon’sring,forgedagaintoexactspecificationsbyAkbari.Iwillputanend

toyourmiserablelifeandsendyoutoaplaceevenworsethanScripturesstate.”

“Mylifeisnotyourstotake,norisitmine.GodhasmeinHishands.WhereIspendeternityisGod’sdecisionalone.”

Ammadracedatherandthrusthisknife.Sherolledleftandtrippedhim.Hefellbackwardandtheknife,stillglowing,slid

acrossthefloor.Peacockleapedtoher

feetandrevealedaknifeofherown.Awhitelightstreamedfromitsblade.Sheranathim,butherolledtohisrightandscrambledforhisweapon.Hishandreacheditassheclosedinonhim.Thetwothrusttheirblades.Ammadletoutanexcruciatingwail,asthetwobladesclanged.Ammad’s

bladeburstdownwardembeddingintotheground.Peacock’shititsmark.

Welldone.Mygoodandfaithfulservant.

Sheheardthewordsasthevisionofherformerlifedissolvedandthebrightnessofanewworldtookitsplace.

#Akbariracedback

insidethemomenthismasterhowled.Thepowerthathad

heldhimoutsidefellawayinthesameinstant.Atfirsttheroomlookedempty.Ashiseyesadjustedtothelight,hesawAmmad,adaggerembeddedinhisskullaninchabovehisrightear.Ammad’shairsmolderedaroundthearea.Hisskullappearedmattedwithbloodandash.Akbaricheckedhismaster’spulse.Therewasaslightbeat—steadybutweak.

HeusedhiscellandcalledforthebestneurosurgeontheComplexofRomecouldfindtoattendtohismaster.Lookingaround,herealizedthered-headeddevilwomanhadvanished.Theclothessheworelaycrumpledonthefloor.Ammad’sweaponsteamed,asifhitbylightning,embeddedinthefloor.

“You’vedestroyedher.

I’llnotleaveyou,master.Never.Youarethechosenone.YoubringtheultimatevictorytoourpeopleandallwhoacceptAllah.Holdon.”

#Anenvironmental

supervisoraboardMarsColonizationVessel8realizedhewasaloneinthepowercontrolroomwhereheandfourothertechniciansweremonitoringfuel

consumption.Hespoketothecomputer,“ConnectmetoDirectorLee.”

“Ofcourse,”asweetbutmechanicalvoicereplied.

“Lee.Here.What’stheproblem?”

“OneminuteI’mtalkingtoGusaboutamechanicalmalfunction,thenextminutehisclothesareonthefloor,andhe’sgone.”

“Whathaveyoubeen

drinking?”“Seriously?”“Holdon.Mycontrol

board’slightingup,”DirectorLeesaid.Amomentlaterhereturned.“Ineedtogo.Two-thirdsofthecrew’smissing.”

Thesupervisorspoketothecomputer.“WhereisGus?”

Thesweetmechanicalvoicereplied,“Gusisnolongeraboard.”

“Whatthehell?”HecalledforGeorgePendleton.

Afterafewseconds,afemalevoiceansweredGeorge’sphone.“Ah,hello?”

“Whoisthis?”theenvironmentalsupervisorasked.

“I’mLaurawiththemaintenancestaff,”thevoicesaid.“IcamearoundacornerinLivingQuartersCorridorBandfoundacommunications

deviceontheflooralongwithafullsetofclothes.Somebodyisgoingtobeabitchilly.”

Chapter35“DirectorChui,”

RegionalManagerXisaid,panicrustlinginhisvoice.“We’velostcontactwithGeorgePendletononMarsColonizationVessel1.”

Chuiraisedaneyebrow.“OurrelationshipwiththeformerPendletonregimeisover.Sadtosay.Agreatloss.

ButwehavethecodesfortherocketsandthecapabilitiestosendcrewstotheSpaceStation.SoalthoughIwishGeorgewell,ourprioritieshavechanged.”

“Director,”themanstoodatattention,“therearereportsofvastnumbersofmissingindividuals.”

“Explainedbytheshuttles,Xi.”Chuipushedbackinhischair.“Downplay

anyspeculationtothecontrary.”

Xidoesn’tunderstandtheuseofmisinformation,Chuithought.Tooyoungtoremembertheolddaysofalteringthefactsonpurposetohavethemlineupwiththerulingparty’sversionofthem.Thepeopledidn’tneedtoconcernthemselvesaboutanythingexcepttheultimatedefeatofAmmadal-Sistani.

AlreadyChui’smanufacturingcomplexeswerefullspeedaheadonmilitaryproduction.WhateverevacuationplanGeorgepulledoff,Chuigavenocredencetorumorsofthesupernatural.

“GetmeanupdateonthewhereaboutsofAmmad,”hesaid,andXileft.

Therecouldonlybeoneruleroftheworld.He

checkedhisEasternRegionalMasterComputer.Runningperfectly.EverythinghisregionneededwasbeingsuppliedfromtheEasternRegionalWorldControlCenterevenwiththeChristianpopulationgone.Armed,fed,andwithapurpose,hisarmieswouldonedaycrosstheUralstothewestandtheEuphratestothesouthandsweeptothegates

ofRomeandJerusalemtodefeatAmmadandruletheworld.

TheAmericaswouldbowtothewinner,andtheyhadnoloveofAmmadtheViciousinanycase.Time.Heneededafewyears,sixatthemost,andhismilitarywouldbeunstoppable.Chuitappedhisfingerstogether.Goodluck,GeorgePendleton.

#

AtashAkbariheldhismaster’shand.Threedayshadpassedsincetheredheaded-witchstruckdownAmmadwithherknife.HehadnotleftAmmad’sbedside.

“Awakenmaster,”herepeatedagainandagaintonoavail.

CrowdsgatheredoutsideHolySpiritHospitalinSassia,theoldesthospital

inEuropelocatedafewkilometersoutsideVaticanCity.Ageneralunrestgrew,sparkedbyworriesoverthedisappearanceofthemillionsofChristianswhohadnotyetboardedtheshuttles.MuslimandJewishauthoritiesnowinpoweroutsideChui’sregiondeclaredotherwisetonoavail.TheofficiallinewasmostChristianbelieversleftwiththeshuttlesandmanyof

theothersconvertedtoIslamandstayed.

WhowouldbeFirstCitizenifAmmaddied?Washealreadydead?RumorsofPendleton’swifebeingtheattackerstirredtalesofaChristianconspiracytobringArthurPendletonbackintopower.

“Youmustreassurethepeople,”RabbiLevinsonpleadedwithAkbari.

LevinsonhadtraveledtoRomefromJerusalemtobeofassistance.“ManyfearAmmadisdead,andChuiisabouttoattackus.”

“Ican’tleavehim.Iwon’tleavehim.”AkbariturnedtotherabbiwithoutlettinggoofAmmad’shand.“YouspeaktotheGlobalmedia.TellthemAmmadisrestingpeacefullyandforgiveshisattacker.”

#AreluctantLevinson

exitedthehospitalandaddressedtheworld.Hetriedtoappearupbeat,butfromwhathe’dseen,onlylifesupportkeptAmmadalive.

“TheFirstCitizenasksmetoreassuretheworldheisrecovering.”Lyingcausedhimdiscomfort.Hefoldedhishandsbehindhisback.IfAmmadwasconscious,he’d

wanttoreassureeveryonehewasfine.Sotheliewasjustified.

“Hewantsyoutoknowheforgiveshisattackerandwantsnothingmorethantobringpeacetoallmankind,ChristianandJew,MuslimandHindu,Buddhistandthoseconsideredpagansbysome.”Nowheadlibbed,andthatseemedtosoothhisconscience.

Thecloudsgaveadrearyappearancetothesky—lowhangingwithnohintofthinning.Andthehumiditystifledbreathing.Levinson’ssweattrickleddownhisneck,evenwiththetemperatureat15degreesCelsius.

“Inhisabsence,hisappointedSecond-in-Command,AtashAkbari,willactintheFirstCitizen’splace.Therewillbenogapin

decisionmaking.”Levinsonwasaboutto

concludehisstatementwhenthefrontdoorsoftheHolySpiritHospitalinSassiaburstopen.AcrowdofAmmad’ssupportersracedoutthedoorsshoutingaboutamiracle.Abrightgreenglowlitupthehospitalentry.BehindthemAkbariledAmmadoutanddowntheramptowhereLevinsonstood.Levinson’s

jawdroppedandhehandedAmmadthemicrophone.Ashedid,thecloudvanishedandthesunshonebrightlyabove.

“Acowardlyattackstruckmedown.”Ammadhelduptheknifeandshowedtheclottedwoundinhishead.“IknowIdied.ButtheDivineraisedmeupfromthedead.Hehasdealtwiththosewhoopposedme.Hewill

dealwithanyonewhothinkstocausedivisioninthefuture.Iamamanofpeace.Obeytherulesandyouwillhavenothingtofear.”

AsAmmadspoke,chillsfilledLevinsonevenastheweatherwarmedhim.RabbiShamir,whosefullnamemeant“arockofthefaith”,hadtoldhim.“AmmadisadescendantinspiritofAntiochusIVEpiphanes,who

roastedapiginthetemple.HethinksheisGod.Donottrusthim.Evilsurroundshim.HewillshowyousignsandwondersfromtheoldartsofthePersians.”

HadhemadeamistakealigningwithAmmadforthecauseoftheTemple?

#ThreedayslaterAmmadpolledhisinner

circle.Thequestionwas

wheretosetuphispermanentgovernment.TwelveotherImamsplusImamAkbariwrotetheirselectionsontheirballotsandfoldedthem.Akbaricollectedthepapersandputtheminabowl,settingthebowlinfrontofAmmad.

“OneofmyguardsfoundthePope’srobesandshoesintheparkinggaragebythePalaceoftheHoly

Office.”Hetappedthebowlhe’dbeengivenagainstthetable.“Ineverhadtheopportunitytoconvincehimtosupportme.”

“Whatdoyouthinkhappenedtohimandotherswhoaremissing?”askedtheoldestImamwiththelongwhitebeard.

“Ademonic,supernaturalevent.”Ammadrosetohisfeetandleaned

forward.“Astowhatwesaytothemasses?”Heshrugged.“ThosewhovanishedeitherleftfortheMarsmissionorthey’reinhiding,meaningtodofuturemischief.”

“They’rehidingnakedthen.”TheoldmanpointedafingeratAmmad.“Totheworld,youappeartohaverisenfromthedead.Butyousaidsomethingthatdisturbsme.Youusedtheterm,the

Divine,notAllah.NorhaveIheardyouspeakAllah’snameinourlastfewmeetings.”

Ammad’schesttightened,asdidhisfists.

“Sowhoisthisentityyouserve?”

“IservetheDivinewhogivesmepower.”

Hispointedhisfingerbackattheoldman,whoturnedaghastlygray,felloff

hischair,anddied.Ammadkickedtheoldman’sbody.

“Sonowyouunderstand.”

EpilogueDonnaO’Connorgazed

intotheeyesofJesus,hersavior.Hespoketoherinjoyfulthoughtsthatsoundedlikethevoiceofaheavenlyorchestra.Eventhedifficultthingshesaidhadcomfortwithinthem.Howlonghespoke?Impossibletotell.Thenhestood,liftedherup,

andsmiledthemostjoyoussmileshehadeverseen.Thenextinstanthewasspeakingtoanother,andCustoswasbyherside.

“Wearepreparingtoendtheplaguethatdestroystheearth.”HetookherhandandguidedherthroughtheGatesofHeaven.“Beholdyourtemporaryhome.”

Hereyeswidened.Thenshelookedupathim.

“Temporary?”“Ifyouremember,there

willbeanewHeavenandanewEarth.Thesethingsareyettocome.”

“Howcouldanywherebebetterthanhere?”

Spaceanddistancehadnomeaning.TheThroneoftheFather,theSeaofGlass,thechoirsofangelsandsaintssingingwereatthesametimenearandfaraway,depending

onherwill.Voicesgreetedher.Familysurroundedher,Arthur,Connor,George,andHarry.Herparentsalsostoodbywitharmsoutstretched.Shethoughttoaskforgiveness,yetknewforgivenesswasgranted.Thiswouldtakegettingusedto.

Inwhatseemedaninstant,shehadspokentoandheardfromeveryoneinherlifewhodwelledinheaven,

whomshehadknownonEarth.She’daskedherquestions,answeredthoseaskedher,andresolvedallissues.Joyandpeacefilledherheart.

Custosreappearednexttoher.“OncetheAll-In-Allarrives,andGodandMandwelltogetherontheNewEarth,youwillbegiventhedesiresofyourheart.Thereareotheruniversestoexplore

andcreationstosee.BeingstohelpandthingstolearnthatthebelovedsofGodneedtoknow.Eternityisabusyplace.”

“Untilthen,whatdoIdo?”

“PraisethelivingGod.Rejoicewithyourfamilyandfriends.Spendtimeinyourhome,amansionyouearnedwhileonEarth.”

“Whatmansion?”

“Behold.”Amulticolored

structureroseuptogreether.Custosescortedherinside.Huesshe’dneverseenonearthdazzledhermind.Theroomsandfurnishingsweresolidyettransformableatthesametime.Chairsadjustedtoherbodyasshemoved.Wallsgavewayforhertopassthrough.EachroomhadaviewofGod’sthroneand

otherheavenlyplaceswhereshecouldstepthroughandarriveatadifferentspot.

Sheneedednosleep.Foodpresentedtoherwasdeliciousandprovidedforenjoyment,notnutrition.Allshehadtodowasthinkaboutwhereshewishedtobe,stepoutoftheroomshewasin,andshewasthere.OnherfirstvisittoseeArthur,sherealizedphysicalsexwas

inferiortospiritualconnection.Asimplehug,moresatisfyingthananythingthemoralbodycouldexperience.Heaveninfactwasheavenly.

Everymomentapartofherspiritsangwiththeheavenlyhost.“WorthyareYou,OurLordandourGod,toreceivegloryandhonor,andpower.”

Custosappearedtoher

saying,“Come.FollowtheKingofKingsandLordofLordsasHepoursoutHiswrathupontherebelliousontheEarth.”

“Already?Isittime?”Shereachedouther

handandshoutedforjoy.HerfamilyjoinedherasallheavenburstforthtofollowtheWordofGod,eyesflamesoffire,hairwhiteaspurityitself,andridingonawhite

horsetodestroyHisenemies.TheEnd.