Fiction - Week 27 - A Fiasco in a Restaurant.

All Characters in this story are fictional and bear no resemblance to any person, whether living or deceased.

A Story based on Biblical Truth.

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Mixed feelings sat in Peter Wilkins's heart and in mine as we sat in the police lounge with officers Bill, Gregory, and Gus. Over the weeks, these officers had developed respect for both of us and let us out of our holding cell for most of the day. They trusted us. We already knew how foolish it was to try to escape. In addition, the police station offered refuge from the environmental judgements outside, and by staying out of the way of Caligula's agents, we avoided having the Mark foisted on us.

But the other thirty inmates held here weren't so fortunate. One was executed by gunshot right here in this room. Then there was Emily, that lovely black woman who developed a motherly love for all of us. She was the only one who died naturally in our cell. The remaining eight from our group took refuge at a church in Egham before being arrested and brought here; they were all executed in the station's courtyard.

Yet, here we were, sitting in the very same room that witnessed the execution of autistic Robert Jones only weeks earlier. In a nearby drawer lies the weapon that was used: a handgun. Out of sight, out of mind.

Finally, twenty prisoners, all from different areas, were led out from their cells and taken to Trafalgar Square, where they faced a public execution. We watched it here on the widescreen TV. Hence our mixed feelings. We were shaken by the horror of the execution. Yet at the same time, we felt a pang of envy for those now in heavenly glory, receiving the Lord's welcoming praise and reuniting with long-lost family and friends.

With this thought, I visualised dear Emily finding herself in Heaven. Across the most beautiful environment one could ever imagine, Emily sees her son, Richard, running towards her, his arms stretched forward in readiness to embrace, and a look of sheer joy spread across his face. Slow the motion down, and I watched in my mind's eye the two approaching each other, then with arms interlocking, to embrace as they are lifted into the air in utter joy. Never will the two ever be separated again!

Emily embraces her son Richard in Heaven.

The vision was stark and so realistic that it could have been shown on TV. I wondered whether the vision had Divine origins. I felt my throat tighten in response to my emotions. I wasn't far from weeping.

Across town, Phil Banks, with his friend, Tom Lawrence, was glad to leave the underground platform at Waterloo and step into the open air once again. There were crowds roaming around, and the two wondered whether they missed an event. They were both homeless. Tom's student apartment block was destroyed by an earthquake, along with some of the tall, glass skyscrapers in the City. Phil's Royal Holloway apartment was still standing and occupiable, but with no trains running out of any London termini, he was stranded in the Capital.

Phil's hand wound has healed, but he has learned to be grateful for his three sixes, the 'Clover Leaf' tattoo. With it, he was aware of avoiding arrest by any passing agent of the Antichrist. But no scanner would allow him into any shop or any public facility. However, with a large number of Christian believers leaving and returning to the tube station, a rumour had started to spread about a watchmaker in London who fitted a special microchip into an ordinary wristwatch. Such a device would activate a scanner without sending a message to Central Intelligence. When news of this device reached Phil and Tom through the grapevine, both were as interested as any Christian would be.

The two eventually learned that the watchmaker lived in an underground bunker in the cellar of a townhouse on Belgrave Road, Pimlico. The bunker doubled as a bedsit and a laboratory. There were no adverts, no address published, but it was known only to a small group of believers.

A week passed. Another Saturday. Once again, crowds began to assemble at Trafalgar Square. The guillotine was prepared and made ready. A coachload of men and women, all handcuffed, were lined up behind the guillotine. At the appointed time, the show began. The priest climbed the short flight of steps and delivered the same speech. Then the process of beheading was underway amidst the loud cheering of the crowd. This time, as many as thirty stood in line until his turn came to be lowered into the bracket and locked in place.

About halfway through the show, it was the turn of a lad in his teens. He took one look at the headrest with the bloodied tray behind it, and suddenly, he took fright, turned, and ran. A couple of officers chased him, and with the handcuffs hindering his pace, the officers caught up and seized him.

He began to plead, No! No! I'm not ready to die! Please, please let me go. I want to see my Mum!

One of the officers replied, You refused the Mark. You have betrayed our World Leader. For this, you must pay the price.

No! No! No! He cried. One of the two officers then asked, Will you take the Mark? If you will, we'll consider giving you a reprieve and letting you live.

The teenager protested, I, I can't! If I take the Mark, I'll end up in the Lake of Fire forever! I can't do it! Please! Can't you just release me without having to take the Mark? As he said this, tears rolled down his face as he began to cry.

The officer's stony face reflected his stony heart. Oh, what with the tears? Man up! You betrayed Caligula! Oh, crybaby. Diddums! Won't Mummy arrive with your milk pap? The officer said with a sneer. 

Together, the two officers forced the teenager's neck into the bracket and locked him into place, and the victim found himself gazing at the tray, made bloody by the severed heads of previous prisoners. Meanwhile, the crowd was shouting in unison, DIE, YOU COWARD! DIE, YOU COWARD! DIE! DIE! DIE! as they glanced first at the guillotine, then at the huge screen erected next to Nelson's Column.

The lad was wailing when the knife came down on its own weight and cleanly severed his head from his shoulders.

Back at the police station, I felt my own tears running down my cheeks as we watched the executions. Peter's eyes were also watering.

That poor lad! I said. By protesting like that, do you think he still went to Heaven?

I'm sure he is now with the Lord, as he managed to endure to the end. However, because he turned away at the last moment, he most likely forfeited all his eternal rewards, but through God's grace, by the shed blood of Jesus, he is now home with the Lord. Always remember, it's the shed blood of Christ that redeems, not the victim's bravery.

I assume that the rewards you're referring to are the Crown of Life, the Crown of Righteousness, and so on. I replied. If true, then this poor, frightened lad will suffer loss, but at least he will be saved.

Coming to think of it, I'm wondering what became of Phil Banks. I said.

Bill then turned towards us. Wasn't he the one who betrayed you to us in the first place? When Clive and Ted were here?

Yes. I answered. He was my college mate. We studied at Royal Holloway College, annexed to the University of London. Phil studied Political Science. I studied Genetics. We were friends, but we had our differences. He was an atheist, and he had a hunch against all religions, especially Christianity. But after these recent months, I have wondered whether he is still as unbelieving as he always was, or whether he has given second thoughts.

It sounds to me like he had a tough childhood. Peter suggested. Family issues, I guess.

A special microchip fitted in a watch.

Meanwhile, across London and back at the underground platform of Waterloo tube station, Phil and Tom sat next to each other. Tom was cooking at the camping stove some dinner for the two of them. Food was scarce, so each ate with thankfulness. Somehow, fresh food was brought into the station, and everyone had a fair share. Tom believed that the presence of Christian believers was connected with the arrival of fresh stock.

Two uniformed officers suddenly walked onto the station platform.

Is there a Philip Banks residing here? One loudly asked.

Phil jumped up, startled. So, they found him at last. Without the implanted microchip. He heard about the guillotine at Trafalgar Square. Was he the next one to face the chop? And what about his friend Tom? And the others in this station who never took the Mark. There are quite a few of them here. He thought, Why me?

The two officers approached Phil. Are you Philip Banks, a political student at Royal Holloway College in Egham?

Yes, sir, I am the one you are looking for.

Don't be afraid. One of the officers assures him. Gaius Caligula himself has sent us to collect you. You are not going to die. Rather, Gaius is in Israel, and he wants to meet you.

WHAT? Phil was startled. How did he find me? Does he know what I was studying? Will anyone else accompany me?

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To be Continued. 

Fiction - Week 26 - A Fiasco in a Restaurant.

All Characters are fictitious and bear no resemblance to any person, whether living or deceased.

A Story based on Biblical truth.

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With just the five of us left in this department at a London police station, officers Bill, Greg, and Gus let us out of Cell 8 to watch the live action on their lounge's wide-screen TV. During the weeks of our confinement, these officers developed a grudging respect for us. Peter Wilkins and I, George Bolton, were the remaining two out of 32 prisoners occupying all eight holding cells. Of that total number, only one prisoner was executed by one of these three officers. He was Robert Jones, an autistic student of marine biology. Another, Emily, died naturally while with us in Cell 8.

We sat and watched the screen. As I watched, I realised that the holding cells protected us from the hostile world outside. By refusing the Mark, we were safe from Caligula's agents. We were also protected from the scorching heat and the terrors of the universal darkness, and fresh, bottled water and food were stored here.

The live broadcast from Trafalgar Square was aired. We saw the massive crowd gazing at the French guillotine standing in front of Nelson's Column. The orator dressed as a Catholic priest gave his damning speech. During his speech, the TV camera panned on all twenty prisoners: fourteen men and six women. All of them were from our police station. Yet, we recognised none of them. Although their cells were in the same corridor, we weren't allowed to meet, let alone mix socially. The three officers feared a possible mutiny.

We saw on the TV that the crowd was getting excited and impatient. Many in that crowd were suffering the scorpion-sting pain, and watching the executions took their minds off the pain they were feeling, at least for the moment. It wasn't difficult to tell who was in pain and who wasn't, as not everyone was affected. Those in pain were fidgeting, and a fight could easily break out.

I then said, Peter, recently, we studied a chapter in Revelation, and John had a vision of grotesque creatures flying around and stinging everyone with the Mark. Do you think these beasts are literal?

The creatures of Revelation chapter nine.

Peter responded, John, the author of Revelation, had visions. He saw visions of God, of Jesus Christ, of angels, the Devil, and his minions. And all this occurred around the first Century AD. Throughout human history, no one has ever seen God. Yet John did. If he saw God, he also saw those grotesque creatures.

Those creatures exist just as God exists. God is a spirit, and so are those creatures. But the whole spiritual world is invisible and intangible to us. Yet, we don't deny their existence.

I saw that the three officers momentarily turned their attention to Peter and listened to what he said. But neither of them reacted; they turned back to watch the TV after Peter finished.

At Trafalgar Square, the first prisoner was led to the guillotine. His head was lowered into the bracket and locked in place. The orator, dressed as a priest, gave a short speech.

Lesley McPherson, of sound mind and body, is guilty of defying our Lord and Saviour, Gaius Caligula, and refusing to accept the world peace and prosperity Gaius was offering, along with the Mark which sealed his loyalty.

The camera panned on McPherson's head, filling the screen, then retreated to show the whole apparatus. Suddenly, the knife was released. It fell under its own weight along the twin vertical rails, and cleanly severed the head from the shoulders as the blade sliced through the victim's neck.

A loud cheer reverberated through the crowd as McPherson's head rolled into a tray purposely placed there. The body was carted away before the next prisoner, Richard Williams, was escorted to the guillotine. The same speech was delivered, only with the second victim's name replacing the first. Again, the blade was released after it was lifted up, and the second victim's head rolled into the tray, already stained with the blood of the first. 

OH MY GOD! I cried. How must all the others be feeling while watching one after another executed like that, for all to see? And knowing that your turn is getting closer until the final call. Yet, this is astonishing! Each one looks calm and peaceful. Surely, you would expect terror on their faces and attempts to run away, or even relent, begging to receive the Mark if their lives were spared. But no! Each one looks as if anticipating their own demise!

That is what faith in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ does. It gives peace which is not only beyond understanding, but defies circumstances. Peter replied.

We all watched as one after another were beheaded. As the waiting line shortened, the cheers of the crowd grew louder, with many chanting DIE! DIE! DIE!

Eventually, all twenty were beheaded, with no leniency or reprieve given to the six women. Everyone was executed alike while the crowd loudly cheered.

The priest returned to the platform where he gave his former speech around two hours earlier. 

This time next week, there will be another show of execution. We have up to thirty Haters detained at one of our Underground stations. The exit was made inaccessible. They can't escape. None have the Mark. Instead, all in that group believe in that condemned Jew who is supposed to have died two thousand years ago. We promise to perform a spectacular show. So come along and enjoy yourselves. May Gaius bless you all.

As the priest walked off the platform, down the few steps, and disappeared behind the stage, those in the crowd, feeling the pain, were still fidgeting. Suddenly, in one area of the large crowd, there seemed to be some scuffling.

A fight has broken out among the fidgeters! I exclaimed, as we all had our eyes fixed on the screen. The scuffle grew larger until, after a moment, quite a lot were fighting; even those without the pain got involved. Others began to spill away from the square and head in different directions. Some headed towards the entrance of Charing Cross Tube station, as both entrances were on the square itself. I suspect that, like at Waterloo, people have found refuge there as well. Two lines serve Charing Cross: the Bakerloo and Northern Lines, thus adequate enough to take a large number of refugees.

Those in pain like a scorpion sting vented their anger on the rest of the dispersing crowd, and many stayed behind to clash with different groups. Then a line of police carrying shields and water guns appeared as if already on standby, and with the powerful jets of water, the crowd dispersed, leaving those injured lying on the ground while groaning in pain from the beatings and kicks. However, one young man was stabbed, and by the time the police arrived where he lay, it was already too late.

                                                                          16

Hidden in a bunker under the Old City of Jerusalem, Gaius Caligula and his assistant, the false prophet Elijah, were both beaming as the two watched on their widescreen TV the executions at Trafalgar Square in London. Not that London was the only venue. There were several other venues across Europe where Christian believers met their fate. But London was chosen at random. One of his agents entered the underground room and announced that it was now safe to step outside and receive the warmth of the Israeli sunshine.

Look at those crazy lot! Elijah exclaimed, laughing. The crowd is fighting among themselves! Yet, they meant to be loyal to us. 

If they kill each other, Caligula answered, they would do the job for us. We need to keep the world population in check if we are to feed the rest of the people who are loyal to us. But those two preachers at the Wailing Wall! They have been there for well over three years, and are turning many away from believing in and following us. It's about time we rid the Earth of them!

We tried several times, but without success. Elijah responded.

Jews gather at the Wailing Wall to hear the two witnesses.

One of the assistants who heard the conversation said, Those two are to be feared. Haven't you seen that if anyone says a word against them, he falls dead in their presence? Hundreds of opponents have died suddenly after insulting them. They are invincible! Do we know their names?

According to tradition, it's Moses and Elijah. The false prophet answered. No, not me. Elijah is just my stage name, not my real name. I mean the ancient Elijah.

Tradition says one is Moses! Caligula exclaimed. But if it's really him and we kill him, he would have died twice. The first time at Mt. Nebo in the ancient land of Edom, then again by us, thousands of years later. For a man to live and die twice is unknown in human history. But if I recall, one of Noah's ancestors who lived before the Deluge didn't die. He was taken alive to Heaven.

You really believe in the Bible's historicity. The assistant declared. I thought it was all nonsense!

Caligula coughed and spluttered, and his face turned red with trepidation. Well, it is nonsense. But it does answer why, if one of these witnesses is Enoch and the other Elijah, that would explain everything. Those were the only two men in the Bible who never died, but were taken alive to Heaven!

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To be Continued.

Fiction - Week 25 - A Fiasco in a Restaurant.

All Characters in this story are fictitious and bear no resemblance to any living or deceased person.

A story based on Biblical truth.

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                                                                 15.

At Waterloo Underground station, on the Northern Line northbound platform, Tom Lawrence and Phil Banks felt helpless as they watched others find refuge from the hostile world outside. A mass hysteria broke out among some, but not all, who were there. It took a while before Phil realised that everyone who was panicking had the Mark, either on their foreheads or their right hand.

Phil looked at his own wound on his hand as it was healing, although the tattoo of the three intertwining sixes, known affectionately as the Clover Leaf, was still fully visible. He was hoping that this was now nothing more in God's eyes than a tattoo. Being in Tom's company meant that he learned more of the Scriptures, and the threat of eternal damnation for all who had the Mark troubled him. Neither Tom, his new friend, was able to reassure him.

He felt a deep sense of pity towards those who groaned in their pain. They claimed that the pain was sharp, like the sting of a scorpion, a bee or a wasp. But with greater intensity. What amazed the two believers was that none of the sufferers bowed their knees to God and called for mercy. Instead, in a fit of rage, they cursed God while kicking the curved wall of the tube station.

Many found refuge underground.

Tom, Phil began, do you think that the microchip implanted under their skin might be connected to the pain?

Yes, I believe there is a connection. Tom answered. In every human and animal that has a nervous system, a faint current of electricity passes through the nerve, carrying messages to the brain. The same current activates the heartbeat. The implanted microchip utilises this power to send signals to Central Intelligence and to all shop door scanners. This intrusion of a foreign body into the system looks to be the cause of their agonising pain. This is only a guess, but the chip may generate extra anger hormones in the brain, which are responsible for the rage they feel instead of desperation.

Phil sat there, astonished.

Tom, I remember you showing me the ninth chapter of Revelation, and it mentions something about these locust-like creatures with human faces, scorpion tails, long hair, lion's teeth, and breastplates as if of iron. They were told not to harm any tree or grass, nor any Christian believer, but only those with the Mark.

Phil then continued, What we are seeing now is the fulfilment of that prophecy, except that we don't see any of the grotesque creatures flying around. I have come to believe that they are spirits, and if true, we can't see them. But they must exist. Yet, the presence of the microchip makes sense! Only those who have them feel the pain.

But not everyone has the pain. Tom said. This has been going around for some months in different parts of the world. It's only now that this judgment has arrived here in the UK.

I wonder how many of us are taking refuge here? Phil pondered, despite the commotion.

Three Tube lines pass under Waterloo mainline. Tom replied. The Bakerloo, the Jubilee, and the Northern lines. So there must be six platforms. If they are all as crowded as ours, who knows, there could be up to a thousand down here. Most were there to escape from the scorching heat. But now the temperature has lowered to normal in this confinement. A few had left to escape from the commotion, perhaps to return home.

At least some more food and water have been brought in by those unaffected by either the heat or the stinging pain. Phil concluded.

Across Central London, at an unspecified police station, Peter and I were escorted back to our cell by Bill and Gregory. The three agents had gone. But we all knew that they would return. The question is when.

Days passed. During that time, Gus began to feel intense pain like a scorpion sting on his right arm. At first, he tried to tolerate it, as befits a police officer; he must keep a tough exterior. But the pain became unbearable. In a state of panic, he took a knife and stabbed his hand precisely where his Clover-Leaf mark was, as he believed that the microchip may be the cause. He let out a scream as he dug the chip out of his flesh with the knife. Then, taking a bottle of drinking water, he bathed, then bandaged the wound. Gradually, the stinging pain began to subside.

When Peter heard the scream and then found out how the officer dealt with it, he also knew that Gus was already earmarked for execution under the orders of Caligula himself. However, Peter was already aware that Gus' loyalty to the World Leader was waning. He wondered how many more affected people had realised the cause of this pain and did something about it, as Gus did. Disillusionment with the Antichrist seems to be growing among the population, as it became obvious that his demands for loyalty had become overbearing. At the same time, he has demonstrated his sheer powerlessness when faced with one crisis after another inflicted on our planet, yet still insisting that he is God.

Ten days after their initial visit, the three agents returned to the station. Led by Christopher Pike, Bill was ordered to release everyone in the remaining five cells. As predicted earlier by Peter, twenty prisoners emerged, fourteen men and six women. Bill glanced at Cell 8, hoping Pike or his assistants wouldn't ask to see who might be inside. Meanwhile, Gus feared that his bandage might give away his diminished loyalty to Caligula, so while Pike and his team of agents were present, he hid in the gents.

Bill and Greg stood with the three agents, and Pike asked, Where is Gus?

Immediately, Bill answered, I'm sorry, Gus is under the weather, and we sent him home to rest. As he said this, he hoped that none of the three agents needed to visit the loo. However, one of the agents felt a need to urinate and made his way to the gents. Although Bill was concerned for his colleague, he needn't have worried. Gus was shrewd. He had all the cubicle doors left ajar. He sat inside the one nearest the door, leaving his own cubicle door ajar. It was a very dangerous tactic, but it worked. By sitting silently, the agent relieved himself without suspecting anyone else in the restroom.

All of you, Pike announced, are to board a coach parked outside. We are taking you all to Trafalgar Square.

There was muttering among the twenty prisoners. Among the more discerning, they already knew their fate without being told. One of the men whispered to a frightened woman standing next to him,

Don't be afraid. Do you trust in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ?

She replied, Yes, I do. Never will I take the Mark of the Beast!

He replied, Shortly, we shall be in glory! Then you will see your two little sisters run up to greet you.

They who went up in the Rapture? She asked.

You said it. He concluded.

After the coach was loaded with twenty prisoners and five officers, the vehicle pulled out to make the journey to Trafalgar Square. After a while, the square came into view. Standing in front of Nelson's Column and the four lions was a French guillotine! A large crowd of spectators filled the square. Before alighting, every prisoner was handcuffed.

Crowds gather at Trafalgar Square to watch the execution.

They were led from the coach to stand next to the guillotine. Someone dressed as a Catholic priest then stood up on a temporary platform to address the massive crowd of onlookers filling the square.

Ladies and gentlemen! The priest began to speak before a cluster of TV cameras and microphones. Our God became incarnate in a man to save the world from crisis and to usher in world peace and prosperity. However, in the past few years, there has been one major crisis after another. Let me tell you straight: these crises have nothing to do with our God and Saviour, Gaius Caligula. Rather, these people standing here - (the TV cameras begin to pan to each prisoner, one after the other) - are responsible for these natural disasters. They are the ones who must give an account to Gaius Caligula for the loss of millions of lives around the world!

Today, you will witness their execution here at Trafalgar Square. They claim to be believers in the fable of a condemned Jew who was crucified two thousand years ago. We have credible scientists from several fields all agreeing that this Jew never existed. These scientists are among the most highly educated and honoured. If they deny the truthfulness of the Bible and insist it's just a collection of fables- yes, fables to teach morality, and nothing more - then it's no surprise that these Haters - haters of world peace and prosperity - are the reason for the terrible disasters that strike our planet.

Today, they will pay with their lives. We pray that Gaius Caligula will have mercy on each of them.

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To be Continued.

Fiction - Week 24 - A Fiasco in the Restaurant.

All the Characters in this story are fictitious and bear no resemblance to any living or deceased person.

A story based on Biblical truth.

=================================================================

Several days of universal darkness had passed. The severe heat dissipated. The masonry of all structures cooled. Overall, it looked as if everything was returning to normal.

But not for those who have the Clover-Leaf mark. In the past, many developed sores where the microchip was implanted beneath the skin. Such sores leaked pus, leaving a horrendous sight. But not everyone suffered this way. Then the intense heat from the Sun caused pain in both those with and without the blistering sores.

Another symptom followed, which was directly related to the implanted microchip. The electric charge that enabled the chip to send signals to Central Intelligence could also disrupt the nervous system, causing severe pain. The pain was like a scorpion's sting. There was no easing of the pain. This constant aching without any relief was beginning to drive the sufferers mad. There were many failed suicide attempts. But despite the sufferers' wishes, death seemed to be elusive.

Not everyone suffered from the stinging pain, but those who did cursed God. No one cried out for his mercy. The physical sufferings brought out anger rather than desperation.

News of the sufferings reached us in the police cell. Although the three police officers had their Mark on their hands, none suffered from the blistering sore or this latest symptom, a scorpion's sting-like pain.

The pain was intense, like a sting from a scorpion.

The darkness had just dissipated, and the first rays of sunlight were beginning to stream through the lounge windows. Peter and I felt sorry for those who were in agony. Peter asked the officers if they were still okay, and Greg was impressed with the prisoner's concern. He reassured them that they were free from any pain or suffering.

Soon, several senior officials entered the building, each carrying luggage. Bill knew who these officers were. They were Caligula's special agents. Sent by Central Intelligence to investigate why the prisoners, who didn't have the Mark, were still alive.

Bill had a special respect for us, Peter and me. The other two occupants, Robert and Emily, were both deceased, leaving Peter and me, George Bolton, in Cell 8. In all, there were ten of us still alive, all from the Church of John the Baptist in Egham.

You two, come with me! Bill ordered. I felt my body suddenly tighten. Has my time arrived? Has Peter's too?

Instead of leading us into the lounge where the handgun was kept, he arrived at a closet. He pushed us in, and before closing the door, told us to remain silent.

I whispered to Peter, I think our officers want to spare us. What do you think?

Yes, I agree. Peter answered. But if we are found, they will be executed along with us. 

Outside the closet, there was commotion. The three agents ordered Bill to open the doors and check Cells 6, 7, and 8. The three housed the Egham group. Originally, twelve people, four in each cell. Our group originally consisted of eight men and four women.

Two of our prisoners are already dead. Bill said to the agents.

Then why are the others still alive? Lack of loyalty to the Boss, and you will die with the prisoners! So, how many are there in these three cells?

Eight. Bill answered. Five men and three women.

But you say only two died. How do you account for the other two?

Bill gulped, unable to give a straight answer, but Gregory quickly replied, Oh, those two agreed to accept the Mark. Afterwards, we allowed them to go.

Do you have the marking equipment here? The agent asked.

Yes, we do. Bill answered. Come, I will show you.

Bill led the three agents to a cupboard in the lounge. He took the equipment out. Along with the tattoo gun, there was a packet of unused microchips with two empty packs. In readiness for this very occasion, the two unused chips were destroyed without registration at Central Intelligence.

These two chips were used here. Bill said, pointing at the two empty packs. 

The agent looked at the evidence for a moment before he nodded. Bill felt relieved. Peter and I should be safe, as long as we're not discovered.

Bill led the three agents back to Cell 8, where Gregory and Gus were waiting.

Line up, these eight! One of the agents ordered.

Tell us your names! 

Matthew Douglas. The first in line answered. Then each gave their name, one after the other.

Jane Taylor, John Bates, Geoffrey Lowen, Melissa Jackson, Michael Lewis, Jonathan Ryder, Sandra Mede.

The head Agent, Christopher Pike, announced, To the centre court. All of you.

Everyone in that department, the three agents, the three police officers, and eight prisoners, who were five unmarried young men and three unmarried young women, were led to the quadrangle in the middle of the complex, closed off from the outside world by each of the four buildings surrounding it. Then they were made to stand in a line, side by side, all facing forward, at one side of the quadrangle.

The three agents each lifted a military machine gun from their luggage. At a command, they aimed at the first person and fired. Then at the second person, then the third, until, one by one, all lay dead in the courtyard. The bodies were then taken out and loaded into a van parked outside, where they were taken to the mortuary.

The agents deployed machine guns like this one.

Hidden away in the closet, Peter and I were speechless in horror! Although faint, the noise from the courtyard was loud enough for us to hear the shots. We also knew that only the last three cells were emptied. Five other cells were still fully occupied. And as we assumed, these people we hadn't even met were Christian believers who, like us, refused the Mark.

I felt my anger rise. I then whispered, That Roman world leader! He is such a...

Shush! Peter interrupted as footsteps passed the closet door. After a pause, all became quiet in the corridor. Peter whispered, Don't let them hear us. For some reason, God is using the officers to keep us alive.

I believe you're right. I whispered. We refused the Mark; we drank bottled water; we escaped the scorching heat and the darkness. And this scorpion's sting made many mad with the pain. And now, we have escaped the execution. We are the only two left. The other ten have gone to glory. Honestly, I envy them!

But at least we're not bound for Hell, like all those wretches who have accepted the Mark. Peter replied. But I'm not gloating or standing on an ivory tower. Rather, my heart is grieving. Bill, Gregory, and Gus. Those three officers were kind enough to hide us and to let us live. George, let's keep on obeying Christ and walk in the Holy Spirit. Our conduct and our Christian attitude have made an impact on them. We must keep it up.

There are as many as twenty in the remaining five cells. I whispered. 

Yes. Peter replied. And I have a sneaking feeling that it's not over. If those agents have left the station, then they will return to finish the job. It could be later today, tomorrow, or maybe next week. But just as bad, those agents could turn on our officers. With Caligula, all it takes is a slight deviation of loyalty, a neglect, or a moment of forgetfulness, and he'll have your life taken. He really is the Devil incarnate!

The six uniformed men stood on the main entrance porch. Then Chris announced, 

In due course, we will return to deal with the rest of your prisoners. We will also negotiate with the Chief Superintendent concerning your own fate. I hope that he will consider sparing your lives. I'm sure that Cali himself would have you three executed. But we'll intervene.

Thank you, sir. Bill and Greg replied in unison.

By the way, one of your colleagues, Clive Wyeman, shot dead Ted Parker. You already know that. Those in charge weren't bothered with a Court hearing. We were ordered to execute Clive ourselves. He was shot in his own home. 

After the agents left, Greg bowed his head and declared, Bill, this governing system is getting out of hand. We're becoming worse than a bunch of savages!

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To be Continued.

Fiction - Week 23 - A Fiasco in a Restaurant.

All the characters in this story are fictitious and bear no resemblance to any person, living or dead.

A story based on Biblical truth.

=================================================================

Deep in the makeshift bunker at an archaeological site beneath the Old City of Jerusalem, Gaius Caligula was pacing up and down while Elijah, the false prophet, sat at the head of the table, accompanied by a group of top generals. His anger and frustration were obvious to everyone in the room. The roasting heat outside, the rest of the population loyal to him were suffering pain and death, and the helplessness he felt. Elijah did his best to calm him and to keep him informed. However, his distress was not compassion or pity for those suffering. Rather, his anger stemmed from his lack of power to stem the scorching heat; hence his fear that those who claimed to be devoted to him would question, or even deny, his divinity.

Meanwhile, the radio delivered more news. The scorching heat was beginning to dry up the two rivers: the Euphrates and the Tigris. Rumours, and so far, just rumours, are that the Chinese Chairman Lok Kin Mao has his beady eyes on the Middle East, and Jerusalem in particular. If he could dislodge Caligula from his throne, he could snatch the title as World Leader.

The Euphrates River began to dry up.

Elijah advised Caligula, who took his place at the other end of the table.

Gaius, we have no idea how long this stifling heat will continue, but sooner or later it must end. Once it is safe to step outside, we must be prepared should any threat arise from the Far East. I advise you, when it's safe, to muster troops from Europe and the Middle East. Also, have troops from the Americas transported here.

You are right, of course. Caligula agreed. But at this moment, we must wait. The Euphrates isn't dry yet. Only its water level is falling. However, will we have enough? Considering the large proportion of Haters still alive. Lately, there were two men at the Western Wall turning their listeners away from me. 

Are they turning the population to believe in the Biblical God? One of the generals asked.

I AM GOD! Caligula shouted, as if the officer was still unclear of his master's identity. The same officer then thought to himself, Then why can't he control the environment if he's the Omnipotent God? However, he was too frightened to ask him.

Caligula then banged his fist hard on the table. At the right moment, I will kill those two myself! And you, General Jenkins, don't you dare question my divinity, ever! Next time I'll send you to the gallows!

Jenkins stood there, shocked. Can this man read his deepest thoughts, too? Not even his silence could protect his privacy.

                                                                        14.

Two thousand miles away, at the London police station, Peter, the two officers Bill and Gregory, and I couldn't see outside. A plywood panel covered the only opening to the outside: a barred prison window. Voices stirred within another cell. It was ten in the morning. Gus, the third officer, emerged from Cell 7 and went to the lounge. It was getting dark outside. He rushed to Cell 8 to inform his two colleagues.

It's only ten in the morning, and it's getting dark! Could it be a solar eclipse? Normally, an eclipse, especially a full one, is announced days in advance, or even weeks. But this is unexpected.

Peter opened his Bible to Revelation 16:10. 

Yes, it says here that the fifth angel poured out his bowl, and darkness fell on Antichrist's kingdom. If it's ten here, then, in Jerusalem, it's already midday. We believe that the Beast has his throne in Jerusalem.

Gus then leapt forward towards Peter. Is that a Bible? Give me that! Cali would kill us all if he saw this!  But Bill intervened.

Hey! Gus, let him keep it. With this heat, neither he nor any of his officers would reach us.

Did the sun switch off like a lightbulb? Gregory asked.

No. Peter answered. It's more likely that a dense dust cloud has been travelling through space for thousands of years. Yet, at this instance, I believe it is passing between the orbits of Venus and ours, blocking out the sunlight. If the Sun were to "turn itself off", as we understand it, all the planets would fly off into space on their own tangents, since the Sun's gravity would fade with the light.

Then I chipped in. If there is universal darkness, then the air will cool. I believe it's God's way of restoring this planet in readiness for Christ's Kingdom...

ENOUGH! Bill shouted. Or I'll tear that book into shreds!

We both remained silent. Any further provocation would lead us into trouble. And more than having our Bible confiscated and destroyed, we most likely face execution. At least for now, the three officers are reluctant to carry out more killings, but that could change in an instant. We submit without compromising our faith.

Across town, all those sheltering on the platforms of Waterloo Underground station were unaware of the darkness outside. Tom noticed a slight drop in temperature. He read his thermometer. The reading dropped from 40 to 35 degrees Celsius. But that didn't stop the sweat from soaking their clothes.

After Phil's anger suddenly erupted upon hearing the words, Let us pray, Tom reminded his friend of the horrific pain felt by Jesus Christ while nailed to the cross. Phil realised that the pain of his childhood memories didn't hold a candle to the agony Christ suffered. Phil agreed to pray, and the two became devoted, calling on God for mercy and to spare this planet and all life on it.

Outside, it was approaching midday, according to the clock, but it was totally dark. The sky was pitch black with not a single star shining. The moon was also invisible. And it was in the gibbous phase, which is short of full. The air was rapidly cooling. Anyone out on the streets not only began to feel cold, but their exposed skin was scorched by the heat, causing intense pain. Without any light, those without a battery-powered torch groped along, feeling for anything in their way, as all the street lights were off.

All the buildings were still warm to the touch, but this deterred anyone shivering from seeking warmth. Rather, the heat radiating from the masonry intensified the burning pain on their tenderised skin.

Even those who sheltered in cellars barely underground didn't escape the heat entirely. True, they weren't as severely burnt as those fully exposed, but they still suffered some discomfort. Panic gripped the affected population. Many realised that this was the wrath of God. But instead of humbling themselves and falling on his mercy, they swore at him and cursed. On the Continent, especially around the Alpine area of Europe, they cried to the mountains to protect them from the heat.

At the police station, no daylight streamed through the lounge windows. There was also no power to keep the lights on. Fortunately, some candles were stored away in the stockroom. They were useful during previous power cuts. Bill groped his way to the closet and found some candles. He used two or three to illuminate Cell 8, where Peter and I were confined.

Only candles kept the station lit.

It's been dark for a while. Greg said. Solar eclipses only last a few minutes. This is weird. What could possibly be causing this darkness?

As I said already, I believe it's a dust cloud blocking the sun. Peter answered.

Suddenly, the main entrance doors burst open, and several officers marched into the station. One of them called out, Any staff members here?

Oh heck! Bill exclaimed. The senior officers. They are Cali's Special Agents. We have neglected our duty to execute the Haters under our custody. Now, they are seeking us out!

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To be Continued.

Fiction - Week 22 - A Fiasco in a Restaurant.

All the characters in this story are fictitious and bear no resemblance to any person, living or dead.

A story based on Biblical truth.

=================================================================

The atmospheric heat continued for some hours. Many died, literally roasted to death. Others found shelter in underground cellars, especially in London, where most Victorian townhouses had a cellar. Many had more than one cellar. Off the tiny kitchen, once in the basement servants' quarters, was a coal bunker. At the rear of the house, a row of basement wine cellars lay below street level. All these provided adequate shelter from the heat. A typical London residential street, such as St Georges Square in Pimlico, accommodated many people. Thousands more crammed the underground platforms in tube stations sprinkled around the capital, including the Bakerloo and Jubilee Line platforms at Waterloo.

The blistering heat wasn't confined to the UK, but was global, with the daylight half of the planet bearing the brunt. This included Europe, most of Asia, and also the Americas. However, in the Middle East, the heat was less intense, especially around Petra. Here, Jewish believers in Christ who refused to take the Mark hid in the Treasury itself, along with many caves and catacombs in sandstone cliffs and crags, dug by the Nabataeans around the time of Christ.

The Treasury, Petra. A place to shelter inside.

In Jerusalem, Gaius Caligula and his officials sheltered in a war bunker. Despite his claims to divinity, he was completely helpless. He had no power to deal with the heat or attempt to save the lives of those caught in it. Even the famous Hezekiah's Tunnel, a water channel dug through solid limestone around 700 BC and located in the Kidron Valley south of the Temple Mount, was crowded with people sheltering from the heat. Meanwhile, vast areas of forests and fields with crops were also scorched, and all marine life and wildlife died.

And so, all this was in the news report Peter and I heard on the radio, which crackled back to life. We were safe in our cell, with the window opening sealed with a plywood panel. Police officers Bill and Greg were with us, and they had a radio. We listened to the latest news. Yet, the broadcast wasn't pristine. With the transmitter placed under a temporary shelter, the voice was accompanied by a whistling hum and crackling interference. But we still understood the message.

With the ongoing natural crisis, we had to move away from the outer-facing wall, as it was heating up. Worse, masonry retained its heat far longer than air. The Romans took advantage of this and built their walls with an underground hypocaust heating chamber, from which heat rose in flues built into the walls and heated the surrounding brickwork. Hence, the Laconicum, the dry sauna featured in many ancient bathhouses, was the source of the warmth.

I then asked Peter, Is it true that after this heat crisis, there will be universal darkness?

Peter took out the Bible we had with us, the same one I took from Padula's bedroom the day after the Rapture. I looked up to the officers. With the Clover-Leaf mark on their hands, I was expecting hostility and the book to be confiscated. But the two just sat there, as if they couldn't care less to take any action. Perhaps they didn't want Caligula to rule over every moment of their lives. However, were they aware that the tiny chip implanted under their skin sent a signal to Central Intelligence? That means senior officials could arrive at any time.

Peter opened the Bible to Revelation.

Yes, it says in Revelation 16:8-11 that the fourth angel pours out his bowl and the Earth is scorched. Then the fifth angel pours out his bowl, and darkness covers the Antichrist's kingdom. I try to explain it from a scientific angle. A solar gas cloud has hit us, and many were scorched alive by the heat. Everything, including all masonry and streets, is warming up. Rivers are beginning to dry up too, except at the estuaries where the sea flows in.

The Bible says that after this heating up, a darkness will follow. This is necessary to cool all the elements. But I don't believe that the sun will switch off like a light bulb, as some imagined. If that were to happen, then its gravitational force, which keeps all its planets in their orbits, would fade with the light, and all the planets would fly along their tangents into space.

To our surprise, it was Officer Gregory's curiosity that was aroused, and he asked, How could this be? The only cause for darkness to fall during the daytime is a solar eclipse, a very rare occasion around here. Besides, the moon is either full or gibbous. A solar eclipse can't happen now.

That is a good point. Peter answered. He was thinking about how he could answer in a scientific vein rather than quote Bible verses. Then he said, This is only a guess, but the possibility of a dense gas or particle cloud could pass between Venus and Earth. The cloud would have a very low gravitational pull, but dense enough to temporarily block out the Sun. As for Antichrist's kingdom, it is worldwide. However, the text indicates that the darkness will occur around midday. That's when the Sun is closest to being directly overhead over Jerusalem.

It's a good theory. Greg responded without showing any hostility. Bill sat next to him and said nothing. Could he too begin to see the light of the Scriptures?

But neither he nor Greg suggested executing us. The sadness over the recent death of Emily affected even the officers, even though Bill, Clive, and Ted were preparing to execute her. As I was thinking, Ted is now dead, shot by Clive for defending Emily. Clive is suspended. Now we have these two: Gregory, who was sitting next to Bill, and Gus, who is in another cell nearby, protected from the heat outside.

Across town, at Waterloo Underground station, Phil and Tom watched as more people, all in a state of panic, arrived and began to fill the platform. Phil wondered whether some would step off the platform to sit on the tracks. But nobody did. Although there were no trains running, the central rail could still be live. Even a slight touch would not only electrocute the victim, but fry him too. Even if the line was shut down, it could be turned back on without notice.

This is getting serious! Tom exclaimed. It wouldn't surprise me that not only are all the other platforms filling up, but the same is happening on all stations underground across the city. Even in this heat.

Tom checked his thermometer. The temperature was hovering around 40 degrees Celsius. Less than half the strength of a sauna, but hot enough to soak our clothing with sweat. Both Tom and Phil watched as others poured in and took up any space left on the long platform. He looked at the crowd. The vast majority were adults of both genders. The few children who were younger than five didn't have the Mark, as it was agreed among the medical world that carrying the chip under their tender skin would make them ill. However, Phil noticed a complete absence of young people averaging between six and sixteen years of age.

However, among the newcomers, some fell unconscious, and a few even died. All those who passed on had the Mark, as if their immune systems and bodily resistance were weakened by the presence of the microchip under their skin. Others, both alive and those who died, had a festering sore around the Clover Leaf mark, with pus leaking from the wound. The sight was quite horrendous. Yet, their deaths brought distress among all, believers and non-believers alike.

It wasn't long before teams were formed to carry the bodies out of the platform area. Not knowing where to put them, they piled them in the connecting corridors and near the escalators. Perhaps they thought that the sight of these bodies would deter others from coming in and overcrowding the platforms. Everyone was soaked with their own sweat as they worked, but each managed to pour some water over themselves. But even this tapered off, as the warm air was heating the bottled water.

How long will this go on? Phil asked in a panicking tone.

Come, let's pray. God is on our side if we believe in Jesus. Tom reassured.

I'M NOT EVEN SURE I AM SAVED! Phil shouted, attracting attention from those who were near. And you want to pray? Look at us. The world is on fire; we are stifling; the water is running out, and I have this mark. People are dying, left, right, and centre, and you ask me to PRAY? Phil emphasised the last word.

He felt an urge of anger pass through his emotions as he remembered his cruel uncle. He too had this "Let us pray" mantra, especially at the dinner table.

Tom turned to his friend with compassion and understanding. He remembered hearing Phil's story of his youth. He tightened his hand around Phil's wrist and spoke in a pleading tone.

Philip, please. Tom begged. I understand what you went through in your younger days. Your Uncle will stand before God and give an account. But for his eternal destiny, it's not for us to say or judge. But remember, Christ hung on that cross for six hours, from nine in the morning to three in the afternoon, according to Mark's Gospel.

Imagine being nailed to a wooden cross, your hands and feet screaming in pain. Yet you can't soothe your wounds, as you are immobile. Below, there is hardly a word of sympathy or consolation. Instead, the crowd looks up at you, shouting, mocking, teasing. Six hours! And you can't move a muscle to bring relief from the intense pain.

The Agony of the Cross.

That was the sacrifice Jesus made for you. On the cross, he took all your sins upon himself and was punished as if HE committed those sins. In return, he gave you a receipt: eternal life. 

At three in the afternoon, he cried his final word: TETELESTAI! It is finished. The payment for your sin is complete. We can now go free. No more condemnation!

Phil sat for a moment in silence, looking at the ground in front of him while Tom sat still and waited. Eventually, Phil said, Tom, you are right. Our sufferings are mild compared to Christ's. We'll pray together.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To be Continued.

Fiction - Week 21 - A Fiasco in a Restaurant.

All the characters in this story are fictitious and have no bearing on any person, living or dead.

A story based on Biblical truth.

=================================================================

In Cell 8 at an unspecified London police station, both Peter and I jumped in surprise when we saw Emily escorted back to our cell. She didn't look relieved. But we were. After she was escorted out by the three officers, we heard a gunshot echo through the building. Like the previous victim, autistic Robert Jones, we thought that Emily, too, faced the same fate.

I then asked, We heard a gunshot. We both believed that you were the victim, as Robert was. We are so relieved that you're still with us. What happened? Who was shot?

One of the officers, the one they called Ted, was shot. He was killed by Clive as revenge for defending me. Emily answered, brushing a tear from her cheek.

Can you explain? Peter asked, drying his own eyes after weeping intensely.

Emily answered, I was meant to be executed. And it would have gone ahead had not Clive behaved appallingly.

Go on. I urged.

Emily continued, When the four of us arrived in that room, the officer named Clive began making monkey noises and mimicked its gesticulation. He then explained that black people like me should be sent to the African jungle to rejoin my family of apes.

Ted was furious with Clive and punched him. He went sprawling across the floor. But he got up and would have gone for Ted had the third one not intervened. After Clive relented, he crept to a drawer, took out a handgun, aimed at Ted and fired. It was Ted who died instead of me.

As Ted lay on the floor, lifeless, the third one, Bill, suspended Clive, pending an investigation. I believe Clive's career as a police officer is over, and possibly Bill's too.

A weapon such as this was used to kill Ted.

Peter shook his head. His university studies in theology included the debate about Creationism and Evolution. He offers a possible explanation for Clive's bad attitude.

The idea of a gradual evolutionary process predates Charles Darwin. Even the ancient Greeks believed in something very similar. But Darwin made the concept official. However, Darwin had a disciple, his cousin Francis Dalton, the father of eugenics. It was the work of Dalton that inspired Hitler to launch the Holocaust, using Dalton's philosophy that the white man is of a superior race, and all dark-skinned people should be eugenised to halt population growth. Clive was simply expounding Dalton's worldview.

The three then sat in silence in their holding cell, each thinking. Then Emily looked up towards the ceiling, then lifted her finger to point to something she could see but we couldn't.

I could see the Lord Jesus rising from his throne and smiling, as if he were about to receive me! Emily exclaimed. His throne is next to his Father's. Oh! How glorious! She then slumped, her body falling face down on the floor.

Our glance was to the grim ceiling. We knew. Emily's passing was very similar to that of the first martyr, Stephen, in Acts 7, but without the stoning. I called for the officers, and soon, Bill and a couple of others we hadn't seen before opened the door, saw Emily's lifeless body, and ordered a stretcher. One was brought in, and she was taken to a mortuary to lie next to Ted's and Robert's bodies, awaiting the Coroner, followed by cremation.

The reality of Emily's passing hit Peter hard. After the body was carried out and the cell door closed, Peter burst into fresh tears. He wept so hard that all I could do was put my arms around him and allow his head to rest on my chest. My own tears rolled down my cheeks. So much for the "British stiff upper lip"! There is always a right time for a grown man to cry.

                                                                      13.

The fiery solar gas hurtled through space towards Earth. Fortunately for Mercury and Venus, the two planets inside Earth's orbit were elsewhere; hence the cloud travelled towards us without obstruction. Even the Moon was full, or nearly so, thus on the far side of our planet from the Sun.

When the cloud reached our atmosphere, the Ozone layer, which protected the Earth from harmful solar rays, rolled back, forming a hole that let the cloud into the air. Instantly, the air around us heated up. Screams of panic were heard outside as people ran for shelter.

Heat from the small barred window began to fill the cell. I called the officers. All three appeared to be panicking. With the screams, the window glass panes shattered, many of them explosively, throwing shards across the street and into the rooms.

Quick! I shouted at the officers. Find sheets of plywood, cardboard or anything to cover these openings! Make sure that each cell has one. These walls are thick. They will keep the heat out.

Bill returned with a sheet of plywood. He reached up and placed the panel over the opening. He secured it with duct tape. The other two officers dealt with the other cells along the corridor until the interior temperature was under control. The three officers then took shelter in our cell, as Bill, who was in charge, knew us better than the rest of the prisoners.

Bill then asked, I believe you're going to say this is another form of Divine retribution. You will never convince us of this "Christ" you profess. Gaius Caligula will find a way to solve this NATURAL PHENOMENON! Bill emphasised the last two words. 

Another officer, Gregory, pointed to the panel fixed over the small window opening. He then said, I once read about the sole survivor of an entire city destroyed by a volcanic eruption. Although I don't remember the name of the person, he was the sole prisoner at San Pierre in Martinique when Mt. Pelée erupted and destroyed a city of 30,000 people.

His name was Ludger Sylbaris. Peter replied. And the eruption took place in 1902. Yes, this was one of the subjects we learned at school.

It looks like a specialised subject. Greg replied. Were you a public schoolboy?

Not a public schoolboy. I attended a grammar school. Peter said.

Another area where the air stayed at a reasonable temperature while many were scorched to death outside was at the northbound platform of the Northern Underground Line under Waterloo Station. Here, Phil Banks sat next to Tom Lawrence. Both had eaten, since Tom shared his food with his new friend.

Phil was no longer a sworn atheist but a believer, thanks to Tom's testimony and a lesson in theology, which impacted Phil's worldview on salvation. When Phil admitted to Tom that he felt like a wedding guest but had no idea what it was about, Tom explained.

The Church was the Body of Christ. This was the most intimate relationship. For example, you are born with your arms and legs already attached. You don't ask them to marry you!

Phil laughed. What's your point?

The Bible talks about the Bride of Christ. Tom answered. The Bride is the restored nation of Israel after his return. In the Old Testament, especially in the Prophets, God is often referred to as Israel's husband. However, at his return, which will be very soon, an elaborate wedding will take place in Jerusalem. Jesus Christ, as the Bridegroom, and the Jews, all of them redeemed believers, will be the glorious Bride. You and I, among thousands of other non-Jews, will be guests at the wedding, and we will live forever, death having been defeated when Christ rose from the dead that Easter morning.

Would all this be in Heaven? Phil asked.

No, this will be an earthly Kingdom, with Christ reigning on the throne of his ancient father, David.  Glorious as this will be, it will still be short of heavenly glory. However, this earthly Kingdom will last only for a thousand years. After that, Heaven will merge with Earth, and everyone will have glorious bodies. We will never suffer from sin, pain, hunger, thirst, boredom or tiredness, but live forever in God's glorious presence.

Christ the Groom, Israel will be the Bride.

A while elapsed. Then Phil said, Listen! Doesn't this sound like people screaming?

Yes, I can hear it too. Tom answered as the rest in the underground station began to murmur.

It's getting warmer. Phil said, wiping his brow. 

The scorching heat, judgment! Tom exclaimed. I hope we will be safe here. He reached into his bag and took out a thermometer. He looked; he saw the temperature was creeping up towards 40 degrees Celsius. Yet the people out on the streets were roasting to death!

We are several metres below ground. Tom said. It shouldn't get too hot here. I believe the heat is coming from the air vents leading to street level. I pray we will see through this without much harm.

Fortunately, there was plenty of bottled water available for the taking. Phil and Tom each took a bottle, drank some, and poured some water over their heads.

The temperature reading on Tom's thermometer slowly reached 45 degrees Celsius, about half the strength of a sauna, and hovered at that level. It was a while before a gradual drop was noticed. Meanwhile, Phil, Tom, and the others at the station kept themselves cool by drenching themselves with cool, refreshing water.

Outside, the ground was getting hot. So were the buildings. Window panes shattered. People who were out on the streets were screaming as the heat scorched their bodies. Many jumped into the River Thames, although the water was warming up. The walls of the buildings were also warming up, including the walls housing the police station. Everyone was terrified, both believers and unbelievers alike. Many were roasted alive; others made their way downstairs into the cellars, a feature in most Victorian townhouses. Underground, there is a greater chance of survival.

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To be Continued.