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  Christopher smiled and the large video screen behind him showed the look of appreciation on his face to everyone in the auditorium. "Friends, auspicious assembly, welcome," he began when the room finally quieted again.

  One of the things Decker had learned in his days as a speechwriter is that the more important a speaker is, the less he has to say to get applause. Now that it had been established that it was appropriate to clap for Christopher, that axiom once again held true. When the applause for his greeting subsided, Christopher continued. "I have just come from a meeting of the Security Council. The main focus of that meeting was the situation in Israel. As all of you know, since the earthquake the United Nations has made several offers to provide Israel with medical assistance and support troops to help restore order and rebuild the city. Each of our offers has been met by curt refusals from the Walchshauser government," he said, referring to the Israeli Prime Minister.

  "Three things have made these refusals particularly troublesome. The first is the magnitude of the suffering, as we have all seen daily on news reports; the second is that while the Walchshauser government fails to deal with the present human crisis another crisis is looming as members of the Koum Damah Tatare recklessly lead thousands of their naive followers into the barren Jordanian desert. Third, based on Prime Minister Walchshauser's own statements, there can be no doubt that his real objections to U.N. assistance are founded solely on his own stubborn religious prejudices and his loyalty to the ultra-orthodox religious groups within his party.

  "Fortunately for the people of Israel, not all members of the Likud are as tied to the religious cords of Israel's High Priest as is Mr. Walchshauser. We have just learned that a few hours ago the Social Democrat Party under the leadership of Golda Reiner has formed a coalition with six other minority parties, thus forcing an election."

  At this news, Gaia Love leaned over to Jackie Hansen and Decker and whispered excitedly, "Golda is a good friend. I'm sure we can count on her."

  "In the meantime," Christopher continued, "because of the urgent nature of Israel's situation, Ms. Reiner has taken emergency control of the government and has officially issued a request that the Security Council immediately authorize assistance to Israel. I am pleased to announce that the Security Council has unanimously agreed to provide such aid."

  With all the suffering that the world had experienced, it seemed strange to Decker that Christopher's announcement concerning Israel should elicit much excitement, but suddenly the auditorium exploded into cheers and celebration. Obviously the news was far more significant to those gathered than he realized. His only explanation was that by asking for assistance, Israel — the only nation in the world that was not a member of the United Nations — was at last recognizing its dependence on the rest of the world. While this was not the same as joining the U.N., Decker could only assume that those around him believed that it was the logical next step. Still, the news hardly seemed worthy of such enthusiasm.

  Christopher's speech continued for nearly an hour and a half, making it one of his longest ever. In addition to the assistance to Israel, Christopher outlined his plans to repopulate the countries whose people had been wiped out by the madness. The U.N. would assist people who could trace their ancestry to the affected countries to move there and rebuild their society. Christopher acknowledged that it could take centuries to accomplish this goal, but he again pointed out that soon the human lifespan would no longer be limited to a scant few decades. To encourage migration to these countries, the Security Council had voted unanimously to offer substantial financial incentives to these immigrants.

  "The Security Council has also voted," Christopher revealed, "to support my recommendation to build a major new United Nations headquarters complex at a site in the affected area which, if the General Assembly agrees, will ultimately serve as a replacement to the aging complex here in New York that has served for more than 70 years."

  "I am particularly excited about this project," Christopher continued, "because of the location that has been selected. In a demonstration of the unyielding strength and defiance of the human spirit, the site for the new United Nations headquarters will be near the place where the madness began — in a place of tremendous historical significance to all Humankind— for it was near this site that the first Theatan ship landed over four billion years ago and life on earth began. It was near this spot, in what legend has called the Garden of Eden, that Humankind first established its independence from the rule of Yahweh and any other would-be god. Later, in this same general vicinity, Humankind first united to work together to build a great city and tower, before being dispersed by the despotic Yahweh. And it is from this city that Nebuchadnezzar once ruled the world!" The auditorium filled with cheers, for it seemed that everyone there knew exactly what city Christopher was talking about, and they obviously approved — Babylon — already partially rebuilt by the Iraqi people over the last three decades. Again, the crowd's excitement and approval seemed to Decker to be inexplicably high for what to him was just a matter of real estate.

  6:01 a.m., March 21,1 N.A. (2023 A.D.) — Jerusalem

  "Our mission," said General Parks to the reporters assembled in the lobby of the King David Hotel, which served as temporary headquarters of the United Nations peacekeeping force, "is strictly humanitarian in nature. Thanks to the support and cooperation of Prime Minister Golda Reiner, the arrival and deployment of U.N. troops have been entirely successful, and

  U.N. forces throughout Israel now number more than 50,000. Food and medical supplies which arrived last night will begin to be distributed within the hour. Only one loose end remains. Preying upon fear and hysteria, the KDT has incited many people in Israel, charging that the United Nations forces who are here to assist in this time of crisis are actually an invasion force. They have already led several hundred thousand Israeli citizens — some estimates range as high as one-sixth of the Israeli population — into the Jordanian wilderness as though in some modern-day exodus from Pharaoh.

  "While I think we'd all like to see the KDT leave Israel, in order to limit the exodus of Israeli civilians, we have placed blockades at every road leaving the country. However, we failed to anticipate the level of hysteria. Faced with blocked roads, the KDT and their followers set out on foot across the desert into Jordan. Because of the long drought, it was relatively easy for people to cross the shallow Jordan River undetected." General Parks nodded to an aide who then displayed a satellite photo of the region.

  "Those fleeing Israel are organized into seven major contingents with numerous smaller groups scattered up and down the length of Israel's border with Jordan." Parks pointed to an area on the display. "On foot and left to their own devices," Parks continued, "we estimate that most of these people will not survive more than three to five days in the barren wilderness terrain.

  "To prevent this tragedy, as we speak, six battalions of United Nations soldiers have moved to within three kilometers of a location west of the city ofAsh-Shawbak, Jordan, where the largest contingent has camped for the night." Again Parks pointed to the satellite photo. "We have named the campaign 'Operation Round-Up,'" he said with a self-amused grin. "Our objective is to encircle each of the camps, provide emergency food and water as needed, and then return the people to Israel. Members of the KDT who are captured will be held for questioning and possible criminal charges by the civilian authorities."

  General Parks tucked his telescoping pointer into his shirt pocket. "I have time for three or four questions," he concluded. Several reporters shouted out their questions but Parks ignored them and pointed to a reporter in the back.

  "Do you anticipate resistance from the KDT and, if so, how will you respond?"

  "Our reconnaissance indicates no organized defense and we have found no evidence of weaponry. What we have here is a disorganized collection of frightened and confused civilians," he said authoritatively. "However, should we encounter resistance, our orders are first to defend ourselves and then to us
e all appropriate force to accomplish our mission."

  "Is there any possibility that the KDT possess powers similar to those of John and Cohen?" asked the same reporter in follow-up to her first question.

  "There is no record of any member of the KDT displaying any such ability. About the worst they've been able to do," he said with a laugh, "is embarrass people."

  "Did I understand you correctly, that as many as one-sixth of the Israeli population has followed the KDT into the Jordanian wilderness?" another reporter asked.

  "Well, that's the high end on the estimates. It's probably closer to ten or twelve percent," the general answered.

  "Still, how can there be so many? No previous estimates indicated that the KDT had anywhere near that many followers among the general population."

  "We believe that only about a third to a half are actually core supporters of the KDT, with the rest consisting primarily of ultra-conservative Jews who are upset about the decision to open the Temple to all races and nationalities. The remainder are just misguided civilians who believe the KDT's claims that United Nations forces have come here as an invading army."

  "Is it true that former Prime Minister Walchshauser and High Priest Chaim Levin are among those who have left Israel?" asked another reporter.

  "I cannot answer any questions regarding specific individuals," General Parks said, pointing to another reporter.

  "Why have you seized the Jewish Temple?!" demanded a member of the Jewish press, who was obviously seething.

  Parks immediately regretted having selected this particular questioner but he knew better than to let that show on his face. "The order to secure the Temple," Parks said calmly, not responding to the tone of the questioner, "came directly from Secretary-General Goodman. With the complete cooperation of Prime Minister Reiner and in keeping with the promise he made when he was here nine days ago, the Secretary-General has directed that the Temple be secured until order has been restored. Following the restoration of order, the Temple will be reopened to all people regardless of nationality or religion."

  Parks ignored the questioner's bellowed follow-up about the unusual method by which Golda Reiner had seized control of the government and why no election had been held, and pointed quickly to another reporter.

  "Has 'Operation Roundup,' been approved by the Secretary-General?" the next reporter asked.

  "Operation Roundup is a tactical measure, not a strategic one. All tactical decisions are my call."

  6:15 a.m. — west of Ash-Shawbak, Jordan

  As U.N. forces advanced cautiously in armored personnel carriers (APCs) to within a quarter mile of the Israeli encampment, a swarm of helicopters flew overhead and began to drop leaflets on the camp. The leaflets identified the U.N.'s intent and instructed those in the camp to stay calm and surrender any weapons they might have. The leaflets promised that no one would be hurt as long as there was no resistance. Food and water would be provided for all, buses would be available for the elderly and handicapped, and an escort would lead the rest safely back to Israel.

  The advancing APCs stopped and the soldiers inside disembarked to go the remaining distance on foot. To avoid panic, they had been ordered to leave their rifles in the APCs and had been issued pistols which they were told to keep holstered unless ordered otherwise.

  As the soldiers moved closer, three men from the camp walked quickly toward them, apparently hoping to speak to those in charge. At once the commanding general, Harlan Maccoby, ordered the troops to halt in order to determine the intent of the three men. The soldiers obeyed and General Maccoby's jeep drove through the line toward the Israeli delegation.

  Through binoculars the general was quickly able to verify his suspicions about the three men. The markings on their foreheads revealed that they were members of the KDT. The general held out little hope that talking would accomplish anything but it was incumbent upon him to try.

  "Tell your forces to go back and allow us to continue on our journey," one of the KDT stated firmly when the general's jeep stopped in front of them.

  "I'm afraid I can't do that," the general responded.

  "If even one of your men comes beyond where we now stand," said another of the KDT, "the Lord God will punish the whole of your command."

  "We have no intention to harm anyone," General Maccoby countered, "but you must agree to return to Israel."

  "Nor do we wish any harm to come to you or your army," one of the KDT responded, "but you must allow us to continue." With no further discussion the three KDT turned and headed back for their camp.

  "Do not resist!" General Maccoby yelled after them in warning. He waited a moment for a response but when none came he gave the order for his troops to continue.

  Within two minutes the first of the troops reached the point where the encounter with the KDT had occurred. For a moment the general held his breath, but as they crossed the imaginary line the KDT had drawn, nothing happened. Soon they were within a hundred yards of the camp. In front of them more than a hundred members of the KDT waited, forming a wall of flesh between the Israelis and the U.N. forces. Behind the KDT the entire camp waited anxiously, watching the advance. Then as if on cue — though no word was spoken and no sound made — every member of the KDT fell face down onto the ground and let out a wail to their god. With no more warning than that, as far as the eye could see, the ground beneath the soldiers' feet quivered briefly and became like quicksand, which quickly swallowed the struggling and screaming soldiers and all of their equipment. In seconds it was over. The ground became solid again, burying alive 7200 men and women from 27 nations. Not one soldier or piece of military equipment remained.

  For the second time in less than a week, Christopher was forced to go before the world to appeal for calm. Despite the fact that General Parks had ordered Operation Roundup without consulting him, Christopher accepted sole responsibility for what had occurred. General Parks had acted in good faith in what he considered to be a tactical decision over which he had full authority. While it could have been argued that the operation was strategic and not tactical in nature — and therefore General Parks should have consulted his superiors — making such an argument now would not bring the dead back to life. All that Christopher could do, though belatedly, was to issue a directive that no United Nations forces were to engage members of the KDT unless he himself ordered them to do so. He pledged, however, that the day would come when such an order would be given and on that day those who had died would be remembered and justice would be delivered. Undeterred by what had occurred, in fact encouraged and jubilant, the first large contingent of those who followed the KDT soon reached their destination. As satellite photography revealed, their destination was the ancient Moabite and Nabataean city of Petra in southwestern Jordan. Decker struggled most of the night to remember why that name sounded familiar. It had been twenty-three years since he had heard Petra discussed late one night in the Rosens' kitchen.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Signs and Wonders

  8:40 p.m. October 2,1 N.A. (2023 A.D.) — The Albert Hall, London, England

  Tommy Edwards watched closely as the magician levitated his hypnotized assistant above the stage. It was Tommy's fifteenth birthday and he had come to the performance with his grandfather, who was himself an amateur magician of some note. Tommy had gotten into trouble recently, attempting to apply the sleight-of-hand techniques he had learned from his grandfather to shoplifting. He had seen the levitation trick performed on several occasions, but he was impressed with this magician's technique. Then suddenly, strangely, as if hit by a gust of wind, a strange feeling of power swept over him. With no explanation, he felt he had the power to do what the magician was doing, but not by some sort of trick. He felt — he knew — there was no doubt in his mind — that he could, by the sheer power of his will, cause the woman to levitate.

  Looking toward the floating woman, he squinted slightly to aid his concentration. Then, with the power of his thought, he pulled her from her p
osition above the stage and out over the audience, snapping the trick wires that had held her suspended. The audience at first thought this was part of the magician's trick and were unaware of what was actually happening. The magician, of course, realized immediately that something was awry. So did his not-so-hypnotized assistant, who grasped wildly but vainly for the wires which she assumed still held her.

  3:55 p.m. October 4, 1 N.A. (2023 A.D.) — Burgeo, Newfoundland

  Peter Switzer took a deep breath of the salt air and opened the door to the small cottage that had been his home since he was born. His father, like his father before him, had fished these north Atlantic waters for his living, and had been killed in an accident twelve years earlier. His mother died shortly thereafter, leaving the family homestead and its responsibilities to Peter when he was eighteen. Peter was terribly lonely by himself and would like to have married but was terribly shy around women. For ten years he lived alone until one day a lovely girl named Deborah whom he had known in school insisted he go out with her. Within two weeks they were married. It seemed to Peter a dream come true until a year and a half later when Deborah's father died. Her mother, taking advantage of Peter's mild nature, decided to move in with her daughter and son-in-law. Since then, Peter had not had one day of peace from her nagging and complaining. As he feared, she was waiting as if to pounce when he walked in the door.

  "Why are you in so early?" she demanded. "There's still an hour of daylight left. What kind of fisherman are you, anyway? It's no wonder you can't provide better for my daughter if you're too lazy to work a full day."

  Peter remembered the time before she had moved in with them. Then Deborah had greeted him each evening with a warm hug and a kiss. Now she was nowhere to be seen, intimidated by her mother's presence. On all previous nights Peter had simply tried to ignore his mother-in-law's sharp tongue, but on this night, for no apparent reason, he felt inexplicably determined to face her. Looking her straight in the eye and, surprised at his own nerve as he heard himself speak the words, he told her to shut her mouth and not to speak a word for a week. At this Deborah came into the room, shocked at her husband's raised voice and sure that a serious fight had begun. To her surprise, her mother did not respond. Even more surprised was her mother who, try as she might, could not make even the slightest sound. Deborah looked to her husband for an explanation, but Peter just smiled. He had no explanation, but he was delighted with the way things had worked out.