What?
I introduced you to Nicolae Carpathia.
She nodded, smiling through tears. That was pretty bad, she said. But how
could you know? He fooled almost everybody at first. I wish I'd never laid
eyes on him, but I also wouldn't trade a thing about my life now. It all
pointed to today.
David was antsy. He wanted Viv Ivins to leave so he could get started on his
real chores. She rattled on about Fortunato.
He'll move into Peter Mathews's old office, but nothing will be the same
there.
There's no Enigma Babylon One World Faith anymore, because there's no enigma.
We know whom to worship now, don't we, Mr. Hassid?
We sure do, he said.
Now, she said, there is one more item. You're aware that you lost an
employee the other day? She flipped a page in her notebook and read,
'Single, white, female, twenty-two, almost twenty-three, Angel Rich
Christopher.' Rich is apparently a family name.
David held his breath and nodded.
Lightning victim, Viv added. One of several.
I was aware of that, yes.
I just wanted to tell you that if you were planning any sort of memorial, I'd
advise against it.
I'm sorry?
We have simply lost too many employees to make it practical to give them all
their moments, if you will.
David was offended, especially for Annie. I, uh, have attended other such
ceremonies. They have been short but appropriate.
Well, this one would not be appropriate. Understood?
No.
No?
I'm sorry, I don't understand. Why would it not be appropriate to remember a
coworker who
If you would think about it for just a moment, you would likely understand.
Save me the time, please.
Well, Mr. Hassid, Miss Christopher was apparently struck by lightning when
the now Reverend Fortunato was calling down fire from heaven on those who
refused to recognize His Excellency the Potentate as the true and living God.
You're saying her death proves she was subversive. That Fortunato killed
her.
God killed her, Director. Call it subversive or whatever you will, it is
obvious to all who were present and I know you were that only skeptics
suffered for their unbelief that day.
David pursed his lips and scratched his head. If we are not memorializing
employees who did not recognize Nicolae Carpathia as deity, I understand and
will comply.
I thought you would, sir. She rose and waited for David to open the door for
her.
Good day to you, Director. You know I am always available, should you need
anything at all.
Well, there is one more thing.
Name it.
The biochip injectors you mentioned. Are they similar to the type used for
inserting the same into household pets?
I believe they are, with certain modifications.
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One of the nurses who attended me happened to mention that she got her start
in medicine as a veterinarian's assistant. I wonder if she has any experience
with that kind of technology that might be helpful to us.
Good thinking. Give me her name and I'll check it out.
I don't recall offhand, he said. But it should be easy enough to find out.
I'll call you with it.
As soon as Viv was gone, David phoned Hannah. I'll be giving your name to Viv
Ivins. Expect a call.
Got it.
He told her of the prohibition against even a moment of silence in his
department for Annie.
That's perfect, she said. David, she would wear that like a badge of honor.
If
being honored made it appear she was a Carpathia loyalist, you'd have to
answer to her in heaven someday.
ELEVEN
For the next several days in the safe house, Rayford quietly observed the
group dynamics and took notes. Tsion and Chaim spent most of their time
studying. Leah seemed bored with helping Chloe with the international co-op,
and while she got acquainted with Hattie, Hattie was getting on everyone's
nerves. Everyone's except
Zeke's. He mostly kept to himself and didn't appear affected by personal
idiosyncrasies.
Rayford asked Tsion to lead the group in a brief Bible study each day, and
they prayed together. Everyone was also expected to log on to Tsion's daily
cybermessage. Each took a turn spray painting the insides of exposed windows
until all the floors they were using were invisible to the outside, even with
lights on.
A week after Rayford had brought Hattie into the safe house, he called a
meeting to officially insert Chaim, Zeke, Albie, and Hattie into the
Tribulation Force. They watched the Internet and television for information on
when and how the mark of loyalty would be administered. And Buck was back in
full swing with his The Truth cyberzine. With his international contacts and
his ability to write stories that had a ring of authenticity without exposing [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]