Pastor stopped the car in front of Brother’s house. The men sat in silence for some time, each silently talking with the One True Lord and praying for Teenager and Brother.
“Would you like us to go in with you?” asked Pastor.
Brother didn’t respond right away. He was still in shock; sadness filled his soul. He didn’t even hear the question. Pastor repeated it.
“Brother,” Pastor said quietly, “would you like us to go in with you and explain what happened to your little brother?”
The fog over Brother’s mind finally lifted enough that the question finally registered.
“That might be a good idea,” Brother sighed, his voice barely audible. “Not sure if my dad’s home yet, but I know my mom is. We talked about the situation a little before I came to your house. Not sure what my mom will think about all of this, but she ought to know Teenager’s not coming home. It would be nice to have you guys back me up.”
All four men got out of the vehicle and headed to the front door of Brother’s house. Brother turned the knob and slowly opened the door. Mother was sitting at her desk working away. She was concentrating so hard she didn’t hear the door open.
“Mom,” Brother said softly.
At the sound of Brother’s voice, Mother looked up from her computer and smiled as she recognized her son; then, she realized there were three others with him.
“Glad you’re finally home. You didn’t tell me to expect company,” Mother chided.
“Mom, is Dad home?” Brother inquired.
“No, he called a while ago and said he wouldn’t be back until late tonight. Who did you bring home with you?” Mother asked with a slight note of irritation in her voice. She was a little put off having unexpected company.
“Mom, this is Pastor; he’s in charge of the church I attend; this is Warrior, and this is Seaman, friends from church,” Brother said, gesturing toward the men.
“Please sit down,” Mother said as she motioned toward chairs and the sofa. “May I get you anything? Coffee? Water? Soda?”
“No, thank you, ma’am,” the men replied almost in unison.
The men walked to the sofa and chairs indicated and took up Mother’s invitation to be seated.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” Mother inquired as she seated herself in a chair near the fireplace. She had never met Brother’s church friends before, and she began to suspect that something was up. She could feel her defenses beginning to rise.
“Mom,” Brother said as he slumped onto the sofa, “something’s happened that you need to know about.”
Brother felt the words stick in his throat; he was choked up, but he managed to pull himself together. He was searching for the words but didn’t know quite how to start. Finally, he blurted out the first words that came to his mind.
“Teenager’s not coming home!” Tears began to roll down Brother’s face.
Mother was not sure she understood what Brother had just said. Teenager was upstairs in his room. Why on earth would Brother bring three men to their house after dark and blurt out that her younger son wasn’t coming home? She sat there with a look of confusion on her face, not quite sure how to respond.
“Ma’am,” Pastor said, “if I may elaborate, Brother has experienced quite a shock tonight. He’s having some difficulty expressing himself. We’ve just come from the docks where we had a confrontation with evil forces that were trying to entice your son, Teenager, aboard one of the black ships. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were not successful. Teenager has voluntarily boarded the black ship that was in port today. The ship sailed with him aboard, and he is now lost to all of us. He will not be coming home.”
“But…but…he’s not at the docks; he’s upstairs in his room!” Mother said incredulously. “I checked on him just a little while ago.”
“No, ma’am,” Pastor continued. “All of us watched as your son freely chose to board the black ship. He’s not in his room, and he won’t be coming home.”
Not saying a word, Mother stood up quickly and ran upstairs and toward the door of Teenager’s room. She could still hear music coming from the other side. She didn’t even bother to knock but opened the door. Her worst fears were suddenly realized. Her son was not in his room, and the window was open. Realization dawned on her that Teenager had turned on the music to hide the fact that he had slipped out. Who knew how long he had been gone?
Brother got up to follow Mother, but Pastor placed his hand on Brother’s arm to restrain him.
“Let her discover this for herself,” Pastor said. “She needs to go through the process.”
Brother sat back down.
P
Mother stood in the doorway to Teenager’s room staring at the open window, her hand still on the doorknob.
Could it be true? Mother asked herself. Did he slip out and join the black fleet? I knew he was excited about the tour, but surely, he’s too young to join. He’s only sixteen; surely, they wouldn’t make him a crew member at so young an age! Mother was in shock and confused.
I need to get more information, she said to herself.
Mother walked across the room, turned off the stereo and slammed the window shut and locked it. Turning around, she closed the door to Teenager’s room, descended the stairs, and quickly returned to the living room.
“You’re right,” Mother said. “He’s not in his room, and the window was open. Apparently, he turned on his music to make me think he was still in his room but instead slipped out the window. I have no idea how long he’s been gone. I can’t believe that the captain and the crew of the black ship would take him onboard as a crew member; he’s only sixteen; surely, they would need parental consent!”
“Ma’am,” this time it was Seaman who replied, “the black fleet has no qualms about enticing young men and women onboard their ships. They have no regard for human rules and regulations. The ships, their captains, and crew belong to a fleet run by a well-organized group that is purely evil and bent on the destruction of as many humans as possible. Teens are one of their primary targets. I was held as a captive aboard one of the black ships, the same ship that took your son. I know this captain and crew well; your son will not be coming home any time soon.”
“That’s true, ma’am,” Warrior spoke up. “I boarded one of the ships of the black fleet as a young man, younger than Teenager. I had always been strong-willed and rebellious, even as a little guy. My parents were followers of the One True Lord and tried to tell me about these ships, but I thought it was just a bunch of made-up stories to scare kids. I was looking for adventure, but what I found was destruction. I barely escaped with my life after decades of captivity. I attribute the fact that I didn’t die to the ongoing prayers of both of my parents.”
Mother held up her hand as a gesture for the men to stop talking. Her mind was struggling to comprehend what Brother, Pastor, and the other two men were telling her.
“So,” Mother replied slowly, “let me understand what you’re saying. My son has been taken aboard the black ship that was docked at the port today, and he’s not returning home. Is that correct?”
“Yes, ma’am,” replied Pastor, Warrior, and Seaman almost in unison.
“And you’re telling me that these ships are some sort of organized crime gang that siphons off kids to who knows what fate?” Mother could hardly get the words out; her mind was reeling, trying to comprehend.
“Mom,” Brother finally found his voice, “what these men are telling you is what I was referring to before dinner. All these ships, captains, and crew of the black fleet are evil. They are bent on the destruction of everyone. They had me for two years before Pastor here and Warrior,” Brother said, pointing to the two men, “came aboard and managed to get me off the ship. I suffered unspeakable things at the hands of those who ran the ship. What they’re telling you is true, Mom; the captain and crew of the black ship lured Teenager aboard tonight. He won’t be coming home until such time as he turns his life over to the One True Lord and…” but Brother didn’t get to finish.
Mother stood up abruptly, putting one hand on her head and the other on her hip. She began pacing back and forth, her mind racing with numerous horrible scenarios. She heard but failed to comprehend the magnitude of what Brother and these men from his church were trying to convey.
“I need to call the police,” Mother said as she turned toward the phone.
“It won’t do any good, Mom,” Brother replied.
“What do you mean it won’t do any good?” Mother snapped angrily as she turned toward Brother. “We have to file a report, get the police looking, have the Coast Guard stop that ship and rescue him!” Mother said, panic escalating in her voice.
“Oh, they’ll take a report, ma’am,” Warrior said, “but it won’t do any good. These creatures are not subject to the laws of men. The Coast Guard could sail right past them and never see them at all.”
“But I don’t understand what you’re telling me,” Mother was frantic now. Her youngest son, her baby, her favorite, was gone, taken by forces that she couldn’t comprehend. “You mean I shouldn’t call the police or anything? Surely they will want a ransom or something.”
“Ma’am,” Pastor said softly, “if you feel that you need to file a report, then please phone the police. We’ll be happy to tell the police what we saw, but I’m afraid they will be unable to be of any service in this matter. Unfortunately,” Pastor continued, “I know what the police will say and do, but it won’t do any good. I know how you must feel; unfortunately, I’ve had to have this same type of conversation with many other families who have had loved ones board these black ships. Please know we’re here to help and support you, your husband, and Brother here as much as we can.”
Mother stopped pacing so she could gather her thoughts. “I’ll phone your father,” she said. “He’ll know what to do.”
Mother walked to the phone and dialed her husband’s cell number. She got his voice mail and left a message for him to call her back as soon as he got the message.
“He must be on the plane already,” Mother said, calm returning to her voice. “I got his voice mail. In the meantime, I need to phone the police and get the process started.”
Mother knew she needed to remain calm and rational. She wasn’t the type to panic, but she was shaken beyond belief, and she felt she had to do something. Mother picked up the phone and placed the call.
P
Teenager was so wrapped up in excitement he never even noticed the agony Brother was going through on the shore. As soon as Teenager was onboard, Captain escorted him to a small, windowless room on the ship and told him that he would join him shortly. Smiling reassuringly, Captain told Teenager he had pressing matters to attend to. As soon as Teenager was inside, the door was quietly locked from outside.
Teenager stood just inside the doorway, not knowing what to think. This wasn’t the welcome and tour he had expected. Perhaps this was just a waiting room to keep him safe while the crew worked on deck. Surely the captain would return soon and give him the tour of the ship.
Not very welcoming, but I’m sure this is just temporary, Teenager thought to himself. I wonder what pressing matters the captain had to attend to.
The room was tiny, but there was one small chair in the middle. Teenager sat down in the chair, wondering what was next and how long it would be before Captain would return to give him the tour. He heard someone holler, “Cast off! Make ready to depart!”
The hollering was followed by sounds of scurrying as if the crew were, indeed, getting ready to leave port.
That can’t be right, Teenager thought to himself. We can’t be leaving! I’m only here for a tour. They must have forgotten I’m here.
Teenager stood up and walked the three steps to the door but found it locked from the outside.
“That’s odd,” he said out loud.
He tried the knob several times, but it was definitely locked. He started pounding on the door.
“Hey! Somebody! Anybody! I’m locked in somehow!” Teenager shouted. “I’m just here to tour, and it sounds like you guys are leaving. Let me out so I can leave the ship.”
Teenager thought he heard something like laughter, only it sounded different, eerie in fact. He kept pounding and yelling, but no one answered his cries for help. He could tell that the ship was, in fact, moving, so he started pounding and yelling even louder.
“Knock it off before I gut you like a fish,” said a snarling unfamiliar voice.
“But I’m not supposed to be here when you leave!” Teenager cried as a lump started rising in his throat. “The captain was just going to give me a tour, and then I was supposed to get off before you guys left.”
The sounds of several voices uttering profanity and evil laughter were all that met Teenager’s ears.
“Sit down while you still can,” said the same eerie voice that had spoken before.
Fear and panic began to rise in Teenager’s heart.
What is going on? Teenager’s mind raced with questions. Why am I locked in this tiny room? Why are we leaving port? Why won’t anyone let me out? Who were those evil-sounding voices that were laughing and snarling at me? Where is Captain? There were no answers to his many questions.
Teenager returned to the chair and sat down with his head in his hands. He would have paced, but the room wasn’t big enough for that. He sat there trying to make sense of it all; nothing felt right. He sensed he was in danger; despair and panic began to set in because he knew there was nothing he could do. He was locked in this tiny room with no windows and nothing but this hard chair. He began to sob and wonder if Brother had been right after all. He was more scared than he had ever been in his entire life.
He began to feel the movement of the ship change. The gentle waves became more of a roll. He could hear the sound of the oars creaking and what sounded like whips and the groans and cries of other humans. The ship was leaving port.
All he could do now was sit and wait for Captain. Maybe there was a good explanation for all of this. Teenager was helpless to do anything except wait.
P
Mother called the police but was told her son hadn’t been missing long enough for a missing person’s report to be filed. They encouraged her to call Teenager’s friends, check the shopping mall and other potential hangouts, then call them back if he didn’t show up when forty-eight hours had elapsed.
Mother was furious.
“By the time forty-eight hours have elapsed, who knows where he will be!” Mother snapped back angrily. “I told you he’s not missing; he’s been kidnapped by the black ship that was in town. I have eye-witness reports to that fact.”
But unfortunately, the police didn’t seem to think it was as urgent as Mother made it sound. They reiterated that she needed to check around before filing a missing person’s report.
Mother slammed the phone down as she hung up. She returned to the room where the men were waiting. She sat down looking frustrated, angry, and exhausted.
“Ma’am,” Pastor asked, “would you mind if we prayed for you and your family?”
“I’m not much on praying,” Mother retorted. “I’m not sure how much good it will do, but I’ll try anything at this point.”
The men bowed their heads. Mother felt uncomfortable but bowed her head as well.
“Dear One True Lord,” Pastor began, “we come to You now with burdened hearts, grieving the loss of another one of Your children to the black fleet. As much as it hurts our hearts, we know it hurts Your heart far more. We lift Teenager up to You, dear One True Lord, and ask for Your favor and protection over him during this time while he is a captive of the black fleet. Keep Your hand of protection on him. Bring him to a quick realization of the mistake he’s made and give him the wisdom to ask for Your help. When he does ask, Lord, please send one or more of Your children with the power and tools to rescue him, whether it be ourselves or other members of Your family. We also lift Teenager’s family up to you. Be with Brother and his entire family during this difficult time as they deal with the loss of a beloved family member. Help us to respond to them with love and kindness and provide for them whatever they need during this time of trial. We thank You, dear One True Lord, in advance for the answer to our prayers. Amen.”
“Amen,” echoed Brother, Warrior, and Seaman in unison.
“Amen,” Mother said weekly and with doubt in her voice.
“So now what?” Mother inquired.
“Now is one of the most difficult things for anyone to do; we continue to be patient, pray, and wait,” Pastor replied.
“Wait? Wait for what?” Mother asked with obvious anger and frustration in her voice. “I can’t just sit here and do nothing!”
“If I can make a few suggestions,” Pastor replied.
“Please do,” Mother said. “I’m at my wit’s end.”
“It seems to me that both you and, perhaps, your husband may not yet be in a relationship with the One True Lord, and that’s okay; it’s just where we are right now. Is that correct?”
“That’s true,” Mother replied. “My husband and I aren’t churchgoers; not much in it for us, and we just don’t like hanging out with people that are a bunch of hypocrites. No offense intended, Pastor,” Mother said with a note of apology in her voice.
“No offense taken, ma’am,” Pastor replied. “I’m not casting blame here, just establishing where we’re at so we can get to some common ground.”
“Good!” said Mother with relief in her voice. She was very much afraid this was going to degrade into sermonizing, and she really couldn’t handle that right now.
“Since you and your husband aren’t churchgoers, as you said, and you don’t have a relationship with the One True Lord, you really don’t have a foundation for understanding about what’s happened tonight,” Pastor explained. “This is a part of something bigger, a spiritual battle that’s been going on since the beginning of time. If you would like to gain some perspective on it, I teach a class on Wednesdays that covers the topic of the black fleet, what they are, and what we’re up against,” Pastor said. “I really think it might benefit you and your husband to understand the magnitude of the problems facing Teenager and your family, but it’s totally up to you. I could even do something private and meet with you in your home.”
Mother was silent, not knowing how to respond.
“I…I don’t know…I’m not sure,” Mother replied skeptically.
“That’s quite understandable,” Pastor said reassuringly. “Don’t feel like we’re trying to pressure you into anything. It’s totally up to you. Just know that our congregation, me, and our special prayer team will have Teenager continually covered in prayer. We’re here to help, answer any questions you may have, and provide whatever support you feel you need.”
“Let me talk it over with my husband when he gets home,” Mother replied.
“Sounds like a good plan,” Pastor said lovingly but with a sad smile on his face.
Pastor, Warrior, and Seaman stood up, hugged Brother, and said goodbye; they reassured him that they were always available for him day or night.
“Thanks, guys,” Brother said with much sadness. “I know you are. That plus the One True Lord are the only things holding me together right now.”
After saying goodbye to Mother, the three men left in Pastor’s car. Mother sat down on the sofa with her head in her hands, crying.
“What do we do now?” she asked, grief-stricken.
Brother sat down beside Mother and put his arm around her. “We stick together, and we battle it out for Teenager’s soul, Mom,” Brother said with determination in his voice.