As the buzz of a Monday morning began around the Israeli capital, Draven Cross reflected upon the lavish attention the Israeli government had showered upon him since his arrival. The weekend had been a nonstop tour of parties and fawning from politicians and his favorite indulgence, licentious men and women. He attributed his festive weekend to an emerging aspect of Israel’s increasingly secular business and political culture after its windfall in energy wealth. The blue skies of a crisp early winter day only added to Draven’s optimism as his convoy made the short two-kilometer drive from the King David Hotel to the Knesset for a speech before the Plenum.
Draven was glad for reports of a promising start to the World Religious Leaders Conference in Rome. However, he was troubled by the increasing number of stories about the two mysterious older men who had been appearing all over Israel since the Wailing Wall incident. No one knew where they were staying, how they moved around, or when and where they would appear next.
As Draven’s door opened in front of the Knesset, he was greeted by not only the usual political luminaries but also a boisterous Israeli public, many of whom had brought signage proclaiming Draven to be the savior of Israel. He stood at the top of the steps leading into the historic Knesset to bask in the crowd’s apparent adoration. He waved animatedly, which sent the people into an elated frenzy before he disappeared into the building.
Cross moved quickly toward the Plenum Hall, greeted by clapping and cheering the entire way. When he entered the hall, the whole assembly rose and applauded. As he prepared to speak, one thought was uppermost in his mind: I am Israel’s Messiah.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began. “I am nearly overcome by the warm and heartfelt welcome you’ve provided me over the last few days. I hope it didn’t cost too much to round up that crowd outside.” Laughter spread across the hall. “I assure you I jest, my dear friends. Sincerely, I am very appreciative of the welcome I’ve received. Today is not just another historic moment. No, today is a moment without historical comparison, for today marks the first of many steps toward real peace on Earth.
“Since the inception of the Jewish state in the early twentieth century, Israel has faced numerous trials and tribulations, all of which you’ve overcome. The latest threat to Israel’s existence occurred only three and a half years ago in the form of a savage and unwarranted attack. Those days, however, are no more. Today I stand as the spokesman for the entire world, echoing a sentiment from Red Square to the White House, from the West Bank to Tiananmen Square, and all points in between. The message is that the world wants to be a friend to Israel and not a foe.”
The Plenum Hall reverberated with shouts of praise and applause in response. Draven stepped back from the lectern and joined in the applause, motioning for the Israeli leader to join him on the dais, and the cheers grew even louder. It was as if the building itself had come alive and was cheering.
Draven Cross raised his hands as he prepared to conclude his remarks and join the Israeli president and prime minister for the official signing of a peace treaty between Israel and the U.E., ensuring Israel’s security for the next seven years.
“Yes, this is a moment for celebration. While the document I am preparing to sign outlines only seven years of guaranteed security, let me say now that Israel’s safety will extend far beyond the boundaries of this treaty. Thank you, and may peace reign on Earth,” Draven finished.
The Israeli president and prime minister waited for Draven Cross to join them at a table with a blue velvet covering that had the Star of David emblazoned on one end and the U.E. symbol in front of Draven’s seat on the other end. The treaty was placed before each leader for a signature one at a time. Once the signing was completed, the men stood in unison as cameras flashed and cheers rose like the crashing of waves, but only Draven heard the words of the Prince of This World in his mind. “I am well pleased in you. All your enemies will bow before you. Today I give you the world.”
Christopher, Jackson, and General Havid had departed Jerusalem early to avoid the crowds descending on the city in hopes of seeing Draven Cross sign the peace agreement and dedicate the new temple. While Christopher was focused on the upcoming meeting with the Israeli intelligence services and President Rodgers’s request of them to discover Draven Cross’s new U.E. headquarters, the sergeant major and the general were completely enthralled by the significance of the secretary-general’s visit.
“This is really something. I mean, to be in Israel watching the signing of the temporary peace treaty between Israel and the Antichrist is amazing. Praise God for allowing me to see His holy Word come to pass,” Jackson said, watching the televised signing of the peace accord on a small television in General Havid’s SUV.
“I love your enthusiasm, Jackson, but I feel today is also a sad day in Israel’s history. We have aligned ourselves not with Yahweh, but with His sworn enemy,” General Havid remarked with a sad smile as he watched Draven Cross stand with Israel’s president and prime minister, their joined hands raised high in the air in triumph.
“You know, sir,” Jackson said, “it’s funny how once I understood just how much God loves me, He was no longer some distant, angry grandfather playing whack-a-mole with my entire life. My entire outlook changed. Rev’s journal and my experience over the last couple of months have opened my eyes to see just how real God is. As the Bible says in John 14:17: ‘The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.’ It was not until I saw my need for Christ through the Holy Spirit that I was able to realize how real and good God has been in my life.”
“Ah, yes, I feel the same way. I could not see all that Yahweh had already done for Israel and me until I accepted the truth of His Word and Holy Spirit. However, what is this whack-a-mole analogy?” General Havid asked. “I am not familiar with this.” Laughing, Christopher replied, “It’s a game involving a rubber mallet hitting the heads of moles that pop up through a game board. Jackson is saying he thought God was always punishing us through diseases, crime, and all the bad things of this world—like He was playing a game.”
“Oh, I understand now,” the general said. “We’re here, gentlemen. Welcome to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The objective is for you to hear our assessments on Cross’s Middle East activities and then for you to head out to Iraq tonight to observe for yourselves why we believe a particular area near ancient Babylon will be his headquarters. Before we get out, please leave all your electronic devices in the vehicle. They are not allowed inside the Ministry of Defense.”
Christopher and Jackson had powered off their communicators when they entered Israel, so they just placed them in their backpacks and left them behind in the SUV.
“I am sure this recon will go a lot better than Christopher’s last one did because I am going this time,” Jackson teased as the men walked into the building.
“We will see,” Christopher replied.
After a long day of waiting for the peace accord and temple ceremonies to begin, due to the time difference, Gabriella sat contemplating what the eternal ramifications of the peace treaty between Israel and world would be, if any. God, I’m grateful that You responded to my questions about Your existence. Now I just need confirmation that Draven Cross is the Antichrist before I make a decision to accept Jesus as my Savior. She caught herself and smiled. Even in accepting Jesus Christ as a real part of life, I am using a rigorous analytical plan—I really do need some help.
“Why are you still here watching this event?” Gemma asked as she entered the U.E. executive conference room.
“Primarily because it’s my job, but also because it is a very historic moment. I guess I could ask you the same. How was the rest of your weekend? I haven’t seen you around the office today,” Gabriella said.
“I’m curious, too, truth be told, despite my abhorrence for the man. My weekend was good. In many ways I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders after our dinner. I actually dug out my old Bible and read a little.”
“That is interesting, but hold that thought,” Gabriella said as John Barnes entered the conference room.
“Good evening, ladies. I see the boss is out there winning the hearts and minds of the world,” John Barnes observed happily.
“In a manner of speaking, he is. What brings you to the office so late? I figured you’d be painting the town red with your new larger salary,” Gabriella replied sarcastically.
“The night is still young, but business brought me here, mainly to find you. Where is Omega right now and have you finished identifying the locations of the U.S. secret command and control sites?” Barnes asked.
“You have no shame, do you? I mean, one day you’re working for your country, and the next you’re aiming to destroy it,” Gabriella mused.
“That’s funny, considering who’s providing me with the intel. In any case, boss’s orders. So do you have the information or do I need to report to the secretary-general that you’re late?” Barnes queried snidely.
Gabriella tossed a manila folder across the table, which contained legacy command and control sites, all of which she knew would never be used, and the one identified by the public due to its annual “Santa tracking” outreach activity. Gabriella hoped she could get away with providing only the partial truth in delivering what Draven Cross had asked of her.
“I don’t see any information on Omega’s location. Where is Omega?” Barnes insisted.
“The last information I had through intelligence channels—as you know, I don’t work for the U.S. government anymore—was that Omega was likely in the Middle East,” Gabriella replied.
“Really? The Middle East is the best you can come up with?” Barnes asked skeptically.
“Look, that’s why they’re Omega Group, okay? You should appreciate the unpredictability of tracking Omega personnel,” Gabriella answered, keeping her tone conciliatory.
“Well, if you get details of their location, shoot me a message. They’re likely in Israel for the peace treaty ceremony. I am flying out later today to check the security around the new headquarters project near Babylon, and then to Rome to meet up with the boss and Evan for the last few days of the preacher conference, or whatever they called it. I will catch you, pretty ladies, later,” Barnes said in farewell before leaving the conference room.
“He’s is such a vile pig, and none too bright, I might add,” Gemma observed with obvious disgust.
“Yes, he’s the sneaky, always-taking-care-of-number-one type of guy,” Gabriella agreed, pulling out her quantum communicator, which appeared to the casual observer to be a cell phone, thinking to herself, It’s two thirty in the morning here, so it should be nine thirty in the morning in Israel. I am sure the guys are moving around. I wonder why Jackson hasn’t responded to my last message. She typed a short communication: “Draven has Barnes and his new team of mercenaries searching the globe for you. Please be careful. As for his intent when he finds you, I can only guess. He is heading to Babylon, Iraq. I can confirm that as the new U.E. headquarters. Don’t go to Babylon, as Barnes’s team will be there. Please confirm receipt of this message.”
Once she sent the message, Gabriella continued watching the coverage of Draven Cross in Israel.
“You okay, Gabriella? You look like something is bothering you,” Gemma commented.
“I’m fine. Just worried about some old friends,” Gabriella replied.
“I’m sure they’re okay. You do know it’s late, right? I’m heading out soon,” Gemma said with a smile.
“Yeah, they’re most likely fine…I hope,” Gabriella replied pensively.
Draven’s procession was thronged by his fans as they made their way to the Temple Mount in the Old City. He read sign after sign calling him a hero and the champion of Israel, but his favorite thus far was the numerous signs with the Star of David above his name followed by “Messiah” and a question mark. Draven Cross was nearly bursting with pride as the vehicles rolled to a stop.
Flanked by Israeli Defense Forces, dignitaries, and a huge press corps, Draven walked from an access road toward the Temple Mount, which had been excavated. The wooden frame on the new construction soared skyward above the masses below.
Television commentators had begun describing the scene to their worldwide audiences, with the all-news network securing the honor of providing a simulcast transmission, which was not only displayed on large monitors to the masses around the Temple Mount but also streaming around the world via the Internet. The Jewish religious elite were in place at the Temple Mount, where a deep-purple sash hung between two columns. The sash was emblazoned with two bowing cherubims, their wings touching at the center point, similar to the cover for the Ark of the Covenant. A select group of Jewish high society took their seats with Draven Cross and the officials arriving on the dais.
The two chief rabbis, one Ashkenazi and one Sephardi, overseers of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, opened the ceremony with remarks and prayer. Cross’s comments were to follow before the purple sash was cut. Although sacrifices had already begun on a temporary altar nearby, the ribbon cutting was to mark the official opening of the temple construction project.
Just as Draven stood to speak, a fierce wind blew across the Old City and engulfed the Temple Mount, pushing some of the VIPs out of their chairs and sending hats flying. As the wind ceased, two older men suddenly appeared behind the purple sash—now torn in two within the framework of the rising temple of God.
The voice of the taller man rang out across the assemblage as he addressed Draven Cross. “You will not speak at this holy site today, son of perdition. Woe to you, Israel, for you have denied the true and living God. You have played the role of a harlot with the beast, leaving the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The commands of the LORD your God were given to your forefathers. Is it not written that if you obey God, He will be your God and walk among you? Did He not break the bonds of Egypt from around your stiff necks and allow you to walk with your head high among the nations? You are a stiff-necked people who have greatly offended the true and living God, with whom there is no equal.”
Utter silence fell across the adjacent Old City and Temple Mount in response to the booming pronouncement of the first witness. Even Draven ran from the dais toward his security detail. The vast throng stood in shock as the man continued while his shorter companion stood quietly beside him.
“You missed the signs of the Messiah, whose name is Jesus, whose name is the name above all names. We will proclaim His glory for 1,260 days, to be a witness against your hypocrisy, Israel, and to urge you to repent of your sins against God.”
“Who do you think you are?” Draven Cross shouted in a moment of courage.
“Silence, evil one, for your very breath is at the mercy of El Shaddai. Today is not yours, but belongs to the God of Heaven,” the shorter witness bellowed authoritatively.
With this proclamation, Draven clutched his throat and fell to the ground. Security forces rushed to his side before carrying him from the Temple Mount to his vehicle, which sped off.
The shorter witness continued. “We are two olive trees and two lampstands, which stand before the Lord of the earth. We proclaim God’s glory and authority. A weary world should listen now to the decree of the LORD. It will not rain again in Israel until God allows. We are unmovable until our time is complete.”
The two men walked toward the staircase that led to the Wailing Wall plaza below, where they had first appeared, parting the crowds and security forces, as God had done to the Red Sea thousands of years before. After descending, they seated themselves in front of the ancient temple wall as the people of Israel formed a broad but distant semicircle around them. Israeli security forces called out to the men to surrender or face death. However, the two servants of God sat in complete silence. As a squad of policemen advanced and aimed their weapons, the two men stood, causing the policemen to stop their advance momentarily.The police captain called out, “This is your last warning.” But his threat was met only with silence. “Open fire,” the captain shouted. As the rifle reports rang out, seemingly announcing the demise of the two self-proclaimed witnesses, an intense wave of heat and flame engulfed the entire squad. As the intense flames consumed the policemen, reducing them to ashes, the two witnesses of God sat down again as if nothing had happened.
Observers and security forces alike ran away in fear, their shrieks and cries heard all over Jerusalem as a result of the impressive display of power by the God of Israel.
Christopher was impressed as usual with the methodical and cerebral approach to intelligence collection the Israeli’s undertook to discover Draven Cross’s plans. It seemed that General Havid had orchestrated a plan to recruit a source in the construction firm from Dubai that had been awarded a recent significant contract from the U.E. That contract was in fact for the building of the U.E.’s new home, near the ruins of ancient Babylon in Iraq.
“So as you can see, we are confident of the location for the new U.E. headquarters. I think your mission is complete,” General Havid said confidently.
“Wow, that was a great rundown, but…” Christopher stopped as the doors to the small, isolated meeting room flew open and a frantic staffer rushed into the room.
“What is the meaning of this disruption?” General Havid demanded.
“My apologies, sir, but Secretary-General Cross was attacked at the temple ceremony, just moments ago,” the staffer replied, touching a button on the desk near General Havid. A flat screen descended from the ceiling, and the staff member changed the channel to the event coverage on the all-news network.
“If you’re just joining us, we’re continuing our coverage from Israel. Moments ago, Secretary-General Draven Cross was rushed to Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem where his status is unknown after being attacked by two unidentified males. The two men then proceeded to attack several policemen near the Wailing Wall, where they remain. We have footage of the attack, but we wish to offer a word of caution to sensitive viewers due to the graphic nature of the content,” the anchor warned.
Christopher, Jackson, Havid, and the aide watched in awe as the two men proclaimed their condemnation of Israel and their allegiance to God. While it was clear one of the men had told Draven he could not speak, it was unclear just exactly how they had attacked him. The most chilling scene was the fire that engulfed the policemen; the cameras had zoomed in and enhanced the footage, focusing on the two men. A flame had appeared to come from out of their mouths, or perhaps just near them—it was hard to tell precisely, but the end result was clear.
“Please tell me I am not the only one who knows who these two guys are,” Jackson said excitedly.
Christopher and General Havid both looked at each other in obvious puzzlement.
“Man—” Jackson began in disbelief, but he was cut off by Christopher.
“I know, I know, I need to study my Bible,” Christopher agreed before Jackson could finish his chiding.
“Well, at least that message is getting into that thick skull of yours,” Jackson joked.
“Gentlemen, perhaps we should finish this conversation in my office upstairs,” General Havid suggested, directing Christopher and Jackson out of the conference room and toward a bank of elevators, hitting the button for the twelfth floor when they entered the first available car.
Gabriella and Gemma both stood watching in horror as Draven was being carried off the Temple Mount after a tense exchange with two men who called themselves messengers from the God of Israel.
“Do you think he’s dead?” Gemma asked.
“I don’t know, but we’d better start trying to figure out what just happened. I’ll call Evan…never mind, he’s calling now. Call the staffers on the ground and find out Draven’s status,” Gabriella directed Gemma as she answered the call from Evan Mallory.
“No, Evan, we don’t know if he’s alive or dead. Well, we’re trying, but he took most of the staff with him, minus Gemma and me. Wait! I said wait, Evan! Gemma’s trying to tell me something,” Gabriella explained as Gemma passed her a note.
The note read, “Draven is alive and mad. He’s being evaluated at Hadassah University Hospital. Expect taskings to follow shortly.”
Gabriella relayed the message to a relieved and overly dramatic Evan. “Yes, I am sure we will exact justice for the attack. Okay, I’ve got to go. Good-bye, Evan.”
“Who are those two men?” Gemma asked.
“I’m not sure, but they have just made themselves a deadly enemy, that’s for sure. The only thing we can do now is await further instructions,” Gabriella responded thoughtfully.
Draven Cross wished he could yell and scream at the medical attendants caring for him. Instead he was limited to pushing and shoving people away. He gestured an unmistakable demand for pen and paper. A junior U.E. staffer handed Draven her pen and pad and watched him write furiously.
“I am fine, minus not being able to speak. Someone tell me, are those two old fools dead?” Draven wrote.
The female staffer began writing something back to Draven, who ripped the pen and pad from her hands.
“I am unable to speak. My hearing is fine, you twit,” Draven scrawled angrily.
“My apologies, sir. The two attackers are still alive and killed several policemen according to Israeli reports,” the staffer responded hastily.
“I am leaving this horrible country. Make sure my plane is ready to depart. We’re heading to Rome,” Draven wrote before grabbing his suit jacket and storming out of the hospital, leaving a stunned crowd of doctors and nurses in his wake.
General Havid instructed his aides to wait in the reception area outside his office as he closed the door.
“Now, Jackson, tell us what you know of these two men who attacked Mr. Cross today,” the general requested.
“Boy, oh, boy, what a trip this has been. I can’t believe y’all don’t know who those two men are,” Jackson said with disbelief.
“Well, we don’t, so just tell us,” Christopher instructed shortly.
“I believe those two men are none other than the prophets of God described in Revelation 11. If you consider the whooping they put on old Saint Cross and his cronies, then add in their message, you have all you need to identify them. Dressed in sackcloth to indicate mourning, they will prophesy God’s glory to a fallen world and tell mankind about the cure to the fatal disease of sin. But sadly, the world will reject their message. The two prophets will be a shining light in this dark time, and the world will hate them,” Jackson explained.
“What can I do with them?” General Havid asked. “The prime minister will demand their removal from the Wailing Wall. This is the second time Israeli lives were lost.”
“You can do nothing. Remember, gentlemen, the witnesses said God numbered their days to 1,260. Their demise will be at the hands of the Antichrist, and not until the Word of God says so,” Jackson informed his friends.
“Sir, my advice to you is to take what Jackson says is going to happen as fact. The best thing you can do is try to keep the people at a safe distance,” Christopher counseled.
“Fine, I will do my best to convince the prime minister and others to stay away, but I feel that I will lose that fight. We need to get you two on your way to Iraq.” Havid pushed a buzzer to summon his executive assistant. Before the man arrived, he continued, saying, “I have arranged for you to fly into Baghdad this evening, where you will connect with one of our best Mossad agents, Gilana Edri. She will help you get near Babylon so you can conduct your reconnaissance mission. I wish you well and will be in touch after the mission.”
“Thanks, sir,” Christopher replied. “We really appreciate your help and hospitality.”
“Yes, sir, thank you,” Jackson added.
“My friends, we have only just begun our journey. May Yahweh bless you and keep you on the journey ahead. Now go,” General Havid urged. “We all have a mission before us to accomplish.”
Christopher cast one last longing look back over his shoulder at the stately old warrior as the door to the office closed before he and Jackson were led back to the vehicle that had brought them to the Ministry of Defense. Christopher hoped that General Havid was right—that their journey together had only begun, as he longed to find a positive wave in the midst of the sea of disaster around him. He needed something or someone to trust, because he had let himself down too many times to be trusted any longer.