The ‘breaking news’ logo on the TV screen caught his attention. Erica stood beside him and unmuted the sound.

A large asteroid appeared on the screen, grey with craters. The words ‘file copy’ were written underneath, so this wasn’t the real thing.

“NASA has advised that the orbital conditions of the newly discovered asteroid are continually being monitored,” the newsreader said. “NASA calculates there is a zero chance of the asteroid coming anywhere near Earth, given the current location and trajectory.”

“Hi, Dad.”

Jack turned to see his son, offered an awkward hug, then held him at arm’s length. Johnny had turned into a giant. “Wow, you’ve sprung up.”

Johnny smiled. “It’s Mum’s food.” He pointed towards the TV. “What do you think of our new visitor?”

“Not sure, mate. Don’t know much about these things.” Jack had problems meeting Johnny’s gaze. Guilt?

“I think it’s a supernatural thing, Dad.”

“Out of the kitchen, you two.”

They retreated from the war zone and stood in front of the TV. Cupboards and pots banged behind them. “You want a hand, love?”

“Nope. Under control.”

He turned to Johnny. Ruffled his hair. “Why do you think it’s a supernatural thing?”

“Something that large would’ve been discovered sooner than now. This appeared out of nowhere.”

“Maybe it had been discovered, but they didn’t tell us about it. I’m sure that happens every now and then.” Jack was totally out of his depth.

“Maybe. But it’s a feeling I have. We have.” He looked towards his mum.

“Maybe they’ve been keeping it from us while they’ve gone away to build underground cities. You know—keeping it a secret.” He wouldn’t put that past those in power.

As Erica carried some dishes to the pre-set dining table, he caught the slight shake of the head from Erica towards Johnny, meaning no church talk. But he was okay about it.

“You want me to carve the meat?”

“Nope. I’m good at it. Did a cooking class recently, and now I’m considered a master of meat carving.”

Her comment prompted a slight twinge of rejection but he pushed it away. He wanted to enjoy the night with his family.

“A secret asteroid? Sounds like a good conspiracy theory you have there, Dad. Do you know something?”

His focus returned to Johnny. “Nope. Just raving on. To be honest, I’ve been curious about it. It seems to have been following me as I’ve been out travelling the streets. It really stands out in the early morning hours. Cath hinted that it could be a supernatural thing but didn’t give me any clues.”

“There’s nothing biblical about it yet. But the church believes we’re in the end times. The last days.”

“What do they mean by that?” Various Hollywood movies jumped into his head.

“Okay, gents. Time to sit down.” Erica turned the TV off and pointed to Jack’s normal seat.

After they were all seated, Erica reached for Jack’s hand, then Johnny’s. Johnny reached for Jack’s.

“We’re just going to give thanks.”

Jack closed his eyes, wanting the tension to leave.

“Lord Jesus, we thank you for all things. For the food and shelter you provide. For the family you’ve given us. Be with Jack as he battles with the forces of darkness. Please protect and strengthen him. And Lord, whatever this thing is in the sky, we know that you’re in charge of all things and we trust you. In Jesus name.”

“Thank you and thank you.” Jack eyed the cuisine and waited for the others to help themselves.

“Sorry about the church talk.” Erica placed meat on her plate and handed the serving fork to Jack.

“That’s okay. Hard not to, with that thing in the sky and the publicity it’s getting. Makes you think there’s more to it than people are saying.”

“Yes, the media is diving into it.” Erica hesitated. “One last church thing … if it’s a sign of the end times, you need to be right with God. There’s a belief there will be a separation of believers and unbelievers. A permanent separation.” She paused. “I believe something is happening, because there’s a growing hatred of Christians out there.”

“Really?” Jack hadn’t noticed.

“Johnny and his mates are having a real battle at school because their friends know they go to church. They are being called judgemental bigots, and worse things.”

“It’s okay, Mum, don’t get worked up. It’s all cool, Dad. Nothing we can’t cope with.”

She gave Jack a smile. “Sorry.”

“Well, I wouldn’t call them friends. Tell them your dad is a policeman.”

“That could make things worse, Jack.” Erica touched his arm.

Yes. Respect no longer existed for those in authority. A sign times were getting worse in society. He looked at Johnny and Erica. Supernatural event. He couldn’t comprehend a permanent separation.

9 - A new strategy

Thomas Wiley sat in the corner of the nightclub, watching the people on the dance floor. How many of them were in a drunken or drug-induced haze? Probably most of them were under the influence of one or the other, if not both. He saw the sergeant walking towards him with a beer in his hand. The lights hitting him made him look like a coloured zebra.

“G’day, Thomas.” The sergeant raised his voice over the noise.

“Sarge.”

He threw an envelope on the table and grabbed a seat. “You did well with your last project. Several hospitalised, possibly some deaths.” His voice dropped down a notch.

Some sarcasm there. “Thank you.” He looked down at the envelope. “What’s with the envelope? A bundle of money?”

“Our new strategy. Open it later.”

“Not money. That’s sad. I’ll need a top-up soon.” He placed the envelope in his backpack. “No clues.”

Sarge shrugged. “Let’s be real for a sec. This strategy of popping off ‘amber’ people is a slow process.”

“It is. But a fun one.”