The caption below the image stated it was a file copy. It must have been old, because the image that replaced it showed the Valley of Jezreel with a dull greyness about it. A massive military build-up was underway—a mixture of humans and technology, large and small.  

“Israel is being blamed for the damage caused by the two witnesses: everything from locusts and murder hornets to the deaths of millions by fire and famine, pestilence and pandemic,” the reporter said. “So Israel was about to be obliterated. Or is this military build-up in preparation for the alien invasion? It may even be for a battle with God”.

Jack stood up and rubbed his neck. Anxiety crept in. And fear. Time to get home—it looked like some strange events were in play and he needed to be with his family. Work could wait. He was fortunate to live in Australia, the great southern land. A land of extremes—bushfires, droughts, and floods—but isolated from countries that wanted to destroy each other. Such thoughts didn’t take his anxieties away, as Australia was still within reach of an enemy.

He picked up the remote to turn the television off just as the reporter spoke again.

“The Valley of Jezreel is also known as the Valley of Megiddo, which was previously known as the Valley of Armageddon. The city of Megiddo has seen more battles than any other location in the world. The hill you see behind me has been created by many generations rebuilding on the same location—excavations have uncovered twenty-six layers of settlements. Christians relate Megiddo to Armageddon.”

Jack pressed the off button and walked out of the room.

He’d heard that last word many times when end-of-the-world scenarios cropped up.

Armageddon.

And he was sure it would tie in with the asteroid. Adventus still showed clearly in the sky but was stationary. For now.

36 - A visitor

Erica waved Jack goodbye, then stood, looking out her window.

Jack had got some sleep, but he still looked tired and was still upset about what had happened to Catherine. Erica said a quiet prayer, asking the Lord to sustain and protect Jack and bring healing to Catherine. Erica knew he was concerned for her and Johnny’s safety. She assured him she was safe, as someone bigger and mightier than him was looking after them. He knew what she meant.

Some men were huddled together on the road, occasionally looking towards the house as if debating something. They reminded her of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She smiled, because they took God seriously and so did she.

One of the men broke from the group and headed towards her door as the others dispersed. She turned to go to the door, but he already stood in front of her. She was startled, but not scared.

“Hello, Erica.”

His eyes were rivers of peace. She wasn’t sure if she was meant to bow before this man. This being.

He shook his head, as if he knew her thoughts.

“I am just a messenger. A fellow servant like you.”

Her thoughts were jumbled. Had he walked through the wall?

“Yes, Erica. I am a messenger from the Lord. Something only the Lord can do will happen to you and Johnny soon, and to all believers.” He smiled a graceful smile.

She was fighting off her natural fears, her instinctive response to a supernatural being. But he looked so human, so lifelike. He didn’t mention Jack, but she wasn’t concerned. Trust ruled in her heart.

“It is all written, and it will not be in secret. You will hear and the world will hear the trumpet, and in the twinkling of an eye you will be changed.”

He sensed her fear.

“Nothing to be fearful about. You will be like me. Flesh and blood will not enter the kingdom of God. Your body will be made fit for heaven, fit for the kingdom.”

“Like you?”

He smiled and gave a gentle nod.

“Why are you here?”

“To protect you.”

“What from?”

“The persecution that is coming. My presence here is enough to ward off evil. It is the same for all believers. The two witnesses will soon be raised to be with the Lord. The time is close. Evil is taking one last opportunity.”

A heavenly being for all believers? How was that possible? Then she remembered a verse saying God would command His angels concerning us to guard us in all our ways. God’s peace came upon her, and she said a silent thank you.

“Yes, we are many.” He moved over to the window and waved Erica over. “See, people are starting to act out their evil desires.”

Erica looked. There were people out in the street, neighbours she didn’t know except for a wave or a nod. One was pointing to her house but was moved on by the group. They reminded her of scenes from the Walking Dead she’d caught glimpses of in the past. Their flesh controlling their bodies. She would be glad to rid herself of the hold the flesh and blood had on her.

“They are dispersing now. The danger has passed. Be on guard, but also know you’re protected.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “You and your family will be fine.”

She felt the energy.

“What about Jack?”

“We do not know all things.” With that, he was gone.

* * *

The hospital was busy, and understandably. In twenty years of policing, Jack had never seen anything like the mayhem taking place outside. Even on the drive to the hospital he’d seen signs of increased hostility. At one point, he had to pull over and show his badge to two motorists who disagreed on what indicators should be used for. Such pettiness. He’d passed a number of police vehicles stopped to address similar altercations. The world had gone mad.

He circled the hospital car park several times before he found a vacant space and parked his car. He got out of the car and headed towards the hospital entrance. People were coming and going—some healthy, some not, some bandaged, some not. He passed the smoking area, as always, saddened to see people hooked up to IVs or in wheelchairs, puffing and vapouring away, hospital gowns askew and some revealing too much. But his views on smoking didn’t matter to these people, as smoking was one of life’s last pleasures. He understood. Kind of.

Jack found his way to Cath’s floor and paused at the nurses’ station to get directions. A nurse with short blonde hair and crucifix earrings told Jack that Catherine was resting and recovering well.

“You’re welcome to drop in on her, but let her rest if she’s asleep.”

“I will. Thank you.”

He found the room, walls painted white, with odd posters here and there. There were four beds, one surrounded by a curtain. Soft beeps came from machines surrounding the beds. He gave each patient a gentle smile. Some had flowers and cards displayed on their bedside tables. Some had books and chocolates. They all returned his greeting with a similar smile. One person held up a chocolate box to Jack. He raised his hand and gave a soft shake of the head. The room had a peaceful feel about it, as though he’d entered another world.

The curtain was pulled back, revealing Cath in the fourth bed. A man—Jack assumed to be the doctor—walked past. She saw Jack. He gave her an “I’ll be back with you in a sec” wave and headed out after the doctor. In the passageway, he looked in both directions. No doctor. It was as if he’d vanished.

Jack returned to Cath, who gave him a lovely smile. She looked good. A lot better than he expected. In fact, way better than he expected.

“Hello, partner.”

“Hello, Jack.”

“I was going to use my detective card and get a report from the doctor. I assumed that was the doctor who just left.”

She smiled a strange smile, a sad smile.