Estelle raised her eyebrows giving Sarge a glimpse of a lovely pair of eyes.
“He can identify a number of us,” Bruce said.
“That’s not a problem,” Sarge said. “We haven’t committed any crimes.”
“True. And many people out there—in fact, most people—who agree with our attitude toward those bigoted right-wing Christians. Maybe we just need to keep low?” Bruce said.
“Business as usual as far as I’m concerned,” Lee said. “But that drone activity we’re looking at may need to be thrown out, as I’m sure Wiley will mention it. Mr Bruce, you need to get your church friends back on side and find us another strategy.”
Bruce was frowning. Thinking too hard.
“I have some interesting and challenging news on the asteroid. Or should I say, the alien craft.” Estelle picked up a glass from the drink trolley. “There are reports it is now stationary. NASA are at their wits’ end trying to work out what’s going on. They’ve almost declared that it is an alien craft.”
Bruce scoffed.
Estelle gave Bruce a quick ‘you’re an idiot’ glance. “But I think we may need to align to their thoughts, as there’s something going on in Jerusalem that’s causing concern.”
“There is always something going on over there. The Middle East … a place of bearded fanatics living in run-down bullet-riddled buildings,” Lee said. He stood and headed towards the drink trolley. “I know that’s a bit harsh.”
“Yes and no,” Estelle said. “There are beautiful buildings and beautiful people scattered amongst the ruins.”
Sarge picked up a look about Ms Jones that gave her a slight Middle Eastern appearance. The thought of getting to know her better gathered momentum. She looked at him, as if reading his mind.
“For a number of years there have been two men walking the streets of Jerusalem proclaiming the return of the Lord, talking about some form of divine government, and telling mankind they need to repent.”
“Just our kind of people,” Lee said. “No different to those we see wandering the streets of Brisbane with their placards.”
“Oh, I think there may be a difference.” Estelle looked at the boss. “There’s talk that these men have displayed some supernatural abilities. They’ve even claimed responsibility for plagues and strange happenings with the weather.”
“Oh, here we go. Our dear beloved friends ignoring climate change and ignoring the rats and fleas and animals and wet markets of this word that incubate our plagues,” Bruce said. “Do they claim to be responsible for all the viruses that have afflicted the world over the last few decades?”
Good to see Bruce had some depth.
“I think one of the viruses may fit into their timespan.”
“And we may be in for another one soon,” Bruce said. “There are whispers about some kind of virus outbreak being monitored in the Middle East.”
“I’m sure we’ll deal with this one effectively,” Lee said. “We learn from the past.”
“Sometimes. Toilet paper and crowded beaches spring to mind,” Sarge said. He was surprised by the twinge of sadness he felt with his comments. “Sorry. I know a lot of people died. That was a bit insensitive.”
“A little,” Bruce said. “To be honest, I’d already seen posts about these two men walking the streets of Jerusalem and saying the world needs to repent. I normally skim over those kinds of posts, but one caught my interest, the one predicting another pandemic. They’re claiming responsibility for the next pandemic and claiming the Lord will return soon.”
Estelle gave a soft smile. “People have tried to kill these men, but there’ve been reports of weaponry malfunction and the like. Some have mentioned strange fire surrounding these men. That’s why there’s all the media attention at the moment. A number of bodies—soldiers—lay dead not far from these men. Reports indicated there was a brief battle between the groups, and that fire killed the soldiers.”
“I think I need something strong to drink. Coffee, anyone?” Lee asked.
Brett appeared out of nowhere and took their orders.
“Continue, Estelle. This is interesting, and I’m curious to know where it’s heading.”
“This is the fun bit. Well, sort of. Some people believe these men are from the alien spacecraft.” She gave them all a quick glance. “I know it sounds crazy, but we need to get our heads around this. I know it’s foreign to our train of thought, but I’m trying to come up with some kind of comparison”.
“Maybe imagine how the First Australians reacted when the first ship entered their harbour. First contact. So foreign to them,” Lee said. “Imagine if they saw an aeroplane, if modern technology invaded their time space. It would be impossible to comprehend.”
“And who would believe them unless they saw it?” Estelle took her cup from the trolley.
“Friend or foe. That’s the issue through, isn’t it?” Lee asked.
“Yes.” Estelle had a sip of her coffee. “NASA is leaning towards foe.”
“It does sounds like these two witnesses are an extension of the fanatics who want us to conform to their way of living,” Bruce said.
“I believe so. There’s talk coming out of the Middle East that these aliens need to be dealt with. There is a leader over there who seems to have things under control. I’ve watched him gradually bring the countries together over the years—that is, those countries surrounding Jerusalem—particularly since the last pandemic. He also appears to be gaining some traction in the City of Jerusalem. Many believe he will deal with the two witnesses.”
“I can understand dealing with two people, but not with an alien spacecraft,” Sarge said.
“The leader is involved with a council made up of a number of nations. There is talk of the use of nuclear weaponry.”
“I don’t like this.” Bruce stood and wandered over to the window. “These countries will turn on each other with the slightest provocation. Goodbye, world.”
The others looked at him. Bruce seemed to be losing his way. How would Lee handle it?
Lee walked over and placed his arm on Bruce’s shoulder. “Mr Bruce, I’m sure NASA has a mitigation strategy and will encourage our friendly alien spacecraft to go explore elsewhere.”
He gave Bruce a hug. Well, sort of. Sarge doubted Lee believed the words he spoke. If this was an alien craft, their technologies would be far more advanced. Earthlings think they’re superior but are actually an arrogant lot.
Lee turned to Estelle. “I’m glad you’re up and about on these things. I must confess I tend to focus on my island home and not ponder too far abroad.”
