Missing: Kidnapping the Image of God

By Barry Carlos

Good and evil's battle for control of Earth rages on today as it has for 6000 years. As the plot unfolds, the reader finds himself inseparably linked with the characters as they are thrust into a mysterious and dangerous adventure spanning and intersecting both space and time. Coming full circle, the journey leads to a startling conclusion... Is 2012 the end of humanity or mankind's new beginning.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barry Carlos
• Release date: Dec 27, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452425061

Book preview

ONTIC VIEWS is pleased to present this fascinating tale in hopes that it provides

you, the reader, with an enjoyable read that radically stimulates your imagination.

‘MISSING -

Kidnapping the image of God’

By Barry M. Carlos & Jeffrey Allen Micheli

Published by Barry M Carlos & Jeffrey Allen Micheli

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2009 Barry M. Carlos – Jeffrey Allen Micheli

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and

did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Book Dedication

For my wife and best friend, Vicki,

I dedicate this book to your memory.

Jeff Micheli

I joyfully dedicate this book to Darlene,

my wife, love, untiring helpmate,

editor and truly… my best friend

Barry Carlos

ONTIC VIEWS

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[phone] Fax: [phone]

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Visit us: www.onticviews.com

Cover design and page layout by Barry Carlos

Photographs courtesy of Peter Galindo Photography.

***********

Holy Scripture tells us…

"God is light and in him

there is no darkness at all"

These same ontic writings declare

that in the beginning, God said…

"Let us make man in our image

So… What went wrong?

***********

PROLOGUE

MISSING

Kidnapping the image of God

Mars: Below the Northern Ice Cap

Date: Ages before the birth of Christ

Time: Twilight

Everyone is missing and it appears that little evidence remains hinting that a great civilization was ever here… What could have caused this?

His companion did not answer immediately but instead, knelt down and scooped up a handful of the deep-red soil, then straightened up and perused the barren surroundings. After a few moments of reflection, he opened his fist and allowed the bone-dry dust to fall to the ground. An unthinkable act has occurred here. Most have fled the planet; however, a few stay behind. Their bodies have been swallowed up by the land, yet their shed blood remains splattered across this shallow soil. Linden lowered his head and his body immediately fell softly to the battlefield. Quinta, knowing what this indicated, quietly sat down and waited for his friend to return.

Six days passed and on the evening of the seventh day, an eerie wind heralding the planet's imminent reproductive extinction rose up and hovered above the ice-capped Northern pole. Suddenly, without warning, the harbinger broke into violent waves of chilling air that wildly careened down upon the once fertile plain. Quinta, rising to his feet, struggled the short distance across the desolate terrain to where Linden’s body laid. After reaching him, he circled several times around the lifeless remains of his trusted friend, all the while pondering deeply on the impossible magnitude of what unexpectedly occurred here.

Three more days passed and then early on the morning of the eleventh rising, Linden returned. Quinta, sensing his companion's presence, awoke from his sleep to see Linden standing over him, Rise up…We have been asked to go and find them!

Quinta, his eyes firmly affixed to the concern resting on Linden’s face, slowly rose to his feet. After a few moments of silence, he turned his attention towards the distant rugged mountains and asked, Before we leave, do we need to destroy any of the monuments they made to themselves… especially that one?

Linden looked in the direction of his companions pointed finger and stared intently at the cragged plateau ahead. After some thought, a faint yet satisfying smile accompanied his answer, We will destroy the others, but that one… we will leave to the future.

***********

Millions of years later - 2012 AD

Earth: Northern Wyoming

Date: 12.21. 2012

Time: 5:06 PM MT

Damn, I have no idea why the car is over-heating. Ron tightly grips the steering wheel after feeling the tires lose traction from the heavy buildup of snow on the road. He again takes a quick look at the engines temperature gauge and then glances over to his wife, "Look, I better pull over and let this baby cool down. Besides, I can use the break to put the chains on.

Laura, Ron’s wife, is not happy with his decision, Do you have to take the time to do that, I’m getting scared.

Yes, I do! By the looks of things we won’t make it to the main highway without them.

Ron looks for a clearing alongside the road and wonders to himself if he and Laura can make it to Washington in time to celebrate the Christmas Holidays with his family. Very quickly, the weather changed from nice to nasty as it often does in the Rockies. Laura wanted them to fly into Spokane; however, Ron, wanting to flash about town and impress his old buddies with his financial and political success, insisted on driving across the country in their very expensive new car. Up to now, the worst storms had bypassed the Northwest region and it was for this reason Laura relented and agreed to take the chance and drive. Nonetheless, from the way things are going, it appears that Ron's choice might turn out to be a bad idea.

There up ahead, that looks like a good place. Ron cautiously slows the car down as he pulls over onto the wide shoulder. After coming to a stop, he quickly sets the emergency brake, shuts down the engine but leaves the windshield wipers running. While I’m out there, see if you can get any news on the radio as to when this might lighten up, there's got to be a weather report on some station." It is a fair assumption on Ron’s part as most of the news coverage of late centers on the unusual weather patterns that are striking large areas of the world.

Reaching into the back seat, Ron grabs his coat as Laura presses the ‘autolink’ preset in an attempt to find a clear signal. However, even the strongest stations deliver nothing but loud annoying static. Laura violently hits the dashboard with her fist and yells out, Stupid piece of junk! First the engine overheats and now this… you'd think a car this expensive would at least have a damn radio that works.

Ron, recognizing that Laura is getting into a real panic over this, starts to put on his jacket but first opens the center console, Calm down, it has nothing to do with the radio itself, the storm must be interfering with the broadcast and satellite signals, try and see if you have any luck with my cell phone.

Laura sighs deeply as she reaches into the console, grabs the cell and nervously waits for the signal strength indicator to rise. Seeing no movement, she tosses the phone down and for a moment stares helplessly at the floorboard. Her voice fills the air with anxious over-tones as she slowly turns to her husband, Why in the hell did you have to listen to your weird-ass boss and take this God forsaken road in the first place?

Ron’s wife has plenty of reasons to feel anxious. For the past few weeks, one catastrophe after another has continually headlined the daily news. At this very moment, another coastal hurricane is pummeling Florida. It is the fifth hurricane to strike the eastern seaboard this year. The scariest part is that this is long past the normal hurricane window, yet they are still coming. Similar stories are being told all over the globe; Massive flooding in parts of Europe, typhoons relentlessly pounding Asia, massive snowstorms accruing in areas that normally receive little or none. Other phenomena fill the headlines as well. Several sizeable earthquakes have devastated sections of the Middle East. A few of these shakers caused gigantic tsunami's to sweep onto shore, killing hundreds of thousands. Over this same period, violent tremors shook sections of California, Africa and Japan. So far, no government or scientific organization can or will explain what is taking place. The same old global warming stories keep surfacing, but they satisfy no one. The late night talk shows are buzzing with conspiracy theories and end of the world scenarios. Between the catastrophic natural events and the ongoing wars in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, the state of mind of most people around the World vacillate from depression to alarm.

Ron grabs the doors handle and gives Laura an encouraging smile, Look, it's getting dark fast so I better hurry and get these chains on. My guess is that we are only ten miles or so from the main road. Hopefully they'll have it all cleared off before we get there.

As he starts to get out of the car, Laura suddenly reaches over, grabs his arm and points out her side window, What is that! Look out into that field... What is that?

Ron looks to where his wife is pointing, I don't see anything.

Laura, visibly shaken yells out as she continues to point, Right out there in that open field... Look at the top of the surrounding tree line.

Hey it’s pretty dark... I don’t see…

Just keep staring!

Wait, now I do. That is weird. You almost can't see it unless you don't look straight at it.

The stunned couple looks on in confused silence as the anomaly continues to descend below the tree level, ending its descent about fifteen feet above the field. The colors of the object seem to fluctuate with the background hues as if it is trying to blend into the surrounding environment. However, the falling snow sticks to it long enough to form an obscure outline of what could be a large craft of some kind."

Ron forcibly shakes himself out from his shocked state, Man, that's a UFO. Quick, grab the camera bag! Laura, her body gripped in terror, cannot respond so Ron reaches around into the back seat to retrieve the camera himself. Just then, Laura screams and Ron turns to see what is taking place. The scene before him throws his whole sense of depth and perception awry. The far-off ground appears to be shifting and then righting itself, creating a large opening. For a split second, he wonders if they are having an earthquake but quickly realizes that their car is not moving. The land suddenly stops its gyrations and a significantly smaller craft emerges out from the abyss. After rising several feet into the air, it travels across the frozen terrain and stops within fifty yards of where the larger craft still hovers. This craft does not attempt to cloak itself, as does the larger one. It is colored dark black, so black that it almost looks like a cavity into some other space.

Minutes pass and nothing happens. Ron wants to escape out of the car but the snow has piled up high around them and he quickly realizes it would be suicide to leave the security of their vehicle. As he continues to stare into the unreality of their situation, his only thought is that conceivably, whoever occupies these ships did not notice them. As if in response to his thought, a bright beam lances out of the smaller craft and lights up the entire area. Fear completely wraps around Ron and Laura’s entire being as they helplessly gaze upon the soaring figure materializing under the larger suspended ship. The fact that this entity unexpectedly appears humanoid seems out of place with the rest of the scene. What the couple sees in front of them shakes their realities and has them questioning their own sanity.

Michael, standing below the larger craft, looks out through the mist and falling snow and visually locates the other ship remaining static in the distance. Seeing no occupant yet emerging from the craft, he turns and forges his way through the snow to the area where the car helplessly resides. Slowly approaching the front of the vehicle, his eyes venture beyond the swinging windshield wipers and settle on the pale faces of the terrified occupants who feebly stare back at him. He immediately initiates a mental interrupt that instantly places the couple’s consciousness on hold. At that very moment, without any warning, Michael feels the sudden presence of a being he knows all too well. Turning back, he looks beyond the distance and focuses his interest onto the tall shadowy figure now visible beneath the dark craft. As if signaled by an innate shot from a starter’s pistol, the two begin walking briskly across the exposed field, eyes fixed on each other as if ready to engage in an open duel. Lucifer, displaying his true character, suddenly veers off course, turns his head and smiles cunningly at Michael as he strolls over to a sparse stand of trees and begins circling around a small pine, never taking his eyes off his brother.

Undaunted by Lucifer's actions, Michael steadfastly continues toward his adversary as wind flurries from the storm capture the hem of his full-length coat causing it to flare up behind him and dance wildly in the erratic Wyoming air. Metallic fibers skillfully woven into the soft material reflects the bright light streaming out from the smaller craft. As Michael approaches the path that Lucifer has worn in the snow, he slows his movement down, waits for him to reach the exact opposite radius of the circle’s perimeter and then steps onto the conduit and joins his brother in the continuous counter clockwise orbit of the tree.

With their eyes glued onto each other, Lucifer is the first to speak, Tell me Michael, why did you come to this place and on this particular date? Is it true…is this the day that the world faces its utter demise? Lucifer chuckles and then sneers at the thought, No, I am sure even you understand that the prognosticators didn’t mean that. Let me think! Lucifer tilts his head back as if looking for assistance from afar. He quickly snaps back and looks directly at Michael, I know, could it be that the mighty Linden, your mentor, is feeling a wee bit at risk these days and wants to impress me with his locating skills?

Michael, somewhat amused by Lucifer's behavior, smiles slightly, yet remains verbally silent.

Lucifer, seeing that his brother is not going to respond, nods his head several times and then continues, Well, enough of this levity… just let his majesty know that I am not impressed with anything that you left over Ticonians do. Wait; in all fairness, I am somewhat impressed with your new veiling capability. Would I be correct in assuming that you discovered a method to harness or synthesize Glacielerite? I have searched high and low for that marvelous mineral here on Earth… There is none! Perhaps in the spirit of brotherly love you would consider sharing some with me?

Again, Michael remains silent.

What no brotherly love here? Well, I am deeply disappointed… Lucifer slows his pace down, flashes his most intimidating smile and continues with his verbiage, But not as dissatisfied as you must be. Lucifer no sooner breaks out in laughter than his entire demeanor changes to a fearsome tyrant, yelling out, Did his high and most holy majesty seriously believe that I would stand aside and grant you the opportunity to successfully pull off that fiasco during the previous Crossing? Lucifer, feeling secure in his self-confident remark, calms himself and continues, Well, as you will come to discover, the humans here on earth greedily consume what I feed them and soundly reject your Way.

The brothers, innately fixed as opposing poles, continue circling the pine as the intensity of the wind and snowfall increases. Michael's focus remains on his challenger but does not counter.

Lucifer, annoyed with his brothers non-response, dramatically throws his arms in the air and yells, Why the rudeness? Have your thoughts tangled themselves up in a net of memories? Are you brooding or regretting that you did not accept my generous offer of power and lordship over the kingdoms of this, my world? I guess at the time you foolhardily figured that they would never be more than dusty little cities. Now look at you! Only one ‘Crossing' later – a mere two thousand earth years and the splendor of my empire leaves you, the self proclaimed Word… stunned and speechless! Lucifer amused by his mocking remark, breaks out in laughter.

The sound of Lucifers sardonic hilarity tempts Michael to respond; nevertheless, he remains silent and does not fall prey to his brother’s trickery.

Like a chameleon, Lucifer quickly alters his demeanor to emphasize his feigning concern, Oh, I am not being kind at all… am I! Perhaps you are simply shocked that I, myself… could achieve all this?

Lucifer’s haughty remark finally provokes Michael's to end his silence, Your achievements on this planet neither shock me nor am I surprised by your prideful arrogance. Be it known Lucifer, the citizens of Ticon mourn over Earth and call it ‘The Planet of Sorrows'.

Really! Certainly, you know better than anyone that I am not the least bit concerned with what the inhabitants of Ticon think, nor does it matter to me what they call Earth; just make sure they call it mine. Understand this Michael, I am not going to let you return and take my planet from me! I have only allowed you back in hopes that you will come to your senses and see things my way!

Your way is a lie… nothing more than illusionary shadows on a wall.

Illusionary shadows you say! Certainly, you observed orbiting above the earth an impressive arsenal of weapons, armed and ready to blast you and your Special Forces back to Ticon. In addition, you must have noticed as you passed through the Northern Corridor, my little project carved out of the forest. Then again, perhaps you think that they too are mere illusionary shadows?

We are well aware that you have built a mighty warrior race. However, in the process you duped yourself by creating a delusion that not even you could resist. It was not enough that you imprisoned yourself but you have taken those entrusted to you and enslave them with a lie.

Need I remind you dear brother that every thinking being, even a lowly human has choice or as the ‘Great One’ likes to call it… ‘Free will’. Believe me, I tried to eliminate that little quality from their program, but could not. Are you going to fault me that I had the intelligence to do a little manipulating of their innate being in order to achieve my purpose?

Sadly, intelligence obscures your vision and you cannot see the Spirit of Truth planted in the hearts of the humans. Fortunately, as you found out, you cannot enter in and destroy that seed.

Enter in? I do not have to enter in! The contractual nature I sold them is powerful enough to keep you out or locked in… whatever the case. They are weak and easily bind themselves up in confusion… just look at their history. Lucifer closes his eyes and silently stares into the darkness, reliving the events surrounding Michael's prior visit long ago. Suddenly, a branch heavily burdened with snow, snaps from the pine. The startling sound interrupts Lucifer's trance and catapults him back to the present. After slowly opening his eyes, Lucifer glances at the fallen branch and then returns to his conversation with Michael, I will step out of character for a moment and give you a little credit. Your teaching did have a minuscule amount of success immediately following your departure last time around. Actually, I stood there amazed, watching with great interest at just how much pain and suffering a human would endure for you and your ‘Way'. Nevertheless, I quickly found a solution to weaken and fragment your little ‘Church' to where today, only a handful of souls truly understand your so called Gospel.

There is far more than a mere handful!

What? Are you talking about the millions of humans who identify themselves with the false Christianity that I, myself created? Believe me, I work hard to insure that only a few souls ever reach or even acknowledge the perfection that your ‘Way' requires. Face it Michael, you stayed away much too long. Consequently, neither the planted ones nor the fools sent here by Ticon’s Ruling Council remember their earliest being or where they originate from. This fact coupled to your apparent lack of concern, guarantees that everything will carry on my way!

Lucifer turns to walk away but stops cold when Michael shouts out, Take warning Lucifer, your evil ways will not continue much longer… Love will win out.

A menacing smile forms on Lucifer's face, Love? You must be joking. Once these fools taste the sweetness of my nectar… lust, greed, envy and hate handily replace love.

Yes, the nectar you feed them is sweet on the lip but soon turns sour in the belly.

Lucifer mumbles something under his breath then cups his hands together and waits for the falling snow to accumulate. When satisfied, he slowly turns around, faces Michael and with a sarcastic tone in his voice says, Remember this? After drawing in a deep breath, he forcibly blows the mound of fresh snow off the palms of his hands. The heat from Lucifer's breath instantly liquefies the snow and sends a blast of water jetting towards his brother. Michael attempts to sidestep the abuse but stops short when he sees the fluid unexpectedly refreeze as it passes through the branches of the lone tree standing in the midst of them.

When Lucifer sees the icy moisture hanging eerily from the branches, he carefully backs away from the ring of trampled down snow and suspiciously scrutinizes the entire area. After a few silent moments, he stops moving and cautiously inquires, Linden…are you here?

Michael takes notice that there is a slight quiver in Lucifer’s voice and speaks up, Why the nervousness, Linden is not here!

Lucifer ignores Michael’s comment and continues to peer through the lightly falling snow seeking the possible whereabouts of his most formidable rival, Come now great one… show yourself.

Michael points to his brother and cries out, I told you Lucifer, Linden is not here!

Only after assuring himself that the powerful ‘Speaker' of Ticon's ‘Ruling Council' is not present, does Lucifer turn and walk back towards his ship. When he arrives at his destination, he shouts back to Michael, concluding his conversation with a sarcastic lie, It makes no difference if Linden is here or not! My powers certainly surpass your trivial ability. In fact, dare I say, ‘I am equal with Linden?' So why my foolish concern, what can he do to me! With that, Lucifer mockingly salutes his brother goodbye.

Michael watches intently as Lucifer enters his ship. A sudden nonstop muffled blare from the car's horn shifts his attention off Lucifer and diverts it to the snowbound disabled vehicle. Michael realizes what this clearly indicates and immediately looks back towards the black craft and telepathically contacts his brother. There was no need for you to do that! I had placed an interrupt on them, they would have remembered nothing.

Lucifer, with intensity in his thought snaps back, He did not travel this way by chance. He failed me and I had planned to take his life long before you showed up. Besides, they were mine! Must I remind you that I can do what I please with my own?

Michael reluctantly answers, understanding all too well that ‘Free Will' locks in Lucifer's comment and there is nothing he can do about the current event, Perhaps for the moment… but not for long.

Lucifer angrily ups his emotion, It will go on for as long as I please. There is a short pause prior to Lucifer ending the conversation, It is inevitable that we will speak again before ‘That Day’ comes upon us… but for now, leave me be!"

Lucifer's salutation is as cold and hard as the frozen snow pack beneath Michael's feet. A period of unspoken tension ensues as Michael steps away from the circle and slowly makes his way through the freshly fallen snow. Approaching his ship, he brushes the accumulated snow from his shoulders and then prepares to board. Without warning, Lucifer intrusively breaks in and interrupts his progress, I forgot to mention that I know about Linden's little sycophant coming to that bookstore in New Orleans. Do not foolishly assume that you alone know the identity of the bookseller. I have become very suspicious of Linden's actions, so rest assured, I will find out exactly what Quinta gave to that ancient fool. I expect that you too will soon make a visit to the area. Nevertheless, I will be watching your every move. Heed my earlier warning brother, I myself will implode this planet and send everyone on it spiraling into the black abyss before I let you and Linden come and take my world from me.

Michael turns and squarely faces the intimidation of his brothers craft, I came to this place in the hope that I could persuade you to change your ways, put an end to all this and return home with us.

As Lucifer's ship lifts from the area, he sends Michael a parting message, "Oh dear brother! Indeed, an end to all this has been the plan from the beginning.

Michael intently watches the light from his brother’s ship disappear into the night sky and then lets out a pent up sigh that echoes loudly through the trees.

Feel better?

Not really, I see little hope for him.

Hope is eternal Michael, choice is not.

"Linden, do you think that there is… Never mind

***********

Solar System:Within the Crossing Point

Planet:Ticon

Earth Year:12.22.2012

Linden, walking across the platform, finishes greeting the other ten members of Ticon's ruling council; nods to the two scientists he invited to attend this emergency meeting and then takes his place at the podium. After looking out into the filled chamber, he begins his address, Since we all seem to be here except for Michael, let's commence. We have many issues to discuss that demand immediate decisions and not much time to do it. I am pleased to report that our efforts to conceal Ticon from the Earthlings have succeeded. Earth's scientists still have not spotted us and Lucifer, for his own reasons I am sure, has not publicly announced anything about us. Nonetheless, I can assure you that it is just a question of time. I have invited to our assembly, Rhon and Patton, two of the researchers who helped develop and set up the project that is keeping us invisible to Earth's inhabitants. I have asked them to brief us on how this is proceeding and answer any relevant questions you may have.

A fellow ruling council member interrupted Linden's introduction and asked, Excuse me Linden, has Michael contacted you yet?

Yes he has. I had planned to address that specific question after the briefing, but since you asked, Michael has landed on Terra. He reports that Earth's weather is in turmoil and we understand this will only worsen as we continually advance within the ‘Crossing'. After making a quick assessment on all the environmental and social conditions there, Michael immediately contacted Lucifer. Linden’s announcement catches the other council members by surprise, Don't get your hopes up, he did not have any luck with him and is proceeding with his original plan.

A stir of conversations breaks out among the council members. Linden allows this to continue for a few moments and then calls for order, We need to get back to the primary reason we convened this emergency meeting. So, before we take this further, let us hear from our guests. I'm sure they will answer many of our questions. Linden steps aside as Patton, the operational director of Ticon's satellite agency moves to the podium.

Thank you Linden for inviting us here. I will begin with a brief update on the immediate progress of our project. We are utilizing the satellite system that helps collect light from the sun when we travel beyond the ‘Crossing' point and reversed its effect. By this, I mean that the satellites now collect the light reflected off Ticon and redirect it away at ninety-degree angles. This action makes us virtually invisible to anyone looking in our direction from Earth. So far, it appears to be working; nevertheless, our calculations show that about five percent of the light is getting through our grid. For now, we are invisible to the naked eye but if any telescope points directly at Ticon, they will probably spot us. Evidently, thus far this has not happened. However, as we journey closer to Earth, we will ultimately get so large that it will be impossible to fool the naked eye.

One of the Council members stands up and addresses Linden, Mr. Speaker, isn't it true that the entire purpose of cloaking Ticon was to help ensure that Michael and our ‘Special Forces reach Earth safely and without any incidents? Having accomplished this, what does it matter if Ticon becomes visible? After all, it certainly is being felt!

Another Council member stands up and interrupts his colleague, Excuse me Council Member Rolantair, I believe there is a far more important question we need answered. He then turns to the scientists and asks, Are the calculations of our orbit still correct? If so, how long before we get to our closest proximity to earth?

Rhon, the other scientist standing alongside of Linden, responds, Yes, we are still confident in our numbers. As you know, in our recorded history this will be the closest we have ever come to another object in the solar system, so there is not much room for error. We are continually rechecking those calculations and presently, I can assure you that they are correct. Ticon is heading directly towards Earth’s orbit and within one hundred and eighty days, we will be about twenty five thousand kilometers away from each other. That is very close, so close that it will push our technology to the critical maximum of its capabilities in order to keep our environment stabilized. The scientist pauses for a moment of introspection and then continues... I believe the widespread devastation on Earth will be terrible.

Rhon's speculation conveys a hush that permeates the air of the entire assembly. After a few moments, Linden returns to the podium, looks over to Rhon, thanks him and then turns his attention back to the Council members, As you can see, we don't have much time to prepare for this. Regrettably, Lucifer has kept our hands tied, or we could have taken some action sooner. Every major government on Earth is in his pocket, so any contact we attempt to make unfortunately filters through him. You can be certain of this, if he specifically wanted them to know about us, he would have already made that known. Why he hasn’t, we can only speculate, but you can bet he has some fundamental reason for keeping us secret.

Now that Michael has arrived back on Earth and assessed its current condition, we must quickly choose our next action from a short list of options. One is, we make ourselves visible now and subsequently force a communication. Hopefully, it will not set off a worldwide panic. Another choice is to send more ships to Earth and force a contact that way. This though would most likely provoke a military reaction from Lucifer. A third option is to do nothing and allow Earth to discover us themselves, conceivably giving Michael adequate time to get his plan in operation. I personally feel this is the best way to go. If any of you have any other ideas, let's hear them.

Linden steps away from the podium and allows the discussion to progress on its own. Several diverse ideas are proposed, however Linden is only half listening. His thoughts center on Michael and the difficulties he will be facing on Earth. Linden understands that whatever the ruling council comes up with, it will ultimately have little effect on the events that are swiftly concluding. He had called this meeting mainly to observe proper protocols and keep members tied in.

After thousands upon thousands of years of planning and manipulating, the finish line is racing towards them at breakneck speed. For good or bad, the only beings who can affect the outcome are down on Earth.

***********

Earth: Algiers, Louisiana

Date: Christmas Eve 2012

Time: 5:15 PM CST

After a few hours reprieve, another strong storm is closing in fast on the New Orleans area. From apparently nowhere, two figures appear and begin walking across the bookstore's large vacant parking lot. Gan, Michael's companion remarks, Interesting isn't it, the last time we approached Celataur he was alongside a river.

Michael smiles as he looks out over the Mississippi river. His recollective thoughts abruptly end when his interests suddenly shift away from the New Orleans skyline and focus on his brother who is standing at the end of the dock, looking out over the river.

Directly across the river from the bookstore on a dimly lit and damp New Orleans dock, three men dressed in dark clothes successfully finish loading into their small but powerful motorboat the equipment required to carry out their assignment, along with the unknown contents of a large wooden crate.

Carl, the team leader, reaches into his pocket, retreats the designated cell phone and dials the number to the bookstore.

Merry Christmas... 'Bookman'.

Yeah, how late you guys open?

Sorry we're closed.

Hey buddy I need to get one more gift; I can be there in… say, fifteen minutes tops.

Look, I'd like to help you out but it's been a long day and we're ready to leave. Why don't you try…

Carl abruptly ends the conversation by tossing the phone into the water. After grabbing a pair of binoculars from the seat, he places the attached strap around his neck and then turns to his strong arm sitting behind the wheel of the boat, Benny, everything set?

Ready boss!

How bout' you Ryan?

I'm good!

OK… Let's do it.

Kenny, the owner of the bookstore, hangs up the phone, grins and shakes his head as he looks over to Daryl, his long time friend sitting comfortably on the soft leather sofa across from his desk.

Daryl smiles, Last minute shopper huh!

Kenny answers as he scribbles something down on a note pad beside his computer's keyboard, Yeah, I guess I pissed him off. There’s always some poor ol' soul needing ‘just one more gift'."

Daryl leans forward and places his large hand into a bowl full of red and green M & M's sitting on Kenny's desk, Yeah, well hurry yer' ass up cuz' they didn't serve dinner on that miserable flight and I'm starved. As he rests back into the sofa, he glances over to a photograph taken after he and Kenny starred in the Cowboys win over the Bronco's in the 1978 Super Bowl. You know what ol' buddy?

What's that?

It's a damn shame, that's what! Daryl cuts his remark short as he pops a few M & M's into his mouth.

An impatient Kenny looks up, What are you chattering about?

Beaming a broad smile, Daryl replies, Well it's plain to see that after all these years, I've remained so pretty and you jest' got old. Without saying a word, Kenny smiles, reaches into the bowl and throws what candy remains at his friend.

Lucifer, sensing his brother's presence, turns and slowly walks back towards the aged wooden ramp leading down from the bookstore to the river's edge. He stops at the gate, leans up against a lamppost and contacts Michael, Come here, let's talk.

Michael neither responds nor strays from his intended course,

Lucifer does not like being ignored and quickly sends Michael a telepathic warning, Snub me if you must, nevertheless, be certain of this… I will uncover the reason for Ticon's sudden interest with this fool and his bookstore. If necessary, I will greatly trouble him until he ends up mocking you ten times more than he did on Ticon. As far as his friend goes, I have been playing with his life since he was a kid.

Gan wonders what has caught Michael's attention and looks towards the river. His face takes on an immediate look of concern when he sees Lucifer standing there on the dock, Why is he here?

I'm not sure… he wants to talk

As the two companions near the entrance to the bookstore, Gan looks to Michael and asks, Do you want me… Michael’s sudden uplifted hand silently tells Gan to ‘hold on’ as Lucifer, in his usual self-serving way continues to overrun Michael with his telepathic rant.

Ticon is indeed creating havoc on my planet. Nevertheless, I will utilize this temporary chaos to my benefit. Face it Michael, you cannot keep Ticon hidden forever! Just before it becomes visible to everyone, my scientists and governmental agencies will release data proving that this planet is causing all of earth’s current upheavals. Utilizing every trick at my disposal, I will have my sordid preachers convince these human fools that an evil race inhabits this nemesis planet and that you devils want to take complete control of Earth and enslave its people. Lucifer starts to chuckle, And Michael, when I get through, everyone is going to think that you are the ‘antichrist." Lucifer breaks out in uproarious laughter and then disappears from sight.

The leading edge effects from the approaching storm are causing the small boat to radically bob up down as it sits idling around two hundred yards from the bookstores dock. Carl, now standing, has a difficult time keeping the binoculars focused on his subjects. Benny tugs at his sleeve, What's happening?

I’m not sure, the two dudes in the weird coats are still standing in front of the entrance way, talking.

How bout’ the other guy?

Carl shifts his attention back to the area under the lamppost and then quickly scans the entire dock. I’ll be damn, he’s gone and I don’t see him anywhere. I don’t like this; where in the hell did he go!

Ryan stands up and looks towards the dock, Damn Carl, it's getting dark out there and the fog is settling in. The guy’s probably half way across the parking lot by now.

Carl pans the entire area and then lets the binoculars drop against his chest, I didn’t see him but yeah, you're probably right, somehow he slipped away.

Benny impatiently guns the engine, Well boss... Do we go in?

"Not yet, they all