Behold The Branch: Opus Dei, #3

By Lyn Pickering

When Pierre Zein, a journalist, begins an investigative search for a man primed for leadership of the New World Order, he discovers a network of arcane organisations, many of them unaware that they are playthings of a greater power behind the scenes. With the razing of the Dome of the Rock, Islam moves onto the offensive and the world is embroiled in a web of terror.

The Egyptian discovery of a hidden vault under the Great Pyramid is a reserved for the elite few and a confirmation from the gods that the time has come for the revelation of the new Osiris. The European leader steps onto centre stage. There is euphoria as the embattled nations of the world world prepare for new era of peace.

The stage is set for the final destruction of the nation of Israel. In this final episode of the Opus Dei series, Lyn J Pickering paints an apocalyptic picture of prophecy and the end times.

Intense, well-written, chilling and insightful, this Middle Eastern thriller is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat as Christian prophecy and mythology move toward a dramatic and unexpected climax.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lyn Pickering
• Release date: Dec 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781524248543

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© Lyn J Pickering 2014

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form or by any means, without permission of the Copyright owner.

Forest of Lebanon Publications

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Published by Lyn J Pickering

EPUB Edition

ISBN: 978-0-9946651-7-1

I dedicate this book to my brother who shared Lebanon with me many years ago: to Bill, my precious husband, my five wonderful sons, daughter, and daughters-in-law.

All my love.

For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? And I will not give my glory unto another.

Isaiah 48:11

Character List – in order of appearance

Introduction

In Egypt, the promised capping of Khufu, the Great Pyramid, for the millennial celebrations did not take place. Once again, the expectations of speculators were confused. Assurances that the door in the southern shaft of the Queen’s Chamber would be opened at the midnight hour had faded before the event, followed by an eleventh hour back-down on the promised gilded capstone. The twentieth century became the twenty-first without the anticipated symbolic declaration from the Giza Necropolis.

Despite the mist that shrouded the Necropolis, obscuring Sirius, which would reach her meridian above the Giza pyramids at midnight, Jean Michel Jarre’s light show did take place but without the arrival of the helicopter bearing the celebrated capstone. Jarre’s electronic twelve hour concert called the Twelve Dreams of the Sun served to enhance the mystery heralding a future event. The capping would take place, but its time was not yet.

Jarre’s laser light show had also been seen at the celebration of the Bicentennial of the French Revolution in 1989, featuring a pyramid from which the ‘Eye of Horus’ was beamed onto surrounding buildings.

Two monuments were created in Paris for the Bicentennial celebrations, both commissioned by President Francois Mitterrand; the glass pyramid built in the courtyard of the Louvre and the Grand Arche de la Fraternité (the Grand Arch of the Brotherhood) at La Défence, where the celebrations took place. Years before, during the reign of Louis XIV, the raising of a pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre bearing an eternal flame in honour of the Sun King, had been proposed but was not erected. France’s present Brotherhood was announcing symbolically its affinity with Egypt and the imminent crowning of a new Sun King.

On the other side of the Louvre stood the majestic Egyptian obelisk, brought to Paris from the Temple of Luxor in 1836. This obelisk formed part of a later ceremony. In May 1998, a new gilded capstone, replacing the stone benben, was unveiled in the presence of Egypt’s President, Hosni Mubarak. The golden womb of Isis was symbolically placed on the phallus of Osiris.

In Masonic lore, the capstone of a pyramid is representative of the Supreme Being who unifies all religious systems, which is why many Egyptians protested the capping of the Great Pyramid at Giza.

The golden capstone of a Pyramid echoed the alighting of the ‘Bennu’ – the Phoenix or firebird – on the mound of creation; the one whose first cry ushered in time and ‘new age’. The Phoenix was identified with Osiris and the capstone represented his ascended soul, caught up in the constellation of Orion. It was his return that would usher in a new era.

It was said that when the Khufu Pyramid was first erected, it had borne a golden capstone and decorating each of its four sides was the Eye of Horus. As the age of the gods came to a close, the priests removed the capstone and buried it secretly. In the book of Asclepius, known as the Lament, we are told that ‘…the gods will return from earth to Heaven; Egypt will be forsaken and this land, which was once the home of religion will be left desolate, bereft of the presence of its deities…. Nothing will be left but graven words and only the stones will tell of thy piety…’ But when mankind discovers its hiding place and the capstone is once again placed on the apex of the pyramid, a great spiritual awakening is heralded and a ‘new order of the ages’ will be established. In the prophetic words of Hermes-Thoth, ‘Those gods who ruled the earth will be restored’.

The true capstone had yet to be discovered. The tomb was yet to be opened.

Chapter 1

In the early nineties Thought Police had begun working the campuses in the United States and the term PC, ‘Politically Correct’ came into being. The Thought Police upheld and enforced the rights of minority groups and any student found guilty of denigrating Gays, Blacks, Feminists, or any other minority, could be censored or even thrown off campus. In the intervening years, policing the thoughts of the individual had grown more socially acceptable as the militancy of minority groups increased. In his role as European President, de Bar harnessed this mindset and hitched it to supercomputer technology. Followers of the social media had participated in profiling themselves, even willingly exposing their innermost thoughts and vices. In so doing they had played a major role in creating a secret police that Heinrich Himmler would have coveted.

From the moment he took up the reins, Jean de Bar had implemented a state of emergency in all the areas under his jurisdiction. The internet was closed down completely and news content scrupulously monitored; the army and civil defence units were deployed in full force and hospitals placed on alert.

A temporary setback, he assured them, until we can restore peace and stability. The new leader drove into areas suffering terrible deprivations after rioting and natural disasters. He visited encampments, homes and hospitals encouraging the bereaved and the wounded.

You think you’re the forgotten ones out here, he would say, capturing their attention from the outset. You’re pretty sure no one cares. Many of you have lost homes, possessions, even family members. The world is going on out there and you’ve been abandoned! You’re right! You have been deserted. You’ve had to battle this out with very little help so far, but that’s going to stop. From now on, I’m with you and I guarantee you the help you need! You have my word.

His presence and his youthful vitality encouraged and reassured them and he backed his words with action. Supplies were brought in; hospitals received the drugs they desperately needed, tents, blankets and food parcels were distributed. In some cases water and power were restored and damaged buildings were attended to. The news media followed these stories closely. It was obvious that de Bar knew how to win the heart of the common man. The heavy-handed policing, the shootings, the camps filled with dissidents, the over-flowing prisons, were never connected with their leader and were seldom reported.

Civilians generally accepted that their liberties had been severely curtailed. Most airlines had been permanently grounded. Only certain people were permitted to travel, but even then restrictions were placed on their movements and, as always, it was said to be for the protection of the public. Added to this, China’s policy of one child to a family had been put in place in all nations under Sovereign Lord, de Bar as an essential measure to prevent any further rise in the population.

These restraints will be lifted later, he told them. Once there’s a return to normality.

Individual lives were strictly administered for their own good. And, as slavery increased, the slave mentality grew. It seemed pointless to attempt to throw off the bonds.

Pierre and Nabil’s meetings were still drawing hundreds from all parts of Lebanon. Some came out of curiosity, others wanted information; few came away untouched by what they heard. There was no incitement to anger but the Lebanese were experiencing a growing resolve: to stand as one nation against the formidable forces arrayed against them.

Every individual world-wide has been issued with a UPI, a Universal Personal Identifier, an eighteen digit number. Knowledge of that number, and access to a computer, will enable almost anyone to examine all the details of your life.

Pierre Zein switched off the overhead projector and turned to face the audience. Your privacy is about to be compromised as never before. It’s one thing to say that you have nothing to hide; we all hope our lives will bear up under scrutiny – but consider how easy it is for the wrong information to be recorded, whether deliberately or by accident. In the United States and Europe today, lives are being disrupted or destroyed in this way, and many are discovering how impossible it is to wipe the error from their records.

He set his notes down on the lectern and ran his fingers through his hair. What is even more frightening, he said, is that over the past twenty years, a network of camps has been created across Europe, Canada and the United States for the express purpose of incarcerating ‘dissidents’. Until recently they have stood empty, waiting for those who refuse to bow to the dictates of the New World Order. As I understand it, they are even now being filled.

A woman approached him after the evening meeting. Pierre took her to be in her mid-thirties, tall and slim, with shoulder-length blond hair.

You spoke about the links between Grand Orient Freemasonry and the Illuminati, she said. I thought the Illuminati died out years ago, do you really believe it’s still in existence?

She was one of those women who did not seem to be aware of how attractive she was. Her face was intelligent and expressive and her smile was captivating. Pierre made a conscious effort to avoid her glance as he answered her question.

In some form or another, the Illuminati seem to have been active for generations, he said, but under different names. The organisation’s part in inciting the French Revolution was exposed when one of their couriers was struck by lightning in the 1700’s. From that point on they covered their activities once again by using front organisations.

And they created Communism?

He smiled. You sound sceptical. You can check it out for yourself. A woman named Fanny Wright gave a series of lectures in New York in the 1820’s in which she advocated equal opportunities, equal rights and atheism, among other things, he said. She told her listeners that the Illuminati intended to unite Nihilist and Atheistic groups with other subversive organisations to create an international organisation called Communism. This force, she said, would be used to foment all future wars and revolutions. Marx only wrote the Communist Manifesto twenty years later.

Along stated Illuminati lines?

He nodded. Abolition of ordered government, private property, inheritance, patriotism, religion and family, he confirmed. And with the ultimate intention of forming a world government.

She raised her eyebrows. Fascinating! she declared. This has been a most unusual evening.

Are you from France? Pierre was aware that the question sounded clumsy.

Mauritius, she smiled.

What brings you to Lebanon?

I’m on holiday here, staying with friends. In a week or two I’ll be going on to visit Jordan and Israel.

And this was the first meeting you’ve attended?

She nodded. But I’ll certainly be back. I’ve enjoyed talking to you. Her glance was very direct. Pierre looked away awkwardly.

Thank you, he said. Enjoy the rest of your stay.

On two consecutive evenings after this, he again saw her in the audience. On both occasions she had found a seat close to the front of the auditorium and several times Pierre became aware of her smile when his glance strayed in that direction. He was uncomfortable, disturbed, but also flattered.

On the third night, Pierre found himself looking out for her and it was with mixed feelings of relief and disappointment that he discovered she was not there.

It was close to ten o’clock when the crowds finally dispersed and Pierre made his way out to his car. He experienced a small jolt of shock as he realised that she was seated behind the wheel of the car parked just behind his own.

Hello Pierre, she called. Did the meeting go well?

Fine thanks. I’m sorry. I don’t know your name.

Nicole. Nicole Lambert. Would you like to have a cup of coffee with me? There are still a few places open.

For a moment, he hesitated.

She laughed. Please?

In the light from the street lamp, he noticed how blue her eyes were. It was a long time since he had experienced that intense stirring within himself towards a woman. Over the years, his relationship with Danielle had become quiet, like immersion in a deep pool rather than bathing in a rushing stream. Until this moment, he had not questioned his contentment. He could have deceived himself into believing the request was simply as it appeared on the surface, a cup of coffee with someone who wanted to know more about the things he believed in. But he recognised that the offer in Nicole’s eyes went much further than that. And his own questionable feelings needed to be addressed.

Thanks, he said abruptly. But I’ve got to get home.

Danielle was still awake. She set her book down as Pierre came in and reached up for a kiss.

How did the evening go?

It went fine, he replied shortly.

Danielle glanced at him keenly. Something’s wrong.

Pierre grimaced and sat down on the bed beside her. As usual, you’re right, he replied. I’d like you to come with me for the last two nights of this session. Can you get Jamaal to look after Claire?

Danielle nodded slowly. What is it, Pierre?

I was propositioned after tonight’s meeting, he said, and for a while I was tempted. I need you in the front row to remind me what I would be losing if I succumbed.

Danielle looked at him in silence for a moment and then reached out her arms to him. Thank you. she said simply.

Chapter 2

‘Is it not an absurdity to give a man a thing which he is sworn to hate, curse and destroy? And does not the Church of Rome hate, curse and destroy liberty of conscience whenever she can do it safely? I am for liberty of conscience in its noblest, broadest, highest sense. But I cannot give liberty of conscience to the pope and to his followers, the Papists, so long as they tell me, through all their councils, theologians and canon laws, that their conscience orders them to burn my wife, strangle my children and cut my throat when they find the opportunity! This does not seem to be understood by the people today. But sooner or later, the light of common sense will make it clear to everyone that no liberty of conscience can be granted to men who are sworn to obey a pope who pretends to have the right to put to death those who differ from him in religion.’

President Abraham Lincoln.

Merovingian king, Dagobert II was buried in the royal chapel at Stenay. In 872, nearly two centuries later his body was exhumed and moved to another church. He was canonised in the same year and the church in which his remains were interred was renamed the Church of Saint Dagobert. For reasons not fully explained by the Church of Rome, Dagobert became the object of a cult following and gained his own feast day – December 23rd. The anniversary of his death was a day also sacred to the tribe of Benjamin.

Dagobert II’s feast day was added to the plethora of pagan celebrations that fall during the Roman week of Saturnalia. The birth of the son of the Babylonian Queen of Heaven was celebrated during winter solstice, while the Sabeans celebrated the birthday of the Lord Moon. In Egypt, Horus, the son of Isis was said to have been born during the same period. In all these festivals, the object of worship was not merely the heavenly body itself, but of God in corporeal form. Although the gospels do not give the time of Jesus Christ’s birth, it was tacked onto this list associating him deliberately with the sun deity.

Since his conversation with Nabil, Father Miled had put aside The Way, had taken up the Bible and was reading it with a new hunger. Starting with the gospels he had begun to study prayerfully, wanting more than ever before to believe that this was God’s Word and that it was spoken to him.

On his knees in his austere bedroom that morning, he prayed for the power of God’s Spirit to open his eyes.

I want to know the truth, he prayed. If I am not following you in truth I should not be following you at all. Please, Heavenly Father; give me eyes to see and ears to hear.

He sat down later at his desk with his Bible open before him. He had begun to read the gospel of Luke and the familiar passage of the Magnificat:

‘And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.’

The words riveted him. ‘My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.’ Mary had need of a saviour! She could not have been immaculate, without sin, if she recognised her need of a saviour! She was a sinner, no different from himself! She had declared that she was just a woman; a lowly handmaid but, considering what pregnancy outside marriage would mean within the context of Jewish society of that day, one incredibly submitted and obedient to God. Another verse tumbled unbidden into his mind. ‘For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.’

He flipped over the pages of his Bible to the Romans passage. ‘All have sinned… Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.’

He, Father Miled, had been judged, found guilty and condemned to death but Jesus had paid the penalty with His own blood. He was set free, completely free, only by the gift of Christ’s death. There was no mention of purgatory. No suggestion that he had to earn his right to an afterlife by scapulars or indulgences. The gift of eternal life was just that; a gift!

His spirit soared in exultation and he fell to his knees once more. From now on, he would call Mary blessed, but no longer saviour, redeemer or mediator. There was only One worthy of worship; only One free from sin that had to power to redeem and change him. The Son of God, Jesus Himself.

*     *     *

That Jean de Bar was Opus Dei General, a Jesuit Pope, and an adept of the Mysteries held its own appeal and only deepened the fervour of his following. He had captured both the apostate Emergent Church who had abandoned the absolutes of Christianity in favour of self-gratification and entertainment, and the ritualised church, which was like the well-seasoned wood of a hollow tree, beautiful in outward form, but empty and devoid of living power.

The new century had become characterised by pornography and every sort of perversion in the name of entertainment. Society, weary of fighting, allowed the floodgates to open wide. Even the church was not immune and many lives wore only the thinnest veil of righteousness; underneath seethed a cauldron of every excess. God was demoted and man promoted. The Western church under the banner of Rome had, almost without exception, drawn this polluted and diluted gospel to her copious breast.

On the one hand Jean de Bar ruled by intimidation. The men he placed in leadership walked in fear of his uncanny ability to perceive and often expose their innermost thoughts, while of course, a simple analysis of their computerised spending habits revealed immediately if there was any deviation from the prescribed path. Yet his warmth and energetic good-humour captivated most people immediately. De Bar appeared to relate to the common man or woman as naturally as he did to royalty and his followers adored him.

For the health of the New World Order, every individual was encouraged to become an informant in their community and even within their own household. Inevitably, vigilantism accompanied this informal policing. What was supposedly intended to weed out dissidents from society, swiftly deteriorated into witch-hunting, power-seizing and a convenient way of settling grudges. Raids by opposing gangs had become commonplace and confusion and fear gripped every level of society. Yet in his supreme position, Jean de Bar remained, a demi-god, aloof from and unsullied by these events.

Since the World Trade Centre towers fell in 2001, a memorial garden, with two waterfalls and a grove of oak trees to commemorate those who had died in the 9/11 attacks, had been opened.

After a brief introduction in which Jean de Bar, principal speaker at the commemorative gathering, remembered the dead and spoke words of consolation to relatives who still, after so many years chose to gather there, he moved on.

We are emerging from the chrysalis of the past, he told his audience. And I would be surprised to find anyone here who still adhered to the dated beliefs fed to us under the old order. He shifted his shoulders slightly under the constraints of his jacket, and touched finger and thumb to the immaculate knot of his tie.

"It suited the old regime to have you believe in concepts such as Darwinism, or evolution, for example. But, of course, the thinkers among you were aware of the error. Darwin’s theories were based on incomplete information; his ideologies were formulated without any knowledge of the codes within DNA.

The second law of thermodynamics stands in stark opposition to what Darwin himself stated was only a theory. The law of entropy naturally tends towards disorder, whereas evolution is based on the assumption that the natural order tends towards greater complexity. Obviously the law stands above the theory. I don’t think anyone here would deny that?

A rustle of unease passed among the crowd. No one looked at his neighbour. If the Emperor was certain he was wearing a new suit, no individual was anxious to be first to suggest he was naked.

He proceeded to relate some of the stories, passed down in the Biblical account, as well as through myth, of creation and a global flood.

It’s impossible to dispute the records of these events which are even written on the walls of the pyramids and tombs of Egypt, he told them.

"But to mark this period of new birth – the earth’s second Genesis, I have decided to replace our present calendar with the more accurate Egyptian Sothic calendar, based on the heliacal rising of the star, Sirius.