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Providence: Athleta Christi
Providence: Athleta Christi
Providence: Athleta Christi
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Providence: Athleta Christi

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Providence - God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny.

The world seems to be teetering on the precipice of collapse. A highly contagious disease is spreading in Asia and the racial tension in the United States has led to numerous skirmishes. Throughout history, men and women have been chosen to bring humanity back from the brink. These people have been referred to as heroes, warrior saints, and Athleta Christi. The Chosen include a father and husband, a cage fighter, an illegal alien with ties to a drug cartel, a British hacker, an African doctor, Chinese twins on the run from gangsters, and a young college dropout. They have to come together if there is any hope of defeating the evil they face.

The enemy has risen.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherJoe C. Thomas
Release dateJun 28, 2018
ISBN9780463619438
Providence: Athleta Christi
Author

Joe C. Thomas

Joe C. Thomas is a father, husband, military man, and Christian. He served in Iraq as an Army Combat Engineering officer, and currently serves as a Squadron Commander in the USAF Reserves. Despite his service to his country, his commitment to his family and faith are what truly define him. He is also a licensed Structural Engineer in six states. His combined experiences in combat, academics, family, and faith give him a unique perspective that he strives to provide to his readers. Joe is married to Ashley Truelove Thomas, and they have two beautiful daughters, Carolyn (7) and Marjorie (3). They live in Orlando, FL.

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    Providence - Joe C. Thomas

    PROVIDENCE – ATHLETA CHRISTI

    Copyright 2018 Joe C. Thomas

    Published by Joe C. Thomas at Smashwords

    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 enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    Table of Contents

    Prologue

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    Chapter 11

    Chapter 12

    Chapter 13

    Chapter 14

    Chapter 15

    Chapter 16

    Chapter 17

    Chapter 18

    Chapter 19

    Chapter 20

    Chapter 21

    Chapter 22

    Chapter 23

    Chapter 24

    Chapter 25

    Chapter 26

    Chapter 27

    Epilogue

    About Joe C. Thomas

    Connect with Joe C. Thomas

    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me.

    Psalm 23:4

    Prologue

    A young girl knelt in her father’s garden. She was tending to some troublesome weeds that had taken root among the tomatoes. As the girl toiled away, she failed to notice the man who approached along the trail from the village.

    The man was exceptionally tall and lean, with long white hair. He was a young man, perhaps in his mid-twenties and walked with a confidence befitting his age. He was dressed as would be expected of any man born to an established family. When he was only steps behind her, he spoke in a soft tone in an attempt not to startle her.

    Excuse me, Madame. May I have a word with you?

    She turned with a start, and put a hand on the cross she wore around her neck.

    I do not mean to frighten you, he said and raised his hands in a placating gesture. I was sent here to find you.

    I’m sorry, monsieur. But it is not proper for a man such as yourself to speak with young ladies without a chaperone. She glanced around, apparently looking for someone for who to call out.

    The man nodded and smiled, then said, I understand, but this is a matter that is only for you. He saw that her eyes got wide and panic was beginning to take hold. He went to a knee so they would be at eye level.

    What do you know of the Bible, child? he asked.

    I know it quite well, Monsieur. As all Christians should, she answered.

    A small laugh escaped the man’s lips. Indeed, but I am specifically referring to the passages that describe people being called to God’s service.

    The story of Esther is one of my favorites.

    Pleasantly surprised, he asked, Why is that?

    Despite being a God-fearing woman in a pagan court, she convinced King Ahasuerus to spare her people. God used her courage and wisdom to save His people from extinction. She spoke with reverence, but there was also a tone of excitement.

    A wide grin spread on the man’s face. He said, Well, my dear. I have come here to ask you to do the same.

    Pardon? she said incredulously.

    My name is Mikhail. I have been sent here to help you in your quest.

    What quest? Sent by whom?

    You, Madame, will save your country. As well as bring the light of God to the world, Mikhail said without the slightest hint of sarcasm.

    But I am only thirteen years old. How am I to accomplish all of that?

    As Esther did. With courage, wisdom, and God’s help. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. When she looked into his eyes, he could see the fear building.

    Fear not, Joan. We will be with you. You are destined for amazing things, he added. He stood, brushed off his tunic and turned to walk away.

    Monsieur, Joan shouted. What shall I do now?

    Mikhail turned and said, You will know what to do. I will be back soon. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.

    The moment he was out of sight of the girl, he was joined by two other men. Both were tall and lean, similar to Mikhail, but looked very different. One had long black hair that was shaved on both sides and appeared to be Native American. The other had short cropped black hair and was possibly Indian.

    I will never understand how He chooses, the short-haired man said.

    The other said, It is not for us to understand, but to serve, Jibreel.

    Raf is correct. We know what must be done, Mikhail added.

    In the light of what must be done, are you both fine with the fact that we are condemning an innocent girl to a life of war and eventual death? Jibreel asked.

    After a long pause, Raf said, If she is successful, she will have brought her country back from the brink, and ushered the world into a new era. I believe Madame Joan d’Arc will be one of our greatest heroes.

    Chapter 1

    As I entered the Basement Bar in downtown San Antonio, I was reminded that San Antonio was very much a historical city. The locals pride themselves on a tough and hard-fought background and the bar reflects that perfectly; dimly lit, with the barest of accoutrements on the walls. Several Spurs jerseys hung on one wall including Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Manu Ginobili. The reason I entered the bar was to find the men seated at a corner table.

    One of them met my eye with a nod and a wave to come and join them. His companion, a mountain of a man, eyed me like I might be his next meal. I made my way through the maze of tables, past several businessmen celebrating a promotion for one of their own, and took a seat next to my hosts.

    One of the men raised slightly out of his seat, stuck out a hand to me and said, You must be Pen. I’m Henry. Mikhail said you’d be meetin’ us here. His accent was not subtle, and definitely southern. I shook hands with him, and his huge hand seemed to envelop mine. It was rough and strong, but not overly so. He was a large white man, probably about six feet tall and muscular, but perfectly proportional. He was in his mid-thirties, with short cropped dark hair, blue eyes, a good looking face and a pleasant smile. His common jeans, t-shirt, and brown leather jacket did not mask the swagger this man possessed.

    This is Jackson. He ain’t much for conversation but good to have around in a pinch. Jackson made a sort of a snorting sound which I assumed was a chuckle.

    Jackson was a huge black man, with a full beard and bushy black hair. He was wearing a tight black t-shirt and tactical khaki cargo pants with big black boots. He was at least six feet, five inches, and had to be about 265 pounds of solid muscle. Both men sat with their backs to the wall and had excellent views of the entire bar and both exits. I can only assume they chose this table for its strategic value as opposed to the comfort of the chairs.

    I was suddenly struck with a flashback of when I was a child and my uncle made me watch an old movie about space wars or some such. Two men were seeking passage from a dangerous situation and engaged a rogue space captain and his hairy, bear thing. Granted, I was not seeking passage, but everything else fit the current situation perfectly.

    I assume you know why I am here? I asked more than stated as I shuffled my backpack around so I could sit more comfortably.

    Mikhail told me that you were to join our little group and document everything for posterity, he added finger quotes around the last word. He went on, Other than that, I can’t say I know much. This is all pretty new to us, and we are not even sure what to call ourselves. We’ve tossed around some ideas, but nothing worth mentioning at the present.

    I could not hide the confusion on my face. I suppose I had been hoping that I was delusional before arriving here. At least that would have been simpler to understand.

    Henry smiled, I’m not exactly sure what I can tell you to make you feel better. We were both sort of pulled off the street and thrown in this, same as you.

    OK….. Can you tell me how in the hell I have a dream where someone named Raf tells me I have to find you? Then I meet the same man from my dream at a diner and he buys me breakfast and says I have to come to this very spot at this time, and not only am I irresistibly compelled to come here, but I actually find you! I’m doing my best not to freak out, but I am dangerously close. Henry laughed and looked at Jackson, who smiled while he took a sip of beer.

    Henry slid me a beer, and said, Have a drink. It’ll help. I took a long drink from the bottle and then a deep breath. Henry went on, If you’re lookin’ for specific answers, I’m sorry to say I don’t have many. The first thing you have to accept is that there are things happenin’ that are well outside of our understandin’. We were all approached in one way or another and brought together for a reason. Granted, we don’t know what that reason is but it is clear that we were specifically chosen.

    Frustrated, I asked, We, you keep saying we. Who is we?

    You, me, him, and the others. We have to find the folks I have on this list. Henry reached into his jacket pocket and removed a list he slid across the table.

    Mikhail said that each one has a specific gift or talent that we’re gonna’ need. I’m assumin’ your talent is story-tellin’ and writin’. With a name like Pen, you oughta’ either be a helluva’ writer or a damn good bowler. Henry laughed to himself and Jackson just shook his head.

    So the man in my dream, was that Mikhail or Raf? I asked.

    Henry shrugged and said, Not sure…I reckon it was Raf since he introduced himself that way. Mikhail is a tall skinny white dude, with long white hair. Kinda’ has a hipster thing goin’ on.

    Well, that was certainly not the person I met. Raf looked like a Native American. So how many of these guys are there? I questioned.

    Henry cocked his head and said, Son, how much do you know about God?

    You’re saying God came into my dreams and told me to find you? I said incredulously.

    Maybe. Probably not. More than likely it was a messenger. Regardless, we are pieces on a chess board. We are bein’ put into place for specific purposes, and when the time is right, that purpose will be revealed to us. Or at least that’s what I figure, Henry said with a little more confidence than I believed he truly had at the time.

    I jumped when one of the businessmen fell out of his chair and hit the floor. His friends rolled with laughter and helped him back to the table. I glanced back to my companions in time to see them settle back into their chairs, apparently, they were just as leery as I was of those men but their response was one of aggression, whereas mine was one of fear.

    When the men had gone back to drinking and singing, Jackson looked at Henry and said, We should be goin’, in a voice so deep it was almost hard to hear.

    Henry nodded, then said, You and Pen go ahead on outside and I’ll settle up with the bartender. Jackson stood up without saying another word. I fumbled with my backpack as I tried to keep up, but Jackson was already at the door. When I walked by, I swung my bag around and accidentally hit one of the businessmen, causing him to spill his drink on his shirt.

    What the hell!? he shouted.

    I froze. All eyes immediately turned to me. Before I knew what had happened, six drunken men were on their feet, glaring at me.

    Hold on there, fellas. Let me apologize for my friend, he can be a little clumsy sometimes. Let me buy you boys a round. What do ya’ say? Henry said from behind the group. I felt Jackson’s hand subtly sliding me to his side, so he would have a clear path to the men.

    The one that had his drink spilled on him, turned his head and said, We don’t need your damn money. What we do need is an apology from this guy, here.

    I am so sorry… I stammered, and he stopped me with a hand on my chest.

    Not you, he growled at me, the ape beside you.

    Damn…that was a mistake, I heard Henry say, right before I saw Jackson’s big right hand come over my shoulder and the hit the man so hard in the chest that he was thrown backward onto the table, collapsing it to the floor. A bottle broke and one of the men in the back went down. Henry had taken the punch as his cue to join the fray. After he hit the first man over the head with a bottle, he grabbed a second by the shoulders and smashed the man’s face with his forehead. The man was reduced to wailing on the floor. While that happened, two men charged Jackson. He grabbed them both by the throats and slammed their heads together like right out of an action movie.

    The last man stood and put his hands up, I’m good boys. Don’t want any more trouble, as he backed out of the bar onto the street.

    I hadn’t moved and was still clutching my bag awkwardly in my hands. I looked at Henry, who laid a hundred dollar bill on the table and said, Sorry ‘bout the mess, to the bartender cowering behind the bar. Jackson put a surprisingly gentle hand on my shoulder and guided me out of the bar.

    Henry followed chuckling to himself, Last time he’ll call someone an ape, guaranteed.

    The two men led me to a large SUV, which we all promptly boarded. Jackson drove, Henry sat in the front seat, and I took one of the captain’s chairs in the back. As we pulled out of the parking space, the insanity of this entire situation started to hit me. I felt a wave of panic wash over me.

    I erupted, OK. We have got to talk about all of this. I am freaking out! I had this crazy dream and then the next morning, the guy from my dream just shows up at a diner, and he tells me to come here and find you, and for some reason I actually do it, and then we get into a barroom brawl, and you two beat up six guys, and...

    Dude, Henry interrupted, Try to relax. I know it’s a lot to take in. Trust me, we have both been there. His calm voice started to ebb the panic I felt, but I was still utterly confused.

    I said, Well, I’m supposed to be some kind of writer or scribe or something, and I have no idea how I am supposed to do that! I don’t know anything about this stuff. Hell, I don’t know anything about either of you!

    Henry turned in his seat to face me and said, Chill… We have a pretty long ride ahead of us. How about I tell you everything that happened to us before we met up with you? Then you can tell us about how you got roped into all of this. Cool?

    I nodded, silently praying that his story would help everything make sense.

    Chapter 2

    Henry was repairing a fence around his family property on a warm sunny day in south Alabama. A beautiful five-year-old girl sat nearby making a daisy chain necklace for her little sister, who at that moment was terrorizing the lizards on the porch and laughing as she chased them around the yard. Dawn, Henry’s wife, sat on their porch swing watching her children play and her husband work. She was a beautiful woman, tall and lean with long dark hair. She smiled at the scene before her.

    Daddy, there is a man walking towards the house, the little girl said and Henry stopped working.

    Get your sister and go up on the porch with mama. I’ll be up in a minute. She ran off and he grabbed his t-shirt from the fence post as he walked down the drive to meet the stranger. As he slid the shirt over his head he sized up the visitor.

    A tall, skinny man with long white hair. He was wearing tight black pants, a white button-down shirt that was a little too big and carrying a black denim jacket in one hand.

    Henry sized up the man immediately and determined that the man was not armed and wouldn’t pose much of a threat in a fight.

    Can I help you, friend? Henry asked when the stranger was about five yards away.

    Yes, Henry. I believe you can, said the man.

    I don’t believe I know you, sir. Mind tellin’ me how you know my name?

    I’ve been watching you for a while, Henry. You have never seen me?

    Just then a memory flashed in Henry’s mind of Tarmiyah, a random street corner in a combat zone. He was with his unit, establishing a traffic control point for an infantry Platoon Sergeant with the 1st Ranger Battalion. He had worked with the big man before and liked him. He always felt a kinship toward other southerners and thought that was the reason they got along.

    Henry remembered talking with Sergeant First Class Laveau about how the control point would be set up when they both noticed a tall, white man in the crowd. He seemed out of place. An explosion went off and Henry woke up next to the sergeant several days later. Every soldier at that location was killed except them, and they had relatively minor injuries. They were released from the hospital and both sent home.

    What… Henry muttered as he slid into a defensive posture. You were there that day! Who are you?! What are you doing here?! Henry shouted and

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