Eternal Bodies: Rise of the Morning Star

By Henri T. De Souza

With the unwavering support of his Master through those who have been granted eternal bodies, Theo Perkins is determined to translocate a stranded family in dire need to a safe location in a post-apocalyptic world. Time is running out as ruthless looters multiply their efforts to break into the family's bunker. Despite the danger, long-held prej

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel Twelve Press
• Release date: Mar 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9780981244457

Book preview

Chapter 1

Theo Perkins burst into the windowless room and cheered, Don’t be afraid; I’m here to help.

A chair clattered against a wooden table as a wrinkled, bald man with a silver moustache and beard sprang to his feet. He stretched his arms to shield a woman who instinctively took refuge behind him. As a cold chill shuddered his spine, he begged, Spare my wife.

The woman leaped backward with widened eyes while the corner of her lips dropped and shivered. She glanced at the doorway behind Theo—their only escape. Fight or flight? She clenched her teeth, opting for the former, realizing it was too late to run. With shallowed breaths, she gazed around, mumbling, Where—where is it?

Staring at the stranger, the silver-bearded man pleaded, Take the food, but don’t hurt us.

The dimmed suspended lightbulb swinging on the ceiling unveiled metal shelves with canned goods and grain bags along the bunker’s walls. 

Theo’s lips pushed upward in a warm smile despite the aluminum smell permeating the air. Not here for the food. His voice rumbled. I’m here for you.

You’ll have to kill me before I let you harm her, the man replied as a quiver betrayed his bravado.

Don’t you worry; nobody is getting hurt today.

The man who continued to shield his wife demanded, How’d you get in here? And—who are you?

Theo Perkins. At your service. Theo apologized, green eyes sparkling with amusement as he extended his hand in greeting. 

The five-foot-ten man crossed his arms and drew back as his back stiffened. Here, we don’t mingle with strangers.

You may not recognize me, but I know both of you, Pastor Erick Rackdale and your wife, Athalee.

How’d you know us? Have we met before? Athalee quivered.

Theo chuckled.  I was practically a nobody in your big church. From the podium, how could you have noticed me amongst the thousands? I was just another nameless attendee of your mega-church for weeks until I realized you condoned greed to fill your pockets.

Erick shivered and sheltered his wife even more. So you’re here for revenge?

Athalee stormed from behind Erick and pressed her lips in a fine white line. She said, Erick, you don’t have to do this; I can defend myself. Theo suppressed the urge to laugh at the pony-tailed grey-haired woman in a sunflower-pattern dress from her neck to her calves.

Theo said, Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. I come in peace in the name of your Lord, Who now reigns in the Beloved City, as you know. My devoted service to Him is to help you. See, I have no weapon. He spread his hands wide.

If what you say is true, you’ll turn around so I can see you are unarmed, Erick snapped, twirling his index finger.

Theo took his time to spin, with eyes narrowed to a slit. His plain navy short-sleeved shirt tucked into his blue jeans made him look slim. Don’t worry; come on, I mean you no harm.

Erick dropped his hands. Who sent you?

Your Lord, and mine: the Bright and Morning Star, the only righteous King of all kings and Lord of the lords, Theo burst out with glittering eyes. We call Him the Lord-King. He now sits on His throne in the Beloved City.

Erick scoffed with a crooked sneer. Yeah, right. How’d you find the hidden door?

I used no hidden door; I came in there, he pointed his thumb over his shoulder to the room with rebar-barricaded windows sealed shut with black tarps, and I walked in here. 

Is my daughter involved in this?  Erick asked. I suppose Keturah showed you the hidden door to our bunker, didn’t she?"

When I was in that room, your daughter Keturah wasn’t there, and I saw no one else.

You saw no one—This is private property, and you’re trespassing. Get out of here. Now.

Hey, let’s calm down and just talk for a minute, Theo showed them his palms, fingers widened upwards, trying to appease them, I’m here to help.

Athalee—who had pulled from under the table the item she was looking for—threatened Theo with a metallic baseball bat. You heard my husband. Out.

Theo jerked backward. Trouble’s coming. I’m here to help you avoid it. 

Athalee. No, Erick screamed. Violence only breeds violence. He leaped forward to grab her, but she had already charged in Theo’s direction. 

With bared teeth and flared nostrils, she swung the bat, which only flowed through the air. As the stark motion plummeted her onto the wooden floor, her pupils dilated, and her jaws dropped: Theo had vanished.

Chapter 2

Athalee shouted, What on earth is this? Erick? Where’d he go? The hair on her neck and arms bristled. 

The pastor froze and looked around before pulling her up, Are you all right?

Of course not. Did you see what happened?

He vanished.

How is that possible? she asked. The corner of her lips curved downward into a scowl as she tucked her chin in.

I don’t know.

You’re the pastor, but you don’t know? she asked, panting.

I’ve never pretended to know everything.

Well, explain this, then, she yelled.

Whoever he is, you’ve upset him. Why don’t you ever listen to me? I told you that all who take up the sword shall perish by it.

What does he mean by trouble’s coming? She asked, ignoring his words of caution.

He shook his head. I don’t know.

Your ignorance is upsetting, she chastised.

Footsteps resounded on the staircase outside the underground shelter. A frail silhouette rushed through the darkness, and a late-twenty woman appeared in the doorway. Dad, Mom, what’s going on here? 

No idea, Keturah, Erick replied. He pointed at the spot where Theo stood and, with shuddered breaths, stuttered, A guy was standing right there. Did you send him down here?

She retorted, A guy? What do you mean?

There was a guy right there, he exclaimed, struggling to calm himself.

With an arched eyebrow, she looked around and countered, There’s only the two of you here. How can somebody else be downstairs, and I wouldn’t have seen him beforehand? What are you talking about?

Athalee furrowed her brows, clenched her jaws, and yelled, Somebody was here.

The red-haired woman scratched her head. I was hurrying to gather stuff upstairs when I heard your shout, Mom. Aside from you two, no one else came to the basement.

I told you, ‘somebody was here.’ Didn’t you hear what I said?

Aghast to see her mother’s fiery eyes and stony stare, the brown-eyed woman in a grey V-neck shirt nodded, Okay, all right. Even though it’s hard to believe, somebody was here.

Finally. Erick stomped.

Did he use the tunnel? Keturah asked, looking behind.

Check it. Now, Athalee ordered.

Keturah glanced at a spot on the right side of the bunker, closed her eyes to a slit, and continued, No. The tunnel is still locked like last time. Nobody touched it.

Erick rubbed his chin, trying to make sense of the situation. As her forehead puckered, Athalee fidgeted with her hair, wrestling with thoughts. The tunnel’s locked, but he didn’t use the stairs; how did he come in?

Peace be with you, they heard as Theo appeared beside the chair. Please don’t try to hit me again. I’m just here to help.

Athalee and Keturah shrieked while Erick choked at Theo’s unnatural reappearance.

The short-haired man’s cheeks rose into mirth. Guys, don’t be afraid. The Lord-King gave me the Morning Star to help you and many others. Come on now, believe me already.

As Athalee and her daughter’s hearts raced, Erick stepped back, held his breath, and observed the young man. He thought, The Morning Star, he said? That’s Revelation chapter two, verse twenty-eight. Does he vanish and appear because he has the Morning Star? Or is this some trick to get our food?

A thundering smash resounded upstairs and snatched him from his reverie. The massive entry door shattered into the foyer, causing the basement ceiling to quiver. Loud steps crushed the entry door’s glass, of which little was left.

Looters. We’re doomed, Athalee shuddered.

Threatening voices intermingled as people spread throughout the house. Erick, Athalee, and Keturah’s eyes became glued to the ceiling as if they could peer through it. If they could, they would dread the sight of marauders ravaging what was left of their home.

A menacing voice that shot louder than the rest called, Pastor Erick Rackdale. Where’re you? 

The hair on Erick’s arms stood up. He shuddered, and his heart thumped. I’ll recognize that voice among thousands: it’s Ducah. Ducah Montanah.

The Scarface? Keturah whispered, remembering the nickname of the infamous villain.

Yes, that’s him, Erick mumbled, as the name brought a sour taste to his mouth. He could not forget the first time he had seen Ducah and his mob patrolling the city’s ruins. By divine mercy, the crew missed them. But the massive gash that ran the length of Ducah’s left cheek, his merciless eyes, and his goth clothing marked Erick. We must avoid him at all costs, he had resolved. So, they laid low and avoided drawing attention to themselves, surviving day after day. But now, Ducah and his mob were in their house, and the Rackdales could not fathom how.

Porcelain crashed on the ceramic floor upstairs. We know you’re here, Ducah roared. A set of glasses turned to pieces after a metallic baseball bat ravaged through it. We only want your food. We know you’ve got tons of it.

Athalee trembled, How could they possibly know this?

Keturah shuddered. Oh no. I forgot to close the basement door.  She trembled, begging her dad with her eyes. Sorry, I’m so very sorry.

Athalee took shallow breaths and quivered. They’ll find us any second now. We’ve got to rush to the tunnel. 

The underground passage was a secret hallway locked by a six-foot metallic door. Dug out years earlier in all secrecy, the tunnel linked their home to a wooded area in the once-picturesque Arphaxad Park. Back then, it was one of the peculiarly charming places of Walbourne City. After it served a decade earlier as the filming location of a romantic blockbuster movie, Arphaxad Park rose to fame as the destination to spend Sunday afternoons or romantic getaways. It swarmed with street vendors and visitors willing to pay decent amounts to experience the Park.

In case we need it one day, the pastor had told his family.  That was all they required to excavate that tunnel. Peter Rackdale, Keturah’s brother, had worked overtime on that project. The skilled engineer toiled day and night and spent countless hours completing their below-ground escape. He also fortified their home to become earthquake-proof by equipping it with base isolation and steel plates.

He did so during the early days of the first signs, those old days, now long gone, when the world was heading in a strange direction. It was the time of the eclipses and warnings, or, as the head of their household used to call it, ‘the Birth Pangs.’

This was long before the Great Tribulation, the cataclysmic volcano eruption, the plagues, and the devastating earthquake. It was before the era that was immediately followed by the disappearance of countless believers worldwide. 

The aftermath of the exceptional calamity left Arphaxad Park desolate. Walbourne City suffered a worse fate, much like the other cities on the planet. Crumbled towers, roofless mansions, and rusted vehicles on deserted streets thronged with litter was the City’s new look.

Yes, let’s take the tunnel, Keturah agreed with her mother’s suggestion.

That’s no longer an option. Erick shook his head as his feet refused to move. Too late for that. They’re already here.

He was still talking when a man, sheltered by the basement’s obscurity, hurried down the staircase and screamed with satisfaction, I found them. They’re over here. And they’ve got food. Tons of it.

Keturah rushed toward the back of the room, shivering at the thought of the mob that would stream down to the basement in no time.

This is the predicament I warned you about. Theo marched to the door while Erick and Athalee moved aside. He paused to admire a painting he had not had the time to see when he came in earlier. It showcased a hot-air balloon gliding over a breathtaking landscape of mountains, forests, and a pristine lake illuminated by a dazzling sun. Oh, I like this.

Erick told him, Keturah painted it.

Extraordinary masterpiece, Miss Keturah. Theo peered into her eyes before resuming his short walk toward the door.

Thank you. Keturah blushed as he crossed paths with her. She told herself, He smells like fresh pine. Her eyes widened when she observed his chiselled jawline and square-shaped face, but she looked away to avoid eye contact.

He’d fight Ducah and his mob, Erick thought. And maybe we’d have enough time to escape through the tunnel.

Athalee said to herself, Perhaps he’d help us after all.

Their jaws dropped when Theo kicked the bunker’s door shut.

Chapter 3

Barking at Theo, Erick demanded, Why did you do that?

 The lightbulb danced as a pendulum at the door-shutting motion, causing their shadows to follow in an opposite movement.

You shouldn’t have done that. You’ve made everything worse. Athalee screeched, holding her head with her hands.

Theo raised an eyebrow and looked at Keturah for an explanation, as she appeared to be the most emotionally stable of the three. 

She untangled to him the meaning of her parents’ scolding. This door locks automatically when closed. Because you slammed it shut, we’re stuck here.

So? Theo asked, with raised shoulders.

Did you just say ‘So?’ Athalee retorted. "The door you kicked shut is our unique way out. The only key to unlock it is in the basement’s safe on the other side of this door."

Theo looked at her, baffled.

Athalee’s lips trembled with despair. Even if we wanted to open the door to negotiate with them, we can’t—we can’t anymore. Because of you.

Theo chuckled, Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. He shall direct your path.

Familiar with this expression for being versed in the Scriptures, the pastor rubbed his chin and bit his lip. With raised eyebrows, he asked, Do you see a path out of here, young man?

"Why do you care so much about what he can see? Athalee snapped, mouth bitter as a splinter. The brown-eyed woman barged into Theo’s personal space. Her flared nostrils and her threatening frown signalled hostilities. Her face twisted, and her head thrust forward. She scolded him in a hostile mixture of screams and sputters. I don’t know you. And you have no right to be here. This is a private property. You’re trespassing. And you’re a trickster—a cheap magician. You vanishing and reappearing: isn’t that an illusion? Is that why you can appear here? Who are you? What are you? Answer me."

I’m a survivor who believes in the Lord-King.

Don’t you dare lie to me. Her teeth clenched.

I wouldn’t dare, Mrs. Rackdale. Like you, I survived these horrific years following the Rapture, hoping to linger—until the end.

Liar. You’re nothing but a cheap magician. She snapped tall.

"No, Ma’am. ‘Pull through another day until He returns.’ was my motto. And He returned. Oh, yes, He did, as you all know. Was it not written, ‘Behold, he comes with clouds’? Also, didn’t the Scriptures say, ‘and every eye shall see Him’? Well, we all saw Him, right? Don’t you remember?"

"You come here and dare quote the Scriptures. My husband is a pastor, remember?" Athalee copied Theo’s tone of voice.

I mean no disrespect. Quoting the Scriptures is now second nature. They were my saving grace through the Great Tribulation. I only survived because of them.

Don’t come and flaunt your so-called knowledge to my face.

I didn’t mean to brag; I’m referring to the Word to remind you of the promise in the first chapter of the book of Revelation, which came true.

Did I tell you to remind me of any passage? Athalee’s nostrils flared.

Whoa, Ma’am, I’m just here to help.

Quit saying that. She stomped. So far, you’ve failed miserably in your so-called mission.

I beg your pardon?

"You managed to scare my daughter and aggravated the situation by locking us here, ad vitam aeternam."

"You’re not locked here for eternity, Ma’am."

Oh yeah? Prove me wrong. 

Theo stiffened at the threat in her voice. Yet, he exhaled and replied, "I don’t need to. My Master gave me the Morning Star so I can help you and many others."

Athalee shuffled her feet, suppressing a pained grimace. It can’t be true. She stepped back, crossed her arms, and searched for answers on Erick’s face. 

The Pastor avoided her eyes and croaked, Huh? Wouldn’t that be nice?

"Why do I not believe you? Athalee shrugged her shoulders, forcing her lips together. Anyone could say that. Maybe you’ve just got a high-tech version of the chip. And now you’re just pretending to be something you’re not."

Theo shook his head, dumbfounded by her skepticism. You can’t be possibly serious.

I’m dead serious. Her poker face was no joke.

Anyone with the chip on their forehead or hand is now dead, Theo said. Do I look dead to you?

We can’t be too cautious nowadays.

Didn’t you see the Lord in the air when He returned with His saints?

Who could have missed that?

Well, then, why don’t you believe me?

You’ve avoided my question about your chip.

I don’t have it. I didn’t get it. I avoided it at all costs.

Yeah, right.

How can you ask if I have a high-tech version of the chip? Don’t you remember how it was out there?

I’m not answering that. Your disappearing act is just a magic trick, right? Athalee mocked, cocking her head.

Look closely at my hand and forehead, Mrs. Rackdale, Theo offered. He stepped under the light bulb, presented his right hand, and asked, Do you see any electronic chip?

A sharp bang on the other side of the metal door sent Erick and Athalee away from it, closer to Theo. 

Keturah drew near as well, telling herself, Should I trust him? He doesn’t look like a trickster, but how on earth can he disappear?

As the invaders repeated their pounding, resolute to break into the bunker packed with food, their muffled conversation reminded Erick and his wife of their double predicament. 

Athalee glanced at Keturah and rushed to whisper into her ears, keeping a cynical look. "I know what you’re thinking, but I’m telling you this: Don’t believe him. Remember what Dad always said: Don’t trust strangers. This guy’s nothing but a cheap magician."

She muttered, drawing closer, But, Mom, listen to him; he doesn’t sound like a bad guy.

Erick furrowed his brows. What do you mean by Morning Star?

Theo’s eyes closed to slit as his voice grew bubbly. We’re making progress. I love the vote of trust.

I didn’t say I trust you. Erick folded his arms as his head pushed back.

Theo’s eyes crinkled at the corners. You are beginning to, even though you don’t know it yet.

Athalee turned from Keturah and butted in. My husband only asked you a question. With dilated pupils, she growled, How on earth can you interpret that into him trusting you?

Theo’s teeth glittered in the soft light, and he nodded. But he does. What I mean by Morning Star is exactly as it is written in the Good Book. Revelation chapter two, remember?

Athalee turned her back to Theo and whispered to Erick, speaking through her tightened teeth. "We don’t know him. Don’t let him trap you with verses. We, Rackdales, don’t trust easily. Remember you told me that? We’ve survived for years like this since Peter—since Peter left. She sniffled at the mention of her son’s name while tears of anger pearled in her eyes. Don’t trust him, Erick."

He looked into her face. I know, but there’s just … something more with … him.

Athalee grabbed her husband’s hairy arms and gave him a fixed stare. Don’t.

Theo said, Rackdales, you all need to trust me. I can get you out of here to a safer place.

Trust? Safety? Erick, now stirred up by his wife’s intervention, roared, shaking his head. Do you know anything about the world we’re living in? Are you aware of what’s out there? It’s oppression against the Remnant. It’s survival of the fittest in a constant struggle to remain alive. It’s ‘Get the chip or lose your head.’ Literally.

Not anymore, Pastor Rackdale, Theo countered as the corner of his lips pushed upward while his front teeth dazzled in the light. Things have changed.

Really? Erick’s sudden sarcasm dimmed Theo’s smile. Then why are scavengers invading our home as we speak? Why is Ducah the Scarface on the other side of this door? Why are they trying to break into my supplies room while I’m locked here with a stranger?

I’ve been appointed to help you because things have changed. 

Quit talking in riddles and answer me, he squealed.

Repeated banging on the outside of the fortified supplies room reminded the Rackdales of their dire predicament.

I am here to help you, not to harm you. I have a friend in higher places who also can assist, Theo replied, as his eyes sparkled and his cheeks pushed upward. Take it easy. 

"These people outside want our food, and you probably do too. So, young man, quit wasting my time. I had thought you would talk some sense to them when you walked to the door. I didn’t know you