The Mark: The Beast Rules the World Page 27

  “Then why the big scene?”

  “I don’t figure everything out immediately. I sure didn’t want the mark. I was trying to figure a way to get out of it right up to the time they stuck me. I don’t have to like it, but what’s done is done, and a smart guy like you ought to be able to see the upside of this.”

  “Tell me, oh great intellect.”

  “So mock me. Forget it. I shouldn’t have to tell you anyway.”

  David stood and moved to the front of the desk and sat atop it, his knees inches from Chang’s. “All right, listen. It’s obvious you’re a mental prodigy, mind like a steel trap, all that. I’d heard you were a Bible-memory freak, which is saying something when you can’t risk being caught with one. All that from reading it on the Net?”

  Chang nodded.

  David continued. “I’m not hung up on being the smartest guy in the room no matter where I am. That didn’t used to be so, especially when I was your age. I enjoyed not only overwhelming older people with my brain but letting them know that we both knew who was the king. You want me on the floor, kissing your feet? Fine. You’re the best. You’re smarter than I am. I’m a journeyman, a plugger compared to you. That what you want to hear? It doesn’t bother me that you’re a few steps ahead of me—it really doesn’t. What bothers me is your assuming it bothers me, because it would bother you if the shoe were on the other foot. Then I get defensive, trying to prove it doesn’t bother me, which only makes it appear that it does. You following this?”

  Chang smiled. “Yeah, I got it.”

  “So enlighten me and quit trying to rub it in. What are you going to do with this ‘advantage,’ as you call it, being bi-loyal for lack of a better term? And how does acting angry with me help that cause, whatever it is?”

  “Glad you asked. May I take it from the top?”

  David nodded.

  “First, I like the term. Bi-loyal. That’s the way it appears. This forehead is going to really bother fellow believers. They can only assume the seal mark is fake, because no one would fake the mark of the beast. They’re going to take some persuading, and if I were them, I might never trust me.

  “But the Carpathia loyalists . . . they can’t see the mark of God, and they have no reason to believe the loyalty mark is anything but what it appears. Therefore, I am free to live among them—buy and sell, come and go, even work here—without suspicion and—if I’m careful—without risk.”

  “You’re good, Chang. But that last was very teenage thinking.”

  Chang appeared to think about that, then nodded his concession. “Maybe so. Too bad I won’t have an old guy like you around to keep me from being too tempestuous and impulsive.”

  “I’m starting to feel ancient.”

  “You are, Director. Think about how few years you have left on this earth as we know it.”

  “Funny.”

  “Question is, how do you and your three friends get out of here, and how do I get your job?”

  “You’re not going to get my job.”

  “I could do it.”

  “Maybe you could, but not even Carpathia is foolhardy enough to risk that. You have to work your way up, and I have an idea who might take my spot anyway. You’d wind up working for him.”

  “That’s too bad; if you’re right.”

  “I’m right. You’re so smart, have some common sense. They’re not going to put a teenager in a director’s chair. They’re just not. Think about it. I’m the youngest director now by eight years.”

  “Congratulations.”

  “That’s not the point. If you’re going to stay here and be a better mole than I was—because the mark gives you unquestioned credibility—you have to be strategic. Pick your spots. Do what you can.”

  “Which is what, in your opinion?”

  “I can teach you everything I know before I leave.”

  A smile played at Chang’s lips.

  “What?” David said. “I know you’re dying to say something.”

  “Just that you teaching me everything you know shouldn’t take long. It’s a joke. C’mon.”

  “A real comedian. Well, for as limited as I am, I’d like to think you’ll be amazed by what I’ve done here and what I have in place. My biggest worry is that my remote access is only good for as long as they stay with the current system.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that anymore,” Chang said.

  “Because?”

  “I’ll be here.”

  “But you’re not going to be a director. It won’t be your call what system they stay with or change to.”

  “But I can adapt what you’ve put in place to work with it, either way.”

  “You probably could.”

  “I know I could.”

  David covered his mouth with a hand, thinking. Why hadn’t he recognized the possibilities right away? “Some of your confidence is attractive. Part of it is off-putting.”

  “Most of it is an act, sir.”

  “Really?”

  “Sure. The whole thing in here was an act. Pushing your buttons was just for fun. I’m just showing you how I’d fit in here. Be a little sarcastic, a little condescending. Tweak people. You think they’re going to suspect I’m a Judah-ite?”

  “I’m just wondering what’s really inside you, Chang.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Spiritually. Your sister is a tough prison guard.”

  “She could whip my tail.”

  “But she glows with a spirituality, a humility. She has a real Christlike quality.”

  “Not around inmates she doesn’t.”

  “I suppose not. But what about you, Chang? Do you know who you are and who you’re not? Do you understand the depth of your own depravity and realize that God saved you while you were dead in your sins?”

  Chang nodded, maintaining eye contact. “I know I could use a lot more introspection, but yes, I do know. And I appreciate your reminding me.”

  “All right, I have a plan, Chang.”

  “That’s encouraging. So do I. But I had a little more time to think about mine, so you start.”

  “I’ll start because I’m older, I outrank you, and I am interviewing you. You’re not even an employee yet.”

  “I defer. Mine’s going to be better anyway, so go ahead. . . . Kidding!”

  “I say you maintain the attitude in front of the people here and your father, but give him a little slack before he leaves. He needs to believe you’re at least OK with being here. Don’t act impressed with me.”

  “That won’t be hard.”

  “All right!”

  “I’m listening.”

  “I’ll bet. Come reluctantly to the conclusion that you want to work here and that you figure this is the most logical department to work in, though you’re not impressed with it. You don’t want to appear too eager. They’re all excited about you, so let them stay that way. Play a little hard to get. As for me, I won’t act much more thrilled than I did in front of Moon, and I’ll just assign you to the guy I assume will replace me. After hours, you and I cram—mostly by phone and e-mail—and I’ll show you what I’ve set up. During the day you work with him. Don’t alienate him, because you’ll quickly be his number-two guy. You might even want to govern yourself so you don’t become too much of a star. Let him forget about you while trusting you. That way you’ll be most valuable to our cause. Make sense?”

  “You thought of that just now?”

  “Don’t start.”

  “I’m serious. Those were my thoughts exactly. And there’s nothing I want more than to use every gift God gave me to be, like you said, valuable to the cause. Do I get to be a member of the Tribulation Force? Or would I have to live in the safe house for that?”

  “They consider me a member. Of course, this is like the nerve center and they depend on what we do here to pave the way for them to come and go and infiltrate.”

  “So they ought to adopt me soon enough.”

  “I would imagin
e.”

  “May I shake your hand, as long as no one is looking?” David reached for him, and Chang gripped hard. “Don’t take me too seriously. I just like to mess with people’s minds.”

  “And I suppose few can compete,” David said.

  “Well, you sure can.”

  “I’m going to let you go and not do or say anything. Let them ask what I’ve decided. Then I’ll reluctantly say I can use you if they insist. That way we keep maintaining distance.”

  “So when you escape, they won’t think I had anything to do with it.”

  “Sort of. But actually—”

  “Excuse me, Mr. Hassid, but have you thought of making your disappearances look like something other than running from taking the mark?”

  David shook his head. “You got another few minutes, Chang?”

  CHAPTER 21

  One week before the resurrected Nicolae Carpathia’s widely advertised triumphal return to Jerusalem, Rayford Steele called an 8 p.m. meeting of the stateside Tribulation Force at the commons near the elevators in the Strong Building.

  Grieving for the Greek pastor he had met only briefly and for Laslos’s dear wife, he was nervous and fought to keep it from showing. God had restored him to leadership, and he was determined to fulfill his duty. As the others took their places, Rayford reviewed the dog-eared sheets of his legal pad and cleared his throat. He had not expected to become emotional and worried that it would detract from confidence in his command. But he couldn’t control his shaky voice from the first word.

  Eleven were there, including Rayford, Buck, Chloe—the surviving three original Trib Force members—and Kenny Bruce. In the order that they joined were also Tsion, Leah, Albie, Chaim, Zeke, Hattie, and Ming.

  “It’s important,” Rayford said, “that we always remember our extended family. In Greece, only Laslos remains. In New Babylon we have David, Mac, Abdullah, Hannah Palemoon, and Chang Wong. Maybe sooner than we think, we will all be together. Meanwhile, I am grateful to God for each one on this team.”

  Rayford asked Tsion to pray, and everyone in the room spontaneously either stood or knelt when he began. “God, our Father, we come to you weak and frail and wounded. So many here have lost so much, and yet we are grateful to you for your grace and for your mercy. You are a good God, full of loving-kindness. We pray for every member of our family and especially for the plans you have for us in just seven days.

  “We are comforted by the realization that you care even more than we do about our loved ones. We look forward to when we shall see you face-to-face, and we pray you will allow us the joy of bringing many more with us. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

  As the rest settled back in their places, Rayford began again. “I have assignments for everyone. The following will remain here during what we’re calling Operation Eagle: Chloe and Kenny, Ming, Zeke, and Tsion. I foresee using Ming more, but for now her being AWOL from the GC penal system makes her too vulnerable. Changing her appearance is going to be a true test of Zeke’s skills. Meanwhile, he has created new personas, looks, names, and documents for all who need them.

  “Albie and I will fly the fighter and the Gulfstream to Mizpe Ramon in the Negev tomorrow to supervise the completion of a remote airstrip and refueling center for the airlift. Buck and Chaim will fly commercially to Jerusalem in disguise and under aliases. Chaim will settle into the rebuilt King David Hotel, waiting to confront Carpathia when he enters Jerusalem. Buck will go on to Tel Aviv and be back in Jerusalem in time for Carpathia’s return.

  “Hattie and Leah will fly commercially to Tel Aviv, where they will process the volunteer vehicles and drivers who will help evacuate believers from Jerusalem to the planes in the Negev when it becomes necessary. They will also monitor Carpathia’s arrival, and, like Buck, Hattie will join the crowd watching the air show our New Babylon brothers and sister plan to perform for the potentate and follow the Carpathia entourage to Jerusalem.

  “Leah will use a rented vehicle to rendezvous with the New Babylon four in Jordan at the former Queen Alia International Airport, now known as Resurrection International. She will bring the New Babylon contingent to the airlift site, and they will fly back to the States with Albie and me at the conclusion of the airlift. Questions?”

  Chaim raised a hand. “I have only a thousand questions. But is it not time for my teacher, who ought to be respectful of his elder, to reveal the city of refuge?”

  Tsion smiled and looked to Rayford. “Soon everyone must know where the fleeing saints are headed after they have reached the airlift location in the Negev. Yes, Chaim, you have devoted yourself to your studies and deserve to know where you will lead the people. It is a city you have known about all your life. You have no doubt heard many stories about it, and it would not surprise me to learn that you have actually visited it as a tourist. It is one of the most famous ancient cities in the Middle East. Some call it the Rose Red City.”

  Chaim’s eyes came alive. “Petra!” he said. “In the ancient land of Edom!”

  “One and the same,” Tsion said.

  “I should have known. It will be difficult for us to get into, let alone a pursuing army.”

  “In fact, Chaim, God will make it impossible for them to get in. He has special obstacles planned, the likes of which have not been seen since the days of the first Exodus. Tell me, have you been to Petra?”

  “Twice as a youngster. I can never forget it. Oh, Tsion, this is a stroke of genius.”

  “It ought to be. I agree with countless scholars who say God has planned it for this very purpose from the beginning.”

  Toughest for David was planning the escape of the four believers without being able to meet with Hannah. It made sense to meet with Mac and Abdullah, who ultimately reported to him. And while David had to be circumspect and not too obvious, he got some time with Chang without raising eyebrows. What he really wanted was to meet with the four of them to carefully plot the entire scenario. By secure-connection phone calls and e-mails, he accomplished the same thing.

  Chang worked out better than David could have hoped. While young and impetuous, he was more than a computer genius. He was also a good actor and simply lent his skills to the department and impressed his immediate superior with his industriousness. When his parents returned to China, he was assigned permanent quarters, and he and David designed and installed a computer with an impregnable firewall that could do everything David’s computer did.

  The Tribulation Force around the world would have access to everything David had built into the palace system. But first and foremost, Chang would monitor the escape and stay tied in with the computers at the safe house in Chicago. Everyone would know where everyone else was and how the mission was progressing.

  Hannah’s practical suggestions proved valuable. She theorized that none of the four should pack or take anything they wouldn’t have taken on a real trip of the same duration. “Resist the temptation,” she counseled, “to take everything you need for the rest of your life.” There should be no hint of closure or finality in how they left their rooms and offices. Of his many computers, David could justify taking only his laptop.

  Each of the four planned to leave change on their dressers, things left undone, pictures on the wall, personal items lying about. They were determined to leave anything they would have left if they believed they would be back in a few days. Maybe even a kitchenette light on, a radio playing, favorite clothes or shoes waiting. To-do lists, half-eaten food in the refrigerator, unopened mail.

  Mac made a doctor’s appointment for the second morning after he was to return. Abdullah sent two uniforms to the palace dry cleaners that he was to pick up the afternoon he returned. David scheduled staff meetings and briefings with key staff members for his entire first week back. He sent memos to colleagues mentioning issues he would like to discuss, “sometime soon when our crazy schedules settle down a bit.”

  The announcement of Walter Moon’s ascension to Supreme Commander was made without pomp an
d went barely noticed. David, reporting to him officially the first time, asked casually if his own Israel-related plans should be scrapped in light of the change in personnel at the upper-management level.

  “And what were those plans, Director Hassid?”

  “Mac and Abdullah were to pilot the Phoenix 216 to Tel Aviv, where Potentate Carpathia and his VIPs would inaugurate the first loyalty mark application site open to the public. We understand he has a couple of days of meetings there first.”

  “Right. He and Reverend Fortunato have extended sessions with the sub-potentates and their religious representatives.”

  “Mac and Abdullah would return to New Babylon and return in one of the Quasi Twos, bringing with them the young woman from Medical Services who has experience with the biochip-injection system.”

  “I can tell you right now, David, that I would not want to see that changed. His Excellency is proud of that aircraft and loves to have it shown off to the citizenry.”

  “Our thought was that Mac would do a little air show, letting people know what that baby can do.”

  “The potentate will love that,” Walter said.

  “I would too, if you thought it wasn’t too extravagant to let me go along.”

  “Not at all. You go right on.”

  “Mac can really make that thing sing. He and his first officer can put it through its paces with the young woman and me aboard, along with the equipment for the application site. Then upon landing, he can introduce the nurse and the equipment while people line up.”

  “Perfect. His Excellency will get that site rolling, and we move on to Israel, where he has something else planned.”

  When the day came, Mac and Abdullah were up before dawn, and David supervised the loading of the Phoenix 216 for the potentate and his entourage’s flight to Tel Aviv. The biggest chore for a cargo crew that had recently lost its chief was the loading of a gigantic pig that had been driven in the night before from Baghdad. “Were there no pigs in the Holy Land?” Supreme Commander Moon wanted to know.

  A young Russian who had appointed himself acting loadmaster, with David’s blessing, said, “The late Mr. Hickman, rest his soul, insisted on the biggest, fattest one in the database, and you’re looking at him. Or her.”