The very next day, I was in my living room with Alan and Miriam. It had been nearly a week since I’d brought back Alan (nee Lazarus) from the dead – I’d hoped that my former friends would have left me by now but as usual nobody seemed to care what I wanted. But at least Miriam wasn’t decked out in her PPE and she didn’t try to make Alan to the same.
And so Miriam had continued to help Alan recover, I’d been raked with more revelations (no rest for the weary). So far today I’d been free of vision, however that didn’t mean I could relax. As I sat in my Laz-e-boy trying to drink myself into oblivion, Alan and Mary were sipping tea on my raggedy couch (and clearly not getting my many hints for them to scram).
They had no idea about my visions the past few days and I wasn’t about to tell them. I did my best to conceal the shaking of my hands but it wasn’t working — for no matter what I did, I couldn’t escape the image of The Beast nailed to Peter’s cross!
Meanwhile, Alan was now back to his old self – which is to say that he was determined to understand what was going on in the world; and now he and Miriam were both wearing me out with their questions.
“Thank God you were able to find me, Miriam.” Alan gushed again. “Even while I was lost inside myself, I could feel the slightest something… tingling at the edges of my mind — a faint calling that kept me from falling over the precipice and into Oblivion. Miriam, you saved my life!”
(Hmmm. Alan’s talk suddenly intrigued me. For a moment I forgot about Bates as I realized that if I could somehow get myself into one of those Chairs, then perhaps I could succeed where Alan had failed).
(Yeah, you’re welcome – now get out so I can get back to work).
“Well, you both did.” Alan smiled. But then, after pondering further, “Miriam, you’ve talked to me with your telepathy before, but this time it was different — it wasn’t so much a voice I heard, as a <presence> I felt. Was this because of The Chair of Woe?”
Miriam blushed, “Alan, I was desperate. Time was running out, and telepathy wasn’t working. I, ah, had to use… my Psychic Probe.”
Yet it was too late to save Alan from embarrassment, and his face went from a canvas of shocked whiteness to one of flushed red.
At this, Miriam quickly added. “Please. Don’t worry, Alan. I only used the power to locate you. I did not go into your memories.”
(Well, if she did, then she’ll know the secret Alan’s been keeping from her lo these many years. Oh, this is rich!)
“Ah… thank you?” Alan was clearly still horrified at the prospect of Miriam inside his mind. “It’s not as if I have anything to hide, mind you. It’s just… just that…”
“A man’s thoughts are his private business.” I wagged a finger at Miriam. “Nobody should be able to get into the mind of another person. I don’t even know why you call that ability a gift, – it’s witchcraft.”
“And your Alchemy is any better?” Miriam shot back. “John, you’ll go to the Pit for your lack of discipline – led astray by your own great folly! Talk about witchcraft, why that’s the very defin—“
“People!” Alan broke in. “In-fighting is not going to get us anywhere. Look, I am grateful to you both. By whatever means necessary, you saved my life. Thank you.” And he switched subjects. “I should have known that Teri was the real Mystery. After all, how could a woman like that be so interested in Biblical Antiquities?”
“Amen to that!” Miriam chimed in. “It only took me one look to see that there was more to her than meets the eye.”
“But, if Mystery is the Evil Temptress, how do we explain her dealings with Benedict? After all, even though Jesus charged us with The Commission, I’ve always felt that The Pope would be OUR ally, not theirs.”
“Benedict can’t be aligned with Bates.” Miriam replied. “The Beast must take down The Rock of Peter before he can begin his own reign.”
“Well, Francis is that rock now.” Alan advised. “Clearly there’s more to Benedict then we all knew. How do you explain his role otherwise?”
“I believe there’s only one interpretation,” Miriam offered. “Benedict will be the one to kill this man Ma’bus and enable the Second Coming – not us!”
Miriam caught me off guard with that comment and I saw that Alan was taken back a bit as well.
(I know what you’re thinking – now would be a good time to tell them about my vision of the future with Benedict supposedly killing the Ma’bus figure, but I wasn’t about to give Miriam the satisfaction).
“Such as the potential that Bates is NOT the antichrist and that Benedict is.”
(Sorry, but I couldn’t resist throwing that out there – if only to get them riled up a bit!)
“No chance.” Alan shot down my comment. “Bates IS The Beast. Mystery told me so and we all agreed on who she is.”
“Interesting – I don’t recall me agreeing.” I replied. “After all, if Mystery is The Evil Temptress wouldn’t it be in her nature to mislead you?”
Alan did not reply.
“And even if Benedict is not The Beast, couldn’t he be The Second Helper?” I suggested. “Perhaps he will bring The Nails to Bates’ Ma’bus persona as part of the Armageddon Rite, maybe Benedict is the one who will install them into The Crown of Doom, thus stopping the Second Coming. Perhaps, he—“
(Suddenly I stopped short, realizing I was saying too much).
A couple nights later I had my sleep interrupted again – this time with another vision of The Two Witnesses as the word became flesh before my eyes…
<Drip… drip… drip…>
<Drip… drip… drip…>
<Drip… drip… drip…>
I watched as a frustrated Enoch, despite his blindness, arose from the prison floor and tried to ferret out the source of the annoying drip. After a time, he did successfully locate the trickle, but unfortunately the crack in the cell’s ceiling was simply too high for him to do anything about.
<Drip… drip… drip…>
Ice cold rivulets splashed into Enoch’s maw – smelling of raw sewage they were far from refreshing. And so, backing away dejectedly, he slumped back down onto the pile of filthy straw that was his bedding and did the only thing he could – endure.
As for Elijah, he might as well have been a dead log. During this brief respite from their visions, I was certain that sleep, if the prophets’ could grasp it, was a welcome relief. (Even though my own was currently being interrupted!)
Turning my attention back to Enoch, I wondered if he ever remembered that he was once a man of renown – and if so, would that knowledge cause him to curse his present condition? For the fact that he formerly enjoyed the favor of God but was now subject to a fate worse than Job seemed like a pretty raw deal to me. (After all, this was something I could definitely relate to). Or was Enoch foolish enough to believe he was going to be rewarded for this ‘righteous’ suffering?
<Drip… drip… drip…>
“Will this never end?” Enoch muttered, head hanging in misery. “Where is our savior?”
(Well I guess that answers my question).
Suddenly my vision shifted – torn from the prophets’ cell, I was again looking upon the man calling himself Ghaz al’ Ridwan Ma’bus. He was in his private quarters and again watching a webcam of the prophets, but this time he was not alone.
“Don’t worry, my friend, I’ll save you.” An unmasked Ma’bus replied to Enoch’s question, even though the prophet never heard him.
“What does he mean?” Mystery said. Not only was the woman not wearing any Covid personal protection, but she was wearing little else – climbing off the bed she clasped a wisp of silk around heras she came up behind her lover to look at his computer. “What will never end? The virus? The world? His revelations?”
“Who cares? He’s clearly not having a true vision, so it doesn’t matter.”
“How do you know he is not prophesying?” Mystery wrapped her arms seductively around the technocrat’s shoulders.
“Look at Elijah — he’s out.” Dr. Mab’us casually brushed off Mystery’s advances. “The Two Witnesses never reveal wisdom unless they both speak. So perhaps Enoch’s just complaining about the food?”
Mystery ignored her lover’s rebuff and chuckled along at his last comment before growing serious, “Benedict suspects something about all this, you know.”
“So?” The computer whiz turned dictator continued to stare at his webcam, allowing his mind to think of ways to improve the tech in the device.
“So, he never got around to asking about the prophets, nor how Alan escaped — but only because I got out of there before he could dig too deep.”
“He knows about all of it by now.”
“How? Did you tell him? Did he—“
Bates raised a hand, “Don’t forget the kind of power we’re dealing with. Joseph Ratzinger is no ordinary man. He is one of the Chosen.”
(A Chosen — Joe? Again, I’m as confused as you are).
And closing his computer screen, Dr. Ma’bus turned to look at Mystery, ignoring the temptation of her seductive body, “Benedict already knows that I have the witnesses. And as for Lazarus, surely Benedict knows that Mary came to my lair to rescue him… and that I let Mary succeed.” (Whoa, what’s that?)
“But he wasn’t happy to learn that you kept Alan’s Nail.”
“Of course not. He wants The Nails for himself – and he’ll stop at nothing to get them. I’m sure he’s already planning to influence Mary and John to bring him the other two.” (Hey, don’t bring ME into it!)
“But he won’t succeed.” Mystery smiled. “Alan’s nearly dead because of what Dr. Flipflop and you did to him to him with The Chair of Woe, and John is out of the game permanently.”
“On the contrary. Lazarus will be fine. John will repent. And Benedict will eventually get his hands on all three of The Nails.” (La, la, la, I can’t hear you!)
“What?” Mystery gasped – apparently wondering if she’d chosen the right side.
Bates seemed to know what she was thinking, “Dost thou have so little faith in me?”And before Mystery could stutter a response, he explained, “This is all part of MY plan, dear – just like with Covid. As for Lazarus, you know I only wanted to toy with him in The Chair — you know he is needed for something far more important… later. I knew that Mary would come to rescue him once she was informed by Gabriel. So by torturing Lazarus, I forced Mary to take him to the one person on earth who could cure him of the wounds I inflicted.”
“The Apostle John.” Mystery nodded.
(No, this is not happening! Please don’t let me just be a pawn. Don’t let all of my actions be predetermined! Quick, what am I thinking right now? What am I going to do next? See, YOU don’t know, right? And neither do I. So how can they?)
“Correct.” Dr. Ma’bus replied. “Mary had to take Lazarus to John. Given his resentment against Jesus, I’m sure John resisted getting involved, but I expect that Mary was quite convincing.”
Mystery smiled knowingly at that comment.
“Oh, not in the way that you are thinking.” Ma’bus explained, pulling Mystery over to lap and ripping away her coverlet. “John’s too old to care about this sort of thing.”(Hey, you’re wrong there). “And I’ve always wondered if he liked women anyway – after all his own gospel says that he is the apostle that Jesus loved. Ha!” (Now that’s a low blow. I’m not gay – not that there’s anything wrong with it — that lifestyle just doesn’t appeal to me). “And Mary doesn’t have your… talents. But the bottom line is that she has learned how to control minds – remember the havoc she caused here – my people are still suffering from her rampage. And I don’t doubt she would use that power on John too.”
(Wrong again — I did not agree to help because I was influe– Wait a second, DID Mary use her Psychic Probe on me?)
“But, even if John cures Alan,” Mystery asked, still sitting in the nerd’s lap, “how do you know they will go to Benedict? And why in Hell would they give him their Nails?”
“My dear, let’s not forget WHY these Nails exist in the first place.”
Mystery hesitated, “Er… ah… to destroy… you.”
“Don’t be afraid to say it, love. After all, what you said IS the truth.” And here the flaccid man pushed Mystery off as he rose up and took on a pompous air, “These are the very nails by which Jesus of Nazareth was gloriously crucified nearly two thousand years ago. The holy spikes that pierced his flesh and sent him to the grave. Why, the beat-up iron still retains his blood! Enemy or not, I understand the power these instruments contain — they will be the glorious tools by which I complete the Armageddon Rite and thus stop the Nazarene’s Second Coming once and for all. Indeed, December 21st will mark the official beginning to my own reign upon this world!”
Although Mystery smiled back, it was clear she was still unsure.
“I sense your uncertainty. Care to see what the Nails can do?”
Mystery took a step back, grasping for her coverlet again, “Here? Now? No. I’m confident in what I already know about them from my father, and in what you’ve told me.”
“Ah, but I don’t think you are.” The dictator reached out and grabbed her by the hair! (Damn, this girl’s been taking a beating lately, huh?)
“Ghaz, no!” Mystery shrieked, unable to break his iron grip.
Spinning her around, the man slammed her into a chair and ripped her silk away again, “Don’t move!” As he spoke, his eyes rolled back – showing nothing but the whites – and his voice became rich with an ancient <power>. “Now you’ll get a taste of what I possess.”
Although Dr. Ma’bus’ demonic persona quickly receded, Mystery remained trapped in place, whilst the man tapped his watch to activate its communication feature, “Oh Jamir, be a good sport and bring me The Nail of Lazarus.”
As my vision dragged on, Pope Benedict continued to strangle Mystery and I gotta say – it was a shocking sight!
So much for social distancing, huh?
I took a moment to ponder more on the possibility of TWO Beasts by remembering Revelation Chapter 13. Look it up with me, will you…
Did you read it? If not stop and go do that. It’s kind of important. Don’t worry, I’ll wait…Read Revelation 13 now…
OK, so based on what you read, clearly you’ll agree that the first beast is to be a political figure, right? And surely Bill Bates as Ghaz al’ Ridwan Ma’bus now fits that description.
As for the second beast, I’ve always thought he would be a pseudo religious figure, but I never anticipated it being The Pope of the Catholic Church – I mean, that’s is Peter’s Rock we’re talking about!
Two beasts – the Great Deceiver and the Great Imitator. Could they really be Bill Bates and Pope Benedict?
I was jarred out of my thoughts by Joe’s viciousness – still choking his adversary, Mystery’s face was now turning blue.
“Answer me!” The Pope roared, at last he releasing his grip on the woman’s neck, yet still holding her down with his weight.
<GAAAASP! GUUUULLLP!> Mystery sucked wind back into her lungs. Tears had been forced from her eyes while the Pope had strangled her and her mascara was smudged, yet even still her face was beautiful to behold.
“I told… you…” She struggled, “I followed… your directions.”
“You did not!” Joe’s eyes were wide in blood lust as he again placed his hands around the girl’s throat. “You failed me! You failed the world.”
But this time, Mystery would not be taken so easily, and before the Pope could get a grip, she brought her knee up hard – into his groin.
The Pope crumbled backwards in agony – smashing Mystery’s chair to splinters and landing in a heap on the ground.
Now it was Mystery who had the upper hand, and she stood over the Pope, “You’ll pay for this treatment, Joe! I was never yours to begin with. You of all people should have known that. From The Darkness I came, and to The Darkness I shall return. So why did you trust ME, Joe?” And pointing down at him, “It is YOU who are the Fool, for The Brotherhood has chosen — Bates as Ma’bus is The Chosen One. Therefore I serve him, Joe… And I always have!”
(Gee, miss a few Brotherhood meetings and the world changes beyond recognition. What gives?)
I watched as Mystery then walked a line over Joe and toward the door. Stopping for only a moment to pull out her compact, she fixed her makeup before straightening her dress and then exiting The Pope’s office.
For his part, Joe remained upon the floor, in silence.
After a time, one of his feline friends emerged from some hidden corner and began to lick the Pope’s forehead — as if caring for his wounds. At last, Joe opened his eyes – yet instead of revealing tears or lamentation, I could see that his eyes were bright, almost twinkling.
It’s not often when I actually want my revelations to continue, but today I did because I was curious to know more about the relationship between Pope Benedict and Teri Abbracciavento.
“You’re hiding something.” The Pope calmly averred to his guest. He was sitting unmasked in his high backed chair behind a massive desk that was itself situated upon a raised dais in the middle of his office – all of which allowed him to look down upon any visitors seated before him.
“Oh, I wish you’d close those drapes so I don’t have to stare into the sun behind you.” Mystery complained as she removed the face mask she’d been wearing in the foyer to comply with the Vatican’s Well-Health requirements. “It’s not creating the halo effect you’re looking for, so can we lose the charade in my case?”
A momentary tightening of the jaw was the only perceptible sign of Joseph’s irk, yet outwardly he smiled as he pressed another button on his desk – causing the heavy curtains to close.
The room grew noticeably darker, yet Joe made no effort to turn on any lights, “I’d imagine you’re more comfortable with the lights off, my dear? After all, from The Darkness you came, and to It you shall ret—“
“Spare me the dramatics, please, Joe. I already told you I appreciate the praise for the Ki-Moon mission – although that was a pretty easy job. And yes, my father is doing well at the chateau you secured for him. But this meeting was supposed to be about BAVI and what we’re going to do next.”
“Haven’t we been discussing that for the last 45 minutes? And yet YOU who are the one not being forthright with me.”
“You can read me like a book – or so you believe.” Mystery smiled. “Well if you are correct, then what is it that I am hiding?”
“You have avoided my questions about Professor Zarus.”
“What is there to tell? You told me to ensure that he was safe.”
“I told you to bring him to me!” Joe slammed his fist onto the desk.
“It wasn’t safe here.”
“But it was safer to bring him to BAVI?” Joe took a deep breath and sat back in his chair – he looked at Mystery for a long time without saying a word.
(Well this at least solves one mystery for us – BAVI is clearly Bill Bates nee Ghaz al’ Ridwan Ma’bus, right?)
Meanwhile I saw Benedit get up and walk over to his sidebar, poured himself a tall glass of Barenfang– sans ice – and then returned to his seat.
He did not offer Mystery a drink.
(Good for you, Joe!)
Looking at his guest, Pope Benedict took a long pull of his liquor and let out a big sigh. “Mystery, so help me God, you are playing a game you cannot win. If you try to double cross me, I will not only see that you burn in Hell – which is already a given – but you’ll lose your promised riches in this life too. Is that what you want?”
Straightening her shoulders and raising her chin high, Mystery gamely replied, “I merely want what is coming to me. No more. No less.”
“Oh, you’ve got that coming, sister. Don’t worry.”
(Hmmm, that’s news to me. Like I said before, perhaps if I had attended some of the more recent Brotherhood meetings I’d be more up on current events – interesting).
“I only did as I was told.”
“Not by me! I told you to bring Zarus to Rome.”
“That plan is still in progress.”
“So who told you to take Zarus to BAVI first?”
“I can’t answer that question.” Mystery looked down at her lap.
Another nod to ponder, another sip on his drink,. “Interesting. Yet, no matter. I’ll let you can keep your secrets, Mystery – for now.”
But then, Joe’s voice grew darker, “It’s not a sin to expel a demon. With that in mind, dear, I ask you — why should I even let you walk out of my office alive?”
(Wow, now this was clearly a side of my friend that I had not seen before!)
Yet Mystery didn’t even flinch. “We both know that you cannot complete your plans without me.”
Joe finished his drink, “You’d better hope that’s STILL the case, eh?” And before Mystery could reply, he added, “But let’s get to the heart of the matter — Zarus is secondary — it’s his prized possession I really need.”
(Oh no, not you too, Joe).
“Oh that…” Mystery snickered.
“Yes?”
“Well, it seems… there’s been a change of plans there. You see, although Alan himself will be coming to you, his Nail won’t.”
“What good is Zarus to me without The Nail?”
(This is looking worse for you, Joe. Whose side are you on, anyway?)
“That’s between you and BAVI. My mission, in your very words, was to ‘deliver Alan Zarus’ to you and, as I said, that is still in progress.”
“You, demon-whore!” Joe snarled, slobber running down the side of his mouth. “You know Zarus is worthless to without The Nail. Mystery, you have failed me!” And he arose from his seat and moved menacingly towards her.
Mystery made no move to stop him — for she appeared certain that the Pope was all bark and no bite.
It must have come as a surprise then when Joe viciously grabbed her by the throat and pulled her out of her seat!
Spinning her around and slamming her back against the desk, Joe continued choking her, “You knew it was Zarus’ Nail I wanted. You knew I needed all three. And yet you dare to defy me? Why?”
Two days later, Miriam was still sitting beside Alan’s bed as he recovered – amazingly she was going so without any of her personal protective equipment on!
Meanwhile, I was having a beer on my back porch – Heavy Seas Loose Cannon – one of my favorite IPAs. Like so many other brews it was no longer being manufactured by the original brewery since Heavy Seas and pretty much every other microbrewery (and all other small businesses for that matter) had been destroyed by the forced lockdowns early on in the Covid plandemic. Luckily for me, being the alchemist that I was, I was easily able to replicate the recipe for all the beers I liked so I could brew them on my own. (Hadn’t you been wondering where I got all my beer from? Well now you know).
As for Alan, I knew he was out of the woods by now so I could relax a bit. And since I couldn’t just sit there and listen to Miriam whine (that woman is like a canary – she never shuts up), I planned to spend my time on the porch blasting away the sound of her yapping with a Cannon… or three.
Naturally, The Lord picked this as yet another occasion to send me a vision…
“Another day, another dollar.” I saw an unmasked Benedict say to himself as he watched a rather strange man leave his conservatory.
I recognized the other gentleman immediately – for there could only be one man bold enough to sport such garb: a flamboyant outfit highlighted by a Venetian mask over his face – like all other masks, it didn’t work against Covid, but at least Marrollo’s looked interesting.
I knew exactly who he was: Cardinalate Giovanni Marrollo — an eccentric but high-ranking member of the Vatican.
High-ranking indeed, for Marrollo was the current President of the Pontifical Commission, making him the de facto CFO of the Vatican). He was also one of the driving forces behind the messaging Pope Francis used to talk up the benefits of the United Nations Agenda 2030 and Great Reset one-world government plans.
“How many of those crazy masks does that man have?” Joseph wondered aloud once Marrollo was gone, “More importantly, can I still call him my friend?”
Knowing now why The Lord had given me this vision, I realized that the Pope had reason to be concerned — for although Marrollo had helped Joseph Ratzinger to get elected as Pope Benedict XVI, surely Joseph was not foolish enough to believe that Marrollo had done this merely out of the goodness of his heart.
The same could be said for the way Marrollo helped Joe to orchestrate his pseudo-retirement. And naturally everybody who was anybody knew that Marrollo was the man who had installed Pope Francis as the new figurehead so that Joe and Marrollo himself could wield the real power behind the scenes – and out of the public eye. It was a matter of course that Joe had therefore always repaid Marrollo by appointing him to a host of gaudy positions within Vatican City.
But was that enough to make them even in Marrollo’s mind?
I never thought so and clearly Joe was now wondering the same.
(When Joe mentioned that Crypta, I knew that it should have jogged another memory, but he kept yammering on and I couldn’t think straight… perhaps that 3rd beer had something to do with it?)
“If I let Marrollo secure the Penitentiary,” Joe’s words interrupted my thoughts again, “Then, coupled with his other commissions, he would effectively control all of the Vatican’s wealth… and all of its secrets.” And his face went white at the implication. “No single person has ever held all that power.”
Joe continued his musings, “But alas, how can I refuse Marrollo? Ah, there is the question indeed. For he obviously believes he holds all the cards.”
And I watched as The Pope pondered a few moments more, before concluding, “Sadly for Marrollo, he is incorrect. Oh, I’ll let him continue to think he is pulling the strings… for now. After all, I just need another five months and then it’s all a moot point. And if he does turn out to be a traitor, I’ll be the first to remind him that he who digs a pit, often falls into it himself!”
And with that thought, the Pope smiled as he pressed the contact on his desk that communicated with his Secretary. “Ah, Georg, who is my next appointment?”
The pope’s personal secretary Reverend Monsignor Georg Ganswein had followed him into retirement – having no idea that the venture would end up requiring more hours of him than less! He replied wearily, “Your Excellency, that would be Miss Teri Abbracciavento, and she is waiting here to enter at your convenience.”
Pope Benedict’s eyes flickered wide only for a moment, before steeling himself for this next ordeal. Sitting higher in his chair, he advised, “You may show her in, Georg.”
(Well, well, it seems this vision just got a lot more interesting – I was about to witness the ol’ Joe getting another opportunity to deal with the devil’s mistress. Strange bed fellows indeed, eh?)
My marathon day of visions continued. After moving past the vision of Mary and Jesus, my second – and much more interesting – vision, was pretty deep — think Book of Revelations…
As best I could make out, I was witnessing a FUTURE event—for I was looking upon The Altar of The One True God at The Temple of Jerusalem and immediately I spied Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger, Pope Benedict XVI, the Ayatollah, and that crazy nut Bill Bates — all together.
Given the hordes of people covering the hillsides, I surmised that this was the much publicized ceremony that Rabbi Metzger was organizing to unite their religions in a new era of brotherly love. (Hogwash in my opinion, but who am I to object?)
My vision blurred for a moment, and when it returned, the entire mood had shifted; something was off – for the rabbi was now laying motionless upon The Altar — and peering closer I could see he was dead. Looking around, I also noticed three crosses in the background — they had an eerie resemblance to the ones back on Golgotha – especially since I saw figures on those crosses – crucified!
I strained my eyes to identify the victims – only to get a major shock – for the first body hanging limply on a cross was Lazarus!
I turned to the second cross – only to see Mary.
(Can you guess who was nailed to the third?)
Yes, it’s always unnerving to see yourself as a bloody corpse, but over the years, I’ve been stabbed, shot, and killed in so many ways that it doesn’t affect me much anymore. Instead what excited me about this vision was that, perhaps, just perhaps, this death would really take.
For if this prophecy was true, it seemed I was looking upon the event which I had been waiting nearly two thousand years for – my own death!
Whoopee!!
Now as I told you before, Mary, Lazarus, and I had all been made immortal so that we could stop the coming of The Antichrist. This was our Commission and if successful, we’d be assisting Jesus in his glorious return – unfortunately, it was a job at which we had failed miserably – many times.
For nearly two thousand years, we’d been on guard. At various times in the past, my friends and I thought The End Times were approaching and that the Antichrist walked the earth – yet upon every occasion we were wrong.
Now, however, it appeared that I was finally seeing a different vision – for it was the first which showed the deaths of The Immortals – which I always knew was a key to The End.
Unfortunately for the sake of The Commission, again it seemed that my friends and I had failed – for in my vision The Beast was very much alive, while we three were clearly dead. (Oops!)
Once more my vision got hazy. When next it cleared, I found myself riveted back to the altar – someone was standing there. It was a man who looks like everyman, yet no man. He was wearing a crown of thorns and blood was raining from his head. For a moment I thought it was Jesus, but suddenly I realized it was another – Bill Bates!
Or was it? For his face shifted, and I was left to wonder, Is it you, Lord? Are you really Bill Bates?
Yet there was no time to be sure, for now there was more activity over at the crosses. Something was being done to defile us — a figure in white was pushing a spear into the sides of our bodies.
That’s when I realized Lazarus and Mary were NOT dead after all – for I heard them scream as they got impaled!
Did that finally kill them? I had no time to ponder further, for now the mysterious murderer came over to me.
Entering my own body in my vision, I looked down upon my murderer, yet before I could make out his face, he pierced me too!
“YAAAWWWWWP!!!!” I wailed and even though it was a vision, it hurt like Hell!
To my horror I realized just what we had been speared by — This wasn’t the infamous Spear of Longinus, instead it was one our Nails… The Nails of Jesus Christ!
Immediately my soul began to separate from my body and I was floating away to… to?
As I felt my true self being torn from this world, my vision shifted back to The Altar.
Bill Bates was there and the figure in white was approaching him from behind.
Finally I could see his face clearly — it was none other than Joseph Ratzinger — Pope Benedict XVI!
Then it was that I made a shocking observation: Joseph was actually carrying The Nails – something no mortal had ever done and lived to tell about it.
Yet the pope was doing it — carefully he took each one and installed them in a glowing new crown – even as Bill Bates was removing his own crown of thorns.
His face a picture of <POWER!>, Bates was glowing with Victory. Meanwhile, Joseph face showed a sly smile as he lowered the crown filled with our Nails down upon Bates’ head…
<A Blinding Light from Above!>
And the vision expired.
Breathless, I was left with but one thought..
Can it really be true? My God, Pope Benedict will be responsible for the death of Bill Bates!
My vision of Benedict and his conspirators continued. After the professor’s revelation about The Seven Seals, all three of them turned inward — examining their thoughts.
Antonio Abbracciavento seemed to realize that the subject that he had devoted his life to was unfolding before his very eyes – although now it appeared he didn’t have the stomach for it.
Meanwhile Teri seemed to be relishing every moment. And as for Benedict, well it was obvious that he still had a major part to play before he could finally retire to that much desired rest, (but I couldn’t help thinking of the proverb: He who digs a hole, falls into his own pit).
Eventually Antonio spoke further about the terrible implications of the Seven Seals (And for the most part, he explained my work quite well). Yet, it was all he could do to hold himself together and he noticeably shook during his monologue.
For his part Benedict listened stoically, detaching himself from the grim horrors that the professor described. Once Antonio finished, The Pope added his thoughts, “Dreadful? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely. After all, we must remember — the sheep were made to be shorn. It is their role in The Great Play.”
“All things work together for The Good.” Antonio patted his daughter’s hand as if to console her, yet I knew he was trying to convince himself more than anyone else.
“You are not responsible for this, Antonio.” Benedict advised. “Just because you have the foreknowledge of the crime doesn’t make you guilty of it.” The oldster was about to reply, but got tongue-tied instead and the Pope sensed his fear, “Sharing what you know with the world will NOT stop the events from happening. Do not even think of such a foolish act.”
Teri looked at her father in horror. “Papa! You were not contemplating this were you?”
Again, Antonio stuttered – further convicting himself.
(Fool. Don’t you realize that God has a plan and things will happen in His time and His time alone.
We are all just the pawns of prophecy – whether we act or not.
That’s why I don’t care anymore – after all, it doesn’t matter what Antonio, me, or any of us do — He already knows how it will all turn out!)
“Get control of yourself, Abbracciavento.” The Pope grated. “You’d be a fool to reveal such knowledge to the world. No one would believe you. More importantly, The Wheel of Time WILL turn and December 21st will arrive regardless of what you do.”
“Father will do no such thing.” Teri quickly changed the subject. “And speaking of December 21st, wouldn’t you like to hear about Mr. Bates?”
“The rascal is proving to be quite a genius, eh?” Pope Benedict said.
“Indeed. He is becoming a power by literally buying the world.”
“Everybody wants the Identichip, eh?”
“Did you know many nations have stopped accepting trade unless they are paid in E-Yuans through the Identichip? Nobody has confidence in the financial backing of ANY country – except the Bates Foundation blockchain system administered from the World Economic Forum. That’s why people are so desperate to be implanted with an IdentiChip and why UN is recommending it. Even Putin is on board – although I’m sure there’s a back door deal or two in play.”
“So, Mr. Bates has the world by the balls and now the UN wants to sell our souls back to him?” Benedict summarized. “And yet I say — what the wicked dread will overtake them. Yet so be it, friends – for let’s not lose sight of the prize.”
“The Triumph of Christ” by Gustave Dore
Your Grace, what will happen now?” Antonio asked.
“I would bet The Brotherhood is going to have Ban Ki-Moon removed – soon.” The pope was quick to reply.
“Assassination of The UN Secretary General?” Antonio gasped.
“Father, don’t interrupt.” Teri hushed him.
“That would be the next logical move.” The Pope explained, making the motion to wash his hands of the matter. “And there’s not much we can do to stop it – as I said, the Wheel of Time will move forward of its own accord. Once Ki-Moon is out of the way, the picture becomes much clearer for our adversary.”
“Bill Bates will be elevated to power – just in time for the Great Ceremony.” Teri smiled.
“Ah, my children,” The professor interrupted. “I’m afraid you are mistaken. For Mr. Bates has already declined such a position. Even if he wanted it, surely Putin and Xi would block such a move – those two are always conspiring.”
“Bill Bates as Secretary General is inevitable.” Benedict re-affirmed. “Yet’s that only a minor stepping stone for him. I’m surprised you didn’t see this, Antonio — the world is in turmoil and it has been for over a decade. We need ONE person to step up and draw us together under the banner of peace and safety. The planet is begging for a leader who can help us escape these never ending pandemics and find sustainable solutions to the specter of climate change. Who else could that person be but William Henry Bates III? Sure he makes a pretense of resisting, but in reality only because his time has not yet come. He will accept the post when it is laid at his feet – when the world begs him to take over – and with your pawns Putin, Xi, and that puppet-master Obama leading the way.”
“Father, I’ve already told you The Brotherhood has been pumping The Bates Foundation’s agenda up throughout Africa.” Teri reminded. “They’re using the BLM goons to build anti-Asian sentiment against Ki-Moon among the more radical factions of Europe so he won’t be around much longer. The World Health Organization, CDC, and political hacks like Dr. Flipflop have destroyed people’s businesses and their spirits with never-ending lockdowns against their made-up pandemic variants. Ninety-nine percent of the world is now on universal basic income and nobody can work, travel, or even buy groceries without their Freedom Passes – and that’s assuming they have enough social credits to unlock their account. The public is crying for a savior! Why it’s all going according to plan and you know this already. Why are you being so difficult?
(I would have known that too — had I been to any of the recent Brotherhood meeting).
“But, how does that help our cause?” Antonio asked. “I thought we were trying to destroy Mr. Bates, not give him even more power.”
“In chess?” Antonio returned the question. “Are you asking if I have played the Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov?”
“Yes.”
“Why would Karpov waste his time with me? I’m no master.”
“I have played Karpov – once.” Benedict reminisced. “1984. You may not know this but I actually did hold Master rank during my youth– although it was unofficial, given my religious position. In any case, the Grandmaster taught me quite a lesson…
“For Karpov’s intentions became understandable to his opponents only when salvation was no longer possible.
“That is what happened to me too.” Benedict continued. “Karpov drew me in, allowed me to rise to a position of power, and then ruthlessly crucified me. Once he decided to make his move, his drive to mate was inevitable and certain. Mind you, at the very point when I felt that I was on the verge of setting up my mate of him — when I felt most secure and actually stole a breath! — the very next instant, he turned the tables on me, and his every successive move led to victory. He was inexorable.”
“And that is what we shall do to Bill Bates, father.” Teri giggled.
“Check and mate.” Antonio agreed.
“Indeed.” Benedict smiled. “We’ll give Mr. Bates what he wants – we’ll give him the world. For that is HIS destiny. But in the end, I’ll take it back – for that is MY destiny.”
(I’ve got to say, although I’m done with The Commission, this vision WAS interesting. Hey, if The End of Days really are coming, then that’s fine by me – perhaps that will finally stop the insanity!)
“Hurensohn!” Benedict swore in his native dialect, adjusting his mask and leaning on his cane for support. “Why do we use such strong ash? Not even these masks can filter it out. ” And he pulled down his mask and rubbed hard at his nose with a handkerchief. “Ach, Father, forgive me, but if Cardinal Renoit waves his censor in my direction next time, I’ll excommunicate the toifel!”
In any event, the woman was a gorgeous brunette whose silky hair covered her face yet could not obscure her beauty. Although I couldn’t tell for sure, I was guessing that this was none other than Ms. Teri Abbracciavento.
Interestingly enough, the woman bore a striking resemblance to the older man who sat beside her. The scholarly type, he looked like the classic, European university professor – bushy grey eyebrows, a bulbous Italian nose, brill creamed grey hair, and one of those tweed suits with patched elbows that made him a living cliche.
I noticed Benedict snickering to himself, and I wondered if he was amused at the same thing I was – (assuming this really was Teri A.)…
Did her father know what his daughter had been up to lately?
For his part, the pope scratched his cat Deter behind the ears and quipped, “Blessed is the man whose sin the lord does not count against him. So how is death treating you, Antonio?”
“Pah, Death is quite inconvenient,” The oldster replied. “Were you aware that I can’t get a IdentiChip? Apparently my fingerprints prove I’m dead. How am I supposed to buy anything?”
“Father, I told you that you’d have nothing to worry about.” The woman reached over to pat his hand. “Your death was necessary. We’ve already discussed this. You can still use your silver. Meanwhile, Benedict’s people will see to all your needs – just as they have always done. Correct?”
“Teri is correct.” Benedict agreed (Bingo! It is Teri A. I was right – again). “You have no need to worry, Antonio. Your mind is too valuable to have you waste it on such trifles. Silver and gold still work but if you really want an IdentiChip, we’ll get you one.”
“I should hope so.” Antonio Abbracciavento nodded. “Bitcoin still scares me, there’s nothing backing it. I’d much rather have the IdentiChip Mr. Bates guarantees with the E-Yuans that are in turn backed up by China’s massive gold reserves.”
The pope smiled knowingly to himself, “China’s gold reserves may not be as big as–”
“Father sometimes invents things to worry about.” Teri interrupted. “If his mind is not always at work, he gets frustrated, so he is always thinking of new conspiracies.”
“Figlia mine, I do no such—“ Antonio began.
“In any case,” Benedict glanced down at his watch. “I’ve read your briefing about Lazarus. What is his current status?”
(Hmmm. So Joe was involved with Alan’s recent troubles?)
Teri smiled slyly, “Ah yes, Alan was a nice assignment. Although I didn’t get to consumma-” yet here she glanced at her father. “Well, the important thing is that we have him secured.”
Staring off into space, a pondered, “I wonder, does he suspect anything about me?” And all the while Deter nudged against him, demanding more caresses.
“No, he believes you to still be as innocent as a baby goat.” Teri replied.
“Two millennia is a long time to live for anyone. I’m sure that Bruder Lazarus will thank us for helping him get to the afterlife.”
(Joe, if I thought you could really end our lives, I’d be the first one at your door. But, you can’t do it. So whatever you are planning, it won’t work).
“So long as I get his immortal seed first.” Teri reminded.
“Putta!” Antonio could stand it no more. “Enough of such talk before I smack you!”
“I am what I am.” Teri said defiantly to her father. “Of all people, YOU should know that much.”
“My friends.” Benedict played peace maker. “Let’s keep our eye on the prize. Antonio, the time is near. The End Game is brewing and the first check is about to occur. What is the latest from The Prophets?”
“I have read the transcripts and viewed their video streams numerous times. It’s clear that Elijah and Enoch continue to deteriorate and it’s a sad sight to see such great men destroyed — as if History is being reversed.”
“The Prisoners Of Chillon” By Ferdinand Victor Eugene Delacroix
(Hmm, so this Antonio is in league with the mystery man who captured the prophets? Is Joe that man? If so, I didn’t see that twist coming!)
“I prefer to say corrected.” Benedict smiled.
“Eh?” Antonio was confused (and me as well). “Are you talking about an Orwellian history revision? But I thought the United Nations was already doing that?”
The pope laughed, “I didn’t say History was being revised, Antonio. I saw it was being corrected. There’s a difference. Elijah and Enoch were certainly extraordinary men; but, they’ve had their time. They were taken up body and soul to heaven and then preserved for this very mission. Unfortunately it’s no longer needed – thus the correction. As for the prophets, they knew what they were getting into – nothing in His Universe is free and even WE will have to earn our fare before this ride is over.”
“Well, I should hope my work has been enough to stamp my ticket into the kingdom.” The professor grumbled. “And my daughter’s as well.”
“We shall see. But, who knows what tomorrow may bring.” Benedict shrugged. “In any case, please continue. Has there been a new prophecy?”
“Hmm. Well, it seems…”
“Yes?” Benedict pressed, hungry for news.
The color drained from Antonio’s face, “The Seven Seals will soon… be broken.”
“And so it continues.” Benedict nodded, although he too shuddered at the teacher’s words. “There is no going back now.”
(Actually this news IS a big deal. Trust me or check out this video and see for yourself…)
(This was the first vision in quite some time that had my attention – I wonder what’s gonna happen next?)
Meanwhile, half a world away, another older gentleman was also in a good mood…
(Like I said before, you’re just gonna have to take my word on it as to how I know things like this. Let’s just say, I have visions – oh you can call them revelations if you like but to be honest I’m a bit tired of that term. And no my visions are not some crazy side effect from the Covid vaccine – there’s plenty of those to go around but this ain’t one of them. Don’t worry about how it works, I’ll explain more in a bit, but for now, it will be easier for both of us if you would simply let it be and trust me that I AM telling you the truth).
And so I watched as Joseph Alois Ratzinger was nearing the end of a rare public appearance. In this case the ‘public’ aspect was via webcam since virtual news had remained the norm due to the never-ending pandemic. More importantly though, does the NAME of the man ring a bell for you?
If not let me help you. Officially ol’ Joe had retired in 2013, although I knew he’d tried to get out of the rat race long before then – in fact even before he had stepped down from the ‘big chair’ Joe often told me all he really desired was to “rest, maybe write a bit, and perhaps enjoy his old age.”
The fact is, Joe had never wanted to rise to the top of his profession in the first place and, prior to attaining that rank, he’d actually gone so far as to submit his formal resignation on three separate occasions — yet each time his prior boss had talked him out of it.
I told him countless time to just quit and be done with it all, but he didn’t listen to me and in the end, Joe had remained obedient to his superior’s wishes eventually he became The Big Boss himself.
Even still, it’s common knowledge that Joe’s allegiance to his company has done nothing to help his health concerns. His past and present conditions read like a laundry list of serious medical dilemmas:
hemorrhagic stroke in 1991;
serious fall and head trauma in 1992 (I can relate to that one!);
another stroke in 2004;
chronic heart palpitations and a case of serious bronchitis in 2006;
a broken ankle in 2009 (and when you’re 81 years old that’s a big deal);
he was living now with a pacemaker and chronic high blood pressure;
and the list went on and on – poor Joe.
All of these aches and pains lead to his formal resignation in early 2013 – and while it’s not newsworthy when most people retire, for my friend it was a big deal.
If you don’t know my friend yet, let me clue you in…
Joseph Ratzinger is perhaps better known to you as Benedict XVI — Pope Emeritus of the Catholic Church.
As for his ‘retirement,’ did you know that Joe was the first pope to step down since the year 1415?
For you math wizards that basically means that no pope has voluntarily retired for over 600 years – they’re pretty much expected to die in office.
As for that previous abdicator, it was Pope Gregory XII – I’m sure you don’t remember him, but trust me when I tell you that when Gregory XII stepped down it was was a really big deal back then – oh the scandal! Believe me I know, after all I was there to see it all.
But Joe is cut from a different cloth – he had no intention of letting the wolf pack otherwise known as The College of Cardinals salivate around his death bed while they conspire around him on who will be the next Pope.
Instead he came up with a new exit strategy – install a puppet for his figurehead and wield power behind the scenes – after all he’d seen Dick Cheney do this very effectively during the GW Bush Administration of US Politics and I’m sure Joe figured he was at least as smart at the gun-totting American VP.
Enter Jorge Mario Bergoglio – the charismatic Jesuit from South America was the ideal solution for Joseph. Jorge took the name Pope Francis, Joe happily passed the baton to him, Francis became the doll of the news, and Joe sailed off to the sunset. The perfect cover for a man in power.
Which brings us back to today – with Joe having to endure an interview from the fake press.
Knowing he only had a short time left in this world, I knew how much Joe despised wasting any of it on personal interviews like the one he was presently enduring – that’s what the new guy Francis was supposed to be for. Yet somehow Joe had apparently agreed to do this appearance and thus here he was, trying to maintain a happy face in front of his computer.
“Do you have any final words for the people of America, Your Eminence?” The virtual interviewer asked. “Although the United Nations and World Health Organization partnered with governments around the world to help us build back better after the first pandemic, our planet continues to struggle from the devastating damaged caused by capitalism for so long. Many in my country of America still fear the partnership between the United Nations and The Bates Foundation as they roll-out an Identichip that’s tied to a ‘one-world’ digital currency. I’m talking here about the groundbreaking Crypto Yuan that’s endorsed by The World Economic Forum and its members as not only a replacement for the outdated US Dollar but a new kind of currency completely – one that not only offers the benefits of first-generation cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but also adds the all-important social credit system to the equation so that we can help ensure our citizens live their lives in a globally sustainable manner. Do you favor or oppose this new currency system?”
Realizing that this was the final question from his prep list, my friend’s face lit up and he exhibited the charisma which had undoubtedly been the reason why he had been elevated to his present position…
“My children, if we let Christ fully enter our lives, are we not afraid that he might take something away from us too?”
And after a pause, Joe answered his own question, “No! Don’t you see, if we let Christ in, we lose absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful, and great! Instead, only in this friendship with Him do we experience liberation. When we give ourselves to Him, we receive back a hundredfold in return! Focus not on your personal liberty. Forget the reality of your present lockdown life. Do not pine for what once was. Instead, I say open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life. We are all ONE people. ONE Body in our Lord Jesus Christ. If this is true, why not have ONE currency? Nay, even ONE world government! My Children, there is nothing to fear and only peace and freedom for ALL to gain…”
Less than an hour later, I watched the Pope as he relaxed in private in his apartments.
(BTW, I’m still going to call Joe “The Pope” because, as I’ve already mentioned, Joe continues to pull the strings in The Vatican and thus the figurehead that is Pope Francis is barely in this story).
While alone, Joe disregarded his formal papal garments – his red satin mozzetta, wide-brimmed saturno, and yes, even those neo-traditional red papal shoes that everyone thinks he fancies.
Do these look comfortable?
Oh those colorful shoes! I remember how he had worked hard to bring them back to popularity (with the help of Prada and a sizable “donation” to Joe’s personal rainy-day fund!), yet each time he wore them now, I knew that he bitterly despised them – for he always complained how they were so uncomfortable. (I kept telling him to try them on before he endorsed them, but once again he didn’t listen to me.)
Nonetheless, The Pope was now dressed in a luxurious silk robe, whilst plush slippers caressed his overworked feet. Letting the cares of the outside world melt away, I watched Joe press a button to deactivate all the cameras and interactive media devices in the room, after which he traipsed over to his wet bar and poured himself a tall glass of a German honey-flavored liqueur called Barenjager.
(Personally, I’m not a fan of German liqueurs, I like the harder stuff – Jack, Wild Turkey, a good grain alcohol, any of those and some ice will do the trick for me – but Joseph was always a connoisseur. In terms of this present liqueur, he previously explained to me that most Barenjagers that were exported from Germany were between 60-90 proof, however, given his position, Joseph now had access to a private label reserve from Teucke & Koenig, and as such, his version – called Barenfang – was actually a 95 proof product – much to his delight).
As he took a big sip of the drink, Joe smiled as he looked upon the label on his bottle – a cartoon of a bear drinking the liquor – a picture far different from that shown on most of the commercial bottles of Barenjager (which usually showed a fur trapper catching the bear).
“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but only my daily bread.” As he finished the smooth spirit and poured himself another, “Ah, and a little of this stuff too, neh?”
Strolling over to the corner of his living room, he sat down at his Fazioli grand piano. Immediately no less than three of his feline friends scampered to join him.
(Yuck — I absolutely hate cats! But Joseph had long had an affinity for them and as such the Vatican had become quite infested with them since he rose to power. Francis tried to quell the tide but so far had been unsuccessful – the cats still ruled).
“Amadeus, come here…. Adolf, you rascal! Ah, and, Deter, my love.” He happily nuzzled all three. (Deter was always his favorite, but don’t ask me why – they all look the same to me). “OK, boys, let me play for you, please.”
And after taking another sip of his Barenfang, I watched as my friend proceeded to lose himself in his music – whilst his cats curled up against him and purred contentedly.
Yet suddenly one of the cats hissed, causing the other two to bound off in fright. “What is it, Deter?” Joseph stopped playing and looked down at his friend, seeing the cat’s entire body bowed up.
“I believe that’s Mozart’s Piano Concerto Number 21.” Said an unexpected voice that I didn’t recognize.
“His music is by no means just entertainment,” Joseph replied, without turning around. “It contains the whole tragedy of human existence.” For a brief moment, his body tensed at the intrusion, whilst he whispered, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do…”
And yet, outwardly, he refused to let his surprise show; instead he took another long sip of his drink, placed Deter on the floor so his friend could scamper away to safety, and then smiled as finally he turned around to face his visitor.
“Ah, I see there are two of you this time?” The Pope commented dryly, observing his guests.
Both men were dressed in black robes, Nano Masks, and gloves – although I knew that neither was a member of the clergy or on staff at the Vatican. Their ebon garments and face masks clashed terribly with the stark whiteness of their skin, their fair hair, and their light eyes. Stoic and stiff, they might well have been twins for all that they looked so much alike, and yet, like me, Joseph knew they were not.
“Hello…Your Grace.” One of the men stepped forward, his voice sounding clear due to the masks high-tech design.
The Pope did not reply. Nor did he bother to put on gloves or a mask himself (like me he knew masks were useless). Instead Joe followed protocol, rose up to stand before the intruders, and then proceeded to offer his bare hand in formal greeting.
Despite the outdated (and now illegal) form of greeting, each of the gloved men took the Pope’s hand and shook it, being sure to allow their middle finger to entwine with his during the shake in order to verify their identity.
“The Viper coils…” One of the men said.
“And its strike is deadly…” Added the second.
“To the uninitiated.” The first man finished the greeting.
“Bruders.” Joseph smiled slyly, “Welcome. I was expecting you. Don’t worry, we are unwatched and can speak openly”
My vision of the Pope and his ‘friends’ continued, and an hour quickly passed while the conspirators conversed. German was the language spoken at this meeting – native to all three — but I had no trouble following along. Given their continued wearing of masks, I realized these were only low to mid level operatives, so I was curious as to why Joe would even be bothering with them.
“The date, Your Grace?” Asked one of the masked men.
“Ah, that’s the beauty of it.” Joseph smiled. “I assume you know about the meeting at Mount Moriah?”
“You mean Har haBáyit – The Temple Mount?” The other Brother questioned.
“I’m surprised that you would know the Hebrew word,” Joseph snickered. And before either of the men could reply, he continued. “December 21st. That is the date. And the mosque at al-Aqsa there on the mount is the site.”
(Please understand I had no idea what they were plotting so this was all news to me. Sure, I get these revelations but to be honest they are not all that revealing if you ask me. It’s not something over which I have any control – whatever He chooses to send me is what I get. Also I am not omnipotent or anything. Hell, I don’t even have control of when the visions appear! And when I’m watching, although I can see the people pretty good and hear what they are saying, I can’t read their minds or anything so I don’t know what they are really thinking. Thus, I had no idea what Joe was up to).
“You are certain?” the second assassin slithered, the sound of him sucking air through the ventilator holes in his mask repulsive.. “There can be no mistake. If BAVI is really The One, then he must be there.”
“Fool.” Joseph replied. “You need not worry about my intelligence findings. Marrollo has assured me that BAVI will be there. And yes, he IS the key figure. After all, it is his blood which will complete the… ah… Grand Ritual.”
(Hmmm. Was I watching a plot to assassinate someone? And with the old pontiff at the head? Who was this BAVI they were talking about? It was obviously a code word and given that Joe had deactivated all The Eyes in his room it had to be someone important. I’ll admit, it was interesting, in a passing fancy sort of way, and had I been younger, I might have still cared about the implications of what they were discussing. However, as it was, whether Joe and his buddies killed one man or a hundred, that was their business. Nobody can give me what I really want so what do I care what happens to BAVI or anyone else?)
“The whole world loves BAVI – just like he so desperately wants.” The first assassin mocked. “Why he might as well be The Second Coming for all the praise he is getting.”
“They will grow to dread him soon enough.” Joseph replied.
“Remember — though the wicked spring up like grass, they will be forever destroyed in the end. When our plans are completed, BAVI will be reviled for the villain he truly is.”
“And the Jews are on board with all this?” The first man laughed, his loose tongue perhaps showing some of the effects of the Barenfang.
“That’s the beauty of Marrollo’s foreign planning.” Joseph explained, taking the other’s glass away from him and setting it down. Yet, after thinking twice, he picked the drink back up and downed it himself. (That’s my boy!) “That’s too good to go to waste.” He smiled, before getting serious again. “Chief Rabbi Metzger believes he is really the one responsible for setting up the December 21st event. It’s all part of BAVI’s grant to support Metzger’s Interfaith Dialogue mission. Why he’s already erected an altar on Temple Mount to mark the new holiday that will be created.”
“And you will be there too, Your Excellency?” the first man was salivating in his excitement.
“Naturally, for Metzger has asked the Ayatollah and I to join him in consecrating the grand altar to The One True God that we all serve. And BAVI will be the guest of honor in recognition for his many technologies saving our world from so many disasters.” And with a chuckle Joe added, “However manufactured those crises might be.”
“Glory be! I can’t wait to see BAVI delivered upon the altar to the destiny he deserves.”
“I suppose Evil comes to him who searches for it, eh?” The Pope let the thought hang ominously, even as all three conspirators nodded to one another and smiled.
(Just then my vision ended. Interesting? Yes, but like I said, had I cared, I probably would have made arrangements to visit with Joe and get the scoop. As it was I was just thankful when the vision ended so I could get some sleep.)
The Last Temptation of John 