Operation Rock of Ages: Triumphant Illumination

ORA: TI Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The entire leadership team sat stunned around the conference table. They had watched the entire speech right after lunch.

"Ladies and gentlemen, what you have just witnessed is why we are here. If I were a betting man, I would say that The Man is gathering an army. He is pulling all his troops back into Israel, at the word of every world leader not to interfere. By time they absorb all the dissidents, from every nation in the world, they will be able to build an unstoppable army and it will be too late for any country to react. I believe they are going to start with the Middle East, most likely Jordan first. At first they will try to do it peacefully and then claim it as their right to the Holy Land. It will be explained somehow," Mr. Sterling paused. "We need to push hard to get things finished because things are soon going to be too hot to do anything at all over there."

"Crystal's team is nearly done with the hub and with the new teams arriving, they have already made it to the bottom level, we can start bringing the animals over as soon as we get things built. Shoshana's team is beginning the garden areas already, now that she has power to put up lights. We are truly working as fast as we can," Mariam said. "I am not sure it is humanly possible to go much faster."

"I hate to say this, but we may need to send things before we are ready for them. We may need to just load everything up and move it as we can. The food, the equipment, everything we can possibly move down there that is big. We may not be able to do it a couple months from now," Mr. Sterling said.

Jonathan chimed in, "Jensen's group is packing everything down to the smallest bolt and screw right now. They all clear out next week. The rest of Geo and Crystal's group, including me, will be leaving at the same time. All of Bess' group and her equipment will be leaving two days later. That really doesn't leave a whole lot here, Mr. Sterling."

"Mariam and I can help pack up the labs with everyone who is left and we can be ready to clear out in two weeks," Jayson said. "We will need a large transport or possibly more than one pick up. Raj has a lot of junk plus all the stuff from the labs." Raj gave him a dirty look.

Mariam had an idea, "They are not ready for us all yet. Why not send some of us to the island and we can help coordinate the rest of the equipment and food from the island side of things?"

"That's an idea, Mariam. I will think on that. Ok, everyone work on getting things packed up and ready to go. Claire's team left this morning, so I am ready to get this show on the road and get there, I miss my wife already," Mr. Sterling said. "Even those stupid whining puppies," he smiled sadly, "the apartment is too quiet."

"It will be ok," Bess said, patting his hand reassuringly, "we will be there soon. We are over four months ahead of schedule, we can do this."

"The elections are nearly upon us. Things are moving so fast now, I don't think The Man is going to wait much longer if he can help it. If we fail in this, all our work and so many lives will be lost," Mr. Sterling said. "Sorry guys, I really don't mean to be a downer, I am just feeling the weight tonight."

"We will pray for you," Jayson said. "We can pray for you right now, if you like."

"On that note, I am going to go toddle off and see what I can throw in a box," Jonathan said.

"I am not trying to chase you off, Jonathan," Jayson said.

"Oh, no, you aren't, I will leave you guys to the spiritual stuff. If it helps Mr. Sterling feel better, I am all for it, without me being present." Jonathan smiled to show no hard feelings and that he was sincere. Jonathan was still not willing to talk about Christianity but he had become more tolerant. "Do your thang, bro," he said to Jayson and left the room. Mr. Sterling nodded and Jayson prayed for the project, for the people, for help in making decisions. He prayed for Mr. Sterling and his struggles. When he stopped and took a breath, Bess began to pray. Then Mariam, Raj even said a few words and then Mr. Sterling closed the prayer with tears in his voice.