CHAPTER 12
Walking into the living room, Jesse returned Gabriel’s smile before settling in next to him on the sofa. His arm went around her as she relaxed back to stretch out tired legs. Her time at the shelter had been both tiring and refreshing, reminding her that events unfolding in the world affected everyone. She looked across the room at the Pastor and Olivia. The Pastor sat with his arms crossed, eyes glued to the television. She wondered what the Pastor was thinking. Was he thinking about fallen angels and their plot to trick the world? Jesse’s mind began to wander as she considered his theory. Could there be other explanations for the alien’s arrival? Could the Pastor be wrong? He was only human, after all. Maybe the alien wasn’t evil at all and intended them no harm.
In such a vast universe, wasn’t anything possible? Maybe there was life in other galaxies. Maybe there were scores of planets just like Earth. Hadn’t she been amazed in astronomy class to find out there were more than 125 billion galaxies? The textbook picture of the galaxy humans live in had been stunning. The Milky Way looked like glowing dust particles swept into a swirl with each particle of dust representing a star or planet. She had been awestruck by the enormity. She couldn’t wrap her mind around the size of just one galaxy, much less a universe with 125 billion galaxies.
Considering the size of the universe, Jesse was left with some disturbing questions. Did God really care about every single person? Could one person, out of billions, living on one planet, out of billions, in one galaxy, out of billions, really matter to the creator of the whole universe? How could one person on the surface of one tiny dot out of trillions of dots believe God loves them? Her shoulders slumped forward with an extraordinary feeling of insignificance. In the big scheme of things, she was nothing more than an atom living on a particle of dust.
Jesse had become so engrossed in her distractions that she barely felt Gabriel’s hand move beneath hers. His arm tightened around her shoulder as he leaned in to ask, “What are you thinking about?”
She continued to stare off across the room. “I was just thinking about how big the universe is and how small we are.”
Close to her ear, he said, “And yet, not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father’s will. Made in God’s image, don’t you think we’re more valuable?”
She nodded, embarrassed that her mind had gone down such a path. Miracles, healings—God had blessed them at every turn. God saved her life. How could she possibly doubt after all God had done for them? People, governments, they all fail, but God never does. God was their only hope.
Turning her attention to the television, Jesse heard the main newscaster say, “According to information coming out of Washington D.C., the alien who made contact calls himself Arakiel. The visitor claims to be a messenger from Uron, a planet in another galaxy. Uronians are reportedly watchers who have monitored this planet throughout history without interfering in human affairs. According to reports, the visitor says Uronians only make contact now to offer assistance at a time when humans face unprecedented challenges.”
Sitting back in his chair, the anchor said, “This is astounding news,” before introducing colleagues to his left and then right. The silence was fleeting before the panel erupted. A middle-aged woman was almost sputtering. “Rumors are flooding the Internet—talk of danger from an unknown galaxy.” She shook her head in disbelief. “Another galaxy? A threat from outside our own solar system?”
“We can’t rule out the possibility,” a young man said. “Arakiel came from another galaxy, so there could be others. We don’t know what’s out there. The visitor’s technology is obviously more advanced than our own. His spacecraft didn’t make a blip on our most sophisticated radar screens.”
Correspondents were still buzzing about reports and rumors when a breaking news bulletin flashed across the screen. Gabriel read the caption. “The President of the United States is preparing to address the nation.”
Thirty minutes later, the President walked across the platform wearing a stylish two-button dark navy-blue suit. His lean face appeared more strained than usual as he stood proudly, stiffly, before the cameras to discuss the visitor and rumors of a threat to Earth. The President confirmed reports that the visitor says he comes from another galaxy. “Arakiel identifies himself as a representative of the planet, Uron, and has said that he comes to Earth with an offer of peace and assistance.”
The President’s face was a mask of calm as he addressed rumors swirling around social media. “I am aware of unconfirmed reports of danger to our planet currently circulating on the Internet. I would strongly caution the press and other media outlets against promoting and publicizing such rumors without proper verification. Our visitor has not communicated any specific threat, internally or externally, to our planet.”
“Specific threat,” Gabriel said. “Interesting that he would use that phrase.”
The President repeated the comment regarding no threat to the planet before continuing. “Given Arakiel’s endorsement of peace, the United States welcomes our visitor with an offer of friendship. We are honored to be the first nation to welcome an intergalactic traveler to the planet.” Closing his notebook, he assured information would be relayed to the public as it became available.
As the President prepared to leave, members of the press took to their feet, shouting, “Mr. President!” The Press Secretary moved forward but the President signaled him back and kept his place by the podium. The President crossed his arms and refused to call on any member of the press until they got themselves under control. Minutes passed before the roar died down and he called for the first question.
A rotund man who looked to be in his early fifties took the offered microphone. “Mr. President, can you tell us more about the specific wording of Arakiel’s offer of assistance? What type of assistance might the Uronians offer?”
The President’s answer was brief. “Arakiel suggested humans are unaware of the mysteries of our universe. The type of assistance he referred to was not explicit. As we continue discussions and get to know our visitor better, we will learn more about the Uronian offer.”
An attractive woman with short raven hair was selected to present the next question. “Mr. President, is there any truth to reports that Arakiel has said Uronians would require access to parts of Israel as a condition for their offer of assistance?”
The President was nodding his understanding of the question before the reporter finished speaking. “The report is true. A region in Israel, the Golan Heights, has been named as being essential to Uronian travel. According to Arakiel, Uronians built a marker over 3,000 years ago in the region to designate a point of contact between his planet and ours.”
After announcing last question, the President looked out across the audience before calling on a middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair. The man glanced at his writing tablet before saying, “The Uronian request for access of an area essential for contact and travel would seem reasonable. If it is determined that we would benefit by establishing relations with the Uronians, how will the United States respond if Israel refuses the Uronian condition? What position will the United States take?”
Unlike previous questions, the President paused before answering. He spoke slowly, thoughtfully. “It’s way too early to speculate on such matters. However, the United States recognizes Israel as a sovereign nation, a nation with the right to make decisions in their own interest. Turning over control of any territory and airspace within a nation certainly warrants careful review and consideration.”
The President thanked the press and left the room before the news flashed back to the half circle of reporters.
In the living room, Jesse turned to hear the Pastor say, “The destiny of the World is closely tied to Israel. Many believe we’ve enjoyed success as a nation because of our close relationship with the nation. The Bible says that God blesses those who bless Israel and curses those who curse Israel.”
“Israel is the key,” her grandmother agreed.
“Yes,” the Pastor said, nodding, “Israel and Jerusalem are often called God’s timepiece. Many Christians saw the prophetic re-gathering of Israel and the miracle that happened in 1948 as a message to the world, a warning that the Day of the Lord is drawing near.”
Jesse turned to her grandmother to whisper, “What’s he talking about?”
“The prophecy that Israel would be re-born as a nation in one day. That happened in 1948.”
The Pastor shook his head sadly. “Sometimes, obvious warnings are ignored. I’m reminded of something a friend of mine pointed out a few years ago. He said that in 1991 President Bush gave a speech at the Madrid Conference to pressure Israel to turn over land to the Palestinians. At the exact time that the President was in Madrid giving his speech, a hurricane changed direction and traveled about one thousand miles out of its expected path to slam into one of the President’s homes in Maine. Some believe that was a direct warning. The hurricane was so unusual that it inspired a movie called The Perfect Storm.”
“That would have gotten my attention,” Gabriel said.
“Mine too,” the Pastor said. “My friend says the worst of times in the United States can be directly correlated with our country’s misdealing with Israel. Over the last few decades, the United States has moved away from Israel. Openly anti-Semitic members are even tolerated in Congress.”
Jesse thought about her own disinterest in national and political affairs. She hadn’t even bothered to vote in the last few elections. She could reason that one person can’t make a difference, but what if everyone felt that way.
Over the next week, the Secretary of State traveled with Arakiel as he toured the globe to meet with top officials in several countries. Incredible crowds rallied to get a look at the alien being hailed as a celebrity and world hero.
Jesse watched the giant on camera as he smiled and waved to adoring crowds gathered in Spain. His age would be difficult to guess. He had a look of maturity but no signs of aging on his unblemished wheat colored complexion. His height was estimated to be well over eight feet and yet he appeared perfectly proportioned. Hair as white as snow grazed shoulders in an attractive and yet slightly messy, layered style. He was flawless, even beautiful. His stride was powerful and graceful at the same time and there was nothing awkward about him.
While the visitor continued to explore the planet, Jesse and Olivia spent their days at the shelter with the children while the Pastor and Gabriel worked at the construction site. With fewer arriving at the shelter, people began to settle into a comfortable routine. Most worked during the day but split into groups after the evening meal to pray and study the Bible. Everyone seemed eager to learn and those selected to lead Bible studies were said to be doing an excellent job.
Six days after Arakiel began his world tour, Jesse sat in the living room with her grandmother and Gabriel. She closed the book she was reading and covered a yawn. She was about to excuse herself for bed when a red flash from the television caught her attention. The words, breaking news alert, blazed in a red box across the bottom of the screen before clips of Arakiel waving to crowds appeared in a split screen view.
As her grandmother turned up the volume, Jesse heard the commentator say, “The Uronian representative is scheduled to meet with world leaders at the United Nations’ Security Council tomorrow. Political and public pressure has played a major role in the Council’s vote to approve Arakiel’s petition to allow open press access. The visitor says the Uronian proposal affects every human and should be a matter of public record.”
The scene flashed to crowds lining city blocks hoping to get a glimpse of Arakiel’s motorcade. Watching the fanfare, Jesse shook her head. “I’ve never seen anything like it. A tour of the world’s most famous people wouldn’t create such excitement.”
"That's true," Gabriel said. "He seems to like publicity. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say at the U.N. meeting." He looked over to see Jesse’s frown as she stared at the television. “Are you worrying again, Jesse?”
“Maybe,” she said guiltily.
He put an arm around her before kissing the top of her head. “I guess we all worry sometimes. Even apostles who had Jesus physically with them in a boat were terrified in the middle of a raging storm.”
“Yes,” she said, “but if I remember correctly, Jesus questioned their lack of faith.”
He smiled. “I believe you’re right.”
She pressed her elbow into his side. “You knew I would remember that. Think you’re clever, Mr. James?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do, Mrs. James. I’m clever enough to marry an incredibly charming woman. Have I told you how beautiful you are today?”
She cast a quick look across the room to see her grandmother still focused on the news before looking back at him. “You may have mentioned it this morning.”
One eyebrow rose as he brought her hand to his lips. “I would very much like to continue this conversation upstairs, Mrs. James. Are you ready to retire for the evening?”
She waited for the flush in her cheeks to cool before calling to her grandmother. “Grammy, Gabriel and I are going to bed—upstairs, maybe read for a while.”
Her grandmother picked up the remote to mute the news. “I didn’t hear you, dear. What’d you say?”
Taking Jesse’s hand, Gabriel turned to her grandmother. “Jesse said we’re retiring for the evening, Florence. Can we get you anything before we turn in?”
“Oh, no, thank you. I’m about ready to turn in myself.”
Closing the door behind him, Gabriel crossed the room to take her in his arms. After a long kiss, he smiled down at her. “Do you have reading on your mind, Jesse?”
Beyond any pretense at banter, she shook her head. “No, I don’t.”
In the kitchen the next morning, Jesse leaned her arms on the sink to stare out the window. Why did all of this have to be happening now? If only she could spend time with Gabriel and her grandmother without all the uncertainty. The world seemed stuck in a downward spiral—economic crisis, pandemics, natural disasters and now an alien. No, not an alien, she reminded herself, Arakiel is a fallen angel. What would he say? Would he say God doesn’t exist? Would he say Uronians created humans and transplanted them to Earth?
Coming through the kitchen door, Gabriel said, “Hey, what are you doing?”
“Just thinking,” she said, turning to step into his arms. “I just want you to know that no matter what happens, I’m thankful for the time we’ve had together.”
“No matter what happens?” He said, repeating the gloomy words. “Still worrying, I see.”
She stepped back to look at him. “And you’re not? You’re not bothered by any of this?”
“Bothered? You mean am I worried? No. I think worrying is a waste of time and energy. There are things coming that we can’t control. All we can do is prepare.”
Sighing, she said, “You’re right. I know I shouldn’t worry.”
Noting her downcast face, he said, “There is one thing that bothers me. I don’t like to see people I care about upset.”
His comment made her think about how her own worry and pessimism affects others. Would she always be fainthearted, needing someone to reassure her? No, she decided. She would stand on God’s word and be strong. She looked back at him with renewed resolve. “At the shelter, I said I want to be your partner. I think it’s time I start acting like one. And you’re right. We may not win every battle, but with Jesus, we will surely win the war.”
Smiling, he said, “The lioness awakes.”
In the living room, Jesse took a seat between her grandmother and Gabriel to focus on the television. Arakiel and the Secretary of State stepped from a black limousine to be met with boisterous applause. Arakiel took his time, waving to crowds across the street blocked off with ropes. The white, floor-length Roman-style tunic Arakiel wore sparkled in the sunlight. Metallic threads woven through the fabric matched the wide gold band around his chest. Making his way to the building’s entrance, he continued to smile and wave as security cleared a path to the door.
With Arakiel inside the building, the news cut back to a well-known journalist sitting behind a desk. “Just days ago, the world was shaken as an unidentified flying object surpassed the world’s most sophisticated detection and defense system to enter airspace over the nation’s capital. That day changed our lives, forcing us to reexamine our beliefs and ideologies. Today, on the East Side of Manhattan, human history is again being made as world leaders prepare to meet with the visitor here at UN headquarters to hear the message brought from another galaxy. What will that message be? We will soon find out as we go live to the UN headquarters.”
Arakiel’s stride was confident as he walked to the opening of an enormous circular table where world leaders sat watching him. As the camera scanned the waiting circle, Jesse could see the President of the United States near the table’s opening where Arakiel stood.
“I see the President is there,” she said.
Gabriel nodded without taking his eyes off the television. “Yes. I wasn’t surprised to hear he planned to attend.”
She cast a questioning glance at Gabriel. Did he hear that on the news? She hadn’t heard that.
Watching Arakiel, Jesse again wondered at the strange markings embroidered along the borders of the ultra-white tunic he wore. Was it a language? Did the markings mean anything? He seemed to radiate light as he stood before the room, the world, with an air of self-assurance that would elude the most overly confident of men.
Arakiel slowly scanned the room of faces before flashing a dazzling smile that compelled a response. “Greetings,” he said in a smooth, masculine voice. “My name is Arakiel, ambassador from Uron, a planet in the distant galaxy of Trionica. I am honored to be in your presence this day. Thank you for the privilege of addressing this planet’s leaders and all inhabitants of Earth. I assure you, the information I bring is vital and worthy of such a hearing.”
Jesse looked around the living room to see eyes riveted on the television. She imagined the same look of fascination on every face watching around the globe. Turning her attention back to Arakiel, she watched him gesture toward the Secretary of State. “I should like to thank Madam Secretary for escorting me these last days,” he said, offering a smile that was almost tender. “She is truly a delight and has been more than kind.”
He gestured with his right hand toward the President of the United States to say, “In honor of my host country, I will speak the English language unless requested otherwise. At the end of my discourse, members may ask questions. When doing so, please, feel free to speak in your native language as I am more than proficient in all forms of human communication.”
Clasping his hands behind his back, he started around the inner part of the circle to make eye contact with each representative. “Many here today have honored me with tours of their country and invited me into their homes. Traveling your remarkable planet has been a great pleasure. The splendor of your lands is only surpassed by the exceptionality and charm of your people.”
Appearing to consider the places he visited, he sighed with a look of contentment. “Your planet is truly extraordinary. Other than certain differences in size and atmospheric makeup, Earth is structured much like Uron, also a spectacular planet. On Uron, we too, have beautiful, swelling rivers and seas, but the surface of our planet is not covered with oceans.”
“Yes,” he said, moving within the circled area, “Uronians and Earth dwellers have much in common. Not only are our planets similar, but, as you can see, we also share a physical resemblance. While humans and Uronians share many similarities, we do have differences. Unlike humans, gender does not play a role in the Uronian identity. While each Uronian is unique in appearance, from a human perspective, our physical features would generally correlate more with what humans characterize as male. Over six billion Uronians came into existence long ago with the same composition,” he said, gesturing down at his body with both hands, “the same form, that we enjoy today.” Noting the confused expressions, the edges of his mouth tipped upward before stating simply, “Uronians do not die.”
Some jaws went slack with surprise amid murmurings around the table but Arakiel seemed unaffected. “The integrity of the Uronian structure, our physical composition, does not change. On Uron, we do not struggle with limited natural resources, famine or disease. Uronians exist in unity. We do not know crime, murder or war. We do not experience entropy or decomposition.”
“His imaginary planet sounds like paradise,” Gabriel said.
Jesse nodded absently, preoccupied with her own thoughts. She had to admit, Arakiel’s presence was stunning, magnetic. His voice was deep, almost mesmerizing and his words flowed effortlessly as if he were telling the truth.
Arakiel turned gradually as he spoke to the room. “As the Uronian ambassador, I have come to relay a message of goodwill and offer Uronian assistance to the inhabitants of Earth. The offer is not to be taken lightly as your response will ultimately determine this planet’s destiny.” Walking slowly, as if taking a stroll to ponder an important matter, his expression turned somber before saying, “I fear the hearts and minds of many may struggle with the message I bring. Reality conflicts with many of your traditions, religions and diverse cultures. Nevertheless, my purpose for coming to Earth is to unveil the truth. Since the dawn of mankind, conflict over differing theories of knowledge, traditions and religions, along with a general affinity to reap without sufficiently sowing, to amass without adequately sharing, has led your planet to its current state of discomposure, to the very brink of destruction.”
A few council members shifted uneasily in their seats while others stared at Arakiel in stony silence. Arakiel’s expression remained unreadable and his voice matter-of-fact when he said, “What I am about to tell you about your history, your conception as humans, may be difficult for some to accept. The truth contradicts predominant theories spawned by human imagination in an attempt to explain the origin of the human race. While all life forms advance and adapt, humans did not evolve into a life form.” His chin rose slightly to say, “You are a created race.”
“I didn’t expect him to say that,” Jesse murmured.
Around the table in Manhattan, men and women stared at Arakiel in stunned silence. Seconds passed with no movement before a voice could be heard shouting in the background. The words were unintelligible to viewers watching television but a few council members turned to look toward the distraction. During the interruption, Arakiel stood silent with an impassive face. When the room quieted, a council member bent toward his microphone to offer an apology and ask him to continue.
Arakiel’s head dipped in consent. “Your scientists theorize what Uronians learned long ago. We learned that all matter and energy that makes up the universe was contained at one point before time began. Your scientists call this point a singularity.”
Hearing Gabriel release a breath, Jesse glanced over to see him glaring at the television with crossed arms. Evidently, Arakiel’s charm wasn’t working on him.
Arakiel went on to educate the world with the certainty of a teacher stating two plus two equals four. “Your scientists’ premise on the origins of the universe is both correct and incorrect. The theory that time and space had a beginning and that beginning corresponds to the origin of matter and energy is correct. The theory that the universe came from one unique source is also correct. The premise that the source cannot be known is incorrect.”
Surprised, Nick looked around the room. “It sounds like he’s going to say there’s a God.”
“Yes,” the Pastor said. “I’m sure he’ll soon tell us all about his god.”
Arakiel moved slowly around the circle, reminding Jesse of a lecturing professor deep in thought while speaking to his class. “As many in your world accept, the universe did come into existence in an instant. Creation came about with extraordinary precision and design by an all-powerful force, a force not limited by the space-time continuum. Before time and space, there was only the one, the supreme force. Over 13 billion years ago, a calculated, deliberate, accelerated expansion began with inconceivable energy that inflated and cooled to the size and temperature of our current universe.”
“Supreme force,” Gabriel muttered.
Arakiel paused to scan the circle of faces. “What many on your planet call god does exist. The human monotheistic concept of god and the Uronian concept of the creative force are one and the same.”
As the camera moved in for a closeup of Arakiel’s face, Jesse drifted forward to study his features. At first, his eyes appeared blue before turning slate gray. She shook off the chill that ran up her arm before turning back to hear Arakiel say, “The supreme force created the universe and all that is contained within the universe. He created the living and the nonliving, the animate and the inanimate.” His next words were spoken slowly, deliberately. “The creative force is and can be whatever he chooses. He may manifest himself in any form, capable of entering his own creation.”
“Unbelievable,” Gabriel said.
Jesse glanced at him. “What’s wrong”
Gabriel shook his head with a look of disgust. “He just laid the groundwork to introduce the antichrist.”
In answer to Jesse’s questioning look, he said, “Jesus came to Earth as God incarnate, God in human form. The antichrist will be a man claiming to be god, claiming to be the Messiah. Arakiel just planted the idea that his god is capable of coming to Earth in human form—perhaps already has and is waiting to be revealed.”
Hearing their conversation, the Pastor nodded. “I suspect Arakiel may be the forerunner of the man he will claim to be the Messiah.”
Jesse followed the Pastor’s gaze back to the television to hear Arakiel say, “Your age-old query, are we alone in the universe has, of course, been answered by Uronian presence on this planet. Until now, I have declined to answer the predictable follow up question. You want to know if other intelligent life, besides humans and Uronians, exist in the universe.”
No one in the room with Arakiel moved as they waited for him to answer the self-imposed question. “Yes. One other advanced life form does exist.” An underlying sense of foreboding was relayed in the softly spoken word. “Hevelians.”
Jesse marveled at Arakiel’s ability to convey an overwhelming sense of danger in such an understated way. No wonder he wanted the meeting televised.
Arakiel stood in silence to allow his audience time to process his latest revelation. Once the news had sufficiently sunk in, he continued. “Hevelians bear a resemblance to Uronians in the physical sense and yet we are very different. Dominus, the Hevelian leader, openly defies the true authority of the universe. He is arrogant, even insolent toward the supreme force. Not so long ago, Hevelians discovered new methods to search for life outside their solar system. During the course of their exploration, they discovered planet Earth and presently search for a viable pathway through spacetime to your planet.”
Jesse swallowed nervously. She knew Arakiel was lying, so why was she sitting on the edge of her seat?
Arakiel allowed the silence to stretch out long enough to raise the level of discomfort in the room. His expression was solemn, his voice foreboding. “Hevelians will come. They will find an exploitable route to your planet, and when they come, they will not offer peace or assistance as Uronians do. Dominus seeks to conquer, to be worshiped as god. He will accept nothing less. Without Uronian assistance, death will come to your planet—death of the human spirit through servitude or physical death.”
Seeing the council members’ stunned expressions, Arakiel’s tone softened. His voice turned almost soothing. “Uronians understand the human spirit, a spirit that would never allow the Earth-born knee to bend before a counterfeit god. When Dominus comes, the human spirit will rise up for battle. Uronians are prepared to unite with Earth, to stand at your side in the coming conflict. That is the Uronian offer, an offer you may accept or decline.” He made a sweeping gesture to include those encircled around him to say, “Like you, Uronians celebrate free will. We recognize humans as a self-governing race. Rest assured, we will not come unless invited.”
Jesse touched Gabriel’s arm. “Do you think that’s true? They won’t come unless invited?”
“They’ll be invited,” he said, sounding certain. “Unless the truth comes out in some undeniable way, people will never believe Arakiel is a fallen angel sent to deceive the world.”
Jesse knew that was true. Given Arakiel’s reception around the world, she imagined any criticism without irrefutable evidence would be scorned.
In Manhattan, Arakiel seemed oblivious to stunned expressions as he continued. “Uronian travel to Earth is no simple matter. Travel must be timed precisely through a wormhole linking our planets within fixed inter-galactic cycles. We must have your decision before the new moon.”
Some of the council members sat with fixed stares, others looked confused. When Arakiel invited questions, no one in the room moved for several seconds. Finally, the Prime Minister of France bent to