The girls continued to head west, northwest, after leaving Rusty. They had avoided any contact with people, and had managed to either hunt, or live off of things they found at night around a still functioning farmyard. They weren't happy with the diet, but it was better than nothing. They had been together for around three weeks now, and as they walked, they also continued to read and talk about The Bible. Soon, even Linda understood when certain expressions were used. Like baring her cross. She noticed that no matter how uncomfortable or tiring they became, neither of them complained. Linda asked about it.
Jesse answered. "The Apostle Paul said that he learned to be satisfied, no matter his condition. Now this comes from a man that had been beaten countless times, stoned three times I think, shipwrecked more than once. He ended up in Rome, only to be executed by Nero. And he learned to be satisfied. Sounds like we still have quite a way to go, if we start complaining now." She smiled then continued. "Besides, if we did, who would listen, and what would it change?"
"I never thought of it that way." She fell silent for a moment. "Kind of gives the old story about 'suffering in silence' a whole new meaning."
"Hey." Amie Called out. "Do you think Rusty is O.K.? I've been watching the weather behind us. It looks real bad. It just isn't getting any closer to us. Think he might of got caught in that?"
"I think it is safe to say that as long as he keeps his promise, he won't go wrong." Jesse Said.
"I think God will keep an eye on him until he makes his choice to follow The Lord, or not." Linda said. "I got a feeling it could be a hurricane out there, and the weather would be calm where ever he is."
"I hope so. He was nice."
Director Ives was amazed at the messenger that was waiting for him when he got to work. The news he brought was even more amazing. Ives was to begin the implementation of the mark. It wasn't to be called that, of course, but it was now time to begin, so that later the job would be much easier with a large part of it done.
He assured the messenger that it would be done.
He sat in his office figuring just how far he could push this, without letting the masters plan out in the open. He knew how he could accomplish most of it. To start with, he could make sure that every woman that was honestly entitled to receive benefits for their mating with the 'space brothers' would receive a computer chip in their right hand, or forehead. That way nobody that wasn't entitled could steal the benefits from those who were.
The next part would be for identification of those who would have a right to food stores, as they became available.
He thought carefully about it, and over the course of the next two weeks, he released two statements.
To: The People of the North American Directorate
It has been brought to the attention of the directorate that certain persons have been trying to claim benefits, to which they have no right. Every effort is being made to keep these un-authorized persons from claiming that which is not theirs. However, to date some persons have managed to slip through our reward system.
Not after today. I am asking every woman that has or is going to come forward to accept the offer of impregnation, now accept this computer chip implanted in their hand. This chip will ensure that no one but those who are actually entitled to benefits, will receive them. It will also ensure that if someone is not entitled, they will not receive any benefits. In this way, we may be truly fair in the delivery of earned benefits, and be able to stop the fraud that is being forced upon us.
Furthermore, I am requesting that the family members that are also entitled to such benefits also allow the implantation of these identifiers. In this way, no deserving person will be denied their rightful benefits.
Now we come to the matter of equal distribution of such food stuffs, and other needful items that our people will doubtlessly liberate from the formerly occupied zones.
My friends. I don't think that any will disagree that those who bore the burden of combat, should be the first to receive the benefits from the liberated items. But this war has been so devastating to us all, it is hard to know just who has served, and in what capacity. I am asking that all veterans bring whatever proof they have of service to the nation. Once the proof of service is verified, then you as well will be eligible to receive an identifier, no benefits can ever again be denied you.
There will undoubtedly be those who have concerns about the safety of such measures. There will be some who may feel that implanting a identifier under the skin is an extreme thing to do. Let me put these fears to rest.
I will admit, the need for these identifiers is extreme. We live in extreme times, I'm sure you will all agree. I'm sorry to say that even at times like these, when we need each other the most, there are still those people who are only concerned with their own benefit. Their own profit. Identification cards can be stolen, lost, or destroyed. The implanted identifier can not stolen. It can not be lost. It can not be destroyed.
Let me also remind you all. These identifiers were invented by the creators of humankind. Who would better know how to make such a device and make certain that it won't be harmful to us?
Starting at the first of next month, all persons known to the Directorate to be actual combat veterans, will start to receive notices in the mail. These notices will give a day, time, and date to report to the facility listed in the notice. While these identifiers are highly recommended by the Directorate, they are not required. Each person must choose to accept this, or not.
It is only right that you should be reminded, and think about the fact that those who choose to side with us, will be the first in line for the benefits. Be sure to consider this when making your decision.
Bob turned off the radio.The only thing in his mind was a scripture.
Rev 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
Rev 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number [is] Six hundred threescore [and] six.
Well, they were certainly making it difficult to refuse. Not required, but if you wanted to eat, you got the chip. You want to work, you got the chip. He shook his head. He knew that even at this late date, there were still those who held out hope for a rapture of some sort. What was it going to take for the scales to be taken off the eyes of some people? The beginning of the implementing of The Mark was beginning right in front of them, and they still believe that we are going to be out of here at any time.
He looked again at the map before him, trying to guess where they were being led. Yellowstone? Certainly in that direction. Finally he had to admit that his knowledge of the area was just too limited. he would have to trust The Lord.
Considering the weather, he had lots of reasons to do that. No matter which way they went, the weather was perfect for traveling. Behind them, the weather was terrible. All sign of their passing was completely wiped out. Game turned out to be far more abundant than they had any right to expect. So, food wasn't a problem. During earlier months the townsfolk had dried and put back as much as they could, in the way of nuts, berries, and different vegetables. Now a pattern had developed. They would travel for two days, and stop for one. At the times they were at a temporary camp, everyone would prepare meals for the next several days. So as they moved, they could get by with cold meals if they had to do so. And there had been a few times they did have to.
But now, he was getting that feeling again. The feeling that they had to remain here, no matter how much he wanted to be on the move. He had told Maria that he was going for a walk, and scratched his shoulder.
Maria nodded knowingly. "Don't let the food get cold."
"Now, Sweetheart. Have you ever known me to be late for a meal?"
"That depends. If you're not helping someone, or going off on one of your prayer walks, you'll be back on time. Otherwise, I'll re-heat it when you get here."
Bob had walked over a small hill, sat down and began to pray. He simply didn't understand why they had been held up here for days now. He sat there on a fallen tree, looking at the wilderness before him. He watched as three deer walked into the open and grazed briefly. After they had left, a mixture of different animals and birds passed before him. Then he heard it. A voice. Gently, he eased himself behind the log, and drawing his pistol assumed a firing position.
The bushes a little off to his right something was moving through. He waited. If these were renegade Russians, or even anti-Christian Americans, he was in a bad spot. Nobody knew where he was. They would have to follow the sound of shooting. That might take to long. But he couldn't leave without exposing himself. he had to wait. The brush began to part.
"Amie. Are you sure we are supposed to come here? I mean there isn't much going on around here." Jesse said, as she emerged from the brush.
"It sure doesn't seem like it." Linda agreed as she followed Jesse.
The three of them jumped when Bob said, "There's more going on than you might think."
BW, Vietnam Vet