Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Winter (the season) (08/13/09)
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TITLE: FlashPoint | Previous Challenge Entry
By Tim Pickl
08/17/09 -
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“Mr. President, Mr. President!”
The President points toward the middle of the crowd of White House Press Corps reporters. “Uh, Bob. You’re next.”
“Bob Costa, Time Magazine, here, sir.”
“It’s about ‘time’.”
The reporter and The President chuckle in unison and the stress in the room vanishes. “That’s a good one. But, on a serious note, sir, what is the main cause of the tension between the United States and Iran? And, sir, please elaborate on any diplomatic solutions that are underway; and any military options, if any.”
“As I said in my opening statement, relations between our countries have been strained. The actions, and re-actions of a few here in Washington have only added to the tension. Right now-- as we speak--a diplomatic team headed by the Secretary of State have landed in Iran and are meeting with the Iranian President. I expect to hear very soon that the main issues have been resolved.”
“What about their threat to annihilate the U.S., starting with New York?”
“All—if any are needed—military options are on the table. For obvious security reasons, I cannot say much more than that.”
+++
“Mike Meyer here. Behind me is the Iranian Embassy here in New York City. There is chaos out here in the street! Iranians are gathering here with signs—they’re burning American flags—Riot Police on the other side are pushing back the Anti-Iranian protesters.”
“Mike. Can you hear me?”
“Barely—”
“We have a report here that the Iranians are planning to march to the American Embassy—can you confirm it there on the ground?”
“Yes, yes—it’s happening now. I spoke with the Iranian organizers earlier today—roll the tape.”
+++
“So you are planning to march from the Iranian Embassy to the American Embassy?”
“Yes sir, we are. Nothing will stop us.”
“We’ve heard that there will be a group of Anti-Iranian protesters there to block you. Violence could escalate. Are you prepared, and what will you do?”
“We are prepared; we have chosen this glorious day to show the world we are for peace, and safety.”
+++
“The organizer had an ominous tone in his voice. He was very confident everything would turn out okay.”
“Mike—are you still there on the street?”
“Yes sir.”
“What are you seeing now?”
“We finally have a video feed. Pan over to the Iranians marching—there. Look! The Anti-Iranians just broke through the Police line! They’re attacking the Iranians!”
“What is that big moving truck sitting in the middle of the street?”
“Zoom in over there on that old truck. What is that man doing? Oh, NO--”
“Mike?”
Nothing but snow on the video feed.
“Mike?”
No audio either, just static.
“Mike? It seems we’ve lost him.”
+++
Flashpoint.
He who lives by the sword of violence, will die by the sword of violence, especially if he is seeking violence. Anger and hatred bubble in the terrorist’s heart to a flashpoint, culminating in a self-destructive tsunami, taking as many with him as possible into eternity.
Such is the case this day, when a ‘suitcase’ nuclear device is detonated.
Instantly, over 300,000 souls lose their lives; and millions more are severely burned and poisoned. While terrorists victoriously dance in the streets in the Middle East, the United States of America enters into the longest winter of her existence.
+++
Nuclear winter.
Bob Costa, Time Magazine reporter, stands up and stretches, then rubs his eyes. He looks out of the window in his Washington D.C. hotel room, sipping coffee. Behind him, the television news channel constantly gives gruesome updates about the number of dead, wounded and missing. Outside, it’s snowing in the crisp morning air. Large, white flakes quickly pile up on street and sidewalks below.
“Lord, why did this happen?”
Someone whispers his name, “Bob.”
Then again.
Bob spins around, “Wha-what? Who’s there?”
He thought he was alone. Then, he notices the top drawer on the side table near the bed is open. I guess I left it open last night, he thinks. He walks over to close the drawer, and then notices a Gideon’s Bible in the drawer.
Strange, I don’t remember seeing this—
Bob grabs and opens up the Bible, and it flops over to the book of the Revelation, Chapter 17. In shock he begins intently reading. When he gets to verse 16, these words jump out at him:
…burn her with fire.
Weeping, Bob sits on the floor.
“I wish I knew.”
+++
Reference: Matthew 26:52; 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Revelation 17 (KJV)
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I'm not sure how "on topic" it is, as I think Deb's going for more of a "seasons of life" theme. Nevertheless, well-written cautionary tale.
I hope you're working on a longer project!
Love those Gideon Bibles!
Mona
Eerie...prophetic! Maranatha!