Samples From The Book "Kerstan's Kingdom"

It was a warm, balmy spring day in April, Good Friday to be exact. The crowds gathered peacefully at the office of the former President Gabriel after the official 30 day's period of mourning had ended. Patiently they awaited the expected announcement of who would take the place of President Gabriel.

They knew this would be a historical day as things in this country were never the same since the period of civil unrest that led to the indefinite period of a state of emergency. It was a time of great national crisis that brought about a need for change. People were unhappy. The nation threatened to become permanently divided. A spark of revolution in the streets would bring about a peaceful transformation.

Ever since that day, the crowds bemused how much better things have become. There has been nothing but peace. The air of debate and arguing for rights were over. Everyone seemed to be on the same page with most issues. All were like-minded, responsible subjects with homes, jobs, and security. Schools ran to the satisfaction of the general population. Taxes were reported low and businesses flourished. With government supported welfare eliminated, all good denizens are happy as basic needs met through private resources.

Up to the podium came a vibrant man full of personality. The crowds cheered as a handsome, tall man came leaping up the stairs. The applause rang throughout the city making it difficult to speak. Mr. Kerstan waved out to the audience. Some of the women fainted. They wished this handsome, powerful man was directing his attentions towards them.

Christopher seemed groomed to step into his role of history. A background included wealthy parents who were pillars of the community. His ancestors came from a lineage dating to the Mayflower. He went to the finest Ivy league college and rumored to be part of a powerful, secret society. With the state of emergency declared, Kerstan was President Gabriel's first pick of the new security package, the Commando Force Leader.

As Commando Force Leader, he was the right hand, eyes and ears of the President. His job was to report any incidents of trouble to the President and make his recommendations for action. He controlled all aspects of what went on with security including the judicious institutions, legislative bodies, law enforcement representatives and media events. In short, he was the one most responsible for the country's utopia society. At least that is how the media represented him.

The crowds simmered down long enough to let Christopher speak.

"My fellow countrymen, as you know today is the day the period of mourning for our beloved President Gabriel is over. I would like to start the day with much reason for joy and celebration.

"As you know, our country has long struggled under a state of emergency, but the trouble has seemed to let up. However, we cannot guarantee things will remain in this state of peace and security.

"I know you enjoy the 100% employment rate, the end of homelessness, and a system of private business health care that everyone can access. We still remain under threat from an element that would think nothing of destroying our dreams and our country.

"The way our Forefathers have written the laws of the land, it left room for the government to change should it ever become oppressive. Many of you here remember how burdensome it had become to speak your mind without having someone trying to shut you up with political correctness. Dangerous groups were growing with a Communist element under names such as Nazis, KKK, Democrats, Libertarians, feminists, and the like. When atheists and pagans dared to challenge the right of the majority to worship freely, things have become oppressive for the masses. When groups that set out to destroy family, they set out to destroy the fabric of our nation. This led to the great civil unrest that forced us into a state of emergency. It was the left-wing propagandists who made the mess. They should never be allowed to destroy our nation again.

"A truly peaceful society, one blessed by God, must not be guided by the laws of man, but the laws of God. During our period of emergency, we have given more thought to that possibility and in the polls last month we gave you a chance to decide.

"It is official and the majority 99.9% agreed. We are doing away with the document known as the Constitution. While it was a great document and had its place and time in history, it was also manmade and imperfect. It will now be replaced officially with our law of the land, the law of the God of the Bible.

"I have been selected by Chike Renweard, our Minister of Faith, who has appointed me as Pastor Of The Country and leader of this land. The official ceremony will take place at sundown. I promise you this will be the greatest nation in the world because we are blessed by God.

"As such, all citizens will receive a copy of the Holy Bible as well as the new Holy Law Of The Land. Each and every person is expected to read it, memorize it and follow it. There is to be no debate as this is the will of God. You will follow it to keep the peace and to please our Lord. Those who do not wish to follow it shall be revoked of their citizenship and be subjected to the punishment outlined in our Holy Scriptures. In order for you to be considered a citizen of our land, you must be a baptized Christian and vow to uphold the new law of the land. Should you not follow the requirements to be a citizen, you are no longer a part of this country and will be required to conform or leave."

Crowds cheered and applauded loudly. The vibrations were heard miles away in a basement of a tavern where Audric Tilly lived. He was watching the live news coverage along with 50 other people who wept at the news.

Audric, a 49 year old gentleman whose ancestors came into this country from France just before a major war, had a bad feeling about this announcement. Audric was proud of his French heritage and even prouder to be an American, or at least what it used to mean to be an American.

Audric reminisced loudly to comfort the assemblage about how things were before the civil unrest.

"I was happy with my wife, Raissa, who had migrated to this country from a former Communist country. She spoke of the oppression she dealt with living in her country and it always offended her that young people in our country spoke of how oppressed they felt. 'They know nothing about real oppression,' she would always bemoan. 'If they witnessed and were at the brunt end of oppression, they would wet their pants and cry like babies before being shot or hanged in the streets after disappearing mysteriously.'

"It used to be such an open society filled with people from all walks of life. They used to call it the 'great melting pot.' We welcomed people from other countries into our land. We let them practice their religions and keep their culture and languages.

"Somehow things went all wrong. We wanted everything to be fair to everyone. Perhaps that was just asking too much. Those of the status quo were not going to put up with it any longer and started a smear campaign against anyone who deviated from the norm.

"One by one, they tried to silence us by media spokespersons in their loud voices who stated empty facts and assertions with conviction. They effectively silenced dissidents while characterizing them as troublemakers and torpid tinkerers without taking opposing points of view into consideration or heeding it as a possibility, but as the foolish grumbling of the ignorant and lazy who were no more than traitors to their country.

"Things were getting so bad, Raissa contemplated moving to another country which had more freedom. I begged her to stay and fight for this country. I thought it was worth saving.

"We, who were not on the side of the status quo, were labeled left-wing Communists, no matter how vastly different we viewed things politically. If one's opinion was not the position of the majority, you were a Communist. One could be middle of the road, politically speaking, and be labeled a Communist if they dared entertained any idea that reeked of divergence from the mainstream.

"In an ominous moment things went from bad to worse. The so-called Left was growing angry with the accusations of being unpatriotic and trying to ruin the country. They were tired of being brushed aside without the other side trying to understand their point of view. They were made to feel as if they were no longer welcomed in this country. Should they not become like the so-called normal people, they should revoke their citizenship and leave.

"Richard Payne was a very likable man who was running for President against Farris Gabriel who was already in office. He was a great voice of reason and calmed down the various masses of people being silenced by the Right. He spoke words they wholeheartedly embraced. He was a politician who really understood them and promised to speak out on their behalf.

"Polls showed that although the race would have been close, Payne would have been elected. Farris Gabriel was worried. He called on his pals at TJPG to make arrangements before all the plans they made were ruined. It was in this secret meeting that his brothers at TJPG would seal his fate and the fate of the country.

"I knew Farris from before my old college days when we were in a secret fraternity known as Templa Jerome Phoebus Garabi. The society's name meant literally, 'Sanctuary Holy Shining Clear.' We both came from similar backgrounds from the same small town. We were reared in a very conservative Pentecostal church family. Everyone in TJPG was of the same mind set and background.

"One of the plans of TJPG was to ensure spreading Christianity throughout the world and to start by making our country what we felt our forefathers wanted. By turning our country into a truly Christian nation, we would be a shining example to the rest of the world. It would be clear to all where the path would be to holy sanctuary. However, those of us on higher levels knew a darker side to the plan.

"It made sense while I was in my first two years and still wet behind the ears. After all, in the small town where I grew up everyone was just like me. I never knew anyone who was different. Then I met people from all walks of life on campus. At first I thought they were peculiar. I was advised these were nefarious people and to shun them. I believed it and stayed away.

"Then I took courses in history, religion and politics. I began to wonder if all I knew was wrong. I met Raissa. All of a sudden, things did not seem so black and white anymore. All these so-called evil people were no longer something to fear, but mere humans who wanted to be loved and respected just as anyone else.

"I was warned of associating with Raissa and how she would ruin me and endanger the TJPG society. I was in love with her.

"As the TJPG was a secret society and I made an oath to my paternity brothers, I could only leave it in death and to reveal the business of our society meant a certain painful and tortuous death. There was no quitting. Once a member, you were a member for life.

"I posed a threat to their order because I would not give up Raissa. I married her right after college. I was censured by TJPG and no longer considered an active member who could attend further meetings or benefit from the privileges for the club. TJPG had ties with most of the powerful organizations in the country. Although most people don't know it, they actually control everything. They have for quite a long time.

"To become a member of this group, you had to be recommended by a member who was given a secret pin designed to flag out qualities a member required and screened by a committee before you were even invited to join. Even with the invitation you were never told the name of the organization for which you pledged until you transcend the trials for entry.

"It was so secret that members in the organization never knew who made up the top level. The secret level always dangled over them and they never realized when the initiation to the next level took place. I was one of the few who rose to one of the top levels along with Richard Payne and Farris Gabriel. When I found out about the secret plan to take over the world, I was flagged as trouble.

"Richard Payne, Farris Gabriel and I were inducted on the same day to one of the highest levels within the group. I sponsored Christopher Kerstan while we attended college together. Everyone who was anyone was with TJPG, but they were mostly lower ranking and unknowing of the wickedness that lurked around the corner.

"A week before elections, the news broke that there was unrest in front of the Presidential Offices as Right and Left protesters started to get violent. I remember an interview with a young man who claimed the violence came from nowhere. There was a shot that rang out from blocks away and the Right mob started shoving and accusing the Left of duress. He was beaten to death in front of the cameras. It was awful.

"Angry people came from everywhere and the military was called in to restore order. We were placed under a state of emergency and those who did not return to their homes immediately would be shot.

"Many of the young people thought they couldn't be serious, after all, it was a free country and protesting allowed. The armed forces would not dare commit another Kent State atrocity, so they thought, but they did worse. The military forces killed over 2,500 dissidents in one day.

"Shocked by the brutality of the murders, a myriad crowd stood up for the rights of those viciously slaughtered with a candlelight vigil and were gunned down during the peaceful protest. Another 5,000 murdered.

"The next day incensed hordes came with weapons. They managed to slay members of the military, but more than 7,500 protesters were consummated as martyrs for the cause. Those who were not killed were injured or among the 15,000 hauled away to a secret prison out of the country.

"Due to all the violence, the media blamed the left-wing Communist groups for causing problems. Election Day was to be suspended temporarily until things were under control. Anyone who was against Farris was branded a traitor without a trial and banned from voting.

"Richard and I were summarily tossed aside by the TJPG for our dissenting views from the society and were no longer privy to what was going on. We approached our old TJPG brothers, Chike Renweard and Victor Myles who were leaders of the society and asked them what was going on. They denied anything unusual was going on and warned us not to make any trouble or start any untrue rumors.

"Foolishly, we thought we could make a difference and save our country from the threat of TJPG. We knew they had intentions of turning this into a Christian nation for their own evil purposes and suspected this was part of the plan. Election day was stalled for 3 years. Richard and about 500 people marched to the Capitol to protest.

"I was at home with Raissa who was expecting our second baby. Our 8 year old daughter, Matilda, was glued to the window watching the peaceful protest march. I wanted to be with Richard, but my priorities were with the family.

"Then I heard a stampede coming our way as the screaming protesters were running the other direction and shots fired out. People were dying in the streets. Richard was running with his 10 year old son in the streets. He was accosted by a group of men wearing the TJPG pin and shot in front of his son and outside my window. That was my warning.

"I quickly opened the door as the men left and ushered Richard's son, Artus, into my home. He told me they shot his mother as she made a speech to the crowd and everyone started to run as these men were killing people. Days later, Raissa had delivered a stillborn boy. I was devastated.

"I adopted Artus as he had nowhere to go and no other family. Raissa was depressed, but she came around to accept and love Artus as her own.

"The news went out the Presidential candidate, Richard Payne, was killed in an uprising by Communist influenced groups and Election Day would be postponed indefinitely while these dangerous threats to our society were defused. Anyone who did not sign the government loyalty cards denouncing association with groups the security committee considered as traitorous organizations would be branded a felon as an enemy of the state and banned from voting in the future.

"Four years went by and I tried to adjust to the changes. I went out while it was daylight according to my permission pass in order to conduct official business. I tried to make the most of a bad situation. Hoping that one day those in charge would come to their senses before it was too late.

"While I was gone, Raissa found the secret book of the TJPG. I had no idea she found it and had been reading it until one day she confronted me. She was upset that I knew of such conspiracies and did nothing to stop it.

"I guess she thought I was a coward and perhaps I was. I knew these people had powers and controlled the world we knew. I felt I had no power against them and it was best to accept that it was just the way things were.

"Raissa could not be quiet and wrote a book to expose these secrets. A friend of hers from the Liberal underground press and resistance movement, known as Bixenta Sloan, printed hundreds of thousands of copies of the book and they were distributed throughout the network. Everyone here has read that book and is now a member of the resistance movement.

"Word got back to TJPG about the book and Christopher Kerstan showed up on my doorstep to warn me they were going to kill my family because of Raissa.

"Christopher agreed to help as long as I kept it silent. He ushered my wife and children out of the country. He gave me the papers that terminated our marriage and change their last name. If I wanted them to live, I had to agree with the plan. I knew too much to leave the country alive. If I left the country, they would kill all of us. If our family stayed, they would kill us.

"I had to live the last 5 years alone and away from my family. I do not even know where they are or how to reach them. This was my punishment for carelessness with the secret documents.

"Today, as we stand at the foothills of history, we may be the last hope of Democracy with the power to decide our nation's fate. They have taken over and destroyed our country. Will we just sit here crying in our beers or will we take it to the streets?"

As the crowd applauded, they ingested a few beers to drown their sorrows. Alcohol was an outlawed substance during the state of emergency. Those caught were sent to a penitentiary to be reeducated and qualified fit for society. Offenders could not be released until they proved conversion and subjected to a baptism. Many never returned once they disappeared without a trace. Those who reappeared seemed like hollow souls that did not resemble their former spirit.

Bixenta Sloan was tempting fate with the law, but at that point it did not matter. TJPG got its way. Depressed citizens waited in the dark basement until sundown to watch the ceremony.

All members of President Gabriel's emergency security team were present to assume their permanent career for life. Victor Myles was now the new Commando Force Leader assuming Christopher Kerstan's old position. Edric Rypan Wellington, one of the world's most wealthiest men, was Head of Finance and Economy. His wife, Docila Aulaire Mirabella, remained the head of all media. Broga Banan, a former militia marksman, was in charge of the Department of Civil Unrest. Chike Renweard, a professor of religion, was Minister Of Faith. Hedeon Bogdashka, Chike's son, owned the Department of Legislation. Vigilia Bogdashka, Hedeon's twin, became head Officer of Employment. Hanz Tolan was in charge of the Office of Charities while his wife Skye Muminah remained Minister of Housing and Placement. Fritz Christian was allowed to continue his important mission in the office of Minister of Health and Welfare. Larcwide Tobrytan, a former law professor, was Judicial Minister. Tolucan Wregan, brought into the fold to calm down relations with another powerful group, relished over his appointment of the Head of the Justice Department. Vivek Visha, one of the country's most respected educators, was to head the Department of Education.

How fitting it was for the ceremony to initiate Kerstan into the highest office of the land to be exactly like the initiation ceremony to become a member of the second highest level of TJPG. Why would they let the public in on this secret ceremony? Why would they initiate the leader of the land who was supposed to be the absolute leader with a service meant for someone in TJPG who was second from the top?

The sun rested low on the horizon as the lights glared along the large canvas backdrop with the flag imprinted on it. Soldiers lined up along the path where Kerstan was to march and saluted him with gunfire. He made his way up the podium wearing nothing but a white robe with the secret TJPG insignia pin and sandals and holding a large wooden cross upon his back.

He knelt before Minister Renweard who led the crowd in prayer and anointed his head with holy oil to summon the blessing of the Holy Spirit. He took Kerstan by the hand and guided him to the pool where he would make an allegiance of faith to God and country and become baptized to the highest known office of the land.

Kerstan said those words with honor and conviction. He solemnly promised to be true to his oath and would remain worthy of the power entrusted to him by the people.

As Kerstan emerged from the cool waters, doves were released into the air and the band played, "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" followed by "Put Your Hand In The Hand" being played while fireworks lit up against the Potomac.

The crowds became silent as Christopher waved his hand. He began to speak.

"My fellow countrymen, God has entrusted me to take care of His flock. From this day forward, I do solemnly swear I will lead you down the righteous path leading to heaven while we show the rest of the world by shining example the right way to live."

The audience cheered. Tears of joy were in the eyes of the masses. This is what they wanted, true peace and security. One nation under one God. No more quarrels. No more debates.

Men from Broga Banan's staff were scattered through the populace keeping control. The multitudes could now be instantly silenced upon command and made to disperse with a nod. The subdued crowd with happy faces were captured by the cameras from Docila Aulaire Mirabella's crew whose job was to exhibit proof for the audience at home the new face of our nation and what it meant to truly be an American.

They captured the audience singing "How Great Thou Art" as they left the area in a peaceful, orderly manner.

Audric turned off the television and spoke to his group.

"We all know the people seen on camera were given special invitations. This was not an open meeting where anyone from the streets could attend. If you were chosen worthy to attend, you had to sign an oath agreement stating you would behave and not speak out of order. In fact, everyone in attendance was lower order members of the TJPG who have given large financial contributions to the cause.

"There used to be a time when those who disagreed were allowed to be seen and heard. Should someone be elected to office, protesters were allowed to voice their discontent and be recognized by the leader. Today, the leader is sheltered from controversy as much as the public at large. They are all told everything is fine. They are told exactly what they want the public to know -- this new government has made everything better and if you want things to be comfortable, don't ask too many questions.

"Although Mr. Kerstan represents all that has destroyed our nation, he is not an evil man. Please do not treat him like the enemy, but have pity on his poor soul. He is a good man who has chosen the wrong side.

"A truly free society is expected to have vast degrees of opinions and thought. It should be embraced and welcomed, not feared. These people have made the public afraid of what is different as if it were evil incarnate.

"I don't know what the TJPG is up to now, but you can be sure it isn't good. This show we have just seen is a cover for something big brewing underneath the surface. Life will be more dangerous now and we must be careful. The idea of what this country used to mean is worthy of a fight. Will we let it die and our souls with it?"

The crowd yelled out a robust, "No!"

"Let us move forward silently into the night. We shall infiltrate the sleeping masses and awaken them before danger ensnares them all."

The group filtered out into the darkness of the night watching carefully for representatives from the Justice Department and Department of Civil Unrest looking for any unusual activities that might be subversive in nature. Should they be caught, they would be ushered away secretly in the night without anyone knowing someone has taken them away. Chances were great they would never be seen again. The few who did rematerialize were no longer interested in fighting the good fight, but in being righteousness, compliant subjects.

Members of the group have gone to these meetings about once a month, but each time they departed, a few members would report of a peculiar incident of being jolted into by a stranger and feeling like something stabbed them. There was no blood, just a slightly raised and discolored swelling for a few weeks and a solid area under the skin. Many of these people have died unexpectedly from an insect that grew inside their bodies and spread their poison within. Others have noticed when they walked by radios they seemed to carry off an interference and people seem to be watching their every move.

Audric suspected these were more control tactics by his former associates who were determined to dominate at all costs. After Raissa left with the kids, he was lonely for companionship and bought a dog. This animal has on more than one occasion kept strangers from bumping into him. One day the dog died under mysterious circumstances. He was closing up the bar and going up to his room where his dog was sleeping. His pet was not on his bed, but lying still by an open window. He tried to wake him up, but could not get a response. Then he noticed the blood on the window sill. It was strange as he always kept the window closed. He saw the blood on the dog's mouth and thought perhaps it was a burglar who killed him. Then he opened his mouth to try and revive him, but found a finger lodged in the back of its throat. On the finger was a ring with the emblem of the TJPG. This was no accident.

Audric crept upstairs to his living room and recollected happier days when he graduated from college and was accepted to a large corporation as a member on the executive board making a huge income. He got this job courtesy of his fraternity. They were still upset with him that he broke rank by dating Raissa, but they said they respected his courage of conviction to go after what he wanted in spite of what others told him to do. He did not know back then why they were so against her as they did not have a problem with that relationship until she returned from her old country to collect items belonging to her family. He decided it was best to keep his membership a secret from Raissa.

They kept after him about how Raissa was not like the rest of them and bound to turn his head away from serious matters. Audric dared to question what those serious matters were. To his surprise they told him. Feeding him information, bit by bit, Audric was giddy at the prospect of secret knowledge passed down throughout the ages that only a few selected people will ever hear.

He rose up through the ranks of TJPG to the initiation point where he entered the realm of the second highest position. It was an honor and a privilege to make it that far at such a young age. Most men in their middle ages could never be expected to come close to that level. However, just like the lower levels, you never knew when you were initiated and what would be expected from you before it was too late. He could have made his way to the top shortly a few years after joining a successful financial corporation had it not been for an unexpected turn of events.

It was days before his wedding to Raissa that he was informed of the grand plan, to turn this nation into a Christian nation. They sold him on the idea that they were doing this to be a shining example to God in hopes that the rest of the world would follow their lead. Then the whole world could receive the blessing of their Lord and everyone would live in peace and harmony.

He thought it was great and the motives seemed pure. He talked it over with Richard Payne who was his best friend and soon to be running mate. They were both devout Christians and could not think of any better thing to prove their love to God. Then it dawned on them. To pull off such a plan would mean to dissolve the checks and balances of the Constitutional system that protected the rights of everyone including non-believers.

Richard and Audric questioned the merits, the rightness and the wrongs of the plan. Fellow brother Farris Gabriel also questioned, but in a different way. He asked what was in it for him and how he could profit from this new world. Thus the oil was separated from the water and as Audric found out, the motives never were as pure as it was presented.

Audric and Richard overheard Farris speaking to Victor Myles. They found out they not only failed the test to move any higher into the organization, but if they were not careful would be marked. It was up to Farris to make sure Audric and Richard were pacified enough to not cause trouble by seeing to it they had good jobs and some security. If they were kept happy, perhaps they would be satisfied with the crumbs they gave them and would no longer question the brotherhood. Should they start to make trouble for the organization and divert their plans for world domination, they were to be pressured into compliance or be eliminated.

Both men knew they were now in big trouble, but really did not understand why. They thought this was a good brotherhood that wanted to spread the good word of their religion to the world and make things a better place. Now they find out the group had no regard for God, but for power and control. Everything else was a lie. They had taken the organization for granted and were lost in the system. TJPG had a definite plan, but what was it?

Audric and Richard were together the next day at the church. Richard was his best man. Farris approached them and suggested Audric calls off the wedding. When asked why, Farris told him the brothers think Raissa was not on God's side and would bring corruption within the organization.

Audric could not hold his tongue, "You dare talk to me about corruption on the happiest day of my life? Raissa is a pure, free spirit who speaks with honesty from the heart. You people dance around words and half truths, twisting facts and realities to make people do what you want them to do for you while you make them think they are doing it by their own free will.

"It isn't Raissa who is corrupt. The whole brotherhood is nothing but a bed of meal worms waiting to devour the flesh of the innocent who look to you for hope. All you can give them are false promises. We both know of your evil plan to hide behind the innocent religious people for your own gain. I personally find that vile and offensive and you will never get away with it."

Farris sighed and rolled his eyes as he said in a very calm manner, "Sir, I have no idea of what you are talking about. I think you had better keep this quiet and reflect upon such evil thoughts against the brotherhood. Perhaps you ought to now think twice as hard about not marrying Raissa. Mark my words. She will be your death. She is no more honest than you, my brother." Then he calmly walked away and up to Raissa who was on the other side of the church. He gave her a kiss and wished her luck as he walked out the door.

Since the day Raissa married Audric, life became hard for the couple and for the Payne family. Both men lost their jobs and had trouble finding work. It seemed as if they were blackballed from taking gainful employment to support a family. The only way they could get by was in the bar they ran in the basement of Audric's home. The brotherhood knew of its existence, but looked the other way. It would have been an illegal set up for anyone else, but it kept Richard and Audric safely away from the public.

By the time they were in their early 30s, Richard had one son, Artus and Raissa was expecting a girl who would be named Matilida. The men were content with living a simple life, unconcerned with politics and conspiracies going on around them. The brotherhood was satisfied to leave them alone.

Neither brother told the world at large or even their beloved spouses the evil they suspected within the TJPG. For the love of Raissa, Audric prayed she would never know about his involvement in the group and his sins of the past. When these men came around, he just told her they were clients. Jennifer knew of Richard's ties with the group, but thought it was doing good deeds.

They knew these men would have the power to destroy their lives. The less the wives knew, the safer they would be. Audric and Richard were innocent parties to the destruction of another man on behalf of the brotherhood. They did not know it at the time and how it propelled them higher up in the organization, but since that day it has pained them to think what the brothers would do if they betrayed them.

Senator Osmond Williams was a former member of the TJPG who became pastor of a community church. His conscience was feeling guilty upon hearing rumors of his brothers planning to overthrow the government, but never said anything about it as the TJPG allowed him to live a life of luxury. His family was well respected in the community. The church prospered. He was one of the wealthiest pastors in the nation through his hour long televised sermons every week. Everyone in the country loved him and respected his political beliefs. They eventually elected him to the Senate. He was encouraged to run for President because the people trusted him.

As the nation was on the heels of an unpopular war that would have usurped the government, he did not want TJPG to follow through with taking over the nation. He knew he had to speak up and started with his local congregation by giving them a speech on why they should value their country and learn what it really means to be an American without taking it for granted before someone comes along in their sleep and changes the meaning while they quietly accept it as truth and end up in a world they no longer recognize.

The brotherhood learned about this sermon and were concerned that he would take it to the national level. They warned him such propaganda was against the order and if he continued such behavior, he will find himself in a hell on earth. After a few public setbacks brought on by TJPG, Williams promised to behave and not divulge any information for public speculation.

However, he could not remain silent. On an interview, he mentioned a nameless group was planning on subverting the government and as President, he would never let that happen.

Audric and Richard delivered a package of papers in a box that were supposedly for his Presidential campaign. They were on his committee and thought he would make a great leader. Of course Osmond was going to trust anything these two fellow brothers would give him. They believed in his principles and were strong supporters of his campaign. They were bright-eyed college students unaware of anything dubious within the TJPG.

When they delivered the package to him, Osmond took them aside and asked them if they really were sure they wanted to stay in the brotherhood. They were confused as to why Osmond would ask such a question. Of course they wanted to remain. The TJPG was going to make everything right with the world. Before they left, Osmond warned them not to take everything at face value and to watch their backs.

The next day, the campaign office of Senator Williams was raided. The search provided proof of how Mr. Williams was stealing the campaign funds and defrauding his church membership. They found illegal drugs with his fingerprints on the containers and a picture of him with a prostitute. On camera, they interviewed a woman who said they were having a fling for years behind his wife's back and how she had a fatal sexual disease.

This was all denied by Osmond, but reports kept coming back to confirm it to all be true. A stranger bumped into Mr. Williams and it felt like they stabbed him, but there was no blood. Weeks later, he tested positive for the same fatal sexual disease of the woman from his so-called affair. His marriage fell apart. His children hated him. His church fired him. He was voted out of office.

There were enough people suspicious of how their favorite candidate was set up, but they were not in the know of the ways of the TJPG. They were a large enough group of vigilant citizens who would not allow the conditions for the organization to subvert the nation.

Poor Osmond Williams was homeless, poor, dying and disgraced without a friend by his side. He lingered in this misery for years. Audric came to see him one last time before he died which is something the brotherhood warned him against. Osmond told Audric this was the punishment for going against the brotherhood and that he forgave them for their role in his downfall. Mr. Williams died shortly after Audric and Richard found out about the TJPG's plan to take over the nation. They would never tell anyone of their shameful role in history that led to the destruction of another man.

As little Artus looked up to his father and the man he thought of as Uncle Audric, he asked them why does there seem to be so much hate and violence in the world. The men knew at that point, for the sake of their children, they could no longer remain silent. They would soon be of age to run for the highest office of the land.

At first, TJPG took very little notice of the duo trying to run for President. They were confident there was no way they could garnish enough funds or media attention to even remotely consider being a threat.

They ran on a campaign that they were just average citizens who knew of the struggles to make it in the world. They wanted to unite the country and bring hope to the people.

The brotherhood laughed at the naiveté of the men. They only said the common things everyone wants to hear, but had no concrete plans on how to achieve the goal. They did not have the slightest clue about the plans of the TJPG and how the brothers would thwart anything they attempted to do that would stop them from taking over.

What the brotherhood did not expect was the growing grassroots movement of people who were skeptical of the media they owned and questioned everything. That group was becoming more vocal, therefore could be considered enemies to the brotherhood.

The TJPG launched a campaign against the supporters of Richard and Audric as being Communist sympathizers trying to destroy the country. They dared to accuse them of behaving like the dreaded French. After all, Audric was one of them and married to a woman who had ties to Communism. It was true and untrue at the same time. Proof could be found and not disputed by Audric, yet he knew they were lies taken out of context for the purpose of public manipulation.

The smear campaign worked well to induce hatred and division in the country. To ignite the firestorm of controversy that became like a massive forest fire of lies believed by the hungry drones watching the news, the TJPG put Farris Gabriel up to running against them by continuing on for a second term with a promise to deport all traitors to the country like Richard and Audric. Farris was a key team member of the brotherhood and represented exactly what they wanted, a man who would not wrestle with his conscience, but getting the tasks done towards achieving the ultimate goal.

The nation was so hot in disagreement it was hard to find anyone sitting on the fence. They were portrayed in the media as either patriotic and for Gabriel or a left-wing Communist radical for Payne.

Talk shows and newspapers would actively show support for the TJPG candidate and run a wicked campaign of lies and half truths about the Payne party. Those for Gabriel were encouraged and patted on the back for deriding supporters of Payne. Everyone who spoke on Richard's behalf was spat upon and called names or forced into silence while the supporters of Gabriel demanded these unpatriotic Americans renounce their citizenship and be tried for treason for not supporting the government without question.

This nasty campaign led to the big rift that tore the country apart. A war broke out in the streets. Election Day was canceled. Richard and Jennifer were murdered in the streets. Artus was an orphan. Audric and Raissa were forced to divorce and never see each other again. The TJPG has duped the people into accepting the new government. The nation would never be the same again.

What becomes of the country when TJPG gains full power and control? Is this the ultimate paradise or the ultimate hell? Is anyone really safe? These questions and more will be answered in the book Kerstan's Kingdom.

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© Copyright 2004, Callen Damornen