Operation Dark Angel: The Rise of Nicolaitanes (Apocalypse Series Book 1) Read online

  Patriarch Josef Bartola very carefully chose his wardrobe for his trip to Rome. He had to look his best. After he finished packing for his trip, he took a cab down to the local casino to gamble for a while. He was dressed casually—no one would possibly recognize him as the same man. He felt right at home amongst the gamblers, the alcoholics, and the smokers; for he was, after all, all of these things and more. He was pulling the handle of his slot machine when he noticed an attractive blonde-haired woman watching him from across the aisle. He lifted his glass in a toast to her and smiled. She smiled back and walked over to him.

  “Is anyone using this slot machine?” she asked.

  “No, my dear, it’s all yours,” he replied patting the seat next to him.

  She sat down next to him. She showed no real interest in the slot machine in front of her. She placed a quarter into the machine and pulled the handle absentmindedly.

  “Are you here alone?” he asked.

  She glanced at him and smiled.

  “Now if I had come here with someone, do you really think that I would be sitting here with you?”

  She gently touched his hand. He was a little surprised. Picking up women had never really been this easy for him before. He considered himself kind of dorky. He was usually the last one women chose to date. He didn’t understand why so many women prioritized someone’s looks over their heart. But then again, who was he to judge when he did the same thing.

  “Would you like to join me upstairs for a nightcap?” he asked.

  She hesitated for a moment. She had never done this before, but he was so darn cute. Besides, she was lonely.

  She took his hand, “Sure. Just lead the way.”

  He looked at her curiously. Am I dreaming this? Is this really happening to me? No one would ever believe me if I told them. She’s actually going upstairs with me. Wait, why is she going upstairs with me? Perhaps this is a joke—someone like her with someone like me. Something’s not right here. But then again who cares; she’s really going upstairs with me. He smiled as he walked with her. He ignored the stares they received from those they passed along the way. They headed to the elevators and up to his hotel suite. He glanced at his watch; he had plenty of time before his flight left for Rome.

  2

  After the massive terrorist attacks of 9/11, the United States started beefing up its defenses. Security was increased which was to be expected, but one thing not expected was the United States’ sudden interest in various biological warfare experiments.

  The US military wanted private biological facilities built all across the United States. For these facilities, the Pentagon wanted the best architectural company in the world to build the facilities. They were very interested in a new and upcoming company called Carey Balac Architetti based out of Rome, Italy.

  After numerous secret meetings via video chat and private line, by request from the owner of the company, the President of the United States and select members of his cabinet flew out to Rome to meet with the owner of the company, a man named Nicolaitanes Balac. This was deemed to be very unusual behavior for the President of the United States, but no one dared to question him.

  Upon arrival in Rome, President Avery discussed with Nicolaitanes exactly what it was the United States was looking for and Nicolaitanes showed him various blueprints for buildings he had previously built plus a few new designs. President Avery and his select few were very impressed. He requested that Nicolaitanes create various designs and blueprints and a few models. Upon completion of these, Nicolaitanes would need to come to the United States for a presentation before the Presidential board and select members of the military., then place his bid for the contract. The President assured Nicolaitanes that he more or less would be given the contract. Nicolaitanes was very pleased. His company had only been up and running a few short years, but this would help build his company worldwide. He was quite pleased with this new development. Yes, I am finally on my way.

  A few months later, Nicolaitanes brought his presentation to the United States. President Avery was very pleased with what Nicolaitanes had come up with and presented to the board. The Secretary of Defense was very happy with the plans for the new facilities. We will be prepared for the next attack if ever there is one.

  With a unanimous vote, Nicolaitanes Balac’s company was given the contract. For the next couple of months all across the United States, top secret laboratory facilities were built. They were elaborate buildings with secret underground portions. The general public to include active duty military personnel on the bases where the buildings were being built had no clue as to what was really going on. They did not have the need to know as it was a matter of national security.

  And So It Begins….

  chapter one

  Just outside of Washington D.C., Halle Smith was sitting at home alone flipping through the television channels. There is so much turmoil going on in the world. It seemed as though every single channel she turned to was about some disaster or another. Hurricanes and monsoons killing people; people starving to death in Africa; North Korea threatening to bomb South Korea; children being used for warfare; gang violence; serial killers; suicide bombers; the list went on and on and on. Halle was overcome by all that she saw.

  “Oh Lord, why is all of this happening? Why is there so much pain and hurt in the world?” Halle asked.

  Tears were steadily streaming down her face; she was incredibly saddened by what she saw. But the worst part was the fact that no one seemed to care. The news reporters showed no emotions whatsoever as they reported the horrible news. Just what is wrong with people?

  She wished her husband, Richard, was home from work. She really wanted someone to talk to. She didn’t really want to be alone, at least not right now. Her heart felt as though it was breaking. She turned the television off and called some of her friends to fellowship with for a while. Strange, everyone seemed to be busy as all she got was voicemail after voicemail. She hung the phone up disgusted. Why is it that whenever I need someone they are never available, but if they need me I am always available? I don’t understand it.

  She walked through the house tidying up. She glanced at the clock; it would be hours before her husband came home. She picked up her Bible and drove to the church. Wow, the parking lot sure is packed this morning. I wonder what is going on. She had never seen these many cars at the church except on Sundays. It took her over fifteen minutes to find an available parking spot. She grabbed her Bible and hurried into the church afraid that she was missing something important.

  Inside the church, the sanctuary was packed with people. Halle wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to find any place to sit. Bishop Williams was already preaching, for how long she had no idea. She sat quietly at the back of the church listening.

  “Brothers and sisters right now is the time in which you must make a decision! Are you going to continue living the way that you currently are or will you live for Christ? Look at the world around us. The crime rate is skyrocketing through the roof, the number of natural disasters are increasing in amount and intensity, homosexuality is on the rise, our children are becoming desensitized by the world around them, brother is going against brother, children against their parents, children are murdering others at younger and younger ages, our society is accepting immoral and ungodly behavior, people are turning their backs on God, and our economy is in the toilet. These are not things that should alarm you nor scare you, not if you are living for Christ as all these things were foretold in the Bible. Turn with me in your Bibles to 2 Timothy 3: 1-5, 12-15. When you’re there say amen, if you need more time say wait,” Bishop Williams preached.

  He looked out over the congregation waiting for those who were looking for the passages in their Bible to find them. He smiled to himself, he was glad that so many people had come to listen. If only he could reach each and every one of them. The congregation stood as he began to read the scripture.

  “But know this, that in the last days perilo
us times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! Brothers and sisters, we see much of this behavior going on today and it’s getting worse. Unfortunately, we are even seeing this behavior in the church. But, I am here to tell you today that there is still hope for you. However, you must repent of your evil ways, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and live for Him. I pray that you do this before time runs out.”

  He looked around the room waiting. The congregation remained silent.

  “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Yes, as followers of Christ we can expect to have trials and tribulations even more so than non-believers, we will also be persecuted in His name. As Jesus himself, suffered trials and tribulations and was persecuted, how can we expect not to be? But regardless, we will make it through because God is always with us! No matter what you are going through, nothing. I say again, NOTHING is too great for God to handle. He will work it all out for our good. Remember that we are going through so God will get the glory.”

  “Amen,” replied several members of the congregation.

  chapter two

  In Rome, Italy an unknown young man was rapidly becoming of interest to Italy. He was extremely good-looking with an incredible speaking ability. When he talked people listened. He was a direct descendant of the Roman Emperor Nero Germanicus. For some strange reason, this fact alone impressed many people. He had been born right there in Rome, Italy. He had taken a fancy to politics at an early age as he was only 28 years old and had already been advising the Italian President on many different issues. He was quite pleased with his accomplishments, but they were only the beginning of things to come. His ultimate goal was not just to rule Italy, but to become ruler of the entire world. He would accomplish this goal at any cost.

  ****

  Halle was taking notes as fast as she could. Many questions popped into her head while she was listening to Bishop Williams. She wrote down all of her questions in the margin of her notepad so she could ask him about them after the service.

  “Turn with me now to Mark 13:5-37, And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and will deceive many.” We have seen many deceivers in recent years. For example, think back to the Waco incident, the priest in Florida who convinced his entire congregation to tattoo the number of the beast on themselves (666). There are many more if you want to look it up for yourselves. But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. We have heard of the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ireland, Africa; and we have heard of rumors of war in Korea and Russia We need to be encouraged brothers and sisters, as Jesus himself said that these things must happen in the end times. We need to take comfort in knowing the end is not yet! Use this time to get right with the Lord! Preach His good news to everyone. Live your life for Him in every aspect of your life. When people look at you, they should see the love of God shining through. We are an example to the world. You are the only Jesus some people will ever see.”

  Bishop Williams started walking back in forth across the front of the sanctuary.

  “For nation will rise against nation. We have seen this all throughout history: World War I and World War II for example. Kingdom against kingdom. Earthquakes in various places. There have been devastating earthquakes in the past few years, many in places that are not common for earthquakes. Famines and troubles. Africa has seen famine for many years. It is also affecting other areas of the world. We will be persecuted for his sake. The gospel must be first preached to all the nations. We will be hated by all for His name’s sake. Continue reading Mark 13 on your own. Let’s move on,” Bishop Williams said returning to the pulpit.

  “Turn with me in your Bibles to Revelation 6:1-6. When you’re there say amen, if you need more time say wait.”

  Halle was mesmerized. She was so excited and couldn’t wait to hear what the pastor was going to say next. She was like a sponge absorbing every word.

  “Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, "Come and see,” And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see,” Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one, who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see,” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine,” We have been given the different signs of the end of days. What we do with the information, is up to each and every one of us. I leave you with these questions to contemplate. How will you continue to live your life? Will you live each day as though it were your last? Will you live your life serving God and doing His will? May each of you make the decision to live for Christ and do so willingly. May God watch over each of you until we meet again,” Bishop Williams said before turning and leaving the sanctuary.

  Wow. There was still so much Halle wanted, no needed, to know. She gathered her things quickly and pushed through the crowd after Bishop Williams.

  “Bishop? Bishop Williams? Do you have a moment?” Halle called out. Bishop Williams turned around to see who was calling him.

  “Ah, Halle. How are you, my dear?” Bishop Williams asked taking her hand.

  “I’m okay. I just have some questions that I wanted to discuss with you.”

  “Well, come into my office and I’ll see what I can do about answering those questions for you.”

  “Thank you,” Halle replied following the Bishop into his office.

  chapter three

  Gage Cameron was the top news reporter for ICNN news. He was proud to be the best; he had worked hard at it. That was probably why he was no longer married. He had worked long hours and was hardly ever at home. He still had not changed. His wife, Carol, ex-wife actually, used to constantly get on his case about working so hard and always being gone. She was always telling him how he neglected her and when were they going to start working on having a family. It used to drive him crazy. At least, he no longer had to worry about such things and could focus completely on his job. It was better this way. He kind of liked it by himself with no one to answer to or to constantly nag him; he was not sure why he had married Carol in the first place. It was not like he was the marrying kind of guy anyway. One of these days he would stop lying to himself, but not now. One day, though.

  Gage Cameron was meeting his source at a local café in downtown Bagdad, Iraq. He had just finished a big story and was looking for his next big break. He was a little anxious, but a little nervous as well as he had never met his source in person before. He was kind of curious as to why she had insisted on meeting in person this time. It must be a really big story. He sat there quietly sipping his cappuccino and imaging what she must look like. He kept imagining all these young, beautiful actress-type women. He sat smiling to himself. His smile disappeared, however when an older, plain woman sat down at the table
with him. He looked at her puzzled.

  “May I help you?” he asked.

  “No, Gage. It is I who will be helping you,” she replied.

  “Ros?”

  “Yes, it is nice to finally meet you face to face, Gage Cameron,” she replied extending her hand.

  “It’s nice to meet you as well,” Gage replied a little disappointed.

  “Now, let’s get down to business,” she said lowering her voice. She looked around the café for a moment. It was as though she were expecting someone else to join them. A few minutes later, she focused her attention back to Gage.

  “I have two stories for you for now. The first one, Nicolaitanes Balac is going to be named President of Italy. That’s a story you will definitely want to cover. The other story, you will need to travel to Israel. I’m sure you’ll find Israel a hot spot for the next few weeks. There will be a lot of interesting stories going on over there that you will definitely want to cover as well. Israel is going to be attacked,” she said the last part in a voice barely above a whisper.