THE SWORD AND SICKLE

PART TWO: PRESS CONFERENCE

CHAPTER-FOUR

PRESS CONFERENCE

©2017, Olan L. Smith

Mr. President, "How could the Jacksons bring in radioactive matter into the White House? Is there a breakdown in security at the White House?"

"We do not know the answer to the first part of your question; however, I guarantee you there was no breakdown in security."

"Tim, do you have a question?"

"Yes, earlier, Mrs. Hammett said that her husband had irritated an old football injury. I assume that is not the case."

"Correct, Mrs. Hammett was following the instructions of her husband not to speak about the attempted assassination."

"Betty, yes, you."

"Mr. Morgan?" Walter walked slowly to the podium. "How is it possible for the Jacksons, first, to leave the White House and then regain entry to the White House to assassinate Mrs. Menisci?"

"When the President was exposed, he left the room because he felt ill. He was unaware of his exposure, dismissed Jackson's, and told them to reschedule. They simply left the building and disappeared into the city. It wasn't until sometime later that it was determined that the President had been exposed to radiation while talking to Levi and his wife. As to how they regained entry into the White House, well, that is a question for the Secret Service, but from our investigation, it is not known how they entered or how they managed to bring in enough radiation to kill Mrs. Menisci. To answer a question somebody will eventually get to, could this case be like what happened to the double agent of Russia who was assassinated during the Bush administration? If this were the case, the poisonous radiation used in this case is much stronger than that used in that particular case, and it is much faster acting."

The President pointed, "Over there in the back, yes, you." Mr. President, this is George Lowy of the BBC. I have a question for Homeland Security Secretary Alderman. Mr. Alderman, as you know, we have one of the largest factions in the world of the Followers of the Voice, outside of the US and India. Many of them believe he is the Messiah. Are you worried that they will disturb the peace or riot when they know you have their leader, Levi, in your custody? And a follow-up question? For what you have told us, there is little proof that Levi or his wife had anything to do with this attack. How have you linked these two to the events of the last couple of days?"

Secretary Alderman said, "Yes, I am aware of the Sons and Daughters of Levi, or SDL; however, they are very independent and have a loosely structured worldwide organization. We believe they pose little threat to the security of the United States or to Britons. However, we have informed all nations of their apprehension to be on the safe side. As far as the connection of Jackson's to the attacks, I am not able to comment because it is an ongoing investigation."

"Mr. President?"

"Yes, Jane?"

"Were there any recordings or videos of the attacks?"

"No comment. Amanda, do you have a question?"

"Yes, as you know, the SDL have made it clear that everyone received the same message in their dreams that said, 'Worry not, my children, for I am coming soon; it is time to awaken from your slumber.' and I was wondering how a telepathic message could be sent to everyone on earth at the same time and in every language. As you know, this happened shortly before the president met with Levi and his wife. I was wondering if there was a connection to these events. And do you believe this is a message from God?"

"Well, you ask an interesting question. This could be a case of mass hysteria, where once someone says they heard the message, then everybody believes they heard it, and they truly believe this. The mind is a powerful deceiver, and not everything you dream is true. As far as I know, the invitation of the Jackson's to the White House was planned months in advance, and no, I do not believe it was a message from God."

"Mr. President, Mr. President?"

"Yes, you there." The President gestures to the individual.

"I am Tom Smith, a reporter from Canada, and I report for the Edmonton Observer, an amateur astronomy newspaper. I am aware that an object entered the orbit of Jupiter on the morning of the twelfth. This object, according to some astronomers, seemed to appear out of nowhere. Jupiter's gravitational pull captured it and pulled it into orbit. I have been unable to confirm this with NASA, and I was wondering if you could comment on it."

"Yes, I will comment, Tom. We believe that Jupiter has a new moon, which it captured at approximately 2 a.m. on the morning of the 12th. NASA has repositioned the Cassini-2 spacecraft, so we might get a closer view of the object. Those pictures are expected to be received by NASA sometime tomorrow afternoon."

"One more question. Yes, you in the middle―you, young man."

"Mr. President, I am Berry Bowden of the St. Louis Voice. I believe you to be a religious person. Do you believe in the second coming? And do you believe it might be possible that the objective orbiting Jupiter is a sign from God of the Apocalypse?"

"Yes, I am a Christian, and I believe in the second coming of Christ, but I'm a respecter of all religions and their right to practice their faith in our land. As for the object in space being a sign from God, I doubt it. It is probably just a hunk of dirty ice flying through space; we will know soon enough."

"Mr. President, one more question." Do you believe that Levi is the Messiah?"

The acting president was walking off when he heard the question and felt compelled to answer it."

"Mr. Bowden, I do not believe that Levi Jackson is the Messiah, and I will tell you why. We have an extensive file on this man, and from his actions with women and multiple partners, I doubt very much that he is Christ. Plus, we believe him to be an assassin with little respect for human life! Do you believe a man like that can be Christ?"

The President began again to leave but could hear Bowden shouting, "The Bible does not paint a pretty picture of the end of times, sir. This may just be the beginning."

The president turned to Morgan and said, "Keep an eye on that man. I want to know everything about his actions from this point on. Do you understand me? And tomorrow, I want you to tell Assistant Chief Detective Greta Bastion that I would like to see her next week. We need more people like her."

―――――