Season 1, Episode 5: Panic's Rise, Part 1

The lives of Judd Thompson, Vicki Byrne, Lionel Washington, and Ryan Daley would forever be altered and changed because of the events on this one particular day. None of them had ever interacted with each other before calamity and disorder entered the situation. Obviously, their lives needed to be changed and gears had to be shifted. If they kept doing what they were doing, they would be useless and not be able to attain anything significant for God and his kingdom.

It is regretful to say that Martin Epting, Mark Eisman, Cindy Jones, Oscar Wallig, Elvin Badger, Derek Salinas, Randy Walcott, and Wyatt Fischer would also be forced to face the coming disaster. These children and teenagers were not even realizing the seriousness regarding heaven and hell. They were also dealing with their personal issues, which would look obsolete and petty when compared to the terrible situation the world would be faced with. If nothing happened to any of them, there would not be anything memorable or significant coming from their lives. Pain and hardship are what is supposed to build and develop character. A person couldn't grow and learn if he or she was happy and ecstatic all the time. There had to be a change.

And it wasn't like this would be completely new for any of these people. In one way or another, they all received warnings. None of these people were blindfolded or stupid. They have made bad choices and risky decisions, but even then, they would realize what they were doing wrong. This would hit home, and then they would see how wise it would be to take proper action.

These people were unaware of the hidden connections they all shared. But this disaster would surely unravel some mystery that may have been confusing them.

It was unfortunate that this had to be done, but this was the only way to get through to them. They had to learn this lesson the hard way.

Judd's POV

Judd Thompson Jr. was feeling so giddy as he was sitting in the 747. He was trying to drink as much champagne as he could without vomiting. He couldn't remember ever drinking this much, thanks to his parents' pathetic restrictions. He remembered when he had snuck out to a party that many students from Prospect High School had attended back when he was in ninth grade. There had been drinks and drugs at the party, but Judd never even touched any of the stuff. He wasn't drinking. All he did was party and talk to classmates and peers. Despite his explanation, his parents still grounded him for a month. Now, here he was, drinking as much as he wanted, and no one was here to stop him. No parents to stop him. No siblings to act condescending.

Judd had drank so much that some of his vision was blurry. However, he could still vaguely see some of the objects in front of him. Behind him, the man that was listening to music had apparently dropped something. Judd couldn't see what the dropped object was, but he could hear a voice saying, "I think you dropped this, Mr…"

"My name is Craig Eubanks", another voice said.

"I'm Austin Curnow", said the first voice.

"Thank you, Austin."

"No problem, Craig."

"So, what do you do for a living?"

"I'm a cop working with the Chicago Police Department."

"That's incredible", Craig said.

"And what about you?", Austin asked.

"My job isn't that exciting", Craig said. "I study the economy and discuss it with fellow colleagues."

"But that job must be nice", Austin said.

"It does have its benefits, make no mistake. But I'm sure being a police officer gives you plenty of tasks on your hand. What's it like?"

"It is exciting. I do have decent wages. Working with the Chicago Police Department has given me opportunities to get my hands dirty. Numerous people have stepped out of line and acted irresponsibly. I've apprehended criminals. One criminal even pointed a gun at me."

"Wow, really?", Craig asked.

"Yeah, two weeks earlier. That ordeal still haunts me."

Judd had to admit he was impressed by Austin's story. It certainly seemed more interesting than a teenager stealing a credit card and running away from home.

Judd recalled watching the younger man with the laptop offer to help an older couple who had been the last ones to arrive onto the plane.

"Sir, you wouldn't mind if I offered both of you assistance and help with that? I can succor the two of you with your luggage."

"Thank you so much, mister…"

"My name is Cameron Williams. Most people call me Buck."

"My name is Harold Peterson. This is my wife, Darcy."

"My husband is a retired businessman from Chicago", Darcy Peterson said. "He's been successful with his job for over 40 years. What do you do for a living?"

"I'm a writer", Buck said. "I work for Global Weekly. The basic description of the job is I try to find some event that could be intriguing for the general public and I write about it. I want to write about the truth and see about all perspectives involved."

"That's great", Harold said. "Well, it was great talking to you. Thank you again for your help."

"My pleasure", Buck said.

Judd had to admit that these passengers had interesting careers and possibly even satisfying wages. He wanted to act like he was also making money like that and traveling to England for business purposes.

Judd tried to sleep after watching a movie, but his family kept coming up in the back of his mind. He couldn't help but wonder about how they would react. He had shown his greed and avarice by stealing from them and lying to his own mother's face. He thought for a brief second that maybe he should cancel his plans and return home in the hope that his parents would show mercy, but he quickly dismissed that thought. He wanted to prove he could be independent. He had plotted his escape for so long now. There was no turning back. Judd knew he had so much to think about.

Martin's POV

Martin Epting was at home with his parents. They had ordered pizza for dinner. Martin loved pizza.

Everything seemed to be fine at the Epting household. It was one of those nights where nothing drastic would be expected. Martin certainly didn't want to spend his time worrying.

Martin ate three slices. After he ate, he went upstairs and got ready for bed. He would have normally read a comic book, but he just wanted to go to bed since he felt so tired.

Mark's POV

Mark Eisman had spent most of the day studying for his history test. He talked with his cousin, John Preston, on the phone for ten minutes. After John hung up, Mark resumed studying. He knew that he needed to pass this test. His grades were good, but he just wanted to be cautious.

Eventually, Mark turned off the light and went to sleep.

Vicki's POV

Vicki Byrne was upset that her entire family didn't give up on their Christian faith. For two years she had been hoping that they would all somehow lose interest and go back to the demoralized and arguing family that they always used to be. Yet, they persisted.

Tom Byrne had been able to find a job that he enjoyed. Construction. He was happier, had more friends, seemed to be able to get along with his co-workers. Everything seemed just fine for him. Dawn Byrne had been attending more Bible studies outside of church services. Jeanni had been excited about Sunday School and tried to memorize Bible verses. It was just torturous to watch. Eddie Byrne had called Vicki and told him that he had been attending church and Bible study in Michigan.

Vicki clearly couldn't stand the changes happening to her family. It seemed ludicrous and insane. True, they all seemed happier and more jovial. That didn't mean she still didn't think they were crazy. She didn't know what she was going to do about their beliefs. If they wanted to be Christians, good for them. That didn't mean their beliefs had to be shoved down her throat.

Vicki and several of her friends from the trailer park were at a wild party that had been hosted by senior students from Prospect High School. She had several cigarettes and some booze. Some of her friends had thrown objects at cars on the street. As she headed home she knew that her parents would chew her out for her actions. They would be upset, no doubt.

When Vicki entered her trailer, she was surprised when she heard absolutely nothing. Not a sound. It seemed strange to her. She would have expected her family to give her a lecture before grounding her. But at that moment, there was complete silence.

Vicki chose not to dwell on it as she entered her bedroom and went to sleep. At least they wouldn't be whining for her to turn her life to Jesus and repent. She felt like she had heard enough of those lectures.

Cindy's POV

Cindy Jones was busy revising strategies for her softball season. She had done her best to memorize signals, plays, and pitches that could take place during a game. It seemed like she would be able to get accustomed to whatever would happen during the season.

Cindy was trying to memorize the best way to throw a fastball or a curveball that night.

Cindy's father, Rufus Jones, came inside to tell her good-night.

"Did you say your prayers, Cindy?", Rufus asked.

Cindy found herself becoming irritated and annoyed. Why did her dad always have to force religion down her throat, as well as her mother's?

"Dad, I don't need to say my prayers!", she yelled at him. "I'll do just fine without them."

Cindy thought her father would scream at her for yelling at him. Instead, he looked at her with a sorrowful expression.

"I was just looking out for you", Rufus Jones said.

After Rufus left the room, Cindy turned off the light and went to bed, too upset to continue studying strategies.

Oscar's POV

Oscar Wallig was surprised that he managed to last an entire week without being hit by his father. He made sure not to say anything that could cause him to snap and lash out at him. Still, it was hard not to provoke Otis. Nothing seemed to satisfy the man.

One day, Otis had asked Oscar to go to the local drug store and buy seven bottles of liquor. Oscar knew that his father needed to stop drinking, but he knew that arguing with him would have done him no good. Oscar really had no choice but to buy the bottles and satisfy his father a little while longer.

Oscar went to the drugstore and paid the cash required for seven bottles of liquor.

The man behind the cashier frowned. "Sorry young man, but we only have six bottles left. Would you want all of them?"

Oscar nodded, his heart beating wildly. "Sure."

Oscar bought the bottles and returned home. Otis was waiting for him in the living room.

"Did you bring what I asked for?", Otis asked.

"Yes", Oscar replied. He then pulled the six bottles of liquor out of the bag.

Otis smiled as he looked at the bottles. But then his facial expression turned to anger.

"Oscar, didn't I ask you to bring seven bottles?"

"Yes, you did."

Mr. Wallig gritted his teeth. "I'm counting only six bottles."

Oscar held up his hands to defend himself. "Let me explain. I tried asking them for seven bottles, but they only had six."

Mr. Wallig wouldn't listen. He punched Oscar squarely in the face. He then threw him on the floor and kicked him in the stomach.

"NEXT TIME WHEN I ASK YOU TO BRING SEVEN BOTTLES, YOU BRING ME SEVEN BOTTLES!", he yelled.

"Yes, Dad", Oscar said, sobbing slightly.

"Save your crocodile tears. It's pathetic and weak."

Oscar clutched his stomach and moaned as Otis left the living room. Oscar then walked to his room and closed the door. He wanted to be left alone.

Lionel's POV

Lionel Washington wasn't feeling worried in the slightest bit. Andre and Keion were both staying at the Washington house to spend the night. They were going to watch the Chicago Bears play a practice game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The game was slightly boring, as the Jaguars were leading by over forty points. So, the game was not really all that interesting to Lionel. After the game ended, Clarice helped Ronnie and Talia get to bed. Then, Andre and Keion began telling wild stories about their childhood that made the rest of the Washington family laugh boisterously.

"Keion, remember the prank we pulled on the football team back in high school? The football coach was so furious, we had detention for a month."

Andre guffawed when he heard this. "You all should have seen the looks on their faces."

Lionel laughed, but not that hard. That type of behavior wasn't something he was interested in.

Eventually, Clarice said she had to go to sleep. "I have a big test to study for in my high school tomorrow."

A few minutes later, Lucinda said she had to go to sleep. Then Charles said the same.

"Lionel, Keion, and I will be in the basement", Andre said. "We'll take care of everything."

Lionel went to bed, thinking everything would be fine. He laid his head on the bed, not worrying in the slightest. He thought at some point his mother would come downstairs to the basement to check on him, but she didn't. Lionel wasn't concerned about that. Maybe Lucinda was tired or something.

So, Lionel went to sleep.

To be continued…