Disclaimer: I own all of the characters except for Annika and Lydia's names because they were given to them by their parents. Annika and Lyddy ( who you will meet in this chapter) are based on two sisters at the daycare where I work. Originally Nika was the only one going to be in the story but she advised me to put her sister in as well. Hopefully the characters that you meet in this story resemble their real life counterparts because these girls are two of the most interesting kids I have ever met. I added "pirates" to the story for you Master Frodo. (you know who you are) The plot is becoming clearer in this chapter. It is a little bit longer than other chapters but that is because I had alot i wanted to cover and honestly I didn't cover half of what I wanted to but next chapter will provide some more information. I do want to develop the UWOG a little bit more and maybe focus a chapter on them but only time will tell if that is to come about. Meanwhile read chapter three and as always I ask that you review. I would appreciate any and all reviews whether good or bad. I might sob for hours over the bad ones but then ill get over it and try to make it better :) Hope you enjoy Chapter 3: Times Are Changing.

Geoffrey had finally ventured outside for a walk at the orders of his personal secretary, Grace. It was only a matter of hours before Geoffrey would unveil his plan to those of the council who chose to trust his judgment and needless to say he was more than a little nervous. Geoffrey prayed that Brian and any other members in opposition to him would see the danger of the situation and join the team but in his heart he knew that his nephew was a stubborn man. He was exactly like his mother, Geoffrey's little sister. She was as feisty as Geoffrey was calm and collected. Even now, ten years after her death, tears still came to his eyes every time he thought of her. Emma Winston Fairchild had been a firm supporter of her brother's endeavors even to her deathbed. The brother-sister team had worked endlessly on plans for a hidden campground that would protect them and fellow believers if the need arose. Now, Geoffrey just wished that she were alive to see the final product put into action.

"We interrupt the regularly scheduled broadcast to report a late- breaking news bulletin out of the United One World Government headquarters in Munich, Germany. We here at UOWGNN have been issued a statement to read to you. The following is a statement from the UWOG concerning a very important new law that Supreme Commander Philippe Jacques has signed only moments ago:

'Supreme Commander Philippe Jacques esteemed leader of the UOWG has just signed into law a decree that will from this moment on outlaw any form of religion that does not worship the United One World Government. Anyone who violates this law regardless of age or position shall be executed immediately. From this day forward all former places of worship shall be converted into reeducation centers that will instruct al citizensl in the ways of UWOG so that we may all worship together as one. The first of these meetings will take place at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow evening June, 23 2015. Although they are not mandatory, we would ask everyone who can attend to make every effort to do so. All businesses across the world will be closed from 6:30 pm until 7:45 pm on June 23, 2015 to ensure that everyone can attend. You will receive further instructions upon arrival to a Re- education Center near you. Thank you and have a lovely evening.'

"...Well there you have it ladies and gentlemen. Our world has entered a new era of unity. This is Arthur Vancross for UWOGNN. Now back to the regularly scheduled programming."

Alaina Andrews sat frozen in her easy chair. This wasn't supposed to happen for at least a few more weeks. How would they prepare for this in time?
"Mommy," A child's voice broke the silence and brought Alaina back to reality. "Mommy, why are you staring at the television?" Nika plopped down on the arm of the chair and waited for a reply.
"There was some important news that I was watching, sweetie." Alaina brushed back the strand of light brown hair out of her daughter's eyes and kissed her on the forehead. "Can you go and get your sister and Daddy and meet me in the living room in a few minutes?"
"Sure. Are we going to have a family meeting?" Nika asked curiously as she bolted for the door.
"Yes, sweetie, there is something very important that we need to talk about." With that Nika headed down the hall in search of the other two members of her family and Alaina headed to her father's office.
When Alaina reached the office, Geoffrey, was nowhere to be found. A note on the desk gave her a clue as to where she could find him but it wasn't what she wanted to see. When Geoffrey took one of his long walks on the expansive property no one could find him. "This just makes my life a little more complicated," she thought to herself as she looked heavenward. "God, I really need some help just about now. Please let me find Dad in time!"

Nika searched high and low but she couldn't find her sister Lydia or her father anywhere. "These people really need to tell me where their going," she thought. Searching and entire floor of a very large mansion can really tire a girl out, so Nika decided to take a break and see if Genni, the cook, had made any cookies that morning. She promised herself that after one cookie and a quick glass of milk she would begin her search once again.

One thing that Nika loved about living in such a large, old house was the secret passages that lead to various rooms. Being the curious youngsters that they were, Nika and her sister seven-year old sister Lyddy had often spent rainy summer afternoons exploring the secret passageways in search of hidden treasure that had been left there by previous owners. They had found gold coins left by "pirates", and an old journal that neither of them could read because the writing was smudged. Nika entered a passage that led to the kitchen and was soon enjoying a mid-afternoon snack.

Geoffrey took a quick glance at his watch before deciding to continue or turn back toward the house. He had already been walking for over thirty minutes but it seemed like only five. He came to a fork in the path. One route led to a fishing hole the he kept well-stocked with fish for when the grandchildren wanted to go fishing. Geoffrey was blessed with seven grandchildren including the two that shared his home. Soon all seven would be here but they would not be able to fish then. The last time his grandson Andy was there, he had caught his very first fish. Geoffrey could still see the proud three year old standing on the shore with his catch waiting for his daddy to capture the moment on film. The fish was small enough to fit in the palm of the little boy's hand but that didn't seem to bother him. He ran all the way up to the house that night just so he could show his mom the Polaroid of the big event.
Thoughts of his grandchildren further fueled the passion in Geoffrey's heart concerning his plan. Which brought him back to the crossroads at which he stood. The other road that lay before him led to a small building that appeared to be an old guest house. Only a handful of people knew the true identity of this building but the truth would be revealed to many more later that night. Little did Geoffrey know that he would once again come to that crossroad later that night.

Alaina finally found her father at the old fishing hole. She didn't even take the time to sit down before spilling the news. "Dad, Jacques has already passed the law. We need to put Operation Underground into action. Do you think we will have enough time?" The urgency in her voice mirrored the look on her face. Geoffrey didn't even reply. He just headed for the house while dialing Joseph's number on his cell phone.
"Joseph, did you hear what has happened?" Geoffrey asked.
"Yes, I was just about to call you. What do you need me to do?"
"Call everyone in the Council and tell them to bring their families with them tonight. Tell them it is urgent that they do not tell anyone where they are going and that they bring as little belongings with them as possible. In fact, tell them come with only the clothes that they are wearing. There is no need to have everyone panic."
"Is there anything else?"
"Just make sure that you and your family are here as well. I don't think that I can do this without you." With that Geoffrey hung up and continued toward the house as fast as he could. On the horizon a storm was forming as an omen of the night ahead.