Season 1, Episode 12: Eyelids

Bill's POV

Bill Parker read Paul Karoski's text message.

We need to talk about Carpathia.

Bill read the message. He knew what this would be about. There was no doubt that Paul had found more information about Carpathia and his plans for the world. This would not be pleasant.

Bill decided that he would speak to Paul as soon as possible about Carpathia being the Antichrist. It seemed like it was the only possible explanation.

Pete's POV

Pete Alessandra had been listening to heavy metal music the entire day. He needed to avoid thinking about his family and what had happened to them. He only hoped that he could somehow move through this pain and be happier.

Pete had to find something to focus on. Something that would steer his focus and energy in a different direction.

Then an idea formed in his head.

Pete decided to buy some drugs and alcohol to help him feel satisfied. Drugs and alcohol were always things he was told to stay away from as a child. Now, he would be more than thrilled to enjoy the experience.

Pete went to a drugstore and paid eighty dollars to purchase an immense stash of drugs, weed, alcohol. Pete thought that maybe if he smoked and drank, and maybe had a few drugs, he would get his mind off of his pain.

So, Pete started consuming methane and drinking when he reached his home. He was enjoying the feeling. It seemed like a comfortable experience.

String's POV

String Becker read the first chapter of Genesis in the Bible. Even though he didn't believe that any of the things written in the Bible were true, he had to admit that the stories were fascinating. He didn't agree with how the universe was created, but he could still try to understand what was written in the first chapter of Genesis. He would have to think long and hard before deciding to become a Christian. Reading some history book didn't mean he was on God's side. He needed to understand what he was getting himself into.

Still, the stories of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and the other main characters in Genesis seemed to be fascinating. But at the end of the day it was just history. Something that happened thousands of years ago. Something that might not even be for him.

Josh's POV

Josh Grant thought that Carpathia seemed like a reasonable man. He seemed to be the type of person that should be trusted. So many politicians lied to people and manipulated them to gain attention. Carpathia clearly didn't seem to be like that.

Josh knew with the precarious state the world was currently in, he had to be cautious and prepare himself for the worst possible scenario. People had been killed as a result of the disappearances. He didn't think he would ever be able to forget about what he had experienced on Flight 248. So many images that would be permanently stuck in his mind. It was horrific.

Josh only hoped that Carpathia would lead the process to leading the world towards the right path. It was obvious someone needed to step up and take charge of the situation. Someone needed to do what no one else was willing to do.

Josh was looking forward to that.

Marlene

Marlene Kingston had been completely shocked since the events that had occurred on Flight 248. It certainly seemed unreal.

Marlene didn't know if God had any involvement in the events that had occurred. She had no interest in becoming a Christian, and she would not become one anytime soon.

Sylvester's POV

Sylvester Coddmyer made himself a cheeseburger and French fries to eat. He hoped that Sandy Comstock would be safe on his trip in New York. He knew that Carpathia certainly seemed shady. Something did not seem right about the man.

Sylvester would have been more than happy to share his food with Sal. He wanted to speak with him again so badly. He wished he had believed. Then he would have gone to heaven with his wife and son.

Sylvester hoped he could speak with the other passengers from Flight 248 that became believers. Talking about what the future had in store for all of them was something he certainly needed to do, given the circumstances.

Sylvester then received a text message from Kade Gordonhurst that said, Paul, Rohit, and I found more information about Carpathia online. You should meet with us to find out about that.

Sylvester responded with his own text that said, I'll be there. I need to acquire as much information as possible.

Sylvester didn't doubt that for one second. He knew that this was a crucial time for the world. The last thing he needed was to lose sight of what was most valuable.

Eddie's POV

Eddie Exton drove to New Hope Village Church as fast as he could when he received Paul's message. This was something he had to hear.

When Eddie entered the church basement, he saw that Paul Karoski was sitting at the table with Bill Parker, Rohit Sharma, Kade Gordonhurst, Zoey Harper, and Sylvester Coddmyer.

"Glad you could join us, Eddie", Paul said. "This discussion needs to be held. We must face the evidence that is in front of us."

"So, it seems Carpathia has been busy", Eddie said. "But for all the wrong reasons, apparently."

"Correct", Paul said.

Eddie listened as Paul, Rohit, and Kade presented the evidence they had accumulated about Carpathia. There was no doubt that this situation seemed frightening.

Eddie wasn't sure what any of them could do with the evidence. It wasn't like they could just announce to the public all of their findings. It wouldn't have done any of them any good.

Were they completely helpless? Would they just simply idly wait as Carpathia took control over parts of the world, and there would be no recourse?

Eddie had some respect for Carpathia a few weeks earlier. Now, that respect had been replaced with fear. Eddie realized that it would only be a matter of time before Carpathia and God's other enemies started hunting them all down.

"What are we going to do?", Eddie asked out loud.

"We just need to warn as many people about God and Jesus as we possibly can. There are many people that need to know the truth. Carpathia will do everything in his power to stop people from believing. It is our job as Christians to warn people about Christ and his second coming before it is too late", Paul said.

Eddie knew that Paul seemed to be the wisest of all the people sitting there. He had to wonder if that wisdom would prove to be beneficial in the future.

Of course, it would, Eddie thought.

He wanted to warn as many people as possible. He had missed his chance before the Rapture. He wouldn't ever make that mistake again.

Eddie only hoped that God would get all the glory through his actions from that point forward.

Tony's POV

Tony Cataldo was in his house, looking for something entertaining to watch on his television. The news was still showing clips of people that had disappeared. After a while Tony turned the television off. The images were too terrifying and disturbing to see.

Tony opened his Bible and started reading the book of Exodus. Then he went to his room and took a long nap.

Bill's POV

The next day Bill and most of the passengers from Flight 248 that had become believers had decided to meet with Paul in the church. Sandy was still in New York. Bill decided that he would call him if necessary.

"You know, we should give our group a name", Paul said. "We are already in a group. Followers of Jesus Christ. But I want to create a group that is willing to take a stand against Carpathia and his plans for the world."

"It seems like you already have found that group right here", Bill said. "The ten of us. Including Sandy."

"I agree", Kade said.

"I feel the same way", Rohit said.

"So, what should we call ourselves?", Zoey asked.

Paul thought for a moment. Then, an idea formed in his head.

"I will call this group The Resistance", he said. "It makes sense since we are all trying to resist Carpathia and anyone that supports him."

"The Resistance", Bill said. "I like that name."

"Me too", Tony said. "It sounds tough. Like a challenge for anyone that plans to oppose us."

"The Resistance is a satisfying name indeed", Rohit said.

"Let me call Sandy right now and see what he thinks about that name", Bill said.

"Go right ahead", Paul said.

Bill dialed Sandy's number.

"Hello, Sandy. Just wanted you to know that Paul gave our group a name. The Resistance. What do you think about it?"

"The Resistance", Sandy repeated out loud. "That name seems perfect. Just what we need."

"Exactly", Bill said. "Well, talk to you soon buddy."

"Sure."

After Bill hung up, Rohit had an idea.

"You know, we should create an online website for the Resistance", he said. "That way it will attract more people. We could then start talking to them. Maybe they will join our side. Maybe they can contribute to our cause."

"Sounds brilliant", Paul said. "I'm not a computer expert, but maybe one of you could help me with that."

"I'll try to create the website", Eddie said. "I'll e-mail all of you links when I'm finished."

"You're speaking my language", Paul said.

Hiram's POV

Hiram Calhoun was sitting in the bed in his hotel room. He could hardly wait for the meeting in the United Nations building. Carpathia could captivate everyone attending this meeting with his words and ingenuity.

Hiram had many role models growing up. Political ambition had been a part of his personality even when he was just in middle school. He had seen speeches from presidents, vice presidents, senators, and congressmen that seemed uplifting and inspiring. Hiram would just love to be able to win crowds over and persuade them.

Carpathia seemed to have that gift. Hiram was still astonished by how the Romanian president was able to be an exemplary role model with this much support in only one month. Carpathia seemed to have all the talents and gifts any adequate politician would need. Even though he was only 33 years old, Carpathia seemed to have more wisdom and knowledge than all the former living United States presidents combined.

Hiram would love to someday be able to work with Carpathia. It would be an honor to find out more about Carpathia's skills and abilities.

Bill's POV

The next day, Bill had called Marlene and asked her to meet him at a fast food restaurant.

When Marlene arrived, Bill thought she seemed nervous and worried. Not that he could blame her. When Bill had told Marlene about the death of Sally Graves, she definitely seemed to be frightened.

"Marlene, I am so pleased to see you", Bill said. "We need to discuss a few matters."

"What is it?", Marlene asked.

"I know why the disappearances happened", Bill said. "Jesus Christ raptured his church and took all the Christians to heaven. There's supposed to be seven years of plagues and disaster that need to take place before his second coming."

Marlene looked at the ground and sighed. "Bill, I didn't come here to have a religious conversion."

"Marlene, I'm only trying to help."

"I know. And I appreciate that. But that doesn't mean I'm just going to surrender my life to God. How can I trust God and love him if he causes such pain and destruction?"

Bill took a deep breath. "I haven't been a believer for very long, but I don't think God is being mean or nefarious. He just wants to get our attention and help us to realize our mistakes."

"Does this mean that all the Christians were so perfect?", Marlene asked, her eyebrows raised.

"No, not at all", Bill said. "But they had something that you, me, and the other passengers from Flight 248 didn't have. They had a personal relationship with God."

Marlene sighed, clearly not wanting to hear more.

"You should come and hear the pastor at this church, Paul Karoski, talk about this stuff. It might change your life."

Marlene smiled. "Thanks for the offer, Bill, but it's not my cup of tea."

Marlene then gathered her belongings and walked out of the restaurant.

Bill had to wonder if everyone that he and the other members of the Resistance came into contact with would react this way.