THE LAST ARK

CHAPTER 31: THE CLEANSING

Church of Mary Magdalene, Jerusalem T h ree Days Before Temple Ceremony

Devlin anxiously monitors the national security camera system, praying for a fresh lead, but the fl apjack proves to be a ghost, a chameleon. When the cell phone rings, he answers promptly. “Yes, Holy Father,” he greets in a humble, subservient tone. “What news do you have for me, my son?” “Mossad had an unconfi rmed sighting outside the Knesset Building, but they lost him before I could arrive. He remains in Israel. I will fi nd him.” “Let him come to you,” the Prelate says. “A known ally of the hacker, a woman named Jennifer Scott, the daughter of the late admiral, has arrived in Jerusalem.” “What is your command, my lord?” Devlin says, lowering his head, listening, anticipating. “Use the woma T he Order of the Solar Temple teaches we are at the threshold of the second coming of Christ, which will follow a transition, a cleansing of heretics, hypocrites, and corrupt leaders. “As you wish, my lord,” Devlin replies. Since the death of Master Origas, Devlin has been the anointed hand of judgment for the Order. His military training and role as an ICC investigator provide ample skills, resources, and alibis. He considers his role within the Order a sacred calling. Unlike the misdirected rage of his youth, or the drunken fury of his father, or even the faceless murder of war, his skills now serve a holy purpose. Death comes to us all, yet only a few are deemed worthy of sacrifice. “Be of strong heart, my son. A third Jewish temple will sit alongside the Haram esh-Sharif. Unification of the faiths has begun.” Like the Quran, the Solar Temple believes that the second coming will unite the key faiths of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Indeed, Devlin rejoiced in April 2022 when the Vatican invited the Prelate to attend the Catholic Muslim Interfaith Council founded by Pope Francis. Solar Temple teachings also aligned with Aleister Crowley, Grand Master of the Order of the Eastern Temple, until his death in 1947. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and Rosicrucian also embrace many of the same teachings. Devlin inherits an enlightened legacy. “Be quick to make your sacrifice,” the voice directs with no emotion, “and then join me on the Haram esh-Sharif. We will celebrate together.” Devlin’s heart leaps with a joyous expectation. A personal invitation to join the Prelate. A thousand years of animosity cast aside so that all faiths can share the holy mount of Zion together. “I will not fail you, Holy Father.”