Chapter 1: Ryan the Zealot
Kabir Jabir couldn’t believe what he was hearing as he was in John Michaels’ living room. Carl Peterson who had fully converted to Christianity was one of John’s advisers who was listening in on what Ryan Merchen had to say. They agreed on topics of the Third Temple – also present was Mormon separatist supporter – Dave Stagg. Dave was hopeful that the United Iron Patriot Republic would listen to his people in having their own autonomous territory.
“Gentlemen, I am pleased to have meet everyone of you” said John.
Neither Ryan or Dave were going to depart to their dwellings just yet. Kabir still didn’t like how they were approaching the topic of Jerusalem. It wasn’t the way of Jesus Christ at all to always have war. John felt there was no other way around the topic at all. The two men were going to finish their tea before getting up – that’s when the preteen Kabir confronted them.
“Ah yes, Kabir Jabir, the Prophet of Christian Israel” said Ryan, “so nice that you are fond friends of the Christian President John Michaels. What brings you to the table?”
“I don’t think war is necessary” said Kabir.
Both men burst out with laughter at Kabir’s pacifist route. Ryan then had a sadder expression on his face.
“There was once a time in the once powerful United States of America where we believed in all of that” said Ryan, “a man by the name of Robby Patton wanted to speak to the opposing side in debating. He was a Christian man just like me, and he was sadly well executed for it.”
“That still doesn’t give you the right to conquer Jerusalem” replied Kabir.
Kabir knew his family were divided about the Zionists on the Jewish end of Israel – but also knew Ryan and Dave’s presence meant John would have to adopt a more militant approach to the Jewish side.
“History has had so many wars and bloodshed – Jesus is all about ending them” said Kabir.
Both men shook their heads in disgust as they finished drinking their tea.
“Best we better head off” said Ryan.
Ryan and Dave were thankful Kabir had brought about the rise of Christian Israel – but Kabir was starting to have second thoughts on all of this. He headed home where his mother Lubna greeted him.
“So, what did the former Americans have to say with their meeting with John?” asked Lubna.
“They want to conquer Jerusalem” replied Kabir.
Lubna knew that the Jewish portion of Israel was scolded by the rest of the world for bombing Gaza. She laughed at the idea of such a war happening ever again.
“They’re full of themselves” said Lubna, “just like the Crescent Path formerly was. Even though I don’t like the Israelis, their October 7th raid wasn’t the smartest idea for everyone.”
Lubna had second thoughts though she still shared her anti-Americanism and anti-Western values. Kabir was soundly disappointed with everyone around him – he had prayed for them and instead this was the end result – turning their backs on Jesus Christ and his teachings. He headed up towards his room disappointed as ever. His father Ali was just returning home from work after helping Rupert Peterson finish rebuilding the last destroyed home of Gaza City.
