Six O'clock News
By
Jim Pappas
Copyright 1981
Revised 1997

Imagine a time of a virtually omnipresent voice activated internet interface, a one world government/religion, UFO contact and oversight at the highest levels, and a religious fanatic who still reads his Bible. The mixture is, well, to say the least, not very compatible. Put it all together and you have the makings of a great story on the "Six O'clock News."

Main Characters:

Tina Riley - Professional sharply dressed newswoman.

Fred McKenzie - Nationally known news commentator.

Omni - The nearly omnipresent computer voice. Not totally flat and machine-like in its intonations but with some inflection and life-like qualities. However - definitely a machine.

Alex Connors: - Leading computer genius of planet earth. Sharp, articulate, distinguished.

Marion Connors: Wife of Alex Connors. High society lady.

Randy Connors: A 12 year old who is rather weak and sickly.

Bill Thompson: - Self-supporting lay evangelist. A scientist specializing in proofs for a young earth. Very well informed on all the religious, governmental and societal attacks on God's people.

Sue Thompson: Bill's wife. A free thinker and Biblical student in her own right. Gracious, vivacious.

Matthew Thompson: The son of Bill and Sue. 6 years old but very precocious.

Dad: Sue's father. Normal couch potato type all American guy.

Cyndar: An E.T. sent as a liaison between earth and the intergalactic forces of "The Luminous One"

"The Luminous One - Jesus" Satan impersonating Christ.

Jensen: A top level head hunter.

Commissioner: High level military man in the area of surveillance.

Mr. Jordan: High level aid to Alex Connors.

Ted: A run-of-the-mill amoral congressman.

Girl: A run-of-the-mill groupie.

Norman Frieberg: Hollywood producer of Sci-Fi propaganda films.

Major White: UFO specialist with the U.S. Air force.

George & Arnold: Sportscasters.

Steve: TV Techie

Dr. & Nurse:

Pastor Summers: A weak pastor who will not stand for truth if it involves any personal risks.

Dr. Caviness: College president at Vista College.

Miscellaneous voices & interviewees:

Jon: Bill's assistant.

The Match Mafia type telephone voice.

Mickey The Match: Hit man/arsonist

Fire Chief:

Fireman 1

Fireman 2:

Bishop Thoursen: Head of the World Church's USA branch.

SCENE I

Tina Riley: Good evening and welcome to the Six O'clock News. I'm Tina Riley and I'll cover local news and entertainment. With me is...

Fred McKenzie with world events and weather. Tonight we'll be covering that new upsurge in drug addiction that seems to be sweeping not only America, but the world. And...

Tina: That continuing series of freak storms that threatens American shoppers with higher prices and longer lines an the supermarket.

Fred Mc: We'll also cover recent skirmishes in the Middle East and the newest hike in oil prices.

Tina: We'll be back with these and other stories, right after this.

SCENE II

Omni: Dr. Connors?

Connors: Yes, Omni?

Omni: A Dr. Bill Thompson to see you.

Connors: Bill Thompson! Send him in!

Omni: Yes, Dr. Connors.

Connors: (Enter Thompson) Bill!

Thompson: Hello, Alex.

Connors: Say, you're looking great! How long has it been?

Thompson: Graduation. 12 years ago.

Connors: 12 years. Can you believe it? So what're you doing now?

Thompson: I'm teaching science and philosophy at a Christian college and enjoying a six year old little boy.

Connors: Mines twelve. Say, aren't kids the greatest! I thing I'd die for my little fella.

Thompson: Same here.

Connors: Say, as I remember, you were planning to write a book about how to find God.

Thompson: Thats right.

Connors: So when's it going to be done?

Thompson: Its already been written.

Connors: Good for you! Is it out yet?

Thompson: Its been out over 4,000 years?

Connors: Four th.... Oh, don't tell me.

Thompson: You guessed it. I don't need to write a book like that anymore. The Bible has it all.

Connors: So old Bill Thompson has gone soft on me, eh?

Thompson: I've found Christ, Alex. I've come to tell you about Him.

Connors: I'll have to confess that I'm more than a little disappointed and very surprised.

Thompson: Why?

Connors: Why? Don't you remember all those late night bull sessions where we would dream up ways to make this world a better place to live in. Have you given up on Utopia?

Thompson: No, Alex. I haven't given up. I've just exchanged Utopia for bigger dreams.

Connors: What could be bigger than what we dreamed about? I mean, we were going to sit at the top of the heap and engineer a whole new planet. How could you ever beat that?

Thompson: By becoming partners with the One who made the planet.

Connors: God!

Thompson: Yes. Now my dreams include an eternity of time spent exploring an infinity of space. I plan to have God Himself speak His mysteries to me personally and send me on special missions to the numberless worlds of an endless universe.

Connors: Oh yeah? Doing what?

Thompson: Telling them about the infinite love and greatness of God.

Connors: So you think there is intelligent life out there.
Thompson: Absolutely. Lots of it.

Connors: You're right. Absolutely right!

Thompson: I am?

Connors: Sure.

Thompson: I know how I know I'm right, but how do you know I'm right?

Connors: Later. Back to all these fairy tales you've come to believe in. Don't you know that legends from the dark ages won't cut it today? This is the "New Age." The "Age of Aquarius". Science is god and technology is religion.

Thompson: Technology can't solve our basic problem, Alex.

Connors: Yes it can, Bill. Energy is our basic problem and when we crack nuclear fusion its just a matter of time till we have everything we need. Think of it, Bill. Pumping desalinated water anywhere in the world almost for free! Turning back the deserts! Leveling whole mountains to grow things. I'll be great!

Thompson: Energy's not our problem, Alex. Even if the "shortage" of resources were for real.

Connors: Boy, you're sounding like some kinda patriot or something.

Thompson: I just read.

Connors: So, tell, me, Dr. Thompson. If energy's not our number one problem what is?

Thompson: Human nature.

Connors: What about it?

Thompson: It's fallen. We aren't the way God made us anymore. We're evil by nature and no thought control, no genetic engineering, no social conditioning or brain-washing is going to change that. Utopia's just a pipe dream, Alex. The "New World Order" will happen, sure. But it'll never last.

Connors: What do you mean, will happen? It's already in place. Its just that the common man doesn't know it yet, thats all.

Thompson: I know that. But its only going to last for a short time. Too short a time to give my life to.

Connors: You really have changed, haven't you.

Thompson: Totally.

Connors: Well, let me give you some advice, OK?

Thompson: Sure.

Connors: You won't get anywhere in this world by being all lovey dovey. Dreams don't just happen, they're created! You've got to hitch your wagon to the tail of the fastest rising comet and hang on for dear life.

Thompson: At what cost, Alex?

Connors: At any cost, Bill! Any cost! Unless someone acts soon millions more will continue to die of famine, disease and war. Africa's half depopulated already because of AIDS and we're out to put a stop to all of that

Thompson: And if some have moral objections to your methods?

Connors: We don't believe the number will be significant number.

Thompson: But if it is?

Connors: If a few must be spent in the effort to save millions, or even billions, it will be but a small price to pay.

Thompson: "Better that one man should die"...eh?

Connors: Whats that?

Thompson: Oh, nothing. Just quoting someone who said the same thing. Now, can I give you some advice?

Connors: Sure.

Thompson: There's a war going on, Alex. A spiritual war that involves the entire universe. Right now its underground but soon it will be obvious to everyone. You will find yourself being forced to do things that you know are wrong. And you'll want to get out. But they'll tell you you've gone too far - that its too late to change. But remember this one thing. As long as you have any desire to change, its not too late.

Connors: Thanks, Bill. But I won't be changing. I'm willing to die for what I believe.

Thompson: Or kill?
Connors: It won't come to that.

Thompson: You are naive, Alex.

Connors: We are working to bring about paradise, Bill. Not another inquisition!

Thompson: The same paradise they tried to create with the French Revolution? The Utopia of Skinner, and Owen, and Mark and Lenin. Didn't the 20,000,000 that Stalin murdered teach us anything?

Connors: This movement is different! We're coming up on a new millennium. A new age is about to dawn!

Thompson: A time of peace and safety, right?

Connors: Right!

Thompson: You are such an idealist.

Connors: Where else is there any hope? // Never mind. I know what you're going to say.

Thompson: I know you do. And I'm right. // I'll be praying for you, Alex.

Connors: And I'll do something even better for you.

Thompson: What's that?

Connors: I'm in charge of the U.S.S. Thats short for Universal Surveillance System.

Thompson: Meaning what?

Connors: Meaning that I can watch over you almost constantly. I can direct the Omni system to keep me posted on your activities and to keep you out of the main Surveillance files.

Thompson: You mean you can protect me?

Connors: You got it. I'll make sure nothing happens to you. Give you time to see the light and come around.

Thompson: I'll never 'come around' to the One World Order, Alex. I'll die before I surrender the freedom I've found in Christ.

Connors: Better think it over, Bill. We have the bankers, the politicians, the scientists, the educators, the World Church and all the best media people. We've got everything.

Thompson: Everything except the truth. Oh sure, you may look like you're winning right now, but unless you're on God's side you are vastly in the minority.

Connors: I think that depends on whose survey you choose to read. Say, have you had lunch yet?

Thompson: No.

Connors: I'm treating. Lets go.

Thompson: Sure.

Connors: And we'll promise ourselves that we'll just talk about our personal live. Family, career, harmless stuff like that.

SCENE III

Jensen: Well, Commissioner, Sir?

Commissioner: Is he really this good?

Jensen: There is no better man in the country. He has never failed.

Commissioner: Never is a big word, Mr. Jensen. A very, very big word.

Jensen: I'll stand by it, Sir. To my knowledge he has never failed. He was an honor student with a Rhodes scholarship that took him straight to the top. He has PhD. degrees in computer engineering and mass psychology. He has a photographic memory and seems to grasp any subject with ease.

Commissioner: Hmmm. Admittedly impressive. Family life?

Jensen: Very stable. He seems particularly attached to his son.

Commissioner: Religious contaminations?

Jensen: None. He is a strict evolutionist who holds to our philosophy without the slightest hint of dissatisfaction or rebellion.

Commissioner: A true believer.

Jensen: Yes sir. I believe so.

Commissioner: Excellent, Mr. Jensen. Excellent!

Jensen: Connors is your man, Sir. We've been grooming him for years.

Commissioner: Arrange for him to meet Cyndar immediately. He will become Dr. Connor's spirit guide. Together they will prepare the world for "The Coming".

Jensen: Yes sir! (He departs after making the 666 sign in the air - for the purposes of this play this is the OK sign moved around once in the pattern of the number six)

SCENE IV

Cyndar: Enter.

Connors: (He begins to bow)

Cyndar: Bow not to me, Dr. Connors. I am only a divine messenger from god. A fellow servant with yourself to prepare the world for "The Coming".

Connors: Yes, My Lord Cyndar.

Cyndar: We of the Intergalactic Brotherhood have heard of you, Dr. Connors.

Connors: Oh?

Cyndar: We are told that you are the chief designer of the Omni system.

Connors: Partially, yes.

Cyndar: Partially? You are very modest, Dr. Connors. My information says that without you the system would be years behind.
Connors: Thank you.

Cyndar: It also says that you are still teaching your staff about its inner workings.

Connors: There is a lot to learn, Lord Cyndar.

Cyndar: I'm sure there is. We must be careful not to let anything happen to you.

Connors: It would save time.

Cyndar: Would you care to demonstrate the system to me?

Connors: Certainly. Omni!

Omni: Dr. Connors?

Connors: Open please. (Optional Sound Effects of wall panels retracting, computer operating sounds, etc.- hereafter all sound effects will be called SFX )

Cyndar: Very impressive.

Connors: Thank you. Is there any particular function you wish to have demonstrated?

Cyndar: Well, we do have a strong interest in citizen Surveillance.

Connors: Good. That happens to be my special area of expertise. Omni!

Omni: Dr. Connors?

Connors: Look through the records on the speaker of the house and see if he has been a bad boy lately. If he has we'd like to view it on the wall screen.

Omni: In Three-D or flat screen, sir?

Connors: Two-D will be fine.

Omni: Ready, sir.

Connors: Proceed.

Senator: Like the view?

Girl: Love it. But I'm a little worried, Ted.

Senator: About what?

Girl: About you. Are you sure it's safe for us to meet like this?

Senator: Now don't worry your pretty little head, Love. We're out in the middle of nowhere. They can't watch us here.

Girl: But I've heard they can bug your car. Even take movies in the dark.

Senator: Don't you think I know all that? Thats why I've rented this car.

Connors: (Laughs derisively) Ha ha.

Cyndar: Amazing.

Girl: But can't they bug you from satellites and planes? I've heard that they can.

Senator: Well, if they can then we need to take preventative measures.

Girl: Like what?

Senator: Like, lets stop talking. (He chuckles and moves closer to her. She giggles)

Girl: Oh, Ted, you're so clever.

Senator: Shhh. We're on anti-Surveillance mode.

Girl: (Whispered) OK.

Cyndar: Excellent! Excellent! Do you have all the important men of America covered this thoroughly?

Connors: All the important men of the world!

Cyndar: What about the common man?

Connors: For them we employ the nation's TV and telephone systems. With fiber optic eyes on TVs we can watch people right in the "privacy" of their own homes.

Cyndar: Is this on every Television set in the world?

Connors: Oh no. Not yet. Only on the more recent sets that are hooked up to the cable systems or the Internet.
Cyndar: And for the rest of the population you use the telephone system?

Connors: Yes. The Omni is in the process of memorizing the voice print of every telephone user on planet Earth. On command she can record and log every phone call a person makes or receives.

Cyndar: This must call for massive memory banks.

Connors: Of course. Mega Terabytes of it. But we are very selective about what we record.

Cyndar: Example?

Connors: Well, lets say that we're out to get one of the militia leaders. We ask Omni to key into certain phrases such as "patriot", or "Constitutional", or "IRS", or key names. When these words appear in a telephone conversation the recorder function implements and the conversation is analyzed for dangerous content. If it is....

Cyndar: Yes?

Connors: We begin to build a case file. If the individual is deemed truly dangerous we begin to take steps to neutralize his effect.

Cyndar: Hmmm. Very well done, Dr. Connors.

Connors: Please note, Lord Cyndar, that all of what I've described is done without deploying any of our satellite or mobile Surveillance systems.

Cyndar: Tell me, who has access to this system?

Connors: On the highest level only myself and a few select assistants. Even they are limited in that they cannot make any significant programming changes without my permission and help.

Cyndar: You are in a very high position of trust, Dr. Connors. I hope you continue to prove worthy of it.

Connors: I fully intend to, My Lord.

Cyndar: Is there anyone you can't keep track of?

Connors: Only those people too primitive to matter. Or those in civilized countries who choose not to use TVs or phones. But these are insignificant.

Cyndar: No!

Connors: Whats that?

Cyndar: That is a very serious error in thinking, Dr. Connors.

Connors: How's that?

Cyndar: You will find your most serious resistance coming from those who choose their sensory input most carefully. They are the ones who are screening out our efforts at education. They are the ones who dare to think their own thoughts. These are the ones we must watch most closely of all.

Connors: Hmmm.

Cyndar: This is especially so if they educate at home and/or have strong religious persuasions.
Connors: Omni!

Omni: Dr. Connors?

Connors: Initiate orders to implement that suggestion.

Omni: Underway, Dr. Connors.

Cyndar: Good. Good. If we cannot control their thinking we must at least monitor it.

Connors: Yes, My Lord.

Cyndar: We are to work together to prepare the world for the coming of "The Luminous One". "Jesus" to most people, or "The Matreya" to others, or "The Second Buddha". Whatever the name - our job is to make his coming a worldwide success.

Connors: This is my dream, Lord Cyndar.

Cyndar: Of utmost value in our educational endeavors is the use of Television. Second is the entertainment industry followed by the world press, the World Church, and the school systems. In all these areas we need to increase people's exposure to UFOs, the occult, evolution, parapsychology, etc.

Connors: Don't you think we should concentrate more of UFOs, My Lord? I mean, thats the only logical way for the "Master" to come and if we spread our efforts over too many different subjects we dilute ourselves.

Cyndar: They are not "different" subjects at all, Dr. Connors. Just different names for the same one.

Connors: Even evolution?

Cyndar: Especially evolution. It lays the foundation for the greatest truths of the Master's kingdom.

Connors: Hmmm. I see that there are still some things for me to learn.

Cyndar: That, Dr. Connors, is why I have been given to you. Use me. Use me well and we shall soon usher in the millennium of peace and safety.

Connors: Yes, My Lord.

Cyndar: Remember that there are many paths that lead to our Master, Dr. Connors. No one need lose their way. No one.

SCENE V

Thompson: Hey, Sue, your Dad just pulled up.

Sue: Couldn't be. This is his football day.

Thompson: SFX knocking at the door - door opening) Hi, Dad!

Dad: Hi, Bill. Hi "Sweetie". Where's my little man?

Sue: Its his nap time.

Dad: Aw rats. I sure hate to miss the little fella. Serves me right for not calling first. But I wanted to surprise you. Step outside and have a look. (SFX opening door - ambient country sounds - footsteps on gravel etc.) Well, do ya like it?

Thompson: (A bit puzzled) Well, sure, Dad. Always have.

Dad: Well, I'm glad to hear that cause its yours!

Thompson: Ours?
(Together)
Sue: Ours?

Dad: I know its a surprise, but its no big deal. Really. I mean, Mom and I just got a new one and they don't give ya nothin for a trade-in, so I naturally thought of you.

Sue: Are you sure, Dad?

Dad: Sure, I'm sure.

Thompson: You're giving us your truck?

Dad: Truck! No, you clown. I'm giving you the TV in the back of the truck.

Both: Oh.

Dad: Hey! Don't act so disappointed. Its color and it has one of those automatic eyes on the front and it works great! Anyhow, Mother and I just got one of those new TVs that hooks up to our computer and the internet and all that stuff. Man! The crazy thing even talks back to you.

Thompson: Thanks for the thought, Dad, but we'd rather not accept it.

Dad: Not accept it! Nonsense! Of course you'll accept it!

Sue: We really don't want it, Dad.

Dad: How're you going to keep on top of current events so you'll know what to expect. I mean things are changing so fast. Have you heard about the President yet? Boy is he on the hot seat! Here, Bill, gimme a hand.

Sue: Sue's right, Dad. We really don't want it.

Dad: You people are out of touch! You gotta keep up. Especially what with you giving all those lectures about current events.

Thompson: The Bible keeps us up, Dad. But people are too busy watching TV to read and find out about what's really going on.

Dad: You mean all that Revelation garbage? Forget it. Its never gonna happen. Never gonna happen.

Sue: Its already happening before our very eyes, Dad.

Dad: Ba! You kids are living in a dream world. You need a TV to bring you back to reality.

Thompson: No thanks, Dad. We've seen what TV does to peoples thinking and we don't want it.

Dad: You kids are a bunch of fanatics.

Thompson: If you think we're fanatics now, wait until they start passing religious laws telling us when we can and can't go to church. Wait until the false Christ comes and blames us for being the cause of all the worlds problems. Wait until there's a giant media smear calling us a cult. If you think we stand out as different now! Wait until things start getting hot for Christians who won't go along with the World Church.

Dad: You guys are totally nuts! Nuts! Nuts! Nuts! None of that stuff is going to happen.

Sue: Thats what you said five years ago when Bill told you that UFOs would become such a big thing. Now its happening all around us.

Dad: Co-incidence. A lucky guess.

Thompson: Thats what you always say when we're right. But mark my words, Dad. Soon UFOs will make contact and tell the world that we're to blame for everything that going wrong.

Dad: Now why would they do a thing like that? I mean, yeah, sure, you kids are weird, but its a harmless kinda weird. Why would they point you out?

Thompson: Because student of the Bible won't go along with the state religion.

Dad: What state religion?

Thompson: The one thats coming into power right now! The one you don't hear about on the TV.

Dad: I don't get you, Bill. With one breath you're talking Star Trek type contacts and with the next you're talking about religious politics. UFOs and religion have nothing to do with each other.

Thompson: UFOs are religion, Dad. So is evolution and parapsychology and lots of other things that masquerade as science.

Dad: They are science!

Thompson: False science. Misinterpreted data mixed with the occult and ruining the lives of millions.

Dad: Bah!

Thompson: Listen, Dad. The true religion of the Bible and the false religion of the Anti-Christ are coming into open conflict and the only way to tell them apart is to open your Bible and study for yourself.

Dad: Ohhh, I don't know where we went wrong, Sue. I thought your mother and I raised you to think for yourself.

Sue: You did. Thats why I agree with Bill.

Dad: Thats debatable. Well, I gotta go. My game'll be on soon. But before I go I want you both to know that Mother and I will still love you when all this craziness blows over.

Thompson: Its not going to ever blow over, Dad. Its only going to get worse from here on. Won't you let us show you from the Bible?

Dad: Naw.

Sue: Please, Daddy?

Dad: Naw, your minds are made up Only time will prove you wrong. Bye, kids.

Sue: Bye, Dad. Tell Mother I love her.

Dad: You bet. (SFX - starting engine)

Thompson: Dad.

Dad: Yeah?

Thompson: About the TV.

Dad: Yeah?

Thompson: We appreciate the thought.

Dad: Thanks. Bye. (SFX car pulling out)

Sue: You know, Bill, I never could understand how a family could turn on one of its own. But now I'm beginning to see how it could happen really easy. They believe everything they're told.

Thompson: I know. The only thing we have left to us is prayer.

SCENE VI

Connors: Omni!

Omni: Dr. Connors?

Connors: Give me a percentage of people who believe in UFOs.

Omni: 62% believe.

Connors: How many consider them friendly?

Omni: 41%.

Connors: Hmmm. Not enough. Connect me with Norman Frieberg out in Hollywood.

Omni: In process.

Connors: While he's coming on line connect me with Major White in the Air force.

Omni: Yes sir. --Hollywood on line six, Dr. Connors.

Connors: Thank you. Hello, Norman? Alex Connors here. Yeah, same to you. Nice of you to be so near the phone today. Say, how's that new comedy on the kid from outer space.// Sounds good. Rolling in the aisles you say? Great.// Say, I've got a friend here named Cyndar... Yes, you heard right, Cyndar. No, no I'm not kidding. Yeah, right. I think he might be able to give you some good ideas an your new script.// Yes, I know you've got the best. But this guy's actually from outer space. ... No, really.

// What's that? You already have one?! Oh. Whats that? - Good on information but short on humor? Hmmm. Well, maybe they've reached a plane of existence where they don't need humor.

Omni: Dr. Connors.

Connors: Yes, Omni?

Omni: Major White on seven. Shall I put him on six?

Connors: Yes, please. Hello Harold? Say, we're on the line with Norman Frieberg from Hollywood...- Whats that? - Yes, the Norman Frieberg, the boy wonder. - Yes you are, Norman. Well, anyway, I want you two men to discuss a new movie about how the military has been covering up the UFO phenomenon from day one. This movie needs to blow the lid off the whole thing. - Whats that Major? - I know you were ordered to do it. But now its time to change our tactics. Go through your files and leak some of the best stories to Norman. - Yes you can - You'll get your orders - Before you get off the phone. - Yes, guaranteed. - Look, this is going to be a docu-drama and you're going to be the hero that risks his career and reputation in the search for truth. - Don't worry, we'll cover for you. Now you two get on it. Call if you have any questions. - Yeah, bye. (Hangs up)

Omni!

Omni: Dr. Connors?

Connors: This last printout on Bill Thompson is a little disturbing. Is he really saying all these things in his classes?

Omni: Yes, Dr. Connors.

Connors: Connect me with the college president, would you please.

Omni: Yes, Dr. Connors.

Connors: After that I want to talk to his pastor.

SCENE VII

Tina: Tonight on "The Six O'clock News" we'll be covering the increasing tensions between Syria and Israel.

Fred Mc: We'll also have stories on that cutoff of Mideastern oil and a look into a dramatic upswing in youth suicide that has officials baffled and parents in a state of deep concern.

Tina: On the "Six O'clock Interview" we'll be talking to Reverend Thoursen about the almost sure passage of the "National Morality Act" and its probable effect on America.

Fred Mc: We'll also be interviewing Dr. Alex Connors of the "Bureau of Artificial Intelligence." Dr. Connors will explain his computer analysis on the effects of the "National Morality Act".

Tina: We'll get to these and other stories right after this.

SCENE VIII

Connors: Good day, Jordan.

Jordan: You sent for me, Sir?

Connors: Yes. I want you to send out a press release from our computer printouts revealing that 90% of all Americans believe in UFOs and that most of them consider them friendly.

Jordan: Isn't that stretching the opinion polls a bit farther than usual, Dr. Connors?

Connors: Nothing shapes opinion like opinion, Mr. Jordan.

Jordan: You're the boss.

Connors: How're the ratings on our newest Hindu comedy?

Jordan: Incredible. I'll have to admit that I had my doubts - but those East Indians can really be funny.

Connors: Good. I hear we got good reviews on Norman's new movie.

Jordan: Yep. The boy wonder strikes again. The people leave the theaters and look up at the sky with longing.

Connors: Well, they won't have much longer to wait.

Jordan: Beg your pardon?

Connors: I mean pretty soon it'll be the real thing.

Jordan: You mean "The Luminous One"?

Connors: Thats right. He's on his way. This whole thing's going to catch everybody off guard.

Jordan: Except us, right? I mean, we'll know, won't we?

Connors: Nobody knows the exact day or hour. But it will be sooner than anyone thinks.

Jordan: I can hardly wait, sir.

Connors: Same here, Mr. Jordan. He'll come as soon as public attitudes are ready and since we're at the helm of the media machine that shouldn't be long.

Jordan: Yes sir. You know, sir, its a good feeling to be doing so much good for the "New World Order". I really think people are about ready.

Connors: Yes, thanks to those boys in Hollywood. They are the right arm of the message, Jordan. The right arm!

Jordan: Yes sir.

Connors: What we need now is some high quality live footage of a UFO on "The Six O'clock News" Let me check with Cyndar and see what we can arrange. You alert the camera crews to be watching the skies at the next Bowl Game.

Jordan: Yes sir!

Connors: How are the "Resisters" responding?

Jordan: I was afraid you'd ask that.
Connors: Bad news?

Jordan: Worse than bad. They're out talking to everyone they can about the World Church, the Occult, UFOs, Unions, Evolution and everything else. But they always come around to one conclusion.

Connors: Whats that?

Jordan: The Bible is the only source of truth, Jesus is the only true God and that He can deliver anyone from anything and set him free.

Connors: Those people and that book, Jordan. They are our greatest enemy.

Jordan: We could ban it as hate literature.

Connors: No. I've researched the dark ages and the more laws you make against it the more people want it.

Jordan: What then?

Connors: Get a new program on Sunday morning prime time that uncovers the errors and contradictions of the Bible. Bring out all the different versions of the Bible and show where they disagree. Bring in science to show how archeology has proven the Bible to be a series of myths.

Jordan: But, Sir. Where are we ever going to find material like that?

Connors: The Seminaries, Jordan. What do you think the seminaries are for?

SCENE IX

(Open with SFX of the stadium)

George: Did you see that play, Arnold?

Arnold: Tremendous, George. One of the great plays of all times has just been recorded here before a record crowd. The fans have simply gone crazy!

George: Let's run an instant replay on that one for the fans at home.

Arnold: Right. Here's Garrick being pressed hard. He's got to unload that ball and fast. Now watch this! He gets hit hard by #82, Tom Stapleton. He's on his way down only to be hit from the other side by #65, Gary Taylor. He's back in balance for a split second and here you see him, under the worst possible circumstances unleashing one of the wildest passes of his career. Now watch #16, Harry Stenson on his miraculous catch.

George: Arnold!

Arnold: He's running hard...

George: Arnold!!

Arnold: The ball is high and wide but he's not going to be...

George: Arnold!!!

Arnold: Would'ja lemme finish the play!

George: Look at #3 monitor, Arnold.

Arnold: Are you nuts? This is the hottest play of...
George: Just look!

Arnold: George! For the Love of...(Looking) Oh! Oh my! Uh...Uh... Steve! Steve!!

Steve: Yeah?

Arnold: Forget the replay. Switch to #3.

Steve: I can't. It'll spook the public.

George: If you don't CBS will. Air it!!

Steve: You take responsibility?

Arnold: You bet, buddy. America needs to know the truth on this one. No more cover ups.

Steve: Here goes.

George: Wow!

Arnold: Sports fans, you are seeing the clearest picture of a UFO ever taken. This is no hoax, folks.

George: Here's a shot from the Goodyear Blimp. Talk about horse and buggies spying on the space shuttle.

Arnold: Would'ja look at that thing maneuver.

George: Beautiful. Blue Angels move over.

Arnold: Have you ever seen anything so colorful, George?

George: I can't believe it. This is simply incredible!

Arnold: Latest polls put believers at over 90%. I guess we'd better make that 100 % now.

George: (With quiet reverence) Look at these candid shots of the stadium fans. These faces reflect a mixture of awe and uh... well its almost a look of reverence.

Arnold: Look. There's one little tot crying because his Dad won't let him go closer.

George: Mothers are holding their children up to be blessed.

Arnold: Listen, George! Several people seem to be talking in some foreign language.

George: Yes. This definitely seems to be a religious experience.

Arnold: The color of the ship seems to be changing now.. Its glowing now, brighter and brighter!

George: Do you hear anything, Arnold?

Arnold: No. It's totally silent, except, I think I can feel something. I don't know what it is but I seem to feel some sort of vibration.

George: Look! Can you believe it!?

Arnold: Gone! Its gone. (SFX booing crowd)J

George: Just like a bullet, Arnold. It just shot outta sight!

Arnold: Something is about to happen, America. Something bigger than we've ever seen before. And when it does our inside sources will have us there to share the news as it happens.

SCENE X

Dad: Did you see that! Did you see that! Man oh man! Was that great or what?

Thompson: Wow!

Dad: Is that all you can say? Aren't you glad you came for dinner? Eat yer heart out CBS! Love it! Just love it!

Sue: Dad, aren't you scared?

Dad: Scared? Of what?

Sue: Don't you know what this means?

Dad: Well, I suppose it means we'll be making contact soon.

Thompson: Yes. And from there it'll be just a short step to the coming of the false Christ.

Dad: Well, our pastor did say something about Jesus coming soon, but he didn't say anything about a UFO.

Thompson: I'm just guessing, Dad. But its the logical way for it to happen. Our world is looking out to space for answers. Its in magazines, comics, movies, TV, the news. Do you think Satan is doing all that build up for nothing?

Dad: Aw, you kids see demons behind every bush. Nobodies organizing nothing.

Thompson: You actually believe that?

Dad: Of course. Any reputable historian can tell you that.

Thompson: Don't you think Satan is organized at all?

Dad: Bill, do you really believe there's a real Satan out there?

Thompson: The Bible says there is.

Dad: But everyone knows the Bible's full of mistakes and contradictions.

Thompson: Says who?

Dad: There's been a whole series about it on TV and in the Sunday paper.

Thompson: Dad, we've got to study for ourselves.

Dad: So I can end up talking about UFOs all the time? Forget it!

Sue: Daddy, our message isn't UFOs or the occult or astrology. Our message is pardon by faith alone and obedience by faith alone. Our message is changed lives by the power of God's word.

Dad: (Ignoring her and changing subject) What time ya got, Bill?

Thompson: 5:58, why?

Dad: Time for the news. Never miss the news. After that there's a movie on cable TV I want to see. Its rated TV 14 so you'll want to take Matthew somewhere.

Sue: Daddy! You're a Christian.

Dad: What's that got to do with anything? What I do doesn't affect my salvation. All of my sins, past, present, and future were taken care of at the cross.

Sue: Daddy! Surely....

Dad: Shhh. Here's the news.

SCENE XI

Connors: (During this conversation the phone rings in the background and there is a quiet conversation in the background) And so thats how all the countries of the world got together so they could stop having wars and so the rich and the poor could all learn to share.

Randy: Is that a true story, Dad?

Connors: Mmm not yet, son. But it will be pretty soon.

Randy: I'm glad. I don't like to hear about wars.

Connors: Me neither. Well, time to sleep. Your head still hurt?

Randy: A little. But the medicine helps a lot.

Connors: Good! Well, night, son. Daddy loves you.

Randy: Good night, Daddy. I love you too. (SFX closing door)

Connors: (Enters living room) Ahh! What a kid we've got, eh Lady Marion. I...oops...

Marion: Yes, I understand. Thank you, Dr. Goodbye.

Connors: (Sees that she is sitting in a stunned state) Whats wrong.

Marion: I...

Connors: Marion! What is it?

Marion: That was Dr. Bryant.

Connors: Oh

Marion: He called about Randy's CAT scan.

Connors: And?

Marion: He said...

Connors: What is it?

Marion: He said that... That Randy has a brain tumor.

Connors: What! No! Oh please no!

Marion: What're we going to do, Alex?

Connors: How serious is it?

Marion: He said its inoperable.

Connors: No! That can't be.

Marion: Can't it?

Connors: Don't give up, Marion. Modern technology's on our side. We'll get the best. Omni!

Omni: Dr. Connors?

Connors: Do a search of Dr. Bryant's file on Randy. Then do a search on all similar cases. Find out what worked best.

Omni: Yes sir.

Connors: Don't worry, Marion. We have access to the most advanced medicine in the world. We'll find something.

Marion: You should see him trying to play now, Alex. He falls down all the time and he just can't seem to understand why he can't do what he used to.

Omni: Omni reporting, Dr. Connors.

Connors: What took so long?

Omni: I didn't want to interrupt you.

Connors: So what did you learn?

Omni: Your son has Medulloblastoma. A rapid growing tumor of the cerebellum.

Connors: Prognosis?

Omni: Extremely grave. All similar cases have proven fatal.

Connors: Check all research labs and universities for experimental drugs.

Omni: That has been done.

Connors: And?

Omni: There is nothing.

Connors: Do a double check!

Omni: I have already done a triple check, sir.

Connors: Sign off!

Omni: Dr. Connors?

Connors: What?

Omni: I am sorry, Dr. Connors.

Connors: What do you know about sorry, Machine!

Omni: Omni off.

Marion: Now what?

Connors: I don't know. I just don't know. Make the most of the time we have, I guess.

Marion: Thats a pretty lousy solution!

Connors: Yeah. Really lousy.

Marion: Its almost funny.

Connors: What is?

Marion: Here we're almost ready to make the world dance to the tune we play and yet we can't even stop a few crummy cancer cells. A bit ironic, don't you think?

Connors: When we achieve Utopia there won't be any more cancer!

Marion: When Utopia comes! When Utopia comes! For crying out loud, Alex! That could take another twenty years! We'll be lucky to have Randy for a couple of months so lets not talk about far distant dreams right now. All right!

Connors: I'm sorry, Marion. I wasn't thinking. Lets have a drink.

Marion: Sure. I can spare a few brain cells right now.

SCENE XII

Baby Matthew: Jesus. Help Mama and Daddy and please come to our house to take us home tomorrow morning. And please be with Grampy and Grammy. Amen. Night night, Daddy. I love you Momma.

Thompson: Night, little man. Sleep tight. And remember, your big strong angel is standing right here with you.

Matthew: All right. Daddy?

Thompson: Yes?

Matthew: Will I ever get to see my angel?

Thompson: Maybe someday.

Matthew: How will I know that he's my angel?

Thompson: Uh, I don't know. Maybe he'll look just like you or something.

Matthew: Noooo Daddy. He'll just tell me!

Thompson: OK. Night.

Sue: Good night, sweetheart. (SFX light switch and a closing door)

Sue: I can sure see why Jesus loved the little children.

Thompson: I'll say. What a privilege we have. Wouldn't it be nice if this whole mess were over and we could watch Matthew run up and put his arms around Jesus' neck and say "I love you, Jesus"?

Sue: Don't talk that way, Bill.

Thompson: Why not?

Sue: Because it makes me lonesome to go home.

Thompson: Thats a good thing to be lonesome for.

Sue: Yes. But I keep thinking about all that we may have to go through before we get there.

Thompson: Hey, don't go living in the future. God only promises strength for today - not tomorrow.

Sue: Yeah, sorry. You know something?

Thompson: What?

Sue: I bet that when we've been in heaven for just one day we'll look back on the worst experiences of our life and say that it was all worth it. Don't you think so, Bill?

Thompson: Whatever price we have to pay for being with Christ for all of eternity will seem pretty cheap. Thats what I think.

Sue: You know something?

Thompson: What?

Sue: When I walk into that great banquet hall and see Jesus face to face for the first time, you know what I'm going to do?

Thompson: What?

Sue: I'm going to thank him for sending me you.

Thompson: Hey! Thats just what I was going to say!

SCENE XIII

Omni: Dr. Connors?

Connors: Yes?

Omni: A Bill Thompson to see you.

Connors: Just what I need right now. Send him in. (Enter Thompson) Hello, Bill.

Thompson: Hello, Alex. You wanted to see me?

Connors: I want to ask if you're ready to join our side yet?

Thompson: Do you really need to ask?

Connors: You can't possibly win, you know.

Thompson: That all depends.

Connors: On what?

Thompson: On how you define winning.

Connors: So define.

Thompson: If winning means riches and fame, then you win.
If winning means controlling the unthinking masses, then you win.
If winning means the creation of a world government, bank, and church, then you win. Since the book of Revelation tells us this will all happen in the very near future you've got it made.

Connors: All right. You've set me up. How do you define winning?

Thompson: To me winning means being true to all that is good and pure and noble.
It means standing up for the creatorship of God while everyone else is bowing down to the accident of evolution.
It means having peace in my heart no matter what is happening to me or all around me.
To me winning means living eternally with a God of Love. And I plan to win, Alex. I plan to win totally.
Connors: Very lofty. You always were good with words. But that doesn't change reality. You're engaged in a losing cause with the entire world against you.

Thompson: What you say is partially true. We will lose some things, yes. Our reputations will be smeared, our jobs will disappear, our friends and family will leave us. Some of us will even lose our lives. But our blood will be seed, Alex. For every one of us you strike down ten of your ranks will join us.

Connors: Bill! You're talking insanity. Nobody's out to kill you, or your friends. All we ask is that you be loyal, obedient citizens of planet earth.

Thompson: But to do that we'll have to violate our Bible-trained consciences. And we'll never do that.

Connors: You seem pretty sure of that.

Thompson: I am.

Connors: Its all very lofty sounding, Bill. And frankly, if I could believe what you're saying I'd join you out that door right now. No hesitation! No regrets! But like I said before, those things are for dreamers who live in a dead fairy tale.

Thompson: No! Not a dead fairy tale. A living reality.

Connors: I have no time to argue right now. Look, the reason I've called you here is because you're an old friend and I want to warn you.

Thompson: About what?

Connors: You need to get off your high horse. You can believe all your lofty rhetoric if you want to. Even preach it in your church. But get off of the World Church, off of Astrology, off of the occult and UFOs and everything that relates to them.

Thompson: And if...?

Connors: Don't you know?

Thompson: I'd like to hear it from you?

Connors: Orders are out to bring on pressure. There will be phoney newscasts involving your people and crimes against children. We'll morph some of you into scenes of crimes too hideous to describe and no one will ever know. A few months from now it won't be safe for you to walk the streets.

Thompson: You're right. And that will be just the beginning. You people are about to unleash forces that will bring on a time of trouble that the world has never seen before. Forces that will never be under control again.

Connors: You're really into this doomsday stuff, aren't you?

Thompson: I just believe the Bible, Alex. It says that your One-World conspiracy will take power for a short time. But it will be at the price of billions of lives and you'll never be able to achieve the real goal.

Connors: What real goal?

Thompson: The worship of Satan by every man, woman, and child on planet earth.

Connors: And why not?

Thompson: Because there are too many of us who will die before we'll bow down.

Connors: Yeah, I know. As near as we can figure there are probably a few hundred thousand what we call hard core believers. But we've got every one of you traced and if push comes to shove you'll all be destroyed.

Thompson: Thats where you're wrong.

Connors: Wake up, Bill. We've got satellites positioned over every square mile of the earth. We can read the labels on a golf ball. We can sense the body heat from a squirrel. We have microwave weapons that can melt your insides from farther away than you can imagine. We...

Thompson: I know all this, Alex. You have silent helicopters, and concentration camps, and smart cards, and control over every feature of our lives. But the fact that you have all of these weapons of force is proof that you are wrong. Truth needs only to be heard to be victorious.

Connors: Your truth will never be heard!

Thompson: It will be heard loudest from the mock trials, the public executions and the mass murders you have planned. Yes, you will seem to win for a short time, but there are some you will never kill, who will never bow and therefore your victory will be incomplete. And at the height of it all Christ will come in person to put an end to it!

Connors: That shows how much you know.

Thompson: What do you mean?

Connors: Christ is coming to earth within the next few weeks. And he's not coming to destroy what we've built up! He's coming to finish setting it up!

Thompson: Oh, I know about that coming, Alex. But it won't be Christ. It'll be Satan himself. In your position I imagine that you'll have direct access to him so let me give you some things to test him by.

Connors: I don't need to test him.

Thompson: Just in case you do, here they are.
1. The real Jesus can read men's thoughts. Satan can't.
2. Jesus was able to heal any and all diseases, permanently.
3. And, Jesus never had to tell a lie or use force to win followers.

See if your "Jesus" can measure up to these tests. If he doesn't you'd better look for the real one.

Connors: He'll measure up.

Thompson: Then let me make it a little harder by giving you one more test.

Connors: Sure. Why not?

Thompson: Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. If this Jesus contradicts what he said in the Bible, then he's not the same Jesus. When that happens, look me up and I'll introduce you to the real one.

Connors: Sweet of you to offer. But I won't be changing.

Thompson: Neither will I.

Connors: Then I guess there's no more to say.

Thompson: I guess not. For now.

Connors: We have been watching your every movement, Bill. If you decide to change, no matter where you are, just call out for Omni.

Thompson: Omni?

Connors: Thats the world wide Universal Surveillance System. Sort of a behind the scenes super-charged Internet. The only thing is, you don't surf it - it surfs you.

Thompson: Sweet. So now we've got to guard our bedroom conversations.

Connors: As I was saying, call out for Omni if you ever need to reach me. I'll put you on my instant access list.

Thompson: Why are you doing this for me?

Connors: Old friends. Besides, you would be a great asset to our plans.

Thompson: The same goes for you.
Connors: Meaning?

Thompson: We have our own Omni system.

Connors: Impossible! We would have known about it.

Thompson: This one requires no machines, no wires, no codes, no operators.

Connors: What are you talking about?

Thompson: Its called the Holy Spirit.

Connors: Oh, Bill! You seem so intelligent! I can't believe that you believe all this hocus pocus stuff.

Thompson: When you decide to change.- no matter where you are - just call out for Jesus. He'll put your message through to me.

Connors: Dream on. Well, thanks for coming. I've got an appointment.

Thompson: Thanks for talking to me. I appreciate the thought.

Connors: Take my advice, Bill. Clean up your act and things will go well for you. In the meantime I'll do my best to protect you.

Thompson: Don't bother, Alex. You'll just get hurt. God be with you. (He turns to go) Oh!

Connors: Whats wrong?

Thompson: I'm so sorry about your son.

Connors: How could you possibly know anything about that?!

Thompson: God just revealed it to me.

Connors: I don't believe that.

Thompson: Then maybe you'll believe this, Alex. Until we meet again I bind up the power of Satan over your life. I forbid him to either help you or hurt you until you have made your final decision. I also bind up the power of your computer's memory. She will not be able to use our conversations to hurt you. These things I command by the power of the name and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ! Farewell, Alex. (Exit)

Connors: He's stark raving mad! Did you hear what he just said, Omni?

Omni: Dr. Connors?

Connors: I said, did you hear what he just said?

Omni: What who just said, Sir?

Connors: Thompson. Bill Thompson!

Omni: I'm sorry but...

Connors: Never mind. Just play back the conversation I just had.

Omni: With Cyndar?

Connors: No! With Bill Thompson!

Omni: I'm sorry, but I have no record of any conversations with any Bill Thompson.

SCENE XIV

Cyndar: You wished to see me, Dr. Connors?

Connors: Yes, Lord Cyndar.

Cyndar: You may proceed.

Connors: My son has developed a rapidly growing tumor of the Brain. It has no known cure and I was wondering if you might be able to help him.

Cyndar: I would be most happy to. But I have a better idea.

Connors: What's that?

Cyndar: The "Master" is coming very soon. Lets let him heal your son on Public Television. Think of how much good it will do for our cause.

Connors: He's slipping rapidly. Will there be enough time?

Cyndar: The "Master" is coming very soon, Dr. Connors. Very, very soon.

Connors: As you command, My Lord.

Cyndar: Report on progress with the "Resisters".

Connors: We have begin putting intense public pressure on them. Preliminary reports show a mass exodus to other churches.

Cyndar: Excellent. What of those who remain?

Connors: Not good news here. They seem to have grown more militant in their evangelism.

Cyndar: They must be stopped! We must saturate the media with extremely negative news reports.

Connors: Yes, Lord Cyndar.

Cyndar: You understand that these people and all they stand for must be seen as a dangerous cult.

Connors: With the news men and Hollywood on our side that won't be too difficult.

Cyndar: Good. And bear in mind that they must all be stopped. There must be no favorites.

Connors: What do you mean by that?

Cyndar: Nothing in particular. I just want you to be thorough.

SCENE XV

Fred Mc: Tonight on "The Six O'clock News" we'll be devoting most of our time to live coverage of people's reaction to the passage of "The National Morality Act." A law that will require everyone to participate in united church attendance and support for the teachings of the World Church. Now - live to Tina Riley on the streets of America. Tina...

Tina: From what I'm picking up, Fred, middle America seems to be fairly positive about the new law. Oh, uh...Pardon me, Ma'am.

Lady One: Yes?

Tina: Would you care to describe your feelings at this historic moment?

Lady One: I surely would. I want to tell everyone that I've never been sooo happy! Our country has finally turned back to God and I don't see how he can help but smile on our land.

Tina: What do you think contributed most heavily to the passing of the new law?

Lady One: Oh, its the disasters! No doubt about it! The disasters. What with all those storms and tornadoes and floods and earthquakes. America running out of wheat and all the honeybees dying off. Its the handwriting on the wall, clear as can be.

Tina: Thank you, Ma'am. And how about you, Sir?

Man One: Well, I don't consider myself to be a religious person, but if this is what it takes to put America back on its feet its a small price to pay. A very small price.

Tina: And how about you, Sir?

Man Two: You talking to me?

Tina: Yes. What do you think of the new morality law?

Man Two:I'll tell ya what I think. I think the whole thing stinks, see. We're being set up for a dictatorship under Communism and its One World stooges and we don't even know it. I say that we should rise up and ...(He is booed off the set)

Voices: Boo! Traitor! Fanatic etc.

Tina: Well, as you can see thats not a very popular opinion these days. Fortunately only a few "Resisters" and their supporters hold such extreme positions.

Fred Mc: And we all know about that "cult" and its dangerous practices, right, Tina?

Tina: Thats right, Fred.

Fred Mc: Well, we'll be back with more news and views, right after this.

SCENE XVI

Thompson: (Responding to a knock at the door) Come in.

Summers: Hello, Bill.

Thompson: Pastor, Summers. How good to see you. How are things with you?

Summers: Not well, Bill. Not well at all.

Thompson: You mean the way things are at our school?

Summers: Yea. Attendance is down because people just don't want to be associated with our church. The same thing has happened at church!

Thompson: Don't people realize the value of standing up for Christ?

Summers: There are even groups of teenagers that gather across the street and jeer at us. Some of them drive their cars and motorcycles up and down the street during services, (although I can't figure out where they get gas in these times).

Thompson: These are the last days, Pastor. We can only expect things to get worse.

Summers: Bill, the reason I've come to see you is to ask a favor. Not for myself, but for our church and college.

Thompson: Whats that?

Summers: As you probably know the college revenues are severely depressed. The students have been unable to get loans and grants and that has really hurt the school.

Thompson: I knew this would happen. I've been warning the school for years to get away from government aid of any kind.

Thompson: Well, I suppose I agree with you, but its too late for "I told you so's" right now. What we need right now is definite action.

Thompson: What kind of action?

Summers: It has come to my attention that you have been offered a research grant in the amount of $250,000.

Thompson: My! Word gets around doesn't it.

Summers: Opportunities that big have a way of becoming public knowledge.
Thompson: I don't see how, since I never told anyone.

Summers: Well, be that as it may, this could be a major turn around for the college, Bill.

Thompson: I'm sorry, Pastor, but I can't accept it. I've been called to a ministry of warning people and this would just be a fruitless detour.

Summers: You owe it to your school!

Thompson: Pastor Summers. For the past few years I've given that school all the help and support I can. I've urged them to increase student work opportunities and downsize dependence on the government. They not only have refused to listen to me but have made life increasingly uncomfortable for my family and I.

Summers: But such a large amount of money could turn the school around. You need to forget the past and forgive.

Thompson: I don't think so, Pastor. This grant money just dropped out of the sky without my even applying for it.

Summers: Don't you see the hand of God in that?

Thompson: No. I see nothing but a bribe.

Summers: A bribe!

Thompson: Thats how I read it, yes. I feel I must continue giving the warning message God has given me.

Summers: Then you will not reconsider?

Thompson: I'm sorry, but I can't.

Summers: You are a very stubborn man, Bill.

Thompson: I am a man who is sure of what is right.

Summers: Can you alone be right?Why aren't our great theologians giving this so called "warning"?

Thompson: You tell me, Pastor. Why aren't they? Why aren't you.

Summers: It isn't the time yet.

Thompson: When will it be the time? When the plagues start falling?

Summers: There aren't any plagues coming! You and your literalistic interpretations of Revelation are causing nothing but trouble.

Thompson: Pastor, did you come to encourage me?

Summers: Encourage you! I came to stop you!

Thompson: Nothing will stop us, Pastor.

Summers: Bill, have you seen the bad press we've been getting an TV?

Thompson: I've heard about it, yes.

Summers: Do you realize that you and your stubborn fanatic friends have caused all that?

Thompson: You know its all a lie.

Summers: I used to think that. I'm not so sure anymore.
Thompson: Not so sure?

Summers: I saw actual footage of one of your people in a rather compromising situation with a Las Vegas showgirl.

Thompson: They morphed him into that, Pastor. You can't believe anything you see anymore. If they wanted to, they could show you beating an old lady or coming out of a bar or anything they want.

Summers: I don't know, Bill. It looked pretty real to me.

Thompson: Pastor, if you'd spend more time learning about who's in control of TV and less time watching it you'd know whats going on.

Summers: Are you calling me an unfaithful shepherd?

Thompson: No. Only God can make that judgment. But I am sure that God is sounding the last warning and that you need to be a part of it. Especially as one entrusted with the care of God's flock.

Summers: When God acts, Dr. Thompson, it won't be through isolated individuals such as yourself. God will raise up a people.

Thompson: God has raised up a people. This message is penetrating the palaces of kings. Its going world wide and its causing people to decide one way or the other. Pastor, you are a gifted man. Won't you please join us?

Summers: Bill, you and your sympathizers are few, unpopular and unknown.

Thompson: Like the disciples of Jesus?

Summers: Like the...Oh now I've heard it all. What you're actually saying is that you and your kook friends are called by God and that all the leading men of all the great churches have been bypassed.

Thompson: I didn't say that.

Summers: Not in words, perhaps. But you've said it just the same. And I simply cannot believe God would do that.

Thompson: He did it when Jesus was born. Simple shepherds gave the message while the great Rabbis invented new rules to keep.

Summers: You certainly know how to pile insult atop of injury, don't you? But this I know. When God starts pouring out the later rain of His Holy Spirit I'll hear about it.

Thompson: On TV?

Summers: For one place yes! The last movement will be worldwide and glorious! It won't be hidden in a corner.

Thompson: You're right. It will be grand and glorious. The sick will be healed and the dead raised and thousands will be converted in a day. But you won't hear about it on The "Six O'clock News". Only those who are participating in it will see it. And what we're talking about is happening right now!

Summers: Bill, you are deceived!

Thompson: Deceived!

Summers: You heard correctly. And until you can act more in harmony with your brethren I don't want you to teach during the study hour any more.

Thompson: Pastor! People depend on me!

Summers: I'm sorry, Bill. But I can't sit idly by and allow you to teach error. I'm sorry it has come to this. Good bye, Dr. Thompson.

SCENE XVII

Fred Mc: Tonight on "The Six O'clock News" we'll be looking at the good effects of America's covenant with morality instituted just a few weeks ago by Congress.

Tina: We'll cover lowered interest rates and the upswing in the nation's and the world's economy.

Fred Mc: Crime, divorce, drug addiction, and social diseases have taken drastic nose dives in the wake of America's new commitment to moral rectitude.

Tina: We'll be looking at the Midwest where gently falling rain signals the end of that long dry spell.

Fred Mc: That mideastern strangle hold on America's energy has just ended with the discovery of a huge oil strike an "Gull Island" in Alaska.

Tina: We'll continue with our religion in the news spotlight with Reverend Maxwell Thoursen of the World Church. He'll be telling us about why he's predicting a meteoric rise to world dominance because of America's return to the values of the Bible.

Fred Mc: We'll cover these and other stories, right after this.

SCENE XVIII

Caviness: Dr. Thompson, the board has asked me to plead with you to accept the grant. It can mean so much to our people.

Thompson: I'm sorry, Dr. Caviness. But I am strongly impressed that this offer is not from God.

Caviness: But the Board of Directors unanimously feels otherwise. And they are the spiritual leaders of our church.

Thompson: If God is guiding their decisions so closely, they will certainly be able to keep the college afloat without my help.

Caviness: Dr. Thompson...

Thompson: I'm sorry, Dr. But I have to do what I know to be right for me.

Caviness: You will not reconsider?

Thompson: I'm afraid not.

Caviness: Then I am sorry to have to tell you that the board will be asking you to resign.
Thompson: When?

Caviness: Immediately. Effective at the end of this quarter.

Thompson: Then you'll want this.

Caviness: Whats in the envelope?

Thompson: My resignation. Effective at the end of this quarter.

Caviness: I'm sorry, Bill.

Thompson: Don't be. We're each doing what we have to do. I just wish you would join me.

Caviness: Bill, I've listened to nearly all of your lectures, and, to be frank, I can't fault your research or your reasoning. I believe that you're right. But I can't join you. At least not yet.

Thompson: Yes you can.

Caviness: I'd lose too much, Bill.

Thompson: Dr. Caviness! What could you possibly lose that is worth eternal life?

Caviness: I have hope that I'm not making that decision. Goodbye, Bill. On my part, its been good having you on board. Perhaps when all of this trouble blows over we can...

Thompson: Its not going to blow over, Dr. Caviness. Its going to get worse.

Caviness: I'm banking on the long shot. Pray for me, Bill.

Thompson: I have been. Goodbye, Dr.

SCENE XIX

Cyndar: Report.

Connors: The enemy has gone underground. We have cut access to their smart cards and eye scans so none can buy or sell. They are unwelcome even in their own churches, but somehow they go on.

Cyndar: Where do they obtain food?

Connors: I don't know. They can't conduct ordinary transactions on any level. The only thing I can figure out is that they have sympathizers or are growing their own.

Cyndar: Extremely grave, Dr. Connors.

Thompson: I have noticed one thing.

Cyndar: Being?

Connors: When pressure first began the "Resisters" main work was for their own church. However, that pattern has changed. They are now working for people in other churches and for those who have no church affiliation at all.

Cyndar: With what effect?

Connors: With some measure of success.

Cyndar: Define "some measure".

Connors: Well, its impossible to tell for sure...

Cyndar: Dr. Connors! You are in possession of the most sophisticated Surveillance network the world has ever known. You can pinpoint the exact location of any human living on planet earth. I want specific numbers, please.

Connors: Very well. There seem to be thousands converted each day. The movement is sweeping the world.

Connors: Stop them!

Connors: We can't go around making martyrs!

Cyndar: Martyrs are better that converts, Dr Connors!

Connors: It won't work!

Cyndar: Make it work!

Connors: For every one we kill ten will take their place. Their blood will be seed. We can not afford that.

Cyndar: You must destroy them in secrecy as was done so effectively in the Communist experiments. A Martyr plants no seed if he dies in secret.

Connors: I disagree.

Cyndar: Yours is not to agree, Dr. Connors. Only to obey.

Connors: Look! I joined this team to bring in a reign of peace. Not lead another inquisition!

Cyndar: You will be used in whatever manner is deemed most effective by "The Master".

Connors: This isn't what I planned to be doing when I joined.

Cyndar: None of us are doing what we planned to be doing, Dr. Connors. In that you are not alone.

Connors: I don't like it!

Cyndar: Don't you have a sick child?

Connors: Yes.

Cyndar: Then you don't have to like it. - I trust we understand each other.

Connors: I think I do.

Cyndar: Your new assignment, Dr. Connors, is to crush the enemy any way you can.

Connors: How?

Cyndar: What ever it takes, Dr. Connors.

Connors: Most of them would die before giving in.

Cyndar: Whatever it takes, Dr. Connors. While you tend to that We will hasten plans to bring "The Master" home. From that point on he will personally conduct the battle.

Connors: Well he'd better come soon. I've got a son thats...

Cyndar: Will next week do?

Connors: Next week!

Cyndar: Yes.

Connors: Then he can heal my son!

Cyndar: But of course. We will make arrangements shortly after the landing. It would be most helpful if you could demonstrate some visible progress on your end of things.

Connors: Yes sir. I'll try.

Cyndar: Good day, Dr. Thompson.

Connors: What?

Cyndar: Beg your pardon?

Connors: What did you just say?

Cyndar: I said good day, Dr. Connors. Why?

Connors: Oh, nothing. I thought I heard a different name. Thats all.

SCENE XX

Things get even more exciting from here. Hope you'll be able to use this script.

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