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Despite my attempt to sleep, I could not keep from thinking about the events surrounding Sir Thomas that occurred earlier in the evening. Rising from my bed around 4:00 AM, I pushed the curtain away from the window and in the early morning light viewed the Bow River in the distance. A fresh blanket of snow had fallen and the whole landscape was illuminated by the gentle glow of the moon. Although my left foot was still in extreme pain from my fall through the ice the previous day I felt a great urge to get out of the hotel. I quickly got dressed, grabbed my crutches and headed out one of the hotel side entrances. The cool air hit my face exhilarating me. Despite the fresh snow on the sidewalk, I managed to painfully limp and slide about 300 yards to a park area where I sat down immediately on a bench after brushing off the snow. I had sat about five minutes in a stupor, trying to focus on the lights from the Banff village area across the river. Suddenly, someone said "Assalamu Aaikum!" (Peace be Upon You!) and sat down next to me on the park bench, giving me a startle. Glancing to my left I immediately recognized Pete Savage, one of Sir Thomas’ fellow time travelers.

"Well this is an unexpected surprise, Dr. Savage! Praise G-d! I’m sure Sir Thomas will be as pleased to see you as I am. How on earth did you know I was here?" I said with a smile on my face.

"By coincidence I happened to be looking out the window of my room when I saw you leaving the side entrance of the hotel," responded Dr. Savage.

"What brings you to Banff on such short notice?" I said curiously. "I was under the impression that you were going to meet Sir Thomas and Col. Stuart in New Jersey in a couple of days."

"Sir Thomas contacted Col. Stuart and I day before yesterday and indicated that there were some pressing issues he wished to discuss with us," responded Dr. Savage. " Although I am presently fasting, I intend to meet them tomorrow afternoon at a Japanese restaurant located in Banff around 1:00 PM. I’ve already checked with Col. Stuart and Sir Thomas and you’re more than welcome to join us along with Sir Elliot, the Knight Templar. Do you think you could contact him for us?"

"Certainly I’ll contact Sir Elliot. Like myself, I’m sure he would love to attend! Thanks for the offer!" I said happily.

Looking at my left foot and frowning, Dr. Savage said, "Listen Jesse, let me help you back to the hotel. The weather is getting worse and you have no business being out here in this drizzle and snow with a lame foot and crutches."

After helping me back to the hotel, I sat down with Dr. Savage at a table located outside the main dining area. Like his fellow time travelers, Col. Stuart and Sir Thomas, Pete Savage has a unique ability that few people possess in this world. Born into a middle class black family living in Ethiopia, Pete’s father, a merchant, had enough money and connections to get Pete educated at some of the best universities in the world. Pete is one of those few individuals that have that uncanny ability to talk to anyone. Fluent in at least seven languages, it is not uncommon for him to engage in conversation with just about any person he encounters and his knowledge appears to have no bounds as he seemingly can talk about anything. Be it the man on the street or an astrophysicist, Pete will relate to each person in some very powerful and meaningful way. I have watched him at work and I am struck by the observation that almost everyone he talks to leaves his presence smiling and in a better state of mind. Being a devout Muslim, Pete prays at least five times a day. It is truly amazing to see how many people will continue to wait for him to finish his prayers just so they can continue their conversation with him. Kindness and benevolence must truly exist within this extraordinary soul so that he can help others. If Sir Thomas is the pillar of mildness and compassion, then Dr. Savage must truly be the pillar of mercy and understanding since his gentleness and goodwill towards humanity appears to be limitless.

The next day I awoke very excited. After calling Sir Elliot and extending Dr. Savage’s offer which he gladly accepted, I stayed in my room, ordered breakfast and spent most of my time either soaking my battered foot or getting my notes in order. Around noon I limped down to the lobby to meet with Sir Elliot so that we could catch a shuttle into Banff.

A delicious, somewhat exotic smell hit us as we entered the Japanese restaurant. Sir Elliot asked the hostess if our party had already arrived. She led us to an enclosed area where we found the three time travelers, Col. Stuart, Dr. Savage and Sir Thomas sitting around a table.

"Well, Jesse, Sir Elliot, welcome! Please find yourself a comfortable seat mat, take off your shoes and join us," said Col. Stuart smiling. "I am delighted that both of you could attend this meeting."

After exchanging pleasantries with Dr. Savage and Sir Thomas, we placed our lunch order. Lowering his voice, Sir Thomas looked at both Col. Stuart and Dr. Savage and indicated how pleased he was that they could come to Banff on such short notice. Afterwards, Sir Thomas told us about the invocation ceremony on Lake Louise and what had transpired between the angelic emissary and himself. Needless to say, I was very pleased that he chose not to discuss how I had disrupted the ceremony and made an utter fool of myself. During the course of our discussion our meal arrived. Sir Thomas then indicated he would continue our conversation after we had an opportunity to finish our lunch. Pete excused himself to participate in his midday prayers.

After lunch, Sir Thomas looked at each of us and said, "I’ve just told you about my invocation ceremony on Lake Louise. What I haven’t told you yet is the information I was told to me by the angelic messenger about the Creat-r’s view of three of the world’s great religions."

"Then my brother, I would suggest that you fulfill All-h’s desire and tell us what this Creature of Light said to you," said Dr. Savage in an impatient and forthright manner.

Looking at Dr. Savage and noticing his impatience, a partial smile came to Sir Thomas’ lips. Clearing his throat as he stood up he said, " I’ll start with the Muslim faith since this was the first religious group discussed by the angelic emissary. It is addressed to all of Islam.

"Strange! Somehow I intuitively knew that," responded Pete.

" First, the Creat-r, All-h the Beneficent, the most Merciful commends the unerring followers of Mohammed (Peace be Upon Him), the faithful Prophet of G-d," said Sir Thomas. For they have devoutly followed the Prophet’s teachings that were passed unto him by the Archangel Gabriel and have shown their testimony of faith through the ‘Shahada.’ In their zeal, Muslims have destroyed all the false gods that once existed throughout their land and have been steadfast in their exaltation of the one true G-d, All-h! For this tenaciousness and dedication, the Creat-r is extremely proud of Muslims everywhere that follow that which has been laid down completely and most accurately in the Holy Quran (Koran). However, the Creat-r emphasizes the diminishment of Jihad in the years ahead especially during the turbulent time period 2010 – 2015 and disciplined constraint in interactions with all non-Muslim groups as well as among yourselves. He still demands and expects adherence (Iman) to the Pillars of Islam for all Muslims.

Smiling proudly, Pete said, ‘"Jazakallahu Khayran!" (May Allah Reward You for the Good!), Sir Thomas for sharing your insight. Unequivocally, Muslim men and women must confirm their faith in the oneness of G-d and declare their loyal submission to His Commandments, as revealed to His faithful Prophet, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)."

Smiling gently, Sir Thomas continued, " I’ll continue in the order presented by the angelic messenger. This is addressed to those on the pathway of redemption, all-Christian faiths and sects. The L-rd Thy G-d, Creat-r as well as Judge of the "Book of Life" also commends the followers of Christ (Peace Be Upon Him). Those Christians that truly follow Christ’s path will be wonderfully blessed and their karmic load will be significantly lightened. However, the Creat-r emphasized belief in the basic principles and teachings of Christ rather than the dogmatic interpretation of rules and laws as defined by social and political institutions for ulterior motives. Christians, heed the Creat-r’s warning, the Word has been rewritten many times and has undergone many interpretations and manipulations. Many of His prophet’s greatest writings have been purposely ignored or manipulated by those who should have known better. Finally, I emphasis to all Christians that you serve the Creat-r great honor by addressing Him as one G-d and not three.

"The Creat-r, Ad-nai, El-e, El-him, El Ely-n and the Unspeakable also commends the children of Israel, whose great prophets have laid the very foundation for a greater understanding of G-d, not only Jews but for Christians and Muslims alike. Rejoice! The Creat-r states that in His love and compassion He has chosen you to open the gateway to the stars. However, He warns all Jews to know the Torah and to embrace the ‘Tree of Life’ lest you become your own nemesis! In addition, the Creat-r emphasizes to Jews everywhere that a peaceful resolution to key issues and problems surrounding His Holy City are His only chosen path.

Listening excitedly to the conversation, I could not resist the temptation to quickly interject a question. "Before you begin could you please tell me the truth Sir Thomas, do you believe yourself to be a prophet like the great prophets of the past, such as Mohammed or Christ?"

"No, not at all Jesse," said Sir Thomas humbly. " It is true that I am sometimes given divine insight and the Creat-r often shares His wisdom with me through angelic emissaries and in that sense some people would consider me a sage. However, I have NOT been instructed to speak directly for G-d and in that sense I am not a prophet but only a humble messenger. There have been several visionaries like myself since Mohammed, the last great true prophet of G-d. Unfortunately, since Mohammed’s time some individuals have presented themselves as prophets instead of visionaries and have created more harm than good."

" Well, I appreciate your candid answer," I said smiling. "However, I hope you do realize, Sir Thomas, that there are many who would consider you a great prophet despite your definition to the contrary!"

Looking at me intensely, Sir Thomas said, "I repeat, I am but a humble servant and lowly messenger of the Creat-r. However, there is One who will come and be ALL things to ALL people. This great ruler will come to seal the breach and restore order and meaning to the universe. The angelic emissary has referred to this person as Melchizedek."

"Melchizedek? Who is that?" I asked appearing somewhat puzzled.

" I thought you said that Mohammed was the last true prophet of G-d."

"Consider that the one who is coming has been here before," said Sir Thomas with a far away look in his eyes.

Standing up, Sir Thomas held up the palms of his hands and closed his eyes.

"I can only tell you what some arcane scriptures say about this individual:

I am the one who is honored, and who is praised,

and who is despised scornfully.

I am peace,

and war has come because of me.

And I am an alien and a citizen.

I am the substance and the shadow of the substance.

I am the one who has been hated everywhere,

and who has been loved everywhere.

I am the one whom they call Life,

and you have called Death.

I am the one whom they call Law,

and you have called Lawlessness.

I am the one, whom they call Righteousness,

And you have called Evil.

For I am knowledge and ignorance.

I am shame and boldness.

I am shameless; I am ashamed.

I am strength and I am fear.

I am war and peace.

Give heed to me.

I am the one who is disgraced and the great one.

I am the seed of life,

As well as the womb.

For I am the first Suzerain of Salem as well as the last…"

After finishing his powerful description of Melchizedek, Sir Thomas opened his eyes, crossed his arms and sat down. No one said a word for a few minutes as if they were reflecting on what Sir Thomas had said. Finally, Sir Elliot indicated that he would like to say a few words.

"You have the floor, Sir Elliot," responded Sir Thomas.

" Sir Thomas, the dual nature of the person you call Melchizedek appears to be the predominate feature in your description," said Sir Elliot with a puzzled expression on his face. "Are you in essence saying that this person can exhibit characteristics that are actually polar opposites? For example, this person can be either war like or peace loving?"

"Yes, that’s exactly what the description implies," said Sir Thomas sadly.

"Well I don’t get it!" I commented. "How can a person be both war like and peace loving at the same time?"

"Actually, that would not be the situation at all," replied Sir Thomas. "Melchizadek will

respond to this world based on the Creat-r’s decision either to save creature kind or destroy it! As we have discussed previously, the years 2010 to 2015 will seal the fate of the universe! Based on the Creat-r’s perception of us, we will either continue on our path to the G-dhead or we will be destroyed! Thus the duality of the one I refer to as Melchizedek, the Ruler of Righteousness."

"Then this person can be either good or evil?" I said excitedly in a loud tone.

Sir Thomas looked at me and slowly a smile came to his lips. "Jesse, who are we to judge the actions of the Creat-r? Did not the L-rd bring down mighty Pharaoh in Egypt? Did He not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? Did He not bring about the Great Flood because of His displeasure with mankind? Why should He not do so again if He chooses? Are such actions either good or evil? I think not! These things are the Creat-r’s prerogative and they are certainly above and beyond our human comprehension and value judgements! Melchizedek will serve the L-rd and comply with His decision regarding the fate of mankind."

"Gentlemen, as you can see it has recently become very apparent to my associates and I that we are living in tumultuous times," continued Sir Thomas. In a sense, the time fabric as we know it has actually contracted and events as we know them are moving quickly towards a decisive point. As you well know the time period, 2010 through 2015 will be a decisive one for mankind and its relationship to the rest of the universe. With this in mind, I’ve requested Dr. Savage to point out some problems of immediate concern to us. We’ve decided to focus on some things that mankind must deal with immediately if we are to have some hope of living in a better world after the decision point. For one, the obsession with materialism has reached a critical point in western culture and will soon reach that point in many eastern cultures through contamination, if changes are not made immediately in our thinking and action. I’m talking about values for all of us as a world community. For despite the good intentions of many people throughout the nations of the world, very little is actually being done to move us towards a point of true compassion and understanding for our fellow man. Even less for the magnificent creatures with which we share the earth, as well as the universe!"

"Shortly, Dr. Savage will give you three supreme examples consistent with the current thinking here in much of North America and the European Continent," continued Sir Thomas. "I encourage athletes, business people and politicians to consider these examples and recommendations carefully. In addition I encourage everyone to synthesize these things into their conscienceness to remold outdated values and morays that are highly destructive to all of us."

"Before I start," said Pete standing up, "Let me preface things by saying that as I was growing up in Africa I had a passion for sports more than anyone can possibly imagine. In my youth, I played cricket and soccer from sunup to sundown and at one point in my life prior to becoming a scientist, considered the possibility of becoming a professional soccer player. I literally worshipped all the sports heroes of the day. Even today my associates and I have an active interest in these sports as well as the North American sports of football, basketball and baseball. I tell you these things beforehand because it is important that everyone understands that what we’re about to say is based on highly probabilistic pathways to the future rather than just our passion."

"To start, despite our love for sports, we are puzzled why so many professional athletes who demand and receive such outstanding salaries fail to realize that their special talents and the accompanying material rewards in life are gifts from the Creat-r. I say this in light of the fact that some professional athletes give generously of their time and their money to those less fortunate and as a result are exemplary role models for the more self-focused or self-centered athletes to follow. However, the key emphasis here is that almighty G-d has blessed certain individuals with special talents and has given them the means to help their fellow human beings. For this privilege to help others until their skills diminish, the athlete should be humbly grateful. For G-d considers it essential that we do what we can to help our fellow humans in every way possible. After all, despite the misguided feelings of my youth where I tended to view winning as the most essential element of sports, I now realize the most important element of sports is compassion. Compassion for your coach, for your team mates, for the fans, for your competition, for yourself, but most of all compassion for those that you can help because of your G-d given talent. Athletes should always remember that great skill and talent do not last forever. They are G-d’s temporary gift to you! How you choose to use it during the short time you possess it and how you can help your fellow man with it is up to you."

"It is also important for all athletes to remember that despite well intended but misguided efforts to the contrary, all sports are just entertainment. It doesn’t matter whether the Dallas Cowboys are playing the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl whatever, or the United States soccer squad is playing Russia, or Germany is playing Argentina, or whoever is playing whomever. It’ simply a game, nothing more! Yes, We certainly have our favorites and want one team to win over another either for personal reasons or perhaps national pride. Yes, we have certain athletes who excel at their game and become our heroes. Yes, in our little world among our friends and family we look for opportunities to show our sports prowess to others. However, unless you have a vested interest in the game such as an actual working relationship, or G-d forbid, a wager, it really matters very little, other than for bragging rights. This lack of rationalism goes beyond what the team owners say about having to pay top dollar for the best talent. The world of professional athletes revolves around money, power and control. The team owners are just as bad, demanding communities to provide them with a new stadium and tax breaks every couple of years or threatening to leave. All of this is of course fueled by the mass media who hope to corner even better ratings and more profit! It has become a viscous cycle and epitomizes the world of capitalism at its worst! Thus the time has come for anyone affiliated with professional sports to leave such self-centered values far behind and to lend a helping hand to those individuals, groups, communities, organizations and countries that could benefit from their assistance."

"The next groups I wish to address are the CEO’s and business executives throughout the world. Undoubtedly, many of you are proud of you business accomplishments and how you have contributed to the bottom line of your particular organization as well you should be. However, finding new marketing opportunities or finding a more efficient means of operating your organization differs considerably from the mindless and inept strategy of simply laying people off. If you pride yourself on being a ‘hatchet man’ and consider yourself especially efficient at ‘cleaning out’ an organization of incompetent people, then I have a profound revelation for you! Stop immediately! Find yourself another job because the God given talents you possess are being totally wasted and the evil Karma you have created for yourself as well as others will haunt you until the end of time. Don’t be fooled by the ambiguous business jargon of today. The terms ‘re-engineering’ and ‘downsizing’ are much, much more than sterile technical business terms and do not give you the right to destroy people’s lives. Heed my warning, the Creat-r is not pleased at all with this wanton and destructive use of His resources! It is a travesty against yourself and your G-d given talents and especially your fellow human beings!"

"Do you remember the old United Negro College Fund saying, ‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste?’ Well, it’s quite true! CEO’s need to consider each employee’s special situation and unique talents to see how each can be more effectively utilize within the organization for potential gain rather than to simply lay them off! This particularly applies to your older employees who possess a lot of internal wisdom about your organization that can be put to good use. Remember that each employee has a spouse, child or family member who is in someway dependent upon him or her for support. This ‘re-engagement’ of talent will not only benefit your organization but it will help assure your company’s long term existence since the Creat-r will smile favorably on your actions. If after this warning you are still insistent on eliminating people in your organization, then it is your duty and moral obligation to help place them in an equivalent job somewhere else. If you doubt my word on this matter, look no further than the world of telecommunications for a supreme example! Here a once powerful corporate giant whose upper management was obsessed with the ‘downsizing’ mentality laid employees off by the thousands under the guise of streamlining operations. Now this company is but a mere shadow of its former self and in time, the last of its poorly developed seeds will fade from existence!"

"The final group I would like to address at this time are the politicians which not only includes elected officials but those that usurp power to gain political advantage. I’ve saved you for last because many of the decisions you make in your various positions, elected or otherwise, can have tremendous ramifications for literally thousands upon thousands of people in a precinct, town, city, country or possibly the world. First of all, please understand that your charismatic talents to organize and convince others of your point of view are God given abilities. The Creat-r has smiled favorably on you because within yourself you have the potential to lead and direct others and make decisions that will truly benefit your constituents. However, like all humans, you have been given special autonomy to make your own decisions about those things that are important to you. Unfortunately, many of you will focus your decisions primarily on those things that will enhance your power and control over others. Things that will directly benefit you as opposed to others. Some of you will deliberately deceive yourselves into thinking that you must "secure" your power further before you can truly begin to help others. This is a great mistake! You must put the needs of those you can help ahead of your own petty wishes and desires. If you can truly do this by placing your fellow man’s needs ahead of your own needs then God will reward you magnificently. Perhaps not in the way you desire if you believe that path should lead to more wealth and power, but in a way that will insure your place in time and perhaps the ‘book of life.’ Remember that your decisions will shape this world and its economy! If a region of the world is suffering from a severe problem such as a disaster, sickness, starvation or pestilence then it is your moral obligation to encourage others to help your fellow man no matter what the costs!"

"It should be apparent to anyone who has been listening to what I’ve said that we human beings must face up to our decisions and responsibility especially those that effect the welfare of others. The Creat-r has given us the great gift of autonomy to make our own decisions. The critical time period of 2010 to 2015 is rapidly approaching. If we don’t demonstrate to the Him as a world society that we have obligations and commitments to one another as human beings then our days are numbered. As Sir Thomas has said before, the choice is ours. Either we live a full and wonderful life that moves us towards the ‘Fifth Standard’ and ultimately the G-dhead or we continue to dwell in the ‘Fourth Standard’ the current, shallow, self-centered world of man the animal!"

"Very well put!" said Sir Thomas, obviously very pleased with Pete’s presentation. "That should conclude everything we wish to cover today. At our next meeting we will cover some concerns that we have about the movie and television industry as well as the law profession."

"Sir Thomas!" I exclaimed. "I thought we were going to also discuss the Slates in more detail at this meeting and even start to compose them. Were Sir Elliot and I mistaken in our assumption?"

" Jesse, that was my original intention," said Sir Thomas looking a bit tired. "But due to some unexpected developments at Leeds Point, New Jersey my comrades and I must leave shortly to catch an early evening flight out of Calgary. Dr. Savage will contact both you and Sir Elliot in the near future to determine an appropriate time to talk about the Slates in more detail. We have already chosen Atlanta as our next meeting place since it is a city that historically has always known the winds of change. "

"However, before we part let me just say a few words about the profound body of wisdom deemed by the angelic emissary as ‘The G-dhead Chronicles.’"

"First and foremost this incredible body of knowledge is to be shared with anyone regardless of faith or belief. Likewise, anyone may copy it or reprint it without requesting permission. However, the integrity of the Slates must be assured and this is where I to both you Jesse and Sir Elliot play an invaluable and important role. Both of you in essence are keepers of the flame. G-d forbid if anything should happen to one of you the other would be expected to make sure that level of integrity inherent in the Slates has never been compromised or corrupted. It is essential that the Creat-r’s holy word always rings true to anyone who wishes to hear it. I tell you now my brothers, that once the Slates have been cast not one jot or tittle is ever to be changed."

"I understand what you’re saying Sir Thomas," I commented looking somewhat puzzled. "But we haven’t actually written down anything concerning the Slates other than the basic descriptions you gave us the other night! How much time do you think will be required to document the Slates?"

"Since the Slates have literally been burned into my memory by my experience on Lake Louise the other night perhaps we would need a couple of days at most," replied Sir Thomas.

Col. Stuart had a somewhat pensive look on his face. Looking at me he said, "Jesse, I hope you will be cautious in your judgement of what you’ve just heard from Sir Thomas and Dr. Savage and that you will do your best to accurately reflect what took place here today in your writings."

"I’ll do my very best, Col. Stuart," I responded. " I’m sure all three of you will have some criticisms of the initial draft I will forward to you and that I will probably go through several iterations before all of you are happy with it."

"I appreciate your effort on this, Jesse," said Col. Stuart smiling.

After saying our farewells to the time travelers, Sir Elliot and I headed back to our

hotel. On the ride back I could not help thinking about Sir Thomas’ earlier description of Melchizedek. I wondered if he was a real person or some entity such as an angel or other supernatural force that would do G-d’s bidding. I also wondered if Sir Thomas was being a bit melodramatic in his description of Melchizedek, so I conveyed my concerns to Sir Elliot.

"Nonsense!" exclaimed Sir Elliot. "It’s obvious to me that Sir Thomas knew precisely what he was talking about. Some of his references to Melchizedek come from one of the Nag Hammadi Codices that were discovered in 1945 but not published until 1972. Hmm, I wonder if the Creat-r’s warning to Christians about some of the missing or ignored writings of his Prophets could refer to these missing codices as well as some of the Dead Sea Scrolls?"

Turning towards Sir Elliot I asked, "Is there any other reference to Melchizedek of which you are aware?"

"Most assuredly," replied Sir Elliot looking somewhat astonished at my ignorance.

" Melchizedek is the priestly ruler that received a tithe from Abraham."

"What was he the ruler of?" I replied somewhat confused.

"Why, like Sir Thomas said, the ruler of Righteousness of course!" said Sir Elliot looking even more indignant. "Don’t you know anything about the Old Testament, Jesse? Some biblical scholars also believe Melchizedek was the first ruler of Salem or as it is now known, Jerusalem. He was obviously someone of great importance in biblical history. Why else would someone Like Abraham believe Melchizedek could help him in the eyes of G-d?"

‘Wow, then according to Sir Thomas’ description, that would mean that Melchizedek would be the first and last ruler of Jerusalem!" I exclaimed quickly. "Further proof that things could begin or end in the Holy Land!"

Looking at me with weary eyes, Sir Elliot said in a soft-spoken voice, "Aye Jesse, I’m afraid you’re right! What Sir Thomas said made far too much sense. In one of the Dead Sea Scrolls it talks about Melchizedek, a divine being that will judge the people and deal swiftly with the those who ignore G-d’s precepts. Let us hope that the people of this earth who are wrapped up in a world of materialism and hedonistic pursuits come to their senses and incorporate the ‘Fifth Standard’ into their lives before it is too late for all of us. Alas, we’ve certainly been warned!"

* * * *