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THE G-DHEAD CHRONICLES

 

 

"The Fifth Standard"

(Part II)

By

Jesse E. Stewart

 

 

 

 

The drive to Lake Louise in the early morning hours was uneventful. The recently plowed highway was holding up well despite the constant threat of snow flurries.

I was not my usual talkative self despite the three cups of coffee that I had downed almost in succession. Sir Thomas, on the other hand, seemed very much awake and anticipated our early arrival at Lake Louise. Pulling into the Chateau parking lot around 3:00 am, he shook my shoulder waking me and I helped him remove the equipment from the car trunk.

Yawning, I got out and walked to the rear of the car. The snow flurries had picked up along with the wind. The temperature had dropped down to near -10 degrees Celsius. As I looked out across Lake Louise I could see the surrounding mountains lightly sillouted against the strangely luminous sky. The dark expanse over the Lake itself had an almost eerie, foreboding sense about it while the huge glacier field situated above the lake itself had an ominous pale blue glow.

Sir Thomas, obviously sensing my anxiety came up to me and gently smiled. He handed me my skis and backpack. Looking straight at me he said, "Once we are near the middle of the lake and set up our temporary camp you'll feel better about all of this. Get your equipment on and follow me."

Working his way onto one of the lakeshore trails, Sir Thomas disappeared in an instant with myself in hot pursuit. I was amazed at his agility and stamina, as his backpack was very heavy and cumbersome. He was obviously an excellent skier and I must admit that at first I had a hard time keeping up, as I was not used to skiing with such a heavy backpack. It took me several minutes to adjust to the extra weight and by that time he had disappeared completely on the lakeshore trail. Reaching a high point overlooking the lake I was amazed to see Sir Thomas about a quarter of a mile away on the middle of the lake. Leaving my vantage point quickly, I followed his trail onto the lake. As I arrived, I saw him marking an outline into the snow.

Peering up at me in the darkness he said, "Jesse, get your shovel from your backpack. I want you to help me clear away this snow so that we have some shelter."

Joining Sir Thomas in his endeavor, we together worked for about an hour clearing a ten square foot hole about three feet down towards the frozen crust of the lake. Afterwards, I helped Sir Thomas set up a sloping tent like cover over the dugout. Inside the enclosure he unfolded several quilts he had removed from the backpack and laid them on the floor of the tent. In the middle of the enclosure, he set up a small round stove and reached up and pulled open the peak of the tent so that it was exposed to the open air. He then lit the stove and lay back gazing at the dancing flames as the wind howled in the background.

Looking at me with a slight smile on his face, Sir Thomas said, "Well Jesse, this isn't so bad is it? Are you as apprehensive now as you were earlier?"

I had to admit that things weren't too bad. Although not warm by any stretch of the imagination, the enclosure was somewhat comfortable and did serve to keep out the wind and the snow. I smiled back at Sir Thomas and asked him what he intended to do now. I was still puzzled why we were situated in this small shelter out in the middle of frozen Lake Louise.

Sir Thomas grabbed the closest backpack and started removing some of the items. Clearing his voice he said, "I would like you to unpack the remaining backpack. I want to account for all the items that will be required during my invocation cerimony. In addition, I would like you to help me set up this small altar so that I can proceed with my prayers as the dawn is near and time is of the essence."

Grabbing the backpack, I quickly unpacked a couple of candlesticks, brass dishes, a goblet and a censer while Sir Thomas was preparing his prayers. I then held the altar upside down while he snapped the altar supports into place and sat it down on rugs he had placed earlier on the floor of the enclosure. He then arranged the items on the altar, filled the goblet with wine and placed a piece of Challah on one of the dishes. He laid the candlesticks unlit on the altar and filled the censer with some incense, which seemed to have the smell of frankincense or myrrh. He then took off his ski suit, revealing a white robe, which appeared to be made of some fine muslin fabric. Lifting a small concave dish he slowly filled it with water and sprinkled it with salt and sat it down on the altar. Crouching down he then lifted the dish containing the salt water and poured it out in a large circle surrounding the altar. He then followed suit with the censor containing the incense.

Gazing directly at me with a serious look on his face, Sir Thomas then said, "Jesse, I'm about to start the invocation. Please find yourself a comfortable position and remain quiet until I tell you that the ceremony has been completed. Regardless of what you feel or perceive, I ask that you not cry out or interrupt the ceremony in any way. To do so can only create great peril for both of us. Remember, that I cannot talk to you until the completion of the ceremony."

Nodding my head in agreement to Sir Thomas' request, I watched him kneel down before the altar and say the following in Hebrew:

"Oh L-rd, open thou my lips and my voice shall

declare thy praise. Purge me with hyssop and I

shall be clean, wash me and I shall be whiter

than snow. Thou art holy and thy name is holy,

and all those who are holy shall praise thee daily,

Selah. Holy, holy, holy is the L-rd of Hosts, replete

is the entire world with thy glory. Amen."

Sir Thomas then bent over and kissed the altar. He then continued with his prayers:

"Hear O Israel, The L-rd our G-d is Eternal. The Eternal

is One. Blessed be the glory of H-s sovereignty

forevermore."

Pausing momentarily, Sir Thomas lit each candle on the altar and said:

"As I light these candles may they shine on me in love and

peace."

Sir Thomas then reached out for the goblet containing wine and continued:

"Thank you, L-rd, for the grapes which make the wine for

my celebration."

Lifting the Challah off the dish, Sir Thomas then said:

"Thank you, L-rd, for the blessing of the loaf, the staff

of life."

"Bless, Oh L-rd, these humble offerings with your

bountiful blessings that I may rejoice in your glory.

Bless this moment that I may prosper and be joyful as

you intended me to be from the moment of my rebirth."

Sir Thomas again paused and continued with the following:

"Blessed F-ther, Eternal One of the Universe, fill me

with a greater understanding of the chasm of time that

is almost upon us. Explain the rupture of the path of

light with darkness, offer me insight into the weakening

of the pulse of the Universe. Send One to enlighten and

give hope for Creaturekind.

Upon completion of the prayers, Sir Thomas consumed the wine and the Challah that he had placed on the altar. He then appeared to be silently praying in a supine position when I became aware of a subtle change within the tent. At first I thought it was my imagination but rather I had become aware of the reality that the atmosphere within the tent was becoming increasingly brighter. This light appeared to flow from a point about two feet above the center of the altar. Despite my attempts to dismiss this strange occurrence as a result of hypnosis or some strange trick, I could not. Sir Thomas, on the other hand, seemed to ignore this development and appeared to be lost in prayer. Suddenly, without warning the light took on the form of a ball of highly concentrated energy. I could no longer look at it and actually had to shield my eyes away from it. Even with my eyelids closed, the light seemed to permeate everything. No matter which direction I looked towards, my eyelids were a glowing bright orange. Sir Thomas continued to ignore this development and continued praying. Then amazingly, just as quickly as the light appeared it vanished! Opening my eyes, it became apparent to me that I could not see! I was blind! No matter which direction I turned I could not see a thing! This realization terrified me, my heart began pounding almost instantly! I wanted to cry out but I remembered Sir Thomas' words earlier about not disrupting the ceremony. Sitting blindly in the cold enclosure, with the wind howling away outside, left me petrified, especially with what happened next!

Trying to focus in Sir Thomas' direction, my vision slowly returned and I saw him rise to his knees and lean back. Directly in front of Sir Thomas appeared a pinnacle of pulsating purplish white light that radiated in all directions with a calming tranquil hum. There also appeared to be a disturbance in the air around the light as I felt wind rushing past me towards the actual disturbance itself. Strangely, the enclosure had warmed considerably as the mysterious light radiated warmth as it slowly radiated energy. In fact, my fear diminished quickly and I felt an indescribable calm inside. My vision, which seemed to be improving rapidly now, focused on the pulsating light. In fact, Sir Thomas also seemed to be looking directly at the pinnacle of light and appeared to be conversing with it, although I could not hear exactly what he was saying as he appeared to be speaking softly in Hebrew. As I refocused my eyes on the light, its form took on a different dimension. Suddenly, I was seeing the outline of some sort of being. It seemed to have a basic human form but I could not be sure. I tried to move closer to get a better look and I accidentally hit one of the backpacks with my foot, which in turn slid into the altar and knocked off one of the support legs. The altar leaned in the direction of the missing leg and several of the brass plates, candlesticks and items on top slid onto the floor. Without thinking, I immediately yelled out in surprise and reached for the items that were strewn out on the floor of the tent. In an instant, the pulsating light in front of Sir Thomas seemed to escalate a hundred fold! The items I had been reaching for on the floor were actually burning my hands as if heated by fire! I immediately dropped the items and placed my hands over my eyes to protect them from the intense light. Unfortunately, this had little effect since I again lost my eyesight. The hum had also reached an unbearable crescendo and I felt like it was running wild in my head. The pain had become extremely intense! Completely blind with my hands in horrendous pain, I jumped up from the floor of the enclosure and ran outside to get away from the noise. I must have run about fifty yards before my left foot gave way, sending me into the snow face first. I could feel ice cold water rushing into my boot and going up my leg. I obviously had hit a tender spot in the lake and my foot had pushed through the ice. My left leg was also in intense pain as I twisted it when I went down. Pulling my foot from the water I huddled in the snow, concerned about the fact that in my blindness I had no sense of direction and could not return to the encampment as the noise had subsided so that I could only hear the wind. I had removed my goggles, cap and gloves in the tent earlier and my head and hands in addition to my left leg were starting to become intensely cold and numb! I pulled up my turtleneck to cover my face and ears and then stuck my hands in my ski coat but my left boot, sock and pant leg were actually starting to freeze. Frantically I yelled out for Sir Thomas on numerous occasions, but I knew that the howling wind had probably kept him from hearing me.

I must have lay in the snow for about an hour before Sir Thomas came up to me.

Still unable to see, I heard Sir Thomas say "Steady my friend, you'll be just fine now."

Reaching under my arms, Sir Thomas lifted me up and helped me back to the enclosure we had built earlier on the lake. "Your hands and face are quite cold but I don't detect any freeze damage. Likewise for your left leg although it appears that you sprained your ankle severely," said Sir Thomas quietly. "I want you to remain here while I return to the Chateau and get a snowmobile to bring you and the equipment back to the car. I'll be back within the hour."

After loading up the car and making sure I was comfortable, Sir Thomas pulled the car onto the highway and we headed back to Banff. Fortunately, my vision had returned despite a very bad headache. It was early morning and the snow flurries had cleared away allowing the sun to occasionally shine through. This was a curious period for me as I had had a strange feeling within me since my earlier encounter with the energy force at the encampment. I was also very embarrassed by my actions there and how I had impacted Sir Thomas' invocation ceremony. In his usual gracious style, Sir Thomas had not brought the incident up despite my inability to follow his earlier instructions. We both sat in the car without saying a word. Looking at Sir Thomas, I could tell he was very deep in thought. As for myself I was really just too embarrassed to say much. Thinking back on the situation, I became fully cognizant of the fact that I had empirically observed and heard some quite strange phenomena in the encampment, leading to my taking flight. Thinking about the incident in my mind and being my normal skeptical self, however, convinced me that I had in essence scared myself into a frenzy and that there was a rational cause for what I had observed earlier this morning. I even began imagining that Sir Thomas had "staged" the event in this melodramatic way in order to "convince" me that he was truly in touch with angelic forces. I began thinking that this whole thing, including the trip from Banff, the enclosure on Lake Louise, the invocation ceremony and even the prayers were part of an elaborate scheme to deceive

me into believing things that were simply not true.

Suddenly, without warning, Sir Thomas quickly glanced at me and said, "Jesse, I hope one day you realize that you have had a bad habit of trying to rationalize things that you don't understand. The rationalization process you're going through right now in your mind is a perfect example of what I'm talking about. You've convinced yourself that everything you've experienced thus far is a sham. In essence, you're creating a reality that you can deal with. This behavior unfortunately is common among many people besides yourself."

Looking back at Sir Thomas, I said, "G-d, you've got an uncanny ability to know what people are thinking. I guess you just know my skeptical nature and timed a good guess with your question."

"Well Jesse, you’re partially correct," said Sir Thomas. "Anyone who knows you well would certainly be aware of your critical nature. It would not require a high degree of insight to know that you would probably doubt any unusual phenomena that you experienced and conclude that it was a hoax. However, that was not the case in this instance. Must I repeat your previous thoughts verbatim to convince you that what you experienced on Lake Louise was real?"

Sir Thomas' comments were starting to make me angry. I knew that what bothered me most inside was that his assessment of a situation has always invariably proved to be correct. Always doubting him initially, I’ve always found that when evidence is finally uncovered his insight into the truth as well as his prophecy is uncannily right on the mark. As much as I wanted to dismiss what he was saying, down deep I knew it was the truth.

Choosing my words carefully to disguise my feelings, I said, "It really isn't necessary for you to offer me further proof of your incredible abilities, Sir Thomas. I've been around you and the other time travelers long enough to know that none of you would purposely mislead my readers or myself. However, I would really just like to discuss the events on Lake Louise in more detail so that I clarify them in own mind."

Smiling and nodding his head in the affirmative, Sir Thomas replied, "Jesse, I'll be glad to discuss things with you in more detail. However, I would like to do it later in the day after I've had more time to think about the actual invocation ceremony and how my request was answered. Let's plan to discuss things this evening. I'll meet you for in the hotel tavern around 7:30 PM and we'll go over the events as they occurred on Lake Louise this morning."

After agreeing to meet Sir Thomas, I closed my eyes and quickly fell asleep as we journeyed back to Banff. At the hotel, Sir Thomas woke me and let me off at the main entrance. I had one of the hotel attendants help me back to my room. I spent the rest of the day in bed, rising only at 6:00 PM to prepare for my dinner engagement.

Despite my lame foot, I was actually about twenty minutes early for my meeting and went to the hotel bar to await Sir Thomas' arrival. After being seated I ordered my whiskey and soda, lit a cigar and leaned back in the chair to recollect the questions I had for Sir Thomas. While I was quickly jotting down each one on my notepad, I became increasingly aware of a robust older gentleman at the next table observing me. Looking up at him I got the strangest feeling that I had met him before, although I could not immediately remember where. Casually ignoring him, I proceeded to write questions down on the notepad while he on the other hand continued staring at me. Finally, after feeling very uncomfortable, I looked directly at him and said, "Sir, Do you know me or have we met before?"

Speaking in a thick Scottish brogue, the stranger rose and asked, " Mr. Stewart, may I join you? I have a question for your mentor, Sir Thomas."

 

Completely caught by surprise by the stranger's comment I in turn said, "Well, sure you can join me! Just what is it you wish to ask Sir Thomas?"

Looking around the bar area in a secretive fashion, the man sat down next to me.

"Can I order you a drink?" I asked quietly.

"Yes, I'll have some Scotch and water," he replied.

Motioning for the waiter I then turned and looked at my visitor. "Listen my friend, you've caught me completely by surprise. Can you please tell me who you are and why it is so important for you to talk to Sir Thomas?"

Looking at me intensely, the man leaned over towards me and said, "Mr. Stewart, it's really not important who I am. I'm here to tell Sir Thomas that his knowledge of future events must be shared with others who have an interest in the same things that he does."

Looking up, I saw Sir Thomas approaching the table and I said to my visitor, "Here comes Sir Thomas now. Perhaps you can explain to both of us how you have come to know so much about us and why you seem to think he should tell you anything."

Seating himself at the table, Sir Thomas apparently recognized our visitor and smiled. "Greetings Sir Elliot, it's been just about ten years since we've talked. I do hope that you and your family are doing well."

"Well thank you!" said Sir Elliot obviously pleased with Sir Thomas' demeanor. " I wish I could say, like you, I haven't aged a bit but I know that's not the case. The years have obviously been much kinder to you than to me."

Looking at me, Sir Thomas said, "Sir Elliot and I have known each other for some time. He is a member of the Knight Templars and in the past, our mutual interests have often brought us together. I have a very high regard towards this man as he and his organization have done much to preserve the integrity of the past."

Feeling somewhat embarrassed about my previous behavior to our visitor, I looked at him and said, "Sorry, Sir Elliot, I didn't realize that you and Sir Thomas were friends. I often run into many strange people who want to meet Sir Thomas for their own ulterior motives."

"Well if we've solved that issue, let's get down to business." said Sir Thomas convincingly. "Sir Elliot, how may Jesse and I be of service to you?"

"Sir Thomas, the L-rd thy G-d has blessed you and given you a mighty insight into H-s intentions for this humble world," said Sir Elliot in an admiring manner. My cohorts and I are well aware of your invocation ceremony out on Lake Louise last night and that you were in touch with angelic emissaries. The path of holy light could be seen for miles emanating from your tent on the ice. Could you find it within yourself to share your insight with my Order? What can we do to help you in your quest to accomplish G-d's holy will?"

Sir Thomas appeared to be weighing Sir Elliot's words carefully. In fact, for a minute or two he actually just sat there staring into space without saying a thing. Finally, refocusing his attention on Sir Elliot, he said, "Your great Order has always done what was necessary to preserve the integrity of the Creat-r's word. You truly live by your motto, 'Non nobis Domine, non nobis sed Nomini Tuo da Gloriam! (Not for us O L-rd, not for us but in Your Name is the Glory!)' What I'm about to share with you and Jesse must be recorded for posterity so that others may benefit from this knowledge. You are to refer to this main body of information as The G-dhead Chronicles. In addition, these insights are for creaturekind rather than just mankind. The Chronicles actually refer to all intelligent beings and their decisions for the future."

"Aye, Sir Thomas!" smiled Sir Elliot. "My order will do whatever is necessary to safeguard this information so that others may benefit from its wisdom. Rest assured that we will do our best to preserve the integrity of The G-dhead Chronicles."

"Sir Elliot, I would appreciate you joining Jesse and myself for dinner in the main dining room," said Sir Thomas. Afterwards we can meet near the smoking lounge in the outer building and I will outline the details of The G-dhead Chronicles as they have been presented to me."

Dinner was very entertaining as Sir Elliot gave us a thorough overview of his Order and how through the centuries they have preserved the integrity of the holiest of scriptures. He also discussed Grail lore and legend as well as what it actually represented. Although Sir Thomas did not appear surprised by Sir Elliot's comments, his insights were a revelation to me and I intend at some later time to also provide this information to my readers.

Meeting in a huge room containing a pair of mounted buffalo heads and a well-maintained fireplace, Sir Thomas chose a round table near the window although we could see little in the darkness outside. Opening a notebook and placing a ceremonial sword on the table, he sat down and Sir Elliot and I sat down beside him.

Looking at us in a serious manner, Sir Thomas said, "Gentlemen, I spent some time prior to dinner outlining the information I had received the night before from our L-rd's emissaries. I will now share this with you but first I want a solemn oath from each of you that what I am about to tell you will not be changed or altered in anyway. I am asking each of you to write down exactly what I tell you and nothing more or nothing less. Is that clearly understood?" Sir Elliot and I quickly looked at each other and then at Sir Thomas prior to responding in the affirmative.

"Excellent!" exclaimed Sir Thomas. "Then today, I shall proceed with the documentation of The G-dhead Chronicles thus setting and defining ‘The Fifth Standard’ for all of creaturekind." Sir Thomas then rather dramatically lifted the sword, which so startled several strangers passing through the area that they stopped in their tracks and fixed their gaze upon him. After anointing himself with chrism, he lifted his sword and following an invisible sigil that resembled a star pattern. He then said, "Great G-d of Israel, blessed be thy holy name. I give thee thanks for thy understanding and prime direction, Amen."

Sir Thomas then fell to his knees and kissed the hilt of the sword amid the cheers and applause that broke out among the bystanders. The surreal scene was very reminiscent to me of a picture I had seen years ago of a medieval warrior kneeling before the blessed virgin before going into battle. Here was Sir Thomas in his elegant tuxedo, which looked very much like a surcoat, resembling the young, handsome English knight on his own quest for the 'Holy Grail’! It was obvious to me that his powerful charisma was drawing even more observers. Women especially seemed very charmed by his presence much to the dismay of their husbands, lovers and boy friends, who kept trying to encourage them to move on. Several of the spectators wished to buy Sir Thomas a drink, but he was graciously insistent that he needed to get down to the business at hand. Nevertheless, the most amazing thing of all was the large crowd that had gathered near us seemed intrigued by our every move. The hotel management staff, sensing an opportunity, began sending their waiters down from the second floor bar area into the crowd below to take drink orders. This, of course, only encouraged more spectators to stop until the throng began to overflow into the auxiliary lobby and out the side entrance.

Sir Elliot appeared to be as baffled as I was by the strange crowd behavior and I could detect some uneasiness on his part. In addition, several unattached people had firmly planted themselves behind Sir Thomas and amid the giggles and whispers seemed mesmerized by the proceedings. Strangely, Sir Thomas did not appear overly concerned about the audience that had materialized around him. In fact, he rather appeared to enjoy it.

Looking around at the crowd before he spoke, Sir Thomas then focused his attention on Sir Elliot and myself. Speaking in a moderately low tone he said, "Gentlemen, I will now outline the framework of The G-dhead Chronicles. You both have asked me what I've meant by the term, the 'Fifth Standard' and I will now explain it to you. First, however, let me give you some insight into how all of this came about. Several decades ago, when I was a young graduate student I had the good fortune to meet a brilliant mathematician who became my mentor for a period of about two years. This gentleman, Dr. Sherman Adler, was obsessed by the way human beings perceived information. He devised a whole series of postulates and laws concerning the dissemination of information and actually came out with a new way of thinking or rather, if you will, a new way of perceiving information. The man had been retired and lived in a little flat near London that his relatives had owned for several years. His health unfortunately was very poor and he died about two years after I had met him. During the time he was my mentor, however, I got a tremendous insight into how constrictive human perception can actually be. Dr. Adler was very fond of pointing out was how long mankind was on this earth prior to the invention of the wheel, a fact he attributed to humans’ world perception. It was thus not humankind’s intelligence level that prevented conceptualization of the wheel, but rather an inability to see, to create at a new level. So it was only when man's world perception changes that he is able to fully envision what is next and then invents it. This basic precept, gentlemen, is the key to understanding the rationale behind the 'Fifth Standard.' This term really denotes a change in perception. A neoteric way, if you will, of viewing the interplay between our past environment and our current environment and thus defining mankind’s future intent. This intent must be integrated within our psyche if we are to accomplish things above and beyond the current normal range of human emotion and purpose. You see gentlemen, the 'Fifth Standard' is the turning point. It truly separates man the animal from man, the mirror of G-d. Its effects can be profound in adding meaning and commitment to a human being's life. It is the Creat-r's gift to us! Although Dr. Adler was not a religious man when he originally ventured into the area of human perception, he became a profoundly spiritual man upon his discovery of the 'Fifth Standard.' Upon his deathbed we actually discussed the concept then so paramount in his mind and he summed up the 'Fifth Standard' as only a mathematician could. His last words to me were that "the 'Fifth Standard' represented pure elegance as mankind's best pathway to the G-dhead and highest hope for planetary transformation. With these words he kissed my forehead and died."

Sitting down and leaning forward in his chair, Sir Thomas continued, "The reason I

share my experiences about Dr. Adler with both of you is because I want you to truly understand how paramount the concept of the 'Fifth Standard' is to The G-dhead Chronicles. During my invocation ceremony last night on Lake Louise an angelic emissary reminded me that the key to happiness for the vast majority of human beings is to have profound meaning in life. It is this deep thread of meaning that can give the 'Fifth Standard' its great elegance, power and dominion over the more carnal aspects of mankind's behavior."

"Well I'm still not sure I completely understand just exactly what you mean by the 'Fifth Standard,'" I commented with a puzzled expression on my face. Obviously, Sir Elliot was as concerned as I was since he was also nodding his head in confusion. "Why is this the fifth standard rather than the fourth or the third or whatever?" I asked in a quizzical manner.

"A very good question," responded Sir Thomas." I'll give you a brief overview of the five standards and we'll discuss them at greater length some other time. Actually, they're very easy to understand intuitively since they represent levels of awareness. For example, the 'First Standard' is the awareness of a higher presence or G-d, the Eternal One of the universe and his creation of heaven and our earth. The 'Second Standard' signifies an awareness of social order, man's creation as a social being from the primitive hunting and gathering societies of yesterday to the extremely complex societies of today. The 'Third Standard' represents an awareness for abstract reasoning or thought, man's ability to use his mind in a logical and coherent manner, to question dogma and superstition and move in the direction of a science of understanding. On the other hand, the 'Fourth Standard ' represents an awareness of technology and its implications for mankind. Obviously, we as a society are in the last stages of this category, prior to the implementation of the 'Fifth Standard,' which is basically a profound awareness of G-d's presence and direction."

Still looking somewhat confused, Sir Elliot said, "Then what's the difference between the 'First Standard' and the 'Fifth Standard?' In both cases there appears to be a deep awareness of G-d."

"Yes, you are absolutely right!" said Sir Thomas. "However, the 'First Standard' focused on G-d, the Creat-r of the universe, while the 'Fifth Standard' relies on G-d as the complete guidance system for individual lives. You must remember that the Creat-r gave us absolute autonomy, so each person must decide along with his peers which pathway we should follow into the next millennium. We may, as I have told you before, follow the G-dhead, providing incredible grace, love and beauty for all of creaturekind, a continuum of tranquility that will literally endure across time and space. If we choose to ignore G-d's direction, however, we will pay the consequences in our shallow lives that will never provide the nurturing or completeness that we require being fully functional human beings. We would be like the old men you see in financial advertisements that act like money in the bank or successful stock options are all that really matter in life. Lost forever in this pitiful world of carnal pursuits and worldly pleasures, mankind would never display the rich mosaic of G-d's total love. If this is the pathway that mankind ultimately chooses, then this 'Fourth Standard' which is our current world is the harbinger of our descent into doom! In the near future, however, I will map out the 'Fifth Standard' guidelines that anyone can follow if he has the commitment and determination to trust in the Creat-r's path and re-channel his energy. This will of course, necessitate working as a unified force with other living creatures to make this world a better place for all of us. I realize this is news to you, Sir Elliot, but as I've told Jesse before, the years 2010 to 2015 will be the determination period for all of creaturekind. If we as a society don't soon make the decisions to follow the Creat-r's pathway to completeness, then woe be unto us."

Pausing briefly and clearing his throat, Sir Thomas continued, "Gentlemen, what is most important here is the understanding that the 'Fifth Standard' is a conceptual tool to open a pathway to the Creat-r's will and to make H-s direction as exemplified in The G-dhead Chronicles far more understandable and obtainable."

"As I told you before gentlemen, I have been instructed by angelic emissaries to prepare what is to be called The G-dhead Chronicles. In this task, you Jesse shall serve as my right hand and scribe. Tonight, I will provide you with a brief descriptor of each Slate within the body of the ‘Chronicles.’ The first Slate is to be called 'The Awakening' since it deals with the beginning of consciousness for all living things. In actuality it is that moment in time when existence becomes awareness. For human beings it is epitomized by birth from the womb. The second Slate is 'State of Being' which is a guideline for human beings to obtain balance between one's inner being and all external forces and matter. It is the key to self-understanding and harmonization with all living things. The third Slate is called 'In Living' because it delineates the pathway for the day-to-day existence of mankind and a means to cope with the boredom and disillusionment of everyday life. The fourth Slate is called 'Disparity' and it specifically addresses issues concerning the carnal nature of man and its interaction with the soul. The fifth Slate is called 'Consciousness' and it deals with the thread of life that ties together the universe and all living things. The sixth Slate is called ‘Enjoining G-d’ and it provides insight into how mankind can better align himself with the Creat-r’s will. The seventh Slate, which is the ‘Hand of Fate,’ delineates how the Creat-r selects key prophets, scientists and sages to provide mankind with insight and wisdom into the future. The eighth and final Slate is called 'Spiritual Tranquility' and it explains death and its implications within an organic world."

Suddenly without warning one of the onlookers rushed towards Sir Thomas and fell to his knees. He reached out and grabbed Sir Thomas' jacket and began pleading with him to give him advise on how he could bring back his son who recently passed away from a serious illness. Sir Thomas reached down and helped the man back up to his feet. "Sir, please let me help you in your understanding of this matter," said Sir Thomas smiling.

" How could G-d do this thing to me?" the man shouted. "I've loved God all of my life and this is my reward! Why would G-d do such a thing to someone he loved? My son died in pain after a lengthy illness. Where was G-d when I needed him?"

Looking deep into the man's eyes, Sir Thomas fought to hold back his tears and said, "My brother, you must understand that the Creat-r never makes a mistake. As He has taught me to be a ‘well of compassion’ standing between the pillars of mercy and judgement, He will teach you to vindicate His Holy Name! Instead of your current course of action, I would humbly suggest that you try to 'step back' from the emotional involvement in your present situation, if you can. Try your best to understand that death is a necessary component of life. Unquestionably, there were many unresolved issues and plans in your son's life as well as yours that you now feel will never be resolved. To feel bitter and upset about this and 'blame' the Creat-r is a natural human tendency. But understand that the decision to take your son at this time to a higher ethereal plane was done for a specific reason. You should consider the fact that the unique talents and abilities that your son exhibited so well in this World of Action are now required by the Creat-r in another place in time. Rest assured that the Karmic forces that brought you and your son together in this lifetime will, in the course of time, bring both of you back together again."

"Can we ever change the past?" said the man angrily. "If I would have only known earlier about my son's condition, his treatment could have started earlier and perhaps he would still be with me."

"The Creat-r in His infinite wisdom has made it impossible for us to arbitrarily go back in time and change events without His direct intervention." said Sir Thomas. "Many will view this as a mixed blessing because there are some individuals who would love to go back to some particular point in time and change things for the 'better,' at least from their limited perspective. What most people don't understand is that one subtle change in the past always has the potential to significantly alter future events."

"Well just the same, my son did not deserve to die!" said the man still angry. "What do you recommend I do?"

"I would recommend that you do the only thing that you really can do." replied Sir Thomas. "You must seek a deeper understanding of this matter by investing your energy into something far more productive than being angry at G-d which is a waste of your precious resources. Instead, use your son’s incident as the primary building block for a foundation of understanding for others that may someday be in a similar situation.

In essence, embody the ‘Fifth Standard’ and take your abundance of energy and convert it into a positive use for mankind. Create insight and alternatives for others who will come down the same pathway as your son. Perhaps because of your dedication and caring, you can save many from being in your son’s situation. By doing this, you can in essence, taken control of your son’s fate and assure yourself and others that he did not die in vain. If you doubt the value of such a therapy, I simply suggest that you try it and you will come to know the true power of love, dedication and commitment to not only your son’s legacy but to your fellowman as well."

Looking at Sir Thomas with tears swelling in his eyes, the man paused briefly before he spoke. "You suggestion is one I have not considered Sir Thomas. Looking at things from your perspective I now see that I truly have vented a great deal of my anger towards G-d. Perhaps in time I will reconsider how I can better serve my son’s passing and create something that will truly honor his memory. Right now however, I’m still feeling a great sense of disappointment and loss. Perhaps in time I can put your recommendation to good use."

As the man turned to leave, several other onlookers rushed up and surrounded Sir Thomas and began asking him questions. Excusing himself momentarily, Sir Thomas looked at Sir Elliot and myself. Acting as if he could read our minds he said, "Gentlemen, I know that both of you have further questions pertaining to The G-dhead Chronicles and each of the eight ‘Slates’ but I must ask both of you to refrain from asking further questions this evening. Let’s meet on these issues later in the week under quieter circumstances. Now let me see if I may be of further assistance to some of these people."

To Be Continued