Great Books—Thriller Books—Mystery Stories
ROBERT TELL, Author
"To us, your goal is not intimidating. In fact, it’s consistent with our mission. We’re committed to the renewal of God’s planet Earth and we’d be honored to assist you. In fact, there is a concept in the ancient Jewish writings called Tikkun Olam.”
“Tikkun Olam?”
“Yes. It’s from a mystical tradition known as Cabala and is usually translated as God’s commandment to humanity to repair the world. You see, we believe that God deliberately created an imperfect world so that people would have a higher purpose.”
“And you think that the higher purpose is to make the world a better place?”
“Exactly. And your project seeks to do this, doesn’t it?”
Leder shook his head in disbelief. “So, you’d even be willing to sacrifice your lives to pursue this ‘Tikkun Olam’.”
“Absolutely. There may be risk for our bodies, but there’s none for our unique, indestructible spirits.”
Leder felt his face flush and his anger rise. Are these crazies trying to proselytize me, he wondered?
“Enough,” he said. “You talk of an alliance. I don’t buy all this spiritual nonsense. What do you offer me to make an alliance attractive?”
Caleb’s eyes were on fire and Leder had to look away. “We’re survivors,” the rabbi said. “Our people are tough. They’re fearless and excellent fighters. Not what you’d expect of a religious community. You said that there are powerful interests who want to prevent your success. The time may soon come when you’ll have to defend yourself against violent attempts to shut you down. We can protect you. You’ll have an army of guerilla warriors willing to defend you with their lives. Also, we can help with supplies. What do you need to get your Time Booth to work? You mentioned a special gas, and other things. We can get them for you.”
Leder instantly saw the advantages here. Yes, he thought, I could put up with a bit of zealotry in return for what Caleb is offering. One thing troubles me, though. He looked at the rabbi.
“How,” he asked, “have you all survived. How do you find food and drink from day to day, and weapons, and all the other equipment you seem to have at your disposal?”
Caleb shrugged. “I’m not proud of my answer,” he said. “Our people have learned, sometimes through great personal hardship and pain, how to get what they need. Sometimes, they’ve had to do things that make them feel ashamed, yet were necessary for their survival. Sometimes…”
“Hold on a minute,” Leder interrupted. Red flags are falling, he thought. “This is more than I need to know. How are you any different from those out there that have sunk to subhuman behavior in the name of survival? Those who killed my wife to get at my water..."
Excerpted from Thirsty Planet, Copyright © 2011 by Robert Tell, All Rights reserved.