The Power of Twelve

By William Gladstone

BenBella Books, Inc.

Copyright © 2013 William Gladstone
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-937856-91-5

Contents

Introduction,
CHAPTER ONE Earth 769,
CHAPTER TWO Full Feminine Power Now,
CHAPTER THREE Anyone for Champagne?,
CHAPTER FOUR Naranjada,
CHAPTER FIVE The Council of Twelve,
CHAPTER SIX Abigail Takes Form,
CHAPTER SEVEN All About Eve,
CHAPTER EIGHT Not Even God,
CHAPTER NINE Chocolate, Caffeine, and Consciousness,
CHAPTER TEN A Most Elegant Meal,
CHAPTER ELEVEN The Power of Conscious Dreaming,
CHAPTER TWELVE The Illuminati,
CHAPTER THIRTEEN A Tight Fit,
CHAPTER FOURTEEN In the Den of William the Pen,
CHAPTER FIFTEEN The Known Universes,
CHAPTER SIXTEEN Impossible,
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN Back in the Den of William the Pen,
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN Skull and Bones,
CHAPTER NINETEEN The Belching Bush,
CHAPTER TWENTY Karl’s Concerns,
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE Things That Go Bump in the Light,
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO Thank You,
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE For the Benefit of All Mankind,
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR Arriving in Style,
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE A Pleasant Conversation,
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX The Parallel Conversation,
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN To Sleep or Not to Sleep,
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT A Troubled Sleep,
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE In the Garden with Mary,
CHAPTER THIRTY The Devil Is in the Details,
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE Plan C,
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO The Nature of the Seeds,
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE The Pebble,
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR The Dance of Life,
Epilogue,

CHAPTER 1

EARTH 769

Koidu Town, Sierra Leone December 21, 2012

KEN KONDEMBA HEARD a thunderous roar and then his office started shaking. He grabbed for the telephone that was bouncing toward the edge of his desk. At first he thought it was an earthquake. After all, he had read on the Internet that the Mayan calendar was ending at sunset and that many had predicted that today would be the end of the world. Perhaps they were right, after all.

When a huge dust cloud passed his windows, he realized that the shaking had stopped. There must have been an explosion in the diamond mine. He was the on-site manager, and he was responsible for making sure things ran smoothly. “Oh my,” he thought. “Of all days for something like this to happen, it had to be today. Arnold Wheeler is due here within twenty minutes to review our production schedule for 2013. This is a disaster.”

Arnold Wheeler was the owner of the mine, and he would be extremely unhappy to learn about any disasters. Just as Ken was heading out to investigate what had happened, Milton Kobashi knocked on his door and entered with an ashen look on his face. “Ken, north shaft 47 has collapsed. We have more than forty miners trapped there, and unless we bring some heavy equipment here immediately, I think they will suffocate. There is little air in that shaft, and with so many men trapped, their oxygen will run out within the next eight hours.”

“I thought additional oxygen supplies were supposed to have been provided in every mine shaft just for such emergencies!” Ken exclaimed.

“That was the directive, but we are still waiting for those oxygen kits. They are on back order and have not yet arrived,” Milton explained.

“Oh, my God. Those men may die. We must do something.” Ken’s mind was whirling with frantic thoughts. Finally, he seized upon one thing he could do. “Look, Arnold Wheeler is going to arrive in just a few minutes. Help me clean up the conference room so we will be ready to greet him when he arrives. Hopefully, Mr. Wheeler will know what to do.”

Ken hurried into action, shaken by his growing awareness that without the oxygen tanks time was already running out.

A few minutes later, a black Yukon pulled up, throwing dust as it braked to a halt in front of the mine’s administrative offices. A fit, energetic man waited for his door to be opened and then walked briskly toward his next meeting. He was wearing an Armani suit with diamond cuff links that were five carats each. His jet-black calfleather shoes were brightly polished, and he avoided the ruts and puddles as he made his way up the walkway. Arnold Wheeler had arrived.

He instantly noticed, in the distance, a crowd of men rushing toward a mine entrance, crying out incomprehensible words of panic. Turning toward a fortysomething, incredibly fit blond man following him, Arnold directed, “Eugene, I don’t know what is going on here, but keep your eyes open. I don’t trust anyone at this mine, not even our managers. If this turns into a riot, we must be ready to flee in an instant.”

“I understand,” replied Eugene. “I will watch your back.”

Ken and Milton had had time to dust off the conference table and arrange the chairs. Bottled water had been set out on the table, and a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne rose from an ice bucket next to a tray of toast points and caviar. Ken Kondemba knew from past encounters that Arnold Wheeler would not be pleased without his standard refreshments.

Eugene remained standing in the hallway, guarding against any of the madmen racing around outside, as Arnold entered the conference room.

Even before sitting down, he exclaimed, “So what the hell is going on here? As we were driving up, I heard an explosion that felt like the end of the world.”

Just at that moment Jobo Tmala, an assistant manager, knocked on the open conference room door, gesturing to see if he might be permitted to enter. “Come in, Jobo,” Ken encouraged. “What is the report on the explosion?”

“Very bad. I am afraid that the chances of saving the miners are very slim. It will take at least two hours to haul the proper equipment here, and even then the chances of breaking through the rubble in time are not optimistic. How should I proceed?” Before Ken could respond, Arnold asked, “Are you sure the odds are so bad? Two hours is nothing. We have had mine accidents in other locations that took us days to extricate miners, and often the majority of them survived.”

“Unfortunately, in this case there is limited oxygen. These miners have hours, not days.” By this time Ken had had a chance to think through some options. “We might have to consider creating some controlled explosions to give these miners a chance.”

Arnold recoiled at that idea. “No, that would be much too dangerous.” Ken assumed at first that he was referring to the danger the trapped men might face, but Arnold quickly disabused him of this notion. “Such destruction could compromise our entire operation. There must be another way. Our investment in this mine is well over a hundred million dollars.” He pasted on a face that seemed to indicate sorrow, though it was belied by what he said next. “Regrettably, we must weigh that large investment against the lives of these miners. Tell me, what about the mine itself? How much of the mine is damaged, and what impact will it have on our production schedule?”

Jobo answered, “Fortunately, less than five percent of the mine itself is impacted by the explosion. I doubt that the production schedule will be affected at all.”

Arnold smiled. “That is excellent news. Go back to your station and wait for further orders.” He was already thinking ahead. “If any reporters call, tell them that it is too dangerous to allow them to enter the mine. And if anyone asks the reason for the explosion, let them know it was an error by the miners.”

Ken Kondemba grimaced. He knew that the real cause was defective equipment. It was supposed to be replaced but had been kept in service in order to meet the ambitious production schedule set by Mr. Wheeler and the other owners of the mine.

By now Arnold had poured himself a glass of champagne and was munching on a caviar toast point. “Well, thank goodness there was no major damage to the mine. Ken, I need you to increase production in the other shafts. We cannot let this unfortunate accident impact our production and delivery schedules. The price of diamonds has never been higher, and we have customers waiting throughout the world.”

Arnold grabbed a second caviar toast point and continued. “Of course, it’s too bad about this mess with the miners. Given the odds, though, it makes no sense to waste further time and money trying to save them.” He quickly clarified that point, lest he seem callous. “I mean, I feel bad for them, but they are easily replaced. Send each miner’s family a few hundred dollars and a condolence note.” He nodded to himself and continued planning out loud. “We can assess when and if it is appropriate to reopen that shaft at a later date.”

Ken thought of protesting the decision to abandon any efforts to save the miners, but knowing Arnold Wheeler as he did, he knew that the decision was final. Any attempt to influence the decision would only draw Arnold’s wrath. He said meekly, “Yes, sir.”

Minutes later, Arnold was marching back to his SUV with Eugene watching the chaotic swarm of miners. A young miner suddenly rushed toward them as Arnold stepped up into the Yukon.

“Please, sir, my brother is trapped in the mine, along with several of my cousins. What can we do to help save them?” Eugene looked at the young miner with compassion as he was forced to deliver the bad news. “You need to speak to the mine manager. I am sure all that can be done to save your brother and cousins will be done.”

“Eugene,” Arnold called from within the opened car door, “we are falling behind schedule. We have an appointment in Prague, and we need to get back to our G5 or we will be late.”

Eugene was left to explain. “I am sorry, but we have to leave. Talk to the mine manager. Hopefully your brother will be saved.”

With that lie he eased into the backseat, and the driver forged a way through dozens of other miners wanting answers that would not be forthcoming.

Arnold was already on his cell phone making arrangements for his arrival in Prague that evening. As the Yukon passed through the mine gates, Arnold turned to Eugene and admonished him. “Don’t lose your focus. Remember who you work for. I am the Grand Light and Keeper of the Code. We are protecting not just my interests but the interests of the 319 families who form the Illuminati. We have a sacred duty to protect this planet.” Arnold waved toward what they had left behind. “It is regrettable that some miners are going to die, but they are not important to the long-term goals of the Illuminati. We are here to ensure that the world does not devolve into chaos. We must never be distracted from our important mission to gain absolute economic and political control over this planet.”

“I apologize, sir,” Eugene responded, “but I could not help but feel bad for that young man.”

“I feel sorry for all of them myself, Eugene,” Arnold agreed, “but the good of the many outweighs the needs of the few.”

Eugene knew from years of service as Arnold’s personal bodyguard that it would be unwise to continue the conversation, but he could not help but question to himself, “But aren’t the Illuminati actually the few?”

Do you believe in the Illuminati? Are they active today? These are actually 2 different questions. But in either case,

CHAPTER 2

FULL FEMININE POWER NOW

Chateau Mcely, Czech Republic December 22

AT CHATEAU MCELY, just outside of Prague, Jim and Inéz Cusumano were double-checking that all was in order for the celebration planned for that evening. December 21 had come and gone. The world had not been destroyed. The Mayan calendar had ended, but the world itself was still intact. What did it all mean?

As Inéz checked the flowers for the second time, she turned to Jim, pleased with the elegant arrangement of flowers, tables, and chairs. “This really is going to be a wonderful event. I have been talking with Gayle, and she explained to me that yesterday was the beginning of a new 26,000-year cycle on our planet. I am not sure what this means, but I can already feel a new energy in the air. Somehow, in some subtle way, everything seems different to me than it did just twenty-four hours ago.”

Jim smiled back, replying, “I don’t sense any real difference, but I am pleased if you do. I never thought the Mayan calendar had any scientific validity, but as a former chemist I do think that there is truth to the concept that our world is based on cycles of 26,000 years. That is the amount of time it takes to complete a full wobble of the axis of the planet as we revolve around the Sun. I have no idea how the Mayans could have discovered or intuited that such a cycle exists, but it is an intriguing notion.”

As Jim was finishing his sentence, Gayle Newhouse and Randall Jenkins descended the stairs and greeted them with hugs.

Gayle was first to speak. “This is such a lovely home. We are so grateful to be your guests.”

Randall added, “Yes, and I can think of no better place on earth to celebrate the beginning of the new cycle of feminine energy than right here in Chateau Mcely. Thank you so much for arranging this lecture.”

“The pleasure is all ours,” Inéz insisted. “Really, it is an honor to have you here this evening. We have invited some of our closest friends, including Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla. All of those in attendance are interested in learning more about your concept of feminine energy replacing masculine energy as the dominant spiritual energy on our planet for the next 26,000 years.

Do you believe in the concept of 26,000 year cycles?

Is there any evidence to support the belief in the rise of feminine energy?

Do you think Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” is promoting feminine or masculine prototypes? Why?

I know that this new era is going to focus on the importance of environmental sustainability in ways that will interest all of our friends.”

“That is true,” Jim confirmed. “And I cannot think of a better audience to share your newest book, Full Feminine Power Now, with, either,” Jim added, smiling at Gayle.

Gayle smiled modestly, accepting the acknowledgment. “Why, thank you, Jim. As you know, Randall is the expert on the importance of the Mayan calendar and these special times. My work is focused on how we can use the new energies to take advantage of feminine wisdom on a daily basis. I wrote the book to help people heal their immediate problems and to find ways to nurture each other in the here and now.”

“Well, we are both excited to learn more over dinner,” Inéz replied. They all turned as the front door opened and the arrival of Prince Charles and Camilla was announced.

SHY BY NATURE, Gayle retreated to the bar area, where she was served a glass of champagne. As she sipped the bubbly, she thought back to the reasons why she had decided to write Full Feminine Power Now. Writing was not something that came easily to her, and she did not like being in the limelight, but she had had visions of Mother Mary ever since she was a young child. The first actual visit had come just months before the end of the Mayan calendar.

Gayle had been sitting alone in her garden in Cardiff, California. She had chosen a bench in her garden on which to sit and meditate. She proceeded to focus, slowing down her breathing. When she had reached an utterly calm state, she felt a strong presence that immediately captivated her. As she opened her eyes, she saw in front of her a woman in a blue dress. At least she thought it was a woman. She could not be certain, for the vision was so ephemeral and glowing with light that it did not seem human.

Intrigued by the strange vision, Gayle shut her eyes. When she opened them again, the woman had vanished, but she noticed that the bush across the path was quivering. She looked around and felt no wind. She checked the bush again and still it was moving. She blinked her eyes hard, trying to clear her head.

Upon opening her eyes, she once again saw a woman in a blue dress standing directly in front of her, almost touching the bush. The woman had the palest of skin, dark black hair, and the softest, most beautiful face she had ever seen. The woman smiled at Gayle and moved closer.

Gayle had no doubt. This was not a vision, but an encounter with a physical presence. Gayle could almost touch the woman. She saw the faintest sign of breath coming from her soft lips in the cool morning air as she spoke.

“Do not be alarmed, my child,” the woman spoke. “You are doing important work, and I want you to know that I will always be here to assist you. You have within you the authentic feminine energy that this planet needs at this time. You will be facing significant challenges in order to help others to realize the power of authentic feminine energy, but persevere and all will be well.”

Gayle, still startled that such a thing could be happening, replied, “Thank you for these words of encouragement. All of my life I have felt that I was meant to teach others the true meaning of love and caring.” In this woman’s presence she felt words that she had never fully conceptualized pouring out of her. “It has been so difficult for me, and no matter how much I have tried to help others, I have experienced so little progress and so much cruelty. Most people seem weak or insensitive and do not rise to their higher purpose.”

The woman’s eyes were shining with a luminosity that was incandescent. Although her face appeared young to Gayle, it simultaneously contained an ageless wisdom and love that could only be expressed by a much older woman. Her blue dress was simple and yet she seemed regal in every detail. She moved with grace, and when she spoke there was a gentleness that immediately comforted Gayle.

“You are protected at all times. I know what you have suffered as a daughter and a mother. It was no accident that you were given such challenges. Human beings must experience cruelty and even hate to learn to truly love. I am not sure why this has been necessary, but I can assure you that in the two thousand years since my son Jesus journeyed on this planet, the level of cruelty and hate has escalated. It is now time to end cruelty. It is now time to end greed. It is now time for women like you to truly flourish. It is now the time for Authentic Feminine Power to arise throughout the planet.” Almost before the woman in blue had stopped speaking, she was gone.

Gayle pinched herself to be sure that she was not dreaming. “That was Mother Mary,” she thought. “She visited me as a child in my dreams but never appeared with such a physical presence. This time she seemed like a person of flesh and blood.” She had to consider that notion. Mother Mary really had seemed to be standing right in front of her. “I know that is not possible, but clearly she wanted me not to doubt the urgency of her words.” Gayle was emerging from the memory of her transformative encounter with Mother Mary when Inéz Cusumano approached her with Prince Charles and Camilla at her side. “Gayle, may I present to you the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.”

(Continues…)Excerpted from The Power of Twelve by William Gladstone. Copyright © 2013 William Gladstone. Excerpted by permission of BenBella Books, Inc..
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