Hi Guy's & Gal's,
I can't pass this work off as my own and so I won't. What I have done, is revamp and change this great short story of a dub's diary after Armageddon.
Enjoy!
I have decided to keep a record of all the events that have happened since Armageddon came.
June 1st, 2038
Well, Armageddon is over and I survived. I made my way down to the Kingdom Hall this morning. By the end of the day, most of the congregation had gathered at the Hall. Some brothers and sisters are still missing. Jonathan Talidoros, our presiding overseer, told us that those who were missing should have spent more time in field service. Some of the brothers asked him if he has a list or any knowledge of the brothers that are not with us. "There's no issue brothers", was his response to this. I thought this was harsh, very harsh.
June 2nd, 2038
Brother Talidoros called a special meeting this morning. He announced that he and the other elders would now be assuming full authority over our new community until contact was reestablished with headquarters. All decisions regarding community regulations, living arrangements, work assignments, and other matters would be at the sole discretion of the elders.
Andreas objected to this dictatorial policy until Talidoros pulled out a letter from the Society dated several months ago which stated that, after Armageddon, the local body of elders would be responsible for all decisions until otherwise directed by the Society. Andreas voiced no further objections. The rest of us also accepted the new arrangement.
The first new rule was not long in coming - all brothers and sisters were required to report to the Kingdom Hall at 8:00 every morning to receive work assignments and other instructions.
June 3rd, 2038
Brother Talidoros has assigned me to the burial detail. It seems that most of us single brothers have been assigned this unpleasant duty. The dead bodies are already starting to get to me. It sickens me to watch the birds and other animals scavenge the corpses. I actually saw a raven pluck out an eyeball of a very elderly lady today. Disgusting!
Petros got a bulldozer running and has begun to dig a large common grave. My job is to go around collecting bodies and load them into the back of a pickup truck.
June 4th, 2038
We had our first judicial hearing today. Michael and his wife, Stephanie, moved into the Photiades mansion in what was once an exclusive area of Nicosia. The problem was that Sister Talidoros had already had her eye on the place and, as wife of the presiding overseer, she figured that she should have first choice. Brother Talidoros told Michael and Stephanie that they had no right to claim anything without approval of the elders. They were ordered to get out of the house by nightfall. The family were very disappointed but they agreed to move out.
June 5th, 2038
At the morning meeting, the Talidoros family announced that they would be moving into the Photiades mansion. Michael & Stephanie were livid, but they didn't say anything. It was also announced that the surrounding homes had been assigned to the other elders. Position has privilege, even in the New World.
Some of the brothers have started calling the area "Elder Hill". It was also announced that anyone wanting to appropriate a home must first file a request with the elders and only after approval by them, could the person move in.
I have decided to stay in my own house. It doesn't seem right to move into someone else's home, even if they were worldly. It makes me sad when I go into someone's house and see the family pictures and personal belongings. Most of the others don't feel this way, it doesn't bother them to loot the dead.
I was invited to a get-together at brother Rishi's new home today up on "Elder Hill". His new house was owned by a wealthy family. The family that had once lived there, had young children as their baby toys were laying around the house. I felt disgusted and had to vomit.
In the bathroom (where I had just vomited), I saw a height chart. Little Mary was 3 foot and 3 inches at the age of 2, whilst little Sam was 4 foot exactly. He was 3 years old when the chart was taken. This disturbed me so much, that I had to go home.
I cried myself to sleep.
June 8th, 2038
The elders announced a new meeting schedule at the morning meeting. On Sunday, we will still have the public talk followed by a study of old Watchtower articles until we get new magazines. On Tuesday night, we will have a congregational book study. The Service Meeting has been cancelled as there's no need for it anymore, along with the Ministry School. They have been replaced by an instructional session to be held on Friday night. This new meeting will instruct us on how to conduct ourselves in the New World Society.
The best thing, of course is no more field service!
June 10th, 2038
This burial work is making me depressed. I can't help but feel saddened at the waste of so much human life. Couldn't Jehovah have found a way to save more people?
Since the peak of 17 million publishers in 2034, it was thought that Armageddon would come, but then, the Governing Body announced New Light in that the 144,000 was not a literate number, but a symbolic one.
Many said that this was because the Memorial partakers had reached a peak of 143,778. I just trusted in the Faithful & Discreet Slave, but it did bother me that many of my friends; friends that I grew up with, were now disfellowshipped and labelled Apostates.
In 2035, even more left the truth when the Governing Body announced New Light that stated that we were now allowed to have blood transfusions. Of course, it was still a conscience decision, but even so, I felt stumbled as my uncle, a great elder, died due to standing fast in his faith when he refused blood after a car accident.
Just before Armageddon, there were no more than 3 million publishers.
I feel the pit of my stomach twisting when I l think about only 3 million surviving out of 8 billion.
Seeing the bodies of the children is the worst. I can't stand to see their little bodies anymore. I don't think I'll report for work tomorrow.
June 11th, 2038
I didn't go to work today. Brother Talidoros came by later in the morning and asked me why I wasn't at work. I told him I didn't feel well. He told me to get to work and that everyone feels well all the time in the New World. He also told me that depression and mental anxiety were things of the past. Of course, he doesn't have to bury the bodies.
Also, if illness is supposed to be a thing of the past, why did I have a fever last night? Some things aren't making any sense at all.
June 14th, 2038
It's been two weeks now. I really miss things like electricity and running water. I wonder if we'll ever get things working again.
Stelios and I borrowed a generator from the Hall last night and hooked it up to my television and Blu-ray player. We had a great time watching some Fringe, Lost, Smallville and Friends episodes. I really miss television, but above all, miss the internet.
Stelios also told me that there are rumours of "others" being alive. By "others", he said that he had seen other people; people that weren't Jehovah's Witnesses. I told him to stop kidding around, but he was adamant that something was going on.
June 15th, 2038
At the morning meeting, Brother Talidoros publicly reprimanded Stelios and me for watching television. The elders have decided that, henceforth, watching DVD's is prohibited since we do not want our new paradise to be contaminated by the old world. Talidoros speculated that one day we might have "theocratic television" from the Society. The Watchtower Channel? Spare me.....
June 20th, 2038
Still no word from the Society. More and more brothers are reporting that they have seen the "others".
We have spoken to representatives from surrounding congregations but the elders are not allowing anyone to travel. Stella wanted to visit her sister in the next village so as to see if she made it through okay, but Brother Talidoros told her to stay put and be patient. After all, she would have plenty of time to see her sister later. I thought that was a cruel thing to say.
June 30th, 2038
We finally finished most of the burial work. I am so relieved.
The scavenger birds are still hanging around. I have grown to hate the sight of the fat, disgusting creatures. One of the damn things attacked me today. I think they have acquired a taste for human flesh.
July 15th, 2038
The elders called a meeting today regarding the "others". Brother Talidoros, Rishi and Drosiotis, said that "there seems to be other people around our village. They are not brothers. We have warned them to stay away from us and have prayed to Jehovah for direction. We have been warned that any who have contact with these "others", will be disfellowshipped.
Many other the brothers and sisters are getting sick of being bossed around by the elders. They run things like a Dictatorship. We are the slaves and they are the overseers. I have been reassigned to work on a new project, along with everyone else. It is hard work but it is an improvement over the burial detail.
Stavros is organizing a committee to speak to the elders about some of the complaints that we all have.
We have been ordered to build a wall around the area in which we all live, which includes the Kingdom Hall and Elder Hill. It's so that we can keep these "others" out.
July 17th, 2038
The elders found out about Stavros' attempted "rebellion". At the morning meeting, he was publicly reprimanded and told to pray for a humble spirit. No one is to speak to him until he has shown proper repentance. I can't believe that we are disfellowshipping people in the New World.
July 21st, 2038
Today a messenger finally arrived from the Society. Marios, an ex-Bethelite, arrived on horseback. He told us that the Society has moved all headquarters staff to Patterson after the destruction of New York City. We also received the first post-Armageddon Watchtower (now issued quarterly).
Marios also said that there are many "others", but the society has said that these ones are here to test our faith. We must not look at them, let alone talk to them. They are "bad associations" and the elders quoted 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Many of us had hoped that the message from Bethel would contain information allowing us more personal freedom but we were disappointed to be told that we were to keep following the instructions of the local elders until further notice. Marios also gave the elders a copy of a new procedure manual (titled "Keeping the Flock Together in this New World") but none of us were allowed to see it.
July 30th, 2038
My best friend got married today.
Mary and Angelos were discovered together while engaged in a heavy kissing session. Mary's blouse was unbuttoned and Angelos had his hand on her exposed breast. After a judicial meeting, Brother Talidoros announced that they were now married, without a ceremony or anything! Angelos objected strenuously, explaining that he and Mary had not had sex. Brother Talidoros, however, declared that the decision was in keeping with the new elder procedure manual.
Mary seems happy enough but Angelos is in a state of shock. I remember he once told me that he liked Mary's body, but thought that she was as dumb as a box of rocks. Now he is married to her forever. I'll have to remember to keep my hands in my pockets when I date any sisters.
August 11th, 2038
The newlyweds are not getting along. There has been a lot of gossip about their horrible arguments. Angelos confided to me today that he went to the elders in an attempt to get the marriage annulled. They told him that according to the Society's new procedure manual, no divorces or annulments would be allowed for any reason. In addition, all marriages now have to be approved by the local body of elders.
I saw an "other" today. He ran towards the wall that we are building. Brother Rishi shot him right in front of me! As he laid dying on the floor, he said "you are not alone, we, we are the surv...."
He died. I felt sick. Where did brother Rishi get a gun from?
August 12th, 2038
Stavros was reinstated today. He is still unhappy, but keeps his thoughts to himself now. many of the brothers and sisters have started to talk amongst themselves in relation to these "others" and the fact that brother Rishi is now a murderer.
August 22nd, 2038
We are all in a state of shock! Angelos committed suicide today. I guess the idea of spending eternity with Mary was not acceptable to him. The elders refused to let us hold a funeral service. I volunteered to bury my friend, but brother Talidoros instructed me to bury him in the common grave where we had put the worldly persons.
No one came to the grave side, not even his widow. I said a prayer for my friend. I will miss Angelos greatly.
September 1st, 2038
Life is becoming miserable for many of us. The elders keep placing new rules on us every day. They have made all the Ministerial Servants carry guns. They are told to shoot any of the "others" that come near the wall.
We are told "we must lead holy lives of service and submission". No dissent or discussion is allowed. It seems like we had more freedom before Armageddon. I never thought I would be nostalgic about the old world.
I miss my old life so much. I miss air conditioning to and the simple comforts that I and everyone else took for granted.
September 13th, 2038
I can't take it here anymore. I am going to travel to my brother's place, about 50 kilometres from here. Traveling on foot, I think I can make it in about three days. I wish I could get some petrol for my car.
I'll have to sneak out since the elders still aren't giving anyone permission to travel. I have stored some food and plan to leave tonight after the curfew.
I hope my brother is still alive. Maybe he will know if our parents are okay?
Dad always had doubts about the organisation. I remember him telling us that the Governing Body would abolish the blood and the 144,000 issues. He was right, but he also confided in me that he was an atheist. He told me to read an old book by a Professor Dawkins called The God Delusion. I never did. I prayed for my father. It was obvious that he was in contact with apostates.
I saw a link to www.Jehovahs-Witness.net in his bookmarks. When I asked him about it, he got angry and told me to mind my own business and not say anything to mum.
September 14th, 2038
I made it out of the village today. I wonder if they miss me yet? The destruction in the countryside is incredible. How will we ever rebuild everything? I've seen quite a few skeletons already. I guess there Is still a lot of burial work to do before we build a paradise.
September 15th, 2038
The "others" are everywhere. I have kept away from them. It's been difficult because it looks as though there are more of them than there is of us. Why would Jehovah test us like this?
I've had to go the long way round so as to stay out of their way. These "others" look scruffy and evil,
I came into contact with a group of brothers from the Larnaca congregation. I was detained at gunpoint! Brother Talidoros had gotten word to them to be on the outlook for me. I am furious. Why can't I visit my brother?
September 16th, 2038
Brother Talidoros and two ministerial servants arrived today to escort me back "home". They were all carrying guns.
September 17th, 2038
After my attempted escape and several other disciplinary problems involving other brothers, the elders have now set up a gun-holding police force.
I tried telling the other brothers and sisters that there were other people out beyond our perimeter. I was, of course, disfellowshipped at the morning meeting for "putting doubts into the minds of the fold". I have been assigned to toilet duty.
September 18th, 2038
I was instructed to report to the Kingdom Hall after work for "additional instruction." I saw Stavros and a couple of other "troublemaker's" there. We were subjected to an hour of "reindoctrination," mostly the usual crap about maintaining a servant's spirit and not to think too much of ourselves. We were told to come back next week for more of the same.
September 24th, 2038
I blew up today at the reindoctrination meeting. I told Talidoros that I was sick of him acting like a theocratic Hitler. I also told him that I was leaving the community and that he better not try to stop me. My mistake. Talidoros called his police force in and had me arrested. I am being detained under armed guard in a makeshift jail cell in the Kingdom Hall basement.
September 25th, 2038
The two armed guards used to be my friends. Both won't even talk to me anymore. They hit me on the head with their guns and told me to "shut up because I was the son of Satan"
My judicial hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. Stavros came by to see me. When the guards were out of ear shot, he told me that his efforts to contact the Society about the local elders had done no good. He had been told by the Society to keep quiet and obey the elders without question. He also said that he spoke with one of the "others". They told him that the end of the world happened and that not many people survived. Stavros is very depressed about this and about my situation. He told me that I shouldn't worry though, as he has a plan that involves these "others".
September 26th, 2038
My judicial hearing was held today. Talidoros acted as lead prosecutor. I, of course had no defense counsel and could call no witnesses. After the hearing which was held in secret, I was judged guilty of being an unrepentant apostate. I was solemnly informed that according to the Society's instructions (as contained in "Keeping the Flock Together in this New World"), the punishment for apostasy is death by stoning. My execution is scheduled for tomorrow.
September 27th, 2038
Well, this is the end. Later today, I will be led out for my execution by stoning. I would rather be shot in the back of the head, but the Society obviously feels that stoning provides a better object lesson. If I get a chance, I will throw one of the rocks back at Talidoros.
The funny thing is that I don't really feel so bad about my impending demise. This New World Society is not my idea of a paradise and I don't want to live with these people for all eternity. From paradise lost to paradise regained to paradise lost again.
I found a note in the corner of my cell.
"My friend, don't worry. There is no Jehovah. I will get you out tomorrow and explain all. Remember what I told you about my plan? Well, it will happen. Sit tight"
Epilogue
Everyone turned out for my stoning, even the kids.
Talidoros solemnly pronounced my death sentence and then quoted scripture telling everyone to "not to let their eye feel sorry."
No one did.
My only regret is that they tied my hands behind my back so that I couldn't return any of their rocks with interest. Not very sporting.
The last thing I saw before the lights went out was Stavros shooting Talidoros in the head, then turning the gun on everyone holding rocks. I caught a glimpse of the "others" running in from behind Stavros; screaming and shouting, holding their own weapons.