The Power of Twelve (5 page)

“I appreciate your optimism,” the Thirteenth Apostle commented wryly, “but this may be beyond even my powers. Unless I can get The One back on track, we may have some unsettled moments, to say the least.” He noticed that William the Pen was waiting expectantly, having delivered his report. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will contact The One immediately and see what needs to be done.”

MAX AND MARIA had discovered the joys that only wisdom incarnated in healthy bodies brings. They especially enjoyed a level of sexual activity that was uncommon for a couple entering their sixties. Maria retained her striking beauty, with a still-trim figure and a face that gleamed like that of a young girl. Max had dropped all normal work since the coming of the Thirteenth Apostle last December 21 in the cave outside of Tapachula and his re-awakened awareness that he was, in fact, The One. He was fit, spending a lot of time hiking in the mountains of Peru, where he and Maria now lived. They had quietly slipped away from Izapa the afternoon of December 23, 2012, and although the world had been changed forever by their actions that day, they had been able to avoid the media and melt into the ordinariness of a simple life that revolved around pleasures related to family and their ever-increasing love.

Of course, life was not quite as simple as Max and Maria would have preferred. After all, Max was indeed The One who had set the entire universe in motion, and the Thirteenth Apostle was able to contact Max at will to share his concerns about the direction of evolution, not just on planet Earth but for the entire universe. From a human perspective these communications would be considered telepathic communications. For Max and the Thirteenth Apostle they were much more vivid, and the visual images of their forms would manifest when they were talking.

The Thirteenth Apostle contacted Max with what seemed an innocuous communication. “February 19 is fast approaching. The end of the male cycle of dominance on planet Earth is moving forward. The feminine cycle is ready to begin. However, in Universe 769 there may be a glitch.”

“A glitch? What kind of a glitch?” Max asked.

“I do not want to make too much of the problem, but there seems to be a group of spiritual beings who have infiltrated Universe 769 and have found a way to communicate directly with the 319 elite families who control the wealth on the Earth planet of that universe. These spiritual beings are calling themselves the White
Brotherhood, and they are impersonating the spiritual essences of Jesus and similar beings and have gained the complete trust of the elite families. They have convinced the elites that they know best and should take over control of the economies and political structure of Earth 769.”

“Well, why should this concern us? What happens in Universe 769 stays in Universe 769,” Max responded, puzzled by the Thirteenth Apostle's concern.

“Normally, that would be the case. But because of a fissure in the weave of the universe created by the 26,000-year cycle, the impending chaos that is likely to occur on Earth 769 could start influencing the multi-universes, including the energy on planet Earth in the universe in which you are presently residing,” the Thirteenth Apostle explained.

Max responded to that observation immediately. “This could indeed be a problem. It would be such a pity if the vibrations reached this planet. You see, I am having such a wonderful time being human.” He mulled over the issue for some time, weighing how he should proceed. Finally he said, “I really have no desire to return to Naranjada right now. Why don't you monitor the situation and keep me informed if the fissure continues to grow? In the meantime, do what you can to counteract the activities of this White Brotherhood group on Earth 769.”

“Are you sure you don't want to handle this yourself, Max?” the Thirteenth Apostle asked.

“No, I think you are ready for this more complex intervention. You have handled things well while I have been absent on my Earth journey, and I think you can handle this situation too,” Max confirmed with a slight smile, knowing the Thirteenth Apostle really was not eager to take on the job.

“That may be true, Max, but you know this has not been easy for me,” the Thirteenth Apostle protested. “You are the one who set everything in motion on Naranjada and in all the universes. There is a lot at stake, and I do not want to disappoint you should the outcome be less than what you are hoping.”

“Do not be concerned. You worry too much. You will do fine, and in any event, what is the worst that can happen?” Max joked.

“Well, the worst that can happen is the complete destruction of not just Universe 769 but all the universes,” the Thirteenth Apostle cried with growing alarm. “Really, you seem so casual about what is at stake. We are talking about the very fabric of life!”

“Relax, Number Two.” As they both knew, Max used that pet name only when he wanted to make it clear that the Thirteenth Apostle should never question Max's ultimate authority. “You have made your point and I recognize the potential seriousness of the situation. However, my mission here on this planet Earth is quite important to me, and I have confidence in your abilities. Let's see if you are able to correct the consequences of the activities on Earth 769. If not, I will arrange to meet with you on planet Naranjada with the Council of Twelve to take definitive action.”

“As you wish, Max,” the Thirteenth Apostle said, relieved to hear that Max would intervene if necessary. “I have incarnated to serve you and the Beings of Light and the Council of Twelve, and I shall always strive to bring joy to the multiple universes over which you rule.”

“I hardly see myself as ruling the multiple universes, but I appreciate your willingness to solve this crisis of planet Earth 769,” Max concluded.

He broke off the communication and returned to fully focusing on his human body, which had been walking with Maria, picking wildflowers, before he had been contacted by the Thirteenth Apostle.

Maria had noticed Max looking into space for what seemed like only a few seconds. By now she had gone ten feet past Max on their hike. With her ever-effervescent smile, she asked, “Darling, is anything wrong? You seem distracted.”

Max quickly rejoined Maria. He took her face in his hands and gave her a warm kiss right on her lips. “Darling, nothing can be wrong when I am with you. The Thirteenth Apostle had some questions that he wanted to run by me. You know how nervous he can become, and I hate to see him suffer. Now that I have confirmed for
him that he is capable of handling the situation, I am confident that he will.”

Maria smiled and returned Max's kiss. She had an inkling that the situation was not as simple as Max was letting on, but she was in love with Max, whom she considered the most wonderful man in the universe. With him by her side she could focus on enjoying the fresh air of early morning and letting the abundance of creation fill her with the joy that had become the birthright of every human being on planet Earth.

That evening, even as Max experienced the joy of being with Maria and being fully human, he could not help but wonder if he was making a mistake in allowing the Thirteenth Apostle to handle such a challenging crisis. Failure in this case was not just losing a planet, but possibly losing what had taken billions of souls five trillion years to create in all the universes. Max knew that in even this worst-case scenario the process of creation could start all over again, but that was not something he was eager to see happen. So much beauty and elegance throughout the universes could be lost forever.

In the middle of the night he woke up with the thought, “I hope the Thirteenth Apostle is able to solve this problem. Should he fail, giving him this responsibility will be the biggest error I have made since the beginning of time.”

CHAPTER FIVE

THE COUNCIL OF TWELVE

F
EBRUARY
12, 2013

I
'M IN FOR IT NOW,” the Thirteenth Apostle muttered. “What is he thinking? This is madness. This Maria has gone to his head. He is totally distracted. Everything is now up to me. What am I to do?” He shook his head with the enormity of his responsibilities, increasingly anxious and perplexed.

Just at that moment a brilliant orange-blue jay flew by and landed on a branch of the willow tree outside his window. Just looking at the bird and the panorama of orange leaves dangling from the enormous tree roused the Thirteenth Apostle from his increasingly negative thoughts and inspired him once again with thoughts of the beauty and joy that were the essence of Naranjada.

“I know what to do. It's what The One would do in this circumstance. He would call for an immediate meeting of the Council of Twelve. They will advise me.” He perked up, feeling renewed optimism and confidence. “Of course there is a solution to the problems being created on Earth 769. I just need some guidance from our trusted Twelve.”

In the heavenly realm of Naranjada, all the Thirteenth Apostle had to do was think the thought and the Council of Twelve were each
almost instantly teleported to the Great Hall for the meeting. The first to arrive was the fabulously ornate Sheba Sheba. “So good to see you, Number Two,” she gushed as she embraced the Thirteenth Apostle. Turning to her right, she embraced the newly materialized Madame Brightlight. “It's been ages and ages. Your light is shining as bright as ever.” This was literally true, as Madame Brightlight's unique physical quality was that she did indeed shine like the beacon of purity that she embodied.

Next to greet Sheba Sheba and Madame Brightlight was Madman Michael. Madman, as he was affectionately called, was alternately kind and ferocious. He was called Madman both because of his temper and because he was perhaps the most creative of the Twelve. He would devise intricate strategies to solve the most obtuse problems of the Universe.

Next to appear was Caleb the Cantankerous. Caleb was brilliant and hardworking, but was such a complainer that he seemed far removed from the essence of joy that was Naranjada. Caleb muttered a brief “Hello” and took his seat, not showing any signs of emotion whatsoever.

Lily the Lovely entered beaming. She was the essence of love, not breathtakingly beautiful, but the embodiment of loveliness itself. She exuded sweetness and caring in every gesture and every movement. She captivated everyone with her warmth and the softness of her eyes. Men fell in love immediately with Lily, but women loved her even more. She was the counterbalance to Caleb the Cantankerous, always imparting a kind word or a caring glance, and her joy and equilibrium lifted all those in her presence.

Entering close behind Lily was Sophia the Subtle. Sophia had an air of mystery, and because she so rarely spoke, her words had added power and influence with all members of the Council.

Harold the Hilarious entered laughing. Harold was a jokester who found humor in everything and everyone. He had a habit of starting to tell a joke or even just relating an incident in his life and breaking out in loud laughter before finishing his sentences. The other members would often become frustrated by not ever getting to hear the punch lines to his jokes, but his laughter was infectious,
and often his laughter alone was sufficient to generate guffaws from the entire Council.

Karl the Kingmaker could barely contain himself. Harold's laughter was making him laugh, and he was doing his best to maintain his composure. On his planet, Karl was literally the Kingmaker. He had taken responsibility for a relatively primitive planet more than a billion years ago and had helped the planet evolve to a high state of consciousness. He had experimented with democracy, socialism, and even anarchy, but had concluded that for his planet, the best system was the tried-and-true principle of kings and nobles dedicated to the service of the masses. He had found ways to make and break kings throughout the ages without interfering directly in the lives of the inhabitants of the planet for which he was responsible, and had thus earned the only slightly ironic nickname Kingmaker from his fellow Council members.

Unlike Karl, who tried to maintain control at all times, Freddy the Freeroller was in constant motion. Freddy's focus was on adventure and exploring new ideas. His curiosity kept the Council on its toes, as he would often propose outrageous experiments whose purpose seemed to be little more than change for change's sake.

Abigail the Adventurer was Freddy's closest friend on the Council of Twelve. Like Freddy she lived for adventure, and no project could be too vast or too dangerous for her. She was fearless, but also clear-thinking and competent in all that she endeavored. She was an anchor for Freddy, who sometimes would leap without properly looking.

Terry the True had a capacity not just for honesty but for discerning even in the most complicated of situations the underlying truth that was so often invisible to others.

The final member of the Council of Twelve to arrive was Mother Magnificence. Magi, as she was affectionately called by her fellow Council members, loved all creatures, putting none above another and ensuring that each being in her presence would grow and flourish to its highest destiny.

“Thank you for coming so quickly,” the Thirteenth Apostle told the Twelve with heartfelt thanks. “This is the first time I have ever, while substituting for The One, called us together. As you can imagine, a
situation has arisen that is very serious. I know how busy all of you are on your own planets and in your own universes, and I would not have drawn your attention here were it not absolutely critical.”

“Has something happened to The One?” Mother Magnificence inquired. “I told him his plan of incarnating on planet Earth was fraught with danger. Has something gone wrong?” she continued with a worried tone in her voice.

“No. Quite the contrary,” the Thirteenth Apostle replied. “We might conclude that things have gone too well for The One on planet Earth. He has decided to remain there in the form of Max and explore fully the nature of human love. A noble and joyous experiment for him, perhaps,” he added, not able to resist voicing some of his dissatisfaction with the responsibility Max had thrust on him, “but in my opinion a potentially dangerous distraction with what may be lethal consequences for all our universes.”