Chapter 12 12

12 "The really great thing is the 'second resurrection'." Helderlin said nonchalantly. "Well," Randall asked a little uncomfortably, "do you see anything wrong with me?" "Probably all right," said Helderling solemnly, opening a drawer and taking out a card. "Your pass is red, but the classification is Class B, which is already a very high level of confidentiality, so—" "Let me explain," Wheeler interrupted hastily, "according to the method of Interpol, Helderlin divided all the 'Second Resurrection' staff members into 5 levels of confidentiality. The red card A level means Access to all classified materials, this level is only given to our five publishers and the head of the library, Mr. Grote. Red card B level also has access to all classified materials, but there is one place that cannot be accessed. Various other Color badges are issued to general staff, which are of course more restricted. So, Steve, you can now understand that Helderlin thinks you're all right and has made you the second top secret level."

Randall glanced at Heldrin who was sitting opposite: "There is one place that Mr. Wheeler said you can't go to. What is that place?" "It's the library in the basement of the hotel," said Helderling. "That's where Mr. Grote works." "So, all the books are kept there?" "It contains the papyrus of the Gospel of James, the original parchment of Petronas, and translations in five languages. Those things can be said to be more valuable than gold and jewelry." Captain Helderling stood up after speaking, Passed the identification card to Randall around his desk.

"Mr. Randall, this is your certificate for entering and exiting the 'Second Resurrection' headquarters. You can enter and start working at any time now." Two hours later, when Randall returned to his office in room 206 on the second floor and sat in the leather swivel chair, he recalled some of the people he had just met and couldn't help feeling excited and stimulating. Wheeler first took Randall to his own office to sit for a while, and then assigned Naomi to accompany Randall to introduce some relevant personnel to him.Most of those personnel are experts and scholars who have worked in the "Second Resurrection" for several years. He recorded the relevant information of each person, such as name, appearance, characteristics and professional knowledge, etc. in his notebook, so that Deepen memory.

Now, since there was still half an hour before Wheeler came to meet him for lunch, he sat down at his typewriter and began to organize his notes: June 13 "Second Resurrection" Headquarters Expert List Hans Bogardes... long blond hair, thick eyelids, flat face, high-pitched voice, and slender build.Former librarian of the Dutch Bible Society, now works in the reference library of the "Second Resurrection".According to Naomi, this person is like a computer, who can find any information that others need at any time.There are many places that need this person's assistance, so you should get along with him in a friendly manner.

Reverend Vernon Zakiri... an eloquent preacher from California.With a loud voice, a handsome face, and hypnotic eyes, he is a friend of the President of the United States.The promotion of the International New Testament has a value, and the best use of this person should be planned. Harvey Underwood... the host of the American pollster.Quiet in appearance, likes to meditate, and is currently a consultant for "Second Resurrection".It was speculative to talk to this man who came to Amsterdam for a week every month before the publication of the International New Testament.According to the data obtained from its recent public opinion survey, about 50% of people went to church to listen to sermons once a week 10 years ago, but it has been reduced to 7% in modern times. Ten years ago, about 40% of adults believed that religion had lost its influence, and this view has reached 80%.It is also said that 60% of college students believe that religion has nothing to do with their lives, while the rest think it does.Underwood believes that the release of this new Bible can change this trend and perhaps save the religious organization.

Albert Kramer...Editor-in-Chief.According to Naomi, his job is second only to translation in importance.The man was short, hunchbacked, serious about his work, and modest in manner.Born in Bonn, Switzerland.He assured that the International New Testament would be error-free. Professor Isaacs...Professor of the Hebrew University of Israel, expert in ancient Hebrew, once translated the Dead Sea Scrolls.He can distinguish the subtle meaning of Hebrew, and has given examples to prove it. After Randall typed it up, he would compare it with the notes in his notebook to avoid omissions.As he checked, he felt that these experts and scholars were different from him, because each of them deeply loved their work and gained endless pleasure from it.

When he was about to check again, he suddenly heard a knock on the door. Then the door opened, and Wheeler poked his head in. "Steve, I'm glad to see you've started working. But it's lunch time, so you pack up and come with me to meet those tycoons." So he met the tycoons. Around a fairly large oval table there were 10 people talking in a mixture of English and French.Since Randall's French is not very proficient, although he can understand most of it, he can't take the initiative to talk in French, but what Randall heard is indeed fascinating. The lunch was served one by one by two waiters. The main courses were turtle soup and fish fillet with asparagus, while they ate and talked easily.

Now sweets and coffee are also served.Randall wanted to distinguish each guest before he finished his meal, so he looked at the tycoons carefully again.Although, with Dr. Wheeler and Dr. Deckhard sitting next to him, he didn't need to spend any more time asking them. Sitting next to Dr. Deckhard is Dr. Gerhard Trautmann, professor of theology at the University of Bonn. His Martin Luther-like half-moon hairstyle looks very funny.The more Randall watched, the more he couldn't help laughing, so he quickly set his sights on the British publisher Trevor Young who was sitting next to him.This is a typical braggadocio, posturing, pompous and sharp-tongued, and Dr. Jeffries, still in London, is his theological adviser.

Randall continued to look around the table, and the next one was Mr. Charles Fontaine, a short, witty and witty French publisher.Wheeler had whispered to him just now that Fontaine was so rich that his residence in Paris was as luxurious as a palace, and that he was also very important in French politics.Of course, sitting next to Fontaine was his advisor, a gaunt old man.Randall vaguely remembered that this person was Professor Philippe Sauberier, a linguist at the University of France in France. Looking at the past, there is Mr. Luigi Gaida, a publisher from Milan, Italy. His portrait makes people suspect that Pope John XXIII is reborn.Also, either he had a quadruple chin or he was suffering from thyroiditis.He talked incessantly, bragging about his various Italian publications and his luxurious private landline.As for him being the first to learn of Professor Monty's discovery under the favorable situation near the water, he is even more proud of his life.

The last one is Al Qaeda's theological advisor, from Carlo Riccardi of the Vatican.This man has hawk eyes and a hawk nose, with a serious face. Randall's eyes still stayed on the Italian, and he couldn't help but think of a question. "Mr. Al Qaeda," he said, "you are a publisher of Catholic books, how could you be interested in publishing a Christian Bible, and how would you sell it in a Catholic country like Italy?" The Italian publisher shrugged slightly in surprise, and his quadruple jaw quivered. "Mr. Randall, why not? We also have some Christians in Italy. In fact, some Christian Bibles have been published in the United States before. Of course, the Catholic Bible is released in Italy to obtain It was approved by the Holy See, but it is inconvenient for them to interfere with the distribution of the Christian Bible."

"Mr. Gaida, please allow me to add one more point. I believe Mr. Randall won't mind." It was Carlo Riccardi who spoke.Then he said to Randall, "Perhaps what I have to say will also clarify my presence here." He thought for a while as if trying to decide what to say, "Mr. Randall, first of all you must know that There is little difference between Catholic and Christian Bibles. The only difference is that Catholics regard all scriptures in the Old Testament as standard, while friends of Christianity are suspicious of them. Otherwise, the contents of our "Bible" In fact, there has been a "Bible" published by both Catholics and Christians in France. Mr. Fontaine can attest to this, and the "Bible" is our two Catholic theologians and the French. It was co-edited by my Christian friends. Is that strange to you?" "Well, that was really unexpected," Randall admitted. "Therefore," said Carlo Riccardi, "there will be more and more cooperation on this in the future. Of course, the French version of the Bible has not been approved by us, and this International New The Covenant will eventually be printed, but the content needs to be slightly modified to conform to our teachings. In addition, we have a key issue that differs from the views of Christian friends." "What's the problem?" "Naturally, that was the relationship between James and Jesus," said Riccardi. "James said he was the brother of Jesus. Our Christian friends interpret the word brother to mean younger brother—implicitly, if not explicitly— —and that Jesus and James were both born of Mary and Joseph. This is not said by the Catholic Church, it is simply impossible, and this translation must not be ambiguous. You know we always think of Mary as a virgin, and the Catholic Church has always regarded James as Jesus' half-brother or uncle. All in all, we don't think Mary and Joseph were husband and wife." Randall naturally had no objection to his explanation, so he stopped talking and just listened to other people's conversations.A few publishers gossip about business, while theologians discuss how to use the International New Testament publication for the unity and revival of the Orthodox Church, with an emphasis on brotherly love, forgiveness, and the afterlife. After drinking the coffee, Randall leaned his upper body comfortably on the chair, and he sorted out what he said in two aspects.That is, what the theologians value is the significance of this "International New Testament" for religion, while the publishers are only concerned with profit.Although they are publishing the Bible, they can be said to be no different from other mercenary businessmen.It wasn't until Randall mentioned the threat posed by Pastor Frumi to the "Second Resurrection" that they agreed on how to strengthen the security measures. Randall thought, that's all right.Because of their incongruity, it made him feel different from others, so he felt much more comfortable. After dinner, Naomi took Randall to his public relations office.It was a large, ultra-modern room, with white walls, cubist white lacquered furniture, and shiny chrome lampstands, all of which contrasted beautifully with bright red cushions. The first person Naomi introduced to Randall was one of his assistants, O'Neal, a Berliner who looked like a truck driver.He had worked for public relations agencies in London and New York, and the man was blatantly disrespectful of the Bible. "I'll write the pitch," he assured Randall, "but I won't be able to believe it. I'm in the same category as Oscar Wilde, who remembers the crucifixion and the crucifixion of Jesus." Christian commentary? 'Don't die because a man dies for a thing, and that thing is the truth.'” The next one was a young man, who was sitting hunched over in a chair, looking like a question mark from the side.From what he said, he also seemed to have all the answers. "Alexander is our tidbit collector," Naomi introduced to Randall. Randall asked inexplicably, "What's the matter with the tidbit collection machine?" Naomi nodded to Alexander: "Just show him your hands." Alexander looked up at Randall and said, "You really want to know? Alright. Here are some facts I tell those desperate columnists and editors." He took a deep breath and then exhaled. Spit it out, and then said slowly, "Do you know that the shortest verse contained in the English version of the Bible is only two words, which is Jesus weeping? Do you know what it means for the disciples to call Jesus the rabbi the teacher? Do you know Know that the New Testament contains a total of 47 miracles performed by Jesus? Did you know that the name of the city of Nazareth is not mentioned in the Old Testament, and there is no record in the New Testament that Jesus was born in a manger, in a stable? worshiped, and crucified in Golgoza? Did you know that in the Gospels Jesus calls himself the Son of Man 80 times? Well, Mr. Randall, now you should know What's going on?" "Alexander, I really couldn't figure out what was going on just now, but now I understand." Randall said with a smile. Then he met more people and had more lively and interesting conversations.The lady from Rotterdam, Holland, was chubby, with bangs on her forehead, and she was dressed plainly. Her name was Helen De Boer.According to Naomi, of the 325 million Christians, no one has as much knowledge about religion as she does.The life stories of the leaders of the religious reformation in various countries such as Martin Luther are even more precious.The beautiful girl with dark eyes and cloudy hair is named Taylor. Her parents are both American, but she grew up in Portugal. Her specialty is "Bible" archeology.Before coming to work on the Second Resurrection, she worked on archaeological digs in the area north of the Sea of ​​Galilee near Lebanon. Finally, Randall met with Oscar Edlon, who was an artist.He was a Swede born in Stark with a melancholy air.If Edron was the least likable person in the office, he was also the most impressive in appearance.He had red hair, squinting eyes, and the skin on his face like dried orange peel.Also, there is a camera hanging around his neck all the time, as if it has become a part of his body.He used to be a student of master photographer Steichen, and now he is a world-renowned photographer himself. "We're going to get as much publicity as possible through the papers with the original photographs you took," Randall said to Edron. "I'm a little worried about the reprints, though. How about the reproductions?" "No problem at all," said Edron, "but it's enough for me." He shook his head. "A lot of papyrus and sheepskins have been quite worn out after years of collection, and they are dry and hard. Before re-shooting, they must be humidified first, and then they must be photographed with infrared rays, so that the ancient fonts can be seen clearly. But I believe, You'll be satisfied with the replicas you see." "How many sets did you copy in total?" "Only three sets were printed," Edron replied, "which is an extremely accurate number, because Dr. Jeffries' translation team needed them, so he took all three sets, because the translators allowed to see the originals. .These three sets of photos were sent back to Krasnapolski as soon as the translation was done. Two of them were destroyed, and the remaining set, the only one that existed, well, was in your In hand, Mr. Randall." "In my hand?" "Yesterday I put it in a fireproof filing cabinet in your office, inside a cardboard clip, locked away with the rest of the posters. It's priceless, Mr. Randall, you must be careful carefulness." "You can rest assured of that." "Of course," continued Edron, "but I still have the negatives, which I've just moved from the basement to the darkroom we built ourselves, and I'm going to print a few thousand before I announce the 'Second Resurrection. In case something happens to the negatives, the negatives are still safe. The darkroom was built with strict security facilities, so I assure you that under the supervision of Helderlin Come on, no one can break in." "It's awesome," Randall said. "Those pictures are going to have a huge impact...I think we should have our first all-hands meeting right now to see what's going on." After understanding, Randall found that the current situation is very discouraging. Earlier, Dr. Deckhard had assigned the task of asking some people to come up with some promotional words and sort out the material they were familiar with, but he did not allow them to write down the whole material.It occurred to Deckhard that this would leak the story and thus threaten their plans.It seems that almost none of the work that should be done has been done, which means that in just a few weeks, they have countless things to do. At the meeting, Paddy O'Neill offered a proposal.The first thing he felt he should do right away was to write some interviews with the key people in charge of the International New Testament.He suggested first writing about Professor Augusto Monti in Rome, since it was he who discovered these precious materials in Ostia Antica.Then, too, one could write about Professor Henri Aubert, the Parisian prodigy in the study of radiocarbon, who dated the manuscripts written on parchment.One could also write about Dr. Bernard Jeffries, under whose supervision three committees translated Aramaic and Greek into four other languages.Finally, one can write about Herr Karl Henning, who is printing the International New Testament in various languages ​​in Mainz, where Gehani Gettberger invented the type and printed The first book printed by a machine in history. Randall also conceded that the characters behind the International New Testament should be written first, and he had the research papers brought up right away so that he could have a full picture within the next few days. "I'm going to see Deckhard and Wheeler tomorrow and get them to give the green light on the advertising material," Randall said. Come on, I was almost taken away by the police this morning." Randall gave a brief account of Plummer's attempt to bribe him, and Cunningham and Helen DeBoer immediately intervened to tell their story.Since Plummer and Frumi's meeting, they've each received anonymous threatening phone calls, only to hang up when they try to find out what the caller was up to.They have reported the matter to Helderling. "Well," Randall said, "I'm sure things like this will continue to happen. But we should all work together to keep the book out, to get the book out without any surprises. The next step on the agenda is how do we bring the News of the publication of the International New Testament is released to the public." Everyone at the meeting felt that it was necessary to report to the national newspapers.A big press conference with representatives from the television and radio world. "I also agree with everyone," Randall said. "In my opinion, this is undoubtedly the biggest and most sensational news in modern society, and this press conference will also become the largest in history. So I have Two thoughts, which have not been carefully considered. The first is that I want the announcement not only to be published in newspapers and magazines, but also to a global television audience. The content of our reception, how to find information, and the "International New How do you feel about sending the content of the Treaty to every country on the planet through the satellite system?" After hearing this, all the staff agreed. Helen de Boer offered to investigate the possibility of holding a press conference at the Palais Royal on Friday, July 12th.Lester Cunningham also offered to persuade the leaders of the International Telesatellite Association and the European Broadcasting Federation to agree to the satellite broadcast of the headlines published by the International New Testament to more than 70 countries. "Finally," said Randall, "I won't go into the details. Of course, that's the complete story of Christ Jesus, and it tells the real Christ. Get ready for the story of the return of Christ, so that It goes deep into the hearts of the people, and it needs everyone's concerted efforts. Now, I admit that I only know a little about the content of the "International New Testament". But I know that through this "International New Testament", we will see Christ's original We are going to make up for the years when he disappeared. His Brotherhood tells us that Jesus survived the crucifixion and continued his priesthood, preaching, and as far as Rome When he died, he was exactly 55 years old. I am not very familiar with this project, and I know only a little. If any of you have read it and understand its content, please tell me.” Randall's voice was cut short by protests from everyone in the room.These protests finally focused on one point: "None of us has seen it, and they won't let us check it." Safety concerns left them speechless and appearing helpless. Randall was outraged. "Damn it," he said loudly, "they told us to spread the word about the new Jesus, and they didn't let us see the material. Well, the next step is clear. I promise, you'll get the details as soon as possible. Now adjourn— —It will continue to open tomorrow, and I hope there will be good news then.” After returning to the office, Randall took a short break.He's still feeling dizzy from all the people he's met in the past six hours, and he knows there's a big thing to do right now. He hurried to the heavy fire-proof filing cabinet, unlocked it, and in the top drawer he found the thick cardboard folder, which read: "Papyrus and parchment The photographs - the only set - are top secret." He put the cardboard clip into the black leather briefcase.There was only one thing missing from his briefcase - the most important one - and that was what he was about to claim. He was sitting on the chair, and just as he picked up the phone, there was a knock on the door. Before he could say "Come in", Naomi Dunn had already barged in. After she closed the door, she said coldly took a look at him. "It's a brainwashing machine," he corrected her, saying, "It got me into a vortex of nearly 100 people, and you should know that, you got me into it." Randall sighed, " What a terrible day." "This is just the beginning," Naomi said without a trace of sympathy.She dragged a chair to his desk and sat down on the corner of it, suggesting that her visit was brief and on business. "I see that no matter where you go, you take notes at any time." "Yeah, I've always been like that," he said, as if defending himself, "especially when I'm in front of so many people, I want to keep a record of everyone's specific situation." "Well, in your position, with so many things to do by yourself, it's not up to you. You should have a secretary to take care of it all for you. It's my fault, I should have done it for you as soon as you arrived. Get ready. We'd better get the secretary out of the way before your next job." She paused. "Do you have someone in mind? I mean, you want Darina Nicholson ? If you want her, Detective Helderling will..." "Stop it, Naomi. You should know all too well." She shrugged: "I like definitive answers. Now that you're officially in charge, your importance to the project has increased. We hope you'll be satisfied in every way. You need a confidential secretary, she Should be familiar with religious publications, and she must be someone you can fully trust." He leaned his elbows on his desk and looked her straight in the eye. "And how about yourself, Naomi? I trust you. And we've grown close." She blushed. "I—I'm afraid I can't. I want to be completely loyal to Mr. Wheeler." "Mr. Wheeler? I see." He thought he did.He thought maybe the typical American religious publisher had a nun in the background. "In that case, what do you suggest, Naomi?" "I think you need someone who is already involved in the scheme. I have three young ladies on hand who have been with us for over a year and each one is highly qualified and has been screened rigorously and has been A green card was issued, which meant they were a step above other girls with black cards. You can meet them before you go." "No, thanks. I'm too tired. Also, I have other things to do. I'd like to accept your recommendation. Can you recommend one?" She stood up suddenly, very quickly. "Actually, I can recommend one for you. Just because I thought you might want my advice, I brought one of the girls. She's in the office outside. Her name is Lori Cooke, and she's American, I think this is more suitable for you. She has been abroad for two years. She is very capable and will know what to do. And has been working on this floor for a year and two months. To this The project, and—religion, all fanatical." "Oh?" Neor Dunn narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean? You need a religious person, don't you? That's useful. Our staff sleeps and sleeps when they think she's working for God." busy." Naomi paused, "One more thing. She has a handicap, she has a limp in one leg. But that doesn't make me doubt her ability, because she acts like a normal person. Freedom. Like I said, she has everything a good secretary should have. But maybe I should warn you," Naomi gave him a sly smile, "Lori is hardly a sex object." Randall flinched. "Do you really think this is important to me?" "I just wanted to let you know that. I thought it best to meet her before you make your final decision." "I'll have her. I'll see her." Naomi had gone over and opened the door. "Lorrie," Naomi called out, "Mr. Randall wants to see you now." Lori Cook walked quickly into the room after Naomi was sideways.Naomi gave them a hasty introduction and left. "Come in, come in," Randall said, "sit down, please." Of course, Naomi was absolutely right.Lori Cook is hardly a sex object.She was like a bird, a little gray sparrow.She limped to his desk, sat down nervously, pushed back a lock of hair that had fallen in front, and crossed her hands in her lap. "Miss Dunn says you're brilliant," Randall began. "I understand you've been working in another office. Why did you leave there to be my secretary?" "Because I've learned that from today onwards, everything will happen here, and everyone says that the success of the International New Testament depends on you and your men." "They're all exaggerating," Randall said. "Of course, it's going to work anyway. But we're just going to be there to help. Is the success of New Testament International important to you?" "It means everything to me. Although no one knows exactly what it will contain, from what I have heard, it will be an incredible and amazing creation. I desperately hope to see it soon." I can't wait to see it." "Me too," Randall said flatly, "What do you believe in, Lori?" "I used to be a Catholic. Recently, I have left Catholicism and officially joined Christianity." "why?" "I don't really know either. I guess I'm looking for an answer myself." "I know you've been abroad for 9 years. I'm interested in why you left your home country." Randall saw Lori Cook tighten her hand.Her little girlish voice trembled, so small it was barely audible. "I left Bridgebutte Connecticut about two years ago. I finished high school and started working and saving money just hoping to make a pilgrimage one day. When I was 22 -- I felt like I should So--I started my pilgrimage." "A pilgrimage?" "To find—don't laugh at me—to find miracles. My leg, I was born lame, and the medicines didn't help. So I thought God might help me, and healed my leg. I went to my All the pilgrimages to the shrines that I've heard of, and in those holy places, people were healed. I traveled like this, doing some work along the way, and earning some money to continue my journey. Of course, I first Went to Lourdes, because the Virgin was seen there by Bernadette, so I prayed that she would appear before me too. I know that more than 2 million people go there every year for pilgrimage, and more than 5000 people need treatment, church To announce that 58% of people have been cured - blindness, cancer, paralysis - is incredible." Randall really wanted to ask Lori what happened after she arrived in Lourdes, but Lori was too absorbed in her story, so Randall had to restrain her thoughts. "After this," continued Lori Cook, "I went to the Shrine of Our Lady in Portugal, where three shepherd boys are said to have had their first vision of the Virgin Mary in 1917. She was standing on a cloud, Shining brighter than the sun. Later, I went to the shrine in France, the cathedral of Turin in Italy, where it is said that the shroud of the Virgin Mary is still preserved. I went to Algeria, to the icon of God I prayed. I tried to climb the 28 sacred steps on my knees, but they stopped me. After this, I went back to Belgium. There 5 children had a vision of the Virgin Mary there in 1932. Finally, I found Welshham, England, there were reports of people being healed there. After that—I stopped my pilgrimage.” Randall took a deep breath. "You stopped—a year ago?" "Yes. I don't think God heard my prayers anywhere. You look at my leg, it's still lame."