The Gatherers Series Blog Site

Today is Monday, and every Monday, the Lord willing, I will attempt to review my own work. Here we have a really big scene, which I had to break down into two separate scenes. The first part features…

Director Darren T. Fuller
William “Crazy Man” Fronk

The second features…

Director Darren T. Fuller
Nichole Parkhurst

Quite a bit of detail is given here about Director Fuller.  He is the Director of the agency which branches off from the FBI. That agency is the ATD, the Anti-Terrorist Division. He is a Marine and has established quite the military resume. He has been to many places around the world and has even been honored for rescuing hostages in a foreign country. This might be further explore in upcoming episodes.

He recalls a terrorist named…Abdullah Muhaffit.  This also could be later explored, but in reading this account, we also get a chance to find out more about Lenox.  Lenox is again referred to as one who breaks the rules.  After all, there was a terrorist with a smart bomb and he fully intended to set the bomb off at an appointed time.  The authorities there were hindering the ATD’s investigation and were not by any means coopertive with their efforts.  Lenox took it upon himself to kidnap the terrorist for a real one-on-one interrogation.  He took the man to the Manhattan bridge.  Now we don’t really know what happened there.  Maybe Lenox thought he was Spider-Man or something…Well, no, not really.  But whatever Lenox did, he got the information that was required.

What was that information? Within an hour, the man had admitted there were six more smart bombs with six secret locations which he did not know of.  We also find out that Lenox had almost killed the man during the interrogation.  The man was close to death when Lenox was found with the prisoner.  Fuller had to use some favors to keep Lenox instated within the ATD.

We also are introduced to the Crazy Man named William Fronk. Now I have been writing about Lenox, Barrington, Fuller and Fronk since I was in High School. LeBeau, Shiva, Vogel…these guys were characters created back then, too. Fronk is the funny man. He deals with any serious crisis by humor. He loves the old sitcom called Gilligan’s Island.  He always calls Fuller “Skipper”, which Fuller isn’t too crazy about but puts up with it anyway.  Fuller sees Fronk as a son in spite of the younger man’s crazy antics.

 We don’t see it at this point in the story, but later on we will discover that Fuller is a friend to President Walter J. Ballou. He is also a friend of Joseph Canaan.  In fact, these three characters are connected.  They have a past together, but we don’t really know what that past is.  This will eventually be explored. 

More to come later.

This takes place 24 hours earlier, so we are flashbacking to a day before the Rapture occurs, in the story. We’ve got a burning house, a reporter and her camera man, a technician, a couple of cops, and two FBI agents. The agents are actually ATD agents, which is the Anti-Terrorist Division in the FBI. I haven’t a clue if there actually is an ATD in the FBI, but for the purpose of the story, there is. Let’s take a look at the characters who show up in this scene…Alyson Moore
Rick Meers
Joseph Canaan
Albert Barrington
Michael Lenox

Here are some other factors that come into play as well. Some places and the heading of the news channel Alyson works for.

The DEN - Daily Edition News
Corinth, NY
17 Shallow Lane - where Joseph Canaan once lived.
22 Shallow Lane - where Joseph Canaan is waiting to be taken into custody.

Alyson is a news reporter, and one of the best around. In fact, she is…Alyson Moore; She doesn’t just give you the news, but she gives you Moore news than any other source. She is Alyson Moore, The Source, on The DEN. That’s how she is introduced on television whenever she does a breaking story. They call her The Source. She is reporting about the home she is standing in front of - or what’s left of it because it has been engulfed in flames. As we read the story, we find that the home belongs to a man named Joseph Canaan, otherwise known as the Carpenter. Canaan has a wife and two children. Four bodies are discovered in the debris after the fire has been put out, but we really don’t know who the fourth victim turns out to be. I am writing Webisode 7, and I still don’t have any idea who the fourth victim was. This may even turn into one of those unexplained mysteries. It isn’t Canaan, because Lenox and Barrington catch him. To go even further, some believe Joseph Canaan is responsible for starting the fire. He is also believed to be involved with terrorists, so he’s a wanted man. The agents are there to bring him in.

That is also up for debate. We see later that Lenox wants to bring Canaan in at all costs and see him brought to justice, but Barrington is under orders from the Director (more on him later) to bring Canaan in for protective custody. Something is going on between the Director and Barrington that Lenox doesn’t know about, but is suspicious. That is, he knows the Director has given Barrington specific orders different from the ones he had received. He just doesn’t know why and it makes him suspicious.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them and I will do my best to answer them.

Basically, the agents show up to get Canaan. They know he is not a victim of the fire. At least, Barrington knows. There is a moment when Alyson tries to question them and when that doesn’t work, she comes right out with Lenox’ name, indicating that she knows him. How? This is still developing. But if you want a sneak peek into future episodes, she asks Lenox to dinner in Webisode 7. Lenox says, sure, and we’re still waiting on the results of that. I’m writing this, and I have no idea where it’s heading.

Barrington does make comments referring to Lenox as being some kind of Casonova without really coming out and calling him that. Lenox makes a comment leading us to believe that Barrington has a wife. They blow off the reporter before all of this talking takes place and drive over to another location where they cut through some back yards so they can get to 22 Shallow Lane. Lenox is carrying a .357 Magnum…I don’t know what Barrington is carrying. They come up to the back patio doors just as Canaan is stepping out. Maybe for a breath of fresh air, maybe because he knows they’re out there…you decide. But that ends the scene with Lenox leveling his gun right at the guy, all business like, if you please.

So this is my take on this part of the story. Chapter One will continue as we just go through it and take it a part bit by bit.

For Alyson Moore, I wanted to do more with her, but through a consensus of sorts with other proof-readers, they were concerned it would get to become a lot like Left Behind from LaHaye and Jenkins. All I can say is, this is my take on how the End Times is in a fictional setting. Some of the things I agree with them on, so we might see some similarities anyway. I’m not aiming for that. But there could be many similarities, you be the judge. I wanted Alyson to work for the AC (Antichrist) in a new news program called OWE…One World Edition. The proofreaders thought it was too close. But this may still happen in the series anyway as the Antichrist will eventually have ultimate control over all government agencies, all media, and all of the world in general until he is finally defeated when Christ returns to set up His Kingdom. So on those grounds alone, there will be a future episode where Alyson Moore begins to work for Tristian Salvadori.

Now if you are reading this and are interested in making a comment or review or any thing like that, please do so. I’ll continue with more reviews soon.

The Gatherers
Year One
Episode 1 - The Vanishings***

To a theatre near you….?  (Or theater, as some writers like to spell differently…yes, it’s true.)  But perhaps not to a theatre/theater near you.  Well, then, how about in a website near you.  There are a couple of future webisode ideas playing around in The Gatherers For Series future that will explore the Rapture a bit more, and also some character developing ideas will come up, too.

This is a work in progress, if you haven’t already figured that out.  This has been going on since Augast 1, 2006.  The series will go on until He calls us home.  I am the author of the series, and Al the graphics designer of the website.

There are all kinds of things happening in the series, and we hope there’s something there for every one.  Most importantly, though, we hope the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ is seen clearly because the truth is, we do this for Him.  All glory, honor, and power belong to Him.

Webisode 7 has had a rough start.  Writers Block has held it up quite a bit, but now it is only a matter of finding the time in its continuation.  By Monday, I should have Chapter 33 - Advocate posted on the site.  It will feature another visit from Tristian Salvadori, who is the Antichrist in the series.

Webisode 8 may be an episode followed by Webisode 9, which will be the second part.  It could wind up into a stand alone episode, but it is likely 8 will end up as a cliffhanger, leading into a required second part episode.  I love cliffhangers.  Anywho, Webisode 8 will feature a man who is convinced of how the vanishings have occurred.  He will try to convince the world that the vanishings was due to some kind of toxin developed by terrorists.  AIM will be backing him up covertly.  Director Fuller will send in the Gatherers to disprove this theory.

Webisode 9 or 10 (depending on whether 8 will have a second part), will be about AIM, Staci Cohen, and Michael Lenox.  Of course, ideas are subject to change as other ideas arrive…or if the ones I just mentioned fail to work.  Because as a writer, sometimes a story writes itself and it goes off in another direction than originally planned.

That is all for now.

To all the folks reading this. This stuff is fictional, made up, rantings of my own. In no way am I linking the Gatherers characters or any other characters to real people that live and breath real air. That wouldn’t be very nice and I for one would never do that.

So please enjoy my rantings and feel free to reply or add your own stuff. Its open. The lights are on. We have coffee brewing. So stop by.

What’s going on with lenox? And this Lambert character.

Lenox is finally back. He appears to be a changed man and the rest of the Gatherers have no idea where he’s been or what he’s been up to. He won’t answer questions posed to him by his fellow ATD agents. And get this.. He actually defused a situation between Justice and the Gatherers. Wow! I can see Barrington doing this, but Lenox?

And then Lambert. He appears to be very angry with Lenox. Why?

Well, this all goes back to their college days.

It was 1984 and Lenox and Lambert were upperclassmen and roommates. Both guys spent the day watching reruns of their favorite tv show. The Wild Wild West. The only time they left was to use the facilities. Well, it was getting to be 6pm and both were starving. Neither one of them had eaten all day and they had very little money. The two knew they had to eat something so they emptied their pockets onto the floor and started counting their change. Plucking out the occasional lint ball here and there. After all was counted they agreed they had $6.20.

They both knew they could by a cheese pie at Marino’s and a couple of 12 ounce cans of Pepsi to quench their thirst for that price.

The only problem was Lenox wanted to buy this new cassette and with Lambert’s meeger offering of only 75 cents it looked like Lenox was going to have to pay for the majority share of the food.

Lenox was clearly perturbed. Lambert apologised and said he would make it up to him soon. Lenox agreed and they both headed to Marino’s.

The meal was great as usual and both polished off the pie and took their last gulps of Pepsi. They both headed back to their dorm room and hit the hay because they had tons of exams the next morning.

Weeks went by and Lenox’s perturbed state increased to anger.  Why hasn’t this guy offered me anything yet?! He owes me and he doesn’t even care about it!

A few days later Lenox confronted Lambert about his promise. Lambert looked at Lenox and snickered. What? You still worried over that little thing? Its only money…

Lenox had had enough. Not only would he not get the money for the cassette. He was just ripped off by this jerk.

With no warning, Lenox slammed Lambert in the face with his fist. He hit him so hard that two of his teeth flew out. Lenox then started kicking him while he laid on the floor.

After the beating Lenox pulled Lambert up by the shirt collar and said  You have two weeks to pay me back or else. This little beating will seem like a rub down after I get done with you!

Lambert shook his head in compliance. Lenox threw him to the floor and left.

The next day Lambert was gone. He had no intention of being anywhere near Lenox. He would hide from him. Stay very far away. Hopefully he would never cross paths with him again.

Present time.

Lambert was sitting at the end of the ambulance with a towel on the back of his neck. He was angry. But not angry for the reasons people thought. He knew Lenox would be here in a moment. He only hoped they could bury the hachet.

Lenox had run into Lambert two days earlier and told him he was going to have a very bad accident if he didn’t pay his due. Lenox said he would even make it easy for him. Just buy a Marino’s pie and two 16 ounce Pepsi’s and all would be forgiven.

Lambert balked at that request.  Do you realize that a Marino’s pie is like $15 now and the Pepsi’s are at least $1 a piece? Thats highway robbery!

Lenox snickered,  Yep. You owe me for that pizza with interest. But if you think I’m being too unfair I know a way to make it fair.

Lambert knew what he meant. Lambert agreed to repay his old college roommate.

As the Gatherers approached, Lambert met them half way. He was clearly angry with Lenox and demanded to see him alone. They both went into the ambulance and closed the doors. Lenox could smell the aroma of the greatest pizza on earth.

Lambert sat there and stared at Lenox.

Lenox looked at him and said  What are you looking at?

Lambert spoke  Are you happy now?  A deal is a deal.

Lenox nodded and opened the pizza box.

Lambert was about to put his hand in the box when suddenly Lenox slapped it. 

What was that for?

Lenox replied  This is my pie not yours. But you know what? Here, have a slice on me.

Lenox put his hand in the box and removed a corner piece. As he did the cheese slipped off of it and it was nothing more than a piece of dough with sauce on it.

Lambert was clearly angry. But ate it nonetheless.

And thats what really happened inside the Ambulance between Lenox and Lambert.

Albert Barrington is the calming factor to the Gatherers. Like with anything Albert does, he does with patience and research before making decisions.

With his family swept up with Christ in the Rapture, Albert is battling with his own faith and trying to do his job at the same time. At times, he becomes emotionally overwelmed with all that has happened.

As the unofficial director in training, Albert tries to mediate between his boss Darren Fuller and the rest of the Gatherers. Albert may sometimes take control of a situation in the field per Darrens instructions. Darren has great trust in Albert.

Albert is the other half of the Lenox/Barrington team. The two are completely different people but are the best of friends. Apart they have their faults but together they are a crucial part of the Gatherers success.

Lately Lenox has become concerned about his friend because of Albert’s embracing of the Word of God. Lenox feels it is a waste of time and it is getting in the way of his job.

Albert longs to be with his family and understands that he has let his undecided heart rule him for far too long. He has made the decision to let Christ into his heart. With that, he has paved the way for other Gatherers to do the same.

Albert’s goal has always been about duty and discipline, which he learned in the Marine Corp. He lives his life with those principles and teaches others to do the same.

Albert has decided to follow Christ until the end. He is devoted to helping as many people receive Christ before it is too late. Michael Lenox being at the top of the list.

And in the end, to see his family waiting for him.

Michael Lenox is a rough and tumble tough guy thats equally stubborn and pig-headed.

He does things one way…..HIS.

Michael often skirts the edge of authority and takes the physical approach when dealing with bad guys.

Michael only listens to Darren Fuller - his boss. But even then he interprets his orders his own way. Darren tolerates this because Michael gets the job done. No finese. But simply and bluntly gets it done.

Michael tolerates the rest of his coleagues. They are more a hinderence than help to him. But there are times when Michael enjoys their company.

Michael is seen as the Gatherer on the outside looking in. He isn’t as joyous or enthusiastic like the others. Each willing to help the other. He would rather fight the fight alone than ask for help. His feelings are buried deep within himself, protected by barbed wire and machine gun nests.

I guess the reason for his stubborn nature is due to his strict upbringing and overwelming will to succeed.

This we know…Michael is a leader not a follower. He does his job with the passion of patriotism and the will of a sparten soldier.