Prologue

I had gone up the stairs until the top top floor of the tallest building in my city. Once there I just leaned on the protection barrier that faced the street and opened my favorite News network which showed many soldiers entering a city and shooting indiscrimately to the defenders who were also armed and trying to defend the place.

"Yesterday a UN security army raided thr Vatican after the Pope denied the request of surrender and decided to close and defend the previously called "Holy City." The defenders were quickly eliminated or arrested including the Pope who had to be restrained and handcuffed and placed into prison. A representative of the UN forces mentioned that they had found collections and artwork storaged in the vaults of the Vatican worth billions of dollars and which would be now used to in charity and social projects around the world."

- "I'm sure those projects will include a huge donations for many of those representatives that voted in favor."- I mentioned with a grin knowing very well how politicians worked.

"The raid is just one of many military operations following the last resolution made by the UN peace comitee which had presented a motion about eliminating religions, cults and any kind of extremist group based on multitude evidence that these groups had played a big role in the wars, terrorism, civil unrest and criminal activitis. It was also included that these organizations had been scamming people and hoarding vast sums of money which could be used in other more important projects."

- "They must be eliminated in order to bring Peace and Security to the World"- had said the passionate member of the comittee after showing all the evidence- "If we want a world where innovation and progress thrives, all and every kind of religious and extremist idea must be erradicated!"

"All members of the comitee voted in favor and the operation "Great Babylon" started. After demanding the disolusion of all religious groups, many were opposed and rejected the proposal accusing it of being a direct attack against the freedom of speech and liberty of religion. Having exhausted all means of diplomacy, it was decided that a military action was needed after many of these extremist groups started attacking multiple cities all around the globe. Immediately the UN security comittee oprdered the arrest of all religious leaders and their inner circle and the seizure or destruction of any building associated with religious activity. This action initiated a waved of actions that changed the course of History, like the destruction of the Mecca and the newly rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem by bombing three days ago or the seizure of thousands of buildings which will now be reused for government offices and public services that will benefit the..."

- "Well, it was fun while it lasted"- I said closing the streaming application knowing that it would be the last time I would be able to use it- "it should be around this time..."

I simply stood up and placed my hands on my jacket while I observed the beautiful starry sky. I did the same in the morning and afternoon trying to memorize and even record the blue and orange colors that the firmament offered to mankind. It was not becaue I was a romantic or an astronomist, I simply wanted to appreciate those colors for the last time.

- "You were also here..."- said a familiar voice behind him.

- "I suppose we had the same idea"- I answered to the tall and thin figure that appeared wearing a long coat while smoking a cigarrette. He offered me one- "want one?"

- "You know I don't smoke"- I replied without taking my eyes from the sky- "are you sure you should be smoking them? They will become a luxury after tonight..."

- "I've been storaging them for years so I won't lack money"- the tall man replied and he also started looking up- "in the end there was no change..."

- "We can't be sure"- I said noticing my breathing accelerating- "we will have to wait and see..."

In that moment a thunderous sound similar to that of a trumpet resounded all over the place shook the heavens. I had to put my hands on my ears but it was as if the sound could be heard not only with my ears but every pore of my body. As the sound kept on going the sky which was previously black and full of stars started to change into a disgusting and unsettling red tone. By the time the sound stopped all the firmament showed that bloody color and chaos immediately erupted all over the city.

- "Damn I had forgotten how much I hated this"- I said as I quickly stopped looking at the sky before the "Dread Drowning" affected me.

- "At least we know better than looking at it"- said my companion wh also tried his best to not look up- "those poor bastards down there must be taking pictures or recording right now... they will pay the consequences soon enough."

I opened my smart phone and immediately noticed the lack of Internet service. Surely many now were trying to contact their providers demanding an explanation. However, they would also notice that no telephone service was either allowed.

- "And so it begins The End"- I said while trying to calm and reminding myself that I had been preparing for this moment for a long time- "May we have tyhe strenght to survive it..."

My companion just kept smoking and nodded in silence while also dealing with his own thopughts. The two men stood there hearing the screams and chaotic sound all over the city knowing very well that scene was happening at the same time in every single country and city all over the World.

The day when Mankind lost the blue and black sky and the Red Firmament appeared... the day when the End started.