Book excerpt: Mankind was unprepared. The Event consisted of an outward physical sign accompanied by an interior experience. Darkness enveloped the Earth. A red star with a tail the color of blood orbited the Earth once in a span of fifteen minutes and then disappeared from the heavens. The sudden darkness and the comet were mysteries that could not be explained by the best scientific minds. Time had advanced, but all forms of motion were suspended. Those traveling in planes, automobiles, and other forms of modern transportation were stunned to realize that time had passed without any movement beyond their initial point of origin. They again began moving through space as soon as the Event had concluded.