“Make no attempt to stop Israeli Messianic believers from getting to Petra.” Carpathia stood. “Have you not noticed? I am the only full-time employee of the Global Community not suffering from the plague!” Chaim remained calm. “And that only because you have not taken your own mark, though I daresay you worship yourself.” Nicolae rushed around the table and bent to face Chaim from just inches away. “Our medical experts have determined there is no connection between the application of the mark of loyalty and—” “Why does your bad breath not surprise me?”