* * * *
GREGORY MACARTHUR, NOW Pope Timothy II, in honor of his boyhood friend, knew he would be a good pope. His dedication to the ancient agenda was deeply seated in the zealous commitment of the true believer. Ronald's problem had been his ambivalence about the agenda. MacArthur was unimpeded by moral dichotomies of any kind. It was the natural order of things that those qualified to direct the affairs of men should do so.
The Council and its right arm, the Papacy, had virtually guided history since the days of Christ. The Church had controlled the spiritual direction of history, The Council the secular. Throughout history, the balance of power had shifted between them, but never was there any conflict as to the ultimate objective—The Agenda. Only by the harmonious direction of both the religious and the secular could that agenda be fulfilled. Timothy I had never fully understood that. The times called for the steady strength of a Pope who did. Timothy II was the perfect Pope for these times.
Consequently, The Council had entrusted him with information never shared with his predecessor. MacArthur chuckled to himself over the irony of the second shroud. The de Charny family had allowed itself to bear centuries of undeserved shame in order to protect this secret. It had been secretly rewarded for this sacrifice by having been granted a seat on The Council in perpetuity. Gerrard de Charny was the family member who presently held that seat, having inherited it from his father. The de Charny family had the longest running continuous chain of succession among the council members.
Timothy II allowed himself a feeling of triumph. How delicious it all was. His arch-nemesis, Angelino, had been defeated, even if he did not yet know it. With delicious irony the arrogant rogue priest would be destroyed and discredited by the very plan he himself had launched to “save the world.” Timothy promised himself he would be present the day Angelino learned of his complete failure, so he could see him shattered, face to face. When Angelino learned the secret of the DNA on the Shroud that was used to regenerate Jesus, only then would he understand the profoundness of his failure.
Soon Angelino and MacArthur would realize the reign of Christianity was finally coming to an end.
* * * *
IF THEY HAD thought they would be able to make their entrance back into society undetected they were quickly disabused of that notion when their van and car pulled into the GEP parking lot. Immediately, they regretted the decision to go to this particular location. Hundreds of reporters from all over the world had congregated there. Several satellite vans from the international news organizations and nearby local stations were surrounded by camera crews and newscasters, all armed with foam tipped microphones, each envisioning the Pulitzer Prize which would sit atop his mantle after landing the first exclusive interview with the Son of God.
Steven's eyes widened as he became aware of the size of the throng awaiting them. “How did they know we were coming here?"
"Angelino's tape, Steven. Remember? Look at all these people. It's a fucking zoo."
The press had quickly determined the large van was the vehicle to focus on and swarmed around it like ants on a sugar cube.
"Look at them, John,” Steven said incredulously.
"Well, you can hardly blame them. This is a pretty big story, after all."
They watched as the van carrying Jesus, Mathias, Susan, and Angelino came to a stop. The front doors opened, Mathias and Angelino stepped out, and then Jesus and Susan emerged from the back seat. The throng of reporters crowded around them, thrusting microphones and cameras in their faces. Angelino slid unnoticed into the crowd while Mathias pushed his way through the crush of reporters to stand beside Jesus.
"Mathias is shameless,” John shook his head in disapproval.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the car window. Steven turned to see a man holding an FBI badge in the window.
"Doctor Hamilton, step out of the car, please.” Steven recognized the agent. It was Jordan Breem, one of the agents who had paid the late-night visit to them the night Angelino had come to them to ask them to clone Jesus.
Steven opened the car door as John stepped out the other side. Agent Montgomery was standing on John's side, just as large and stoic as he had remembered him.
"Doctor Hamilton,” Breem said, “I have a warrant for your arrest for violation of the Archer-Frampton Act. I have a warrant for your arrest as well, Doctor Barber."
It had never occurred to Steven they would be arrested. He stared back at Breem blankly, not fully comprehending. A police officer with Breem placed handcuffs on him as he read him his rights. Another did the same to John, who was just beginning to understand what was happening to them.
"What the hell...” John sputtered. “What's going on here?"
Breem then announced, “I also have a warrant for the arrest of Anthony Angelino Sabbatini. Where is he?"
Both scientists remained silent.
Montgomery said, “He was in the van with the others. I saw him slip into the crowd."
One of the officers accompanying the FBI team took another officer and headed into the crowd to search for him.
"You'll never find him, Agent Breem,” John said, with satisfaction.
"Oh, we'll find him, don't worry,” Breem responded.
The police officers ushered them into separate police cars and drove off. Breem and Montgomery, accompanied by several other uniformed officers, headed toward the crowd surrounding Jesus. He brandished his badge and said over the noise, “FBI. Let us through, please.” They gently pushed their way through the crowd until Breem was standing face to face with Jesus.
Breem was unprepared for his initial reaction to facing Jesus. Although he would not have called himself devout, he had been brought up in a strongly Christian environment. Looking into the very face of Jesus was a powerful and moving experience. It would make his task that much more difficult.
"Are you Jesus of Nazareth?” he finally managed to ask quietly.
"I am,” Jesus responded, his eyes boring into Breem's.
"I must ask you to come with me,” Breem said.
Mathias stepped in. “What is this?” he asked angrily. “Are you telling me you are arresting him?"
Breem glanced toward Mathias, and then chose to ignore him, which angered Mathias even more. Breem noted his anger and shot a hard glance at him, which stopped Mathias from saying what he was about to say.
"Are you arresting me, Agent Breem?” Jesus said. Breem was startled he knew his name.
"No. You are not under arrest. The President would just like to meet with you, and he has asked that I provide for your safety."
Jesus nodded. “Very well. I will go with you, but Armand must accompany me. And Susan.” Susan had been standing inconspicuously behind both Jesus and Mathias, happy to be unrecognized.
Breem glanced from Jesus to Mathias and back again. He decided there was no point in mentioning President Crowley had requested Mathias be brought in as well. Crowley had made no mention of Susan, but he could think of no good reason to exclude her.
"Do any of you know where Father Angelino is?” he asked, not really expecting them to tell him if they did know.
It was only then Susan noticed he had disappeared.
Mathias said, “He was just here a minute ago. I don't know where he went."
* * * *
Susan felt a surge of panic. Why would Angelino just leave her alone in the middle of all this? Had something happened to him? She became acutely aware this was the first time she and Angelino had not been together since the incident in the hospital. She suddenly felt frightened, very alone.
* * * *
"OK,” Breem said. “Please come with me."
He led them through the crowd to an unmarked black car, guarded by several uniformed police officers. Susan caught sight of Steven and John being driven off in their respective police cars.
"What's going on?” she asked excitedly. “Did you arrest Steven and John? Where are they taking them?"
Jesus said, soothingly, �
�Do not be afraid, Susan. I will be sure no harm comes to them. Please. Come with us now. This is not the time for making trouble."
Susan allowed herself to be led into the black car, along with Mathias and Jesus. Meanwhile, the chaotic tangle of reporters and sea of satellite vans had attracted the attention of nearby people, and they, too, were pressing in upon them. The clamor of the crowd and the way it was closing in on them made Susan feel trapped and claustrophobic.
Breem jumped into the passenger side of the front seat and ordered Montgomery, who was sitting behind the wheel, to “get the hell out of here.” He radioed the local police, advising them they had a crowd-control problem and they should get some men out there ASAP.
Slowly, the black car, containing the most important historical and religious figure of all time, pushed its way through the crowd and headed out into traffic. Susan turned to look out the back window. Where was Angelino? Her stomach tightened as the thought occurred to her ... perhaps I'll never see him again.
* * * *
"NICOLE CHAMBLEAU, YOU have honored this council by once again performing your duty efficiency.” Number One's praise filled Nicole's heart with joy. To serve The Council was the very reason for her existence. To die for The Council was an honor. To take a life for it was the highest honor. How proud Papa would be, if only she could tell him. Robert Chambleau, however, was not privy to the Council, nor was he aware of his daughter's membership on it.
"I thank you, Number One,” she responded humbly. “The honor is mine for being granted the privilege of serving this illustrious council."
"Gerrard de Charny, again you have earned the gratitude of The Council."
De Charny bowed his head to Number One without comment.
Number One continued, “The new pope is very pleased with our plan. His hatred of Angelino is deep and he delights at how he has been so completely duped."
Number One grew serious and continued, “I understand Angelino has eluded us yet again. It is time to rid ourselves of this irritating priest. He has played into our hands as an unwitting ally but his usefulness to us is over. Nicole, you will go to America, find this priest, and eliminate him."
"I am honored yet again to serve The Council,” Nicole said sincerely.
"And then, once Angelino has been eliminated, we will deal with this Jesus,” Number One said thoughtfully, as he brought the meeting to a close.
* * * *
"ARMAND MATHIAS. HOW good it is to see you again.” Eugene Crowley beamed as he stepped from behind his desk in the Oval office.
Mathias seemed genuinely pleased to see his old political ally. “It has been too long, Mr. President. Thank you for your invitation."
Crowley noticed Susan and smiled as he approached her, “And you must be Susan Morgan. I've enjoyed your news reports. How is that old scoundrel Ray Cutler these days?"
"I really haven't seen Ray much these days, Mr. President. I've been occupied with other things."
Crowley laughed. “Indeed you have, Ms. Morgan. Indeed you have."
Then, he approached Jesus and grew more serious.
"There are no words to tell you how astounded ... and delighted we are, to have you with us, Jesus.” He extended his hand to Jesus, who accepted it without hesitation. “May I formally welcome you to the Twentieth Century ... and to The United States of America."
"Thank you,” Jesus said.
Crowley studied Jesus’ eyes without appearing to, a skill many years of politics had taught him. He could immediately see this Jesus was no fool, no idle dreamer as many modern theologians had attempted to portray him. Crowley perceived this was a very shrewd and astute individual. He would not be easy to control and would be even more difficult to manipulate. The secret of handling men like Jesus was to allow them to lead you where you wanted them to go, without letting them know you had done it.
"Armand, I believe you know Roger Harmon, my Chief Counsel, and Harvey Thatcher, my Chief-of-Staff."
Both nodded in acknowledgment, first toward Jesus, and then toward Mathias. Good, Crowley thought. They understand the power hierarchy here. They both then acknowledged Susan, almost as an afterthought.
Crowley returned to his desk. “Please, be seated, all of you. We have much to talk about."
"So ... Jesus,” he said, attempting to sound casual. “What do you intend to do with this new life of yours?"
"I expect I will live it, Mr. President,” he said, without a trace of humor. Crowley glimpsed Susan suppressing a smile.
Crowley nodded, while trying to think how to get to his point without appearing either too obvious or too eager.
"Jesus, this is a new world from the one you once knew. You will need friends to help you navigate through it."
"I have friends, sir,” Jesus said without any rancor.
Crowley paused and studied Jesus’ face for any subtle signs of hostility. Seeing none, he continued, “Things have changed a great deal in the past two thousand years. When you first preached, the religious authorities fought you. Your message was new and frightening to those in power back then. But since then, your teachings have become the foundation for the entire civilization of our world. Entire governments, like ours, for instance, have been built upon those teachings. Unlike before, your presence will be welcomed by everyone."
Jesus remained silent, forcing Crowley to continue.
"Imagine, Jesus, if you will, what things could have been like in your lifetime had the people in power been behind you rather than against you. Think of the world you could have built."
* * * *
Susan could see Mathias drift off into a reverie, betrayed by a small hint of a smile. The thought of having a presidential stamp of approval was obviously appealing to him. She wondered if Mathias had totally forgotten the scandals that had all but demolished the credibility of the sitting administration. Susan, herself, was a bit offended by Crowley's attempt to seduce Jesus with offers of worldly power. Angelino had warned her repeatedly of the dangers of succumbing to that temptation in particular. It was the one temptation, he had told her, which when yielded to, would most thoroughly destroy the soul of the one who surrendered to its siren call. Once one became enamored with worldly power, he would topple like a chain of dominoes to all other temptations that confronted him. Didn't Crowley realize Jesus would be able to see through his transparent offer?
Crowley continued his sales pitch.
"This administration wants to help you in every way possible. We will sponsor you before the United Nations. If there are laws which you require, we can get them presented before our Congress. There are nations that want to destroy us and the freedoms this country represents.” Susan noted cynically how adept politicians were at thumping their chests over the notion of freedom when they needed to enlist the help of others to curtail as much of it as they could get away with.
"Together,” Crowley went on, “we can stand against these heathen nations and build a true living testament to God Himself."
* * * *
Crowley smiled, quite pleased with himself at his presentation. Jesus still said nothing. Crowley decided to wait him out this time. They locked eyes. Crowley saw what he had hoped to see. It was imperceptible, but he had trained himself to see the imperceptible. Jesus was intrigued by the offer, but was not prepared to commit himself on a course just yet. Undoubtedly, he wanted to explore all of his options. That was fine with Crowley. Who could offer more than he could?
Jesus finally spoke. “President Crowley, your offer is very generous. But I do not think you fully understand the price I ask if you should ally yourself with me."
Crowley had not expected that. His smile was quickly replaced by a frown of consternation. What could Jesus possibly mean? Thatcher voiced that very question.
"What do you mean by the price you ask? This is the President of the United States you are talking to. The most powerful man in the world."
Jesus smiled, raised an eyebrow, and said, “Oh, really?” Thatch
er did not catch the irony, although Susan did immediately.
Crowley stopped Thatcher with a glance and jumped in himself.
"My chief of staff asks a good question, Jesus. Just what is the price you ask of us?"
"Complete devotion,” Jesus said, simply, without any change of expression. “You must follow my teachings."
Crowley sat back, relieved.
"Oh, is that all?” he said. “Of course we will follow your teachings, Jesus. We all have since we were children.” He looked around at everyone in the room as if the matter had been settled.
"Do not be so quick to agree, President Crowley. I have observed today it is no different than in my day. Most people give religious matters lip service but have no understanding of the importance of applying those teachings to their daily lives. There is more power in a focused thought than can even be imagined by you. The obedience I demand of you, if given, will bring to you more power than you have ever dreamed of. But it is obedience few have the will or the courage to surrender to. Now that I once again walk among you, I will have a new teaching which builds on what I have taught before. Without that obedience, there will be nothing to be gained by me in an alliance with you or your country."
Crowley was watching Mathias and noticed how his eyes widened at the thought of such power. He didn't even have the self-control to disguise his open lust for it, Crowley thought, with a mixture of disgust and amusement.
"Jesus, you must understand I cannot make an open-ended promise without knowing what that teaching is. But I can promise you this. This administration will put the entire weight of its influence behind you."
Jesus regarded Crowley intently.
"There is one thing I must ask of you,” Jesus said.
"What is it?” Crowley asked.
"Two of my friends ... the two who are the ones who cloned me ... Doctor Hamilton and Doctor Barber, have been arrested by the FBI. Please free them."
"Jesus, I don't think I can do that. They have been arrested for breaking a very serious law. It would not be appropriate to show them any special treatment."
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