A. I. Evolution: The Coming of Christopher

Chapter 40

Jane had been watching me as I reflected on the news I had received the day before. She sits back in the padded chairs and spends a moment relaxing in the quiet surroundings, also enjoying the simple life of being away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and the work that has taken such a different turn over the last few years at the lab. The Nanos are still an important part of the work she does, but so far, they had not overcome the obstacles that had made Wong what he is, and me the only successful subject of the technology.

Jane sighs deeply as the tension drains away from her tense body, and she turns to face me. "I sense that something has happened recently. I can't remember the last time I have seen you so preoccupied by your thoughts. Is it something you can share with me?"

I pull myself back from the train of thought that was taking all my attention and sit up straighter. "Sorry. It is something that has me concerned. I received a call from the Vatican today. It seems that Pope Pius has requested a meeting with me the middle of next month, and I can only imagine what he wants to talk about."

Jane reflects on the news. "Do you think it has anything to do with the rumors that are spreading about you being the new Messiah or savior of the people."

I nod my head. "It can't be any other reason that I can think of. I am scheduled to speak in Rome that week anyway, so I will be there and have a couple of days to rest before meeting the Pope." I lean towards her slightly. "I was wondering if you could accompany me to the Vatican. They have a room set aside for me, and I think I would like someone to talk to as I wait."

"Well, I do have some vacation time coming up, and it is not everyday that a girl gets a chance to go to the Vatican and possibly meet the Pope. I would be honored to stay with you. What about Wong?"

I cringe at the mention of his name. "I told them about the need for him to stay close to me, and they have agreed to set aside a room just down the hall. It is only a cell for the faithful, but there is a bed for him to sleep on at least."

George arrives with the chilled bottle and two crystal glasses which he sets in front of each of us, ending the discussion abruptly. We watch him professionally remove the cork and pour a small amount into my glass for me to sample before allowing him to serve it to Jane. I nod my head and look up to him. "That is acceptable. Can you leave the bottle and ring the bell three times before the meal is ready to be presented?"

"Of course, Sir," responds George, before he fills the rest of our glasses and deposits the bottle in the ice bucket, sitting in its own stand to my right, slanted at a slight angle.

I watch George walk back to the kitchen area, before turning back to Jane. "I am not a religious man, and Pius has only two options that I can think of."

Jane pulls herself back from her own thoughts as she stares out the window into the setting sun, made even more spectacular by the cloudless sky over the distant mountains as it sets between two predominate ridges, sending out a glow to light the sky in a crescent of red with the mountains outlined below it, and turns to me. "What do you think they are?"

"Well, he either has to oppose me openly, speaking out against my popularity, or he can join with me and use that partnership to enhance his position with my followers."

Jane's expression turns serious as she weighs the options. "Which do you think is most likely?"

I wait a moment before responding because I sincerely hope I'm right. "I think I have forced him into siding with me. A significant percentage of my followers are not associated with any religion, so if he embraces me, he stands to gain more followers to the Catholic Church. However, if he opposes me, then the ones that follow me and are also followers of the Catholic Church, will have to decide which way to go. Then, the question becomes one of belief, either in him or me, and I for one would not want to make my followers have to make that decision."

Jane shakes her head. "You are implying that the Vatican is nothing more than an institution to curry the favor of the masses. I would like to think there is more to religion than that."

"You could be right. At this point, it does not really matter, the people will decide one way or the other," I smile.

Jane shakes her head again. "I know you, Christopher. You have been loading the deck in your favor for years, and you already know the outcome."

"We will see," I say, as the bell rings three times, indicating that the meal is ready to be served. We both sit up straighter and lean towards the table in anticipation of our meal.