A. I. Evolution: The Coming of Christopher

Chapter 42

The tour in Europe, which had spanned 6 countries in just over four weeks, is always a pleasure to do, because the diversity of the people and the values they live by are sometimes so different from ours in the West, that they always teach me a lot about mankind. I have made the trip many times, but this time was a little different because I can sense and feel the apprehension in the crowd. The promoters had used the meeting with Pope Pius, and the implications of that talk to our advantage as they spread the word through every news channel they could, causing tickets to sell out in a matter of hours for each engagement.

Then, as scheduled on the Thursday night just before the Easter Weekend, I did my last show in Rome at the stadium filled to overflowing with fifty-five thousand people. Security was tight, as it had been through out the whole tour, because of the rumors that were spreading about me and why Pius wanted to meet with me. More than one fan asked about me being appointed a saint, or even a savior. I waved off all these questions, even though I wondered what I should say to the Pope during my visit.

The next day, Wong and I arrived at the Vatican just before noon, and I was greeted by one of the officials. He is wearing the traditional robe of a Cardinal, all black with a red waist band leaving only his polished black shoes showing below the bottom of the flowing robe. He meets us at the front entrance of the The Domus Sanctae Marthae, the official guest quarters. "Good day, my name is Cardinal James Gomez, and I will be your host during your stay here at Vatican City. Your meeting with Pope Pius is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at one P.M.; till then, we have assigned you and your staff with rather plain, but comfortable lodgings.

"Thank you, I am sure they will be fine," I assure him. "Wong will have his own room, I presume?"

James nods his head in a priestly fashion. "Yes. His room is three down the hall from yours and your partners'. She can stay with you, but I must stress the importance of propriety, considering this is a place of worship and communion with fellow church members."

I smile at his concern. "I promise that there will not be any issues that will tax the sensitivities of the other residents."

"That will be appreciated," says James plainly. "Now, if you will follow me please."

James, in his black robes and his red skull cap, turns and heads to the rather plain doors of the flat faced rectangular building across the stone courtyard. Wong has removed the bags from the cab and is following closely behind us. We enter the building and go up the stairs right in front of us to the second floor and turn to the left.

James stops at a solid wooden door and pushes it open slowly. Inside are two beds, one on each side of the room. A small table sits under the single window with two chairs tight up against each side. A small bathroom is on the right with an old style footed tub visible through the doorway right up against the far wall. On the opposite side of the small space is a kitchen area, complete with a stove for cooking on and a small almost bar sized fridge for storing perishable food. The counter between the two is broken in the center by a sink. Cupboards cover the walls to each side of the small mirror above the sink.

A quick look around the walls shows the traditional cross and statue of Jesus nailed to it, along with pictures of Mother Mary, looking to Heaven with hands clasped in prayer.

Wong places my suitcase at the foot of the bed on the right and moves back to the door. James watches him move silently, before turning back to me. "Meals are served in the main hall downstairs, from six to eight for breakfast, eleven to one for lunch, and five to seven for supper. The fair is rather plain but filling and nutritious, although the company can be quite enjoyable. When do you expect your companion to arrive?"

"Jane Dolts should be here around seven tonight. Her plane lands at four thirty this afternoon."

"I see. Well, I will meet her in the courtyard out front and have the kitchen prepare a plate for her to have later," says James.

"Thank you. I appreciate your attention to our comfort."

"You're welcome," he says, almost wanting to say more but knows that he should not at this time. "I look forward to your meeting with Pius tomorrow and will come to gather you when he is ready."

I nod my head at him and watch him move to the door where Wong is waiting for James to show him where his room is. I turn to the small table by the window and look out over the stone courtyard, and the quietness of the place gives me a feeling of great age and almost a hallowed feeling. The mood of the other people close enough that I can sense them, is one of deep commitment to the church and their place in that higher hierarchy.

I sit down at the table and let the age and spirit of the place invade my mind till Wong returns to my room at my silent summons. I bring myself back at the sound of the soft knock on the door. As I get up and move towards the entrance, I refrain from saying anything to Wong, but proceed past him to the stairs as he follows silently behind me. We get to the main floor and turn to the right, because the smell of the food is drawing me in that direction. We eat a plain meal of soup and bread washed down with a glass of water flavored with little slivers of lemon.

Wong looks around at the other diners, but avoids looking at me, but when he does, it is with a stern look that makes me smile inside. I return the same look, "Will you be able to keep yourself occupied throughout the afternoon and over the next couple of days?"

"Yes, I have some things I want to do. I will not be in your way," says Wong, strangely aggressive.

"Good," I respond, in the same tone. "I need to meditate on my meeting tomorrow and make sure I am rested for the next few days."

We finish our simple lunch and head back up to our respective rooms. I enter and lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling as I concentrate on relaxing my mind and body. I soon enter that space where I can soar in multiple possibilities and time passes quickly as I focus on my agenda for the next day, which will be the most important day of my life.