A. I. Evolution: The Coming of Christopher

Chapter 44

The Vatican is a vast mini city all by itself. The buildings, some of which, date back to the early part of the fourth century C.E., are crowded around St. Peter's square, which is the public center of the state.

The sun is bright, and the air is clear when we emerge from the building our quarters are in. Our breakfast was filling, and the coffee was thick enough to almost hold up the spoon, so we were fully awake. Jane and I walk slowly to St. Peter's Square, moving around it, marveling at the history that is infused into the very structures we walk by. Jane seems overwhelmed by the great antiquity and points out various famous structures like St. Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the tall stone obelisk sitting by itself in the very center of the square. I look past the ring of stone columns to see the top of the Apostolic Palace, the official quarters of the Pope, set in the corner of the building to the right of the Basilica.

I lean down towards Jane and point to a window in the top corner. "Do you see that last window on the right on the top floor? That is where the Pope will sometimes give his famous speeches to the faithful that fill this Square to bursting."

Jane follows my outstretched hand to look at the spot. She shakes her head. "That does not seem like a very safe place to stand. The Pope is a very influential person. It would be very easy for someone to take a shot at him from anywhere here in the Square."

"I think that is why he very seldom does it, and there is never much time given in advance as to when he decides to address the people."

Jane stares at the window, lost in her own thoughts for a moment before adding to my statement. "I can't imagine what that would be like to have so many people pouring out their devotion to me. I think the overwhelming mood of the throng would force me back into the safety of the room."

I smile as I turn to her. "Well, it is something you get used to, just like everything else. In the beginning, it is small crowds, then over time, the numbers increase till it does not make any difference how many people there are. At that point you just do your thing and let them listen."

"I guess that is what you have been doing for the last nine years. I never really thought about it like that before," adds Jane.

We continue walking farther around the Square when I spy Cardinal James Gomez walking briskly towards us. I take Jane's arm to stop her, and we both turn around to wait for him to catch up to us. "Ah, there you are. Pope Pius was wondering if you could join him early and maybe share the noon meal with him."

I look to Jane with apprehension, before answering his question. She nods her head and smiles. "Don't worry about me. You go see one of the most important people in the world. I am sure James will look after me, while you are gone."

I smile at her understanding and turn back to James who is almost to our side now. "I think that would be an excellent idea. I haven't had lunch yet and I am starting to get hungry. You wouldn't happen to know what his excellence is having for lunch, would you?"

James stops and looks to me with a little smirk showing at the corner of his mouth. "No, I don't, actually. I do know that he quite often has soup with some bread to dunk in it. Would you like me to go ask him, so he can change his diet this one time just for you."

I hold up my hand, palm out, and shake my head. "No, that's OK. I am sure whatever it is will be satisfactory."

James chuckles at my remark. "As you wish." He changes his expression to one of slight sadness. "Oh, and sorry Miss Dolts, but I have been assigned to Christopher while he is here at the Vatican. We can swing by the room you had last night, so you can wait for Christopher there, if that is acceptable."