A. I. Evolution: The Coming of Christopher

Chapter 63

Smit, who was standing part way down the side of the dignitary's section, to the right of the rows of chairs, had run for the great doors of St. Peter's Basilica to see if there was any threat. He stopped when he saw the remains of the dust lowering around the Egyptian Obelisk that rests in the very center of Saint Peter's Square.

Smit half expected the great Obelisk, older than anything else in all the state of Vatican, to fall from the single lightning bolt that could only have come from the lone cloud in the very center of the perfectly blue sky. In ancient times, the Obelisk was the marker for a great sundial that could accurately tell the time by the symbols set in the stone courtyard around the base of the Obelisk.

The ancient Egyptian Artifact had stood in the Gladiatorial Circus where Saint Peter was rumored to have been Martyred by the Romans, heralding in the time of the Church. Now it had a black line running down the entire length of the side, facing St. Peter's Basilica.

Pius steps up beside him and looks out over the Square. "It would seem St. Peter has made his presence known to us, by striking the only artifact that he was familiar with. It can only mean that we have made the right choice in backing Saint Christopher."

Smit looks to him and then back at the Obelisk as he thinks to himself. "Are you so sure about that? It could be St. Peter showing his anger also." He says out loud though, "It is as you say, your Excellency."

Pius turns to him. "I notice that Jane has disappeared from the Chapel, along with Henri de Salis. I assume that Henri will be her protector till the baby is born?"

"Yes. He is the best we have and will look after our interests till the child is ready to return here to the Vatican."

Pius nods his head. "I look forward to that day," before turning and reentering the Basilica.

Smit looks around the square at all the people who had pushed back from the Obelisk when it was struck by the lightning. "I don't know if I am," he says to himself, before turning and following Pius inside.