by PJ McDermott
Vincenzo contemplated Rousseau from beneath his eyebrows. Was it possible he was lying to him? That for some reason, the Cardinal and Hussain had made up a diabolical plot to embarrass him? He dismissed the idea. Rousseau had been his friend for many years. You only had to look at the man to realize how troubled he was to be bringing forward this information.
“It is possible we are the butt of an elaborate hoax, my friend,” the pope said. “But this may be one more example of how egotistical humankind is. Through the ages, until proven otherwise, we have considered ourselves to be the center of the universe. There is no reason to believe humanity is the sole creation in God’s image, despite the ramblings of the People’s Crusade.”
Rousseau’s shoulders visibly relaxed. “I believe you are right, Father. The fact that no other mention of God’s work beyond this Earth has survived in the gospel stories is more likely to be a consequence of the early fathers being unable to conceive of life not of this Earth, and any reference to such would have been considered heretical.
“In seeking to combine the various forms of the gospel stories into one definitive version, Irenaeus and the other leaders of the Church would just omit something they did not understand. Philip’s task, on the other hand, was neither to comprehend nor to create a reason for others to believe in Jesus as the Son of God, but only to record his words and deeds, however staggering and strange they might seem to him.”
Both men remained silent for a long time. Finally, Vincenzo raised his eyes. “I believe we must take our lead from Constantine and the Council of Nicaea who established the canons of our Church in the fourth century. Jesus is co-existent with the Father, which means Jesus was not merely a man. God took the form of a man to fulfill His purposes. It is conceivable He also took non-human forms in far off worlds as Philip records. This is something the Church, indeed the world, cannot ignore.”
AD 2100
Cardinal Rousseau stared blankly at the mirror; his thoughts turned inwards. The make-up artist flicked a powder brush discreetly at his face but did not distract him.
It was the third time this week he’d been scheduled to appear on an inter-stellar current affairs program. It had been an exhausting four years since the Vatican released the news of the ossuary discovery. The response by the galactic press and the public had been overwhelming. Then, two years later, Vincenzo had founded the St Philip Research Academy, fully equipped with an interstellar operating arm to look for any signs of the prophecy on alien planets, and the media frenzy had risen to another level.
The papal office had been forced to hire several public relations companies to help manage the communications. Debate raged worldwide as to the authenticity of Philip’s gospel. The High Moderator of the People’s Crusade took a belligerent stand. He declared the manuscript a forgery, a magic trick performed by Alain Hussain during the ossuary opening. According to him, the whole event was staged by the Vatican to bolster the waning influence of the Catholic Church.
Overall though, the impact of Philip’s gospel had been a positive one, thought Rousseau. Attendance at services and donations to the Church had increased fourfold in the last twelve months. However, there had been one unexpected downside, one he should perhaps have anticipated.
In the year the new gospel was discovered, the United Nations Council had finally overhauled their charter to allow representation of predominantly Muslim countries on the Security Council. The Council now included the USA, UK, Russia, China, Crusade-dominated France, plus Nigeria and Egypt. Perhaps even more significant had been the relinquishing of the power of veto which meant that all issues had the potential to go to a vote.
Turkey, whose Islamic government had recently been forcibly ejected by the People’s Crusade, had this week lodged a censure motion on the unauthorized removal of Philip’s ossuary and were demanding the return of the relic. John Morossi, the UN observer for the Holy See, had warned of severe repercussions if the Vatican did not comply, as France and the Muslim-state members of the UN stood united behind Turkey’s demands.
The make-up artist shook his arm gently. “Cardinal. They are ready for you in the studio now.”
Rousseau's face crinkled in a smile. “Thanks, Mary. You’ve done a fine job—taken years off me, as usual.”
The artist blushed. “Good luck with the interview. I hope it goes well.”
Rousseau took a last look in the mirror, adjusted his collar, and walked through to the studio.
*
The intro music finished with a crash of cymbals. David McClure looked up from his notes and smiled at the camera. “Welcome to another edition of ‘Today Tonight.’ This evening we will be talking to Cardinal John Rousseau, the head of the Vatican’s Theological Commission, on the latest revelations and controversy over Philip’s gospel discovered in 2095. Later in the program, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the outcomes of the Californian Republican Convention. But first, to Cardinal Rousseau.” He turned and faced Rousseau, seated in a matching red armchair. “Welcome to the show, Cardinal. Can we begin with the Vatican’s response to the latest motion by the United Nations to censure them over the alleged theft of the now famous ossuary that contained the so-called Gospel of Philip?”
Rousseau smiled at McClure and turned to the camera. “Thanks for having me here, David, and I appreciate you leading off with an easy question.”
Both men laughed.
“Firstly, let me emphasize that the document you refer to is, in fact, genuine, certified as such by the Vatican and numerous authoritative sources throughout the world—”
“But disputed by many others, such as the High Moderator of the People’s Crusade and the Grand Mufti of Afghanistan. Both insist that the document is a fake perpetrated by Pope Innocent XIV.”
Rousseau kept the smile on his face and inclined his head slightly. “Much as the Mufti is a learned man, I doubt he is qualified to assess the antiquity of an ancient Christian relic. And let me emphasize, that is what we have here—an early Christian relic.”
McClure pressed on. “Yes, a relic that has created much ill-feeling between rival religions. What message do you give to those of your followers who are involved in the increasingly violent protests that have been taking place around the world?” He motioned to a holographic image that was being shown to viewers while the men talked. A mob, wielding machetes and rocks and firing rifles into the air chased a second group, equally well armed. Suddenly, an explosion of shrapnel and smoke erupted within the ranks of the pursuers, leaving dead and injured lying on the ground. The hunters became the hunted as the chase reversed direction.
Rousseau interrupted, speaking sharply. “The Church has never condoned violence of any kind. Further, I think it is reprehensible that a sacred relic such as this should be the excuse for religious or racist violence.” He shook his head, clearly upset, as the camera focused on him.
The presenter pursed his lips. “But nevertheless it is happening, and many Christian and Muslim worshippers are becoming embroiled in all this.”
Rousseau leaned forward, unblinking at the camera. “I believe that all human beings with true faith in God,” he said, chopping the palm of one hand with the other, “regardless of whether they are Muslim or Christian or members of the People’s Crusade would be equally horrified by what is occurring.”
“So you think these are just the redneck element, the extremists whipping up dissent?”
“I would like to think that those who believe in a just God, the Christ, or the Prophet Muhammad would join with me in condemning this behavior,” said the Cardinal.
“You have more faith in human nature than I do, Cardinal. Thank you for joining me tonight.” The Camera zoomed into a close up of the presenter. “After the break, we discuss what has transpired in the UN Security Council meeting earlier this morning, and ask the question, ‘What does it mean for world peace?’”
*
The cardinal worried as he left the studio. The interview had gone badly. Des
pite what he’d said, it was clear that things were getting out of hand. Crowds of Crusaders, Christians, and Muslims frequently clashed on the streets.
Some Muslim clerics now denounced the Catholic Church from their pulpits, declaring that the billions of dollars spent on the launch of the Alien Corps were at the expense of millions of starving poor. Not surprisingly, the High Moderator of the People’s Crusade was equally vitriolic, suggesting that the Catholic Church had declared itself a legitimate target for revolutionary activity.
Rousseau was more worried about the shifting power base at the UN. He felt it was only a matter of time before the Security Council passed a censure motion on the Vatican.
AD 2102
The holovision presenter’s eyes were wide with fear. He spoke in an unnaturally high tone and ducked as a nearby explosion boomed. Smoke billowed into the night sky, pierced through with licking flames.
“The Vatican is a shambles.” He swept his arm to encompass the devastation behind him. “This whole area was flattened by bombs and rockets less than six hours ago, and there are still explosions occurring in the Vatican precinct. Long range rockets continue to arrive from Carthage in Tunisia. There goes one now,” said the announcer, pointing at the sky.
The camera jerked to focus on a parabolic white vapor trail high above. It tracked the missile until it exploded on contact with one of the few remaining structures. The reporter adjusted his glasses, and the camera swung back to him. “Local firefighters are battling the flames, and international relief is on its way. Rescue teams are searching the rubble for survivors. Miraculously, the pope has survived, but many of his closest colleagues including half the College of Cardinals have perished. Amongst the dead is Bishop Verroni, well known for his controversial championing of the document called Philip’s gospel.
“Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by Abdul Hamid, the commander of the guerrilla forces attached to the People’s Crusade in Tehran.
“Messages of sympathy have poured in from heads of state around the world, expressing sorrow and outrage at this desecration of the place that in many people’s minds represents the cradle of Christianity.”
The camera panned to a group of rescuers searching the rubble for survivors.
“Earlier, Pope Innocent XIV, while condemning the attacks as an act of extreme barbarism, called on Christians everywhere to exhibit restraint in the face of provocation. This is Ned Kelly reporting from what remains of the Holy City.”
The scene switched from Rome to the studio in New York. Anchor-man, David McClure, looked up from his notes, his eyes glittering. “Chalk up another victory for terrorism.” He placed his papers on the desk in front of him, and said, “I…I don’t know if I can continue…” He clenched his teeth and straightened his back. “We take you to our reporter on the spot in Tehran, where al-Jazeera a few minutes ago filmed this statement from Ayatollah Seyyed Husayn Khamenei, the foremost Muslim religious leader in the world today.”
The Ayatollah sat in a wooden armchair with a small table beside him on which lay a copy of the Koran. On the wall behind him, hung a royal blue curtain of shimmering silk. Photos of imams were positioned beside the Islamic Republic of Iran flag, red white and green. The words, “Allah is great” were transcribed in Arabic. The Muslim leader leaned forward and frowned gravely at the camera as he spoke.
An interpreter matched the Ayatollah’s tone. “Earlier today, an assault was carried out by so-called People’s Crusade jihad forces against the Catholic-Christian leadership in Rome. This reprisal was in response to the unauthorized removal of sacred relics from Turkish soil by the Vatican. I, myself, requested the return of the relics on many occasions and warned of the consequences of Rome’s refusal to do so.
“The actions of this group are repugnant to Allah, and we do not condone them. However, we sympathize with their demands to return the artifacts. Every nation on Earth is outraged at the audacity of the Bishop of Rome, and we call upon the United Nations to ensure the return of these sacred relics and thus avoid the repetition of attacks of this nature.”
The Ayatollah and his assistants rose as one and left the media room.
*
Tens of millions marched in London, New York, and Sydney. Men, women, and children from every stratum of society walked in silence behind giant crucifixes and wielded banners that denounced the lack of action from their political and religious leaders. Professional agitators in the crowd incited some ugly clashes with mounted police and armed guards, but there were no deaths, and the numbers of injured were counted in the hundreds.
Smaller protests took place in Paris, Tehran, Jakarta, Karachi, and Dhaka—Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims united in their outrage at the bombing of the Vatican. They waved flags, threw paper in the air and let off flares. Counter-protest groups organized by the ruling People’s Crusade militia killed hundreds and left thousands of others injured and crippled.
In the months that followed, incidents by extremists groups increased in ferocity and frequency until they became a daily occurrence. International flights were shot down, public transport wrecked, and communications centers bombed.
The General Assembly of the United Nations disbanded when almost one-third of the members representing Crusade-governed countries walked out.
China and Russia, by agreement, closed their borders to curb the mounting influence of the Crusade in their countries, and incarcerated hundreds of thousands of international visitors in “processing centers.”
Turkey and Japan demanded the immediate return of their citizens, and when this was not forthcoming launched long-range missile assaults. Two of these evaded defenses and struck at the heart of Moscow and Beijing. Fortunately, as the attacks took place early in the morning, the streets were empty, and the main casualties were the culture and leisure center in Gorky Central Park, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs building in Beiheyan Street.
The High Moderator of the People’s Crusade claimed responsibility, citing the need to “cleanse the world of corrupt governments.”
Russia and China responded by rounding up and publicly executing over five thousand Turkish and Japanese nationals trapped behind their closed borders.
The US and Britain relocated their PROCYN installations underground, and the CIA and MI6 intensified their efforts to identify and locate the Crusade leadership. Despite several “promising leads,” and the arrest of a few minor officials, the High Moderator remained elusive, and his broadcasts continued unabated.
Millions around the world, who in more peaceful times would have been considered responsible citizens, armed themselves and joined vigilante groups to protect their children.
People bombed and murdered each other and were bombed and murdered in return.
AD 2103
The newsroom was almost empty. David McClure lounged behind his desk, facing a single camera and spoke to his producer in the control room. “I tell you, the world has gone to hell, Larry. What sort of place are we leaving for our children? Did you hear that the Brits thought they’d located the High Moderator? Yeah, sent in a squad of marines and shot up the place. Killed two farmers and half a dozen sheep, but no Moderator. Bloody typical.”
The producer’s voice came through his earpiece. “The latest rumor is he’s not a real person—he’s some sort of new-fangled computer out to destroy the human race. Ha! As if we needed any help. Going live in ten, Dave.”
McClure straightened to face the camera, and the producer raised his hand and counted down from five. As the number reached one, the newsreader touched his ear and glanced upwards. “We have some breaking news just coming in. I understand the Pope has called a press conference in the city of Naples. John Keeble is our man on the spot at the Belle Arti Hotel. John, what does the Pontiff have to say about all this?”
The whispering voice of John Keeble announced. “Thanks, David. His Excellency has just entered the media room. In a symbolic gesture of humility, perhaps, he has put aside h
is ceremonial robes and is dressed in the simple attire of a priest. On his left is Cardinal John Rousseau wearing his usual white cardinal’s outfit. On his right are two others, one is a cleric and the other a young girl. It looks like the press conference is about to start, David.”
The pope checked that the hovering microphone was working, then said, “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for coming today.” Cameras clicked and flashed, and hands shot up in the air. The pope continued, “I have a short announcement to make, and then I will open up the meeting for questions.”
He looked at his notes, then laid them aside. “As you know, while on an archaeological project in Turkey sanctioned by the Church, a significant historical record of the life of Jesus Christ was discovered.” He glanced at Battista. “The manner in which we appropriated this artifact is, in my view, not as important as the message it contains.” Several of the newshounds interjected at this point, and the pope held up his hand. “I concede that the ossuary of St Philip was taken from Turkish soil without proper authority. I will deal with that a little later.
“The most important as well as the most urgent issue to address right now is the violence that has erupted around the world, partly as a consequence of this action, but mainly due to other forces at play. I have thought deeply on this and conclude that the West is partly to blame.”
Camera operators went on a frenzy of clicks and whirs. More than fifty holovision stations broadcast the announcement to every country in the world.
“I say, partly. Partly due to greed, partly due to political ambition, and partly due to a lack of care and respect for the poor and underprivileged in our society. In this regard, the Church has not been without fault throughout the ages. It is something we are ashamed to acknowledge and for which we beg God’s forgiveness.” He paused and searched the room, but all were silent.
