The eye of the lion

Elias Waiss drew a smile of satisfaction while, on the plasma TV screen in his office, he watched the press conference which CNN was transmitting live from the Holy Seat, and in which, it had been broadcast, Bruno Voquessi would be making an announcement of extraordinary importance for the Christian world.

He leaned back in his comfortable chair and relaxed, satisfied. It had been a great day. The blood examinations that had been performed that morning on the fetus in Marina’s belly, had revealed some marvelous things: an unusual immunological capacity and evidence of cellular regeneration which no other human being possessed. The new race. HIS new race.

At that moment Voquessi appeared on the screen, showing evident emotion that he could not disguise. The reporters thrust a cluster of microphones at him, and he began to speak in his well-known solemn tone, infused this time with perceptible emotion.

“Brothers and sisters of the Catholic people, of Christendom and of the international community in general. I am here today to inform you of an incredible occurrence...”

Waiss smiled, murmuring to himself.

“Well, old man. You have your wish, and I have mine. Enjoy it while it lasts.”

He closed his eyes and leaned his head on the back of the chair, leaving Voquessi to inform the world of news that he already knew, and of which he knew much more than them all.