25.6

Shard returned to the dais.

“Please… let the Regeneration begin…”

“The Regeneration is an evolution not a revolution. It contemplates a change of consciousness, not a change of political structure, and is achievable without the shedding of one drop of blood.

“The idea of the Regeneration will appear as a most unwelcome surprise to many people. It will surely upset their world to hear that renunciation, our traditional method of enlightenment, is in fact the method endorsed by Christ for the time on earth known to many believers as the Last Day.”

Mmm – the Last Day… that’s familiar.

Ah yes, that’s from the Koran.

The Last Day is what Muslims pray for.

They are combining the two religions.

Does that help?

“What we have here is Universal Faith.

“And so, as predicted – the Last Day suddenly appears on the horizon – free and clear – for all to see. Nothing approaching an experiment like this has ever been even considered before, let alone attempted.”

Shard seemed to be winding up but the President continued to watch intently, quietly hoping there was more.

Shard didn’t disappoint him.

“So,” he said. “We come, finally, to now – to the only thing that really matters.”

Shard paused, looked around him, and smiled… an old, wrinkly, happy smile.

“In India… indeed, just down the road, in Mumbai… we have another young champion on the move.

“Please, do not misunderstand.

“Jesus was a great man from birth, a born champion.

“Clearly, and I can not stress this enough, Max is no Jesus. Max is nothing more than an example of how an ordinary human being can rise to a great occasion when, and if, called upon to do so.

“Hopefully he will provide the spark we’ve all been waiting for.”

The film flicked off.

“That’s it,” John said. “That’s film one.”

Nothing more than an example of how an ordinary man can rise to the occasion… when, and if, called.

Is he talking to you?