#10 Johnny: Johnny's First Global Speech
Join Chancellor Apollyon and myself as we thrust aside our differences by uniting pluralistic believers under one common form of worship. Will you do this today?
Johnny, The Day After, is a flash short story series. Join Johnny in his degenerate journey into the mystic world of the new global Chancellor. Experience his loneliness, pain, sorrow, and rebellion as he adjusts to being one of many who are left behind after the Rapture.
New to Johnny? Read Chapter One HERE | Chapter Two HERE | Chapter Three HERE | Chapter Four HERE | Chapter Five HERE | Chapter Six HERE | Chapter Seven HERE | Chapter Eight HERE | Chapter Nine HERE |
JOHNNY SPEAKS TO THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
Johnny slept peacefully in his new elaborate suite hosted at the new Chancellor’s global headquarters. As he was resting in his bed, his new implant received a message from the mainframe of the World Chancellor.
AI APOLLYON: Supurious, it is time to start your first day as the Great Prophet. I have prepared for you a message to deliver once I introduce you to the World Economic Forum. The message will be downloaded within six seconds. Confirm by replying with “Command Received.”
JOHNNY: Command received.
Johnny quickly dressed himself in the French-designed royal blue single-breasted suit laid out for him. After dressing, he made a beeline to the Chancellor’s office. He found Chancellor Apollyon sitting at his desk, dressed in a white suit with a red tie. As the Chancellor looked up and saw the excitement on Johnny’s face, he beamed with delight.
CHANCELLOR: Supurious, have a seat. Today, we announce to the world our new leadership. After finishing my speech, I will introduce you as the Vice Chancellor of Religious Affairs. Behind you on the screen, our workers will flash scenes of religious leaders welcoming you. At which time you will walk on stage. As my AI Generator will prompt you, you will declare the following opening comments before your speech.
“Dear brothers and sisters! Let me address you in this direct and familiar way, as brothers and sisters. For that is how I would like to greet all of you – religious leaders and authorities, members of the diplomatic corps and of international organizations, representatives of academic and cultural institutions of civil society and various nongovernmental organizations – in the name of our new global fraternity that unites us as children of the same Heaven.
Before the mystery of the infinite that transcends and attracts us, the religions remind us that we are creatures; we are not omnipotent, but men and women journeying towards the same heavenly goal to serve our master of light and life. Our shared nature as creatures thus gives rise to a common bond, an authentic religious fraternity. It makes us realize that the meaning of life cannot be reduced to our own individual interests, but is deeply linked to the leadership of Chancellor Apollyon that is part of our identity. We can only mature if we unite under the banner of a single government and religious thought. May all of us direct our worship toward our new leader.”
Supurious, are you clear on these instructions?
JOHNNY: Yes, sir.
Johnny and the Chancellor are ushered to a helicopter stationed on the roof. During the trip, the Chancellor warns Johnny that his speech may activate resisters to his new plans for a one-world religion - assuring him that it may take time for some to deny their individual beliefs for that of Supurious. After arriving in Geneva, Switzerland, a host of bodyguards await them. They are ushered to the world stage. Chancellor Apollyon walks on stage for his opening comments.
CHANCELLOR: Today, we celebrate world peace. Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of souls desiring to end all hate and violence. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people. My name is Chancellor Apollyon, your newly appointed leader. I am honored to guide you to a more peaceful and secure world. Will you join me today in establishing peace through peace itself?
The audience broke out in a standing ovation. The stage screen flashed images of masses gathering worldwide, cheering him on with exuberant revel. After twenty minutes of cheers, the Chancellor introduces Supurious.
CHANCELLOR: May I please have your attention? I have the honor and privilege of introducing my new Vice Chancellor of Religious Affairs, John Supurious. Please welcome Mr. Supurious to our world stage.
The audience stood respectfully, presenting Johnny with an ovation that confirmed the journey and rise to the second most powerful position in world history. He became overwhelmed with pride and exuberance. He presented himself with absolute confidence and authority. Apollyon was proud of the man he created.
Johnny delivers his opening statement, along with his speech. However, his closing comments aroused the attention of the global masses, which was not generated by AI Apollyon.
JOHNNY: Within this hour, I am asking for peace and unity among all religions. A religion is an organized approach to human spirituality that usually encompasses a set of narratives, symbols, beliefs, and practices, often with a supernatural or transcendent quality, that give meaning to the practitioner’s experiences of human beings as a collectivity in all parts of the world, relationships between human beings, probably in all walks of their life, and to all facets of everyday human life, for example, education, politics, economy, etc. Every society has religious beliefs, rites, and organizations. Religion very often affects our understanding of the everyday life. The way in which we relate to each other is very often influenced by our religious beliefs. If we are to unite as one, we must end religious differences, particularly the differing beliefs that start wars. Join Chancellor Apollyon and myself as we thrust aside our differences by uniting pluralistic believers under one common form of worship. Will you do this today?
The audience worldwide began chanting praises. Apollyon suddenly wondered exactly what he created. Was he proud, or threatened by his new face to his empire? With the press telling Apollyon that “Johnny was the GQ of all global powers,” he didn’t know quite what to think.
Meanwhile, the crowds didn’t want Johnny to leave the stage, chanting “More, more.” Without hesitation, Johnny drifts from the script one more time.
JOHNNY: Folks, listen carefully; world peace begins with inner peace. Peace is not absent from conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by yielding what you worship. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, will only make the world blind and toothless. (laughter breaks out) To discover true peace, all of us must embrace each other without allowing our differing beliefs to squelch the splendor of worshiping light & life. Go now in universal peace by loving on your brothers and sisters of humanity.
As Johnny made his final comment, he opened his arms and rose off the floor to find himself suspended mid-air. The audience fell to their faces. Without question, the world has a new savior for a troubled world.
Once Apollyon and Johnny returned to the helicopter, Apollyon showed his disgust in Johnny.
CHANCELLOR: What was that bit at the end of your speech? Why did you stray from my script? And what was up with the magic stunt at the end?
Before Johnny had time to answer, Lucifaria’s voice filled the air.
LUCIFARIA: Supurious, well done my servant. The world needed to see a new savior, and you gave them exactly what I wanted. You did not hesitate in thought or deed. You, my son, are the savior to my new world order.
Apollyon was silenced. His greed, envy, and anger were suppressed. As he looked upon Johnny, he saw the radiant glory of Lucifaria pouring forth as a blinding light. Apollyon realizes he has some serious competition on his hands.
Coming up next: JOHNNY’ MEETS WITH THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES