#9 Johnny: Johnny Receives the Mark

LUCIFARIA: I am the ruler of the world. My power is absolute, and my authority is unquestioned. I have the ability to shape the course of history and to control the destiny of all living beings.

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

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JOHNNY RECEIVES THE MARK & THE CHIP

As Johnny was standing in the office of the World Chancellor after being touched by the dark spirit, he noticed his voice had deepened and he had grown in size. The biggest change he noticed was his keen sense of thinking. Suddenly, he hears the World Chancellor laughing.

JOHNNY: Why are you laughing, sir?

CHANCELLOR: Look at yourself in the glass, Supurious.

Johnny looked at himself in the window. He was shocked at what he saw. He stood at least a foot taller, with greying hair, a beard, a brilliant white robe, and more handsome than he could have imagined. While being a bit mystified, he reveled in his new appearance. He swelled with pride.  

JOHNNY: What have you done to me? And why did you do this?

CHANCELLOR: Don’t question me, Supurious. I am the most powerful leader in the world. I have the ability to make decisions that can change the course of history. My words carry weight, and my actions have consequences. I am the one who decides what is best for you, and I will do whatever it takes to rule the world. I have the strength, the intelligence, and the courage to lead the world to greatness. No one can stand in my way, and no one can challenge my authority. I am the ruler of my domain, and I will not be stopped. And you, Supurious, will serve me. Don’t ever question my actions again.

Johnny found himself caught between the new power he possessed and the power of the Chancellor. He felt as if he should use that power to humble his leader. He knew he had the power of words buried deep in his mind. The next thing Johnny knew, he rose and spoke assertively to the Chancellor.

JOHNNY: I understand that you are in a position of power, but that does not give you the right to treat me or anyone else with disrespect. I am here to do my job to the best of my ability, and I expect to be treated with the same level of respect that I give to you. However, with that said, I am here to serve you. What is your desire?

CHANCELLOR: Well said, Supurious. You have passed the test. Now, we must seal your service and submission with the mark of our master. Hold out your right hand, palm side down.  

Johnny held out his hand. The Chancellor reached into his top desk drawer and pulled out a device that enveloped Johnny’s hand. A blue laser beam came forth from the device that branded three numbers on the top of his hand – 666. Then he placed the device on Johnny’s forehead, and within a split second and a pinch, a microchip was placed under his skin.

JOHNNY: Could you please explain what just happened?

CHANCELLOR: The mark I placed on your hand is the identity number of our Supreme Master, Lucifaria. He is the ultimate force of light and life. The two of us will take orders from him. You, me, nor anyone else will be granted the privilege to see him face to face, at least not at this time in his plans. We will hear his voice often. We must obey every command that comes forth from his lips. Do you understand?

JOHNNY: Yes. What was this thing you injected into my forehead?

CHANCELLOR:  Our master requires all of us to have a microchip placed under the skin of our foreheads. It is a small electronic device that uses radio-frequency identification technology to store and transmit data to and from our brains. All data is stored here in my office. Know that the chip contains a unique identification number that can be used to track us and access information about you and all of us. Our master uses this data to rule from his remote location.

The Chancellor walked over and stood in front of a large blank wall. He raised his hands, and the wall transformed into a sophisticated computer epicenter. As he waved his hands, different monitors were activated. He reaches for a screen labeled Supurious. Immediately, the monitor began transposing Johnny’s thoughts onto the screen. Johnny stood in silence in complete amazement.

The Chancellor touches the keyboard on the Supurious monitor. Types a command for Johnny to shout out allegiance to Lucifaria. Immediately, Johnny shouts out into the room:

JOHNNY: I pledge my allegiance to our master, Lucifaria.   

Suddenly, a deep, grave voice from the unseen world replies to Johnny’s allegiance statement.

LUCIFARIA: I am the ruler of the world. My power is absolute, and my authority is unquestioned. I have the ability to shape the course of history and to control the destiny of all living beings. My armies are vast, and my weapons are unstoppable. No one can stand against me, and no one can challenge my rule. I am the master of all that I survey, and I will not be denied. Supurious, your service is at my command.

CHANCELLOR: Supurious, get on your knees. Bow before the voice of your master.

The Chancellor commissioned Johnny as the Great Prophet of Lucifaria. A religious spirit filled Johnny’s body. Being overpowered by this spirit, Johnny collapses and passes out. When Johnny awakened, the Chancellor downloaded every piece of stored data on the world's religions from Creation forward into Johnny’s chip. He then tested the download by asking Johnny a question.

CHANCELLOR: Supurious, what is the oldest religion in world history?

JOHNNY: Hinduism is considered to be the oldest of the world religions. However, the first religion was established by Lucifaria in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve came to worship Lucifaria by choice.    

CHANCELLOR: Well done, Supurious. Our master has given you two priorities. The first is to go forth into the world, requiring all humans to receive the mark and the chip as you received. Secondly, it is your responsibility to demand that the masses worship me as their global leader. I will ultimately pass this worship onto Lucifaria. Are you clear on these instructions?  

JOHNNY: Yes, sir!

Johnny rises from his knees with great confidence. His mind is crystal clear. His eagerness to fulfill his new commission dominates every thought. With that, the Chancellor shows him to his room. As the door opens, Johnny notices every wall is filled with large screens monitoring religions and their leaders worldwide. He rushes over to one of the monitors, touches the profile screen of one of the leaders, and every megabyte of data on that leader pops up on the screen. It lists family members, religious leaders assigned to the leader, and all the private data needed for Johnny to track every move. He realizes that after this leader receives the mark and chip, their master will be able to guide every thought and intention of their religion and the masses that follow them.  

Coming up next: JOHNNY’S FIRST PUBLIC ADDRESS