Page 19 of The Last Aquarius
“We took away his minions. He has no way of making new scouts to call others therefore he’s decided to conquer Earth via a new method.”
“By preying on the religious.” Aquarius shook his head. “It will never work.”
“Don’t be so sure. Look at the news ticker.”
Jesus has returned.
“It will quickly come out that he’s a charlatan. I mean he can’t heal people or turn water to wine, can he?” He regarded Ishtar with question.
She could only shrug. “Healing? Maybe not, but the rest? Think of everything Nimrod can do. What the warriors can do.Beings of powers aren’t bound by the same laws of science as the flesh based are.”
“I…Uh…” At a loss for words, Aquarius took a moment before exclaiming, “I need to check in with the boss and make sure he knows of this development.”
He ran off, and Ishtar sighed. Talking to Aries wouldn’t help much. Humanity had always been obsessive about their religions. Early mankind believed deities controlled everything. As they evolved and realized science could explain much, some couldn’t let go of their need to believe. Christianity, and other religions based around the one God and his son, filled that gap. The bible became an unassailable mantra. It shouldn’t have surprised the Kukakk had latched onto that and twisted it. Without an army or more of its brethren to subjugate the population, it had to switch its usual tactic from violence to cajoling.
Brilliant really. People would willingly throw themselves at the Kukakk. Would give it everything it desired. If it asked for riches, they would shower it with every ounce of wealth they had. They’d ensconce it in the most luxurious of residences. When the Kukakk pointed and declared someone a sinner or blasphemer, they would tear them apart with their own hands. Like sheep, they would follow their cult leader’s every command, never realizing the deaths it would demand would feed the Kukakk. It wanted their spark of life, their soul, so to speak.
And the worst part, given how easily people became fanatics? They’d do it willingly.
CHAPTER 8
As it turned out,Aries already knew of the media’s declaration that Jesus had returned.
“Surely there’s a way we can expose the fucker?” Aquarius exclaimed, pacing his boss’ office.
“Expose how? Gullible people will believe its parlor tricks.”
“We could assassinate it.”
“We could, but it would simply flit to a new body and use that to strengthen its mystique by claiming ‘Look, I am the son of God, and I can be reborn in anyone.’” Aries grunted. “I have to say, it’s a brilliant maneuver. Using people’s faith to get them to serve.”
“Are you saying we should do nothing?”
“I’m working on a solution, but honestly, I think, at this point, you’re the only one who can make a difference.”
“Because of the prophecy.” Aquarius’ lips turned down. “Ishtar thinks it’s bullshit.”
“I got the impression that she’s more worried of repeating what happened to her planet.”
“She is, and I get it, but she won’t even let us try to study how they got rid of the Kukakk so we can try and fix the aftereffects.”
“You’ll have to keep trying. The prophecy said something about giving her what she desires. Any idea what that would be?”
“No clue, but if I could guess, I think she wishes she could fix Mars.”
“Is that possible? Can a planet regain its magnetic shield?” Aries mused aloud.
“I don’t know, but if the Martians with their supposed advanced technology couldn’t, then I’m not sure what you think we can do.”
“Sometimes when you’re too close to a problem you can’t see a solution.”
“I guess.” Aquarius rubbed his face. “I did find out she can get travel Mars. She’s got a spaceship up in orbit.”
“That’s good news.”
“Assuming I can convince her to go.”
“Turn on the charm.”
