Kingdom Come

The second in a three part story concerning a future world that just might be right around the corner.

The vaccine had been promoted with the promise of eradicating the killer virus that had wiped out a whopping 2 percent of the humanity; amazingly, nearly the total human race came forward to receive the inoculation. The man responsible for making this all possible had come to be known simply as "The Prophet". How society was ever able to operate without the benevolent act of this great man was now unfathomable. Wasn't he the one who convinced the nations to come to the table and agree to act as one and take the "cleansing"? A small injection taken in the right arm, and incredibly, the deadly virus was corralled, as well as many other viruses that had plagued humanity from the beginning of time, even the common cold was at an all time low.

The command came forth and all were ordered to come forth and take the injection, most nations complied willingly in forcing their citizens to receive the shot that had come to lovingly be known as the "mark", by its adherents in the media and entertainment circles. What was not expected, or at least never mentioned when the "mark" was first rolled out, was the effect that it had on the economies of the world. Because of the fear that the virus might mutate and reappear, it was determined that all must show proof of receiving the "mark". Initially, this was carried out by law enforcement from each sovereign nation; it was becoming less of a concern due to a peculiar side effect, a noticeable deep wrinkle across the brow of the forehead, giving people a somewhat hardened expression. On the bright side, it matched the same intense stare of the world leader. An expression of pride and arrogance, and why not, wasn't this the dawning in the next step of the evolution of the human race? Humans finally released from the bonds of imprisonment, set free to partake of the fruits of this new immortality; which legend has it, was denied to us so, so long ago.

All businesses, places of worship, arenas and stadiums, entertainment venues; wherever commerce took place, if you didn't show the obvious sign of the "mark", you were not welcome. Heaven forbid, you might be a carrier of the eradicated virus. The poor souls who didn't show the physical proof of the cleansing, became acutely aware they were being singled out by society. Often harassed, beaten, chased from their neighbourhoods, no matter is was often life long friends, even family, who were the ones expelling them. When these stubborn, misguided, dare say, "haters of humanity", attempted to receive goods through the underground, they were often times turned in by the nefarious sellers of their ill begotten booty. Once informed upon, these malcontents were rounded up and transported to "Education Centers". By law, these "non markers", were held for ten days for education and for the opportunity to take the cleansing. It was widely believed that these centers were places of interrogation, though the "state" never came out to confirm nor deny such allegations. Rumours spread and often times confirmed on rogue websites of "non markers" being released with the loss of their right hands. A death sentence, without proof of the "mark" you were destined to starve.

On the brighter side, people had begun to mention the "Great One's" name when greeting one another. "May the Great One's blessing be upon you this day, may you be worthy of his many gifts." Or something to that effect. People even began giving one another a salute to commemorate the "Great One's" status, like a salute, or a wave. It was nothing new, actually it was something old, the "Okay" hand gesture, the thumb and index finger made a circle, while the other three fingers extended straight up. It was said it was to communicate that we are all united or connected in a circle of love, while the three fingers represented the "Great One", the "Prophet", and God, who continuously looks over us.

The "Prophet" had recently given a telecast informing the citizens of the planet, that those deemed worthy would receive a stipend to offset the still sluggish economies of the world, a gift from the "Great One". How a person was deemed worthy was never discussed, what it did accomplish is foster a sense of suspense and mistrust between people; splitting families and long lasting friendships apart through jealousy and eventually rage. Suspicion began to spread throughout communities like a wildfire out of control. Once friendly neighbours now eyed each other with contempt, envious of the other's good fortune. Sayings sprang up, though no one ever came forth to claim ownership, "The "Great One" walks among us like a ravenous wolf." Another, "The hunter knows no bounds." And, "The Great One" giveth and the "Great One" taketh away." The "state" was able to use its own citizens to police themselves. Children became the true enforcers of all the goodwill being spread out to the populaces of the world. Singled out by the "Prophet", the old saying, "Out of the mouth of babes", had taken on a whole new meaning. Children were taken from their families and trained by the benevolent "state" to choose those worthy in society to receive the gifts from the "Great One". Women too were given a much larger role in the new utopia; the womb given a place of ultimate honour in places or worship. Wicca recognized and given a place of great authority by the "Prophet", who came to be known as a "Woman's best friend".

There was a real sense among the "common folk" that by receiving the "mark" and giving homage to the saviour of the world, they had been cleansed of their sins against the "Glorious Kingdom". Truly, it appeared that by simply taking the "mark", a person had been made new, successful, self-reliant, and content. Yes, humankind had entered the golden age. "I'll see you in a thousand years", became a typical greeting between friend and strangers alike. The millennial kingdom long spoken about by seers and sages had finally arrived; sure, there were still obstacles to overcome, but by the grace of God and her chosen, the "Great One", and led by her saint, the "Prophet", paradise beckoned. Unbeknown to most, some had fled the burgeoning utopia and had scattered to remote areas in the wilderness. Silly rumours; where would a person want to be other then in the confines of the ever-present, caring "state"? Never mind the deepening burrow in your forehead was beginning to blister. The days of glory had arrived, long live the "Great One"!