“Are you sure this look suits me?” I asked, observing myself in the mirror a couple days later.

Rhia nodded behind me. “Yes, we think this image maintains who you are, keeping you familiar, but not recognizable. Should you run into anyone you know, or if they see pictures or video of you, they’ll just get a sense of familiarity, but won’t know it’s you. Dropping the timber of your voice also helped with that.”

“What about the hairy chest? Don’t you think that’s a little too cliché?”

Su piped up then. “That was Bridgette’s contribution. She said it would help win the women over.”

“Bridgette?” I asked, still not sure who they were referring to.

“You’ll meet her soon enough,” answered Rhia. “She’s shy. Having her contribute should have helped with that a bit, and she’s gotten used to your presence now. Six months isn’t bad. It took being here for a few years before she ever made her presence known to me.”

“Didn’t you get here something like 600 years ago?”

“And?” she asked, tilting her head in confusion.

Right, I thought. Everyone’s damn near immortal up here. Why should this Bridgette person being that old surprise me at all?

Looking at myself as I flexed and posed in front of the mirror, I couldn’t help but think I’d make a great statue! Rhia rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything. My new look was more toned then the soft mess I was before. Just enough definition to show I had strength, but not so chiseled as to look like a comic book hero. It was really more of a quarterback look. They’d made my beard softer and shaped it, took a bit off the bridge of my nose, and given me a fuller jaw. They’d left my eyes the same though. Su insisted that no one touch my hazel eyes, and the others agreed. Su also had input on another change, but that was hidden beneath the shorts I was wearing. I certainly didn’t have any complaints about that. By the way she her reflection was salivating behind me, I could tell she was ready to give it a test drive as soon as possible, but that would have to wait.

The physical makeover was only part of the preparations I needed to make. We’d decided that it was almost time for my coming out party, now that I’d begun to get a firm grasp on my capabilities. I’d been popping down to Earth more frequently lately, gauging the hot spots I’d need to hit first to send the strongest message.

I’d also been thinking about a public moniker. I couldn’t very well drop down on the planet and say “Hi. I’m John and I’m your god.” I sense that wouldn’t go over well. The only problem I had was that I was terrible at coming up with epic sounding names. So, I suggested something that was actually an old gamertag of mine. Rhia had stared at me a second before asking if I was sure. I was going to be stuck with this name for the rest of eternity, I knew that right? I laughed and told her it was fine. It was easy enough to remember, and just exotic enough to make it stick.

“So,” I asked the ladies around me. “What do you think? Business? Business casual? Casual? Toga? Fig leaf?”

Su was about to offer her suggestion before Rhia slapped a hand over her mouth. “No fig leaf!” Su looked disheartened at that, until I winked at her in the mirror. Her eyes lit up, but she kept her mouth shut. Rhia muttered something about a fig leaf not being nearly enough to do the job, but immediately got back on track.

“Considering who you’re visiting this afternoon, I’d suggest business. Anything less would be insulting. I normally wouldn’t concern myself with that, but since you’re trying to make friends instead of overpowering them, professional is the way to go.”

“Sounds like a plan,” I said and snapped my fingers, instantly sporting a charcoal gray suit and silk tie. The feel of the fabric on my skin was exquisite, and the cut of the jacket really made my new body pop. Armani produced cheap school uniforms compared to this. Can’t have a god showing up in the world’s second best suit now, can we? I gave my reflection my most dazzling smile while adjusting my cuff links. A complete affectation, since nothing on this suit would ever be out of place or damaged. I then swept my hair back, getting my look just perfect. Su swooned and dropped to the floor. Ryo leaned over and started licking her face, trying to wake her up.

“Ooh, my lord,” she muttered, dazed. “So energetic this morning.” I raised an eyebrow, then glanced at Rhia, who just rolled her eyes and nudged Su with her foot.

“Su, get up. We’re leaving. We need you to get back to work.” Su’s eyes shot open.

“Oh! My Lord!” She stood up quickly, attempting to regain her dignity. “My humblest apologies.”

“Don’t sweat it,” I said, “But I need you on your best behavior from here on out. I need my Head Maid. You remember our plan, so I need you to get everything ready. If everything goes well, we should be back in a few hours.”

“And if it doesn’t go well, My Lord?”

“We’ll still be back in a few hours, but with less guests.”

“Understood. Then I’ll be on my way, My Lord.” She turned to leave, but I stopped her and pulled her in close for a kiss.

“If you behave yourself this afternoon, I’ll let you misbehave tonight,” I whispered in her ear, before giving her lips a quick peck. A smile spread across her lips as she bowed to Rhia and me, then disappeared.

Rhia watched her go, then faced me. “You’re spoiling her.”

“I believe good service deserves an equitable reward. Some people want vacation time, others a pay raise. She wants… something else. As long as she provides the support I expect from her, then I have no problem rewarding her service. After what I promised her, I guarantee she’s going to set an almost unreachable standard for professionalism among everyone else working here.”

I looked deep into Rhia’s eyes. “I’d love to pay you back for all you’ve done since you found me, yet I can never figure out how. You have never given me even a hint of what you might want or desire. You’ve never even asked for a day for yourself. In almost seven months the only thing you’ve asked for was that statue of Ryo, and you got that by pretending to get rid of it.”

She blushed and started looking around the room. “Uh, about that. I, uh…”

I laughed. “It’s ok. I love her too, and if I didn’t have the real deal sitting on my foot right now, I’d want the statue as well. The point is, what can I do to repay you for all you’ve done for me? Your options are almost endless.”

She reached out and attempted to adjust my tie, knowing full well it was already perfect. “I appreciate the thought, but it isn’t necessary. At first, I was doing this because it was what Inton wanted. I wanted to see his vision through. After spending these last few months with you, and learning who you are and what you want, I’m here because I want to be, and because I want to see your vision through. Do that, and it will be all the repayment I need. Now come on, we have a busy day ahead of us. Are we taking Ryo with us?”

Ryo looked at us expectantly, tail wagging. I felt bad about it but shook my head. Now was the time for diplomacy, and having a dog tag along may hinder that, no matter how loveable she was. Sensing my decision, her tail stopped moving and she gave me a forlorn look. I knelt down and started stroking her head.

“I’m sorry, girl. Not this time. Trust me, we’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future for you to run around the planet. Can you help me out by behaving the rest of the day? I’ll play with you later, I promise.” She gave me a lick as an answer, and then walked out of the room to parts unknown in our home, tail hanging limp behind her.

I manifested a long overcoat to match the business suit I wore and turned to Rhia, extending my elbow. “Shall we, Miss Raven Angel?” Her eyes narrowed, but she took the proffered arm as we vanished from the room.

*

On a crisp March morning, a golden column of light shot down from the sky, landing in front of the world famous obelisk at the heart of St. Peter’s Square. Startled tourists, artists, and Swiss Guard members quickly fled the area as the light grew in intensity. Drawing back to what they hoped was a safe distance, many pulled out their cell phones and started recording, in the way that people recorded everything these days. What was most disconcerting about the whole affair was that for as bright as the light was, there was no sound. It was pure light in a silent plaza.

Just as suddenly as the light appeared, it vanished. As people started to blink the spots out of their eyes, they became aware of a man and woman standing where the light had impacted. The man was about six and a half feet tall and well built, with wavy light brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His hazel eyes seemed kind, yet they pierced the hearts of everyone he made eye contact with, and his dazzling smile caused many women, and not a few men, to go weak in the knees. The woman was a professional beauty in her business coat, pencil skirt, black pantyhose and high heels. Her long black hair hung down, draped over one shoulder, but what captured everyone’s attention, despite her goddess rivalling beauty, were the wings behind her. Raven-like wings that seemed to shift between black and dark blue as the feathers were lightly ruffled by the chilly breeze.

The handsome gentleman stepped forward and raised his right hand in a wave, his dazzling smile seeming to grow brighter. “Good morning, everyone! We’re here to meet your pope.”

*

Think we got their attention? I thought at Rhia while waving to the growing crowd, knowing she’d pick it up.

She leaned in a bit and whispered “Oh, I believe we did. What was with that entrance though? We never discussed that.”

“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else,” I quoted to her in my head. Everyone today worships gods who all work behind the scenes and “gives them inner strength,” conveniently enough. It’s time someone showed them what a real god is capable of. This won’t be enough though. Just follow my lead.

She gave an imperceptible nod, then stepped back a pace, clearly showing the crowd deference to me. We were playing on her public identity as the Raven Angel, whose cult following hadn’t diminished at all and worshipped her as the highest of beings. By having the impossibly beautiful angel who’d returned the space station’s final remaining crew members to Earth clearly show subservience to me, it established my status as her superior. This was bound to rattle the RAS, but I didn’t care. Most of them seemed to be fair weather worshipers anyway. Latching on to whatever fad religion is in vogue next. Last year it was Norse mythology. Before that was Scientology. For now, it was my lovely companion. I wonder how that will change in the future after witnessing a true deity in their midst.

A number of armed men in colorful uniforms cautiously approached us. Some still carrying their swords and halberds, not having time to grab their actual weapons, while others clearly had time and were training them in our direction. I was also aware the more than a few elevated positions were focused on me as well. I can’t say I blame them. These were dangerous times we lived in. I stepped forward to greet them.

“Gentlemen! Good morning! Who do I need to see to arrange a meeting with your pope?”

The closest man, levelling a polearm at me even though he was still a good fifty feet way, started shouting orders at me to stay where I was and not move a muscle. Naturally, I didn’t comply in the slightest and kept walking steadily forward.

“Now, now,” I said. “That’s not very nice. I’ve come a long way to visit, and I’d hate to leave without at least saying hi.”

Another gentleman, this one dressed casually and armed with a small submachine gun, repeated the demand for me to stop where I was or he would be forced to open fire. The crowd was growing, despite the guards’ best efforts to push them back. Seemingly everyone in Rome had seen my little light show or their friends livestreamed videos and were coming to see it all in person. Mindful of the electronic eyes that surrounded me, beaming this confrontation to screens all around the world, I took another step forward.

“This isn’t very polite, you know. I’m just a guy trying to visit the pope. I’m sensing more than a little hostility here, and I’ve done nothing to deserve that. Isn’t that right, Rhia?” I called back over my shoulder.

Rhia got into character at my words, speaking with a raised, regal voice. “That is correct, My Lord. As these many witnesses can attest,” she gestured at the surrounding crowd, “all you have done is seek a meeting with the pope. That certainly hasn’t warranted this show of force with these primitive and barbaric weapons.” The guards shifted uneasily as they took in the ever growing crowd around them. I had been walking steadily the whole time she spoke, finally within the reach of the polearm the first guard was pointing at me.

“Sir, I must ask you to stand back or we will open fire,” the man with the submachine gun said, standing next to the young man wielding the polearm. The other guards had kept their distance, ready to support them if they needed it.

“If you feel the need, then I can’t stop you. I don’t imagine you’ll do much damage with that, however.” I indicated the weapon he held, which no longer posed a threat to anyone. He looked down to find that his formerly aggressive looking gun was now its nerf equivalent. Bewildered, he looked back up at me. I gave him my most dazzling smile as I reached out and touched the polearm that was now inches from my chest. The head immediately dropped down, limp as wet spaghetti. I stepped back and spread my arms wide, allowing a golden glow to spread out from me like an aura.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” I called out. “You have nothing to fear from me! I am here to help everyone that I can! But to do so, I wish to meet the man in charge here! Your supreme holy leader! Can anyone make this happen, or will I be forced to intrude on his privacy on my own volition? I’m trying to be very polite here.”

The plainclothes guard pressed a finger to his ear for a second, then turned back to me.

“Excuse me, sir. I’m being told that His Holiness wishes to meet with you as well. I’ve been instructed to bring you to him. May I ask your name, sir?”

I smiled, giddy that someone finally asked. I made sure I spoke loud enough for the witnesses and cameras to hear every word.

“You may! I am the one who shall guide you all to the next stage of human development! I am Zekken, and I am a god!”

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Rhia facepalm.

*

The meeting with the pope went quite well, considering. I mean, I’d just announced, in his front yard essentially, that I was a god, yet he’d accepted us warmly and privately. He even offered us some coffee, which he served himself. I tell you, even though I now controlled powers beyond anything I’d ever imagined and lived on the moon, this was a bit overwhelming. I was still someone who was born and raised on Earth, after all. To have the top man in the Catholic church personally serve me coffee is an experience that can’t quite be measured. I didn’t let us get too in depth on what I was ultimately after, though.

My intention when coming here was to introduce myself and to extend an invitation. I told him I would be inviting the top, or most influential, leaders from around the world to my home. It was far easier to bring them to me and tell everyone what I wanted, then it was for me to visit each of them in turn and outline my plans multiple times. Surprisingly, he agreed. He’d been shown my display in the Square and was curious about me. Satisfied at his agreement, I got up to leave. He extended his hand, palm down, ring out. I grabbed his hand in a firm but friendly handshake, placing my other hand on top of them.

“No, I won’t be kissing your ring, Hans,” I said, using his real name, not his pope name. “I bow before no man. I’m a god, after all.” I winked playfully at the last sentence. He stared at me for a second, then chuckled.

“You can’t blame an old man for trying. I shall see you in a few hours, young man. I’m curious to hear what you’ll tell me.”

I smiled as he started making his way towards the room’s door to escort us out, but I waved it off, telling him it wouldn’t be necessary. A golden aura surrounded Rhia and myself, and with a flash, we vanished from Italy.

*

As to be expected, the events at the Vatican spread around the world at the speed of social media. Many people believed it to be a hoax or publicity stunt, declaring everyone involved to be actors and in on it. Others were skeptical, saying they’d wait to see what else happened before drawing any conclusions. A fanatical minority were declaring it the end of times, but those types of people saw the end of times coming every second Thursday, so no one paid any attention to them.

The Raven Angel Society were, surprisingly, the most vocal about their claims that the videos were illegitimate. Their entire organization was built on their belief that the Raven Angel, Rhia, was their personal goddess and would never submit to anyone. They had absolutely no evidence to base these claims on, save the thirty second video of her dropping off the astronauts’ bodies and taking off again, but evidence is hardly a factor where blind faith is concerned. Walter Lester Jones, their self-appointed leader and public face, was already being interviewed by a major news network where he was vehemently denying that the winged woman in the Vatican videos was the same winged woman seen in Baltimore, despite the wealth of evidence proving him wrong. Mr. Jones was now facing the same dilemma countless older religions have been wrestling with for centuries: how do you reconcile the facts staring you in the face with doctrine that claims otherwise. He chose the first tactic that always failed. Deny, deny, deny.

Heedless of Walter’s complaints, the world continued to spin. People talked about it but continued with their lives. Men and women went back to work, children attended school, and within a few hours most people went back to ignoring the news, writing the event off as another oddity in the world. Reports continued to come in about a cheerful man and winged woman appearing around the world’s capitols, asking to meet with leaders in the area, but humans are surprisingly quick to move on. No one died, and there were no large explosions, so interest waned. Except for two Swiss Guards, who were reevaluating everything they’ve ever known, most people had forgotten about it and by the end of the day it was just a quick blurb on the news.