Chapter 17 God Incorporated

• Act II: Masked Machinations
• The grand hall of the Divine Citadel hummed with anticipation as Zahra maneuvered through the crowd of reporters. She positioned herself for a closer view of Bishop Gabriel Costa. The press conference had an air of exclusivity. Journalists had to work hard to get into the good graces of The Church. Zahra had to call in a lot of favors to get access to this prestigious event.
• Bishop Costa took the stage at the front of the room, his presence commanding attention. From his elevated position on stage, he greeted the assembled reporters. His superiority was shrouded in an air of humble reverence. The architecture amplified and projected his voice through the large space. The Bishop's elaborate attire shimmered with white and gold beneath the skylight's divine glow. An aura of power and divine authority enveloped the frail old man.