#48 of 100: The Prophet | Print |

I thought of the opening line to this in the bath, it's probably been used before but I'm just going to splurge it onto the page and see how it sits. It's a prophet coming down from the mountain to address the people. I have realised that it's heavily influenced by listening to the Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy radio show at the moment on good old tape cassette. Having ideas in the bath is also Adams influenced, so there.

#48 - The Prophet
PROPHET: In the beginning, was the end.
(LONG-PAUSE)
(PROPHET SHUFFLES HIS FEET AND COUGHS SLIGHTLY)
SPOKESMAN: Is that it?
PROPHET: (Confused) That's all that He saw fit to send.
SPOKESMAN:  It's just, it's a bit...
PROPHET: I'm just the messenger, don't blame me.
SPOKESMAN: You're sure you didn't miss some out?
PROPHET: Hmmm... let me see...
SPOKESMAN: A word, a paragraph, that explains what it's about?
PROPHET: No. I'm pretty certain that was all.
SPOKESMAN: It's just not going to make a very good book.
PROPHET: I could try another call?
BILL: (Quietly) Excuse me? Hello. Look!
PROPHET: Yes, sorry. What's the matter Bill?
BILL: Could we just... make it up? I don't know. Write something about Heaven and Hell?
PROPHET: You mean... Go against His divine will?
SPOKESMAN: He's got a point. It'd certainly sell well.
PROPHET: The very thought makes me feel ill.
SPOKESMAN: You'd rather go and tell the people what you told us?
PROPHET: Why not? It's what I'm sent to teach.
SPOKESMAN: You don't think it would cause a fuss?
BILL: Yeah, I'd pay to see you preach.
          One line and you'd be killed.
PROPHET: (Shaken) What do you suggest?
BILL: Something that will make the people feel fulfilled.
SPOKESMAN: Yes... Bill, I'll help you write it. Don't worry Prophet, you learn the words, we'll sort out the rest.
PROPHET: Yes. Maybe this is for the best.
(FADE OUT - BILL & SPOKESMAN ARE DEEP IN CONVERSATION)
BILL: We could say that those without sin are blessed?
SPOKESMAN: Yes, yes. And those with sin (which is everyone) will get depressed.
BILL: And seek for ways to make amends for their sin.
SPOKESMAN: We'll rake it in!

It's not really inspired by DNA in style, but I think the idea subconsciously came from the conversation between Deep Thought and the philosophers in H2G2.