GMs may tailor the exact nature of the Image to their individual campaigns. One example possibility is provided below.
As news of the Jerusalem temple incident spread, the president’s office received an outpouring of enthusiastic support. A vast majority of countries and their citizens already resented the Jews, with their incessant claims to Middle Eastern real estate and the arrogant exclusivity of their religion. Anti-Semitism had been held in check because of the president’s perceived affinity to Israel. But upon his self-coronation in the temple, pent-up resentment toward the Jews was unleashed. Public sentiment worldwide overwhelmingly backed the sacking of the temple and the elimination of the Israelis. “In a world finally becoming one,” the president had repeated on his multinational tour, “there is no room for isolated nations, rogue races, or resistent religions.”
I would add here that there was a most unusual follow-up to our temple visit that memorable Sunday. While leaving Jerusalem, the president remarked to his trusted confidant, “Pietro, the Jews believe their god’s presence perpetually dwelt in that golden holy room. It would be a shame to leave it empty, now that I have replaced him. Perhaps we should ensure that it remains occupied. Why don’t you arrange to have a likeness of me placed there permanently for all to see. Do what you have to do to display my glory in Jerusalem. And Pietro,” he added, “make it interesting.”
I heard him say these very words while we were being lifted above the bloody carnage at the Temple Mount. Subsequently, Pietro commissioned a likeness of the president to be carved out of the very same type of wood from which the ark of the covenant was made. This wood was used for the upper portion—torso, arms, and head—while the lower half—legs and feet—were fashioned out of Jerusalem stone taken from the Western Wall, a former place of prayer for the Jews. He then melted the gold that previously had covered the ark, using it for the statue’s “skin.” This gilded likeness proved remarkably true to the president’s facial features. The iconic object stood an imposing 3.6 meters (12 feet) tall and weighed 861 kilograms (1,900 pounds). Add the height of the marble pedestal on which it stands, and it towers above the ground at just over 6 meters (20 feet).
The craftsmanship employed in this unique creation was meticulous, but that is not what made it so spectacular. Once completed, the herculean image was placed in the exact spot where the ark of the covenant once stood. Many thousands filled the former Jewish worship venue and the Temple Mount area for an official unveiling ceremony, which was also simulcast worldwide. At the sound of a trumpet, the minister of affairs pulled the sheet from the massive golden figure, prompting the entire audience to respond with awe and an extended ovation of praise. His creation exhibited all the pomp and glory of a Roman sculpture, standing with strength, perhaps also reminiscent of ancient Babylonian splendor.
And then something happened for which the world was not prepared, something Pietro had kept secret until that moment. At the sound of Pietro Moretti’s voice, the image was suddenly transformed, becoming humanlike. Its eyes became translucent, displaying color. Its golden skin seemed to glow with warmth. The chest of this magnificent beast expanded and contracted, as if breathing. Standing high above the mesmerized crowds, the image opened its mouth, and smoke poured out. Far from appearing mechanical or animatronic, the metamorphosis of this creature included malleable facial features, its expressions being fluid and lifelike. And out of its mouth came the very voice of the president. The intelligence and glory of the imposing figure both blanketed those gathered with terror and inspired their worship. They bowed before it as if it were the president himself.
Anyone found not bowing before this representative image was at once identified and executed in its presence. And the prescribed method of execution? When the image gives the order, the rebel is beheaded on the spot. The sight of bloodstains before the dreaded statue quickly became an effective deterrent to future would-be dissenters.