The next day, Guru Paul called all his worshippers into the great hall for his daily sermon. This one, however, was not the usual paranoid rant about pharmaceuticals and the media. This one was to have a deeper meaning for the direction of his cult.
The Guru had spent the whole night writing and revising his speech. He wanted his explanation to make it appear to his followers that he was still in complete control of the Medallion's power, so that it didn't create any doubt in their minds that he was the ultimate source of power in the universe.
So, they all filed in, in a very orderly, nearly zombified fashion, and took their seats, breathlessly awaiting their faithful Guru to speak.
"I am the way and the power," he began (it was his signature,) "all hail the way."
"Hail!" they cried out in unison.
"Fellow travellers, the time of ascent is nigh upon us," he raised his arms in front of him, exhibiting a great power over his spellbound audience. He produced the medallion from under his podium, and held it high. "Your leader has uncovered this sacred artifact, through which his power flows. It is a sign that soon, we shall all be taken into the great plane of light and electricity, and our souls shall all be bound as one in the infinite sentience of the universe."
He paused for dramatic effect. His mass saluted and cried out "hail!" once again in unison.
"But even my power is not absolute. This medallion is but a conduit through which my power must be collected. To charge my spiritual energy, your leader must increase the size of his personal harem, so that his energy not be dampened. Observe."
At his signal, one of the more hefty and unkempt-looking female cultmembers was brought forth. The medallion was placed around her neck and it was touched to a fresh, smaller tunic. The stunned audienced gasped in awe as she was transformed into a slim, gorgeous harem girl. The Guru's lieutenants directed her to his personal lounge. He took the medallion back and issued his statement--
"He who would wish to help his faithful and benevolent leader, and join his blessed harem, please attend my lounge at 3 this afternoon for the Mass Transformation. All Hail Paulus!"
"Hail!" they cried in unison. The bells began to ring, and the masses made their exit single-file.
