Chronicles of the

Children of Destiny

‘Morning Stars II’

by

Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly

http://noahidebooks.angelfire.com

Prologue

1,000,001 HY

One million years. Time for reflection and thought, the creator of Glory thought unto himself. Time for reflection and thought. So much said, so much left undone. But the future still beckoned, and the past could take care of itself for the moment. Time for the next arc of destiny – time for arc II. They were the ‘Morning Stars’ – his special children. His chosen children. Children of Eve, children of destiny. And plans had been made, and plans had come to pass. But the future yet beckoned, and in this second arc, something new was to come forth. Something not done previously. And, so as he had done, and presumably always would do so, God planned.

PART ONE

‘THE PROPHECIES OF DANIEL, SERAPHIM OF ETERNITY’

Chapter One

Awareness. The first thing the angel Gabriel could remember was awareness. Before that point he had not existed, and after that he had. But his very, very first memories were simply being aware of his own existence. Light came immediately, almost instantaneously upon his awareness, or did it? He could not say for sure. Not for sure. But after awareness was light and then God’s love. God’s incredible, beautiful and soft and gentle love. And Gabriel then knew all was well in the world.

In those early times everything was new. God, his father, had already provided a brother for him, blessed Michael. And those days of wonder had been truly great wonders, until the 7^th one arrived, and they knew they would have nothing but trouble thereafter.

And then the chick: Aquariel. The one he actually ended up fancying the most anyway. She showed up, and Gabriel’s life was complete. It was just life, then. Just life. And living each and every day for nigh on a million years, Gabriel continued to thank his heavenly father for the blessing of life and love he was given each and every day.

‘Gabriel. Where are you going?’

It was Ambriel of course. ‘For heaven’s sake, brother. What the heck do you want? You have been on my tail for months now? What is your concern?’

‘I want to learn some new moves for Chulara, and we haven’t played yet. I don’t think we have ever played, and if you are willing to play a game with me I could learn some of your strategy. That is if you don’t mind me learning from you.’

He looked at him and laughed to himself. ‘No little brother, I don’t mind. Come on then.’

They left Zaphon, flying from near the upper tower, headed for the rim just beyond Shadlaphon. As they flew the looked over the untouched parts of Zaphora, parts which had remained always untouched in this section of eternity. They passed over Golden Lake, smiled at seeing Dameriel down near the shoreline, and continued on. Landing at Shadlaphon, reserved now for the Seraphim, they came to a hillock which headed downwards to the rim. And there they sat, playing the game of Chulara they had brought with them, drinking lemonade, and generally at peace with the world.

Ambriel looked over the move Gabriel had made. It seemed deep, and cunning even. But he responded in a regular fashion and eyed his opponent. Gabriel just smiled and made the next move, and the game went on, tossing too and fro. The result, a draw, seemed to please both of them.

Then, as they sat there, gazing down at the rim, drinking their lemonade, Ambriel spoke up. ‘Gabriel.’

‘Yes Ambriel.’

‘I don’t want to bother you, but have you noticed anything different about Saruviel at the moment.’

‘Different? What do you mean? He seems the same to me.’

‘Well I guess you hadn’t noticed, but Saruviel has changed. There is something new going on in him. Some new agenda. Some dark agenda, perhaps, or something else. Something new. Something different.’

‘Well, what is Saruviel’s role, Ambriel?’

‘Adversary, in a sense. Kalphon has always served as such.’

‘Then I suggest you get used to that. Life goes on after all. Life goes on.’

‘I guess so,’ responded Ambriel, who returned his gaze to the realm.

Gabriel looked at him. That was Ambriel, really, wasn’t it. That was Ambriel.

He thought on Saruviel, shrugged his shoulders, and smiled. And then turned his head towards Zaphon and whispered, ‘What’s next huh?’ And then drank some more lemonade.

* * * * *

‘Daniel, Daniel, Daniel. You have got to be fugging kidding, right?’

‘Hell no. Agenda time, Val. Agenda time. We’ll go for it now. Rule the universe. Fugg it, God doesn’t give a stuff anymore. The fugger is totally relaxed now. Thinks everything is under control. Fugg, we’ll teach the bugger a lesson.’

‘So that is the long held secret of Daniel the Seraphim is it? Dictator of the universe.’

‘You said it Kemosabe.’

Valandriel chuckled a little, considered it, and nodded. Some things never changed after all. ‘Alright Danny boy. How? It could be a challenge.’

‘Hey, what is life without a challenge, Val. What is life without that. But, well, I have been studying.’

‘Yes?’

‘And an elephant never forgets.’

‘Yes?’

‘And I have been studying.’

‘You said that already.’

‘Yep, glad you noticed. And, well, I have been studying.’

‘So what’s the plan.’

‘Well, there are many potential avenues we could follow. Religion is usually a safe bet to get something of a marketplace. Producing the goods, as the sovereign one does, always helps as well. But after the first works, well, you have got to heat things up a little. You have got to start making the mark. Reputation is at stake, bro. Reputation is at stake.’

Valandriel considered Daniel. ‘I have been waiting a million years practically for my turn as overseer. It hasn’t happened yet, and nor has yours. So, unless you are planning rebellion, how do we take it from Mikie boy. He hasn’t relapsed yet, dear brother.’

‘I sense something in the air. Home has done the big million. Metatron is chuffed. There’s a new chapter for us now, Val. A new chapter. So don’t be a quitter on me. Don’t be a quitter. We go slow in the first few weeks, and then we strike. As simple as that. And don’t give me any winging about work, because somebody has to do it.’

‘As you say, Daniel,’ said Valandriel, taking a swig of Coca Cola, turning on the TV to watch some cricket, but eyeing his brother from the corner of his eye. And, looking at the cricket, he chuckled oh, so softly. Oh, so softly. Heh, heh, heh, he grinned to himself. It was about bloody time. Heh.

* * * * *

‘So, Michael. This is it, huh? This is it? I mean, what are we supposed to do now?’

‘That really is your problem Gabriel. It is your turn now. I would suggest you go for a million, but that is up to you. Me, I am satisfied with my run. It will do. Time for a change.’

‘As you wish. But, why?’

‘Someone isn’t quite ready. And I think I will step in now to stop the little devil before he gets ahead of himself.’

‘Daniel?’

Michael just nodded.

‘Okay. A simple ceremony will do. Go on the news, okay. I don’t want a big fuss. Just a quiet take over.’

‘As you wish. Remember, your responsibility now. I know you won’t let me down.’

‘No. No, I won’t.’

And thus the transition of power took place, and the next of God’s children of the Realm of Eternity began what was to be quite a lengthy tenure. Quite a lengthy one indeed.’

* * * * *

‘Yeh, it’s Gabriel. No real surprise, really. I mean, it was probably always going to be him. Probably always him.’ But Kantriel’s words were defensive, not wanting to upset his older brother.

Saruviel sat in his office, looking out the window. He had heard Kantriel’s words, but they mattered not. His own agenda did not fuss over the appointment of an overseer. It never really had.

Later on that day, sitting by the Terravon, drinking some juice, Krystabel not far away, Saruviel reflected on the new spirit. Older. Sharper. More intelligent. Wiser. More experienced. It would be good now. Very good. And the future looked great, really. Really, it looked great. But there was something in him which worried. Something which still worried. There was someone further down on the list. Someone who probably shouldn’t be there at all. Stuck at Cherubim position number 21. That could be dangerous, one day. Very dangerous. For his fruit was difficult, and many would pay a difficult price. But, alas, that could not be helped. He too, in the end, deserved his turn and his self expression. It was likewise his right of life, and they could not deny it to him. And his agenda was going slowly, waiting for that day, preparing his friends for what they possibly may not want to endure. But such was life. Such was life.

* * * * *

Elenniel, sitting in reflection over the last nearly million years of life, looked forward to the future. She sensed something in Gabriel – a plan. A new plan. A happy and fun plan. There was a spirit on him which was suggesting for his tenure as overseer ahead something to freshen up and liven up the lives of the angels of eternity. And something new as well. Something not quite done before.

She sat down then, after having worked most of the morning on a new painting, and took a sip of apple juice. It was good quality juice, Terraphora’s finest, and she appreciated the constant work her twin had done to ensure a high quality of product be available throughout the realm for all the angels to enjoy. He was a professional, Michael, very professional. He had a high standard to maintain, but saw this as well – he saw reality. He saw the things which were lacking, the things which needed to come forth, and he worked to ensure they did. But he once told Elenniel that the actual fine-tuning was not his work to do. Others needed their own glory, and Michael worked in the role which was his own. And she admired her brother’s humility because of it.

She looked at the painting, at all the green leaves and the red rose in the centre. Michael was that red rose in her heart in so many ways, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Oh, she would never call him her rose, that was far to feminine, but she loved his beauty and saw him as a true treasure and really, never, ever, could she possibly imagine leaving her beloved. Never, never, ever.

* * * * *

Valandriel looked at the scroll. ‘The Prophecies of Daniel, Seraphim of Eternity.’ ‘What the hell is this, Daniel?’ he asked his younger brother. Daniel grinned. A plan, bro. A long held plan. I circulated this, once. Aeons ago. It was forgotten, but I did it for a reason.’

‘And that reason?’

‘Heh, heh, heh. Anyway, read it. Familiarise yourself with it. You’ll need to know it, in detail. Plans like this need to be carefully co-ordinated, kapiche.’

‘Yeh, yeh, okay. I’ll study it.’

‘Good. Now I am busy today, I just wanted to hand this too you, but there’ll be work very soon. Remember, just study the scroll and things will get underway. Okay.’

‘Okay. Seeya.’

Daniel walked off, whistling an ancient tune, and Valandriel just shook his head. Whatever his younger brother was up to he sensed no end of trouble. But that was Daniel the Seraphim, and life would simply not be the same without him.

* * * * *

Saruviel was lost in thought, sitting by the Terravon, thinking over his planning. Phase one had come and gone, and he had gained a degree of a reputation, some dramatic moments, and a fair degree of notoriety. Success so far. But this new Arc, as it had come to have been called, warranted something new. Something different from the seventhborn of the Seraphim. There were options available to him: Traditional competitive games and sports, Business Empires, Promoting a religion, and in that he had composed a number of spiritual texts now which, when promoted, could garner him significant converts. Yes, they were good ideas, and he would utilise them one day, but something different to start with – something different. But what? What new idea could he bring forth?

He sat there, mulling it over, when a voice whispered in the back of his mind saying ‘Well, what do I do then?’ And Saruviel, sitting there, not really hearing the voice, but suddenly thinking about it, considered the role which God himself undertook in the Realm of Eternity. Torah teacher. Supreme power. Guardian. Yes, they were responsible and holy things, things definitely worthy of consideration. But then it happened, and he suddenly new what he was about for this particular arc. He remembered, then, the very first verse of the Israelite Torah and thinking that ‘In the Beginning God created the heavens and the earth,’ he suddenly was quite aware of what to do next. Suddenly quite aware.

* * * * *

Gabriel looked in his office, now near the top of Zaphon, with magnificent views over the northern side of the realm. He felt like a ‘god’ now in so many ways. A ‘god’ of glory. He thought on his father, God, and realized to himself he must have now been pleased with his son for him to turn over the overseersmanship to himself. And that made his heart glad, so glad. He looked at the toilet over against the wall, and got out his key from his desk. Walking over, he put the key in, undid the lock, and entered. Looking inside all he could say was ‘Talk about lavish indeed.’

That day passed, as did a few more, and while most of the time he was simply reading through the private overseersmanship protocol’s which Michael had left for him, he still felt like he was getting his job well underway. He felt valued, useful and important. And he felt, suddenly, that he really was needed – as if he was needed all along in the end.

Aqua came and visited him most days, often bringing him lunch, and they would sit together, watching the clouds roll by, eating their food and drinking their drink and just being happy with each other. Cindradel did a fine job, as usual, and as Michael had asked for her to be allowed to retain her position, Gabriel had decided, if she wanted it, she could remain secretary for his entire tenureship. This made her smile, and Gabriel felt happy saying something nice to her.

In fact everything was going smoothly until one fine day before the Sabbath Cindradel came in, placed a package on his desk, smiled at him, and left. That was not usual practice for Cindradel, so he took the package immediately, opened it up, and found a scroll. Unravelling it he read the opening title. ‘The Prophecies of Daniel, Seraphim of Eternity.’ ‘Good grief,’ he said to himself. ‘Now what was all this about?’

* * * * *

Living in New Terra for the last 1,000 years since his resurrection had been quite a joy for Frank Archer. The firstmost joy was discovering there actually was an afterlife and then also discovering it lasted forever unless you made stupid decisions. And for 400 years he attended church to ensure he made no stupid decisions. Jesus had become the centre of his life – everything to him. He was now called ‘The Christ’ of eternity, Seraphim Ambriel not challenging him on the title he had claimed for himself when understood in the traditional role Jesus had worked for long ago in the Realm of Eternity. Nothing was implied that he was God’s chosen messiah in the church in heaven – they had long ago conceded that Ambriel was God’s choice in this respect – but it appeared that their heavenly father had granted Jesus the right to be known as ‘The Christ’, using the Greek word for anointed, and allowed him to continue on in his ministries of Christian faith. The heavenly Gospel, as it was called, was similar in many ways to the earthly Gospel, but with a great deal of further teaching, mostly concentrating on love of God and neighbour, and a strong sense of being spiritual, virtuous and holy people. There was no longer any conflict with the Israelite people who accepted that Jesus had simply crafted out the role for himself and, when understood on his own terms, animosity had now disappeared. They got along and Jesus went along pursuing his own agenda of glory. But, on earth, he still had ambitions. He still had ambitions regarding the book of revelation, which it was still claimed came from God, a point which had yet to be refuted by God himself. He stood silent on the issue, not ever giving any comment. This caused tension, of course, with the dark ones. Satan was constantly opposed to the work of Christian faith in heaven, something which Michael continued to disdain. He knew Satan needed to be rebuked as that angel had often caused problems and tension for many, but saw the constant loggerhead with Jesus Christ nothing but a phenomenal headache. But Jesus, despite the rebukes from Michael, stuck to his guns and suggested to many that Revelation may be an answer, often neglected by Israel, which might in the end solve many problems for the community. Michael himself didn’t think so, but it was the subject of speculation by many Christian scholars throughout mankind’s planets, and even many Jewish thinkers as well. Rophiel, who had been manifested as Muhammed, founder of Islam, rarely commented on the issue, but did think about it, keeping his private thoughts to himself. But Frank was convinced of it, and would keep the faith in Jesus Christ, his new saviour.

Frank’s wife, Daphne, was a loyal Christian in his church, and they had married after he had been in church for about the first 50 years. It usually took at least that long for the various pastors to approve a marriage, as in heavenly churches they wanted to see commitment to a church before allowing their flock to marry any newcomers. And over eternal life commitment could often take many years before believed to be genuine. Frank loved Daphne, implicitly, but one fine Tuesday afternoon he was very concerned, for she had emailed him quite a strange document. Something which had been doing the rounds of her church. Something very puzzling indeed. A certain document with extracts from a prophecy called ‘The Prophecies of Daniel, Seraphim of Eternity.’

Sitting there, in front of his PC at work, he opened the document and began reading:

“I had a dream. I was sitting by the Terravon, in the heart of Eternity, and four beasts came up from the water. The first beast was like a Lion, yet it spoke with the voice of an angel and declared itself the ruler of Eternity. The second beast was like a bear, yet it bled from its hands and feet, and then it spoke saying ‘The Kingdom of Glory belongs unto me.’ And then the third beast arose, which looked like a leopard, and it said ‘Blessed is he upon high.’ Yet, as I watched, a fourth beast arose, terrible and mighty, and it conquered the other three beasts and declared, ‘For I, even I am he, and there is no other.’ And then as I watched a figure, who seemed so familiar, came forth and defeated the fourth beast, and glory and power from heaven were given unto this son of man.’

Frank left off reading. Now that was interesting. If this really was indeed Seraphim Daniel’s prophecy it was amazingly similar to his Daniel the Prophets own prophecy from chapter 7 of the book of Daniel. It was something he would definitely have to study. And looking at the document further he noticed 2 other extracts and, quite excited by what he would discover, began reading.

* * * * *

Ambriel sat in his office in Zaphona, staring at his PC, but not really taking in anything, and just thinking about life. He was now overseer over Zaphora Province, working under Gabriel’s authority. Gabriel, now, as overseer, had responsibility for the realm in a general sense, but now was limited under a recent ruling of God, to authority over the first four discs of the Realm only, those being Zaphora, Terraphora, Mitraphora and Pelphora, which collectively had come to be known as ‘Terra’. The fifth disc of Brephora was now ruled by Raguel, the Sixth disc of Romnaphora was now ruled by Phanuel and the seventh disc under Saruviel’s authority, who actually ruled the disc from Kalphon, preferring to remain in Terraphora. And now Sariel, eighth born of the Seraphim of Eternity ruled the eighth disc of Dalnaphora which had been named after Dalnaphon, were, funnily enough, Sariel had resided for many years in his younger days when the Realm was new. The ninth disc was Bethlephora were Bantriel currently was overseer. It was named after Bethlephon in Zaphora, which had been built by Davriel. But Bantriel had been a regular guest of Davriel’s for many years, and had often expressed his delight in the keep and wished he had resided there. As such, when it had come to the naming of the ninth disc, Bantriel had been asked and suggested a spirit similar to that of Bethlephora’s would be quite acceptable. The tenth disc was Nazraphora, were Cimbrel currently was overseer, the place were Jesus generally made his home and established the central network of his Christian church. Of course, Jesus had been the main architect and project leader of the building of Nazraphon in Zaphora, so it seemed logical that he would thus make Nazraphora his main home. Glimmerphora was the eleventh disc, and Dameriel was the eleventh born Seraphim male. Of course, Glimmerphora was named after Glimmersphon were Dameriel had resided for most of the first Arc, but now had been appointed overseer of Glimmerphora. The twelfth disc was known as Kazraphora, named after the Kazraphon keep in Zaphora, in the heart of the farming region. Valandriel had been appointed overseer of Kazraphora. And so on went the discs, with their respective overseers having been appointed from their birthrank to the same position in ranking of disc, up unto the thirtieth disc of Canbraphora, the most recent addition, named after Canbraphon in the Romnaphora district of Terraphora disc. From Kazraphora onwards the discs were: Shadlaphora the 13^th disc, Gelphora the 14^th disc, Senersphora the 15^th, Selphora the 16^th, Dunaphora the 17^th, Helyphora the 18^th, Delnaphora the 19^th, Trentaphora the 20^th, Zazraphora the 21^st, Kaldoraphora the 22^nd, Jantaphora the 23^rd, Pellerphora the 24^th, Hendraphora the 25^th, Ulnaphora the 26^th, Yalphora the 27^th, Windraphora the 28^th, Zaraphora the 29^th, and finally Canbraphora at thirty.

Sitting there, looking at the screen but not really looking, a beep indicating a Seraphim email arriving went off, and looking he saw it was an email from Valandriel entitled ‘The Prophecies of Daniel, Seraphim of Eternity.’ ‘Now what is all this about,’ he said to himself.

* * * * *

‘The project is underway. Heh. I smell success already.’

‘Aren’t you putting the cart before the horse, dear brother?’ queried Valandriel to Daniel’s obvious pride.

‘No way, bro. I have foreseen it,’ he said with the biggest grin possible.

‘Now exactly WHEN did you circulate these prophecies long ago. For the life of me, I just can’t seem to recall dear brother.’

Daniel looked guilty, but responded quickly. ‘Trust me, ok. I know what I’m doing.’

‘We’ll see,’ said Valandriel. ‘We’ll see.’

* * * * *

It was late on Galadon, the second day of the month, and Michael was at Pelnaphon with Elenniel, in her abode in an outer smaller keep when they heard the rabble. Looking out the window he saw what, of all the craziest things to happen, looked like an angry mob of angels. ‘Now what the heck was going on,’ he thought to himself. Elenniel asked him what all the fuss was about but he told her not to worry and that he would sort it out. Putting his tunic on he came out the front door and confronted the mob. ‘Now what the heck is the problem. It’s late and I’m tired. Couldn’t it wait?’

A Cherubim came forward, and then handed him a scroll. ‘It’s you, isn’t it? You’re the beast. You’re the first beast. Everyone is saying so. You’re trying to rule us all. It was prophesied. In ancient of days it was prophesied. Everyone says so. But the Son of Man will defeat you, Michael. He will defeat you. So watch out.’ With those words the crowd seemed somewhat pacified, having vented their anger, and gradually made off, saying what they wanted to have said. Michael stood there completely and utterly perplexed. ‘What the hell was all that about?’ He looked at the scroll and thinking it must be something to do with it he took it inside and began to read. Having finished the section on the four beasts all he could say was ‘That bloody Daniel. I’ll get him for this. Boy, will I get him for this.’ And then he went to bed, winging and moaning, and Elenniel had absolutely no sleep whatsoever that night.

* * * * *

The following day things started happening through the realm of eternity. In the last 50 or so hours “The Prophecies of Daniel, Seraphim of Eternity” had started to gain something of a cult following. Almost instantly thousands of online websites had popped up on the Realm Web Net all devoted to the study and expounding of the ‘Prophecies.’ Michael was considered suspect number one for the first beast. It was definitely him in some people’s viewpoint, and in breakfast tables all around the realm the discussion was that Michael was behind a large Angelic Illuminati army, getting ready to take over the Realm of Eternity and enforce his rule. At mid-day, though, Michael had finally gone live on air to dismiss all such claims and refuted any such connection to the supposed first beast which he claimed was a total fabrication on the part of Daniel the Seraphim. But there were boos, so popular had the prophecies instantly become. Everyone was drawing connections between the Prophet Daniel the Cherubim and his prophecies and those of his older Seraphim brother. They were so alike in so many ways that there just HAD to be a divine connection. There just HAD to be. And so Michael was suspect number one for the first beast, and so many were utterly convinced of this, refusing to hear otherwise.

Out on New Terra a faction had formed in certain ultra-right-wing Christian fundamentalist movements. The ‘Liberation of Eternity’ movement was getting ready to defend the sacred Son of Man, who everyone knew, just knew, was their beloved Jesus Christ. Of course, Jewish Rabbis had chuckled with various Christian pastors over the second beast, claiming that the bleeding from the hands and feet were so obviously an allusion to ‘You know who.’ But the general response on that claim that it was ‘A Stigmata of the Antichrist’, a sure sign of the false prophet himself. ‘He will be the ultimate deceiver, having kidnapped our beloved Jesus, and claiming to be him in a brand new mystery form,’ was a common answer given so far. It was all hotly debated.

The third beast, to many Christians, was Rophiel as Muhammed, and many were completely convinced of this supposed fact. The language of the third beast was of such a nature that nobody in fundamentalist Christian circles had any doubt. And, of course, the final fourth beast was Satan himself, imitating the words of God from Deuteronomy, the ultimate façade of the true creator.

It was exciting times but, of course, nobody knew the timing of the prophecies, a subject for much speculation.

The news team in the Realm of Eternity who were covering the story in depth claimed that the first hint of the unearthing of the prophecy seemed to come from an anonymous email account named ‘hiddenprophecies101@freemail.heav’. Freemail wouldn’t release the origin point of the creation of the account for legal privacy reasons, so it seemed untraceable. But a hacker was on the news claiming it was created in one of the libraries of Zaphon. As such, they had a potential realm full of suspects.

The man himself who so far had refused all interview requests for some strange reason was locked up in his abode in Danielphon, his wife Ariel loyally by his side and his brother Valandriel residing with him at the present stage. He had said to the media, just once, that he would give an interview eventually, after things had calmed down somewhat. Of course, Daniel was biding his time, and would strike exactly at the right moment to further his own agendas. His own hidden agendas.

It was a high time in the life of the Realm of Eternity and, for Gabriel, who was mildly disappointed that his new tenureship as overseer had been knocked off the front page, it was certainly the most chaotic of introductions to a hopefully long tenureship in the realm of eternity. Little did he know the worst was yet to come.

Chapter Two

‘If you think about it, logically I mean, then it really becomes obvious just who it is.’

‘Who, then Frank? Who is this first beast?’

‘Well, it was late on Pentecost in the Realm when the first email was apparently sent. But what happened just before that? Just a few days before that, I mean? It was big news, all over the media, and suddenly forgotten by the prophecies.’

Pastor Dawkins considered that. ‘Well, let me think. What happened in the realm? Mmm. I don’t know. We only get major news items.’

‘Think about it. What happened that New Terra heard about? It was on our news as well.’

‘Well, apart from Gabriel becoming the new overseer, nothing that I can think of.’

And all Frank would say then was ‘Exactly.’

Pastor Dawkins looked at him and the penny dropped. ‘Ahh, I see Frank. As soon as the first beast arose the prophecy was released. He has come out of his shell, declared his glory, and intends to rule.’

‘Gabriel is our man, John. Gabriel is our man. We should inform the flock.’

John Dawkins smiled. This time, despite Frank’s overly zealous and fertile imagination on prophecy, this time he was listening. This time he just might be on to something deep.

* * * * *

The Pentecostal Church of the Living God’s claim, made from a certain Frank Archer, that Gabriel was the main man for the first beast, did in fact make headlines. On the major Realm channels everyone heard the theory that, with the rise of Gabriel as the new overseer of eternity, the prophecy had been released. Naturally Gabriel denied it vehemently, but everyone was confident they had their man. It was obvious, now. Too obvious. The only question was, was when would the second beast arise. Daniel was consulted but, still, no official comment. He was still silent on the matter. Everyone speculated that Gabriel would be having ‘Official’ words with the Seraphim in question, and if that were to occur it would be the news item of the millennia, as people had put it. But Daniel remained silent, plotting away his next step to achieve his goal. But while Daniel plotted, a little angel who had been kept informed by Valandriel of her twins probable doings, silently prayed to God for him to sort the issue out. And, with such a permission, God counterplotted to ensure a happy and quite original conclusion to the matter.

* * * * *

‘So what next, genius? You have beast number one, but how on earth do you arrange beast number two to poke his head in? How on earth do you do that?’

‘Patience, Kemosabe, patience. I have – a plan. Besides, we will have to wait at least a decade or so now, or the prophecy will look fake. This takes time, kapiche. But with a decade we have plenty of time to arrange what needs to be arranged. And, fortunately, a domino piece I wasn’t expecting has fallen right into place, and we have our man, Val. We have our man.’

‘Let’s hope so,’ said Val, taking another swig from the bottle of beer, and eying his younger brother suspiciously.

* * * * *

In the end Saruviel just laughed at all the commotion and thanked his lucky stars he was not involved in all the madness. About time Gabriel dealt with being a fabulous beast. He had sure enough had his fill of the job. Krystabel, though, was anxious about the fourth beast and questioned her twin intently as to wether he had any ambitions on the issue. All Saruviel would say that he still had ambitions, like any angel, but that he was no longer as susceptible to such things as Danielic prophecies that he may have been in a previous lifetime. ‘Shame on me if he fools me twice,’ was Saruviel’s main response to Krystabel. This relieved her fears somewhat, but times were still tense in Kalphon under the fears of Krystabel the Seraphim.

It was a distraction from the everyday humdrum, certainly, but Saruviel, after the fuss had died down around Kalphon anyway, went back to his current way of thinking. He had the new agenda, now. He had the new agenda. He was surging upwards, again. Surging towards the goal of his he had had in the core of his heart for so long – the goal of perfection. And now he knew just what he needed to be like. To be exactly like. He needed to emulate his God, first and foremost, to be that pinnacle of perfection that all could rely upon in tough times. He needed to not only practice godliness, but to be like God himself, the culmination of his walk with he who is. And, as the first verse of Genesis taught, God created in the beginning. And for Saruviel the Seraphim, that is were the real plan began. The new plan, but the plan hidden in his heart from the ages. And thinking on the idea of creation he set his mind to wandering on the next phase of the eternal destiny of the sands of infinite progression in the life of Saruviel the Seraphim, Angel of Eternity.

* * * * *

Jesus sat in the Vatican in Nazraphora, an extremely large disc, but dwarfed in comparison to the immensity of Canbraphora, the outermost disc, thinking on life. The Vatican was his main place of residence in the Realm of Eternity. It was populated with mostly ex-popes from Earth, but the Apostle Peter usually was around a lot of the time. Recently Archangel Michael had been discussing Jesus’ allotment of souls on planet earth, as God had some questions on just how much of the pie Jesus was still intent on keeping to himself. Earth now housed, at the beginning of this second Arc, well over 100 Trillion souls. For a long time in the Arc, after withdrawing from the Galactic Council of civilizations, Earth had set up shop just on its homeplanet. The old ‘United Galaxy’ had come and gone, with the general consensus that humans belonged on Earth, and did not really need to venture beyond it. They had gravitated to about 7 billion for a long while, but then decided as a people to expand to about the maximum population of 100 trillion souls, something which they regularly maintained. And now discussions were under way between Jesus and Michael on just exactly how much of that pie that Jesus still wanted under Christian faith. God was easy, in a sense. Jesus had prayed so intently for a voluminous flock that God, after testing Jesus determination and responsibility, agreed to give him whatever he desired. As long as he continued to maintain the necessary hierarchical structures for the wellbeing of his grand assembly, God really didn’t in fact mind. The church provided a home, now, for souls beyond counting, and while Jesus at times really had become almost arrogant at his accomplishments, he realized that the job in achieving this had been done already, and he really just had to stay responsible because, in the end, despite some pride occasionally coming in, it was mostly a matter of responsibility. And as Jesus was up for that, God didn’t object to letting him have it. Ambriel didn’t really care at all now. From what God seemed to have alluded at the human population would never end, and thus as Israel had a permanent cut of the pie as well, with a neverending supply coming forward, they need not really be that concerned. Every nano-second countless souls were born throughout the human heavenlies and the responsibility for an endless supply may as well be split countless ways theoretically. God, of course, could handle the lot, but his servants were usually necessary to guide the younger walkers of faith on their way. And so Jesus was Christ in that sense, simply doing a job which he enjoyed doing, and which perhaps needed doing anyway.

Now, though, negotiations were going on. God had had lengthy discussions with Michael to present, of all people, Noah’s claims. All humanity on Earth was descended from Noah and many of them technically ‘Noahide’ in status. Jesus had for a long time made enormous inroads into the gentile families to convert them and their offspring to his ecclesia, but Noah now wanted a larger piece of the pie. Naturally, young Callodyn had been talked about a lot who was also eager to expand his share of the human population. Callodyn, as Mr Daly on Earth, had formed ‘Haven Noahide Fellowship’, which was one of the very early Noahide fellowships. Callodyn had become a Noahide in the 20^th century of the Christian Calendar and begun Haven not long later, and as such felt he warranted a significant cut for forming the ‘Rainbow Bible’ and establishing one of the, now many, bible-based non-talmudic Noahide movements. The Talmudic noahide movements were naturally doing well, usually following rabbinic guidelines. But Noah had become an independent cuss over the years and fancied young Callodyn for his independent non-Israelite based approach to Noahide faith. The rainbow bible didn’t in fact mention Israel, ending with the Tower of Babel incident, and this independence was craved by Noah to a large degree to assert his own dominion and posterity. This was brought to the attention of Jesus, who was carefully considering the matter. He was, in the end, considering percentage of the population as the main issue. Rophiel, his main competitor now, consistently came in at around 12% of the human population as opposed to Jesus own 21%. Together they had a full third of humanity in their assemblies. Bahaulla, another key player, had around 4 to 5% of the total pie, and Israel, through God’s blessing, maintained a steady 2% overall Jewish population. The rest were non-religious for the most part, most of them calling themselves ethical monotheists or deists or the like, with a small percentage of unbelievers. The Noahides themselves comprised around 3% of the total population, around 2 thirds of that Talmudic based Noahides, with 1% of the entire human population focused on biblical noahide faith. It had taken hundreds of thousands of years to grow to that 1%, but eventually the various biblical noahide fellowships had succeeded in gaining ground. But now Noah wanted more, and he wanted less interference from Jesus Christ in his work of soul-winning. This, currently, was Jesus issue of consideration.

Ultimately, in a funny way, it was an issue of responsibility for Jesus. He questioned, although he respected his father Noah, but he questioned the degree of maturity in the various Noahide movements. Wether they were yet ready for greater responsibility. Noah argued they were only human and prone to the failings of humanity, but that wasn’t enough for Jesus. He wanted to see more responsibility, more commitment, before he interfered less. And while Michael objected to a degree, saw Jesus point. ‘There are always the unbelievers. Go and ply your trade with them if you want more souls.’ And Noah, realizing they were his children also, had to accept Jesus judgement.

Sitting there, in the Vatican that day, Jesus realized he had probably said the right words to Noah. The unbelievers WERE Noah’s children, and while he always welcomed a repentant heart, perhaps it was indeed Noah’s responsibility to accept such people into his own family. They were HIS children after all.

Callodyn, receiving this news, immediately made his way for Haven Noahide Fellowship on Televon, and got back to some serious prayers. If God would allow it he would visit earth again, in the not too distant future, in a human form, and work with people for his assembly. There was yet work to be done, not really finished yet, and Callodyn had a job now to do. Time to get to it.

* * * * *

Jesus smiled. Competition from Mr Daly. My, that would be interesting. He had just received an email from his friend Cheri, a Christian singer, who Callodyn had been a fan of for many long years, commenting on Callodyn’s attempt to win her to Haven Noahide Fellowship. Jesus smiled to himself. Callodyn, if nothing else, was brave enough of heart to go for what his heart desired. And Jesus liked that in him. Really, he did. Callodyn was his younger brother, and way back at the beginning of the Christian faith in the Realm of Eternity, Callodyn had taken a brief interest in the Christian faith, had been baptized, but later on returned to his Torah roots. But he had always been somewhat friendly to Jesus. And, because of that, Jesus felt it was time for a visit. Time to chat with Mr Daly and drill him on his spiritual values and teachings. To see just how much this young Cherubim had really learned in his age long walk with the most high.

* * * * *

‘So, Daniel. How fare ye?’

Callodyn turned, spied Jesus coming up to him, and relaxed a little. ‘Why am I not surprised to see you hear, Jesus Christ?

‘What, can’t you handle the competition, Danny Boy?’

‘Here I go, working my ass of on building up Haven Noahide Fellowship in New Terra, out on the streets of New York, and lo and behold, Jesus himself shows up to times square. What, isn’t the church big enough yet?’

‘Hey, Danny Boy, I aint a quitter, you know. I have done this thing for a while, youngling, and I think I know a thing or to. The church is still number one religion in the realm of eternity, infinity, throughout humanity’s paradise and still on earth. Perhaps you could learn a thing or too from the master.’

‘The master? Well, that really is a matter of perspective, JC.’

‘Ooh boy. You really do have an ego, don’t you son. Michael has always commented about that. A massive ego on young Callodyn. Trying to save a world which is happy enough with things the way they are.’

‘Alright, Jesus, how about this. That is if you don’t mind me making the suggestion.’

‘Go ahead,’ said Jesus, sitting down at a café they had strolled to, and ordering a coffee. A crowd had now started to gather, noticing Jesus was in town, and Callodyn felt it quite a bit, the attention from having Jesus show up.

‘Sheesh. You still know how to draw them, don’t you Jesus?’

‘Fame is like that, Daniel. It comes from many things, you know. Practice, determination and so on. But a lot of it is having a heart for people.’

‘I suppose like the way you singled out Zaccheus. A nobody from society’s perspective. Just a regular shmo. I mean, who was Zaccheus that Jesus would take an interest, huh?’

‘You seem to understand that much then.’

‘Oh, I understand alright. There are many Zaccheuses, though. We can’t get to them all, can we?’

‘We can try. And if you win one Zaccheus and make him your family, well that Zaccheus can go to others and bring them into the family. Fishers of men, remember.’

‘Yes. I guess that is how it is done. A pretty organized unit, I suppose. 12 main guys, working full on for the mission. A new fellow, Paul, getting intense. Simple work in the end. Everyone needs a spiritual family, a home. Offer them love, something which they can believe in, and why wouldn’t they join.’

Jesus carefully considered Callodyn’s perspective. ‘Are you trying to test me, dear Callodyn. My motivations were pure enough. I had a heart for people. Tell me, should I have done anything differently?’

Callodyn stopped and considered that. ‘That is an interesting question. I guess it is a matter of foundations. Remember, father likes his son Israel. He likes him. Loves him, in fact. If you had more carefully integrated the church with Israel, and built on that foundation, God would have been more pleased with you.’

‘I didn’t think the phariseeical system was appropriate. I am quite sure you get that much, don’t you Danny?’

‘Yeh. Yeh, I know were you are coming from. I had some encounters myself. But what I think you may have missed, perhaps, was that despite the hardness which was there, they were lawful people. They wouldn’t really steal, or kill people, or commit adultery or sin very much. They kept the Sabbath, maybe not perfectly, and in general, at the time, were compliant with God’s will. You craved mercy from the rabbis. Didn’t you? You told the church to love its enemies. Shouldn’t you have given more of a damn about the sensitivities of the Sanhedrin, and gotten along? You know, with their support, you could have saved Israel throughout the years a lot of heartache from the ‘Christ Killer’s’ persecution. They are your people, Yesh. Shouldn’t you give a damn? God does? He cares about his rabbis and his scribes. He cares about you as well, doesn’t he?’

‘Yes he does. He cares about all the children of Adam and Eve, Daniel. All of them. Well, I was learning. Perhaps, in reflection, I may have done things differently, but the job was still generally achieved. I think it turned out well in the end.’

‘And what about unity of faith? What about the old fashioned concept of one true religion? What about that?’

‘Spirituality has a great depth to it. In the diversity of monotheism I see one religion in its heart. It is the religion of God, all pure monotheism, in its heart. I attempt to speak of the purest principles, the most relevant and needed at any given time. Much of the gospel was my attempt to teach those things pertaining to the issue of salvation – and not just getting to heaven, but about doing those things in life which when people would practice would create a far more civilized and human society. Christianity is still relevant because the message doesn’t really change. There are truths in the gospel which remain true and meaningful to people. And they are part of the larger religion of divine monotheism anyway, a world of spiritual thought which contains all the truths of existence.’

‘Yes,’ responded Callodyn. ‘I see your point. I don’t think I disagree. No, I would agree with you on that. And in that argument you find your own justification for Christian faith, I take it?’

‘Well, yes Danny. I do.’

‘Then how many great and fantastic monotheistic religions do we need? Surely so many great and wise teachers can speak voluminous words on the subject and branch out into new territories.’

‘Strike first, strike hard, and don’t be forgotten. That is something you would say, isn’t it Callodyn? Don’t be forgotten huh?’

‘And you haven’t been, dear Jesus. You struck early on. Just after the year 4000 since creation. You got in early and really made waves. Caught mankind’s attention, which you still have.’

Jesus looked around at the large crowd which had started to gather. ‘Like you said, Daniel. I still have their attention. Now, how are you going to get it? If you still have ambitions for Haven Noahide Fellowship, how are you going to grow and bless your movement? I still ensure that a large percentage of the families of men are left alone, free for other true spiritual thinkers to make a name for themselves. I am not selfish, Daniel. The work of spirituality in mankind has been done to a sufficient enough standard that I can relax now. As reverend Lovejoy might say ‘All the major religions are pretty much the same.’

‘Very funny, JC. Very funny.’

Jesus grinned, now enjoying the conversation.

‘Perhaps I should try the Lily Allen approach.’

‘And what exactly is that dear Callodyn?’

‘I’ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless.’

‘Did she do that then?’

‘I think she did once, actually. Years ago. It wasn’t shameless. Big news though. Her popularity increased quite a bit.’

‘So you like Lily’s music, do you?’

‘She’s ok. Expresses the thoughts of many people. A very real person. Very human. Anyway, getting back to what I wanted to say. How about this. I will offer you some of my pearls of wisdom, for I trust you won’t trample them, and you can suggest a thing or two in advice to myself. Perhaps we may verily learn from each other.’

Jesus smiled, took a sip of the cappuccino which had arrived, and looked around at the crowd. He spoke to someone nearby. ‘Shall I give the devil some advice, then? Shall I?’ The onlooker just smiled warmly at him, excited to be in Jesus presence.

‘How about this, then, Daniel. How about some traditional gospel. Look around, will you?’

Callodyn looked around, noting the traffic, the lights and all the glory of New York. ‘Yes,’ he said, returning his view to Jesus.

‘So much hurrah, we can all make, of the glory of man, can we not dear Callodyn. So much hurrah can we make of the glory of man.’

Callodyn thought that over. ‘But consider the lilies. They neither toil nor spin.’

‘Yet God clothes them, oh ye of little faith,’ said Jesus, finishing it off.

Callodyn nodded, and took a sip of his latte.

They sat there for a while, smiling, not saying anything. People in the crowd were taking photos of Jesus and smiling and carrying on happily. It really was quite a sight.

After a while Jesus picked up one of Daniel’s flyers which he had put down on the table. He read it out loud – ‘Noahide Books – the exciting saga of the lives of the eternal angels, FREE to read at: http://noahidebooks.angelfire.com .’ He stopped and thought that over. ‘Free to read online, are they? The books I mean? I only ever read the paperbacks.’

‘They have been FREE for a long time now. They are a way of getting attention for Haven Noahide Fellowship. I don’t try and push people into joining, though. Instead I mainly advertise and promote the fellowship a lot, and whoever thinks it is for them and likes what is going on joins. We really don’t try and take souls from other spiritual communities, but we feel it is okay to share our own message with anyone who might be curious. A friendly non judgemental approach. Hopefully offering them a pathway of spirituality which suits them and is adaptable enough to their needs to allow them the freedoms they also want. A spiritual home, without being too stifling.’

‘And is that how you found the church, then? Is that why you left?’

‘I left for various reasons, Jesus. One of the reasons I stayed out, though, was eternal ambition. I mean, why be a cog in a machine if you can run the whole thing. I teach that occasionally to my fellowship as well. What I have found, though, is that most people are content being followers and finding a spiritual community simply to call home. Some, though, go for broke. Some carve out a name for themselves and aim for the highest of the names of glory. I suppose that is what you did, in a way, wether it was intentional or not.’

‘I suppose, if I must be honest dear Callodyn, it was a motivation. Why refuse glory if it only takes dedication, commitment and hard work after all. I hope, though, that my heart and blood are in my work. If I didn’t give all for my church, could it really last, Callodyn?’

‘I think that is your approach, and it works for you. And there is nothing wrong with it. But I just have to be myself in the end. I can’t be you, Jesus. I can’t do it your way. I don’t try to be the ‘everything’ for Haven. Just the founder and someone who watches over it. I pray a lot to God for his responsibility as the primary watchdog of the fellowship. Really, the ‘God’ of the fellowship. Although he never really interferes much. Lets me guide it as I see fit. We don’t change much, either though. A steady approach, consistency, the same old same old. It works well enough and we gain the souls we are meant to gain?’

‘And what of the future? Were are you going with Haven? What are its goals for its members?’

‘Grounding them in a moral and spiritual life which has a focus on the things required for eternal life. After that equipping them with as many spiritual tools as they desire, finances when necessary, and ideas to suit whatever ambitions they may have. And we especially encourage them to find something from within to contribute to the world. To express their heart and let their dreams come alive. We have a lot of finances now and can do a lot of things. Very similar, though, to what the church and Israel have already done in many respects, but more of things which work can never be a bad thing, can they?’

‘Certainly not. And the poor? Do you care for them?’

‘Yes. I have a heart for them. I do believe that sometimes the hard struggle of life is necessary to toughen people up enough to focus on providing for themselves. I have been helped a lot, though, and help others in turn. But when we can be strong for others, it is an untold blessing to all of us. And in all things a good measure of grace.’

‘Amen to that.’ He stopped talking, finished off his cappuccino, and looked at his younger brother. ‘I will be in the city for a while, Callodyn. I am evangelizing. Concentrating on bringing new souls occasionally into some churches, and preaching here and there. So remember, you do have some competition in your ambitions, dear young brother.’

‘And I guess I wouldn’t want it any other way.’

Jesus looked at him, smiled, prayed a short silent prayer, and headed off.

Watching him go Callodyn felt encouraged. There was another soul who had long been dedicated to the work of helping people. And wasn’t that what it was all about in the end, after all was said and done? Wasn’t it?

* * * * *

After having had a lengthy chat with Jesus, Cheri decided to visit the realm of eternity to seek out Daniel the Seraphim. She was sure Daniel, with his current popularity due to his prophecy, would want to know of Callodyn’s ambitions. Cheri liked Daniel the Seraphim, had met him a number of times, and was ultimately hoping to join his spiritual ministry which he had hinted of to her once long ago. She was ambitious for this and felt it was time for Daniel to respond to his younger Cherubim brother Callodyn. And even Jesus, as far as she was now concerned.

When she arrived at Danielphon, having gained access to Zaphora because of her long standing relationship with Jesus, she was quickly welcomed into Daniel’s abode. Sitting there she spoke up.

‘Are you going to match Callodyn? It is about time you did something, or he will take every soul available to him?’

Daniel looked at her and responded with a truth he believed in. ‘He will only claim what belongs to him, as Jesus will do in the end. Remember, God knows all these plans, Cheri. He always has. Let them exercise their ambition. You don’t see Michael fretting, do you? He is not worried about such agendas.’

‘I think you underestimate them, Daniel. And you underestimate loyalty. Callodyn works hard over a long time. He works on his witness and tries to be honest with people about his spiritual community. It inevitably breeds loyalty. He is not fake with them.’

‘There will always be new soul’s available sweetie. And remember this. One day it may be as simple as asking Callodyn’s approval to talk with some members of his assembly to join the one I have planned. If I can win Callodyn’s respect, that is a big way to success. The same with Jesus. I just need to be myself, in the end, and shine my light. You should know that.’ She stared at him for a moment, and then understanding came upon her face. ‘Oh. I see. And they do talk about infinite numbers of us humans coming forth now.’

‘And angels as well, Cheri. The age long competition of soul winning before us will have many nooks and crannies, and Jesus is out to an early lead. And we all have ambitions, sweetie. But I won’t play all my cards at once, okay. Wait and see. The future beckons.’

‘Okay. I’ll trust you. But remember, I like you and want to be part of your community one day. You impress me.’

‘And you me, child of God. And you me.’

She stayed in the Realm for a few weeks, but returning home she felt better about things. Daniel had spoken wisely and things were now making more sense.

* * * * *

‘Who can get the most fish, hey Jesus?’

‘Yes, Ambriel. Remember the facts of life.’

‘Yes, I remember.’

‘So don’t forget, dear brother. Don’t forget.’

And Ambriel knew he wouldn’t forget that obvious truth.

Chapter Three

Jesus was in a good mood. He had been praying early that morning, asking his heavenly father to give Callodyn a blessing, and God had in turn inspired Jesus to go out and share his gospel with some people. Finding a café in a happy street of the city, he sat down near some people, turned to them, introduced himself, and asked if they were Christians. They in fact were not so he started sharing his gospel. ‘Judgement on others can be so hard, Frederick,’ he said to the newly introduced Fred and Eileen Robinson. ‘People can often be affected, especially family members, by how harshly we judge or criticise them. But God, who watches every soul in existence, who’s eyes run to and fro throughout the world, seeks out justice. And often, to teach us a good lesson, with the very same way we judge others and the criticisms we criticize them with, he will often have arranged people to judge us back. He subtley reminds us that we have often said and done things against people in harshness, and because of this he has arranged for us to share the same treatment. It is, in a way, a lesson of Karma – what goes around comes around. If we are going to insult someone, why should we expect not to be insulted? If we are going to hit someone, how can we claim we are being abused if it happens to us in return? You see, in many ways, we receive what we give out in life, or we reap what we sow. And because of this an essential message of mine for so long has been ‘Do unto others what you would have them do unto you’, for if you treat others harshly, God will judge you likewise, but in a way of blessing, if you are kind to others, God will exact justice and have people treat you kindly in return. You get what you give.’ Fred nodded. What he was hearing, from the main man himself, was really quite confronting and intense. He had never been an overtly spiritual person, took a bit of interest when getting to the heavenlies, but being confronted with Jesus Christ himself was something to never really forget.

‘Anyway, I am preaching later on today at a church in the city. Here is the address,’ he said, handing Fred and Eileen a flyer. ‘It would be great if you could make it and we could catch up.’

‘Uh, sure Jesus,’ said Fred, very nervously. ‘We’ll be there.’

Jesus smiled, stood and excused himself, walking off. There were a number of people who had spotted him that morning and were following him around, the usual scene. Still, that was inevitable and part of his life. This is what he did, and it was the same message he continued to share and presumably always would do. But he was happy doing it, and felt joy from God for the blessing of speaking his good news.

* * * * *

Kayella sat with him. She had been honest, and now it was time for Callodyn to respond. ‘Well, ok sis. I will share some of my views. If that makes you happy.’

‘You have to match Jesus, Call. He has concentrated on his gospel for a long time and is simply building on his work. He is not stupid, you know. Gain some spiritual teaching of your own. Gain a gospel. Come on. Get to it.’

‘Ok. Watch out world, here goes Callodyn the magnificent,’ he said, tongue in cheek.

2 hours later Callodyn was in a street café, speaking with a total stranger. He asked the person if he had heard of noahide faith, and the man said he had read a bit about it but was a nominal Christian. And then Callodyn started sharing some of his teaching.

‘Life is a heart. And that heart is God. God was before us all, but has no plans on getting rid of us. You see, God loves us, as apostle John of Christian faith would teach. Our life comes from God. Our origin comes from God. What we are, our flesh and blood, our spirit, our soul, all of it comes from God. God himself is the centre of existence, the primal axiom, in the words of my brother Michael, on which all depends. But this centrepiece did not want to be alone forever, but wanted to express his heart, the love he was capable of, the goodness which was perfectly at home with himself. And so God planned. For an age we can not reckon, but in the time of the eternal deity, he planned and eventually, through his great power, brought forth creation. The angels were his first children, it is believed. But there are also children of God in another sense, but we think of them as in some way angelic as well. These children lived in the heavenly realms God created and began the thing which, I guess, all of us will never stop doing. They began to learn. We are created children of God, all angelicdom and humanity and we are all like sponges in a way. Sponges to be filled with information and, from what we understand, information which is neverending. Our spiritual minds have infinite capabilities, to be filled with whatever knowledge we choose to allow into our lives. And it is through the knowledge we take in that our lives are formed and the decision we make come to be crafted and made. Good knowledge, the right knowledge, is so incredibly important that right at the beginning God made a tree for Adam and Eve to know about, but told them not to eat from. It was the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. All of us, now, have a strong sense of what God is talking about in both good and in both evil, but there are so many ways of looking at it. Is it all relative? Is good and evil in the fruit so intermixed that with the deception of the serpent can we ever tell right from wrong in truth? And the conscience we supposedly have, is this knowledge darkened by the fruit itself? For didn’t God ask, ‘Who told you that you were naked?’ All of this is of course from the early part of the book of Genesis from the bible. Were we find the tale of Adam and Eve.’

‘I am familiar with it, but go on,’ said the man.

‘You see, good knowledge, proper knowledge, accurate and true and reliable knowledge of the ways of life guide us to, in the end, make the right decisions on lifes fundamental matters. A question which needs to arise in this life is this – ‘Do you really want to live forever?’ Because if you don’t ever really ask that question of yourself, sometimes things happen in this life which lead it to make decisions which lead to the end of it. We get involved with improper drug and alcohol use, eat things we shouldn’t eat, hang around people of shady character and many other decision which can, in the end, end up killing us in our spiritual form. As you know we are hard to kill in spirit, but each and every day and year a certain number of people leave us and go off to Sheol for choosing, ultimately, ways of death. And that, really, in terms of all the spiritual teaching of existence, is what it comes down to. ‘Do you really want to live forever?’

‘I guess it does at that,’ said the man, intensely interested in what Callodyn had to say.

‘If you do, then you need to make choices. Life affirming choices. And there is someone you need, above all else, to connect to. And that person is the heart of life, the primal axiom from which everything flows, God himself. The fellowship I started, Haven Noahide Fellowship, is all about connecting people to that primal axiom. It is all about introducing them to the idea of God if they don’t have a concrete thought on the subject, and getting them to learn and know about who this God really is. We acknowledge that, as it says in scripture, the great ‘Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh’ is the true creator and sovereign lord of life, and to him we owe our hearts allegiance. For in him we will gain the knowledge that will guide us to life eternal. God gives each of us, in our spiritual youth, lessons we need to learn to come to the decisions we need to make. A big part about the monotheistic religions we grew up with on earth was to lead us to make those decisions. And when we made the right ones, a blessing usually followed, ones which usually reinforced themselves, all centring on the fundamental choice – the choice of life. There are many keys to eternal life, many things to understand, to nut out, to grow in knowledge and wisdom and experience of and, if we continue to choose this eternal life, we inevitably do just that. Sure, God will throw challenges at us along the way. But they are only meant to strengthen us. Remember that saying, what doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger. And that strength makes it easier to continue to make this choice of life. Some say that there comes a time when we think we are making the choices, but a spirit of our eternal father within us is really doing that for us. And some say he has been doing that all along. Who can really say, huh? But, whoever makes the choice of life, that is really what Haven Noahide Fellowship is about. It is about life. Yet, more than that. It is about a Haven. It is about a spiritual place in the world, a home of likeminded believers, who share the same values, the same choice of life, who want to find a place of sanctuary with each other from the harsher elements of existence. A place of happy conversation, of friendly games and loving friendships. A place of marital bliss and insanely long, we hope, genealogical legacies. It is really, in the end, about the life of society we have always known, and is not much different in many respects. But it is a Haven and a Fellowship and in it we hope people find those who have made that commitment, who have made that choice, and who will be around forever, serving God, loving neighbour, and finding that heart in the children of men.’

Callodyn left off speaking, really thinking he had said about enough. The man looked at him, nodded slowly, and smiled. ‘You know, Callodyn. I am not a strong Christian, but quite committed to Jesus. But you speak wisely my friend, and I will in fact consider what you have to say. I will take a look at you.’

Callodyn nodded, rose to his feet, gave them man a friendly pat on the back, and made his way off.

He had spoken well – he had spoken his heart – and time would tell what his seed would bring.

* * * * *

After a solid year of denials, people were gradually dying down in their suggestions that Gabriel was in fact the beast of Daniel’s prophecies. Daniel himself had, in the end, decided against saying anything on the subject, to allow the mystery to remain just that – a mystery. He felt a ‘No Comment’ was in his best interests in the long term of his agenda, so left it at that. But after a while, thinking over Cheri’s words of encouragement, and realizing the opportunities he had now available to him on this very issue, the prophecies themselves could be a catalyst for him to realize his ambitions of leadership and popularity. Spirituality was never intended to be the main avenue of success on this issue, the prophecies were not meant to be spiritual teachings. But spirituality could serve his purpose of attaining the highest position in the realm if he could make it work for him. Thinking over Jesus own exalted position in the hearts of angelicdom, he thought over his very own Torah principle, one shared by his younger cherubim brother Callodyn – ‘Be in the Hearts of Men.’ To be in the hearts of men was not easy. Not easy in the words of glory God spoke to his heart that such words beckoned him towards. He remembered the days of ‘The Challenge’ and the glory he had won then. Could he emulate such feats somehow, craft out a name for himself. God had spoken to him the evening before and said Saruviel was now making a name for himself in ways which none had attained so far and that he, Daniel, was greatly lagging behind. Daniel puzzled what his father meant by that because Saruviel did not seem to be doing anything different. But Father knew all and so Daniel would have to get his act together and do some serious planning. If glory was what his heart wanted, than glory was what he would have to achieve, but getting there was another matter. Time for some serious thought.

* * * * *

After various emails, Gabriel was alarmed at a new agenda running through the realm of eternity and out in the planetary systems of humanity. A new religious agenda. Monotheism was the general name of the game, as it had always been, but now the new thing was getting around – ‘Get a piece of the pie.’ And that pie, for the ambitious spiritual rogue, was a cut of the neverending supply of human’s and angels for their own sacred and beloved spiritual assemblies. The classic players were now admired as geniuses of the game. Jesus himself was currently overwhelmed with requests for ‘Soul-winning’ tips he could pass on. His mother Mary had suggested a book on the subject. ‘It will sell well, dear son. Consider it.’

‘Yes mother,’ was his reply.

A sampling of the new monotheistic religions, outside and above the standard slew of new Christian, Muslim and Bahai offspring which usually popped up on a daily basis, where such things as: ‘The Grand Assembly of Original Monotheistic Thinking’, ‘The New Way of God Almighty’, ‘The Eternal Truth-Keepers’, ‘The Holy and Benevolent Society of God Worshippers’, ‘The Unitarian Monotheistic way’, ‘The Keepers of Salvation’, ‘The Branch of Enoch’, ‘The Legacy of Jehovah’, ‘Children of Adam and Eve’, Various ‘Tree of Life’ organisations, ‘The Society for the Advancement of Monotheistic Purity’, ‘Jehovah’s Pilgrims’, ‘Lovers of Truth’, A growing number of ‘New Life Ministries’, the ‘Treasure of Life’ movement, the ‘Sacred and Holy Sons of the Almighty’ movement, the ‘Friends of Jesus’ movement, which was a non-Christian movement centred on John the Baptist. And of course, many, many new movements based on the names of the person themselves, often a family surname being employed, such as ‘Bakerism’, ‘Smallboneism’, ’Jonesism’, ‘Changism’, ‘Lohanism’ and many various other family named religions. While monotheism was generally the spirit of the new religions, older fashioned cultic ideas had also crept back into the family of Adam and Eve and were now becoming popular again. Something new, thought Gabriel, sitting in the overseers chair. Something new was desired from people now, and they were apparently getting what they wanted. Perhaps it was just as simple as that.

* * * * *

Saruviel looked at the nebulae. A gaseous cacophony of merry and fantastic design, splayed across the heavens before him. He was out in space, as it was called by the humans, sitting aboard his own space craft ‘The Iron Eagle’, on a voyage throughout the universe. He was on a mission – to see the sights. Really, as simple as that. But there was indeed an ulterior motive, and that motive was to learn. To learn principles of design which God had brought to be in his own beloved and precious creation.

Already he’d had a foreboding that what he was involved with would leave a legacy one day. A legacy of a trailblazer, in a sense, of somebody being the first at something, something very high on the list, in his own view, of things to be called grand accomplishments in life. Creation itself – being a creator – that was perhaps one of the highest callings of life. Even if a chosen calling. He already had permission from his father, who had congratulated him on his ambitions. And an eternal section of space was available for him to see just exactly what he could bring forth in the future. But that was a while away yet. Still in the future. But he had ideas. Already he had ideas.

Something from Genesis, funnily enough, spoke to him. Angels were also made in the image of God. And, perhaps, the ultimate destiny of angelicdom was to follow in the footsteps of their heavenly father and be creators themselves. But the greatest mystery of all, the one he had inquired to his heavenly father about, but to which his heavenly father had remained silent, was the mystery of life itself. How, exactly, could Saruviel, Seraphim of Eternity, create life. How on earth could he do that?

Still, that was a question which could wait, for as for now he was involved in research and study. Soon enough, he imagined, he would have the answers he was looking for on that subject. Soon enough.

* * * * *

Elenniel looked at the website heading. ‘Religion on the upsurge. A wave of new monotheism hits the world.’ Now that was interesting, Elenniel the Seraphim of Eternity thought to herself. She thought on her own religion, the ancient Seraphim Torah. Her own principle, Section 4 Principle 4 was simple – ‘A Flower’. Of course, the following principle of the next Seraphim Female, Aquariel, followed immediately after her own in the Torah, Section 4 Principle 5, and was ‘A Rose’. The Seraphim Torah was a work of many aspects, lessons on life, prophetic poetry and philosophical query. It still spoke to her heart and in the life she had lived so far she saw much fulfilment in the truth of its words. Looking at the headline she felt, perhaps now. Perhaps now it would be a good time to start her own agenda, something which a number of the Seraphim were starting to think about. Perhaps now a movement from Elenniel with her own views on spirituality and life. And thinking on her principle of Seraphim Torah she had an idea just how to start this brand new endeavour.

* * * * *

Aquariel, receiving a detailed email from Elenniel on a proposal of spiritual assembly, looked at the title suggested. ‘Ladies of the Seraphim Torah’. Elenniel had begun the work and suggested, as Aquariel was next-born of the female Seraphim, that solidarity on spirituality amongst the far more sensible female side of the equation of torah truth would be the best and ideal way ahead for the female Seraphim community of eternity. And Aquariel, thinking it over, could honestly think of no reason to say no. In fact it was a brilliant idea in the mind of Aquariel and just might be the thing necessary to teach their brothers the lesson they oh so well knew needed to be taught. And perhaps now, in the current climate of religious fervour, the perfect opportunity may have arisen to bring such a dream to life.

Sitting there, thinking it over, she made a conscience acknowledgement that yes, she would get involved in this new ministry. And the potential for success was enormous. Truly enormous indeed.

* * * * *

Gabriel, sitting at his overseer’s desk, looked at the piece of paper in front of him. It was a poem, something he was writing, to his sister Aquariel. Short and sweet, to show his affection for her. It read:

To Aquariel

Aquariel, a joyous love

Fierce as lion, pure as dove

Aquariel, a firey lass

Full of charm, full of sass

Aquariel, a tender touch

I love her dear, I love her much

Aquariel, my sister true

I love her much, indeed I do

From Gabriel

He smiled to himself. It was perfect. He would make up a card and send it with some roses with the poem written in the finest calligraphy on the card. He would do it himself to add the personal touch, and also send some of the finest chocolates the realm had to offer. His twin deserved it and he wanted to show her his heart was still true towards. That she was the rose of his heart’s affections, and that such a thing would never, ever change.

* * * * *

Michael, now getting the strong impression that with the new spiritual fervour at the moment, Jesus himself out on the streets of New York City on New Terra, preaching his old fashioned gospel, Noah would have to, ultimately, get out and get the work done himself. As some might say, Noah would have to show that he himself cared for his beloved children. Not every family out there was Noahide, though. There were many Adamide families now who had gained surnames over time and due to the strong patrilineal teaching of covenant and religious obligation which had begun permeating the monotheistic world, Adamides were quite distinct from Noahide families. Yet there were a growing number of movements which attached themselves to this or that patriarch, or matriarch in many cases, from their heritage. For example, Eber, 14^th from Adam and father of the Hebrew people from which Abram sprung forth, was strongly teaching Hebrew religious tradition, developing Hebrew language as the father of the language, and further promoting various Hebrew faith movements, populated by Hebrews. Hebrew faith fitted into Noahide faith, but not every Noahide naturally fitted into Hebrew faith, as not all were Hebrews. In fact, only a relatively small percentage were Hebrews overall. The newly formed ‘Branch of Enoch’ as it was called embraced traditional Noahide faith and Noahides were a composite of Enochian faith as Enoch was the great grand-father of Noah. But there were many more Enochides now who were not descended from Noah, and the branch of Enoch taught a spirituality which encompassed this grouping of humanity with the children of Noah as a whole. Of course the traditional Semitic people of ‘Shem’ had various organisations devoted to the children of Shem, but both Japheth and Ham were starting to match him. Shem himself was incredibly popular with Israelite Rabbis, and the Academy he had formed on Televere was growing in reputation throughout the universe. Enoch had spoken with Callodyn, who was so dedicated now to Haven Noahide Fellowship that, if he had the time, had suggested that ‘Haven Enochide Fellowship’ could be a reality worth pursuing. Nobody really wanted to touch the ‘Haven’ title very much, apart from various Christian groups who used the title a lot, but in the older faith Haven was largely untouched. Callodyn had started that and people seemed to leave it to him to form such communities. And no sooner had Enoch suggested it than just a few days later Adam himself had contacted him with the suggestion of ‘Haven Adamide Fellowship’ which was an idea instantly appealing to the Cherubim Callodyn.

Callodyn had spoken with Michael who was in New York as well, coming to the hub of the religious melting point at the moment, were so many of the major figures were currently at work pursuing their agenda. It was called a ‘Scene’ and even Rophiel was out on the streets preaching traditional Islam to win converts. Michael, thinking about it over the last few weeks, had drawn a conclusion on what God himself might be doing behind the scenes. He suspected all of this was in fact the will of his father, and that organizing humanity into units and chunks, a part of torah tradition as well, was God’s idea to not only make the spiritual founders happy, but to give them some eternal responsibilities and to give people a spiritual family and community to be part of. Actually, thinking about it, it sort of made sense now and the word of ‘Cult’ which often been bandied about was going into disfavour. People actually didn’t mind, it seemed, having something new and being part of something peculiar to their own little world. Something to be proud of in a sense. Perhaps God indeed did know what he was doing Michael thought to himself.

* * * * *

The Apostle Paul, after long consideration and summing up the very simple fact that God himself had spoken to him and said ‘WHERE IS YOUR AMBITION, SON OF MAN?’ finally, knowing Christ could never really be divided, sauntered into Jesus’ office in the Vatican, placed a note of resignation on the desk of his Lord and Saviour, and went off. He had an agenda now, in the new climate, and was sure of himself. Half the bloody New Testament belonged to him and while there were all sorts of legal complications in claiming the writings from the church, one thing he did own. And that was his name – his reputation. And with that name, in the ambition the father of Glory had spoken into his own heart, Saul went off to pursue his glory.

4 days later, the announcement having gone like wildfire through the whole Christian Church, around 3% of fundamentalist Christians, the real big bible readers who had grown up on Paul, quietly put in their resignations and joined ‘Ministries of Saul of Tarsus’. They knew what they were getting from the man and, for so many in the end, Paul was the one who had changed their lives in a way which even Jesus hadn’t been able to.

Michael, reading the news in a newspaper of all things, laughed to himself. This one, this ‘Ministries of Saul’, now this one would last. So many of the newbies he expected to not be there in a year, but Saul was a long term player. A major long term player. He had a reputation to live up to and had constantly done so. For ‘Ministries of Saul of Tarsus’ Michael expected a long and happy future. A long and happy future indeed.

* * * * *

A few days later ‘Rebellion’ was the charge of Jesus Christ as the Apostle Peter himself, having read, re-read and re-read again and again Paul’s resignation letters was just considering things. Jesus had showed up back in the realm in a hurry to ensure no more such rebellions took place. He really did not want to lose his church, after all, but Peter, the main apostle, was considering the Pauline agenda. There had been conversations in which Jesus had alluded to certain gospel passages referring to Peter as the dark lord, but Peter had remained calm. He would not shift, of course, but the Pauline idea was interesting. Interesting. In the end, the 12 usually maintained there were in fact only 12 Apostles and in some ways Paul had been awkward to deal with because of it. And now with the main 12 alone the New Jerusalem beckoned and had interesting possibilities. But Saul’s agenda was interesting to Peter. Most interesting indeed.

* * * * *

Mary, mother of Jesus, listening to her son saying he could literally feel the nails piercing his body all over again, talked with her son of the crucifixion. ‘Perhaps such were the nails of God, in the end dear son. Perhaps such things were the death of the body, in a way. But remember your resurrection and new life. Forget not the new life. Saul will find himself, will find his way. But I don’t think he will let you go, in end. I don’t think he will forget your sacred and treasured friendship. And perhaps what matters most will survive in the end. Yes, perhaps love will survive and look past who is in who’s assembly and who is the lord of all glory, my dear and treasured son.’

And Jesus simply nodded.

Chapter Four

1,000,047 HY

‘3 words saved my life Cheryl. 3 words.’

She looked at him. Really, he was cute, quite cute. But most of them had been, over the last practically million years. Most of them had been cute. But this one seemed different. Less fake, less after her for her fame, less after her for her body. In fact, it was 3 words which he had said when he met her, that sparked something. Something different about Nathan.

‘And what 3 words are those, Nathan?’

‘You should know.’

‘No, I don’t. Please tell me, please.’

‘They are written on my heart for you, inscribed in eternal letters, of hopeless devotion, and constant affection. And they will never change, Cheryl. They will never change.’

She smiled. He was smooth. At least he was smooth.

‘How old did you say you were again, Nathan?’

‘Nearly as old as you. Just a few years younger. Late 1990s.’

‘Right,’ she said. It was surprising, then, that she hadn’t perhaps run into him previously, if he was such a big fan and all. But perhaps he had been shy. Perhaps he had been scared to confront someone who may have been his big idol.

‘Well, ok Nathan. I’ll go with you to the club tonight. I am presently single again, and the last man I was married to was quite a while ago now. I am comfortable with a date.’

‘You won’t regret it.’

‘We’ll see, dear young Nathan. We’ll see.’

* * * * *

Life for Frank Archer eventually returned to a semblance of normal life and, as the years came and went the fuss died down somewhat. Over 40 years passed for Frank and, after life had gotten back to normal somewhat, he was interested in contacting Daniel the Seraphim if possible. He did not doubt that the fellow got millions of requests on a daily basis, but perhaps with his new won fame he might have a chance at some sort of contact. It was at least worth a try.

In fact, it was only 7 weeks later he got the invitation to come to the realm with a special pass to gain him access, and as he flew along in the rocket to the portal gate he considered his queries. He wanted to ascertain just how legit this prophecy was, as Daniel had refused to speak with anyone on the issue. But he had a hunch, just a hunch, that the Seraphim had something for him to hear. Something useful.

He arrived at Danielphon, knocked on the door early in the morning, and Ariel, who he recognized from her online pictures, answered. ‘You must be Frank Archer, right?’ queried Ariel.

Frank nodded. ‘Yes, Ariel. It is a pleasure to meet you.’

‘Well, come in. Daniel is expecting you.’

Ariel ushered him into a lounge room filled with bookcases, a computer and fireplace, and various clocks on the wall. Daniel was perhaps a collector of such things. Soon Daniel himself came into the room, looked at Frank, and sat down opposite him. ‘Well, Frank,’ he began. ‘I am glad you could make it. Normally I wouldn’t speak with anyone on the subject, but you broached the Gabriel theory. And all I really want to say is this – keep on digging at that theory. It could prove interesting in the long run. I am neither going to affirm or deny the interpretation you have come to, but I do ask that you continue to dig at the idea, and feel free to share this view with whoever you wish. You have my approval to consider that idea in your interpretation.’

Frank felt better. Really, there had been some backlash from a number of sources on his theory, but with Daniel himself supporting him, well it looked excellent now. And the fame it offered him, well, that was something to really delight in.

‘Thanks Daniel. It is very reassuring to hear that from you.’

Daniel nodded, looked at a clock on the wall, and said ‘Well, would you like to join us for morning tea. Ariel has prepared some tea and we have some delightful chockie bikkies.’

Frank nodded. ‘Love to.’

As they ate Frank shared some of his life and experiences since coming to life on New Terra and his walk with God in the Pentecostal Church of the Living God. Daniel spoke some very interesting stories of Jesus from his younger days, and Frank was overwhelmed hearing things about Jesus which nobody out there really knew.

‘Oh, and he is very passionate when you push him. Despite the calm exterior he exudes to everyone, he really gets going sometimes when his dander is up. We always worried about that Cherubim, especially when he got his religion going. ‘We’ll hear no end of this,’ were Michael’s words once. And, funnily enough, we haven’t yet.’

‘Fascinating,’ said Frank, sipping on his tea. ‘Tell me, please. What is the name of his twin. Nobody has ever been told, and the whole universe wants to know.’

‘Sorry Frank. Jesus has asked all angelicdom to never speak on the issue. As you know on the lists his name is in the 21^st slot, but he refuses to allow his twin’s name out there, and she has never objected. Some things we have to wait till the end of eternity for, I think.’

Frank smiled. It had been worth a go to try and get the name, but alas no luck.

They spoke on until lunch time and feasted. In fact Daniel invited Frank to stay for a few weeks, and when Frank eventually left, returning home, he had a life time of tales to share with his church and family.

* * * * *

After the club they were back at Cheryl’s place, and Nathan seemed to perhaps be making the obvious moves. Cheryl was experienced with men and what they wanted. They were all the same in some ways, wanting the carnal entertainment. But that was only natural after all. Still, while he seemed to be giving some signals, when she made it obvious in her body language that he could have her, he simply made no move. She really didn’t understand until a few weeks later. He was trying to be a gentleman, it seemed, but his body language was not so much trying to get her into bed straight away, but rather showing his absolute affection towards her. And then, knowing those 3 words he had said upon meeting her, she considered him a little more strongly. Perhaps he was the one. The one to last a bit longer than the others. Of course, when he had told her he was also Ketravim, 37^th on the list, the one she’d never had much detail on, things started immediately falling into place. She was at 16, a very high position amongst the growing Ketravim community. It was Jack, Jack Dagger, who had talked to her first of all, explaining why she was still living when everyone else was dead. And then he had explained that a community had been growing worldwide, called Ketravim Angels, and they were living, perhaps forever, and had a special destiny with God. She’d studied then, learned about the other Ketravim before her, and then witnessed to James, the 17^th Ketravim on the list, somehow knowing in her heart he was the next one after her. She lost touch with the latter additions in the late 20s of the list, looked into them from time to time, but never managed to meet number 37. And now she had, Nathan Yeltsin, a lovely Russian born man who had been raised in the United Kingdom from his early teens. And Nathan had seen her girl group, fallen for her, and been a fan forever, so he had told her. But only recently had they finally met. Only recently. Cheryl Colson was not a naïve woman, well understanding in the ways of love and romance, but Nathan was different from other men. There was something about him, something different, and yes, he was a real honey in his smooth ways, and perhaps a boy like him was exactly what she needed. Apparently he had all 12,345 ‘Supergirl’s’ albums, her band’s albums, having finished their run at 12,345 just for the heck of it. She herself had a few thousand of them in the back room on CD, not bothering trying to collect them all for her own home. They were out there, and the full collection of diamond, platinum and gold discs were at ‘Girlspace’, the ‘Supergirl’s’ business centre at Nazraphora, the 10^th disc. But Nathan had them all at his place, and apparently every last CD Single as well, which made her smile. He really was a devoted fan. But perhaps, now, more than that. As he was Ketravim, perhaps, perhaps he was the one for her. Perhaps that much should be obvious, especially from his devotion.

Sitting in her room, on the disc of Terraphora, thinking about Nathan, she smiled to herself. Maybe you had to wait a long time for love. Maybe a very long time. And maybe it had to be with the right person, the one God had made especially for you. Maybe that was the way it really was. So if Nathan was that one, she would think about him and watch him. Watch his devotion and his way of life. But it would be good to love again, really, it would be good. And drinking her coffee, listening to a ‘Supergirl’s’ CD, she was in her little piece of heaven, and things were quite fine and dandy for the Ketravim Cheryl Colson.

* * * * *

When Frank had arrived back on New Terra he began sharing some ideas that Daniel had spoken to him about with his wife Daphne. Very strange ideas, but very compelling in a way. They were ideas about what constituted the ‘Firstborn’ of God. Daniel had stated quite simply that all who were born were destined, in time, to become the firstborn children of God. And that this was achieved when people became a part of the oldest 1% of humanity for humans and Angelicdom for angels. Frank had straight away said, ‘but your birthplace is fixed, so that can’t happen,’ and then Daniel had explained the obvious, that birthranking could never change, but of course people never stopped making babies, and that because of this everyone inevitably, over time, became part of the oldest 1% of people and angels. As the total grew your birthdate simply became older and older, and you gravitated towards a special group who received God’s strongest attention and blessings. And Daniel had spoken of a passage in the Israelite Torah which taught to rise in the presence of the aged, which clearly showed that, along with the commandment to honour your parents, that God blessed those who simply committed to living life. That he blessed those who simply committed to eternity, and that with such people he made his home and showed them his special love and affection. And Frank, realizing that one day he too would be amongst such a group, smiled to himself and thought on all the delicious ironies of the situation. And Daphne laughed too.

* * * * *

Hosannuel looked at Gabriel. Gabriel was a fearsome and proud warrior on the Rugby League field, and when playing for his Canberra team the ‘Raiders’ the young bulldog Hazem was overwhelmed with his older brother’s skill on the field. But hey, hey, hey, every dog has his day, and Hazem was ready. He was captain of the Bulldogs, who had succumbed to the wooden spoon for 14 straight seasons in the 40 team NROERL Cup. But today was different. They had finally, after working up the courage, pushed Callodyn into the coaching position of his beloved bulldogs, and when he had put on AC/DC’s ‘Dog Eat Dog’ on the loudspeakers for their first training session, they knew something was up.

Today was the Grand Final, and the Raiders were up at half time 12 to 6. But now, 10 minutes to go, the raiders leading 24 to 6, things were dire. But they had an ace up their sleeves. They had been minor premiers, which won them the rights to play on their home ground. And as such Hosannuel turned, looked up at Callodyn in the coaching position, and nodded. And then, just a few seconds later, that familiar tune began and ‘Dog eat Dog’, which had only been played at the training sessions, blasted out on the loudspeakers all over Belmore oval in the heart of eternity. And then things began happening. Hazem intercepted a Mal Meninga pass, and scored, right in the corner. He kicked the goal, ran quickly back to the halfway line and looked at the clock. 8 minutes to go and 24 to 12. Shortly Terry Lamb sneaked through, got one off to Turvy, who scored under the posts. It was an easy conversion and it was soon 24 to 18. The raiders were tiring and the crowd were going mad to ‘Dog eat Dog’. Shortly Polla-mounter scored and the conversion was successful. And then, with 3 minutes to go, it was tied at 24 all.

Later that night, reflecting on Jamal Idris’ storming run from the 20 metre line all the way up the field to score with 2 seconds left on the cross, Hosannuel sighed a sigh of relief. It was true – ‘Every Dog had its Day’.

* * * * *

The first kiss was something special. It was on the lips, but no tongue. She really wasn’t sure if he would try that, he didn’t seem the kind. Perhaps why he was chosen for becoming a Ketravim angel. Conservative, gentle, dignified, proper. But still human in most ways, given over to a strong physical affection. Not that she was complaining, mind you. Not that she was complaining.

They were at an art gallery in the disc of Terraphora, in the district of Pellerphora, were many art galleries were located. She was looking at a painting of Elenniel, and Nathan was sitting on a couch against the wall staring at her. She noticed him, looking at him from the corner of her eyes, not trying to be too obvious in that, but not trying to hide it too much either. Yet he was looking at her, shamelessly almost, not hiding his affection – no, not hiding it, making it perfectly obvious.

Later, as they were in the coffee shop of the gallery, she talking about some of the art pieces, he was still looking at her, being obvious. But, somehow, it was not off-putting. Somehow it wasn’t that. Somehow it was appropriate, and she welcomed his attention. In fact, now, she wanted his attention.

‘Love is a many splendid thing, Cheryl,’ Nathan said, interrupting her conversation.

She looked at him straightly. ‘Why do you say that?’

‘Oh, just something which came to me. Listening to your knowledge, your wisdom. And thinking on the love you have for learning and growing. The love you still have for simply being alive and enjoying yourself.’

‘I think I made those choices a long time ago, Nathan. A long time ago.’

‘They come and go, so I am told, out on New Terra and amongst the rest of our human kin. So many are born yet wither away, not somehow desiring the gift of life God offers to them.’

‘I think it takes perseverance, or God’s grace, or perhaps both. Or perhaps even just the right choices of the heart. The right level of repentance. It’s strange, really, a mystery to me. But it is the way things are, and perhaps those 3 words are what we need most of all. Those 3 words to save our lives.’

Nathan nodded. ‘Probably Cheryl. Probably. I do, you know, love you. I do, you know.’

She looked at him, looked down and smiled. She picked up her coffee, looked at him, and took a sip. And he just continued smiling at her, apparently enraptured with Miss Cheryl Colson.

* * * * *

Frank looked at the copy of ‘The Prophecies of Daniel the Seraphim’ in his hand, and then stared into space. He was sitting on his couch in his room, just home from work, thinking things over. He had put up some of the comments of Daniel onto his own website which was gaining more and more webhits every day. But he was thinking over God and Destiny and Life. And how the meaning of it all was so much to grasp in so many ways, and how things like prophecies could dominate his thinking so easily. And he was thinking, should it? Should he be so caught up in something which, in the end, had not even been proven true anyway? But then, after a while of thinking that he thought on the word which Daniel had spoken to him which had provoked his thinking. ‘Eternity’. As Daniel had said, ‘Why not spend a trillion years reading just one book or pursuing just one agenda. It didn’t end, did it Frank. And as such, why not simply commit to pursuing something for a hell of a long time when, in the end, it was only a small fraction of a much larger number, and you reached that number in the end as well, didn’t you Frank? So did it matter that much? As long as you were entertained along the way. As long as you were happy. As long as you were still bloody alive.’ And instantly Frank had challenged that, questioning wether he was really doing the things he should be doing, and wether he should be somehow serving Daniel in the way he was. But then, now, he thought on Daniel’s words. If it entertained you, may as well commit to it for a while. Life went on. It never ended, did it. It never ended. And Frank thought, well, a trillion years of pursuing an agenda could be interesting, and commitment was made of such stuff. So it didn’t really matter in the light of eternity, did it. It didn’t really matter. And thinking, just then on the eternal, he was happy. He was happy.

* * * * *

Cheryl looked at her bank balance. The numbers were quite long. That much she had saved in her royalties from nearly a million years of record sales. It was always nice to be rich, despite prices ever going up in the centre of the Realm for land and other items. The older angels charged a lot of money for their actual physical labours, which were mostly done by robots throughout the realm. But she was getting richer and richer, and looked every day at the prices for units in Zaphora and Zaphon tower itself. ‘One day’ she thought to herself. ‘One day.’

* * * * *

Daniel was sitting with Valandriel, thinking about life, while Valandriel was playing the pinball machine in the Games room of Danielphon. Daniel looked at his brother, who had been the machine for 7 hours since that morning, still engaged in the same game, determined to get onto Daniel’s all time top 1,000 scores. ‘It takes a while,’ was all Daniel had said to Valandriel, not sharing with him the various ways to complete the special missions to get the extra points. But hell, nobody had told him either to start with, and Michael had just grinned when he had rolled out the machine, querying ‘Who would end up Realm Champion?’. Many of the Seraphim and Cherubim had the very same machine, found all throughout the realm, and Daniel had managed to score the top 1000 scores on his own copy. But Valandriel had started recently playing Daniel’s machine to see if he could crack some of Daniel’s scores. Daniel had cheerfully let him, not minding, but insisted Valandriel one day return the favour and let him play on Valandriel’s machine. His brother had been a little hesitant right off the bat, but had quickly agreed. And now, seeing that Valandriel had been on the machine for 7 hours and at the rate he was going would need probably another 5 or 6 to crack Daniel’s top 1000 list, he was thinking he might have not too much of a challenge in reaching Valandriel’s top 1000 list. Still, 3 balls could be lost so quickly if you lost concentration. On the game Valandriel was playing he was on his second ball, and Daniel felt the fellow was trying to last as long as possible. He would probably end up letting the ball go to rest for the night and start on the 3^rd ball in the morning. There was nothing wrong with that, as he could wait as long as he wanted to pull the plunger. But Daniel, for the moment, felt his scores were probably safe, but time would only tell.

He thought on his new friend Frank Archer who he had received correspondence from that morning. A special USB device was transported to the Realm from the various human planets and vice versa every day on the postal travels, which contained all the correspondence between the places. Correspondence from New Terra arrived pretty quickly, and the data on the USB drive was downloaded to the Realm Web and instantly new emails were delivered. Of course, giving the huge populations of the various planets and angelic realms, you would perhaps expect quite large USBs, but they were only 10 centimetres long each, the various few copies which were delivered. Microsizing memory had come a long way in computing technology it seemed.

Ariel came into the room, smiled at him, and walked over to talk to Valandriel. His son Andrew would be over soon with his new human girlfriend Jessica Smith. He liked Jessica. She seemed a sensible, conscientious girl. A little surprising Andrew would go with a human, but that was life, wasn’t it. Not always that predictable. He roused himself, came over and stood next to Ariel, looking at Valandriel’s efforts. The angel was just about to complete a mission by the looks of it, and his score would advance a reasonable amount. Time to challenge him. ‘Make sure you don’t lose the ball, Val. That really would be a shame.’ Ariel nudged him, and Valandriel held the ball on a flipper, looked at him with a ‘Watch it Daniel’ look, and resumed his game. Daniel grinned. Perhaps he would try again, but decided in the end against it, and wished the best for his brother in his ambitions to crack Daniel’s top 1000 scores.

* * * * *

Hazem was thinking the contract offer over. It would take a lot of work, to be that fit, but perhaps the money was worth it. The bulldogs club president had gone into detail how the club was now in a position to field a team in not only the NROERL competition with its salary cap restrictions, but also in the planned launching by channel 7 of the new Super League competition. Canterbury where going to field teams in not just one competition, but in both competitions, and for the Super League no salary caps where in place. Hazem was offered the captaincy for BOTH teams, with opportunity to have two concurrent contracts. It meant playing twice a week much of the time, but fortunately they would always have a home game each week, with the planned move of Super-League to alternate the home games with the NROERL. The club president was talking with a number of players and looking for major signings. He would certainly have to be fit, but he loved his club and thought it would be worth the effort. And having a home game every week would be great for Belmore. Just great.

Thinking it over he nodded to himself. ‘Yeh, it would be the right thing to do. And the club would simply prosper because of it.’

* * * * *

‘1000 words. A 1000 words. How to write a 1000 words,’ Daniel thought to himself. He had been set an essay by God himself, the theophany having drifted down from home to chat with his son. And the subject of the essay, well, the ironies of life. What else.

He sat there, thinking it over, and knew he had to be witty. He guessed that God had likely set others the challenge, and perhaps prizes were on offer. He would think carefully, come up with an idea, and do his best. And whatever would be would be.

* * * * *

‘I won’t fall out of love, you know Nathan. Once I fall, that’s it. It’s forever.’

‘I bet you say that to all your lovers.’

‘No. Never. And I haven’t told you I love you yet, have I?’

‘No, you haven’t,’ he said softly.

They were floating along on a Canal in an Italian city of Mitraphora disc, enjoying life, taking things easy. Cheryl was starting to get used to this new man, and his wealth, which seemed alarmingly great. He had homes all over the realm from what he was saying, and businesses galore. She did not know how wealthy he really was, as he wouldn’t say, but it was quite apparent he could afford the very best things in life.

The floated along in the Gondola, staring up at the cream buildings, all in a Venetian style, so very likeable and traditional. It was a latter established city, modelled directly on Venice itself, and it was a city full of splendour and revelry. It was called ‘Diagio Venice Splendida’ as the full name of the city, and it was so welcoming and full of vibrancy. Italian angels and many humans as well were all through the city, and they had been there for weeks, enjoying the sights and sounds of the sprawling metropolis. They’d had a memorable lunch at midday, and were now relaxing on the canals, life busily swimming by in the canals and streets of the city. As they floated along Cheryl gave more consideration to her Ketravim friend. She was, in truth, starting to fall for him somewhat. She already knew that it may well be part of God’s design, this new friendship, but that didn’t mean she would naturally feel love for him. But, perhaps she was starting to. Perhaps she was starting to respect this Nathan Yeltsin. He was handsome, well mannered, had wavy brown hair and green eyes, and was a striking figure when dressed in the suits he wore often. Really, what more could she want in a man. And to top it all of he expressed his deepest love for her.

Her band ‘Supergirl’s’ sang many songs about love, as so many bands did. So much had been said on their various albums, so much brought out from their hearts on what it was all about. And she had tasted that love to a degree, more than once. But she had never, yet, truly fallen deeply in love with a man. She had been married many times, thought she had loved him, but had eventually drifted apart. They had not been what she was looking for in the end, and the passion had come and gone, and it had not worked in the end. But perhaps this Nathan was different. Perhaps he was special.

It had never really occurred to her to choose the most obvious type of mate, one from her very own Ketravim community. Perhaps that was too obvious a choice, and perhaps too discriminatory. But, thinking about it, mating with those who you had the fundamentals in common with was perhaps the very best of ideas in the end, and something so obvious that people took it for granted and in a politically correct way had somewhat overlooked.

Nathan was Ketravim, high up on the list, and really very successful. And perhaps that was what she really needed. One from her own community, one who could help her achieve her dreams of living in Zaphora, and one who would always be relevant, as a Ketravim, to her life anyway. Yes, perhaps it was as simple as that.

As they floated along, she thinking over her new romance, the clouds rolled on by above ‘Diagio Venice Splendida’ and happy angelic and human lives continued on with there merry and happy lives, Cheryl Colson Ketravim amongst them.

* * * * *

A swan glided over the water, graceful, pure, wonderful. Ariel watched the swan, laying against her husband Daniel, enjoying the calm waters of Golden Lake down on the north shore near Glimmersphon. She was thinking. Thinking over her words for the next chapter of ‘Ladies of the Seraphim Torah’, an ongoing work in progress by the female Seraphim of Eternity. In turn each of the Seraphim ladies added a short chapter to the website hosting the work, and so far they had been through the entire list twice, Ariel now contemplating her third addition. It was a pre-requisite to read the entire words from the start of each new section, naturally beginning with Elenniel’s first contribution. At 45 she had a degree of study and thought required from her to remain consistent with the new ideas and contribute her own special perspective on the developing thoughts and ideas. The first section of 70 chapter had a distinct theme of the love of God, the second section focusing on how he required his daughters to remain holy. But the third section had touched on a cavalcade of subjects and ideas, flowing freely from each new contribution into the next one. And Ariel, seeing her opportunity to bring in a brand new idea, was thinking over some of Daniel’s suggestions to try and make an impact, to do something to be remembered, to do something to be not forgotten.

Certainly she could be dramatic, and perhaps that was what was required. But, instead, she was thinking over a spirit of quality and excellence, and matching her twin’s output of writing with a lengthy and well thought out dialogue on a specific spiritual theme. She would, in fact, spend a few years working on her next contribution, aiming to match the entire length of the 3^rd section so far by all the contributing first 44 female Seraphim. And perhaps go the extra mile and double that. Certainly it would be a lot of writing, but there was as yet no established protocols for when she should finish, so in the way her twin suggested, this much would leave her unforgotten, and hopefully be an eternal and memorable contribution to the life of the angels of eternity. It would prove an interesting life experience whatever else.

* * * * *

Cheryl looked at him, sleeping soundly, seemingly without a care in the world. She wondered what he was dreaming, his eyes twitching madly. Perhaps he was fighting dragons, or slaying monsters. Perhaps he was rescuing a maiden, even herself, or perhaps he was just down at the local pub getting wasted. It might prove interesting asking him, if he remembered.

She laid back down, staring at the ceiling. It was dark, night having descended and much of the realm lost in dreamy slumberland. But she was restless, unable to find the rest she knew she needed physically. But no, rest wouldn’t come, so she rose, went off to the other room, and put on the Kings X album ‘Faith Hope Love’. Sitting there, listening to ‘We Were Born to be Loved’, she melted away into the song, and melted away into a dream of love, a dream of Nathan, and a dream of all things wonderful and good. And suddenly, in her dream, she was walking down a corridor, a long corridor of many doorways, and an angel was walking in front of her, but walking backwards, facing her. And he spoke to her and said ‘There are so many doorways, aren’t there?’

And Cheryl nodded.

And the angel said ‘This is eternity. It is a corridor of unending doorways, each going off to a world of love, fantasy and desire. And these doors represent your chosen mates, and you have had a number now. Yet, we have a challenge for you now, dear Cheryl, in your eternal walk. A challenge which some are still fulfilling. Can you enter a door, can you enter a door, lock it behind you, and never return to the corridor. Can you Cheryl?’

‘Yes, I can,’ she said.

‘You certainly have confidence.’

And suddenly the angel opened a door, entered, and closed it behind him. But a voice trailed behind him, softly saying, ‘Can you enter this door and never return to the corridor. Can you? If you can, perhaps you will need to at least look at the name on the door, Cheryl.’

And she stared at the door, and looked at the name, the name of Nathan. She looked at it for a long time, and in her dream 70 years passed, and she still hadn’t entered the door. And then 700 years passed and she still hadn’t entered the door. And then 7000 years passed and she still hadn’t entered the door. And, finally, 700000000000000000 years passed, and she still hadn’t entered the door. And then she walked a little further down the corridor, and looked at a door with the name ‘William’ on it, and this door she opened, and entered, and locked behind her.

Chapter Five

1,000,049 HY

Callodyn was chuckling to himself. He had just finished some dialogue in one of his latest ‘Chronicle’s’ novels and thought himself ever so witty in one of the lines of a main character. It went ‘Heretics are the entertainment’ and offered a lengthy dialogue on how those people who are controversial and outspoken on subjects, and who are constantly labelled as such as well as being scandalous and sinful are, in the very truth of life, the ones who entertain us the most and give us that most delicious of pleasures, happiness, escaping the general boredom of our ‘regulated and holy’ yet ‘mundane’ lives. Forbidden loves and pleasures, while God swears horrible vengeance upon such perpetrators in the holy writings, inevitably are that spark which make our lives actually interesting and give us decent material to talk about. The old devil’s great charm, as an example, is that he spices up life and gives you a bogey man to place your enmities upon as well as a character for tales of darkness. Callodyn was enjoying himself so much in this theology that he was almost caught up with the idea of running outside naked, like Lily Allen might advocate, just to stir things up somewhat. But after a while a cooler head returned and he remembered some of the lessons of life which were true and in harmony with what God really represented. Lessons of life and their physical bodies – lessons of depressions and anxieties and pains and sicknesses. And remembering those lessons he began to understand that these things had causes and, often, a sinful lifestyle led to such causes. But, as he continued in thinking this, he began to contemplate just what exactly was sin, and wether things as simple as foolish yet entertaining words and actions really resulted in this type of evil. As he thought about this he reached quick and sudden conclusions, learned from his many years studying medicine and science and the way human beings should think in rational thought. All of it was connected to the concept of life itself and, primarily, for perfect health, eternal life. For example, while the utterance of a word or a saying of negative attitude may bring no immediate physical harm from the utterance of the word – no harm for the speaking of the word – it could have long lasting effects in the way such words could be received into the minds of the listener. And, perchance, one day such a listener may desire to cause you harm in its vengeance. And understanding such a concept he began to contemplate that, often in his experience, many people could say atrocious things, but the spirit or heart attitude behind their words really determined wether ill intent was meant or not. What it boiled down to was a heretic was motivated by hurting or harming another individual or group, and the heretical statements or teaching were not focused in a positive way. And in this sense, such heresies needed to be rebuked, reproved or corrected. When words of collusion to cause harm, in robbery or murder were uttered, then such words are words of death, and as such are never really entertainment. Yet, in a strange twist of the ironies of life, he could honestly say that for so long in the action and horror movies mankind and angelicdom had produced, they’d had a long fascination with the issues of the dark side. Yet the dark side caused pain. And whatever else, whatever amount of entertainment was drawn forth from it, Callodyn still did not see the funny side of pain.

The heretic is, in truth, the comedian of the modern era. And this modern day heretic provides the thought provoking entertainment which, inevitably, gives us strength through overcoming its heretical thinking. That much seemed clear to Callodyn, and thus he could not hate the heretic, but only thank God that that which did not kill him only made him stronger.

As he sat in one of his offices in New York on New Terra, contemplating the sermon in this subject he felt inspired to preach of that evening, Kayella walked into the office, sat down next to him, and asked him a question.

‘Cal?’

‘Yes Kay.’

‘Haven. Just how big is Haven, now? Total numbers, I mean. Humans and Angels, all planets and realms. The absolute lot.’

He looked at her, slightly puzzled at the question, but answered quickly. ‘Well, I can’t really say. I don’t think we have ever really counted since the very early years. But there is over 1 billion on New Terra that I am aware of, and there are lots of planets out there now, far too many for me to know all their names.’

‘That is what I thought. Well, don’t you think it is about time you organised an official bureau of statistics to keep such records. It might be important one day, don’t you think?’

He looked at her, and smiled very quickly. ‘Kay. You are a genius. Tell you what, do you want to organise it? You have my permission to get the data from the various planetary governing bodies. We’ll do a census.’

‘Ok, Call. It would be my pleasure.’

As she left he smiled at the thought of a census, realizing the fourth chapter of the bible was on such a subject, and that he had not yet gotten around to that task. ‘Some things take time’, he thought to himself, and went back to his contemplations.

* * * * *

‘The power of sin is in its ease, its seductive brilliance in leading the soul away and telling it that carnal pleasures, which it offers, are the true balm for the soul’s delight. And truly it is called temptation because of it. But when the soul which should now know wisdom has chosen sin – when the soul which should now know wisdom gives into temptation – when the soul which should now know wisdom turns its back on the established divine paths, only trouble can come. It is a true saying – a man reaps what he sows – and if we sow to the flesh, with all its power of hatred, violence and wrath – we will surely reap from the flesh. For the spiritual man, to which all of us are destined to inherit the beauties and ways of life of, disavows the wisdom of the flesh, and realizes in the gospel of truth, in the Torah of God’s wisdom, lay the ways of the eternal, and in treading down these pathways there is no death.’

The preacher, Jesus the Christ of the Church of Glory, spoke with passion and convictions which made the audience of the New York church realize how wise they had been to choose Christian faith as their eternal home of salvation.

Later on, sitting in the office of the church, the regular pastor sitting opposite him, going on about a few passages in Torah, Jesus was reflecting on his latest evangelistic efforts. Things had been going well. Quite well. There seemed to be marginal growth in the church in New York at the moment and, while the overall population of New Terra still remained about half of them non-religious, Jesus was still in the business of salvation. Still in the business of saving souls and teaching the truths of eternity.

He gave thought to one of his busy current competitors – his younger angelic brother, Callodyn, and his efforts with Haven Noahide Fellowship. Haven was going strong, now and, with the recent showy efforts of his brother the news had come alive with the last few years religious fever. But, as Jesus had long known, revivals came and went, and it was in the steady continuity of consistent faith, one committed to the eternal, that those of the way of life came to the fore and that those of the way of death displayed their true colours. And while he had faith in himself, in God and in his church, he puzzled on the perseverance of Callodyn and how Haven also seemed to be a constant factor in the spiritual kingdom of God. It was certainly food for thought.

He looked up at the wall and the picture of the planetary bodies of the human heavenly civilizations. It only showed, naturally, the innermost planets, for their numbers were beyond counting these days, and Jesus knew in truth that out there were Christians beyond numbering, some who he may never truly meet, but whose faith was in him and his holiness. And knowing that he committed his heart every day, every hour and minute, to be sacred to God and walk in the ways of eternal life.

* * * * *

Saul looked up at the all too familiar crucifix, the centre of attention of the Vatican opening hall, and trudging up to the office were Jesus was supposedly currently in residence, various cardinal’s giving him cautious looks, his thoughts were all over the place. Should he really make the decision he was about to make?

He opened the door of the office, the secretary looking at him and giving him the nod to go on in. He entered through the elaborate doorway and found Jesus sitting at his desk, typing away at his PC. He came in, sat down, and while he knew Jesus was aware of him the Son of Man said nothing. Finally, after about 5 minutes of silence, the Christ spoke. ‘So, Judas. What’s new.’

Saul felt the daggers hit his chest, the words of ultimate condemnation from his best friend. But, he would see what would be with his request.

‘I’ll rejoin. Permanently. Forever and all that. But I maintain my own ministries separately and you don’t interfere. Understood?’

Jesus turned away from the screen at last, looked at him, nodded and said ‘ok.’ Saul nodded to himself, got up from his chair, and made his way back out of the office, down the steps and off to the waiting limousine.

Later on that day Jesus had a bit of a grin on his face. A little birdie had said something like that had been on Saul’s mind and Paul would now likely never really want to leave again. In his reflections of the recent spate of religious fervour he knew now that such happenings were inevitable. And, perhaps one day Saul would very strongly consider his standing in Christian faith. But he would not make such a sudden lunge to independence again – not for a very long time. And in that time Jesus would work to see if he could indeed win the heart of Saul of Tarsus and remind him of their eternal plans and devotions. And if that was not enough in the end, then in truth 12 apostles and no more. In truth only 12.

* * * * *

Jacob, also known as Israel, was sitting at his breakfast table in the uptown section of Paradision on the continent of Androma on the planet of Televere which was also known as Televon. The father of the Israelite people, renowned throughout the world, had many abodes on Televere and throughout the other planets, but was particularly fond of his abode in Paradision now. Paradision had been modelled on the spiritual dynamics of the city of Canberra on Earth as well as the small town of Cooma, and thus Callodyn, who had been Mr Daly on Earth, living in such a region, had gravitated to Paradision to live after having noticed its basic designs. Jacob had recently moved there as well as he had finally gotten down to Callodyn on his list of Angels to have a good think about. And deciding to move to Paradision were Callodyn visited often, having a home there right beside Ruth and Boaz, Jacob had taken to studying Callodyn’s Chronicles and getting to know as much of the angel as possible. Steve and Taylor, the last two Cherubim’s he had studied and met, were definitely more regular and down to earth angelic identities, far closer to humans in their general conduct and attitude than so many of the older angels. In fact, he perceived a pattern, noticing from his encounters with more lowly placed cherubim that they were more and more like humanity and, in this sense, the image of God that both of them were made in was more closely unified.

Eating through the steak and eggs he was enjoying for breakfast, his wife Leah having made them for him, who was his current wife travelling with him, his other wife Rachel at there more regular address on Televere conducting most of his regular affairs for him, Jacob declared that it was time to go and visit Ruth and Boaz again. He wanted to discuss something he had been reading about in the papers, the current rage – the new religious fervour.

And so, after breakfast, and watching the usual morning show ‘Sunrise’ with Kochie and Doyle, a most entertaining pair, Jacob and Leah boarded the Holden they had purchased in Paradision and made there way over to Boaz’s place.

* * * * *

The prophet Ezekiel was usually one of the more busier of the famous biblical prophets, signing autographs in bibles, teaching some of his Jewish philosophies, and busily engaged in the eternal works God had provided for him, but in the last few months, himself a guest alongside Isaiah, Hosea and Habakkuk at Boaz’s and Ruth’s for a holiday, Ezekiel, who had been in the front room praying, was the first to hear the knock on the front door and open it to receive his patriarchal father Jacob with his wife Leah. ‘Hello dad,’ said Ezekiel, Jacob giving him a cursory nod before pushing through into the hall. ‘So, is everyone up,’ Jacob asked.

‘There out the back. Boaz has a morning BBQ brekkie going. I was in here praying.’

Jacob nodded, and patted his son on the back, before making his way further down the hall for the back yard.

Coming into the back yard the other prophets were seated around a table, Hosea having a smoke which was apparently his custom from time to time despite Jacob’s own criticisms on the subject, with Boaz and Ruth over by the BBQ taking off the last of the steaks and sausages. Boaz, noting his father had arrived, looked a bit guilty with the sausages.

‘Trust me, their kosher,’ said Boaz as Jacob gave him a disapproving look and took a seat.

Leah sat down next to him and smiled at the prophets who bowed their heads to their revered mother.

‘Have you eaten?’ Boaz asked Jacob.

‘I’ll take a sausage, if they are supposedly kosher,’ replied Jacob, and poured Leah a glass of Coca Cola, handing it to her, before taking a glass himself. Boaz brought a plate with two sausages over to his father who, smelling them and taking a bit, nodded momentarily, indicating they were good. Hosea had finished off his cigarette and the other prophets were waiting on their father to speak. Leah, who had brought her knitting with her, took it out and continued working on the sweater she had been knitting for someone in her family.

Finishing off his sausage and taking a sip of Coke, Jacob finally spoke. ‘Well, sons. This fervour. This competitive spirit. This current attitude of making souls at all cost. What is our response to this? Are we, as a people, going to match all this angelic activity and make something of our own religious faith.’

It was Isaiah who spoke first. ‘I really don’t think we need to, father. From my perspective, especially with the way Jesus seems to have gotten it into his mind that the Old Testament is an eternal and irrevocable part of the Word of God, he makes enough souls for us over the years anyway. From what I have seen, slowly, and over time, so many of the Christians come around to our way of thinking anyway and join us. I mean, our numbers grow out in the planetary bodies all the time.’

Hosea continued. ‘Stability is the key, as you have long maintained. We have a standard Torah which we advocate and we don’t change from it. We are like a rock which doesn’t move. And that impresses people in the end, and they join us after having exhausted other options. It is precisely because we advocated the non-cultic approach to assembly building that we do in fact grow in the end. I say no real change, if that is what is on your mind. We don’t need to mess with a system which is working.’

Habakkuk, sensing Hosea had put in his two pennies worth, spoke next. ‘As Hosea says, if it aint broke, don’t fix it.’

And Ezekiel simply nodded in agreement with his brothers.

The mood went silent as they watched their father mull over those words, sipping on his Coke. Eventually he stood and meandered over to Ruth. ‘Show me around the yard, daughter.’

Ruth nodded and started taking Jacob on a tour of her small yet fancifully decorated home.

As they walked the garden, his sons keeping a suspicious eye on him, Ruth talking about the grass they had been carefully manicuring, Jacob reached a conclusion. ‘So, Ruth. An eternal, unchanging rock of faith. Something people can eternally rely upon to never really change. Is that what I am, dear daughter? Is that what I am?’

‘In Hebrews, it is Jesus own claim,’ responded Ruth.

‘Yes. I am aware of that,’ said Jacob. ‘But, I feel, there is something we are perhaps neglecting. By all means we must stay consistent, but we must also grow. Our faith in God also needs to progress, to keep current with the times and bring into it those aspects which are positive and good.’

‘Progressive Judaism, in other words.’

‘Yes, daughter. And I feel the progressives have, perhaps, slipped away from that ideal in recent times. Standardized religion is now what they offer. The same pat responses. And I sense our competition has worked that much out and, advancing, is growing in areas we have neglected.’

‘And your response, father,’ asked Ruth, curious.

‘Mr Daly is my response, dear daughter. For he is my current angel of studies and Haven, his fellowship, has gone the distance and continues to make inroads.’

‘And what is your plan?’ asked Ruth, interested.

‘Haven has always been separate to Israel. An independent spiritual body, determined to be truly Noahide and non-Jewish in this sense. But, if I can persuade our noahide friend Mr Daly of the benefits of an alliance, well both parties can benefit I feel.’

Ruth nodded, understanding the plans now of her father Israel.

* * * * *

Jessica, in her time with Andrew, had grown fond of him. They were now dating, boyfriend and girlfriend, and she had permission to remain in the Realm of Eternity for the time being due to this reality. Human’s usually had long waits to gain permission to visit the inner discs of the Realm of Eternity, such being the demand. Jessica had waited a while herself, but had been lucky. And now she considered herself even luckier, finding love with Andrew, a most considerate angel. He had spoken to her of his failed romances, and she had done her best to comfort him. But now, so he said, with her in his life things were looking better.

They were currently travelling in an automobile on the way to Danielphon, Andrew’s father Daniel’s abode. As she looked out the window at the built up area in the heart of the realm of eternity she wondered to herself what it must have looked like in its youth. Without the enormous current population it held. It seemed everywhere she went in Zaphon she was confronted with angels, as if they came out of the woodwork. But of course, that was not surprising, given the vast population of Zaphora.

Soon they arrived at Danielphon, parked their car and came to knock on the door. Ariel answered and ushered them inside. Coming into the main living room Daniel was seated at his PC, looking busy, so the two of them sat down at the couch while Ariel shortly returned with some cold drinks.

They chatted for a while, Andrew giving casual glances to his father to hopefully give him the hint, but Daniel continued on with what he was doing. And so for the rest of the afternoon they talked with Ariel and watched some television while Daniel continued on unperturbed with his business.

As tea time approached it seemed the 45^th of the Seraphim suddenly became aware of his company and left his work to finally welcome home his son.

‘What the hell have you been up to, dad?’ inquired Andrew.

‘Oh, you know. This and that,’ responded Daniel. ‘So how the hell are you Andy? I see you and Jessica seem quite ensconced with each other. It is official, then? You and two are going out?’

‘Pretty much,’ responded Jessica. ‘I think the world of your son and love his company.’

‘That is great to hear,’ responded Daniel.

‘Dad,’ began Andrew, with the subject that was on his mind. ‘Angels and humans. I know they can mate, and I know they can produce offspring. But what are the offspring called? Are they Nephilim?’

Daniel thought on his answer carefully.

‘Initially, on earth, only Nephilim resulted from the mating of the two. But in the Realm it is different. Our bodies work differently here. The offspring is either 100% human or 100% angelic. It has always been the case. We get one or the other – never a hybrid.’

‘I thought so,’ responded Andrew. ‘I didn’t know for sure and nobody I have talked to in Zaphon has any experience on the subject. I thought I’d ask you to find out for sure.’

Daniel looked at Jessica, understanding quite clearly why his son would want to know the answer to a question which must surely have been weighing heavily on his mind.

‘God approves of such mates, now Andrew. Not in the early years, ok. It was different then. He wanted a clear sense of the distinguishment between each race. But when the realm expanded to a certain size the pressure eased on that ruling and God started making exceptions. The same thing goes with homosexual behaviour in the Realm. There has been a recent ruling in council that from Canbraphora outwards such behaviour is now acceptable for angels and humans in the realm. It is still strictly against the law in the inner 29 discs, but from the 30^th onwards the rules have now been relaxed somewhat. It all has to do with God’s sense of both holiness and his allowance of behaviours, in his mercy, which he might otherwise not approve of.’

‘Right,’ said Andrew, finding that information helpful. ‘So are their restrictions for mating between humans and angels in the inner realm?’

‘Not per se. But there is an unwritten understanding in the community that the inner realms, especially Zaphora, are meant to be largely angelic in population.’

‘Which means?’ queried Andrew.

‘That if you find a human mate, as an angel, and you continue to spit out, as it were, humans, then they can’t all live in Zaphora. God won’t approve of it.’

Jessica spoke up. ‘So for such children, if they were to come along regularly, than a place for family would best be in one of the outer discs – that is if such a couple wanted to live in the realm.’

‘Pretty much,’ responded Daniel.

Ariel, who had just returned from the kitchen, listening to the conversation, finally said what was on all of their minds.

‘You two are serious, aren’t you? Even thinking about marriage and children?’

Jessica looked at Andrew, who bit the bullet. ‘Yeh, mum. Pretty much. We wanted to understand the complexities of the situation, but that seems to clear things up for us.’

‘Look, Jessica will always be welcome with us, Andrew. Please know that Jessica. But there are limits. In a true sense Angels generally have their own community and so does humanity. In the outer discs we are now finding a place were all can live together, hopefully in harmony, but the inner is still pretty special to angelicdom. It is just the way it really is.’

‘I understand,’ responded Jessica.

They were silent for a while and, sensing an end to the conversation, Daniel returned to his computer. But as he sat there, typing away, he was glad that his son had hopefully resolved an important issue. Both for his son’s sake and for the sake of Daniel’s potential future descendants.

* * * * *

She had been busy for a while, organising things, answering endless emails and so on, but Kayella was starting to get a vague understanding of the numbers of Haven Noahide Fellowship. Currently, Haven had fellowships on just over one million of the established planetary bodies. It seemed that when a new colony was established, Haven likewise settled there, as did Christianity, Islam, Judaism and the other major faiths. Having established the central bureau of statistics at New York on New Terra, Kayella had been responsible in the last year for overseeing the massive project of contacting all the fellowships to arrange the first official census. Census night had been chosen for a particular day and, now that the figures had just about all come in, Kayella could only say ‘whoa’ at the vast numbers under the influence of her twin. Approximately 7,000,000,000,000,000 (or 7 Quadrillion in the Australian numerical system) humans were part of Haven Noahide Fellowship amongst the alliance of interuniversal planetary bodies, which from her estimates made the total population of humanity in the heavenlies planetary bodies about 250 times that total figure, which was a heck of a lot of children for Adam and Eve.

But that was eternity, as Callodyn had often reminded her. And having known back with the formation of Haven Noahide Fellowship the potential influence he could have starting a fellowship so early in the emerging Noahide world, the power of eternity was there to be grasped by those with faith enough to run with the word of God and challenge those who would dismiss such dreams of glory.

Sitting there at her PC, Callodyn entered and looked at her. ‘Well?’ he asked.

‘Quite a few, dearest. Quite a few.’

‘Then don’t tell me. I will only get proud.’

‘Yes, you probably would. But Jesus! How are you going to catch Jesus? He is off to a huge lead, and you are running behind. You are well established now, so have some ambition dear brother. Have some ambition.’

Callodyn nodded, kissed her on the forehead, and left the room, leaving her head to focus again on large numbers and her own personal ambitions.

* * * * *

Meludiel looked at her man, handing out flyers on the streets of New York on New Terra, promoting his ‘Messiah Ministries’. She was proud of him, still so dedicated to saving people from the death of sin choices, as Ambriel called them. A crowd had gathered around him and, taking out the bible of his ministries he started reading one of his psalms. ‘A Psalm of David Rothchild, Messiah of Israel,’ began Ambriel. ‘Lord God, how can I forget your goodness? How can I forget your love? When I was alone, abandoned, surrounded by wolves, you were there, a constant foundation, a sure strength. When things looked at there worse you spoke confidence to my heart and I overcame. And because of your goodness, Lord, because of your steadfast love, I will praise you with the fullness of my heart. I will declare your saving grace to all I meet and let them know, in truth, of your unfailing love. Praise the Lord forever. Alleluia.’ As she continued to listen, standing at a distance, he began to preach. ‘Repentance, it often seems to me, eludes us at the times we need to repent the most. When things are going well in life, when we are happy with the world, praising God, declaring our unfailing love for him, it seems it is easy to repent and make promises of eternal devotion to his holy standards and unfailing commitment. But time invariably passes and we become caught up in the mundanities of everyday existence - and the knowledge of God, while we may still wholeheartedly affirm such belief and acknowledge such importance, becomes clouded in our everyday humdrum, put aside almost by so many, and at times completely forgotten. And it is at those times when the devil of sin enters in, rejoicing in your apathy, and promising you all the hellish riches it can offers. It is at those times, when repentance is lacking, when we ironically need to repent the most. I feel, for such eternal commitment to be made to the divine one – an eternal commitment in which one does not forget the sacred and holy saviour who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light – we are brought by God, almost involuntarily, into the darkest of despair at the end of our choices of sin and there, when faith in him has become at last reborn, he puts us to the test to teach us to rely upon him and, thus, saves us from the wolves who would surround and conquer our very hearts. It is then we see the steadfast eternal love of Almighty God and, reflecting, when we were in our apathy and state of darkness, there was God, knowing were we were in life, and leading us faithfully, inexorably onwards into the ways of eternal truth, love and life. I am David Rothchild. I am the founder of Messiah Ministries and I offer my ministerial fellowship to any and all who would wish to join and carve out for themselves a place in the eternal ways of God and the salvation he truly offers. Thank you.’ He left of speaking and the gathered crowd gave a clap and, as he started handing out flyers again, he gave a little wink to Meludiel who looked so pleased at the commitment of her dear twin brother.

After about 5 minutes of handing out flyers Ambriel noticed something. Over on the other side of Times Square Rophiel had arrived and was handing out flyers. After a short while the founder of Islam came over to Ambriel nodded to him, and started chatting. ‘Busy, I see David.’

‘You look busy too, Muhammed.’

‘Ah, the work of salvation never ends, I am afraid. It is the commitment I made to the holy one all those years ago.’

‘I do remember. So how goes things these days? Are you preaching at a Mosque somewhere tonight?’

‘Perhaps, son of David. Perhaps. But I have heard that this is the place to come currently to be seen. The place to hand out flyers and so on to evangelize the faith.’

‘There have been a few out recently, yes. Take, for example, that fellow across the road. He still thinks he is the champion of this work.’

Rophiel gazed across the street at Jesus who had just shown up and was handing out flyers. He casually meandered his way over to them and, smiling at David, handed him a flyer. ‘You should become a Christian, David. I am sure Justine would be impressed.’

David smiled. ‘Justine Atkinson knows perfectly well my faith, dear brother. You needn’t worry about that.’

‘But could you imagine the headlines,’ continued the Christ Child. ‘Messiah becomes Christian – Israel considers converting to Christianity.’ David just smiled, shaking his head in response.

‘Or you could both wise up and consider Islam,’ put in Rophiel, with a subtle grin on his face, which brought a bought of laughter from the small group.

All of a sudden, though, to interrupt the little groups ambitions, the noise of a helicopter could be seen and, as they looked up, thousands of flyers started falling from the sky. And then a man on a parachute floating downwards, his hands full of flyers. Jesus managed to grab a flyer, and laughed to himself. ‘Haven Noahide Fellowship – Biblical Noahide Faith – www.havennoahidefellowship.com . Ambriel looked at the flyer and chuckled to himself. Shortly the man in the parachute approached and, ironically, the largest crowd had gathered to him and, as he was handing out flyers, he just smiled at his older brothers and gave them a little bow. The three of them just shook there head. ‘Outdone by Callodyn,’ said Ambriel. ‘What on earth is the world coming to.’

‘Tell me about it,’ responded Jesus, and they laughed again.

Meanwhile Callodyn had wandered over to Meludiel, handed her a flyer, and started talking about Haven Angelic Fellowship, much to the amusement of Ambriel’s twin.

Later on that afternoon, when Ambriel was in his room, resting, he just smiled to himself at the day he’d just had. It was a wonderful little moment in eternity and he dared to say he would not soon forget it.

* * * * *

Jessica finished off her lasagne, put the plate down and took a sip from her juice. Staring out at the views from Andrew’s apartment in Zaphon she said ‘I never get sick of this, you know. Seeing all of this splendour.’

‘I know what you are saying. It is a pretty remarkable sight. But you get used to it, eventually.’

She nodded and turned to look at him. ‘Well, you know.’

‘You know what?’ he asked, looking at her curiously.

‘You know. How angels and humans can mate. And produce offspring.’

Andrew smiled at her. ‘Canbraphora is still developing, Jess. It is a brave new world in many ways. But if you are up for the challenge.’

She looked at him. ‘But will the handsome angel ever propose,’ she asked, looking at him from the corner of her eye.

‘He might,’ responded Andrew, coming to sit next to her. ‘But what of our work? What business shall we pursue. I am trained in administration and that work will always be available. But what dream shall we pursue?’

‘I am sure something will come up, Andy. It always does in life.’

He nodded, put his arm around her, and said ‘Yes, it always does, doesn’t it.’

* * * * *

Rophiel had made the suggestion in a ‘Priority’ email which the Seraphim and Cherubim had access to and Ambriel, thinking he had nothing better to do that evening, had a word with Meludiel and, putting on his best suit, made there way through the traffic for the main Haven Noahide Fellowship assembly hall in New York.

He was recognized pretty quickly and soon an usher was taking him down the front to seat him on a table with Rophiel and his wife and Jesus and Mary Magdalene, who smiled at him.

‘Good evening Mary. Good to see you again.’

‘Hello David. Your company is always a pleasure.’

‘So what do you think he will preach on?’ Ambriel asked Jesus.

‘I am not sure. But I think he will put an effort in tonight. Hopefully some words of divine wisdom from our esteemed younger brother.’

‘Let’s hope so,’ responded Ambriel.

They chatted for a while and then a man came to the stage, went through some fellowship formalities and introduced Callodyn, who came to the stage, smiling. He tested the speaker, said hello to the crowd, and shortly began his sermon.

‘When all is said and done, congregation. We are family. We of humanity assembled here are children of Noah, born into the vast assemblage of his descendants, those chosen by God to inherit the earth and eternal life. And, as family, we must be there for each other. To share our struggles and joys. To share our defeats and our victories. To share our consolations of misery, and our celebrations of good times. And that is what tonight is simply all about. A celebration of being a family, enjoying each other’s company, and thanking the God who brought us to be for forming our fellowship of love with all its struggles and trials, but joys and celebrations. So enjoy the night, for we feast well and there will be singing from some of our brightest stars and dancing later on. And if you are here later on we will have coffee and some short tales from David, if he is willing, from his many children’s story books. So, as one let us give good a clap of praise, and thank him for this lovely evening’s turnout.’

As one the hall came alive with claps and alleluias and as Callodyn left the stage the trolleys came forward with servants presenting the dinners for the evening.

Shortly Callodyn and Kayella came to sit down at the small front table and Callodyn was beaming. It seemed this night was a special night for this Cherubim. Ambriel nodded to him. ‘A family, Callodyn. Very good words. Glad to hear you say them.’

‘They have long been the words of my heart, older brother.’

‘So,’ began Jesus,’ we feast, sing and dance and make merry. The stuff of human legend for so long.

‘And angelic as well, dear brother,’ responded Callodyn.

‘And a tale from David,’ said Rophiel.

‘Oh, I have a suggestion,’ said Mary. ‘The three little lambs. Tell that one.’

David nodded. Somehow that one seemed so appropriate for the evening.

And, as the night passed, and merriment and joy was had by all in attendance, the spirit of God hovered over the fellowship, ever so alive with joy and the mood of happy fellowship.

* * * * *

TO: Paul

FROM: Jesus

SUBJECT: The Challenger

Dear P

This Callodyn fellow. Watch him. Another million years of growth and he will be challenging us I fear. I’ll be back from New Terra soon. Take Care.

J

Chapter Six

‘I know the fervour has died down now, Val. I know. But thinking about it we are probably going to have to be patient.’

‘And the objectives are still the same, Danny boy?’

‘Yes, still the same. Eternal Overlords of the Realm of Eternity.’

‘Good. Glad to hear.’

‘Now, I have been thinking Vally boy.’

‘Don’t call me that.’

‘Yes. I have been thinking Vally boy, we may indeed have to be patient. But the prophecy has potential it Michael indeed, as is rumoured, chooses Raphael as his replacement.’

‘It works for me.’

‘That makes Uriel number four.’

‘So we have to strike after Uriel.’

‘Yes. I guess so,’ responded Daniel. ‘So we have lots of work to do in preparation for that time. It won’t come easily. It won’t come quickly. But it will come.’

‘So keep the faith Kemosabe.’

‘Very funny Vally boy. Very funny.’

* * * * *

Callodyn was looking at the historical document on Judaism around the time of Jesus. He was bothered. Bothered by a particular subject. Callodyn had been a Noahide as human, and while not exactly proud of being a Noahide, as he disdained pride, he was not ashamed either. But looking at the map of the ancient temple of Israel, noting a court for the Jews, a court for the women and then a court for the gentiles, he realized just how strongly the temple builders had been in their discrimination of non-Jewish people, who Callodyn knew as Noahides. And thinking that he decided something he had long been delaying. The building of an official Noahide Temple on New Terra. One to represent not just Haven Noahide Fellowship, but all the children of Noah. And thinking on that he suddenly had a most acute idea about how to implement an object lesson which he really, now, felt was particularly appropriate.

* * * * *

Callodyn looked at temple as it was nearly finished in its ambitious building plans. They had purchased land near New York, just up north, on New Terra, and the temple was looking splendid. Everyone was looking forward to the opening, and many important dignitaries had been invited. Many important ones indeed.

* * * * *

‘Yes, David, this is the court of the Noahides.’

‘It’s wonderful,’ said David, Meludiel and a host of elders of Israel near him. The ceremony was just about to get under way and the promised celebration had been anticipated by many.

Jacob looked at Callodyn. ‘So, were do we sit?’

‘Yes, were,’ asked the lawgiver Moses.

‘Well, this is the central court, in true Noahide faith. But, of course, we can not forget our esteemed Jewish brothers and, in the tradition of the ancient temple of Jerusalem, with have mirrored this for the Noahide temple. We only felt it was appropriate,’ said Callodyn.

‘We are not in the holy place?’ are we, asked Moses.

‘Not exactly,’ said Callodyn. ‘Can you all follow me.’

‘Lead on,’ said Jesus, one of the guests.

Callodyn made his way out of the main court into a back court, shielded but with a dim looking glass in between the courts. ‘Naturally, as the temple of Israel distinguished between Jews and Gentiles, we only felt it appropriate to continue the tradition. Thus this court is the court of Abraham. Children of Abraham may dwell here.’

‘Oh,’ said Ambriel, slightly disappointed, but not saying anything. ‘Yes, I guess I understand.’

‘Oh, and Abraham himself has a special place. Right at the back of this court, behind another shield.’

‘I perfectly understand,’ said Abraham.

‘Good to hear,’ said Callodyn. ‘I will have someone show you to your place, Abraham.’

Callodyn continued, ‘Now Jacob, David, everyone. We will continue.’ As he walked on, further down the corridor, they came to another outer court, this time shielded by a thick wall with small peeking holes.

‘You can just see the Abrahamic court,’ said Callodyn. ‘Now this, of course, is the court of the Israelites, or Jews. Abraham, of course, is of an older covenant, so has a more esteemed place. Honour your father and your mother and all that.’

‘I perfectly understand,’ said Jacob.

‘Of course, Jacob has a special place, behind the court in his own special room. I will have someone show you to your place, Jacob.’

Callodyn continued. ‘Now David, Jesus. We could never possibly forget the special house of David, now could we. Such a majestic house.’

‘No. No, of course we couldn’t,’ said Ambriel, through somewhat gritted teeth.

‘And here we have the court of the house of David.’ They had just gone down another corridor and down some steps into a rather dank looking room, with some old broken chairs and a speaker hanging from a rusty nail. ‘The speaker will bring you the sermon. It should be good listening. Oh, there is some apple juice as refreshment over on the side table.’

Ambriel looked over to see a bottle of no-name brand apple juice and some plastic tumblers.

‘Should be ideal, Callodyn,’ said Jesus.

‘Why, thank you,’ said Ambriel, ready to plunge daggers into his younger cherubim brother.

‘Heh heh, don’t mention it said Callodyn, trying not to smirk.’

Callodyn continued. ‘Now Moses, Aaron. We have a special place for you.

Moses looked thoroughly dejected, and Aaron thought it best not to comment. They continued on, further down the stair way, coming to a dimly lit room, which smelled like an old latrine, with a ripped up seat which looked as if it had been ripped out of an old car sitting in the room with nothing else, except some garments on a coat hanger.

‘Oh, the garments. They are sackcloth. We deemed them appropriate,’ said Callodyn. ‘And we haven’t forgotten the ashes.’

‘What are the ashes made from?’ inquired Moses gently.

‘Uh, better not to ask,’ said Callodyn. ‘I don’t want to offend.’

‘Well, thank you,’ said Moses. ‘This should be ideal.’

‘We will notify you when the celebration is over,’ said Callodyn, a mad grin on his face. ‘I’ll send someone with a note. Well, excuse me. I have much to do.’

As he left Moses looked at Aaron, shrugged, and put on the sackcloth.

‘We had this coming, didn’t we,’ said Aaron.

‘Oh well. Such is life,’ responded the lawgiver, seeing the humour in the situation.

Later on that afternoon, Callodyn had indeed sent a note, saying. ‘It was good.’

Moses nodded.

But, fortunately, by the mercies of God, Callodyn, when the day had been done, ushered all his esteemed guests back into the court of the Noahides.

‘Of course, we ARE all family, in the end, aren’t we David?’

‘Oh, yes,’ responded Ambriel.

‘And we ARE children of Noah, aren’t we Moses.’

Moses nodded.

‘So you are welcome in the court of the Noahides at any time in the future. That is if you can possibly dare entertain the notion of mingling with us holy ones.

David smiled a coy smile and said ‘Oh, it would be lovely Callodyn. Oh, so lovely.’

‘Glad to hear,’ responded the Cherubim instantly. ‘Now may we all shout an alleluia and hope everyone has learned an important lesson on poetic justice.’

And they all shouted alleluia.

* * * * *

Frank Archer looked at what was becoming quite a familiar text. The Prophecies of Daniel, Seraphim of Eternity. The second prophecy was on his mind. It read:

‘And behold, there appeared before me a mountain. A mountain of scale almost beyond imagining. But it was not beyond imagining. No, it was not beyond imagining. As I watched a little pebble rolled off the mountain, not seeming to fit. It could find no home in this mountain – no true home to call its home, so it rolled on from the mountain, coming to an enormous plane. And there the pebble was found by a traveller through time. And this traveller blessed the pebble, and the pebble grew and grew and grew. And then, lo, in the fullness of time, the pebble had exceeded the mountain from which it fell, and become the largest of all mountains. And I looked, and indeed it was a mountain of true glory.’

It was Daniel, alright. Just like the biblical Daniel 2. All sorts of ideas on fulfilment entered Frank’s mind, and as he contemplated them another idea entered his mind. An idea of how you can start again, ever after leaving a safe and comfortable home.

* * * * *

‘So, are you enjoying yourself, Gabby. Is it all you dreamed of it being.’

‘Yeh, Michael. It’s okay. No, seriously, it is quite ok. I am getting the hang of the job. Demanding at time, but your extensive hierarchy under you seems to have taken care of a lot of the job.’

‘A lot of it is just policy decisions. Going with established protocols. You’ll get used to it.’

‘I guess I will.’

Michael sat opposite Gabriel, thinking about what he was going to say next. ‘You know, I hate to bring it up again. I know how it bothers you, but those prophecies seem to be finally dying down somewhat.’

‘Daniel is ambitious,’ responded Gabriel. ‘It is his agenda. His and Valandriel’s. They are determined to rule us all in the end, you know. It is just the way those two are brother.’

‘The way God made them, I suppose. But what is life without competition and another voice to challenge you. Daniel does work hard to be popular and promote his views. He has been long like that. His books demonstrate a strong commitment to life and passion, and perhaps we shouldn’t stand in his way.’

‘At the cost of our ultimate glory?’

‘I don’t think that can really be taken away, Gabriel. In the end I am happy enough living a simple life. It may sound strange, but with my birth-ranking in the Realm of Eternity it doesn’t really matter if I am overseer or not. I get the respect regardless.’

‘I know what you are saying, Mikie. It can get very daunting, the reactions out in some of humanity’s planets. The way they look at us as if we are gods.’

‘Yeh, I know. So I don’t think we need to worry about the likes of Daniel the Seraphim.’

‘I guess not,’ responded Gabriel.

Michael paused for a moment, bringing about another sensitive subject. ‘Well, you know. Aquariel. Have you asked her yet.’

‘Not yet, Mikie. I know you are anxious for me to make the proposal, but not yet. But I will get around to it, you know. She is not really after anyone else anymore, so I will get around to it.’

‘Good. It will bring harmony to the realm. It would be a good marriage.’

‘Yeh.’

Michael stood to his feet, walked over to the window, and looked out over Zaphora. ‘It is a good time to be alive, brother Gabriel. It is a good time to be alive.’

‘Amen, Michael.’

‘I’ll be off then. Drop around again some time. I am sure you know what you are doing.’

‘I’m getting used to it.’

‘See ya.’

Michael headed off and Gabriel nodded to himself. His big brother was still concerned about him, which was wonderful to know. But it was his turn now. It was Gabriel’s turn at glory. And while he welcomed Michael’s company, he knew he had to, in a real way, stand alone. After all, it would be the making of him.

* * * * *

Life. Life itself. How on earth could it have come to be.

Saruviel sat in Kalphon keep, staring out the window on a twilight night, contemplating that reality. God was before all, and would he be after all? But, regardless, before the beginning God planned, and presumable he planned to create. Perhaps that started with God contemplating someone other than himself. Perhaps even himself? Or probably his brother Michael more likely. But were did the life which was in Saruviel come from? Were did the awareness, the unique soul, which was Saruviel the Seraphim have its origin.

He picked up an old Rubik’s cube which sat on his desk, giving this idea thought. God was life. Ultimate life. The source of all life. And, perhaps, there was the clue. Perhaps, as his very children and offspring, his creatures of life, they were just that – his offspring. Children of his very being. The Torah of Israel taught that mankind was made in the image of God, after the likeness of God himself, which Saruviel knew oh so well. Yet he also remembered, when the spirit of God took hold of him and moulded Adam in his likeness, that something of Saruviel came to be in Adam. Was this how it was for angelicdom? Did they have some of the very essence of God himself in them? Were they, in fact, of God’s essence? He could not really claim to be God, but was there a pantheistic mystery at the heart of life, in which all that was had come forth from the essence of God. In truth, he did not believe in Ex Nihilo creation. That did not seem right. But he was not equal with God, a truth he also knew. Was it, rather then, the essence of the spiritual divine of what he was composed. And, in this sense, was God somehow intimately aware of his very thoughts, almost as part of God’s own tapestry of his own life, played out in the lives of his children. In truth, that seemed the most probable answer.

Yet, if that be the truth, how would Saruviel accomplish likewise such an objective. For creation was in the mind and heart of Saruviel the Seraphim, and to create he would and must learn the secret of life itself.

* * * * *

God burned brightly in Zaphon. He burned brightly, his colours fluctuating for a while, and then suddenly turning a dark black. Saruviel was on his mind. His Son was now approaching his desires of Creationism, a Natural part of all his children, those made in the image of a God who created, naturally coming to such an idea themselves.

Saruviel, to God, was advancing the most of his children currently. He viewed the desire of Creating as a desire for a well advanced thinker, and it was Saruviel who was making the greatest progress towards this reality. Thoughts like this had not entered Michael yet, but Michael was doing extremely well in the eyes of his God. A firm commitment to eternal life, and showing constant responsibility, Michael’s greatest and necessary strength. Really, perhaps, for the sake of the Realm, he should make no great demands of pride upon this son of his.

But so many were doing well, each in their own way. Each walking down the pathways of their infinite progression. Each shining their own special light. Each pleasing to the Almighty.

Yet, it was Saruviel who, for now, had God’s special attention. And as he watched his son he delighted in his child’s ambitions, and watched and waited carefully for the questions this heart would come forth with.

* * * * *

Coming through the portal, he arrived in the north of New York on New Terra, were the corresponding portal was located, ready for action. Travel Portals worked like wormholes in a sense, all of them established by Almighty God. Ultimately, with all the vast distances that would certainly be travelled over the infinite distances in the future of the realms of God, they needed a system of transport to get them through the long distances. Travelling through portals was, essentially, instantaneous, as you entered the Portal from one end, were instantly frozen into a cryogenic type state, transported however far you were going, and unfrozen. The Portal took care of everything. They were not, so God assured them, teleporting machines like on Star Trek. Those were not reality, as they dissolved the spirit soul, and God said he could not commit to such a work as dissolving and then repairing such souls on a permanent basis. Yet the portals ran themselves after being established, and God had let it be known that some of his droid spirit angels, lifeless creatures who simply did work after the manner God created them to, did the necessary work of making the connections in each newly established portal.

To travel from portal to portal you spoke to the portal your desired destination, or entered a travel pass into the portal machine which then transferred you to where you wanted to go. There was a cost which went towards the administration of the portal system, maintained by the public services of the Realms.

Daniel mused to himself that, in the future, and really even now, you would only be able to reach the outer discs by portals. It would be the only way to get around in a sense.

Cheri was there, greeting him, smiling warmly as she always did. It was time, now. Time to finally get busy and really start promoting his ministries. He and Valandriel were dedicated to achieving glory, so they had to do some serious work. And, so Jesus constantly assured him, unless you did the grunt work yourself and, really, unless you did the most of the grunt work, your assembly would never really be built and never be taken seriously unless it contained your heart, soul and all of your passions.

So here he was, on New Terra, armed to the teeth with theology, ready to expound ‘The Prophecies of Daniel, Seraphim of Eternity’, an Angel on a mission, ready to conquer the world.

And, really, it was in many ways, the time of his life. The absolute time of his life.

* * * * *

Valandriel sat in his office in Kazranaphon Keep in the 12^th disc of Kazraphora of the Realm of Eternity. He was unofficial overseer for the disc corresponding with his birth-rank amongst the male Seraphim, something which had been happening for the Seraphim for a while, but not officially designated yet. The disc of Kazraphora was a Dutch speaking disc in many places, yet the Angelic Tongue was still the dominant language. A lot of it had been modelled on the Netherlands, also known as Holland, which had been the place were Valandriel had tasted human form in his time on earth. Of course, there was also an equivalent Holland in the district of Terraphora on the second disc of Terraphora, a place which he had originally been overseer of. But he had gravitated to the 12^th disc to spend much of his time, and was currently acting overseer for the 12^th disc, awaiting a potential official appointment to the position one day, but that was something God had told him was imminent. Most of the Seraphim males from the first disc to the 30^th disc had claimed their discs corresponding to their birthrank and had acted as overseers on them from time to time, but this was not yet official for most of them, them simply ‘Acting’ in the positions so far. They were not the official designates for them yet under Realm law, but it was strongly rumoured that with Zadennuel for the next disc after Canbraphora, the 30^th disc of Eternity, that God would make it finally official that the Overseers would be granted official status as Overseer for their corresponding rank of birth. Zadennuel had once said that should such a thing happen with the 31^st disc for himself, then he would disavow any later claim to Overseersmanship of Zaphora and the Realm, but Valandriel quietly believed that all the Seraphim males, if their turns eventually came around, wouldn’t in fact turn down the position. But that was speculation only.

Today Valandriel was a busy Angel. He had objectives – make money. As much Realm Credits to his accounts as he could possibly make. Of course, with the enormous population of the Realm of Eternity now anyway, and with his long life, he had amassed a literal fortune. In fact, all of the Seraphim were fantastically rich. But REAL power - REAL glory, as Daniel his Seraphim brother had put it, required wealthy of the proportion of ‘god’s’. For them to achieve their ultimate goals of Overseers of the Realm, they would need real wealth. Of course, out in Canbraphora Seraphim wealth could afford insanely large amounts of land and property, but it became more and more expensive as you moved towards the centre of the Realm of Eternity. In fact, land in Zaphora, when it actually became available for sale, was in figures which not every Seraphim could always seriously consider. It was extremely expensive stuff, and any angels or humans way out in the outer discs could really only dream of owning land in the heart of eternity.

But Valandriel was an angel on a mission, and as he spent the afternoon happily plugging away at the best of the so called ‘Blue Chip’ stocks the Realm online Stock Market had available, spending money to hopefully make money, he was in his own little world of Glory, ambitious as ever, happily beavering away to the delight of many now rich ex-blue chip stockholders.

* * * * *

Frank had been philosophizing all week. Contemplating the current big issue.

It was an idea becoming fixed in his mind. A core idea to his way of life. You could build up a well of knowledge and tradition in a way of life. But starting over? How could you really do such a thing. But, with the experience gained, the rewards could well and truly be amazing. For, as the second of Seraphim Daniel’s prophecies spoke, the little pebble became the biggest mountain in the world. It just needed the courage to leave the pack.

As he contemplated this idea, thoughts of an Apostle who had betrayed his Lord entered his mind, and he was convicted. But, while he perhaps could never truly leave his Christian faith, there were other options. Other ambitions. Other dreams of glory.

And letting those dreams take a hold of the heart of Frank Archer, he contemplated to himself just what possibly could be. And in those contemplations, dreaming of his potential glory, he was a happy little child of God, a happy little son of Adam and Eve, thinking up grand and great plans as so many had done in the walk of life before him.

* * * * *

Gabriel looked at the table. Everything seemed correct. Everything seemed in order. Everything seemed perfect. He would wait no longer. He signalled to the door attendant, and he opened the door to the restaurant, bringing in a curious looking Aquariel. She came over to him, looked at the table, looked at the band which had started playing a sombre song, and looked around the restaurant, one of Zaphon’s finest, with nobody to see but her twin. He had purchased the night. He must really love her.

She ate the spaghetti and meatballs which really were far better than she could ever hope to cook herself, and gazed at her twin. He seemed so very attentive that night, his gaze never leaving her, even for an instant. As if tonight was special to him – as if tonight was important.

As they dined she let the cares of the past few weeks disappear in the evening song, and allowed herself to luxuriate in the attentions of her brother. A rose came after the main meal, and as they sipped their coffee and ate their cake, she noticed he was looking intently at her. ‘What is it, Gab? What is it?’

He said nothing.

They danced that night. They danced and he held her closely and whispered sweet nothings in her ear. And later, as they drank down midnight cocktails, staring out over the glory of Zaphona, he looked at her, brought out a small box, and she knew then what she had already suspected.

He looked at her, opened the box, and said. ‘Well. How about it then? Shall we?’

She smiled, took the ring and looked at it. She looked at it for quite a while, before slowly taking the box, putting the ring back inside, and handing it back to him.

‘I love you Gab. I really do love you.’

And that is all she said.

Later on, as they were coming down the lift, the silence was harsh on Gabriel. She had said nothing. Nothing that really answered him. And he could not fathom her, for the life of him, he could not fathom her. Was she being mysterious – was she being dramatic – or was she just being Aquariel.

It was later on that week, in a little card, signed with her name. It read 5 simple words and her name.

‘I love you. But no.’

Aquariel

And he knew then that he had not won the heart of his twin, the secondborn of the Seraphim females of Eternity.

* * * * *

It was a while later, sitting in his office, Michael still looking perplexed, that all Gabriel could say was ‘I think there is someone else. I don’t know who. Maybe a Seraphim. Possibly even a Cherubim, or even a human. But I think she has her heart set on someone else.’

‘I really don’t know what to say, Gabriel. I had just assumed she would say yes. I – I’m flabbergasted.’

‘I guess that is life, Michael. We don’t always get what we want after all.’

‘I guess not, dear brother. I guess not.’

A few days later, it was evening, and he was in his office. And he cried for a while. He cried. But his heart healed and later on, typing away, a little birdie whispered to his heart ‘She’s not for you.’ And that was the end of the matter.

* * * * *

Saruviel nudged Cimbrel to hurry up and choose his meal, Cimbrel happily obliging, filling his tray with various things from the open menu. As they took their trays and returned to their seats, Saruviel looked around the restaurant. It was a Southern Cross club, very popular throughout all of Canbraphora, run by the Catholics. This one had all you can eat self-serve buffets, and Saruviel had stuffed his plate full, so hungry he was.

As he piled some tiny taters into his mouth, he unfortunately spoke with his mouth full, querying Cimbrel again on their current subject of discussion.

‘So were did he get the idea? Has he ever told you?’

‘Not officially, Sar. Not officially. But Davriel has shared some things. He was, apparently, contemplating numbers, a popular pastime of his, and he was stuck on number 2. And that is were the idea came from.’

‘Someone apart from himself, you mean.’

‘Pretty much,’ responded Cimbrel.

‘That is what I was figuring.’

‘But why the interest? There are probably ample theological texts on the subject.’

‘Yes, I know. But every man and his dog has his theories on God’s undisclosed mysteries.’

‘True.’

He continued eating the taters and then started on the very tasty coleslaw.

‘Well, it is on my mind for a reason, dear son of Japan. I am considering the big issue – origins. And I am considering were life itself came from. How it has come to be.’

‘That he has not commented on,’ said Cimbrel. ‘I think the Book of Life in Zaphon Library will answer that question, but God forbids anyone ever reading it.’

Saruviel looked dumbstruck. ‘I’m an idiot. The most obvious place of all, the library, and the oldest of all the books of the Realm. The book of life. I never even thought of that.’

‘Hey, you are number seven you know. Very established with him. He might let you read it, now. You know. I think it is ultimately meant to be read. You might want to try. Who knows what he will say.’

Saruviel looked at him, considering that, but was nervous. ‘I am not sure, Cim. Not sure. He might reserve that for Michael to look at first.’

‘Hey, Michael has glory as firstborn practically. Be ambitious. You are our challenge after all.’

‘True. I’ll think about it.’

‘Good. Now don’t bother me, I’m hungry. And this chicken is delicious.’

As they ate the rest of their meal, Saruviel realized once again how absentminded he had been for not even realizing that God had probably already given an answer to the querying of his heart. It would be interesting, it seemed to himself, if he would gain the knowledge he desired. The knowledge to unlock the very key to creation itself.

* * * * *

God was a silent listener to the conversation between Cimbrel and Saruviel, and was musing to himself. Musing to wether or not, should Saruviel actually approach him, wether he would grant his son reading of the Book of Life at this time. In truth, the rebellion of Saruviel was probably a thing of the past. It seemed doubtful to himself that his son would walk down that particular pathway again. But, then again, he was Saruviel, and life was unpredictable at the best of times.

In his honest opinion he had sensed that Saruviel would likely approach him sooner or later, so he knew he really should have an answer for his son. This knowledge was always to be ultimately available at the appropriate time of life, yet he had not completely formulated when such an appropriate time would have been reached. In a sense he was still in uncharted territory. But that was life with freedom – it was always uncharted territory.

He would, though, have an answer for his son. If Saruviel approached him, he would have an answer, but for now he could not say what for sure. But dilemmas were always a happy enough ponderance – it gave you something to think about in life after all.

Apart from Saruviel, Frank Archer was on his mind. That devil Daniel had sowed a seed which God was not entirely sure wether he liked sowed at this point in life or not. He would respond to Daniel, in his way, and teach him some of the lessons that that particular Seraphim still really did need to know. And, apart from that, business as usual for the Glory of Eternity. The neverending job of being God.

Chapter Seven

Gabriel sat at his PC, thinking it over and over and over again. Could he? Should he? Would he? And then deciding that the he had been an angel long enough, and that it was time for being a little bit of a devil, he started typing away. And this is what came out.

The Prophecies of Gabriel, Seraphim of Eternity

‘Daniel the Seraphim was sitting by the Terravon, contemplating life, when four huge beasts came out of the river, all confronting him. The first was like a lion with eagle’s wings, and it said unto Daniel, ‘Do you truly know who I am, child of the Most High?’ The second was like a bear 3 ribs in its mouth, and it came to Daniel, smiled at him, and chuckled ‘Heh, heh, heh,’ and Daniel was most shocked. And then, a third beast, a ferocious leppard, with four heads, and it saith unto Daniel San, ‘Can you groove, baby?’ Finally, the fourth dreadful beast, horrible, unimaginable, and with a strange looking head. And on its head, a smooth piece of glass. And the beast bowed its head in front of Daniel, and Daniel looked at the glass and, behold, it was a mirror. And Daniel did gaze upon his own reflection, and behold the dream did end, and I was sorely sick and fainthearted, but I kept the matter to myself.’

Gabriel chuckled for a while, hit ‘Save’ and wondered just when this little delightful tactic of his would come in with the use he desired it sorely for.

* * * * *

‘…..and as the prophecies receive more and more attention, sources are speculating just what is going on in the dreams of the Seraphim. Is this current fervour of religious growth a temporary phenomenon, or is it cyclical to be repeated again some time in the future. And, again, the age old question – dreams – were do they come from – are they from the Most High, or the product of our overly fertile subconscious.’

Michael turned off the TV, having just seen the report on Gabriel’s prophecies, apparently the product of dreams or visions of Gabriel. Michael was suspicious, naturally, and thought his brother had hatched a plot for revenge on his younger adversary, Daniel. It would be interesting to see what Gabriel might eventually confess to.

He and Elenniel were on holiday on Santron, again, seeing some of the sights, enjoying themselves. Elenniel had been listening to ‘A Year Without Rain’ by Selena Gomez, a very popular album on Santron, one of the first primary planets of humanity in the spiritual universe dedicated to the Spanish speaking people. Selena Gomez was a superstar on Santron, and lived in one of the bigger cities. You heard about her in the news all the time, alongside another contemporary of her time, Lindsay Lohan, who was also phenomenally huge.

‘Shall we go down to lunch?’ queried Michael to Elenniel, but she ignored him and just continued bopping along to her CD Walkman. ‘Oh well. I’ll go on my own.’

Sitting at the table of the hotel he thought on Gabriel’s dreams and really questioned his brother’s wisdom in releasing such things, but did acknowledge the humour in the act, which is what he presumed it was intended as. Very unlike Gabriel in many ways, but he was only human, as the saying went, and even angels wanted revenge. Daniel better watch out, Michael thought to himself, as his lasagne arrived.

* * * * *

Frank had read the new prophecies many times, and was almost hesitant to suggest ‘What Next’ as there was rife speculation that many of the Seraphim in general would also put out their own prophecies, but nothing quite yet apart from Daniel’s and Gabriel’s had eventuated. Perhaps later.

He had quickly reached a conclusion on the new prophecies. However they came to be, Frank saw the Most High at work in Gabriel’s prophecies, even if Gabriel was the deliberate author out of a sense of vengeance. Frank thought God was at the back of Gabriel’s mind, pulling triggers and pushing buttons, and getting the words he wanted in the suitable response to Daniel’s cheek. But that was speculation – nobody knew how God worked on these things – he never really disclosed his abilities.

Of course, it was Daniel the Seraphim’s ego manifest – quite obviously. The fourth beast was revealed as Daniel himself, as most commentators had quickly concluded, and it was a rebuke towards the possible pride which had reared up recently in the 45^th of the male Seraphim. Daniel was a confident, cunning, funny but very cocky angel – he needed to be knocked down a level by the looks of it, and this work of Gabriel’s might just be the thing to keep the angel in check.

It would be interesting to see what would come of it, and Daniel’s reaction? Well Frank looked forward to that very much indeed.

* * * * *

It was on one of the major news channel’s, a diehard reporter of the realm had cornered Daniel and confronted him with the prophecies. Daniel had nodded that he had heard all about them, and then had come the question. ‘Well Daniel. Are we to fear your great wrath? Are you the dread fourth beast to terrorize all of us?’ the reporter had a smirk on his face, and a few trillion of the live audience were chuckling at this point.

Daniel spoke bravely. ‘Gabriel is a most fascinating angel. Let me stress, once more, the divine origin of the prophecies of Daniel the Seraphim. Naturally, a response from an angel who seems to be aware of the potential bad reputation he may one day gain from being exposed is expected. But I am not saying that. Gabriel was never specifically identified by myself in my prophecies – perhaps that is just what people read into them. But this act in response, well, a child could be more mature I would think.’

‘So you deny you are the fourth beast,’ responded the reporter, not letting Daniel escape the subject.

‘Remember, this may well be the beast in action already, already escaping from the due and just wrath of the prophecy towards his great pride.’

‘Are you a beast of pride?’ continued the Reporter. ‘Is that what you are admitting to?’

Daniel looked at the reporter, totally frustrated. ‘Give me that bloody…..,’ he said, taking the microphone off the reporter, and looking into the camera. ‘Gabriel, friend, listen. You have had your fun. But serious prophets always shine through in the end. Your ….trite…. response is beneath you, dear brother. Accept the rebuke of our eternal father, and get the hell over it.’

Daniel gave the microphone back to the reporter, went back inside his abode, leaving the reporter to finish his message, much to the glee of a now laughing audience.

* * * * *

Gabriel was watching the news that afternoon. He smiled to himself. ‘Gotcha, Danny Boy.’

* * * * *

Jesus saw the highlights that night. ‘Daniel, Daniel, Daniel,’ he said, shaking his head.

* * * * *

Ambriel saw the item the following morning on the morning shows. ‘Ah, justice is served,’ he said to Meludiel, who said nothing.

* * * * *

Callodyn caught the news late the following afternoon, put his hand to his head, grimaced and said ‘Schmuck,’ under his breath.

* * * * *

The Prophet Daniel the Cherubim heard about the incident, said nothing to Nadiel when she brought it up, but silently smiled at Gabriel’s non-to-subtle rebuttal.

* * * * *

Daniel the Seraphim was still in the toilet, vomiting yet again, when Valandriel said to Ariel. ‘Well, at least I don’t think he will vomit again. There can’t be anything left in that gut.’ Ariel said nothing. Shortly Daniel returned to the main room, sat down, looked despairingly at Valandriel, perhaps ready to quit, when Valandriel said, ‘Remember, we aint no quitters Danny Boy. Remember that. We ain’t no quitters.’

Daniel looked somewhat consoled, nodded, put his head in his hands and softly said under his breath, ‘yes, we aint no quitters.’

PART TWO

‘THE NEW AGENDA’

Chapter Eight

The darkness stood on the threshold of eternity. It hovered, looking down at the unsuspecting angelic host and the humans of destiny. The darkness was malevolent in its heart – full of all sorts of evil – but there were redeeming qualities as well. Strange, redeeming qualities – qualities which spoke of the stupidity of love, anyway – just for the sake of it. And the spirit of absolute freedom – the spirit which would not restrain or control itself in anyway, still, nevertheless, yearned for more of this love – to taste the purest drop of God’s divine beauty – and so it hovered there, unleashed from its aeon’s long prison, gazing upon the angels of destiny, and, finally, completing its fateful decision, manifested, took on human form – and sitting at the desk which suddenly appeared, nodding to the theophany who had imprisoned him all those many years ago, he signed the contract and agreed to abide by the principles of life which the theophany had been so insistent upon. Yet, in truth, he had leniencies, and still much freedom, and he would be allowed, in truth, to visit his dear child, dearest Saruviel, in whom dwelt so much of his very essence, so much of his very nature, and he would treasure his time with his begotten child from the heart of God and share with him, in truth, the destiny he had planned from the ages of ages.

* * * * *

Meludiel felt a shiver run down her spine. ‘Ambriel!’ she yelled suddenly. ‘Were is Ambriel?’

Gloryel looked up from her cards, quizzically. ‘Probably at work or something, Mel. Why the fuss?’

‘There is something wrong,’ said Meludiel. ‘Something so incredibly wrong. Something has changed. Something has – grown.’

Gloryel looked puzzled, staring at her sister. She was not her normal self.

‘Calm down Seraphim. Calm down. Get control of yourself. Ambriel is fine.’

But Meludiel was suddenly on her feet, her bridge cards scattered on the floor, and Aquariel, Elenniel and Gloryel all gazed at her with wonder.

‘Something’s up,’ said Aquariel. ‘She is not herself.’

‘It is to do with Saruviel,’ said Elenniel, still looking at her cards.

Gloryel and Aquariel looked at Elenniel, but both said nothing. They were waiting for her to speak again.

Meludiel paced around the room, saying again and again, with increasing worrying words ‘Ambriel. Amby Amby Amby. Were are you? Were are you?’

Elenniel finally spoke.

‘Saruviel’s father has arrived.’

‘God?’ said Gloryel. ‘But he has always been around.’

‘God is his creator and Almighty father. He has another one. From the heart of God. We all do.’

Gloryel looked perplexed, and Aquariel stood, went over to comfort Meludiel, who was looking frantic, and turned her gaze to Elenniel. ‘And how exactly do you know all this, dear sister?’

Elenniel stared at her cards, then slowly smiled and looked up to Aquariel. ‘Well, firstborns don’t ALWAYS share their secrets, dear sister, now do we.’

‘Ambriel!!!’ screeched Meludiel, and fainted, collapsing on the floor.

Gloryel and Aquariel tried comforting her, but Elenniel just continued staring at her cards, smiling to herself. It was about time, after all. About bloody time.

* * * * *

Ambriel looked at the arm. It fucking hurt, and was broken. He gazed at his oppressor – he didn’t recognize him. The man, though, looked strangely familiar. Like Saruviel, in many ways. He spoke again.

‘Now remember, Jewish scum. Fuck with Saruviel again, and I will take your fucking head off. Ok. I will take your fucking head off.’

Ambriel spoke, carefully. ‘I have, never, really opposed Saruviel. I have left him be.’

‘Don’t give me that. I have watched you for ages. You and your messianic agenda. You have always had it in for Saruviel, and his ambitions. Citing your damn scriptures to restrict his natural glory and his natural hearts freedoms. Controlling him – calling him Antichrist – not recognizing his natural beauty. You are scum, all your Jewish kind. Claiming to serve the most high, yet kissing his ass for the glory he gives you. Saruviel works his arse off and EARNS his fucking glory. Not snivelling at the throne of the Almighty, worshipping him in fake sincerity. Like all your pathetic kind.’

Ambriel stood. ‘Fuck you,’ he said. ‘We love God.’

The man stared at him, noticed the lad had a bit of spirit, and responded. ‘Heh, heh, heh. Serve God. You are only after his goodies. Only after his chocolate and lollies. To get fat in your old age.’

Ambriel looked puzzled. ‘Um. What?’

The man spoke one more time. ‘Now, you heard me. Don’t fuck with Saruviel. Or there will be hell to pay. And I don’t give a fucking damn who your heavenly father is. Fuck with my son and you will know about it.’

Ambriel came to himself, and remembered his manners, despite his aching arm. ‘Ok. Ok. Sorry if I offended you. That was not my intent. I try to do the right thing.’

The man looked at him, looked into his eyes, and Ambriel could see burning fire within – the burning fire of old wrath. The man said no more, gazed at him one last time, and retreated.

As he watched him go Ambriel thought on Saruviel, and who this man could be, but a cog in his brain suddenly turned over, and he caught a glimpse of a face, a face he suddenly recognized, but in an instant it was gone. And he was standing there, arm hurting like hell, wondering just what the hell had gone one.

* * * * *

Meludiel seemed better. She was in bed, calmed down, and Aquariel was seeing to her. Gloryel was in the other room, talking with Elenniel.

‘So we meet them soon,’ said Gloryel.

‘Only for a while. Only for a little while. And then they will be gone again, off, back to the heart of God, until the third judgement day. And then we will be family, again.’

‘And your earthly father. And his father. And his father. They are children of the same spirit?’

‘Yes.’

‘Our family? Our surname? Our clan? The gods of our clan?’

‘Our progenitors. Every clan has a divine father and mother. They sired us in the heart of God.’

‘I see,’ said Gloryel. ‘Well, wow.’

‘Indeed,’ said Elenniel. She finally put her cards down. ‘I claim the game. These cards would have won for sure.’

Gloryel looked at the four Aces and four Kings. ‘Probably sis.’

And Elenniel smiled, satisfied.

* * * * *

Ambriel, his arm healing, sat with Meludiel who was all over him. She said ‘I know you have been good, dear Amby Wamby. Here is your favourite. A Chokito chocolate bar.’ Ambriel smiled, took the chocolate bar, suddenly got very convicted from words recently spoken to him, considered the point, but bit into the chocolate bar anyway.

‘Yum,’ he said. ‘I love these ones.’

‘I know you do,’ said Meludiel. ‘You are my Amby Wamby, so don’t mess with Saruviel’s daddy. He is vewy vewy cwoss at these new council meetings.’

Ambriel nodded, took another bite of his chocolate bar, turned to the tv were the current council of the ‘gods’ was showing, and smiled. He liked his twin. She gave him chocolate. Stuff that blood Daniel. He was always jealous of Amby Wamby’s good fortune. ‘Ha.’ He thought to Daniel. ‘She gives me nice chocolate.’

Meludiel patted him on the head, put the chocolate milk shake on the stool next to his bed and said ‘Drink slowly. I will get you another one shortly.’

‘Thank you Melly Welly,’ said Amby Wamby, smiling all the time.

* * * * *

Saruviel sat with his old man. The god ‘Bradlock.’

‘So, son. It is good, isn’t it. Getting over it for a while.’

‘I know,’ said Saruviel, eating some chocolate. ‘Can I have a milkshake, dad.’

Bradlock got up from his seat, went into the kitchen, and returned shortly with a freshly made strawberry milkshake. ‘Now don’t drink it all at once, son. I don’t want you to get too fat. Maybe a bit fat. Maybe. But not too fat.’

‘I won’t dad,’ said Saruviel, with Krystabel gorging on jelly beans and lemonade sitting next to him.

* * * * *

The council of the gods lasted 7 months and then, everyone making their farewells to their heavenly fathers and mothers, Ambriel so very happy with ‘Rothchild’ who was such a loving man, and Daniel delighting in ‘Daly’ who was a laugh riot, the time of ‘Loving’ came to an end.

‘Remember. We will be back after the third judgement day. You will understand again, then. Don’t forget us.’

And then one by one the gods entered a spinning vortex, the theophany walking in after the last one had left, and the angels returned to their homes.

* * * * *

A few months later, when relative normality had returned to the Realm of Eternity, Valandriel had travelled to Televon to speak with Callodyn who was currently residing there. He was curious on a particular issue, the foundational work done upon Haven Noahide Fellowship, which appeared to be lasting.

‘So why did you bother, in the end, forming Haven? Why not join one of the established other noahide movements.’

‘Well, there weren’t really that many noahides at the time, Valandriel, and nothing coming close to a Karaite Noahide movement. They practically didn’t exist. I guess I saw both an opportunity and an obligation – an obligation in as much as I felt that such a religion on the world stage probably should exist, and so I worked towards establishing it.’

‘And how did you get God’s blessing for such a new endeavour. Didn’t its lack of notoriety faze you?’

‘God had to start Judaism somewere, didn’t he? So I persevered, prayed for God’s blessing, and kept at it. It came along after a while, and I committed my life and my resources to it, so it has lasted. And I plan on keeping at it for eternity with this work.’

‘I see. Mmmm.’

‘Look. If what I was working on was contrary to God’s work, it wouldn’t have lasted. I might have succeeded initially, but because it was based on God’s will, he would have ended it if it hadn’t suited his purposes. But he didn’t. And so I have kept at it and it is now a growing and successful universal Karaite Noahide Fellowship – the oldest and the biggest of them.’

‘So perseverance is a key idea I am getting for you.’

‘It won’t last if you don’t commit,’ responded Callodyn.

Valandriel nodded. That was the idea he was looking for.

They chatted on for a while, and Valandriel stayed with him for a nightly meeting of a few Noahides of his fellowship. And then, late that night, he emailed Daniel the Seraphim.

To Daniel.

From V.

I have been at Callodyn’s. He has some good ideas. You probably knew that. I am seeing the kind of qualities we will need for the glory we want. I will be studying some of these ideas for a while.

Keep the faith bro.

Later.

* * * * *

Ariel was outside in the front of the offices, with the workmen, supervising the installation of the water features and the new grass. They were at new office spaces for ‘Daniel the Seraphim Ministries’ located on New Terra, now to be the head office for the Ministries amongst humanities spiritual universe. Daniel sat inside, at the PC, reviewing some of the basic planned doctrines of the Ministry, the fruit from his discussions with Valandriel, sitting behind him in the office, attempting to solve a Rubik’s cube.

‘I have never really tried to work these out properly,’ said Valandriel.

‘Your bright. You should have it finished in a jiffy. Just put your mind to it.’

‘Well, I have a side, so I might work on it later,’ he said, putting aside the cube.

Daniel turned to Valandriel. ‘Religion is a tricky business, Val. A tricky business. The prophecies of mine are, in some ways, religious – but not really meant to be. They are more about a political idea than a specifically religious or moral one.’

‘Callodyn says to me ‘Be in the Hearts of Men.’

Daniel nodded. He knew the principle well. It was his own, as well as that of Callodyn’s in the Cherubim Torah.

‘And how do we do that brother?’

‘I think we are slowly doing that anyway, Dan. We use our charm, our sophistication and our cheek. But I am sure people look inside and see the love we have for them – that that is the heart of our intentions.’

‘And to take the glory off David? To defeat Michael and Ambriel? How do we do that?’

‘Keeping the faith. That is a good beginning.’

‘They are good at that, you know. It is there speciality,’ responded Daniel.

‘I know,’ responded Valandriel. ‘So we will need an edge. And I think I know, in all honesty, when it all comes down to it, just what that edge has to be.’

‘And that is?’

‘We have to excel the competition in just about every aspect. We have to take them. To outdo them. To compete harder, fairer and with more determination. We have to take on the challenge……………….. And once again come out victorious.’

He said nothing, then smiled. Valandriel had a good memory.

‘Then we take on the challenge,’ said Daniel.

‘We take on the challenge,’ responded Valandriel.

* * * * *

Frank Archer looked through the book he had recently purchased online, just having arrived in the mail. ‘Starting a new religion – the basics’ by a guru of apparent renowned spiritual worth. It was absorbing. The first principle was rather blunt and read like this:

IN THE END, PEOPLE ARE RATHER GULLIBLE – THEY WILL BELIEVE YOU

After that true and quite illuminating opening the book went on through the basic strategies of starting your new faith. The first appendix was also interesting, stating ‘And the actual point you are trying to make?’, being a rather philosophical and non-committal teaching on how religions all claim to have divine truth, so it is simply a matter of what you do with your own and the effort you put in, rather than any so called superior holy status, which is just a load of mumbo jumbo in the end anyway. Frank was hooked.

* * * * *

Andrew and Jessica were touring in New Terra, on the continent of Australia in the city of Canberra, visiting the Carillon, and having the time of their life. Andrew had proposed a few days before, to Jessica’s delight, and she had quickly assented his request. Now she buzzed around their travel wagon, a steady unsmirchable smile on her face, delighting in the quiet joy in her heart which said everything was now right.

They had just finished lunch, put the portable TV set on a bench in front of them, and were watching the swans glide by when Andrew’s father face appeared on the TV screen. After a bit of a preamble from the show’s host, a show on religion, Daniel began speaking and Andrew shortly turned up the volume.

‘Thus it is the Destiny of all of us Seraphim, in the fullness of time, when appropriate numbers come forth who, in truth, need our ministering, to form ministries for ourselves were we can eternally minister to a flock and guide them in the ways of Almighty God. This is what we are called for from Almighty God, it is part of our eternal destiny, and, when our turn comes, we must take hold of the challenge wholeheartedly. But only when we are finally and truly called to this tremendous task.’ He went on to speak of his supposed calling from God to now establish a spiritual ministry to guide the flocks of eternity safely on their walk with God through the ages ahead, and the host was duly impressed.

When the show ended Andrew turned down the volume, looked at Jessica, and smiled. ‘Interesting, huh.’

Jessica, though, had quickly reached the conclusion that, if such was the calling of God’s eldest children, perhaps she should take part in the endeavour. ‘The question, Andrew dear, is do we join him?’

Andrew gave her an incredulous look and, despite the searing sincerity on her face, picked up a can of beer, shook his head, and laughed a little, turning his gaze back to the TV screen. But he couldn’t help but notice his fiancés sincerity.

* * * * *

Saruviel sat quietly, in Kalphon, in his dormitory, watching news. There was yet another show on all the recent religious fervour, this particular show stressing it was a current phenomenon of the era, and was not expected to last forever. Of course, the ultimate promulgator religion was God himself. God – the creator.

He thought on that title and that act. Creation. He, Saruviel, was made in the image of God, as all angels and men were. So, could it be, on that idea, that as God was, in his primacy, a creative force, that he as an angel was also a creator.

He gave the idea further thought. Certainly, it was true, angels took raw material and moulded, sculpted, painted, drew and wrote all sorts of interesting designs and ideas. In this sense they were creative as well. But all of this was just bringing forth creation from what God had already done. Could it be – could it – that the ultimate act and destiny of a child of God was to be a creator as well? And, if so, were would such power come from? Was it inherent? Could it be developed? Or did one need to seek the throne of glory for such power?

He spent the afternoon, quietly, in thought, going over this idea, and later that evening, having dinner with Krystabel, he thought that, in his current new searching, such an activity might be the answer to his soul’s desires.

* * * * *

‘Ambriel.’

Ambriel stopped typing, gave the PC screen one last look and turned to his twin. ‘Yes Meludiel.’

‘Have you seen Justine recently? Justine Atkinson?’

Ambriel froze. She had mentioned her. She had mentioned – Justine.

He spoke carefully. ‘Why… why do you ask?’

Meludiel said nothing more, but left the room, leaving Ambriel to contemplate that.

A little later he had a picture of Justine, one he kept in a small photo album, in his hand. He hid the album away from Meludiel, was not really sure if she had ever seen it, and didn’t really want her to, despite feeling a little guilty about hiding secrets from her. But he had to with Justine. He had to.

There had been so much said about the twin for so long. For so long. About them both being the perfect mate and, then, about them being everything but a mate. Ambriel was always confused when he pushed the issue too deeply but, a small corner of his heart, a small tiny corner which he hid from the world, reminded himself of the commitment he had made to Justine and about how, one eventual day, she would be his wife and her alone. He had promised Justine that – that she would be the ultimate one for him. But not for the moment. For the moment his love was Meludiel.

And so he looked at the photo, thought about visiting Justine just to stay in contact and, putting the photo away, noticed the little twinge in his heart about the girl who would eventually be his one true love.

* * * * *

Gabriel sat in the overseer’s office, reflecting over his first few years in the job as overseer. It had, all things considered, been a tumultuous time, and most of that due to the ministrations of one particular devilish Seraphim angel – Daniel.

Yet, apart from the frustrations of his younger brother, all things considered, he had learned a lot and enjoyed his new privileged position. Michael had been around a fair bit to start with, sharing insight and ideas, and how the role traditionally functioned, and that had been invaluable for Gabriel. But that mentoring was slowly diminishing and Gabriel was learning for himself how to handle such a traditionally challenging role. And he was enjoying it.

Funnily enough, though, despite the frustrations which the 45^th of the male Seraphim had brought to his initial learning period, there was one thing which he had recently gone on about which challenged Gabriel. The idea that each Seraphim should ultimately have the responsibility of a spiritual ministry in which to guide their enclave throughout their eternal destiny. Was there truth in this claim? Was the ultimate destiny of the Seraphim to follow in the footsteps of their eternal father, to follow in the footsteps of the one in whose image they had been made, and guide and sanctify their own eternal flock? Gabriel, in truth, could not deny this powerful claim on his soul. Perhaps that was what it was all about, ultimately, for the angels of God anyway.

He looked out from his window, over Zaphon and Zaphora. Really, the current spirit which was upon the place, like a developed Israelite spirit or a traditional American spirit, as he had been taught from his animistic lessons, was truly wonderful to feel these days in Zaphon. He would some times wander the hallways of upper Zaphon, inquiring into one of the workers life stories, to see how they were functioning, wether they were happy with it all. And he would enjoy his time with Aquariel, when she consented to have lunch with him.

It was a time like no other, in many ways to Gabriel, inevitably a time which would be repeated eternally so, but in its infancy and virginity, the spiritual experiences were like nothing else.

And he thanked God for them.

* * * * *

Ambriel took out his passport – his human passport, with ‘David Rothchild’ written on it, handed it to the spaceport entrance officer, and waited. Televere had no portal – it was their policy. Visitors from the heavenly realms had to come to Televon through a portal first to either New Terra, or Santron or some other close planet, and then travel via space-liner to Televon. It was the way Albert Rothchild, his own descendant, and King of Televon, had decided things to happen. And, thus, a portal which had once been on Televon had been dismantled, and the traditional way of travel through humanity’s space was undertaken. Of course, it was extremely expensive to use the portal’s anyway, such being the incredible demand for their use, but David, with his many long years of savings and investments, could afford the portal without any dramas.

He was here on Televere, also known as Televon, to visit his first human wife, Justine Atkinson. All up, David had had over 100 wives now, 30 of them being human, the rest angelic, but the marriages usually only lasted a few thousand years. Most of the time he was found hanging around Meludiel in the Realm of Eternity. But that was relatively normal for most angels, apart from Michael, who was hopelessly devoted to Elenniel. David had initially thought upon being that way until the spirit spoke to him and told him, eventually, Michael would also take another wife. And so David relaxed on the idea, acknowledged that for him personally such devotion might have only been spiritual pride, and went about his romances in a more regular and mainstream manner.

He had been married to Justine three times in the last million years. There first marriage had been the longest, the second only lasted a century, but the third had been not much shorter than the first. And it was the third marriage in which he had made a personal commitment to her upon parting.

He was here, now, on Televon to look into that commitment, to stay true to it, and to stay in love with the bride who would ultimately be his own one true love.

The officer handed him back his passport, greeted him in the name of the King, and gave him a salute, as befitted his status. David never really worried about travelling to Televon, these days, without an entourage. He had met many of the regular citizens of Televon over his vast amount of time travelling here now, and he was usually left well enough alone, despite the many faces which recognized him. Everyone valued their own space, after all, and David was respected on this when travelling privately.

He decided on a drink of coffee, made his way to the cafeteria, and ordered a latte. The sun was shining brightly outside, and as he at his donut, sipping on his latte, he relaxed, enjoying the gift of the regularity of a mundane life which God often visited upon him. And then he spied the arcade parlour, and went off too see what games they had.

Funnily enough, he didn’t recognize him immediately, but when he asked the fellow playing the ‘Gauntlet II’ machine if he wouldn’t mind another wizard, the fellow said that would be fine, and he joined the fray. It was after a few minutes had passed that he recognized the voice and said. ‘Well Callodyn, dear brother. It seems we are off an another grand adventure. Callodyn turned to him, recognized Ambriel, and smiled. ‘Hey. Let’s make it to level 1000. It just takes heaps of credits. We can take on the ‘Black Dragon’ at the end, and claim the gold.’

‘I didn’t know this game had 1000 levels?’ responded Ambriel.

‘Oh, this is a special edition. I requested it from the manufacturer. I own this arcade, you see.’

‘Ahh, really,’ responded Ambriel and, together, the two of them spent the following 17 hours, using the pause button to rest briefly, as they steadily worked their way towards level 1000. The Black Dragon breathed furious flames on them at the end, but Callodyn had pumped a few thousand credits into the machine, and he just stood there, taking the dragon breath, hacking away at it with his battle-axe. Eventually the dragon died, and David came out from the corner he had been hiding behind, from were he had been taking the occasional safe shot, and they gobble up the gold together.

It was a good score, not the best, and both of them spending the night in the apartment above the arcade, which Callodyn owned, they reflected on their victory, and David enjoyed the wine and lasagne which Daniel had made the night before.

He woke early the following morning, knew he wanted to get off as soon as possible, but decided to wait a while and speak with Daniel. He watched the early morning sun rise and, sitting there on the balcony, enjoyed the beautiful and lovely spirit of Televere. Really, it was an eternal home for him, and he gratefully thanked his eternal father for the true and sheer beauty he was able to enjoy in the simple things of life. He truly thanked his father.

* * * * *

Although she didn’t check it that regularly, Meludiel looked into the mailbox in front of her abode, and was surprised to find a letter sitting there. That was unusual. People didn’t use the postal service for letters very much anymore – mainly for parcels, with items which couldn’t be sent electronically. She took it out. It was from Ambriel from Televon. She took it inside, sat down in the kitchen after pouring herself an orange juice, opened it and read it.

‘Dear Meludiel