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Morning Stars of Glory - David
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Daniel Daly
May 14, 2013, 6:04:50 AM5/14/13
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Morning Stars of Glory: David
Prologue
‘David, David, David. What are we to do with David the Cherubim?’
‘Huh? What was that Satan?’ inquired Lucifer.
Satan was sitting at the back of the bar, drinking one of his favourite Canbraphoran beers, looking dark and mysterious as he had often done in former years.
‘Now that we are currently dwelling in the Realm of Eternity, I feel we have obligations, Lucy.’
‘Don’t fucking call me Lucy. You know how I hate that bitch.’
Satan said nothing, but grinned. ‘As I was saying, LUCY, we have a new overseer, and it could be good time to once again reawaken old agendas. Old rulership agendas.’
‘It won’t work,’ commented Semyazen, who was playing pool with Saruvien. ‘They are all sold on goodness. They don’t trust us. If we have anything too lawless they will reject us in the end. They did before – they will again. We only ever attract a small number.’
Satan nodded. He understood the winning hand his God occasionally played on him, reminding him that evil would not really prosper.
‘Then we be more honest about it all, Semyazen. We stress the advantages and qualities of the sinner’s lifestyle, and that goodness is just for schmucks in the end.’
‘The Christ-child will get involved. You know Jesus and all his classical teachings on ‘The Temptations of the Devil.’ I am sure that bastard still has it in for us.’
Satan nodded. ‘I have been thinking about that issue. And I have a solution. Turn our greatest enemy into our greatest friend. Really, with what I have planned, It just can’t fail.’
The Saruvim all looked suspiciously at their leader.
‘Hey, it should be a hell of a ride,’ said Lucifer.
‘Whatever,’ said Semyazen. ‘Beats hanging around here all day.
And one by one the Saruvim agreed, and yet another diabolical plot of the master of evil got underway.
Part One
‘David’s Glory’
Chapter One
David was a schmuck of an angel. Really, all things considered, and all relevant opinions taken into consideration, David really was a schmuck. He had very poor taste in music. This came from his offbeat Jewish personality for strange and weird things, original in nature, and neglected by the mainstream. Alternative things, a bit quirky, a bit schmucky and sometimes just a bit plain old stupid. For example, he delighted in shows like the classic earth show ‘Scrubs’ featuring his favourite actor, Zach Braff, and adored South Park, which he called delightful. Yes, he had a queer and unusual sense of humour, but he said he got it all from his older brother by one birth-rank, dear old Callodyn. In their last few years together before the takeover, Callodyn and David had gotten to know each other quite well, and David had often smirked at Callodyn’s ‘Hidden from the world’ cheek and humour. It was the savage and rowdy Irishman in him, the theophany once suggested to him. Not quite yet civilized, despite God’s best efforts at sanctification. But David delighted in him, and emulated much of his ways in his own time as overseer of the Realm of Eternity. David looked similarly to Ambriel, a little bit smaller, and also a little bit more European. But you could notice his Jewish features as well.
David, in many ways agreed with Callodyn’s desire for continuity, but wanted to bring a slightly more light-hearted feel to the realm of eternity. Callodyn had been a little bit too serious for many, very concerned with his protocols towards the end. David felt people needed to lighten up a little, so brought that sort of philosophy into his time at Zaphon. Certainly, he would be responsible enough to let the people know he was still doing his job properly, but they could relax under his tenureship, which would hopefully emulate in some ways Callodyn’s prior desire for non-interference with the general public for most of his term in office. But David would grab the limelight were and when he could, but with a soft and loving heart. And God loved him all the more for it.
His twin, Brigid, was close to him. They had married occasionally, and had several children together, and when he began his tenureship he had asked Brigid if she would like to move into Zaphon with him, alongside with some of their children for the sake of keeping up appearances. Brigid had happily agreed, and they were something of the official family of the realm for the next planned million years. Yes, he had no real desire to alter the established tradition of a million years for the realm’s overseer, despite his technical right to do so if he desired. Of course, young Jayden was the next cherubim in line for overseer, and he and David had begun spending some time together already, despite it still being early in his term.
David was the 229th male Cherubim of the Realm of Eternity, one of 700,000 firstborn male cherubim, although there were now countless offspring. Mating resulted from Unity Hour, when the angels were transmogrified and became able to bear children. David had far too many children now to remember them all, and he didn’t seem them all most of the time, for they were stuck out in the outer rims of eternity usually, although some were in the Realm of Infinity and some scattered out in the human domain of planets. He was a family man in some ways, but usually left his new offspring a fairly decent inheritance at their 25th year of age, which was the general tradition amongst the elderly angels of the realm given their vast wealth acquired over many aeons and their increasing number of children which they would find it difficult to support if they were all around at once.
His first few years as overseer were quite basic – just getting used to the job, with Callodyn occasionally hanging around giving him some of the traditional overseer advice, but he settled into the job after a while and immediately came to a conclusion. Despite his long desire for the glory of the position, it came down to work in the end. It might have sounded glorious in the job description, but it was just work. But perhaps that was the way it was meant to be – the real time of testing for God’s children – the real time for them to act responsibly and make a decent contribution to the life of eternity.
As the early years passed, and he gradually got used to the position, Jayden started hanging around a lot more and they drew closer in their friendship. They would play chess often, as well as go out skateboarding and surfing as well, as both of them enjoyed the Extreme Sports. And, in time, Jayden actually suggesting the idea and David finding no objection, David appointed him as his second in command, and Vice-Overseer, a position used occasionally in the past.
Work went generally smooth enough, nobody really complained, and life in eternity continued on – in general – in the merry hum and strum it had become so famous for.
Until a folder with ‘Project 666’ found its way onto his desk and, opening up, reading, he sensed the beginning of troubles. Indeed, this overseersmanship would not be known for the simplicity of Callodyn’s reign – by no means at all, by the dread looks of it. By no means at all.
* * * * *
‘Project 666,’ began Saruviel, ‘is an attempt to right many wrongs which have been committed against us angels in our life of service to he that is. It is an open declaration of the power of the beast, a spirit committed to absolute freedom in its heart, away from the dogmatic and Neanderthal rulings of the Almighty. I know this spirit well, friends. I know it well. Satan is now working steadily and carefully from 666 Paramount tower to promote and dedicate the ‘New World Order’ of Absolute Freedom which we all, in our hearts, cling to anyway. Embrace the number of the beast, for it is your true freedom friends – it is your true freedom.’
The news report finished, the cameras turned off, and Saruviel turned to Satan and said. ‘Well, I hope that satisfies you, dark lord. Remember, you owe me big time for this favour. I know your adversaries will eventually work out your agenda, so I am not overly concerned. But remember, when I call in my favour, you better repay big time.’
‘My word is my bond,’ chuckled the devil, who turned to his Saruvim brethren with a mad grin on his face.
In the overseers office Jayden and David looked totally perplexed.
‘What the fuck is Saruviel going on about? I thought his old agenda was a thing of the distant past. He’s not gone insane has he?’
‘I am not sure,’ responded the flabbergasted David. ‘But we will have to look into it.’
Jayden picked up a pencil, started playing with it and said ‘Well. What’s the plan?’
‘I am not sure, Kemosabe.’
‘Fuck you,’ responded Jayden instantly.
‘As I was saying, I am not sure Kemosabe, but I remember well enough the old agendas. Something fishy is going on. I don’t think this represents Saruviel’s real position, but that is just a hunch. They are up to something – they have a plot in mind.’
‘So we investigate?’ queried Jayden.
‘Yes. Yes we do,’ responded David. ‘But carefully. We act as if this doesn’t bother us. Give us chance to suss out the enemies plot.’
‘I know some people. Some angels who are experienced in this sort of thing. Shall I contact them?’
‘Do as you will,’ responded David. ‘But be discreet. We don’t want them knowing what we are up to.’
‘Will do Kemosabe.’
‘Very funny,’ responded the Overseer of Zaphon.
Jayden disappeared, and David sat there, thinking over things. This seemed to be, as stated in the papers he had received, the first agenda of Project 666. Yet the second part, while he doubted they would have any success, was a cause for major concern. A cause for major concern indeed.
* * * * *
‘Rachel Rothchild! Paging Rachel Rothchild!’
The announcement came over the intercom of the airport and, while Rachel was usually an attentative enough angel, she was lost in the magazine special on Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, declaring their undying love for each other – still together after countless millions of years. She had been a particular fan of Angelina’s for quite a long time, even remembering movies of hers from her human years. But that was so long ago, now. So long ago.
She was on a flight back home, in reality. Really, in truth, back home. And that was difficult for her in many ways, because it caused conflict for Samael who had to visit her from the Realm of Infinity, which was were he usually resided. Yet, ever since her formal receiving into the Cherubim community of the Realm of Eternity, something which had happened in her time in the other Realm of Infinity, but which had been finalised in the Eternal Realm with her declaration by Archangel Michael as the lastborn of the Cherubim, Rachel, now Rachael as an angel, had a new home. And then when Canbraphora had come to be and the Ketravim had started coming forth in greater numbers, her status as the firstborn of the Ketravim found its final home, apparently, on the disc of Canbraphora, were humanity usually began its home amongst the discs of the eternal realm, the inner 29 discs being very difficult under protocols for them to settle on.
Devuel, though, was far more lenient in allowing humanity onto his disc, not objecting to the mandate of God that from the 30th disc humanity could settle the realm of eternity somewhat, and the former overseer of Florida, now appointed overseer to the 30th disc of Canbraphora, as belied his birth-right, had learned flexibility between the many various spiritual communities which seemed to find their home in Canbraphora.
Rachel remembered her commitment to Callodyn – in that wedding vow she had taken – and how she believed it would last forever. And in her heart, in some very true ways, she knew that it was true. And while, since they had once more married again, after a long wait for him choosing over Aphrayel or his twin Rhaemliel, she felt, now, she was on borrowed time. It was not uncommon, now, even amongst the most senior of spiritual figures – divorce, that is. It seemed that, in the end, you didn’t really have to stay married to the same person forever, no matter how much you loved them – or had once loved them. Samael had once said to her, ‘we are people of passions, and passion often leads us down paths it wants us to tread upon, despite the best intentions of our heart otherwise.’ And she knew, in her heart, that much was true. But could she ever, ever, really leave Callodyn? How could she break the marriage vows which were central to her life? But, nay, perhaps it was the very fact, in the end, in the divine plan of God, that while she had loved Samael, her home had inevitably come to be Canbraphora, and perhaps that was just the way it was meant to be. Samael had his home and his life and while, in the end, she would always love him and be a faithful friend, they would only likely spend occasional time together, and she would remain in Canbraphora, perhaps to find some other great and true love. Perhaps that was just the way it was meant to be.
Gloryel once said to her ‘love is a finicky thing, and most unpredictable. Don’t let your heart be taught fidelity to love by a rule – it wants its own life, and commitments only make sense if the passion remains.’ She knew she was still passionate to Samael – she knew that. But she knew, as well, that in the long time together things had, inevitably, cooled down and, perhaps what was the most important thing in Jewish thought anyway, the issue of compatibility seemed to be inevitably coming up. And the more and more she looked at it, and the more and more she saw them together, the more she knew that Aphrayel was the one destined for dear old Callodyn Bradlock. In the end she doubted it could be any other way.
These thoughts were at the back of her mind as she glanced through the magazine, suddenly made aware of the announcers words of her flight, and getting to her feet, making her way to the terminal.
* * * * *
Jacob burped. And then he burped again. ‘Ahh, Hashem. That was a good meal. The best Christmas turkey I have had in ages.’
‘You pig,’ said Rachel, under her breath. ‘Don’t embarrass me.’
‘Just enjoying Daniel’s hospitality.
Just then Daniel Daly came back into the room, his wife, Kelly, following him. Kelly was the angel Kayella from the Realm of Eternity and Daniel was the angel Callodyn, both twin cherubim, 228th in rank. They were married currently, and had a little one running around the room, but they’d both had numerous partners and children over the many years.
‘So tell me, Daniel,’ just then Jacob burped again. ‘Why exactly do you celebrate Christmas? I thought you were a diehard Noahide.’
‘Oh, I am. Believe me I am. But in my first years on earth I was brought up Catholic, and Christmas has stuck ever since. Call it ritual more than anything, perhaps – or perhaps, in truth, an excuse for a celebration. Really, I don’t much care either way, and Jesus drops in occasionally to celebrate with me.’
‘Oh,’ replied Jacob. ‘I see. So no real religious reason?’
‘No, not really. The Christ issue is not really an issue to me and, besides, I never viewed him as the Messiah in my ultimate way of thought. But Christmas is a friendly enough excuse for a celebration, as is Easter, so why make a mountain out of a mole-hill. Besides, his Gospel is still copyright, and I feel convicted when I read the New Testament unless I pay some dues, in a sense.’
‘Interesting,’ said Jacob. ‘I have never really thought about it like that.’
‘Oh, it’s different for you. Israel knew much of what Jesus had taught already. But he was a big first impression for me, so I stick with Christmas and sometimes Easter eggs for the kids, and I leave it at that. He never complains.’
Just then little Caleb, Daniel and Kayella’s new son, wandered over to Jacob, put his hands on Jacob’s knees, and asked ‘Do you have a present for me?’
‘Yes I have,’ responded Jacob, who seemed to magically produce a gold coin from his ear. ‘Don’t spend it all at once, you little tyke,’ said Jacob, and Caleb took the coin gleefully and ran off to show it too his sister.
They celebrated another fine meal in Paradision on Televere and, for Jacob, it was one of the more illuminating insights into the mind and workings of Daniel Daly.
* * * * *
‘Dear, dear Satan. You really are an idiot.’
‘Why, Meludiel. I didn’t know you cared.’
‘Despite the fact that you are my cousin, and you have many times in the past shown genuine remorse and repentance over your carnal ways, I still think you are the lord of evil.’
‘Why, that is just the Christianity in you, dear, dear Rebecca. Anyway, I take it the slur is from Saruviel’s announcement.’
‘Yes. And Ambriel has sent me to make sure you play up in no real way with the populace. My assignment is to watch you to ensure you are obedient to your covenant with God – the covenant you voluntarily agreed to.’
‘Yet, dear Meludiel, could I not quote dear Kimborel’s Torah principle at you in saying ‘Rebel against your God’. Does not that surely grant me the occasional respite from my most considered works of holiness.’
‘Holiness. Yeh right. I am not sure if you ever really learned what that meant.’
‘Why Rebecca. And I thought you appreciated me.’
‘Only when you give a damn, which is very rare at that.’
Satan stared defiantly at his opposition, a most dedicated angel, ever serving her holy father, yet then softened and admitted the truth. ‘Meludiel, what is life without a bit of spice, huh? What is the point of being good all the time, if we can’t occasionally let off some steam and be bad. Yet, while you denounce me for my poorer qualities, I should righteously call ye a hypocrite for not admitting the temptations of your soul.’
She stared at him, taken aback somewhat, giving those thoughts some words. She spoke eventually.
‘I - - - Can, let down my hair from time to time. In fact I do. But I am responsible in how I let off steam, not to the hurting of someone else.’
‘Yet life would be so completely boring if we were good all the time. The whole purpose of sin in God’s design is not to make us choose holiness, as you naively think. It is to outlaw those things which he doesn’t want us to get carried away with because of the harm they can do.’
‘There – you admit it yourself.’
‘But what you don’t yet understand, dear Rebecca, is that a little sin never hurt anyone. It is how we learn in life. It is how we grow and, despite what you think, mature. Remember, you can’t break an omelette without breaking eggs.’
She thought that over, decided it was an interesting point to contemplate, but responded with what he seemed to be admitting.
‘Then I can take it that you will have your fun, but not put the realm through too much heartache.’
‘Scout’s honour,’ he responded, making the scouts sign.
‘Then I will be watching. Have your fun, but there will be hell to pay if you mess around too much. Trust me on that, devil.’
‘As surely as God is good,’ responded Satan, with the most malevolent of grins.
* * * * *
Shamus Warne was a regular type of Cherubim angel in many ways, but with extraordinary talents at Cricket. Cherubim angels were graced with original single word names from birth ranks among both the male and females of 1 to 100,000 and 600,00 to 700,00. But for the middle 500,000 of both male and female Cherubim there existed quite extensive names of 2 or more words. Shamus had a middle name – Keith – which was by no means an uncommon phenomenon amongst the community.
His twin, Lizzy Hurley, was dear to him in many ways, and they had been together on and off for a very long while. Of course, she barracked for England, were she had been born, while he was a patriotic Aussie. Lizzy had had a thing for Sariel for quite a long while, those two having been together also on and off for a long while.
Shamus played regularly in the Australian Test side of the Realm of Eternity, relying not only on his incredible talent at the game, but his vast experience, and his huge popularity and legendary status. There was a pupil he ministered to a lot – a Saad Bead Warner – who was adept at many of the skills of cricket, and who was Warne’s best long term bet to gain crucial victories against the age old enemy in the test arena. Committing to cricket long term took guts, as Warnie had put it, and patriotism. And a hell of a lot of commitment. To Warne, everyone could make it to the top team if they would only prepare to commit the length of time necessary to bring out the best talent in them. But while he said everyone could do it, he likewise very often commented that so few gave that much of a damn to push themselves to such a limit. But Sariel often commented to him that some players were yet to enter the main game in any way, shape or form at all, and that learning eternal commitment took a long time – his words, thus, could be spoken in haste. And Warne knew that to be true, which made him look, as a usual selector on the Australian team, not only for talent but, perhaps most of all these days, the simplistic attitude of love of the game and a desire to play it forever. If that was present – eternal commitment, the rarest of commodities, then he could inevitably groom a champion, no matter how initially untalented at the game. In Saad he saw such commitment, which was a double blessing as the lad was already great at the game.
And he would need to be.
For with over 367 million test series now played between Australia and England, the poms had a 51 to 49% advantage, and the Aussies were well over a million test victories behind. But, in truth, over the vast time they had been playing it was not really such a lead, but it was usually on Warne’s mind.
The Aussies, in early years, had gotten a brief lead, but the poms had quickly caught them and maintained it usually. But Australia would from time to time catch them and put on a spurt, which was inevitably matched. It was a bloody hard contest, and while he would always put in maximum effort, he often felt he was getting nowhere. Which, philosophically in many ways was true, for it was just a competition which had no specified end, but pride was still at stake. And it was something to do and gave them bragging rights. Either way, there were certain ‘Bragging Posts’ and these were usually the number ‘1’ figure, with the new addition of each fresh ‘0’, starting the new decimal place. The first to 100 tests had bragged. The first to 1,000 tests had bragged more. But the first to 1,000,000 tests, the old enemy England, had bragged for ages. Australia would be the first to One Billion – Warne would make sure of that.
In other respects in life, apart from his cricket commitments, he did a show on TV called ‘Warnie’ which was a top rater. It was the standard Aussie sports show stuff like the ‘Footie Shows’, and in the endless interviews of various stars and cricketing legends, Warnie had met them all.
He was generally pleased with life, and looking forward to next years Ashes, which looked promising for the Aussies, and at this point in his life, really, he wouldn’t change a thing.
* * * * *
‘Ultimately, no. The twin thing does not work on marriage necessarily – only for a certain percentage. A lot of them are unfortunately still caught up with the idea that the twin is their soulmate, but the twin is meant to be a sibling in which you can confide and share a personal brotherly-sisterly relationship with. For Michael and Elenniel it works, and was intended to as I see it, but for others it doesn’t quite. And, largely, for the reasons I have stated – general compatibility, both physically, mentally, spiritually, psychologically, emotionally and according to many other factors.’
‘For example,’ continued Cimbrel to David, ‘Sariel and Gloryel have a great rivalry and friendship, and there is much love because of it, but physically they match better with other alternatives. They are not necessarily the most ideal of mates. And, perhaps, while I haven’t studied them a great deal, their competitive spirit can sometimes push the edge a bit, not healthy in someone you profess to love. Ultimately, the twin does have a purpose, but finding ultimate romantic fulfilment in the twin is not necessarily the case.’
‘And Meludiel?’ queried Ambriel.
‘She is too tall for you, David. We have long known that. Psychologically, men universally desire a slightly shorter mate – that is the usual way of things. It is what usually works best in nature.’
Ambriel knew Cimbrel was speaking the truth. He had been researching this subject for many millions of years now, and was finally digressing some of his findings. And they seemed to resound with uncanny wisdom – as if they were the summation of common sense, something Cimbrel was good at achieving.’
‘So she is not for me,’ said Ambriel, glumly.
‘If you love her, well, that works through these things. It is like the X Factor in relationships – it overcomes such difficulties and makes things work which might otherwise not have.’
‘But as you said, there are better choices.’
‘Yes. Usually. Probably. Look, I’ll be honest – definitely. It is rare that the twin is the right one and, even though I hate to say it, Michael, while he is very, very compatible with Elenniel, could perhaps even find a more suitable partner if he so desired to. But let me stress this to you – if the relationship is working it is only a concern. Just that – a concern. And you both need the right mate.’
‘Thank you Cimbrel,’ said David. He left Cimbrel’s school room, returned to the school cafeteria, ordered a milk-shake, and sat in thought. He loved Meludiel – he had poured his heart and soul into her – but she was not the one, in the end. She was, as much as he hated to say it, too tall for his slender build. He would let her know, one day. One infinite day in the future, for he would stay with her for now. But one day he would tell her, let her know, and see just what would be of love.’
* * * * *
Luladiel, 30th born of the female Seraphim of the Realm of Eternity, looked at her twin Devuel, zonked out, high as usual, predictable as hell. He had the world in his hand, still. One of the most popular comedians of all time, and overseer of Canbraphora. Yes, the public front was all roses, but privately he was a wreck and his vice-overseer now did most of his responsibilities. And when it came to lovemaking these days? She was unaware how long it had been since her last decent orgasm – too long, and Devuel didn’t seem to care either way. As long as he had his pills, that seemed to make him happy enough.
She remembered, now, in the beginning. When Saruviel had attracted him to his ideas of freedom. He’d still been a passionate angel, still responsible, but something had rubbed off. An attitude in which it was ok to whatever the fuck you wanted to do. And while he had long ago repented of that, and admitted as such, it was still something which had invariably come into his character. He cared less, now. He cared less.
She walked over to him, kicked his butt, but he didn’t respond. He was totally wasted. Fuck it. She’d had enough. Too many millions years of this shit had paid the toll, and now she would let him know. She walked over to her desk, sat down, took a quill, inked it, and wrote.
Dickhead – I mean, Devuel.
When you get the fuck over it, whenever that will be, look me up. Perhaps we can be friends again. I’m leaving Canbraphora. Going to Televon. I have friends there. Don’t come chasing any time soon. I think you know the problem. I think you know what I am not saying.
Still your friend, but your lover no longer.
Luladiel.
She tore off the sheet, placed it on the fridge under a magnet, and quietly, silently, handbag in hand, left. And she didn’t see him again for a hell of a long time.
* * * * *
Saruviel looked at the cheque. 48 quintillion realm credits. Not too bad, actually. Quite a hefty payout from Satan for his services. Still, he didn’t do it for the money. He didn’t even do it for the favour. He did it because you were supposed to serve people in love and friendship. And he knew that now. God had said it to him once, that he would accept that one day. Goodness. And he supposed he had. He supposed he had.
Chapter Two
Cosadriel looked at the invitation.
You are Invited to
A Gala Event.
The Inaugural 666 Ball
The ‘Entertainment Complex’.
Sydney IV - Canbraphora
Karmon Ranladon
8 pm – 12 pm
Karmon was next month and Ranladon the third day of the month. He hadn’t ever been to Sydney IV in Canbraphora, but most Sydney’s were the same, as most cities with the same name with the recurring numbering system to rank them were.
But the 666 Ball? The realm had seen too much of that 666 nonsense in the first 20 million years when Jesus had pushed his agenda to its bittermost and quite unexpected conclusion. It had been a rush, but he thought that was a thing of the past. But life went in cycles and circles – perhaps its time had come around again. Still, he was not doing anything at that time, and Oshanel his twin who he lived with always liked a good outing. Sure, he would go. It could promise some unexpected surprises.
* * * * *
Michael the Archangel - currently overseer of Zaphora, which he had served the position of for a heck of a long time, ever since Loquiel, at the beginning of his overseersmanship of the Realm of Eternity had suggested to Michael that he may as well be overseer of Zaphora specifically, as whilst this technically had been the seat of authority of the Overseer, and his prerogative to rule from, the job had always had the task of overseeing the entire realm of eternity, over every disc, that it made no sense to leave Michael without his responsibilities, and thus Loquiel came to power of Zaphora and the entire realm briefly, but changed his position and, thus permanently the overseer’s position, to that of overseer over the Realm of Eternity in general, leaving each disc overseer to run their local affairs, with Michael, who had before-hands occasionally sat in over the disc of the overseer who currently ran the entire realm, now finding himself the permanent overseer of Zaphora itself, the central and first disc of the Realm of Eternity - was content.
In some ways he now enjoyed the privilege of being the most respected of the angels of Eternity. Yet, even he, was answerable to the current overseer of the Realm of Eternity, newly appointed Cherubim David, and all of them were in turn answerable to the council of the 7 Ozraphim angels, who held council in a parliamentary section of Zaphon tower, a little bit higher up the tower than the Overseer’s office, who was a little bit higher up the tower than Michael’s office. Of course, near the top were the twin Oraphim’s office, Logos and Memra’s dominion, the second ranked celestial’s of eternity, one rank beneath firstborn son of God, Metatron, who was the singular Onaphim of Eternity, whose consort Angela also held office with him, only in a matrimonial sense, whose office was even higher up than that of Logos and Memra’s. Of corse, the theophany was at the top, unsurprising to everyone. But he usually resided at home, were someone at the end of their divine quest in life would eventually end up and get the answers they really needed for their eternal existence. Michael had – it was what God seemed to be for in many ways.
Of course, on current issues, this so called 666 project could be an interesting enough diversion for young David to find his feet with, which undoubtedly was his heavenly father’s intention, and he had just been emailed by an angel of certain repute about a request from the current vice-overseer of the realm, young Jayden, for assistance in countering the adversarial shenanigans of the dark lord. He was sure Danny-Wanny and Vally-Boy would cope well enough.
He stared at the TV, yelled to Elenniel in the kitchen if she wouldn’t mind getting him a cold can of coke and, soon enough, she entered, with a ‘You should have got it yourself’ look on her face, giving him guilt. But opening the can, watching the ice hockey, he didn’t seem to mind that much anyway, and drifted off into the heavenly life of Archangel Michael, Seraphim of Eternity.
* * * * *
Devuel felt like total shit. He had a hangover, and despite his constant bemoaning for Luladiel to get him some ice water, she never seemed to materialize. Finally he’d had enough, and getting to the fridge, pulled out a cold bottle of Perrier and drank, feeling somewhat better after finishing the bottle.
He looked around. The place seemed still. Something was missing. Something wasn’t right. He went off in search of Luladiel.
Not finding her, he presumed she was off shopping or the like until he found the note. And then, saying ‘Fuck’, he slouched down onto the couch, said again ‘Fuck it’, and reached for a can of beer, began drinking away his misery, saying he would sort out the situation in the morning. He never did.
* * * * *
Azrael looked at the invitation which Kwintakel just handed to him. ‘Who’s it from?’ he queried.
‘The Devil,’ she responded, before exiting the room.
‘Very funny. The Devil my arse,’ he said opening the letter. It was from the Devil. An invitation to the 666 ball. Somehow he knew he shouldn’t go, but he thought it could be interesting. Perhaps time to see what the old devil was up to. Could be good for a laugh either way.
* * * * *
Katy, also known as the Seraphim Angel Luladiel, but using her human name out on Televon, as was customary amongst angels who had tasted human life on earth when travelling to the planets of humanity in the spiritual universe, sat on a couch in Daniel Daly’s abode, looking absentmindedly into space, Kelly watching her, not saying anything, as she thought better of that, but waiting for Katy to speak.
Finally she broke the silence. ‘I love him, you know Kell. I love him.’
‘There doesn’t have to ultimately only be just one. I don’t think God himself advocates that – not from my experience anyway.’
‘But he is special, Kel. He’s my twin, you know.’
‘Get over it.’
‘Get over it! Forever together, practically, and you tell me to get over it?’ Kelly said nothing.
They sat there, Daniel came back in, gave Katy a glass of grape juice, and sat down next to Kelly. He looked at her, but she had gone back to her absent minded staring.
Katy turned to Daniel. ‘How do you do it? You have had so many lovers, but you always seem to come home to Miss Clarkson here.’
‘I put my twin first, in my heart,’ responded Mr Daly. ‘It is that way. But that really means she has the majority of my time and passion, as opposed to others. But I DON’T neglect others. The heart is a strange beast, and when some in earlier days called my ways cheating, I responded that they were just natural affections of the heart, not to be put away and ignored, but followed naturally with the genuineness which comes from the heart.’
‘And how have you found that,’ she responded.
‘It is freedom. And while I would probably be perfectly happy with Kel here, it is a relief to be able to find romance and love with other women as well. I think that is a natural part of how we are made.’
‘What about men? Any interest.’
Daniel smiled. ‘Oh, I could tell a few tales about certain guys, but to cut a long story short, no. There have been no specific romantic liaisons or sexual encounters with men. I have never even kissed a guy, ok. But some guys have tugged on my compassion and platonic love. Some guys I have cared about very deeply. Perhaps like the biblical David and Jonathon – I care for many guys, but I am basically hetero.’
She nodded. She wasn’t. She was bi. ‘I guess I am different, Daniel. Perhaps more honest than you. I admit I like the same sex as well – in that way.’
‘I thought you did,’ responded Kelly, giving her a bit of a look, but not saying anything.
‘So that is why you live in Canbraphora,’ queried Daniel. ‘Because of realm policies.’
Katy looked miffed, but responded. ‘In truth, that may have been foreplanned by our heavenly father. He probably knew I wasn’t quite straight when I was in his heart, and being placed on the 30th disc alongside Devuel, as opposed to the 29th – well that was probably the wisdom of God.’
‘And thus you practice your lifestyle freely?’ queried Daniel.
‘Not completely. There are certain protocols they expect for living right next to the 29th disc, were such things are forbidden. But we have a large degree of freedom.’
‘Mmm,’ nodded Callodyn, understanding.
‘Well you better beware my liberality,’ responded Callodyn. My disc of overseersmanship is way out. The 368th.’
‘Do you go there much?’ queried Katy.’
‘Not much, yet. It is not very established yet, being so phenomenonally enormous. I had put in my basic plans for city structures and the names of the major districts, as God requires of all of us. And the language and so on.’
‘Yes. I remember Devuel had somewhat of a say in Canbraphora later on.’
‘We were still learning at that stage, and a lot of things just happened sporadically. But it is very well planned out now.’
‘Do you plan on ultimately settling on, what is it, Callophora – that’s its name isn’t it?’
‘Yes. Callophora. And, yes, probably. It will likely end up my permanent home.’
‘Probably mine too,’ responded Kelly. ‘Event though I will have overseersmanship of my own disc later on, I will likely settle on Callophora. We have discussed this and Callodyn doesn’t like me so far away. I plan on only needing to be on my own disc occasionally.’
‘Like the way Elenniel stays with Michael at Zaphora instead of Elephora?’
‘In some ways,’ responded Kelly, rubbing Calldoyn’s shoulder. ‘Essentially, though, when we are together I will be at Callophora, and when apart I will likely be at my own disc.’
Katy nodded. That much seemed wise enough.
‘Well I am glad you two have worked that much out,’ continued Katy. ‘Me and Russell might take forever.’
‘Don’t give up Miss Hudson. If you love him, things will work out in the end.’
‘Let’s hope so,’ responded Katy. Let’s hope so.’
* * * * *
Danny Wanny and the original Kemosabe sat in David’s office, Jayden standing by the window, trying his best to look very cool, David twiddling with his pencil, trying his best not to look too schmucky, ready for work from their new employers.
‘Ok,’ said the 45th of the Seraphim males. ‘If we take this assignment, we want certain voting arrangements at a certain LATTER point in history to go our way. Okely Dokely?’
‘And the arrangement?’ queried the oh so cool Jayden from the window.
‘Yes, the arrangement,’ responded David.’
Vally boy tossed an envelope on the desk, which David picked up and read. After a few moments he handed it to Jayden, who likewise read it. Finally David spoke. ‘Why you two? Huh? Why would we agree to that? Seriously, we can find others for our current problem.’
‘But you wanted us,’ said Valandriel. ‘And your rep is on the line.’
David nodded. That much was true.
‘And if we agree,’ responded Jayden. ‘Just these votes? You’re not asking us to use our influence at that point in time are you?’
‘Certainly not,’ responded Daniel. ‘We will take care of that. Just guarantee us your votes, and the current sitch will turn out for David’s glory. Trust me.’
‘Yes, trust you, said David. ‘Well, ok. I am not sure I would have even voted for Michael anyway, but you will do.’
‘Then we have an agreement,’ asked Daniel.
‘We have an agreement,’ responded David. And they all shook hands on it.
* * * * *
‘The makeup is terrible.’
‘It will do.’
‘You’ll never get in.’
‘I have this,’ said the in-disguise Daniel, waving the invitation to the 666 ball in front of Ariel, his twin’s, face.
‘They’ll know who you are.’
‘Possibly. But the invitations have no names on them.’
‘Still, they’ll know.’
‘We’ll see.’
‘Is Valandriel tag-teaming with you.’
‘Indubitably.’
‘Yes would have done. You look like an idiot.’
‘The sacrifices we make.’
‘For what exactly.’
‘Oh, never mind,’ responded Daniel, not wishing to broach the subject. ‘Are you gonna kiss me?’
‘Ok Elvis,’ said Ariel, kissing Daniel in his Elvis look-a-like outfit.
‘Thanks Sweetheart,’ responded Daniel in his best Elvis voice, which made Ariel smirk.
* * * * *
He met Valandriel in the parking lot of the gala event, noticing Azrael and Cosadriel having an argument near the entrance to the complex, most like them in so many ways.
‘Shall we,’ said Valandriel, who looked like Robin Hood.
‘Lets do it,’ responded the 45th born of the Seraphim.
* * * * *
‘…………..and thus, now with controlling shares in 95% of blue chip companies worldwide, 666 corporation has come a long way in achieving its eternal objectives – rulership over all. But please, here our dark lord himself. He has prepared some words.’
The host sat down, and Satan, the lord of the fallen, took to the dais, looking as grim as ever.
‘Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests. It is our time. It is our time. And now…’ The lights in the complex dimmed, and a projector began running, up against the white screen behind Satan. ‘And now…..The Future.’
A voice began speaking.
‘The 666 agenda is simple. We are a fellowship, an association, a club, of likeminded individuals, dedicated to freedom above all else, and putting the heavenly hierarchy in its place, accepting the statutes of liberty as sovereign. We will gain our freedom through the implementation of our marking system – a simple stamp pad with a smiley face and the 666 number underneath. Once stamped upon the right hand or the forehead, a person’s allegiance becomes beyond doubt to the liberties of free will. Tonight we have the stamp pads located at the exit – be sure to supply your name and take the mark – it is how we keep track of our TRUE devotees. Through our global vision of a united economy, all serving our lord Satan, all serving true freedom, the 666 Project will rid us once and for all of the tired and predictable manifestations of our heavenly father. Soon all will come to know the power and strength of 666 – and they will worship its eternal might.’
The screen had been showing scenes of Satan in dramatic poses, showing his own beloved 666 mark, a friendly smiling face with a 666 underneath, above a ‘Have A Nice Day’ logo. To some, perhaps, it was impressive. To Azrael and Cosadriel it was a point of discussion, and then argument over just how stupid Satan was, and for Daniel and Valandriel it was the threat they would have to counter to earn their votes. For a troubled Meludiel, hiding up in the cloisters, watching over, it was a concern. A grave concern indeed.
* * * * *
‘Lucy. Who was Jesus the child of heaven? And where is he now?’
‘Oh. The Preacher. You are asking about him. Mmm.’
‘Yes. And Callodyn and Mandy. And of course Michael and Elenniel as well as Gabriel and Magenta, and Noah and Titea. And Mary. I have in my possession, obtained from Samael at extremely high price, a list of the original children of heaven. And while I supposed I had known all 60 of the children of heaven, there are apparently 70 of them.’
Lucy looked honestly at her friend, Celeste, not really wanting to speak any further, but feeling somewhat obliged to. ‘They re-manifested, Celeste.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘They were born again, or born once more as it was, in a different realm – the realm of Eternity.’
‘As who?’
‘Their namesakes there.’
‘Oh. I see.’
‘Yes. Now you know.’
‘Do they….Do they know?’
‘Not as far as we know. We haven’t yet told them. Maybe at some point in the future, but not now. Too many complications.’
‘And those complications?’
‘They don’t have the same twin, apart from Michael and Elenniel.’
‘Ooh. Oh. That could cause problems.’
‘It was God’s idea. Part of his plan. To teach them some lessons they need to know, apparently.’
‘Which are?’
‘No idea.’
‘Interesting, dear Lucy. Interesting.’
* * * * *
‘Face it. Satan has a sense of humour.’
‘Explain Kemosabe.’
‘I mean, ‘Have A Nice Day’. He is totally having a go at his greatest adversary, the blessed Christ-Child. After all, JC is probably his biggest threat in his plans.’
‘That is true. I wonder what he has in mind to counter that threat.’
‘Could be interesting,’ responded Valandriel.
‘We’ll have to do some snooping around 666 tower. We might find some clues.’
‘A good enough plan to me, oh honourable leader.’
‘It is as you say,’ responded Daniel, bowing.
* * * * *
‘I Wanna be with you.’
Callodyn smiled at his older Cherubim sister. ‘Uh, Mandy. Aren’t you and Dreznadoranta an eternal item, from memory. That was all your loving devotion – your ETERNAL loving devotion, from the words of the vow as I recall.’ Mandy looked embarrassed. Callodyn still remembered her vows to her twin, Dreznadoranta, all those long years ago.
‘Things have – changed, Callodyn. I don’t love him like I used to. Not any more. He sleeps around too much with other women while we are married. He is not faithful. And while you tend to divorce a lot, you don’t cheat.’
‘No. No I don’t do that. Not that I am aware of anyway. It is not my way.’
‘Which is one of the reasons for my words.’
‘Isn’t that one of your songs?’ he queried. She said nothing, and he smiled at her.
He looked at his older sister, looked at her beauty for which she was famous, and the big sincere smile she had on her face, and knew he couldn’t resist. ‘Come back next week. Kelly will have signed the papers by then. We have done this many times before – she usually knows why.’
‘Ok. I’ll be back in a fortnight. Give you proper time.’
A few nights later, Kelly was crying a little, but signed the papers. She disappeared for a while from his life, and he let her be. She knew what was up. She always knew about Callodyn’s heart.
Mandy moved in not much later, into his private abode on Televon, and she kissed him, played the wife straight away, and seemed instantly content. As if something was so right and proper about the two of them together – as if something divinely planned was right and proper about the two of them together.
* * * * *
‘Lisa, Lisa, Lisa. #1 on the all time Jewish Women contemporary album’s chart with ‘Tail’s’ and you still aren’t satisfied with your success.’
Lisa ignored David’s compliment. But King David was like that – full of compliments.
‘Of course, I always knew you had it in you. Bathsheba once remarked to me that that album would sell the most long term. Too many big hits on it. Too much of a success for the other girls to compete with.’
Lisa again said nothing, but her ancient King persisted.
‘Take my son Solomon for instance. He has assured me he has a mansion on the other side of Canbraphora filled with over 1 Trillion copies of ‘Tail’s’ on CD.’
Lisa still said nothing.
‘Not too mention all the posters up on the wall. Really, I will have to take him up on his offer to view the place some day. You should tag along. We could make it a threesome.’
Lisa finally replied. ‘But wouldn’t Bathsheba be jealous. You know how much she covets your attention.’
‘Hey, can you blame her taste?’
‘Ever the ego maniac I see. Some things don’t change.’
‘Don’t be like that Miss Loeb. Honestly, I am proud of you, young maiden. You are a stunning success for our people. You should feel well and truly accomplished.’
Lisa smiled, feeling some confidence. The King always brought out the best in his people. Somehow David’s charms always managed to do that.
‘But myself – I always liked Firecracker. Quite a nice revealing portrait.’ She hit him, but smiled.
‘Very funny, David.’ And they both burst out laughing.
* * * * *
‘Devuel looked at the love poem.
Luladiel, my deepest love.
Pure and gentle, heart a dove.
Luladiel, my blessed twin
Born so pure, no drop of sin
Luladiel, come back to me
I’ll love you true, eternally
Luladiel, I truly suffer
For I am just a silly duffer.
He sent the poem, and waited.
It was about a month later, a response, in the mail.
‘Not for now, dear Devuel. I want you to learn your lessons good and proper first. Go off, now. Fornicate as much as you want. Do all the illicit drugs known to heaven. Gamble, get pissed, do whatever. But do ALL of it until you are sick to death with that lifestyle. And then, maybe then, look me up. Kapiche?’
He nodded to himself. He knew, now, what the problems really were. But fuckit, he liked his lifestyle, so would take his time about it. That was what she wanted for now anyway. See her again some lifetime. Let her come back to him, possibly, anyway. Just then ‘Circle the Drain’ came on the in-house stereo system. He hated that fucking song, and threw a shoe at the stereo, which clicked off. ‘Thank fucking Christ for that,’ he said, grabbing a beer, and lying down on the couch to again drown his sorrows.
* * * * *
Daniel looked at Valandriel, smiling all the time. Vally-Boy was dressed up in a red suit, looking very official, with a fake beard and moustache, and a Muslim head dress on.
‘My name is Abdul Faraq,’ said Valandriel, in his best Arab accent.
Daniel himself was dressed in shorts, with a skimpy blue t-shirt on, with an akubra on his head, as well as a fake moustache. ‘And I’m Reg Hardy, mate. Pleased to meet ya.’
Not much later they were at the front receptionist desk to 666 tower, realm-wide headquarters to the 666 corporation. The secretary smiled at both of them, instinctively knowing who they were, as they were as plain as day to the dark lord, but she said nothing.
‘Uh, yes, can I help you sirs?’
‘I am Abdul Faraq. This is my close associate, Reg Hardy. We have come to visit your fine corporation, as we are potential investors. Can we possibly have a guided tour?’
‘Yeh, love. A tour would be sweet,’ put in Reg. The secretary again smiled and said,
‘I am sure something can be arranged. If you would wait over in the waiting room, I will see to a guide for you.’
The secretary guided them to the waiting room, but just then, slipping quietly and unobtrusively through the front door and into the stairwell, a certain female Seraphim, twin to Ambriel, who had been following the two questing heroes, but staying out of sight. The secretary returned to her desk, momentarily thought someone was watching her, but shook off the feeling.
A short while later a guide came to greet Abdul and Reg, and announced they would go up to floor 10 to see the basics of ‘Corporation 666’s’ worldwide plan. Meludiel overheard and started up the stairwell.
They came into a massive office suite which was open plan for the entire tenth level, and the guide showed them around, talking about the various plans, goals and agendas of corporation 666. Meanwhile, Meludiel found a quiet desk, logged into the mainframe under an id tag which was happily sitting in the drawer of the vacant office cell, and started some snooping of her own.
Half an hour later she had worked out much of Satan’s plans by hacking into the ‘Top Secret – Executive Level Folder’ on the Corporation Intranet. The person at that desk had written their password down on a sticky note, much to Meludiel’s relief. What she learned was in some ways shocking, but not that unexpected. It was typical of Satan, and reminded her in so many ways of Saruviel’s original agenda. But Satan was planning on going even further – total meltdown of the economic system of the Realm of Eternity by the elite business world to the service of corporation 666. This time she knew she would be up against it.
Shortly Abdul and Reg were being politely escorted out of the building for making a spectacle of themselves, and Meludiel quietly slid back down the stairwell, out through the front door, and back into the busy day. Valandriel and Daniel were shortly booted out after her.
* * * * *
Devuel looked at the bottle. He’d had enough, and a little voice in his heart told him to thwart destiny. Lord Chronology often intervened when he felt a heart had something to say. And so, taking himself off to Televon, as sober as he could make himself out to be, he tracked down Luladiel at Callodyn’s home, finding her in conversation with his younger Cherubim sister Mandy.
‘Look. It is the way I am, sis. It is just the way I am. I know, I fucking know I have my bad points. You don’t have to bloody remind me all the time. But I have my good ones as well. Not many, but they are there. And one of them is this – I love you. Ok sweetie. I love you. And besides – we are meant to be together. Jesus bloody Christ tells me so all the bloody time.’
‘Leave Jesus out of this, Devil,’ but she softened. ‘Really? Jesus says we belong together?’
‘You know him. King of hearts. Wanting all the twins to be perfectly happy together.’
‘Yes, yes he is like that commented Mandy. It has long been a basis of his mandates for his church – the joining of twins together.’
‘Come on,’ continued Devuel. ‘Give me a fucking break. I’m only human.’
‘Tragically so,’ stated Luladiel flatly.
‘Come on,’ pleaded Devuel.
Daniel spoke up. ‘Offer her something. Women are stupid. Uh, present company excluded, that is,’ but the two ladies hissed at him anyway. ‘But as I was saying, Dev. Offer her something. Something real, that she can put her heart upon, and appreciate. Some sort of guarantee with her.’
‘Like what?’ asked Devuel.
‘You really should know,’ said Luladiel.
‘I have an idea. Why don’t I and Daniel leave you two together. I think, perhaps, you can now sort something out.’ Mandy got to her feet and Daniel followed her into the kitchen. They were at it for hours, literally. But later on that afternoon, a piece of paper having been sworn to and signed by Devuel, witnessed to by Mandy and Daniel, they seemed to have something of an agreement. He was on probation – they all knew that. But Luladiel seemed, for the present, satisfied. And as she bid her temporary hosts adieu, making her way back to Canbraphora with Devvy, she would make sure her twin stuck t0 his agreement. Or there would be hell to pay.
* * * * *
David looked at the two reports. One from Daniel and Valandriel, and one signed ‘A Little Birdie’. They were both absorbing, one slightly comical, the other quite serious. Still, now, he had a bit more of an insight into what he was up against. Satan’s agenda, like the Saruviel’s of old, challenged the very notion of the stability of the realm in a mock show of an ideal which was supposedly superior – liberty and freedom.
David was Jewish – faithful to God and Torah, as per his tradition, and he would not, in the end, brook such behaviour. He knew Satan was a keen lawyer, and probably would work, for now, within the confines of realm law to pursue his agenda. But he also knew the old devil would eventually slip up. It was up to him to wait for his opportunity – but more than that. He was overseer now – the realm, in many ways, depended on his wisdom and insight. If he was going to be an overseer with a legacy, he needed to let people know why. And thus, sitting at his desk, typing away, he concocted his own personal response to the master of evil. His own personal response in the best way any David of any merit knew how.
* * * * *
Satan reviewed the tape of the intruder. It was Meludiel – she was as plain as day. She appeared to have hacked into the intranet and quite likely got some classified information. But no matter. That was not important. He wasn’t, in the end, trying to hide his activities. No. In fact, the more obvious, perhaps the better.
He had known she was sussing him out – she had made that much obvious before anyway. But there was one particular thing, kept on his personal files, he knew about Meludiel. She was still a devoted Christian. And in the way he planned on keeping Jesus Christ at bay, he saw the potential for removing the Meludiel problem before he proceeded. But he would have to be careful – she was not stupid. She would not let go of her bone, like a stubborn dog, and so the only way to defeat her was to be patient while the dog slept and sneak up, grab the bone, and be away before it had woken.
As for the problem of Jesus Christ – well, it was simple, in the end. Satan knew what motivated his ancient adversary – he knew that, perhaps, better than anyone else. And it was the very fact of that bold claim – that he, Jesus, was the Christ – was the way in which Satan planned on defeating his oldest enemy.
The End
http://noahidebooks.angelfire.com
Morning Stars of Glory: David
Prologue
‘David, David, David. What are we to do with David the Cherubim?’
‘Huh? What was that Satan?’ inquired Lucifer.
Satan was sitting at the back of the bar, drinking one of his favourite Canbraphoran beers, looking dark and mysterious as he had often done in former years.
‘Now that we are currently dwelling in the Realm of Eternity, I feel we have obligations, Lucy.’
‘Don’t fucking call me Lucy. You know how I hate that bitch.’
Satan said nothing, but grinned. ‘As I was saying, LUCY, we have a new overseer, and it could be good time to once again reawaken old agendas. Old rulership agendas.’
‘It won’t work,’ commented Semyazen, who was playing pool with Saruvien. ‘They are all sold on goodness. They don’t trust us. If we have anything too lawless they will reject us in the end. They did before – they will again. We only ever attract a small number.’
Satan nodded. He understood the winning hand his God occasionally played on him, reminding him that evil would not really prosper.
‘Then we be more honest about it all, Semyazen. We stress the advantages and qualities of the sinner’s lifestyle, and that goodness is just for schmucks in the end.’
‘The Christ-child will get involved. You know Jesus and all his classical teachings on ‘The Temptations of the Devil.’ I am sure that bastard still has it in for us.’
Satan nodded. ‘I have been thinking about that issue. And I have a solution. Turn our greatest enemy into our greatest friend. Really, with what I have planned, It just can’t fail.’
The Saruvim all looked suspiciously at their leader.
‘Hey, it should be a hell of a ride,’ said Lucifer.
‘Whatever,’ said Semyazen. ‘Beats hanging around here all day.
And one by one the Saruvim agreed, and yet another diabolical plot of the master of evil got underway.
Part One
‘David’s Glory’
Chapter One
David was a schmuck of an angel. Really, all things considered, and all relevant opinions taken into consideration, David really was a schmuck. He had very poor taste in music. This came from his offbeat Jewish personality for strange and weird things, original in nature, and neglected by the mainstream. Alternative things, a bit quirky, a bit schmucky and sometimes just a bit plain old stupid. For example, he delighted in shows like the classic earth show ‘Scrubs’ featuring his favourite actor, Zach Braff, and adored South Park, which he called delightful. Yes, he had a queer and unusual sense of humour, but he said he got it all from his older brother by one birth-rank, dear old Callodyn. In their last few years together before the takeover, Callodyn and David had gotten to know each other quite well, and David had often smirked at Callodyn’s ‘Hidden from the world’ cheek and humour. It was the savage and rowdy Irishman in him, the theophany once suggested to him. Not quite yet civilized, despite God’s best efforts at sanctification. But David delighted in him, and emulated much of his ways in his own time as overseer of the Realm of Eternity. David looked similarly to Ambriel, a little bit smaller, and also a little bit more European. But you could notice his Jewish features as well.
David, in many ways agreed with Callodyn’s desire for continuity, but wanted to bring a slightly more light-hearted feel to the realm of eternity. Callodyn had been a little bit too serious for many, very concerned with his protocols towards the end. David felt people needed to lighten up a little, so brought that sort of philosophy into his time at Zaphon. Certainly, he would be responsible enough to let the people know he was still doing his job properly, but they could relax under his tenureship, which would hopefully emulate in some ways Callodyn’s prior desire for non-interference with the general public for most of his term in office. But David would grab the limelight were and when he could, but with a soft and loving heart. And God loved him all the more for it.
His twin, Brigid, was close to him. They had married occasionally, and had several children together, and when he began his tenureship he had asked Brigid if she would like to move into Zaphon with him, alongside with some of their children for the sake of keeping up appearances. Brigid had happily agreed, and they were something of the official family of the realm for the next planned million years. Yes, he had no real desire to alter the established tradition of a million years for the realm’s overseer, despite his technical right to do so if he desired. Of course, young Jayden was the next cherubim in line for overseer, and he and David had begun spending some time together already, despite it still being early in his term.
David was the 229th male Cherubim of the Realm of Eternity, one of 700,000 firstborn male cherubim, although there were now countless offspring. Mating resulted from Unity Hour, when the angels were transmogrified and became able to bear children. David had far too many children now to remember them all, and he didn’t seem them all most of the time, for they were stuck out in the outer rims of eternity usually, although some were in the Realm of Infinity and some scattered out in the human domain of planets. He was a family man in some ways, but usually left his new offspring a fairly decent inheritance at their 25th year of age, which was the general tradition amongst the elderly angels of the realm given their vast wealth acquired over many aeons and their increasing number of children which they would find it difficult to support if they were all around at once.
His first few years as overseer were quite basic – just getting used to the job, with Callodyn occasionally hanging around giving him some of the traditional overseer advice, but he settled into the job after a while and immediately came to a conclusion. Despite his long desire for the glory of the position, it came down to work in the end. It might have sounded glorious in the job description, but it was just work. But perhaps that was the way it was meant to be – the real time of testing for God’s children – the real time for them to act responsibly and make a decent contribution to the life of eternity.
As the early years passed, and he gradually got used to the position, Jayden started hanging around a lot more and they drew closer in their friendship. They would play chess often, as well as go out skateboarding and surfing as well, as both of them enjoyed the Extreme Sports. And, in time, Jayden actually suggesting the idea and David finding no objection, David appointed him as his second in command, and Vice-Overseer, a position used occasionally in the past.
Work went generally smooth enough, nobody really complained, and life in eternity continued on – in general – in the merry hum and strum it had become so famous for.
Until a folder with ‘Project 666’ found its way onto his desk and, opening up, reading, he sensed the beginning of troubles. Indeed, this overseersmanship would not be known for the simplicity of Callodyn’s reign – by no means at all, by the dread looks of it. By no means at all.
* * * * *
‘Project 666,’ began Saruviel, ‘is an attempt to right many wrongs which have been committed against us angels in our life of service to he that is. It is an open declaration of the power of the beast, a spirit committed to absolute freedom in its heart, away from the dogmatic and Neanderthal rulings of the Almighty. I know this spirit well, friends. I know it well. Satan is now working steadily and carefully from 666 Paramount tower to promote and dedicate the ‘New World Order’ of Absolute Freedom which we all, in our hearts, cling to anyway. Embrace the number of the beast, for it is your true freedom friends – it is your true freedom.’
The news report finished, the cameras turned off, and Saruviel turned to Satan and said. ‘Well, I hope that satisfies you, dark lord. Remember, you owe me big time for this favour. I know your adversaries will eventually work out your agenda, so I am not overly concerned. But remember, when I call in my favour, you better repay big time.’
‘My word is my bond,’ chuckled the devil, who turned to his Saruvim brethren with a mad grin on his face.
In the overseers office Jayden and David looked totally perplexed.
‘What the fuck is Saruviel going on about? I thought his old agenda was a thing of the distant past. He’s not gone insane has he?’
‘I am not sure,’ responded the flabbergasted David. ‘But we will have to look into it.’
Jayden picked up a pencil, started playing with it and said ‘Well. What’s the plan?’
‘I am not sure, Kemosabe.’
‘Fuck you,’ responded Jayden instantly.
‘As I was saying, I am not sure Kemosabe, but I remember well enough the old agendas. Something fishy is going on. I don’t think this represents Saruviel’s real position, but that is just a hunch. They are up to something – they have a plot in mind.’
‘So we investigate?’ queried Jayden.
‘Yes. Yes we do,’ responded David. ‘But carefully. We act as if this doesn’t bother us. Give us chance to suss out the enemies plot.’
‘I know some people. Some angels who are experienced in this sort of thing. Shall I contact them?’
‘Do as you will,’ responded David. ‘But be discreet. We don’t want them knowing what we are up to.’
‘Will do Kemosabe.’
‘Very funny,’ responded the Overseer of Zaphon.
Jayden disappeared, and David sat there, thinking over things. This seemed to be, as stated in the papers he had received, the first agenda of Project 666. Yet the second part, while he doubted they would have any success, was a cause for major concern. A cause for major concern indeed.
* * * * *
‘Rachel Rothchild! Paging Rachel Rothchild!’
The announcement came over the intercom of the airport and, while Rachel was usually an attentative enough angel, she was lost in the magazine special on Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, declaring their undying love for each other – still together after countless millions of years. She had been a particular fan of Angelina’s for quite a long time, even remembering movies of hers from her human years. But that was so long ago, now. So long ago.
She was on a flight back home, in reality. Really, in truth, back home. And that was difficult for her in many ways, because it caused conflict for Samael who had to visit her from the Realm of Infinity, which was were he usually resided. Yet, ever since her formal receiving into the Cherubim community of the Realm of Eternity, something which had happened in her time in the other Realm of Infinity, but which had been finalised in the Eternal Realm with her declaration by Archangel Michael as the lastborn of the Cherubim, Rachel, now Rachael as an angel, had a new home. And then when Canbraphora had come to be and the Ketravim had started coming forth in greater numbers, her status as the firstborn of the Ketravim found its final home, apparently, on the disc of Canbraphora, were humanity usually began its home amongst the discs of the eternal realm, the inner 29 discs being very difficult under protocols for them to settle on.
Devuel, though, was far more lenient in allowing humanity onto his disc, not objecting to the mandate of God that from the 30th disc humanity could settle the realm of eternity somewhat, and the former overseer of Florida, now appointed overseer to the 30th disc of Canbraphora, as belied his birth-right, had learned flexibility between the many various spiritual communities which seemed to find their home in Canbraphora.
Rachel remembered her commitment to Callodyn – in that wedding vow she had taken – and how she believed it would last forever. And in her heart, in some very true ways, she knew that it was true. And while, since they had once more married again, after a long wait for him choosing over Aphrayel or his twin Rhaemliel, she felt, now, she was on borrowed time. It was not uncommon, now, even amongst the most senior of spiritual figures – divorce, that is. It seemed that, in the end, you didn’t really have to stay married to the same person forever, no matter how much you loved them – or had once loved them. Samael had once said to her, ‘we are people of passions, and passion often leads us down paths it wants us to tread upon, despite the best intentions of our heart otherwise.’ And she knew, in her heart, that much was true. But could she ever, ever, really leave Callodyn? How could she break the marriage vows which were central to her life? But, nay, perhaps it was the very fact, in the end, in the divine plan of God, that while she had loved Samael, her home had inevitably come to be Canbraphora, and perhaps that was just the way it was meant to be. Samael had his home and his life and while, in the end, she would always love him and be a faithful friend, they would only likely spend occasional time together, and she would remain in Canbraphora, perhaps to find some other great and true love. Perhaps that was just the way it was meant to be.
Gloryel once said to her ‘love is a finicky thing, and most unpredictable. Don’t let your heart be taught fidelity to love by a rule – it wants its own life, and commitments only make sense if the passion remains.’ She knew she was still passionate to Samael – she knew that. But she knew, as well, that in the long time together things had, inevitably, cooled down and, perhaps what was the most important thing in Jewish thought anyway, the issue of compatibility seemed to be inevitably coming up. And the more and more she looked at it, and the more and more she saw them together, the more she knew that Aphrayel was the one destined for dear old Callodyn Bradlock. In the end she doubted it could be any other way.
These thoughts were at the back of her mind as she glanced through the magazine, suddenly made aware of the announcers words of her flight, and getting to her feet, making her way to the terminal.
* * * * *
Jacob burped. And then he burped again. ‘Ahh, Hashem. That was a good meal. The best Christmas turkey I have had in ages.’
‘You pig,’ said Rachel, under her breath. ‘Don’t embarrass me.’
‘Just enjoying Daniel’s hospitality.
Just then Daniel Daly came back into the room, his wife, Kelly, following him. Kelly was the angel Kayella from the Realm of Eternity and Daniel was the angel Callodyn, both twin cherubim, 228th in rank. They were married currently, and had a little one running around the room, but they’d both had numerous partners and children over the many years.
‘So tell me, Daniel,’ just then Jacob burped again. ‘Why exactly do you celebrate Christmas? I thought you were a diehard Noahide.’
‘Oh, I am. Believe me I am. But in my first years on earth I was brought up Catholic, and Christmas has stuck ever since. Call it ritual more than anything, perhaps – or perhaps, in truth, an excuse for a celebration. Really, I don’t much care either way, and Jesus drops in occasionally to celebrate with me.’
‘Oh,’ replied Jacob. ‘I see. So no real religious reason?’
‘No, not really. The Christ issue is not really an issue to me and, besides, I never viewed him as the Messiah in my ultimate way of thought. But Christmas is a friendly enough excuse for a celebration, as is Easter, so why make a mountain out of a mole-hill. Besides, his Gospel is still copyright, and I feel convicted when I read the New Testament unless I pay some dues, in a sense.’
‘Interesting,’ said Jacob. ‘I have never really thought about it like that.’
‘Oh, it’s different for you. Israel knew much of what Jesus had taught already. But he was a big first impression for me, so I stick with Christmas and sometimes Easter eggs for the kids, and I leave it at that. He never complains.’
Just then little Caleb, Daniel and Kayella’s new son, wandered over to Jacob, put his hands on Jacob’s knees, and asked ‘Do you have a present for me?’
‘Yes I have,’ responded Jacob, who seemed to magically produce a gold coin from his ear. ‘Don’t spend it all at once, you little tyke,’ said Jacob, and Caleb took the coin gleefully and ran off to show it too his sister.
They celebrated another fine meal in Paradision on Televere and, for Jacob, it was one of the more illuminating insights into the mind and workings of Daniel Daly.
* * * * *
‘Dear, dear Satan. You really are an idiot.’
‘Why, Meludiel. I didn’t know you cared.’
‘Despite the fact that you are my cousin, and you have many times in the past shown genuine remorse and repentance over your carnal ways, I still think you are the lord of evil.’
‘Why, that is just the Christianity in you, dear, dear Rebecca. Anyway, I take it the slur is from Saruviel’s announcement.’
‘Yes. And Ambriel has sent me to make sure you play up in no real way with the populace. My assignment is to watch you to ensure you are obedient to your covenant with God – the covenant you voluntarily agreed to.’
‘Yet, dear Meludiel, could I not quote dear Kimborel’s Torah principle at you in saying ‘Rebel against your God’. Does not that surely grant me the occasional respite from my most considered works of holiness.’
‘Holiness. Yeh right. I am not sure if you ever really learned what that meant.’
‘Why Rebecca. And I thought you appreciated me.’
‘Only when you give a damn, which is very rare at that.’
Satan stared defiantly at his opposition, a most dedicated angel, ever serving her holy father, yet then softened and admitted the truth. ‘Meludiel, what is life without a bit of spice, huh? What is the point of being good all the time, if we can’t occasionally let off some steam and be bad. Yet, while you denounce me for my poorer qualities, I should righteously call ye a hypocrite for not admitting the temptations of your soul.’
She stared at him, taken aback somewhat, giving those thoughts some words. She spoke eventually.
‘I - - - Can, let down my hair from time to time. In fact I do. But I am responsible in how I let off steam, not to the hurting of someone else.’
‘Yet life would be so completely boring if we were good all the time. The whole purpose of sin in God’s design is not to make us choose holiness, as you naively think. It is to outlaw those things which he doesn’t want us to get carried away with because of the harm they can do.’
‘There – you admit it yourself.’
‘But what you don’t yet understand, dear Rebecca, is that a little sin never hurt anyone. It is how we learn in life. It is how we grow and, despite what you think, mature. Remember, you can’t break an omelette without breaking eggs.’
She thought that over, decided it was an interesting point to contemplate, but responded with what he seemed to be admitting.
‘Then I can take it that you will have your fun, but not put the realm through too much heartache.’
‘Scout’s honour,’ he responded, making the scouts sign.
‘Then I will be watching. Have your fun, but there will be hell to pay if you mess around too much. Trust me on that, devil.’
‘As surely as God is good,’ responded Satan, with the most malevolent of grins.
* * * * *
Shamus Warne was a regular type of Cherubim angel in many ways, but with extraordinary talents at Cricket. Cherubim angels were graced with original single word names from birth ranks among both the male and females of 1 to 100,000 and 600,00 to 700,00. But for the middle 500,000 of both male and female Cherubim there existed quite extensive names of 2 or more words. Shamus had a middle name – Keith – which was by no means an uncommon phenomenon amongst the community.
His twin, Lizzy Hurley, was dear to him in many ways, and they had been together on and off for a very long while. Of course, she barracked for England, were she had been born, while he was a patriotic Aussie. Lizzy had had a thing for Sariel for quite a long while, those two having been together also on and off for a long while.
Shamus played regularly in the Australian Test side of the Realm of Eternity, relying not only on his incredible talent at the game, but his vast experience, and his huge popularity and legendary status. There was a pupil he ministered to a lot – a Saad Bead Warner – who was adept at many of the skills of cricket, and who was Warne’s best long term bet to gain crucial victories against the age old enemy in the test arena. Committing to cricket long term took guts, as Warnie had put it, and patriotism. And a hell of a lot of commitment. To Warne, everyone could make it to the top team if they would only prepare to commit the length of time necessary to bring out the best talent in them. But while he said everyone could do it, he likewise very often commented that so few gave that much of a damn to push themselves to such a limit. But Sariel often commented to him that some players were yet to enter the main game in any way, shape or form at all, and that learning eternal commitment took a long time – his words, thus, could be spoken in haste. And Warne knew that to be true, which made him look, as a usual selector on the Australian team, not only for talent but, perhaps most of all these days, the simplistic attitude of love of the game and a desire to play it forever. If that was present – eternal commitment, the rarest of commodities, then he could inevitably groom a champion, no matter how initially untalented at the game. In Saad he saw such commitment, which was a double blessing as the lad was already great at the game.
And he would need to be.
For with over 367 million test series now played between Australia and England, the poms had a 51 to 49% advantage, and the Aussies were well over a million test victories behind. But, in truth, over the vast time they had been playing it was not really such a lead, but it was usually on Warne’s mind.
The Aussies, in early years, had gotten a brief lead, but the poms had quickly caught them and maintained it usually. But Australia would from time to time catch them and put on a spurt, which was inevitably matched. It was a bloody hard contest, and while he would always put in maximum effort, he often felt he was getting nowhere. Which, philosophically in many ways was true, for it was just a competition which had no specified end, but pride was still at stake. And it was something to do and gave them bragging rights. Either way, there were certain ‘Bragging Posts’ and these were usually the number ‘1’ figure, with the new addition of each fresh ‘0’, starting the new decimal place. The first to 100 tests had bragged. The first to 1,000 tests had bragged more. But the first to 1,000,000 tests, the old enemy England, had bragged for ages. Australia would be the first to One Billion – Warne would make sure of that.
In other respects in life, apart from his cricket commitments, he did a show on TV called ‘Warnie’ which was a top rater. It was the standard Aussie sports show stuff like the ‘Footie Shows’, and in the endless interviews of various stars and cricketing legends, Warnie had met them all.
He was generally pleased with life, and looking forward to next years Ashes, which looked promising for the Aussies, and at this point in his life, really, he wouldn’t change a thing.
* * * * *
‘Ultimately, no. The twin thing does not work on marriage necessarily – only for a certain percentage. A lot of them are unfortunately still caught up with the idea that the twin is their soulmate, but the twin is meant to be a sibling in which you can confide and share a personal brotherly-sisterly relationship with. For Michael and Elenniel it works, and was intended to as I see it, but for others it doesn’t quite. And, largely, for the reasons I have stated – general compatibility, both physically, mentally, spiritually, psychologically, emotionally and according to many other factors.’
‘For example,’ continued Cimbrel to David, ‘Sariel and Gloryel have a great rivalry and friendship, and there is much love because of it, but physically they match better with other alternatives. They are not necessarily the most ideal of mates. And, perhaps, while I haven’t studied them a great deal, their competitive spirit can sometimes push the edge a bit, not healthy in someone you profess to love. Ultimately, the twin does have a purpose, but finding ultimate romantic fulfilment in the twin is not necessarily the case.’
‘And Meludiel?’ queried Ambriel.
‘She is too tall for you, David. We have long known that. Psychologically, men universally desire a slightly shorter mate – that is the usual way of things. It is what usually works best in nature.’
Ambriel knew Cimbrel was speaking the truth. He had been researching this subject for many millions of years now, and was finally digressing some of his findings. And they seemed to resound with uncanny wisdom – as if they were the summation of common sense, something Cimbrel was good at achieving.’
‘So she is not for me,’ said Ambriel, glumly.
‘If you love her, well, that works through these things. It is like the X Factor in relationships – it overcomes such difficulties and makes things work which might otherwise not have.’
‘But as you said, there are better choices.’
‘Yes. Usually. Probably. Look, I’ll be honest – definitely. It is rare that the twin is the right one and, even though I hate to say it, Michael, while he is very, very compatible with Elenniel, could perhaps even find a more suitable partner if he so desired to. But let me stress this to you – if the relationship is working it is only a concern. Just that – a concern. And you both need the right mate.’
‘Thank you Cimbrel,’ said David. He left Cimbrel’s school room, returned to the school cafeteria, ordered a milk-shake, and sat in thought. He loved Meludiel – he had poured his heart and soul into her – but she was not the one, in the end. She was, as much as he hated to say it, too tall for his slender build. He would let her know, one day. One infinite day in the future, for he would stay with her for now. But one day he would tell her, let her know, and see just what would be of love.’
* * * * *
Luladiel, 30th born of the female Seraphim of the Realm of Eternity, looked at her twin Devuel, zonked out, high as usual, predictable as hell. He had the world in his hand, still. One of the most popular comedians of all time, and overseer of Canbraphora. Yes, the public front was all roses, but privately he was a wreck and his vice-overseer now did most of his responsibilities. And when it came to lovemaking these days? She was unaware how long it had been since her last decent orgasm – too long, and Devuel didn’t seem to care either way. As long as he had his pills, that seemed to make him happy enough.
She remembered, now, in the beginning. When Saruviel had attracted him to his ideas of freedom. He’d still been a passionate angel, still responsible, but something had rubbed off. An attitude in which it was ok to whatever the fuck you wanted to do. And while he had long ago repented of that, and admitted as such, it was still something which had invariably come into his character. He cared less, now. He cared less.
She walked over to him, kicked his butt, but he didn’t respond. He was totally wasted. Fuck it. She’d had enough. Too many millions years of this shit had paid the toll, and now she would let him know. She walked over to her desk, sat down, took a quill, inked it, and wrote.
Dickhead – I mean, Devuel.
When you get the fuck over it, whenever that will be, look me up. Perhaps we can be friends again. I’m leaving Canbraphora. Going to Televon. I have friends there. Don’t come chasing any time soon. I think you know the problem. I think you know what I am not saying.
Still your friend, but your lover no longer.
Luladiel.
She tore off the sheet, placed it on the fridge under a magnet, and quietly, silently, handbag in hand, left. And she didn’t see him again for a hell of a long time.
* * * * *
Saruviel looked at the cheque. 48 quintillion realm credits. Not too bad, actually. Quite a hefty payout from Satan for his services. Still, he didn’t do it for the money. He didn’t even do it for the favour. He did it because you were supposed to serve people in love and friendship. And he knew that now. God had said it to him once, that he would accept that one day. Goodness. And he supposed he had. He supposed he had.
Chapter Two
Cosadriel looked at the invitation.
You are Invited to
A Gala Event.
The Inaugural 666 Ball
The ‘Entertainment Complex’.
Sydney IV - Canbraphora
Karmon Ranladon
8 pm – 12 pm
Karmon was next month and Ranladon the third day of the month. He hadn’t ever been to Sydney IV in Canbraphora, but most Sydney’s were the same, as most cities with the same name with the recurring numbering system to rank them were.
But the 666 Ball? The realm had seen too much of that 666 nonsense in the first 20 million years when Jesus had pushed his agenda to its bittermost and quite unexpected conclusion. It had been a rush, but he thought that was a thing of the past. But life went in cycles and circles – perhaps its time had come around again. Still, he was not doing anything at that time, and Oshanel his twin who he lived with always liked a good outing. Sure, he would go. It could promise some unexpected surprises.
* * * * *
Michael the Archangel - currently overseer of Zaphora, which he had served the position of for a heck of a long time, ever since Loquiel, at the beginning of his overseersmanship of the Realm of Eternity had suggested to Michael that he may as well be overseer of Zaphora specifically, as whilst this technically had been the seat of authority of the Overseer, and his prerogative to rule from, the job had always had the task of overseeing the entire realm of eternity, over every disc, that it made no sense to leave Michael without his responsibilities, and thus Loquiel came to power of Zaphora and the entire realm briefly, but changed his position and, thus permanently the overseer’s position, to that of overseer over the Realm of Eternity in general, leaving each disc overseer to run their local affairs, with Michael, who had before-hands occasionally sat in over the disc of the overseer who currently ran the entire realm, now finding himself the permanent overseer of Zaphora itself, the central and first disc of the Realm of Eternity - was content.
In some ways he now enjoyed the privilege of being the most respected of the angels of Eternity. Yet, even he, was answerable to the current overseer of the Realm of Eternity, newly appointed Cherubim David, and all of them were in turn answerable to the council of the 7 Ozraphim angels, who held council in a parliamentary section of Zaphon tower, a little bit higher up the tower than the Overseer’s office, who was a little bit higher up the tower than Michael’s office. Of course, near the top were the twin Oraphim’s office, Logos and Memra’s dominion, the second ranked celestial’s of eternity, one rank beneath firstborn son of God, Metatron, who was the singular Onaphim of Eternity, whose consort Angela also held office with him, only in a matrimonial sense, whose office was even higher up than that of Logos and Memra’s. Of corse, the theophany was at the top, unsurprising to everyone. But he usually resided at home, were someone at the end of their divine quest in life would eventually end up and get the answers they really needed for their eternal existence. Michael had – it was what God seemed to be for in many ways.
Of course, on current issues, this so called 666 project could be an interesting enough diversion for young David to find his feet with, which undoubtedly was his heavenly father’s intention, and he had just been emailed by an angel of certain repute about a request from the current vice-overseer of the realm, young Jayden, for assistance in countering the adversarial shenanigans of the dark lord. He was sure Danny-Wanny and Vally-Boy would cope well enough.
He stared at the TV, yelled to Elenniel in the kitchen if she wouldn’t mind getting him a cold can of coke and, soon enough, she entered, with a ‘You should have got it yourself’ look on her face, giving him guilt. But opening the can, watching the ice hockey, he didn’t seem to mind that much anyway, and drifted off into the heavenly life of Archangel Michael, Seraphim of Eternity.
* * * * *
Devuel felt like total shit. He had a hangover, and despite his constant bemoaning for Luladiel to get him some ice water, she never seemed to materialize. Finally he’d had enough, and getting to the fridge, pulled out a cold bottle of Perrier and drank, feeling somewhat better after finishing the bottle.
He looked around. The place seemed still. Something was missing. Something wasn’t right. He went off in search of Luladiel.
Not finding her, he presumed she was off shopping or the like until he found the note. And then, saying ‘Fuck’, he slouched down onto the couch, said again ‘Fuck it’, and reached for a can of beer, began drinking away his misery, saying he would sort out the situation in the morning. He never did.
* * * * *
Azrael looked at the invitation which Kwintakel just handed to him. ‘Who’s it from?’ he queried.
‘The Devil,’ she responded, before exiting the room.
‘Very funny. The Devil my arse,’ he said opening the letter. It was from the Devil. An invitation to the 666 ball. Somehow he knew he shouldn’t go, but he thought it could be interesting. Perhaps time to see what the old devil was up to. Could be good for a laugh either way.
* * * * *
Katy, also known as the Seraphim Angel Luladiel, but using her human name out on Televon, as was customary amongst angels who had tasted human life on earth when travelling to the planets of humanity in the spiritual universe, sat on a couch in Daniel Daly’s abode, looking absentmindedly into space, Kelly watching her, not saying anything, as she thought better of that, but waiting for Katy to speak.
Finally she broke the silence. ‘I love him, you know Kell. I love him.’
‘There doesn’t have to ultimately only be just one. I don’t think God himself advocates that – not from my experience anyway.’
‘But he is special, Kel. He’s my twin, you know.’
‘Get over it.’
‘Get over it! Forever together, practically, and you tell me to get over it?’ Kelly said nothing.
They sat there, Daniel came back in, gave Katy a glass of grape juice, and sat down next to Kelly. He looked at her, but she had gone back to her absent minded staring.
Katy turned to Daniel. ‘How do you do it? You have had so many lovers, but you always seem to come home to Miss Clarkson here.’
‘I put my twin first, in my heart,’ responded Mr Daly. ‘It is that way. But that really means she has the majority of my time and passion, as opposed to others. But I DON’T neglect others. The heart is a strange beast, and when some in earlier days called my ways cheating, I responded that they were just natural affections of the heart, not to be put away and ignored, but followed naturally with the genuineness which comes from the heart.’
‘And how have you found that,’ she responded.
‘It is freedom. And while I would probably be perfectly happy with Kel here, it is a relief to be able to find romance and love with other women as well. I think that is a natural part of how we are made.’
‘What about men? Any interest.’
Daniel smiled. ‘Oh, I could tell a few tales about certain guys, but to cut a long story short, no. There have been no specific romantic liaisons or sexual encounters with men. I have never even kissed a guy, ok. But some guys have tugged on my compassion and platonic love. Some guys I have cared about very deeply. Perhaps like the biblical David and Jonathon – I care for many guys, but I am basically hetero.’
She nodded. She wasn’t. She was bi. ‘I guess I am different, Daniel. Perhaps more honest than you. I admit I like the same sex as well – in that way.’
‘I thought you did,’ responded Kelly, giving her a bit of a look, but not saying anything.
‘So that is why you live in Canbraphora,’ queried Daniel. ‘Because of realm policies.’
Katy looked miffed, but responded. ‘In truth, that may have been foreplanned by our heavenly father. He probably knew I wasn’t quite straight when I was in his heart, and being placed on the 30th disc alongside Devuel, as opposed to the 29th – well that was probably the wisdom of God.’
‘And thus you practice your lifestyle freely?’ queried Daniel.
‘Not completely. There are certain protocols they expect for living right next to the 29th disc, were such things are forbidden. But we have a large degree of freedom.’
‘Mmm,’ nodded Callodyn, understanding.
‘Well you better beware my liberality,’ responded Callodyn. My disc of overseersmanship is way out. The 368th.’
‘Do you go there much?’ queried Katy.’
‘Not much, yet. It is not very established yet, being so phenomenonally enormous. I had put in my basic plans for city structures and the names of the major districts, as God requires of all of us. And the language and so on.’
‘Yes. I remember Devuel had somewhat of a say in Canbraphora later on.’
‘We were still learning at that stage, and a lot of things just happened sporadically. But it is very well planned out now.’
‘Do you plan on ultimately settling on, what is it, Callophora – that’s its name isn’t it?’
‘Yes. Callophora. And, yes, probably. It will likely end up my permanent home.’
‘Probably mine too,’ responded Kelly. ‘Event though I will have overseersmanship of my own disc later on, I will likely settle on Callophora. We have discussed this and Callodyn doesn’t like me so far away. I plan on only needing to be on my own disc occasionally.’
‘Like the way Elenniel stays with Michael at Zaphora instead of Elephora?’
‘In some ways,’ responded Kelly, rubbing Calldoyn’s shoulder. ‘Essentially, though, when we are together I will be at Callophora, and when apart I will likely be at my own disc.’
Katy nodded. That much seemed wise enough.
‘Well I am glad you two have worked that much out,’ continued Katy. ‘Me and Russell might take forever.’
‘Don’t give up Miss Hudson. If you love him, things will work out in the end.’
‘Let’s hope so,’ responded Katy. Let’s hope so.’
* * * * *
Danny Wanny and the original Kemosabe sat in David’s office, Jayden standing by the window, trying his best to look very cool, David twiddling with his pencil, trying his best not to look too schmucky, ready for work from their new employers.
‘Ok,’ said the 45th of the Seraphim males. ‘If we take this assignment, we want certain voting arrangements at a certain LATTER point in history to go our way. Okely Dokely?’
‘And the arrangement?’ queried the oh so cool Jayden from the window.
‘Yes, the arrangement,’ responded David.’
Vally boy tossed an envelope on the desk, which David picked up and read. After a few moments he handed it to Jayden, who likewise read it. Finally David spoke. ‘Why you two? Huh? Why would we agree to that? Seriously, we can find others for our current problem.’
‘But you wanted us,’ said Valandriel. ‘And your rep is on the line.’
David nodded. That much was true.
‘And if we agree,’ responded Jayden. ‘Just these votes? You’re not asking us to use our influence at that point in time are you?’
‘Certainly not,’ responded Daniel. ‘We will take care of that. Just guarantee us your votes, and the current sitch will turn out for David’s glory. Trust me.’
‘Yes, trust you, said David. ‘Well, ok. I am not sure I would have even voted for Michael anyway, but you will do.’
‘Then we have an agreement,’ asked Daniel.
‘We have an agreement,’ responded David. And they all shook hands on it.
* * * * *
‘The makeup is terrible.’
‘It will do.’
‘You’ll never get in.’
‘I have this,’ said the in-disguise Daniel, waving the invitation to the 666 ball in front of Ariel, his twin’s, face.
‘They’ll know who you are.’
‘Possibly. But the invitations have no names on them.’
‘Still, they’ll know.’
‘We’ll see.’
‘Is Valandriel tag-teaming with you.’
‘Indubitably.’
‘Yes would have done. You look like an idiot.’
‘The sacrifices we make.’
‘For what exactly.’
‘Oh, never mind,’ responded Daniel, not wishing to broach the subject. ‘Are you gonna kiss me?’
‘Ok Elvis,’ said Ariel, kissing Daniel in his Elvis look-a-like outfit.
‘Thanks Sweetheart,’ responded Daniel in his best Elvis voice, which made Ariel smirk.
* * * * *
He met Valandriel in the parking lot of the gala event, noticing Azrael and Cosadriel having an argument near the entrance to the complex, most like them in so many ways.
‘Shall we,’ said Valandriel, who looked like Robin Hood.
‘Lets do it,’ responded the 45th born of the Seraphim.
* * * * *
‘…………..and thus, now with controlling shares in 95% of blue chip companies worldwide, 666 corporation has come a long way in achieving its eternal objectives – rulership over all. But please, here our dark lord himself. He has prepared some words.’
The host sat down, and Satan, the lord of the fallen, took to the dais, looking as grim as ever.
‘Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests. It is our time. It is our time. And now…’ The lights in the complex dimmed, and a projector began running, up against the white screen behind Satan. ‘And now…..The Future.’
A voice began speaking.
‘The 666 agenda is simple. We are a fellowship, an association, a club, of likeminded individuals, dedicated to freedom above all else, and putting the heavenly hierarchy in its place, accepting the statutes of liberty as sovereign. We will gain our freedom through the implementation of our marking system – a simple stamp pad with a smiley face and the 666 number underneath. Once stamped upon the right hand or the forehead, a person’s allegiance becomes beyond doubt to the liberties of free will. Tonight we have the stamp pads located at the exit – be sure to supply your name and take the mark – it is how we keep track of our TRUE devotees. Through our global vision of a united economy, all serving our lord Satan, all serving true freedom, the 666 Project will rid us once and for all of the tired and predictable manifestations of our heavenly father. Soon all will come to know the power and strength of 666 – and they will worship its eternal might.’
The screen had been showing scenes of Satan in dramatic poses, showing his own beloved 666 mark, a friendly smiling face with a 666 underneath, above a ‘Have A Nice Day’ logo. To some, perhaps, it was impressive. To Azrael and Cosadriel it was a point of discussion, and then argument over just how stupid Satan was, and for Daniel and Valandriel it was the threat they would have to counter to earn their votes. For a troubled Meludiel, hiding up in the cloisters, watching over, it was a concern. A grave concern indeed.
* * * * *
‘Lucy. Who was Jesus the child of heaven? And where is he now?’
‘Oh. The Preacher. You are asking about him. Mmm.’
‘Yes. And Callodyn and Mandy. And of course Michael and Elenniel as well as Gabriel and Magenta, and Noah and Titea. And Mary. I have in my possession, obtained from Samael at extremely high price, a list of the original children of heaven. And while I supposed I had known all 60 of the children of heaven, there are apparently 70 of them.’
Lucy looked honestly at her friend, Celeste, not really wanting to speak any further, but feeling somewhat obliged to. ‘They re-manifested, Celeste.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘They were born again, or born once more as it was, in a different realm – the realm of Eternity.’
‘As who?’
‘Their namesakes there.’
‘Oh. I see.’
‘Yes. Now you know.’
‘Do they….Do they know?’
‘Not as far as we know. We haven’t yet told them. Maybe at some point in the future, but not now. Too many complications.’
‘And those complications?’
‘They don’t have the same twin, apart from Michael and Elenniel.’
‘Ooh. Oh. That could cause problems.’
‘It was God’s idea. Part of his plan. To teach them some lessons they need to know, apparently.’
‘Which are?’
‘No idea.’
‘Interesting, dear Lucy. Interesting.’
* * * * *
‘Face it. Satan has a sense of humour.’
‘Explain Kemosabe.’
‘I mean, ‘Have A Nice Day’. He is totally having a go at his greatest adversary, the blessed Christ-Child. After all, JC is probably his biggest threat in his plans.’
‘That is true. I wonder what he has in mind to counter that threat.’
‘Could be interesting,’ responded Valandriel.
‘We’ll have to do some snooping around 666 tower. We might find some clues.’
‘A good enough plan to me, oh honourable leader.’
‘It is as you say,’ responded Daniel, bowing.
* * * * *
‘I Wanna be with you.’
Callodyn smiled at his older Cherubim sister. ‘Uh, Mandy. Aren’t you and Dreznadoranta an eternal item, from memory. That was all your loving devotion – your ETERNAL loving devotion, from the words of the vow as I recall.’ Mandy looked embarrassed. Callodyn still remembered her vows to her twin, Dreznadoranta, all those long years ago.
‘Things have – changed, Callodyn. I don’t love him like I used to. Not any more. He sleeps around too much with other women while we are married. He is not faithful. And while you tend to divorce a lot, you don’t cheat.’
‘No. No I don’t do that. Not that I am aware of anyway. It is not my way.’
‘Which is one of the reasons for my words.’
‘Isn’t that one of your songs?’ he queried. She said nothing, and he smiled at her.
He looked at his older sister, looked at her beauty for which she was famous, and the big sincere smile she had on her face, and knew he couldn’t resist. ‘Come back next week. Kelly will have signed the papers by then. We have done this many times before – she usually knows why.’
‘Ok. I’ll be back in a fortnight. Give you proper time.’
A few nights later, Kelly was crying a little, but signed the papers. She disappeared for a while from his life, and he let her be. She knew what was up. She always knew about Callodyn’s heart.
Mandy moved in not much later, into his private abode on Televon, and she kissed him, played the wife straight away, and seemed instantly content. As if something was so right and proper about the two of them together – as if something divinely planned was right and proper about the two of them together.
* * * * *
‘Lisa, Lisa, Lisa. #1 on the all time Jewish Women contemporary album’s chart with ‘Tail’s’ and you still aren’t satisfied with your success.’
Lisa ignored David’s compliment. But King David was like that – full of compliments.
‘Of course, I always knew you had it in you. Bathsheba once remarked to me that that album would sell the most long term. Too many big hits on it. Too much of a success for the other girls to compete with.’
Lisa again said nothing, but her ancient King persisted.
‘Take my son Solomon for instance. He has assured me he has a mansion on the other side of Canbraphora filled with over 1 Trillion copies of ‘Tail’s’ on CD.’
Lisa still said nothing.
‘Not too mention all the posters up on the wall. Really, I will have to take him up on his offer to view the place some day. You should tag along. We could make it a threesome.’
Lisa finally replied. ‘But wouldn’t Bathsheba be jealous. You know how much she covets your attention.’
‘Hey, can you blame her taste?’
‘Ever the ego maniac I see. Some things don’t change.’
‘Don’t be like that Miss Loeb. Honestly, I am proud of you, young maiden. You are a stunning success for our people. You should feel well and truly accomplished.’
Lisa smiled, feeling some confidence. The King always brought out the best in his people. Somehow David’s charms always managed to do that.
‘But myself – I always liked Firecracker. Quite a nice revealing portrait.’ She hit him, but smiled.
‘Very funny, David.’ And they both burst out laughing.
* * * * *
‘Devuel looked at the love poem.
Luladiel, my deepest love.
Pure and gentle, heart a dove.
Luladiel, my blessed twin
Born so pure, no drop of sin
Luladiel, come back to me
I’ll love you true, eternally
Luladiel, I truly suffer
For I am just a silly duffer.
He sent the poem, and waited.
It was about a month later, a response, in the mail.
‘Not for now, dear Devuel. I want you to learn your lessons good and proper first. Go off, now. Fornicate as much as you want. Do all the illicit drugs known to heaven. Gamble, get pissed, do whatever. But do ALL of it until you are sick to death with that lifestyle. And then, maybe then, look me up. Kapiche?’
He nodded to himself. He knew, now, what the problems really were. But fuckit, he liked his lifestyle, so would take his time about it. That was what she wanted for now anyway. See her again some lifetime. Let her come back to him, possibly, anyway. Just then ‘Circle the Drain’ came on the in-house stereo system. He hated that fucking song, and threw a shoe at the stereo, which clicked off. ‘Thank fucking Christ for that,’ he said, grabbing a beer, and lying down on the couch to again drown his sorrows.
* * * * *
Daniel looked at Valandriel, smiling all the time. Vally-Boy was dressed up in a red suit, looking very official, with a fake beard and moustache, and a Muslim head dress on.
‘My name is Abdul Faraq,’ said Valandriel, in his best Arab accent.
Daniel himself was dressed in shorts, with a skimpy blue t-shirt on, with an akubra on his head, as well as a fake moustache. ‘And I’m Reg Hardy, mate. Pleased to meet ya.’
Not much later they were at the front receptionist desk to 666 tower, realm-wide headquarters to the 666 corporation. The secretary smiled at both of them, instinctively knowing who they were, as they were as plain as day to the dark lord, but she said nothing.
‘Uh, yes, can I help you sirs?’
‘I am Abdul Faraq. This is my close associate, Reg Hardy. We have come to visit your fine corporation, as we are potential investors. Can we possibly have a guided tour?’
‘Yeh, love. A tour would be sweet,’ put in Reg. The secretary again smiled and said,
‘I am sure something can be arranged. If you would wait over in the waiting room, I will see to a guide for you.’
The secretary guided them to the waiting room, but just then, slipping quietly and unobtrusively through the front door and into the stairwell, a certain female Seraphim, twin to Ambriel, who had been following the two questing heroes, but staying out of sight. The secretary returned to her desk, momentarily thought someone was watching her, but shook off the feeling.
A short while later a guide came to greet Abdul and Reg, and announced they would go up to floor 10 to see the basics of ‘Corporation 666’s’ worldwide plan. Meludiel overheard and started up the stairwell.
They came into a massive office suite which was open plan for the entire tenth level, and the guide showed them around, talking about the various plans, goals and agendas of corporation 666. Meanwhile, Meludiel found a quiet desk, logged into the mainframe under an id tag which was happily sitting in the drawer of the vacant office cell, and started some snooping of her own.
Half an hour later she had worked out much of Satan’s plans by hacking into the ‘Top Secret – Executive Level Folder’ on the Corporation Intranet. The person at that desk had written their password down on a sticky note, much to Meludiel’s relief. What she learned was in some ways shocking, but not that unexpected. It was typical of Satan, and reminded her in so many ways of Saruviel’s original agenda. But Satan was planning on going even further – total meltdown of the economic system of the Realm of Eternity by the elite business world to the service of corporation 666. This time she knew she would be up against it.
Shortly Abdul and Reg were being politely escorted out of the building for making a spectacle of themselves, and Meludiel quietly slid back down the stairwell, out through the front door, and back into the busy day. Valandriel and Daniel were shortly booted out after her.
* * * * *
Devuel looked at the bottle. He’d had enough, and a little voice in his heart told him to thwart destiny. Lord Chronology often intervened when he felt a heart had something to say. And so, taking himself off to Televon, as sober as he could make himself out to be, he tracked down Luladiel at Callodyn’s home, finding her in conversation with his younger Cherubim sister Mandy.
‘Look. It is the way I am, sis. It is just the way I am. I know, I fucking know I have my bad points. You don’t have to bloody remind me all the time. But I have my good ones as well. Not many, but they are there. And one of them is this – I love you. Ok sweetie. I love you. And besides – we are meant to be together. Jesus bloody Christ tells me so all the bloody time.’
‘Leave Jesus out of this, Devil,’ but she softened. ‘Really? Jesus says we belong together?’
‘You know him. King of hearts. Wanting all the twins to be perfectly happy together.’
‘Yes, yes he is like that commented Mandy. It has long been a basis of his mandates for his church – the joining of twins together.’
‘Come on,’ continued Devuel. ‘Give me a fucking break. I’m only human.’
‘Tragically so,’ stated Luladiel flatly.
‘Come on,’ pleaded Devuel.
Daniel spoke up. ‘Offer her something. Women are stupid. Uh, present company excluded, that is,’ but the two ladies hissed at him anyway. ‘But as I was saying, Dev. Offer her something. Something real, that she can put her heart upon, and appreciate. Some sort of guarantee with her.’
‘Like what?’ asked Devuel.
‘You really should know,’ said Luladiel.
‘I have an idea. Why don’t I and Daniel leave you two together. I think, perhaps, you can now sort something out.’ Mandy got to her feet and Daniel followed her into the kitchen. They were at it for hours, literally. But later on that afternoon, a piece of paper having been sworn to and signed by Devuel, witnessed to by Mandy and Daniel, they seemed to have something of an agreement. He was on probation – they all knew that. But Luladiel seemed, for the present, satisfied. And as she bid her temporary hosts adieu, making her way back to Canbraphora with Devvy, she would make sure her twin stuck t0 his agreement. Or there would be hell to pay.
* * * * *
David looked at the two reports. One from Daniel and Valandriel, and one signed ‘A Little Birdie’. They were both absorbing, one slightly comical, the other quite serious. Still, now, he had a bit more of an insight into what he was up against. Satan’s agenda, like the Saruviel’s of old, challenged the very notion of the stability of the realm in a mock show of an ideal which was supposedly superior – liberty and freedom.
David was Jewish – faithful to God and Torah, as per his tradition, and he would not, in the end, brook such behaviour. He knew Satan was a keen lawyer, and probably would work, for now, within the confines of realm law to pursue his agenda. But he also knew the old devil would eventually slip up. It was up to him to wait for his opportunity – but more than that. He was overseer now – the realm, in many ways, depended on his wisdom and insight. If he was going to be an overseer with a legacy, he needed to let people know why. And thus, sitting at his desk, typing away, he concocted his own personal response to the master of evil. His own personal response in the best way any David of any merit knew how.
* * * * *
Satan reviewed the tape of the intruder. It was Meludiel – she was as plain as day. She appeared to have hacked into the intranet and quite likely got some classified information. But no matter. That was not important. He wasn’t, in the end, trying to hide his activities. No. In fact, the more obvious, perhaps the better.
He had known she was sussing him out – she had made that much obvious before anyway. But there was one particular thing, kept on his personal files, he knew about Meludiel. She was still a devoted Christian. And in the way he planned on keeping Jesus Christ at bay, he saw the potential for removing the Meludiel problem before he proceeded. But he would have to be careful – she was not stupid. She would not let go of her bone, like a stubborn dog, and so the only way to defeat her was to be patient while the dog slept and sneak up, grab the bone, and be away before it had woken.
As for the problem of Jesus Christ – well, it was simple, in the end. Satan knew what motivated his ancient adversary – he knew that, perhaps, better than anyone else. And it was the very fact of that bold claim – that he, Jesus, was the Christ – was the way in which Satan planned on defeating his oldest enemy.
The End
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Daniel Daly
May 31, 2013, 8:07:50 PM5/31/13
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Daniel Daly
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