The Angels Saga - Rise of the Saruvim 2 - New Stories

[Noahide]

Keltoi Metropolis 2
Anakin and Daniel find the last Starglobe, quite naturally, and bring all 7 Starglobes together. What is interesting is that the sum is greater than the individual parts in a lot of ways, and when the Animistic Energy is all humming along with all 7 Starglobes in a room of Anakin's Abode in the Keltoi Metropolis, it becomes apparent that they are both united, and serve their own purposes, but it is subtle and light that it all mocks life and its funny bits with dark side sarcasm. Especially with all 7 Starglobe presents. McDaramond has a network in place when, each Starglobe in its natural home, builds a network which serves purposes of liberty somewhat, law somewhat, adventure somewhat and competition. It seems to focus its energy on ongoing growth, but it does not appear to favour one particular dominion, yet indeed each must compete and serve to see which emerges more triumphant as time passes by. Hayden pointed out quickly enough to Daniel that McDaramond is serving a soft Sith Agenda from his Star Wars cultural experiences, and it's done, as they have noticed, with a little bit of mockery and a soft chuckle. 'It looks like he was a bit amused with this project and wanted to have a bit of fun,' commented Daniel one day. 'The knowledge has been crafted into these Starglobes and the prayers are quite strong in the energy ultimatley going into them,' replied Anakin. 'How animistic energy is grown,' said Daniel. It was all very amusing, and in time they found they needed to gather a group of people from their journeys in the Animistic world, the formation of the Kalphora Quest, which seemed to be the natural energy of Adventure and Glory in the Starglobes, which seemed to focus the questing party on learning about places and people of influence in the fantasy worls and, the more they took it seriously, the more glory in time would come. 'Like a lot of life in general,' said Daniel. 'Agreed,' replied Anakin. This knowledge was gradually shared with Taylor and she said. 'Right. Well I'll have a say on that,' proceeding to ensure her snowglobe 7 was filled with humility to keep the pride of glory in check. And concluding their works and studies, Daniel did the major memoir of his time in the fantasy worlds and, Taylor in tow, drifted back to more central discs of the realm of eternity and on with his regular life.

PART 7
KALPHORA TALES 2

Moonglow 2
The old man had been in Kalphora, talking shop, doing his business. Rihanna had been by his side and then, one afternoon, he looked at her. 'Babe. I'll be gone a while.'
'Where you off too Wolfgang?' she asked him.
'I don't know,' he replied.
'Oh,' she said.
He walked out the door, no wallet with him, and hit the streets. He drifted south, out of Kalphona City. A few days later it was evening, and he was hungry. He'd drunk water from streams, but was in a wild area south of Kalphona City with not much traffic. It was wilderness. He found a river, and wandered down to it for a drink. Man was he hungry. He spotted some wild blackberries and thanked his spirit and ate them for a while, and sat down on the river shore.
'YOU REALIZE YOU NEED FOOD.'
'I, uh. I guess,' said Wolfgang.
'OMNIPRESENT BEINGS HAVE NO SUCH NEED. MORTALS DO.'
'Oh,' said Wolfgang. He lay down on the sand. 'Thought I was your theophany.'
'AN EXPRESSION OF SOME ELEMENTS OF WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE IN THE WORLD. A FATHER FIGURE FOR THE ANGELS. SOMETHING TANGIBLE.'
'But I'm not really you,' said Wolfgang. Silence responded. He looked up at the moon. It was full. He looked at the water. It showed the Moonglow.
'GO HOME NOW.'
Wolfgang lay there. He'd been through a long march. He was tired. But he got to his feet, and worked his way north. A few days later her walked back in.
'You're back,' said Rihanna. 'Do what you needed to do?'
'I think so,' replied Wolfgang. He looked at his woman. Another thing he needed to. Company. He was starting to now get more of an impression of who he exactly was. And who he was not.
The End

Brunch with the Power Women of Zaphona City 2
'For Allah's Glory,' said Mishael.
'Oh, shove Allah up your butt,' said Layelliel.
'Blasphemer,' said Mishael.
Kimborel handled the black veil.
'The design is perfect,' said Mishael.
'It's essentially plastic,' said Cindradel.
'Kalphoran's are quite a plastic people,' replied Mishael. 'Saruviel, you know. Technical societies. Running on throwaway and disposable things a lot. Modernity all the way through. This combination of realities is what Kalphora will accept. It's gonna last for ages, and they don't mind long-lasting. But its plastic modern style will make them think they are cool and hip and happening. Half of Saruviel's problem. Think's he's the man. The absolute. Watches Star Trek the Next Generation religiously from what I've been told.'
Cindradel smirked. 'Yeh. Yeh, that is it about Saruviel isn't it. Really, he's the drama king, and likes to think he is the ultimate.'
'It boils down to him thinking he is the coolest,' said Mishael. 'It's not really a problem, but dealing with his world, gotta think like they think. Market appropriately.'
'Are we going to lend our names to this then?' Layelliel asked the Power Women of Zaphona City. They were at a cafe in Kalphona City talking shop on Mishael's latest product. He'd persuaded them to give them a hearing and said that Power Women support would help sell the product in Kalphora.
'Sure,' said Cindradel. 'If there's a market for it in the end and its genuinely what people want, no problems.'
'It's a good idea,' said Kimborel, touching Mishael's hand.
'Thanks,' he said, smiling in response.
'How about a white stripe with Angel Power written on it and a red stripe with Woman Power written on it,' suggested Layelliel.
'Why is that?' asked Mishael.
'Market to the dominance. The Angel dominance individuals and the Human dominance individual's. Play on their pride a little,' replied Layelliel.
'That could work,' said Cindradel.
'I guess,' replied Mishael. 'Not really a problem. We can have those in the range.'
'Sounds good then,' said Layelliel. 'I'm in.'
'Shouldn't be a problem, Mishy,' said Cindradel.
'Of course,' replied Kimborel.
Mishael looked at Kimborel and smiled. It was a nice smile, thought Kimborel. It was a nice smile.
The End

The Glory of Zaphon 2
'You are the glory of Zaphon, Cindradel,' said Saruviel.
'Take your shot,' said Cindradel.
Saruviel smiled, and waggled his butt, lining up and swinging his golf club. The ball went careening down the green. They were at the Kalphona City Golf Club, talking shop.
'I could be good at golf,' said Zakiel, smoking a joint.
'You sure you should smoke that in this district?' queried Saruviel. 'Severe questions.'
'It ain't illegal is it?' asked Zakiel.
'Not technically,' said Saruviel. 'But still.'
'It's an improvement at least,' said Cindradel. 'God Almighty it took long enough to get him off heroin. The marijuana is at least tolerable.'
'The Seraphim's biggest loser,' replied Saruviel, and chuckled.
'Hey, I got a job. Investments too,' said Zakiel.
'Whatever,' replied Saruviel.
'My turn,' said Cindradel. She took aim, swung, and the ball flew up and far. Not as far as Saruviel's but far enough.
'I'll drive the buggie this time,' said Zakiel.
'Like he's a five year old,' said Saruviel.
'Forgive him,' smiled Cindradel.
Zakiel drove them down the green in the golf buggie, Saruviel and Cindradel in the back seat.
'How you finding the new overseer? What's his name?' asked Saruviel.
'Michael the Archangel. Seraphim of Eternity,' replied Cindradel.
'Think I've heard of him. Vaguely,' said Saruviel. He grinned at Cindradel.
'Michael is enjoying a grace period from Daniel,' said Cindradel. 'He's promised an improved attitude for a few millennia in the job. Daniel has not objected too much. He comes in though. Mocks Michael. Tell him to get a life. Same old rivalry.'
'Funny,' said Saruviel. 'Some things never change.'
'But he's heading back to Zionistya once he's done a few things. He studies his foundational policies as overseer a bit. And spends some time up on the tower. Flying around a bit.'
Saruviel looked at Cindradel. 'He still flys?'
'Yeh. Don't you?' replied Cindradel.
'The wings lay dormant,' said Saruviel. 'They have sort of disappeared, but they can come out if I really will it. Just not my style much anymore. You hardly ever see it anymore. Except in the younglings.'
'Fad we grow out of,' said Cindradel.
'More like humans,' said Zakiel. 'We're more like them now. The old angel mentality was fun for a while, but we like business and doing things. Not angels so much like we used to be.'
Saruviel thought that over. 'I suppose that might be true.'
'Yeh,' replied Zakiel.
They reached the balls, and got out of the buggy. 'Tell Michael I might drop around. Lunch or something. Brunch even.'
'I'll do that,' replied Cindradel.
'See what the old fart is up to these days,' said Saruviel. He looked at his ball and the green up ahead. 'Wish me luck,' he said, and took his shot. It rolled into the hole.
'Lucky bastard,' said Zakiel.
Saruviel just grinned.
The End

Gentlemanly Conversation 2
'I'll have the Earl Grey, love,' said Jim Castle.
'And you Talzudiel?' asked Mrs Castle.
'Earl Grey will be fine,' said Talzudiel. Mrs Castle disappeared, off to the kitchen. Jim sat back in his chair and looked at Talzudiel. 'Long time no see, Talzudiel.'
'You could say that,' replied Talzudiel. 'But Winoniel is back in her house next door again, catching up on some old friends for a while. Thought I'd drop around.' Talzudiel looked at the wallpaper. 'Do you ever change that wallpaper?' he asked Jim.
'It's Eternya structure. Like the house in general,' said Jim.
'You've never moved?' asked Talzudiel.
Jim shook his head.
'That's patience,' said Talzudiel.
'Oh, we've restructured though. Believe me we've restructured,' said Jim.
'Looks the same to me,' said Talzudiel, now curious.
'Come with me,' said Jim, standing. 'We'll be right back love,' he yelled to his wife. 'This way Talzudiel.' Jim led the way to the hallway.
'That's new,' said Talzudiel.
'It's an elevator,' said Jim. He pushed the button and the door opened. 'After you,' said Jim. They both went inside. Talzudiel looked at the buttons.
'142 levels,' said Talzudiel. 'All downwards.'
'In a few millennia we are adding in number 143. But for the time being we are satisfied. I'll show you sublevel 1.' He pushed the button and they went down a level. The door opened. They went in.
'My word,' said Talzudiel. 'Books. Thousands of books.'
'Sort of what we started with,' said Jim. 'But each sublevel has its own treasures.'
'And You'll never leave?' asked Talzudiel.
'Don't really think it quite necessary,' said Jim. 'We're settled.'
'I see,' said Talzudiel. 'Fascinating.' They returned upstairs, and Mrs Castle came in with the tea. 'Still retired somewhat?'
'I still do the local rag a few times each year. They recycle the news stories in terms of knowledge a lot. But people always want current events regardless.'
'How it mostly is everywhere,' said Talzudiel.
'Good to see you, Talzudiel.
'Likewise,' replied Talzudiel.
So Talzudiel caught up with an old friend, reminiscing about days gone by, a little impressed with the stability and patience. Definitely food for thought.
The End

By the Power of the Rainbow 2
Graham and Listra sat on the couch.
'It's your turn to remind them who we are,' said Listra.
'No. It's yours,' said Graham.
Callodyn and Kayella came into the room. 'Right, well that's taken care of,' said Callodyn, rubbing his hands. They were in Paradision at Callodyn's place.
'Graham and Listra. Daly,' said Callodyn.
'Our children,' said Kayella.
Callodyn looked at Kayella. 'Yes. Yes, of course they are.'
'How many children do you bloody have, father?' asked Graham.
Callodyn looked at Graham and his eyes turned over. 'Enough,' he said. 'Weren't you two here not that long ago?'
'He remembers,' remarked Listra. 'Amazing.'
'Your Listra!' exclaimed Callodyn.
'She just said that,' replied Kayella. 'Sit down Listra.' Listra sat. Kayella picked up a brush and started brushing Listra's hair.
'What are you doing?' asked Listra.
'Mothering,' replied Kayella. 'Now shush.'
Callodyn looked at his wife and daughter and looked at Graham. 'Right,' he said. 'Ok. Come on Grahs. By the Power of the Rainbow we have footie cards to talk about.
A little later, Callodyn and Graham were in Callodyn's den, Callodyn reaching for another folder of Bulldogs trading cards.
'I've seen enough,' said Graham.
'No worries,' replied Callodyn.
'It's full is it?' asked Graham.
'What is?' asked Callodyn, sitting down in front of his PC.
'Your memory. Your brain. Your mind. It's full is it?'
'It takes a while for it to process,' replied Callodyn. 'There is a lot in there now. But the more I look at you pictures are emerging.'
'Must happen for everyone, I guess,' said Graham.
'I'm very old, you know,' said Callodyn. 'I don't immediately remember things now. It comes after a while, but it can take time.'
'Even your children?' asked Graham.
'My eldest have the same problem,' said Callodyn.
Graham pulled up a seat next to his father. 'I'm married of course. Quite a few kids.'
'Rings a bell,' said Callodyn.
'It's good to see you dad,' said Graham.
Callodyn put his arm around his son. 'If I dig things up, thing will come in. Oh, I have plenty of files on you I would imagine. Just give me some time.'
'That's fine,' said Graham. And they chatted, and the girls had made dinner, and the Power of the Rainbow had grown its next chapter.
The End

Batman and the Silver Fox Flying High 2
'Batman,' said Cosadriel to Azrael, sitting down in 'Az's Place' in Zaphona City.
'Huh?' replied Azrael.
'Batman. And the Silver Fox,' said Cosadriel.
Azrael gave his mate a funny look. 'That vaguely rings a bell. Flying or something.'
'For the Torah Brigade,' replied Cosadriel.
'Shit. That's right,' said Azrael. 'Hey, I think we still have some official paperwork to lodge on that.'
'Probably,' said Cosadriel. 'Golden Dragon wants us for some manouveres. Time to get some fresh training.'
'Not on your life,' replied Azrael. 'I'm a settled man.'
Cosadriel looked at him. 'I'm finally getting ahead. The flying Scotsman has lost his balls.'
'Bah. Never liked it that much anyway. The motor vehicle is my main thing. I drive that through town and have been working on my skills forever. I know the street corners. Were to turn, to the millimetre mate. I know Zaphona City traffic like the back of my hand.'
'Wuss,' said Cosadriel.
'Bah,' said Azrael. He carried on wiping up glasses, looking at Cosadriel. 'What's he want then?'
'The standard thing. A show to impress and inspire. We've used some of our moves, but there is more in the tank. Time to do a few more.'
'Right,' said Azrael. 'Fine. When's training begin?'
'Next week. I'll pick you up and we'll head to the spaceport.'
'Fine,' said Azrael.
The following week they were at the Spaceport. Oshanel was present.
'The Lovecopter is ready to go,' she said.
'We're not going up in that are we?' bemoaned Azrael.
Cosadriel chuckled. 'Yep. We are. The audience is mostly young children from a girl's school. Don't worry, Oshanel will do all the flying. Just sit in tight, and learn the lingo again. We're there mostly for the show.'
'Right,' replied Azrael. 'Well that's alright then. It seemed just to much of a bother quite frankly. I'm quite settled on my car. I know it well. Like my expertise with it. Don't want to get too confused with other bodily machinations.'
'Probably even sensible,' replied Cosadriel.
And so the Lovecopter took to the skies, and Azrael was a bit bothered. He hadn't flew in a long time, and was a settled soul. But he hacked it, and was even now looking forward to the show.
'The Batman and the Silver Fox fly again,' said Cosadriel when they'd finished for the day. Azrael was quite amused.
The End

Slipstream, Tailwind and Gobbledy Gook's Night Out 2
'Yo, Slipstream,' said Talzudiel, coming into the overseer's office in Zaphon.
Michael gave Talzudiel a puzzled look. 'Oh, yeah,' he said after a moment. 'Our Torah Brigade Ids.'
'You up for a night out?' asked Talzudiel. 'Gobbledy Gook is up for it. I'll pay the bills.'
'Gobbledy Gook,' said Michael, thinking that over. 'That's right, Gabriel's codename. And your Tailfeather.'
'Tailwind,' replied Talzudiel.
'Yeh, that's it,' said Michael. 'Tailwind. Look, I'm busy. Studying.'
'Your old protocols,' said Tailwind, sitting down opposite Michael.
'I like to study them here. They are kept in the desk with the other original policies. They are foundational thinking and I get the buzz I need when I study them here.'
'Read you loud and clear, brother,' replied Talzudiel. 'Look, we all need regular time out. Won't get too rude. It's only Az's place.'
'Fine,' said Michael. He closed his book and looked at the clock. He buzzed Cindradel. 'Cinny. I'll be off a little early today. Back at work early tomorrow, though.'
'No problems,' replied Cindradel.
Michael stood. 'Let's go then,' he said. They went to the Overseer's apartment first, and Michael changed. He told Elenniel they were heading off to Az's place and Elenniel said not to stay out too late. And then they hit the town.
'These clowns,' said Azrael.
Cosadriel looked up.
'Batman and the Silver Fox,' said Talzudiel.
'Word got round, did it?' asked Azrael.
'Valandriel is pushing a few things at the moment because of it,' said Talzudiel. 'A few Torah Brigade flight duties.'
'Funny,' said Michael, sitting down at the bar. 'One beer tonight, Azrael,' said Michael. 'Ginger beer afterwards.'
'Gotcha,' replied Azrael.
Kwintakel came up and touched Michael's shoulder. 'Yes, Kwinny,' said Michael.
'It's good to see some sobriety. And I'm not just talking alcohol. Word's got round about your studies and current attitude. Let go of some of the bullshit, haven't you.'
Michael sipped on his beer. 'Well, yes. I do get convicitions. I always have. Jesus taught me a lesson. I didn't ignore it. Daniel has a problem, but I have noticed when I'm doing my job correctly enough he lightens up a lot.'
'What? You making plans to permanently return to the Realm?' asked Cosadriel, eyebrow raised.
'Not quite,' said Gabriel. 'We have had a long talk on these issues. It's another concern.'
'Mainly about the fact that I am the oldest of the Seraphim. And I have to do the job at times. It's my charge from father. Still applies in most legal senses. Especially in the Seraphim Torah.'
Azrael eyed Michael. 'I won't dispute you on that, Michael. That is our foundation.'
'Right,' said Michael. He turned and looked at the bar. 'Haven't been in a while. You don't change it much do you Azrael.'
'He revolves the look on a number of basic patterns,' said Cosadriel. 'Some core items never change. But certain structures come for a while and then go, but inevitably return.'
Michael looked at Azrael. 'That the policy is it?'
'Aye, firstborn. They need a change occasionally. Women have always known this truth. But the heart years for the old days from time to time, so when the timing is good I return to a standard layout. The customers always comment and usually appreciate it.'
'That's probably wisdom, Azrael,' said Gabriel.
'Well, by the black balls of Bartimaeus, I wasn't born yesterday my young son.'
'Daniel,' said Michael. 'He talks that shit all the time.'
'Recent adventures in Kalphora. In the olde world,' said Cosadriel. 'Came back with a few sayings.'
'That one amuses me,' replied Azrael.
'Heard it a bit,' said Cosadriel.
'No kidding,' replied Michael.
'Come on,' said Talzudiel. 'We'll get a table.'
'So Slipstream, Tailwind and Gobbledy Gook enjoyed another night out, and while Azrael made good on Michael's particular request, Talzudiel enjoyed himself and went home a tad more than slightly inebriated.
The End

Hotshit 2
The manouvere was smooth as silk. General Daly observed Hotshit in the battle. He ducked. He weaved. He avoided blunders. He got the enemy. He was Hotshit. The enemy crashed into the ground time and time again. Soon enough the battle was over, and the remaing Colton Federation invaders had departed. Hotshit landed his Star Warrior in a field in the distance. General Daly ordered the driver of the Jeep to get going. They arrived shortly at Hotshit's craft. Ambriel stood there, helmet in hand, sweat on his face.
'Shit. That was tough,' he said.
'Get in,' said General Daly. Hotshit got in the back of the Jeep.
'7 crashed ships. 9 all up, but we'll concentrate on your 7,' said General Daly.
They arrived at the first crash site. Ambriel got out, breathed heavily, and looked over the fallen craft. It was wrecked, and burning. He looked inside. 'He's dead,' he said to General Daly. General Daly nodded. Then, as per the norm, Hotshit dragged the body out and lay it on the ground. He took out a bible, and knelt beside the body. He prayed quietly for a few minutes. Soon he stood and wiped his brow.
'They'll deal with him shortly,' said General Daly. 'We'll go on to the next site.'
In the end they had one survivor. Ambriel argued with him a little, and he was taken away, bruised, but otherwise intact. It had been a hectic couple of hours, and he'd gotten a bit emotional about the deaths. They were in Sheol now. There future beyond that? The usual answers were given. He sat in the jeep as they made the trip slowly back to base.
'It's a dirty job, hotshit,' said General Daly.
'It's our job at times. The oldest have to deal with crap like this,' replied Ambriel.
'Which we do,' said General Daly.
They drove on, the night coming on. Hotshit had been put to the test again. In the real battle scenes it wasn't pleasant. War was never a pleasant affair.
The End

Hotshit Up Shit Creek 2
'Well, you're up shit creek, aren't you,' said Michael to Ambriel, the Hotshit.
'I feel like shit too,' said Ambriel, coming into the overseer's apartment. 'War takes it out of you.'
'Life takes it out of you,' replied Michael. 'I'm recharging these days. Studying Seraphim Torah and my original overseer protocols. I spend time flying around Zaphon Tower. And I talk to God softly at night.'
'He apologizes for some of his bullshit,' said Elenniel.
'We talk about it,' said Michael. 'This life is eternal so never give up as the secret is simple the secret of love.'
'Something like that,' sighed Ambriel, sitting down.
'Would you like some cheesecake?' Elenniel asked Ambriel.
'That'd be fab,' replied Ambriel. Elenniel disappeared off to the kitchen. Michael returned to the folder he was on.
'What's that?' asked Ambriel.
'Dragon's cards. St George Dragon's trading cards. 23rd century Earth ones. Bought a folder's worth last week,' replied Michael.
'It cost him an arm and a leg,' shouted out Elenniel. 'They are going into the archives in a few months.'
'Shit,' said Ambriel. He looked at Michael. 'Archives?'
'Hey. Well. You know. Look, Daniel doesn't have a trademark on personal damn archives, you know,' replied Michael.
Elenniel came in with coffee and cheesecake. 'No, he doesn't,' she replied. 'And we've spent forever listening to his bragging, and have gotten around to a few responses. What's good for the goose...'
'Is good for the gander,' finished Michael. 'So if he thinks he's the richest bastard in eternity. Well, well he might be just that. But I've seen em come and go on the fortune indexes, and while Daniel sits up there constantly, we are slowly making ground these days.'
'Why?' asked Ambriel.
'My young brother. You're not going to allow Daniel to push you around forever, are you?' replied Michael.
'He's responsible enough with his rebukes,' said Ambriel. 'I only listen because I know I should.'
'Be that as it may,' replied Michael. 'I'm an old man. Been around a while, you know. Experience. I respond to things at times. I like to contemplate things. Sometimes an age. But I'm a busy man these days.'
'We both are,' smiled Elenniel. 'And Ariel is not exactly that happy about it. I talk to her. About what we're collecting. Right, she says. Great, she says. That's nice, she says. Jealous as sin.'
Michael chuckled. 'I mean, it's not like Daniel has lost his zing, but the ValDan agenda is getting old. Time to challenge the devil.'
'Funny,' said Ambriel. He looked at his older brother. 'Well, Ok. I'll keep that in mind.'
'You do that, Hotshit. Now let's look at these traders.'
And so Ambriel drank his coffee, ate his cheesecake, and looked over the cards, them dialling up a live match, and enjoying the simpler things in life for once in a while.
The End

The ValDan Agenda
'Right,' said Daniel. 'Time for business.'
'Indeed,' said Valandriel.
''I have a question,' said Sharakondra.
'Shoot,' said Daniel.
'Michael and Elenniel's current spending spree. On hardcore collectible assets,' said Sharakondra.
'That's not a question,' said Daniel.
Sharakondra gave him a look.
'Ok, Ok, I get the point. We've already chatted. It is of no concern. They are that far behind the eightball, it would take Doomsday to get me to bother responding much. But before you say it, it was noted, and we're keeping an ear on the chit chat on the subject.'
'I don't like being bested much. Especially by Elenniel. I'm sort of on the ValDan team forever. Just the way it is now. Don't want Elenniel getting much bragging rights.'
'Right,' said Daniel. He looked at Sharakondra. 'I suppose it be that way.'
'She's loyal to us,' said Valandriel.
'Hey, I shagged you guys a few times. Don't get much more loyal than that,' said Sharakondra.
Daniel grinned softly. 'Yeh. I remember. Don't mention that around Jessica, ok. Hoping she eventually forgets that encounter.'
'I'm not stupid,' said Sharakondra.
'Good to know,' said Daniel. 'Now getting down to business.'
'They're not stupid either,' blurted out Sharakondra.
Daniel looked at her. 'Who's not stupid.'
'Michael. And Elenniel. They're not stupid either. They are even a bit older than us, if you really must know.'
'She's right. They technically are,' said Valandriel.
'I am not stupid. I am perfectly aware of the Seraphim pecking order. Forget about it. They're old farts. Well and truly done,' said Daniel.
'Don't think so,' said Sharakondra. 'I know the trends. They are – ironic.'
'What frikking trends?' asked Daniel, now a little annoyed.
'Buying and selling,' replied Sharakondra.
Valandriel looked at her. 'Is this something we should know?'
'Buying and selling. Of things. Held by people. A whole heck of a lot of old citizens are turning over new leafs these days, and selling off and moving on to greener pastures. Starting again in life. Michael and Elenniel have noted this, and while they are paying top dollar for stuff, believe me they can afford it now,' said Sharakondra.
'Right,' said Daniel, staring at Daniel.
'Shit. Just a sec,' said Sharakondra. She picked up the remote and dialled up a youtube video. Life in the Inner Discs. They watched it. It discussed that in recent ages many citizens had packed up and moved on. And a hell of a lot of them were lightening the load before they moved on. 'See,' said Sharakondra.
Daniel looked at Sharakondra, and looked at Valandriel. 'We have a team which reviews these things from memory.'
'Mustn't have been judged as that critical for us to view just yet,' replied Valandriel.
'Obviously,' said Daniel. He stared at Sharakondra. 'Meeting is dismissed. I have things to do.'
Sharakondra grinned. 'What kind of things?' she asked.
'Never you mind, firstborn cherubim. Never you mind.' But there was a glint in Daniel's eye again, and Sharakondra was ever so pleased.
The End

Zadennuel Strikes Hard
Zadennuel sat in the auction house. His twin Suzandriel was sitting beside him. He pointed.
'Michael. And Elenniel,' replied Suzandriel.
He pointed again.
'Daniel. And Valandriel. Sharakondra too,' replied Suzandriel.
'It's the buzz, again,' said Zadennuel. 'Things are heating up in the Realm of Eternity. A lot of old timers are moving on and a lot of patient souls are taking opportunities.'
'We have enough?' asked Suzandriel.
'We have more than enough. If necessary. But, yes. We have enough,' replied Zadennuel.
'We'll see,' said his twin.
The next item came up for sale. Tim Wonnacot smiled. He had been hired in recent centuries by the Zaphona City Auction House with all the recent fuss. He was the Bargain Hunt TV show host from Ancient Days, and well respected in the industry.
'My friends. We have a lovely item,' said Tim. 'A first printing of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is one of the most sought after items in creation. It is a classic which defines the classics. Nearly the biggest selling book in the world. So, let us begin.'
'50 Googol,' said Michael.
Silence. The room looked at firstborn.
'Well, I'm spent,' said a man, and stood and left. After a few moments 90% of the room emptied, a few diehards remaining out of curiousity. Tim looked at Michael.
'Now, we are serious, aren't we?' asked Tim.
Michael nodded.
Tim looked at the Auction House head. He nodded for Tim to proceed. The money was – big. Like, very big.
'Right. A decent offer,' said Tim. 'Do I have a reply.'
Daniel was nudged by Sharakondra. 'Don't be a pussy,' she whispered.
'It is a lot,' he said. 'We'll need to sell some companies, probably.'
'Don't be a pussy,' she said.
'Dutch courage,' Daniel whispered to himself. He put his hand up.
'We have a counter offer, Mr Daly.
'75 Googol,' said Daniel.
'150 Googol,' Michael replied immediately.
Sharakondra looked at Michael. He was very calm.
'You can let it go,' she said softly.
'Yeh,' said Daniel. He shook his head.
'Very well,' said Tim. He looked at the room.
'500 Googol,' said Zadennuel. 'Cash transfer. Immediate.'
Silence. Great silence. Then gasps.
Michael stood, stretched his legs, and wandered over to Zadennuel. He eyed him. 'Fine,' he said after a while, and walked out of the room.
'We got that?' whispered Suzandriel.
'It's covered,' replied Zadennuel.
Tim looked around. No comments. 'This way, Mr Marrakesh,' he replied. The transfer went through after a few seconds. The Auction House head came over. He smiled. He picked up the book. 'Your book, Mr Marrakesh.'
'Thank you,' replied Zadennuel. He stood, and left the room.
Daniel looked at Suzandriel. She shrugged, and followed her twin.
'We have competition,' said Valandriel.
'No bloody kidding,' replied Daniel, the 45th Seraphim of the Realm of Eternity.
The End