Babylon is Fallen

[Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly]

Babylon is Fallen

The tunnel ran alongside the auditorium The tunnel, at the western entrance, came up a flight of stairs, to the upper world. The school, there, was not what anyone sane would have wanted to be in. It was Christian world. Christian world in a time when the faith had gone, and the works were dead, and the souls were living, but never really alive. It was in Australia, on a planet of Terra in the teens, New Terra 17 to be precise, and the faith of this Catholic School was gone. But most of Christianity throughout the realms was like that now. Dead. Jesus had left the church, and gone to Judaism. Orthodox Judaism. He'd had a revelation - he never had been Messiah at all. So he spoke to Peter and he spoke to Paul, because he'd had enough anyway, and Peter said he would run the Catholic Church just as an organisation, and not much else, and the faith had died, and nobody cared. In the tunnel, there were toilets, and latrines, full of mouldy piss, for the water didn't run very well, and some of the toilets were full of old shit. They only ran a little, and nobody cared much. Kids still came, though, and they didn't care much either. It was a shitty world, and they were only on New Terra 17 for a few hundred years, anyway, before they had to find their place in the universe - the early planets were all settled now - new souls came constantly through procreation, but they would have to leave in time. Just the way it was. It had a spirit, though. The school. It was old. The spirit was full of hate, but it had its melancholy. There was something strangely addictive about it. And beside the underground tunnel was the auditorium It was a basketball one for the most part, but they played other sports. It stank a bit - the whole school stank - and it was hell on innocent kids, for the bullies were mean. David was teaching there. And Callodyn. They had signed up when Jesus had admitted he wasn't Christ. Just a few centuries, and they chose this school. They didn't want to change it, though. They just wanted to watch. To watch the decline of an empire.

'They're almost evil,' said Callodyn. 'These fuckers. I thought I had it tough. These ones give new definition to the word 'Cunt'.'

'It's as bad as a prison,' replied Ambriel.

'Yeh. I think these kids are definitely doing time,' said Callodyn.

The school decayed, in those years. And that world decayed. It was living in something running down, running out of steam, for it was mostly a Christian world, New Terra 17. It was spiritual, there was no denying that, but it was melancholy, for want of a better world, of a world were it wasn't really about evil, because they weren't trying to practice that, and many had noble enough intentions, but it was just so fucking crap. People's attitudes were mostly pathetic. They did their work, but they didn't care. Not much got done. Drug use was rampant, and so was gambling and prostitution. There were old Cathedrals, were drug-users would now congregate. An ancient priest was found here and there, still clinging to the vestments of his faith, but most had left the flock, and left the world, and found their salvation elsewhere. It was life in the body of Christ after the party had ended. And it was hell.

'Babylon is fallen,' said Callodyn to Ambriel, one morning, as the kids walked by.

'Babylon is fallen,' agreed Ambriel.

The End

Kokabiel's Kollector's Korner

'Come to New Terra 17, they said. It will be great, they said. It needs a new injection of industry, they said. IT'S FUCKING HELL, MATE!' said Kokabiel, as Gilgadel settled down with the comic he had for reading. They were at Kokabiel's Kollector's Korner, just around the corner from were Callodyn and Ambriel were schooling kids in a fallen Babylon school - a now reprobate Catholic address.

'I've noticed the smell,' said Gilgadel. 'Mouldy piss.'

'Don't go to the public toilets,' said Kokabiel. 'You'll never be seen again.'

'It didn't take long,' said the Seraphim. 'A few hundred years, and they'd gone to the shit. And now look at them. Keep the faith forever, apparently. But it's all gone. Jesus leaves, and they've fallen to hell.'

'Unclean spirits galore,' said Kokabiel. 'But still...........' he said, trailing off.

Gilgadel looked at his Batman comic for a while, and then turned and looked at his Cherubim brother. 'Still what?'

'The kids. I mean, come on, they are evil. But........'

'But what?'

'But there is something about them. They are sort of looking for something Something to encourage them. To inspire them. To give them a point to this shitty life. Ambs and Cal said we should probably show up. Do our job. Says Jesus can't do that for a long time, otherwise he would be a hypocrite.'

'He's finally admitted it,' said Gilgadel. 'So can't look in and be responsible about things till God has done his business in their salvation.'

'Exactly,' said Kokabiel. 'It is what we are all about.'

'Cool,' said Gilgadel, returning to his comic as the sun came shining through from across the roof of the blocks opposite.

'It's not that bad, though. Right here. In this reading lounge you have set up here. It's a nice view. It doesn't smell inside here.'

'I keep it clean,' replied Kokabiel. 'And I do the plumbing myself when necessary, to make sure it runs smoothly. The kids are told were the toilets here are, and that they can use them whenever they need to. I show them handwashing practices a lot of the time as well.'

'You want me to hang around?' asked Gilgadel. 'I'll work for standard part time wages, right here.'

'That would help,' responded Kokabiel. 'I'll show you the ropes.'

And so, the day passed on New Terra 17, and despite the fallen state of Babylon, a small streamlet of the river of life had flowed in to the planet, and life, despite the general hopelessness of it all, went on.

The End

Michael's Ministry

'I am the Archangel Michael, Lord Supreme of the Realm of Eternity, God's greatest, most powerful, and most majestic angel. I am divinity supreme, glory unparalleled. And I have come to be your saviour,' said Michael.

'Cool,' responded the school kid. 'Could you buy me the Batman comic I want from Kokabiel's Komic Korner. They're just there,' said the kid, pointing across the road at the comic store.

'Verily I shall,' replied Michael. He accompanied the teen as he walked across the street, entered the comic store, and purchased him Batman number 3, a reprint of the ancient DC Comics 52 series Batman number 3.

'I have 3 of them now,' said the kid. 'I'll need number 4 one day. But I can be patient. Maybe a few months from now?' asked the boy, looking up hopefully at Michael.

'Verily you shall have your comic,' said Michael.

The kid smiled, departed, and Michael went over to the lounge of Kokabiel's Komix, and sat down, exhausted. He'd bought about 300 comics so far that week, and it didn't look like it was lightening up any time soon.

'You're their saviour,' said Gilgadel, coming over with two hot chocolates.

'They like the freebies,' said Michael.

'Kokabiel is likings his profit as well. Michael taking care of business.'

'Somebody has to,' replied Michael.

Gilgadel sipped on his chocolate. 'Where are you living, then? Nearly everywhere around here is pretty shitty.'

'Down the street a little. I renovated the place myself with Elenniel's help. It didn't cost much. Nobody wants to live on New Terra 17 anymore. They are leaving in droves.'

'Our job is urban renewal,' said Gilgadel.

'Our job is love,' responded Michael. 'Patching up the holes of what Jesus had to leave behind. Just the way it was always going to be when he got over it.'

'They are pretty nasty holes,' said Gilgadel. 'The local catholic bishop, who is the only priest in this diocese, is beside himself every night. He gets stones thrown at the presbytery regularly. They don't actually confront him, but he has had that many eggs to clean off the churches around here.'

'It will take them a long time to get over it,' said Michael. 'It is only natural, as bizarre as that sounds, this rage. This bitterness. She's going through death throes, and not sure of what is on the other side of it all.'

'So we lick her wounds and comfort her. Is that it?' asked Gilgadel.

'Something like that,' said Michael sombrely.

Michael sat there, sipping on his chocolate, watching the world pass on by. Traffic was sparse these days, but there was some. People did a shitty job at the moment, but still, technically, the work was being done. Michael had applied for a councilman's advisory job on the city council, for this city of New Bridlington, the city they were currently dwelling in, and they had said it would be reviewed, but likely to be approved. And Michael, with his aeons of experience, knew what was required. He didn't even have to consult God. He just knew. Hope. Restoring hope, bringing new life, and reawakening that spirit in all men which, when it finally found the light at the end of the tunnel, invariably responded with an effort to try once more. Hope was here now. And the Children of Destiny were also present, and they would do their part, and restore and renew this city and, in time, this nation and world. And the others, for there were many planets now like New Terra 17. It wouldn't be easy, but hard things never were. But it needed to be done - it had to be done - and were bitterness remained, they would bring new life, and encourage the faithful to try once more, and find their life again in Jehovah God their king.

The End

Life in New Bridlington

Elenniel smelt the air. It still ponged, but in the last few years, less. It had started to improve. She looked out over the block of building opposites, scraper blocks, old and dirty looking brick buildings, English spirit, a dread feeling world from the 19th century in many ways, but it was modern enough. It had started happening, now, as she looked northwards at the block of buildings, and the winter sun in the sky above them. It had started improving in New Bridlington, and on New Terra 17. The Children of Destiny had been weaving their magic. Down the road, west from where she was, and then around the corner to the south on the opposite side was Kokabiel's Komic Korner. Michael, her twin, stood on the opposite side of the road, were kids from the Catholic school just down the road south a little came by after school, and, being the best Superman he could be, he bought them comics, and encouraged them in life. He was her hero. Every night he came home and talked to her about his adventures, she silently smiled at him, and was extra passionate in their lovemaking, doing the things he liked. She worked across the road in a dentists, as a dental assistant, and they had become the most in demand dentists in the city since she began working there. And life, really, just went on. In the wake of the departure of Jesus as Christ - life, just, went on. They were starting to get over it.

'You know,' said Meludiel. 'I do like that picture. Despite its desolate nature, it is strangely comforting.'

'Depressing brick of this ruddy city,' said Aquariel. 'And you find it comforting? Interesting.' She stood from the couch of Michael and Elenniel's Penthouse apartment, which was really just a top floor apartment, and walked over to the picture of a factory.

'It belongs in industrial Britain,' said Aquariel.

'This whole city is like that,' said Elenniel.

'That is what I am finding too,' said Meludiel. 'Haven't been here long, but it's like a step back in time.'

'It is all they really wanted out of life, Michael tells me,' said Meludiel. 'Comfortable old spirit. Their Catholic faith. Nothing much else wanted for New Terra 17.'

'Technology is advanced enough,' said Aquariel.

'21st century sort of technology, but a lot from earlier eras as well,' replied Elenniel. 'There is quite a mixed bunch of those eras in this world. The way it wanted to be, I guess.'

'New Terra 16. Nothing but Hawaii,' said Aquariel. 'From that to this. But God never worked logically in many ways. Culture just came in God's time, as he saw fit.'

'Perhaps,' said Elenniel.

They resumed their seats, and Elenniel poured them each a fresh batch of tea.

'I guess it's back to work tomorrow, then?' queried Meludiel to Elenniel.

'Pretty much,' replied the Firstborn female of the Seraphim angels of the Realm of Eternity. 'But I know the place well, now. And, despite the smell, and shoddy lifestyle in many parts, life is ok here. We're making a difference, you know. Michael believes that with his whole heart. We are making a difference.'

'And that is what it is all about,' said Aquariel.

'Amen to that,' said Meludiel.

And so the Children of Destiny chatted on that day, and life passed on New Terra 17, but it was a steadily improving life after the departure of the spirit of the Christ Child and, it seemed, there was a hope, after all. There was a light at the end of the dark and dismal tunnel.

The End

Jerahmeel's Jollicles

'Jerahmeel's Jollicles, huh?' queried Raguel the Seraphim.

'Yep,' replied Jerahmeel, Seraphim male of the Realm of Eternity.

'And what exactly is a Jollicle?' asked Raguel.

Callodyn stood, and grabbed his crotch and said 'He's got me by the ruddy Jollicles.'

Jerahmeel grinned a little, but ignored his Cherubim brother, and looked at Jerahmeel. 'Well?'

'Iceblocks,' said Jerahmeel the Papua New Guinean, smiling. 'I'm opening up next door to Kokabiel, down Yardley street.

'Michael's on Yardley Street. Him and Elenniel, aren't they?' Raguel asked Callodyn.

'Further East than Kokabiel's,' replied Callodyn. 'Kokabiel's is on the south-West corner of Yardley and Crimson Street intersection. The Catholic school is fruther down south on Crimson Street, on the Eastern side, were I and Ambs teach.'

'Where is Elenniel's dentist?' asked Raguel.

'Yardley Street. Opposite were they live on the street level,' replied Callodyn.

'So. Jerahmeel's Jollicles on Yardley,' said Raguel, looking at Jerahmeel.'

We are hoping to get a lot of the schoolkids, naturally. A lot drift down Yardley from the School after school hours,' said Jerahmeel.

'It's when Kokabiel gets a lot of business,' said Callodyn. 'From Michael a lot of the time as well.'

'He buys the kids comics,' said Jerahmeel to Raguel. 'He's being Superman. A good example for them.'

'He's a very good example,' said Ambriel, not looking up from his chess game with Callodyn. 'We could do well to look to his conduct to learn from it.'

'Shut up kemosabe. No hero worship. It's your move,' said Callodyn, focusing Ambriel's attention on the game of chess between them.

'Do you want to work for me? Muriel has agreed. I could use an accounts manager and a janitor?' Jerahmeel asked Raguel, looking hopeful.

'It stinks a lot here,' said Raguel.

'Why we are here. To clean it up,' said Jerahmeel.

Raguel picked up a copy of the Batman comic on the table between them. 'Pay me in comics,' he said.

'I thought you would have had them all by now,' replied Jerahmeel. 'What, are you missing issues or something?'

'No. Just pay me in comics, and make it DC. Start with More Fun number one, and work through them all. I'll be buying an apartment nearby Michael and Elenniel's. I'll need a huge comic collection.'

'Why?' asked Jerahmeel.

'It's time I had another kid. I'll settle him down in apartment, send him to school in that school, and he can work for your Jollicle company when I'm finished.'

'Wonderful,' said Jerahmeel, holding Raguel's arm and smiling at him.

Ambriel looked at Callodyn. 'That's an idea. What do you think?'

'A couple to replace you and me when we leave? Is that what you are driving at?' replied Callodyn.

'I guess so,' said Ambriel, looking at the chess set.

'Mmm. Katy has been looking quite hot recently. I'll send her an email. See if she can come around.'

The chat went on, and New Terra 17 life was improving yet again, a new breed of citizens, seemingly, on the horizon. A new hope being born, a fresh start for a forlorn world.

The End

Spaz's Place

'Who the hell is Spaz?' asked Cosadriel.

'Spazandrael,' replied Kwintakel. 'He's my boy. 18 years old, and full of life. Azrael calls him Spaz.'

'Spaz?' Is he Azrael's.

Kwintakel shifted her feet. 'I think so,' she said nervously.

Cosadriel raised his eyebrow. 'Well?' he asked, starting to smile.

'Well, he better be,' said Kwintakel. 'Anyway, he's going into his old man's business. We're starting Spaz's place. On New Terra 17. Opposite Jerahmeel's Jollicles in New Bridlington.'

'Yeh, I heard about that,' said Cosadriel. 'They asked me to come and visit.'

'Well. Why don't you,' said Kwintakel.

Cosdariel eyed the scots lady. 'I'll think about it,' he replied.

* * * * *

A few months later, on Yardley Street in New Bridlington on New Terra 17, opposite Kokabiel's Kollector's Korner and Jerahmeel's Jollicles, 'Spaz's Place' had been born.

Inside...

'Now, remember,' said Azrael. 'If'he's from Iceland, he's barred entry.'

'Gotcha dad,' said Spazandrael.

Cosadriel walked through the door.

'My favourite Icelander,' said Azrael, opening his arms in welcome.

Spaz looked at Cosadriel and his dad, and shook his head at the old hypocrite.

'So what do you think of Spaz's place?' asked Azrael. 'Do you like the donkey head above the bar?'

Cosadriel looked at the donkey head. 'He's a Connelly, that donkey. They all are,' said Cosadriel.

'He's a comedian,' shouted Azrael to Spazandrael.

'Right,' nodded Spaz.

'Dickhead,' said Azrael to Cosadriel, under his breath.

'Bite me,' replied Cosadriel, under his breath.

Kwintakel walked in from the back room. 'Oh, I see the entertainment has arrived.'

'This place. It kinda freakin smells a bit,' said Cosdriel, waving his hands in front of his nose.

'We've all noticed that,' said Kwintakel. 'They have a lot of plumbing challenges on New Terra 17. Other problems also.'

'You should be right at home,' said Cosadriel to Azrael. 'It smells just like Scotland.'

'A comedian,' shouted Az to Spaz. Then, under his breath to Cosadriel. 'Asshole.'

'Bite me,' replied Cosadriel.

'Dad said you might want to work for me for a while,' said Spazandrael.

'Michael suggested I have a kid here. I guess so. He can work for you, in time, I suppose,' replied Cosadriel.

'That's the spirit,' said Azrael, patting Cosadriel on the back.

Cosadriel was about to insult Azrael, but softened. 'Yeh, my Scottish friend. I suppose I can have another one. Working here won't be too bad for the kid.'

'I'm sure he'll fit right in,' said Spazandrael, and turned to look at some office notes with his mother.

Azrael and Cosadriel sat down.

'The aftermath of Jesus legacy,' said Az. 'Apparently the city was a riproaring economy once. It just died when Jesus left his messiah claim in the dirt.'

'Kwintakel says its slowly recovering,' replied Cosadriel.

'It is,' said Kwintakel out loud. 'Why it needs you. Needs a touch of Cosadriel's love.'

'As bizarre as that sound,' said Azrael. 'She's right. We need a kid of yours. My boy will work well with him. He'll be the life and the death of the party here, Saddy.'

'Yeh, yeh. I here you,' replied the Icelandic Seraphim. 'I guess I'll see if Oshanel is in the mood when I get home.'

'Better yet. Bring her here,' said Azrael. 'We can put you up for a while.'

'I guess so,' said Cosadriel, looking around the bar. 'Not sure she'll like the smell, but we can put up with it for a while.'

'She'll feel right at home in no time,' said Azrael.

'I'll bet,' replied the Seraphim.

And so they chatted on, and the day passed, and new life continued in New Bridlington, and new destinies were born.

The End

The Adventures of Joe Hoe

'Joe Hoe, huh,' said Spaz. 'An interesting name.'

'Yep,' replied Joe. 'I'll have a beer.'

Cosadriel came out from the back room with a carton of spirits and looked at the old man.

'For fuck's sake. Who let him in?' queried Cosadriel.

'You know him?' asked Spazandrael.

'He is the worst sort of scum,' replied Cosadriel.

'Cheers,' said Wolfgang, lifting the freshly poured beer to Cosadriel's honour.

God found a seat, and Cosadriel, finishing up behind the bar, came and sat down next to him, a large schooner of ale with him.

'So. You've graced us with your presence at last,' said Cosadriel.

'Jerahmeel had a new flavour of Ice Block never before released,' said God. 'He's had the rights on it for aeons.'

'What flavour?' asked Cosadriel.

'Lemon Jungle, he calls it. A sweet lemon flavour with a bit of curry in it. It is actually quite distinct and refreshing,' replied God.

'I'll have to try one,' said Cosadriel, sipping on his ale.

God looked around the bar and noticed the stage at the back.

'People perform here?' he asked.

'Luladiel, currently,' said Cosadriel. 'Every Friday night. Callodyn sits down the back and cheers her on wildly.'

'Sounds interesting,' said God. 'I'll have to drop by.'

'You do that,' replied Cosadriel. The Seraphim looked at God. 'So, what have you been up to?'

'My usual adventures,' replied Joe Hoe. 'Lecturing in a Scandinavian community on New Terra 774 ironically.'

'Yeh, I know the planet,' said Cosadriel. 'Very primitive. First century of the common era culture, for the most part. Pre-Christian community.'

'Still idolatry based people, somewhat,' replied God. 'There religion has legal status with me, and I have been correcting them mildly on some pertinent points of inter-relationship between Asatru and Torah. They are making the necessary corrections as we speak.'

'The Adventures of Joe Hoe. What else would you expect,' grinned Cosadriel.

'I get up to regular stuff as well,' replied God. 'All sorts of stuff.'

'Try me,' replied Cosadriel.

'Goat wrestling,' said God. 'There is a Chilean community in Terraphora who have an annual Goat Wrestling festival. For sport.'

'Fascinating,' said Cosadriel.

'Whale riding,' replied God.

'That sounds impressive,' said Cosadriel. 'What is involved with that?'

'A harness is attached to a whale, which you are fitted into, and you are given breathing apparatus. Then the whale is released and off you go. It can get really wild.'

'Fab,' said Cosadriel, and yawned. 'I suppose you have a life,' he said, and sipped on his ale.

God dag deep. 'Skinny dipping in Antarctica,' replied God. Cosadriel yawned again.

'Hunting dinosaurs in Brazil. With a bow and arrow,' said God, hopeful. Cosadriel just gave him a 'Please' look.

Finally, God had his response. 'I had to stay home while Rihanna was having her monthly, and her mother lectured me all the time,' said God, and sighed.

'Fuck,' said Cosadriel. 'I feel for you buddy. You must have been through literall hell.'

'Tell me about it,' said God, relieved.

And so the boasting continued in Spaz's place, and Joe Hoe's Adventures were the flavour of the day, as another fine afternoon passed in the world of New Terra 17, a fine day of destiny for the children and angels of God.

The End

Michael's Favourite Jollicle

Michael surveyed the range of Ice Blocks.

'What do you choose?' he asked the teen.

'What do you recommend?' asked the teen.

Michael looked at them all. 'I've always liked sherbet supreme. It has a lovely blast to it.'

'That sounds good,' said the girl.

'There is always Blueberry Heaven,' said Michael. 'Elenniel likes that particularly.'

'Ok,' said the angel girl.

'It's hard to decide, actually, sweetie. Can't my daughter choose herself?'

The 15 year old looked at all of Jerahmeel's Jollicles. 'I don't know. You choose,' she said.

Jerahmeel, who was serving today, looked at Michael. 'Shandrakrystel is such an obedient child. Let's her parents make all her decisions.'

'Let me bloody choose one, dumb arse,' said Callodyn's boy, Blundrakel. 'I'll make up your bloody mind.'

'Little shit,' said Michael under his breath.

Blundrakel hovered over the freezer. 'How about Orange Blossom. I know its a bit gay, but it tastes good.'

'I suppose,' said Shandrakrystel, smiling at the boy in the year above her in class.

'Raspberry Thunder is always a cracker,' said Blundrakel.

'Whatever you like,' said Shandrakrystel, and played with her hair.

'Humph,' said Michael. 'I'll choose. Killer Kola. That will do. It's always been my favourite Jollicle.'

'I'll have a Killer Kola too,' said Callodyn, reaching for his wallet.

'I'll have one too dad, if that's ok,' said Blundrakel to Callodyn. Callodyn nodded.

'Well I'll have a Lemonade Supreme,' said Michael. 'I'll try something different for a change.'

'Coming up,' said Jerahmeel.

A little later they were down the road a little, further west on Yardley, on the south side, in the park there. The kids had finished their iceblocks, and were on a see-saw, chatting to each other.

'She likes him,' said Michael to Callodyn.

'I noticed,' replied Callodyn.

'Must be the Elenniel in her. A soft spot. I'd have too much sense to dilly dally with that hooligan,' said Michael.

Callodyn glared at Michael, but said nothing.

'Are you sure he's all there? He seems a little thick,' said Michael.

Callodyn looked at Michael. 'You know, Mikey. You've done real proper by teaching the younguns good values and stuff. An we really appreciate it suh. Don't blow it,' he said, more seriously his last words.

'She'd be an idiot to marry him,' said Michael, smiling, looking at the kids.

Callodyn just licked on his Ice Block.

The End

The Offices of Shangri La Corporation

'Shangri La. Dedicated 'Heaven on my Mind' escape adventures. We are the best in the business, universally. Our office here on New Terra 17 has hosted many adventures since debuting last fall, and we continue our work with skill, dedication, and the zeal to awaken New Terran's to all of life's possibilities. I'm Gandel the Seraphim, and I would like to say to you men and women of the press, we are here for keeps, and my son here, young Arjundiel, is dedicated to giving the best of escapes from Mundania to all who call on our services. Thank You.'

When the press had gone, Arjundiel looked out of the office, at the small park beneath. They were on Yardley Street in New Bridlington, right near the other children of destiny who had settled in this town centre CBD area. They were the new life for the New Terra 17 - that had become apparent. He was 23 years old now, had been born in the Realm of Eternity, but had always been prepared for this life ahead of him. It was his destiny, so his father Gandel, maintained.

'Dad. Michael and Callodyn. And there kids,' said Arjundiel to Gandel, who came over, looked down at the angels, and nodded.

'A small world at the moment,' said Gandel, and Arjundiel smiled at his father.

Later, sitting in front of his PC, he had 'Adventure Plan Creation' document open. It was a template. He'd done 3 or 4 of them by now, and now had to come up with something new. A new adventure escape to cheer people up.

'Something new,' he thought to himself. Then inspiration.

He typed down, 'Treasure Hunt. Teams of 3 players each, minimum of 5 teams. Find all the items around the city, and win the prize.'

'Not bad,' said Gandel, over his shoulder.

'Oh,' said Arjundiel.

'Work on it,' said his father. 'We could use that idea if it is well developed.'

Arjundiel nodded, and got to thinking.

Shangri La was a recent phenomenon, Gandel having started the first of the Escape Club's in Terraphora just a few years back, but with the recent fuss over New Terra 17, they had started an office here to play their trade. It was a family affair. Heaven on my Mind was a subsidiary corporation of Shangri La, a registered company Gandel had owned forever. It was new, and just starting out, but Arjundiel was to be the head of this division of Shangri La, and all his training so far had been about this work.

'Heaven on my mind, heaven on my mind,' said the young Indian to himself, as he looked at the screen.

The day passed, and his dad had gone home at 5, leaving him in the office alone, with a cleaner who had just come in. It was Shivana. A distant relative of the family. She was only young. 17.

'Hello Shivana,' said Arjundiel.

Shivana nodded, and continued on with her cleaning.

Arjundiel opened his shirt a little, and smiled at her. 'Are you a virgin?' he asked her.

She nodded softly.

He stood, and opened his fly, and pulled out his erect phallus.

'Well?' he said, looking at her.

'My parents,' she said. 'What will they say?'

'You like me don't you?' he said, pressuring her softly.

'You would have to marry me. We are a respectable family.'

He sat down, and thought it over. He was 23, not looking to marry so quickly necessarily, but didn't mind the look of Shivana. He reached into his desk and pulled out a small ring box. He opened it and showed it to her. It was a lovely ruby ring.

'I bought this just for the hell of it. You seem pretty enough. Marry me, and fuck me now if you say yes.'

She put down her vacuum cleaner handle, and sat down on the spare seat.

'Will you be faithful? Will you stay loyal?' she asked him.

'I hardly know you. But I know you well enough from what I've seen. Sure. Whatever. Why not. I lost my virginity at 15, but haven't been with another woman since. You will do I guess.'

She looked at him, and looked at his penis. She was shy, but didn't actually mind the forwardness of the proposal. Arjundiel obviously liked what he saw.

'Ok,' she said.

'Good,' he replied.

She looked at him, and his eager face, and slowly disrobed. Soon she was naked.

'Turn around. And put your hands on the table,' he said.

She obeyed, and he came up behind her, put his manhood into her, and after he had broken her hymen and cleaned off the blood, started fucking her.

Soon he came. She grunted a bit on him, and had enjoyed it.

A few weeks later she told him she was pregnant. He told his father, who said that he would have to go through with the wedding then, and he agreed. She was a nice enough girl.

God caught up with Arjundiel in Spaz's place a little later, after the marriage, and when Arjundiel had settled down with a home loan, and was doing his job.

'She suit you?' he asked his grandson.

'Shivana? She's fine,' replied Arjundiel.

'Did you like your piece of ass? I knew you were desperate for some. I hope you can commit to what you got.'

Arjundiel felt guilty, but nodded. 'She will do just fine. She's only a bloody wife. It isn't the Spanish bloody Inquisition.'

And God smiled, and Arjundiel smiled back, and got on with life for Shangri La, another Child of Destiny finding his way in the world.

The End

Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly and Mary Elizabeth O'Donnell II

Mary sat with Daniel in the basement level ANM Assembly Hall in New Bridlington on Yardley Street on New Terra 17. Upstairs was the Dentist which Elenniel worked at, and they owned the downstairs basement, which they had agreed to rent out to the ANM for meetings.

'While I acknowledge that Noahide Friends of Catholicism has survived reasonably well in this post-Christian era, do you really think Fallen Babylon wants to know?' asked Mary.

Daniel, the 347th Male Cherubim of the Realm of Eternity, talking with his twin, Lourdes Ciccone, looked up at Mary. 'Lourdes thinks so. It's her idea, so we'll run with it.'

'Mother thinks we need to do something here, as the Children of Destiny are congregating,' said Lourdes. 'I've known about this movement forever, and thought it would work well here. Give people something familiar they still crave, but won't conflict with what they now know.'

'I don't know,' said Mary, looking at an Assembly Music Book. 'I've been talking with people and they resent Jesus more than anything else now. I'm not sure if our message will come across well.'

'We can only try,' said Daniel.

'We can only try,' agreed Lourdes.

That evening, with the turnout of 7 souls, apart from Daniel, Lourdes and Mary, they clapped the praise song, for it was a semi-charismatic style they were working with, Daniel kept his eye on the gathered flock to see if any would make for the door. They did that in Charismatic things a lot. He let them - that was his policy - when others would try and ask what was going on. If they didn't try to stay he wouldn't force them. But he gave an altar call at the end of the service, and asked if anyone wanted to confess their sins to God, and get right with him, and 2 of the ladies came forward, and finally a gentleman, and they prayed the sinners prayer, and one of them said they felt better.

'Hope for the hopeless. Are you sure that's the best of inspiring songs we should work with?' asked Mary, after the service had ended. 'Do you think they really want to be reminded.'

'People can be brutally honest about their situation when it comes right down to it,' responded Daniel. 'I think they take hope out of that song.'

'Let's hope so,' said Lourdes, who had gathered up the song books, and was shifting around on her feet, looking for something to do.

'Are you settled into your place?' Mary asked Lourdes.

Lourdes looked at Daniel. 'Yes. Sort of.'

Mary looked at Lourdes, and looked at Daniel, and said nothing more. Something seemed to be going on between them by the looks of it.

'Well, let's hope we can bring that hope to New Bridlington,' said Mary positively.

'You bet,' said Lourdes, who gathered her leather jacket and keys and mobile, smiled at Mary, and went up to Daniel, kissed him on the cheek, and said something softly to him, and left.

Daniel finished with his notes, and Mary stood in front of him. 'What was all that about then?'

Daniel looked at Mary for a long time, sighed, and said, 'An eternity of agro dealt with,' he said, and said nothing more. Mary didn't make any further inquiries.

The End

Praise

'Callodyn. Why do we praise God anymore?'

Callodyn looked at Kayella. 'Well, I don't, really. Not really. Sort of gave that away a while ago. I've worked a lot of him out now. He really is mainly a Jewish God, with a Pro-Jewish agenda, and doesn't particularly care for non-Jewish people very much. I was in the throne room a few centuries ago and he said to me 'WELL, YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO CONVERT TO JUDAISM, THEN?'

I responded I wasn't, and he said, 'I HAVE NO NEED FOR NON-JEWISH PEOPLE.' It was the last time he spoke with me, and I think its the last time I'll speak with him.'

'Yeh,' replied Kelly softly. 'I get that from Elenniel. Says she doesn't expect to fellowship with us eternally. Says she and Michael are going to Israel in Terraphora one day, and never leave. That they have seen the end of their witness, and it will do. If people don't want to join them, then that is their business.'

'Well, it's Noahide eternal for me,' said Callodyn. 'I can live without Jehovah. I never really agreed with a lot of what he did anyway.'

Kayella came close. 'I never really liked him. He was always too dogmatic for me.'

And the Children of Destiny, whom the Universe of Life favoured, spoke their eternal words, and life went on in New Bridlington, another day of truth.

The End

Separation

Michael was no longer Superman. He, Ambriel, the others - when Wolfgang had shown up one afternoon to each of them, and, in the way he did things, to Israel and the Abrahamic people throughout the world and realms, they retreated into their enclaves, their own lands, and built up walls and fences and barriers, and closed themselves off from the rest of mankind and angelkind.

A witness had been given - and a separation had come.

Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly took the lead, and organized the building of mankind's own walls, in response, not far away from Israel's. The walls were twice the size, impenetrable, stable, solid, non-threatening, but non-climbable from both sides. They were basic, bare - and eternal.

Noah sat with Daniel after that, and agreed that the Rainbow Bible as it stood would do fine. Morality and justice could be drawn from it. But a new section - which they titled 'Life Goes On', would be added to the Rainbow Bible, and they would start working through morals and teachings and life principles, garnered from their experience, which they would apply spiritually and religiously, with themselves as the chief iconoclasts of faith, to be their own witness for the future of mankind. Because they were happy enough to do that, to set that example, and be that icon of faith which people could rely upon.

And, after a few centuries, when people had settled down, and life had continued just that - going on - God was talked of gradually less and less, and the new morality replaced it, which wasn't humanistic or atheistic, because it didn't forget that God had made them and the world, but was a positive morality which helped people, reminded them that this was life, and it was their choice to live it, encouraged them to do so, and to make something of it. And that was enough for people, and life went on.

'You happy enough?' Lourdes asked Daniel Daly, one afternoon.

'Yeh. Relieved, if anything. Pressure is gone. A happiness in my soul is there now. It was always this melancholy of subtle depression. It's gone now. I have a real point now. A good reason to really work on this faith, and give hope to people. I'm more alive than I've ever been.'

Lourdes touched his hand, and they continued preparing for the evening service of Noahide Friends of Catholicism, which no longer had Jesus as an Icon, after the revisions, but a Catholic feel remained, and life went on. Life went on.

The End

Callodyn and Cosadriel

'You like fishing?' asked Cosadriel.

'Scotsmen like fishing,' said Callodyn.

'Come on, you're a Celt. Celt's love fishing,' said Cosadriel.

Cosadriel looked out from the fish and chip cafe at the gathering storm. 'In that weather?'

'Try Azrael. It's his bloody town. Half the people here are his own clan descendants.'

'Why they are so smelly,' said Cosadriel.

'They smell good and proper,' said Azrael, returning to the table with thee serves of fish and chips.

'What is this town called again?' asked Callodyn.

'Smalby,' replied Azrael.

'Great name,' said Callodyn, looking at Cosadriel. 'Ok. Fine. If you dare.'

'We're going fishing. In that,' said Cosadriel, pointing to the swell coming.

'You'll frikkin drown,' said Azrael.

Cosadriel and Callodyn set off, and hired a small fishing boat, and came a kilometre off shore, set down the anchor, and started fishing. Callodyn had a life buoy two feet from him, ready to use it, and as the swell got intense, Cosadriel just smiled at him.

'You're crazy,' said Callodyn to Cosadriel, as the storm continued.

'You want to quit?' asked Cosadriel, looking mean.

The radio crackled, and Azrael's voice was heard. Callodyn went inside to answer it.

'Are ye frikkin comin back to shore?' asked the Scotsman.

Callodyn gave Cosadriel a long hard glare, and replied 'We'll see you in the morning.'

The storm was wild all night, and they fished all night. They caught a few as well. The boat rocked, but Cosadriel just gave Callodyn that rock hard glare, and he didn't complain.

In the morning the storm had passed, and they returned to shore.

'A good catch,' said Azrael. 'We'll pay you handsomely for them.'

Callodyn nodded, and Cosadriel took his cash later, and patted Callodyn on the back.

'You passed, Celtic bastard,' said Cosadriel. 'I won't do that again to you. But you now have the balls to hang with Azrael and Cosadriel.'

Callodyn smiled. 'Thank God for that,' he replied dryly, and the Icelanders grin summed it all up.

The End

Life's Rules

'If you treat others kindly, remember they might not care at all. But many will probably appreciate. Life doesn't have any rules for how people choose to behave or respond. They might think you have ulterior motives in your kindness, or they might simply not give a damn. Others, still, might be kind and grateful. There is a diverse array of life and thought in humanity, and there is a diverse array of reaction to what we say and do. But the bottom dollar of the new teaching of the Rainbow Bible,' continued Callodyn, 'Is that we HAVE chosen life, and life principles, and life affirmation ideas, and oppose concepts of evil in general. Torah had a lot to say - and the early Rainbow bible was based on Torah inspiration. But we have progressed in life, as God just wants his private club now, so we move on as well from him, and continue to grow and develop, holding fast to principles of life and morality which work, being those things the Advancing Noah Movement has dedicated itself upon, and continuing to let go of evil and death. Life moves on. Life continues to grow and develop. Our job is to respond to it with our accumulated wisdom and understanding, and to seek the continued eternity of this life, for the betterment of all. Thank you.'

He sat, and they clapped at the Noahide Friends of Catholicism meeting in New Bridlington, and Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly gave a short speech, and they departed for the evening.

They were at MacDonalds, after the service, further west on Yardley Street, further down past 'Spaz's Place' on the corner of Yardley and Armstrong, the next north-south way after Crimson street.

'That went well,' said Daniel. 'Positive. People seemed happy with what you had to say.'

'I think so,' replied Callodyn.

'It was good,' said Lourdes, reaching for a french fry, seated comfortably next to Daniel.

'He has a touch,' said Luladiel.

Mary O'Donnell, in the next cubicle, sitting next to Jerahmeel, spoke up. 'You need to work hard at the moment. There are life ideas out there, now, with this new move from God. This Separation. A range of fresh copyrightable information on spirituality has been born, stuff never known before, and we need to get it before it's all gone. It's always been like that, with new developments. The information gets released, and then is swallowed up by the early bird,' aid Mary.

Callodyn looked at Daniel, and they nodded to each other. They were their thoughts exactly.

'So dig deep, Danny Boy,' said Jerahmeel, and have a Sprite on me,' he said, holding up his cup of sprite lemonade. The group laughed, but Callodyn nodded to himself. Time to dig deep. Time to unearth the new agenda, and come out on top, in true Callodyn the Cherubim style.

The End

One to Six

'One, two, three, four, five and Six,' said Kantriel. 'All fucked off to Israel in Terraphora, leaving you in charge, mate. And they took care of the Saruvim of Infinity by bringing them into their world so as not to leave us with a headache. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel & Phanuel all fucked off to Israel, Logos, Metatron and Memra returned home permanently, which is also sealed off, and Saruviel sits on the throne of Zaphon, with no challenger but Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly the Cherubim.'

'Let him come,' said Saruviel, polishing a sword from house Darvanius.

'Your a fucking nutter,' said Daraqel. 'You think the rest of the angels are just gonna roll over and let you play God?'

'Well, they need one now,' said Saruviel. 'And I fit the bill perfectly,' he said in the most sarcastic of tones.

'The bill of imbecile,' said Krystabel, knitting over the side of the throneroom of Zaphon.

Saruviel had arranged for a pompous throne to replace the throne of God, whose light had died recently, the eternal flame no longer shining in Zaphon, and he sat on it, and looked quite proud.

'Ok. I'm being a dickhead,' said Alexander. 'Let me be. Get it off my chest.'

'Your good at being a dickhead as well,' replied Kantriel.

'Very qualified,' said Daraqel.

'Long live Saruviel the dickhead,' said Kantriel.

'All hail,' said Daraqel.

'My first decree,' said Saruviel. 'Bring me Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly the Cherubim. We have a new order to work out, and the Seraphim rule. What, there is about 45 of us now remaining, or something like that, so it's time to see who runs the show.'

'Just a council,' said Krystabel. 'Don't get ahead of yourself dear husband.'

Saruviel bowed to his twin. 'Ok, ok. I get the point. But let me have my fun first,' he replied, and she nodded, continuing on with her knitting.

'BRING ME THE HEAD OF DANIEL THOMAS ANDREW DALY THE CHERUBIM,' said Saruviel dramatically.

'Yes sire,' said Daraqel grinning madly.

And another new adventure began.

The End

The Meeting

'You are scum,' said Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly to Saruviel, in the throneroom.

Daniel had been officially arrested, was in handcuffs, and was standing before the 'Most Supreme and Glorious, radiant and perfect, Divine Holiness of Pontifical Excellence, His Majestic Brilliance, Saruviel the Magnificent.'

'Saruviel the asswipe,' replied Daniel, to the Minstrel's bellow.

'We shall have council,' said Saruviel. 'There are 45 Seraphim and most of the Cherubim remaining, and God is gone forever - good riddance I say - so we shall have council, and your Seraphim Son Daniel shall no longer be Arch-Regent, for we are equals upon the Council of the Realm of Eternity.'

Daniel wanted to spit at Alexander, but thought better of it.

'Ok. It's a new paradigm, ok then. We will get our future glory elsewhere. I swear off the campaign of Daniel's for the future, and agree to abide by Council rule. I think you are right anyway, as Theocracy and Monarchy don't represent as fairly as democracy.'

'We are a Monarchical council,' replied Saruviel. 'And we will take turns in the chairman, running through the list of remaining Seraphim and Cherubim, a period of a Million years of service each, starting with myself, as I am the eldest. From eldest to youngest. We shall consider the Ketravim in time.'

'Fine,' replied Daniel. 'Now get these cuffs off me.'

Saruviel came down off the throne, took the key from the guard, and undid Daniel's cuffs.

'Now you play fair,' said Saruviel to Daniel. 'We're in charge now, and the world needs good role models. You have learned to be a good role model, haven't you?'

'I think I've figured that out brother,' said Daniel, patting Saruviel on the back. Let's go to the cafeteria.

A little later they were in Zaphon cafeteria, drinking Coca Cola, and Daniel began.

'It's NEW life. It's OUR life. I always had relationship problems with God. It didn't work the best. We didn't see eye to eye on a lot of shit. But I wasn't stupid. He was God. But now that he's fucked off, its a relief more than anything. And I looked inside, and found that it had been my own choice to be loving, decent and moral, and eternally so on it. I'm probably made in the image of God and that is probably what we are like when we are honest with ourselves. Probably the way we are wired. Life goes on, and we probably just don't need him anymore anyway.'

'Fancy a game of Keldo?' asked Saruviel to his younger Cherubim brother.

'I'm all yours,' replied Daniel.

And that was that.

The End

New Life

'This is Refat Belayet. She's from Bangladesh. She's also known as Jasmina. She's a cherubim angel.'

Daniel introduced Refat to Mary.

'Oh. Pleased to meet you,' replied Mary O'Donnell. Mary looked at Daniel, with one of those looks.

Refat sat down on the seat in the Assembly hall and picked up one of the song books.

Mary waved Daniel aside. 'Does Lourdes know about her?'

Daniel looked straight at Mary. 'What do you mean? Know about her?'

'Aren't you and Lourdes.............' she trailed off.

'Me and Lourdes Ciccone are the best of friends,' replied Daniel.

'Friends, huh?' said Mary.

Daniel looked at his notes, and then looked straight at Mary. 'Friends,' he said forcefully.

'Right,' nodded Mary, and went and sat down next to Refat.

The service came and want, and Refat sang a short praise to Allah, and they had tea and biscuits after the service.

'Your from Bangladesh,' said Lourdes.

'Yes. On New Terra,' said Refat.

'Ooh. New Terra royalty,' said Lourdes. 'Well, pleased to meet you.' Refat smiled.

Daniel, later, took Lourdes aside.

'What the hell did you say that for? New Terra royalty? What's up your butt?'

'Thinks she can just waltz in. I'm from Bangladesh. I'm from New Terra. Bitch,' said Lourdes.

'She's as sweet as anything,' said Daniel. 'What is your problem?' but he was smiling at Lourdes sarcasm.

'You won't even frikkin propose, and I've been hagning around ages,' said Lourdes. 'What is your fucking problem?'

'Your expecting a proposal?' he said, eyebrows raised. 'I had thought the daughter of Madonna deemed Daniel Daly eternally uncool.'

'Go fuck yourself,' she said.

'The biggest dork in creation, apparently.'

'And your mother,' said Lourdes.

'Worse than the Theophany himself.'

Lourdes poked her tongue out at Daniel.

'Lourdes think's I'll propose. Hmmm,' said Daniel, and looked at Refat.

'Well, life always has a merry hum and strum to it, sis. You never know what you'll get next.'

'Asshole,' said Lourdes, and looked the other way, but Daniel only grinned all the more.

The End

And Saruviel is Great

'So, say it again. Saruviel is Great, and God is Gay.'

The theophany glared at Saruviel, seated upon the throne of Zaphon.

'Say it,' said Saruviel. 'SAY IT!!!'

'saruviel is great and god is gay,' said God.

'Louder.'

'SARUVIEL IS GREAT AND GOD IS GAY,' said the Theophany.

'Very good,' said Saruviel, and stood, got off the throne, and Wolfgang nodded to his movers, who brought in the old throne, and, as soon as it was in place, the flame appeared, the eternal flame of God, above the throne, burning its constant blue, and God glared at Saruviel.

And life.

As it does.

Got back to normal.

Israel unwalled its walls, and God apologized for his outburst of pride, saying he was only human, and Krystabel said 'I told you so,' to everyone.

The End

The Final Jollicle

'I'll give you 50 bucks for it,' said Callodyn.

'I'll pay you 80 dollars,' insisted Ambriel.

'I'll throw in an early printing of Morning Stars,' said Callodyn.

'I'll give you my next daughter as a sex slave,' retorted Ambriel.

Both Callodyn and Jerahmeel cocked their heads on that point, but Callodyn continued unperturbed.

'I'll start a cult of Jerahmeel worshippers,' said Callodyn, and glared at Ambriel.

'I'll worship you myself,' triumphed Ambriel.

'Sold to the angel with the blonde hair,' said Jerahmeel..

'You are - despicable,' said Callodyn to Ambriel, as the final of Jerahmeel's Jollices on a hot New Bridlington summer day sold to a proud and triumphant Seraphim.

The End