Infinity Chapters 13-14 + Extras

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Chapter Thirteen

 

It was the week before the final week of deliberations on the proposed ‘Amendments to Legislation Bill’, and the debate had reached a calm period, in a sense.  For most, the issue was now decided, one way or the other.  Within Logos side of the Assembly most of them had come to firm conclusions on the issue, with an occasional question to Samael or Sandalphon to clarify their perspective.  While a number perhaps saw the merit in what Samael was trying to achieve, they ultimately decided that sticking with the status quo – a system which had worked well enough so far – would suffice.

 

Yet, amongst Logos camp, Saruviel had perhaps asked the most questions of Samael, eager, it seemed, to clarify exact and precise points within the ideology Samael represented.  Saruviel was very precise in this sense – trying to exactly understand the perspective Samael was driving at and, seemingly, analysing it in relation to the Torah foundation.

 

Yet, despite his often questions, he still maintained the standard Logos line, and would seemingly vote as such should it ever come to that.

 

And so, while Samael and Sandalphon remained hopeful, they were cautious and certainly took no vote for granted.  If it was a fight, they would have to persevere and make it count when it needed to.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

‘So you wanna go down to Sin Central?’ Garanel asked Dolphyel, who was in his abode studying some council documents.  ‘Not today, Gar.  Not today.  I am busy with council matters.  Samael has asked me to review a number of Acts to assess, further, if any additional amendments could perhaps be made.  Just, in a sense, to skim through and check to see if it all seems to be working, especially in relation to our proposed amendments.  He wants to ensure the proposed amendments, also, are consistent with law.  If not, within the constitution they can be repealed.  So we can not take any chances.’

‘Right.  So you don’t wanna come down?’

Dolphyel looked at Garanel, frustrated.  But, he looked at the work in front of him and realized he still had the rest of the week and much of it was already done, that he could perhaps have a bit of a break.  ‘Yeh, ok.  I’ll come along.’

‘Awesome,’ replied Garanel.  ‘I do know that Derrianne wants to see you again.  She has a crush on you, you see.’

‘An expensive crush.  She charges heaps.’

‘Hey, the best don’t come free, bro.  Besides, I think she is starting to like you so much that you can probably bed her with no charge if you sweet talk her.  And, after all, she is a fine looking lady so worth the effort bro.’

Dolphyel nodded, acknowledging that point.  He cleared away some of the Acts, placing them carefully in his desk and his bookcase, and went to get changed, putting on his nightclub clothes – jeans and a t-shirt, with dark eyeglasses which, so Garanel maintained, made them look cool.  Garanel, today, was also wearing a new leather jacket which, so he said, made him look cool.  The ladies would dig it, so he maintained.

 

They took off, then, heading for the rim, and then began the flight downwards, circling down in the usual angelic manner.

 

When they reached the nightclub the afternoon was basically spent, and night had begun its twilight embrace.  Garanel had his entire weeks pay-packet on him, and Dolphyel had quite a bit put aside as well, so that they could look forward to a night of debauchery to satisfy the most carnal desires of any soul – any angelic soul, anyway.

 

Later on, Garanel was lying underneath one of his favourite gals, in the hostel opposite the nightclub, as she rode him towards the climax of passion they both yearned for.  He looked up at her, feeling her breasts, and was happy.  Life was good.  Finally, after so many years of having to try so bloody hard to get a woman, they were now freely available, only requiring a minor investment.  It was good, now, to be alive.  He could finally have those things of passion his body and spirit desired and perhaps required.  He could satisfy all his carnal lusts and intended to do so for at least the foreseeable future.

 

In the room next to Garanel, Dolphyel was with Derrianne who, as Garanel had said, was bedding him now without any cost.  She liked Dolphyel, so she maintained.  He was cute and sensitive - the two qualities she looked most for in a guy.  They were passionate in their lovemaking that night and, in the morning, Dolphyel enjoying a hot shower in the new system having been set up in Nadrazon, was silently thankful he had given in to Garanel’s request.  Otherwise he could have been home and bored out of his mind with law study.  Perhaps, on this occasion, Garanel had made sense.  Perhaps on this occasion.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Logos, having reached his conclusion on the move he would make in chess, did indeed make the obvious move and dutifully informed Samael of his move, moving his piece out of danger.

 

Samael noted very carefully were Logos moved the piece to and was, silently, pleased.  It would be work now – a heck of a lot of work, but he had the advantage in being little ahead with moves available to him, so if he made absolutely no mistakes, he would get the piece he needed and come out, at that point, about 2 points ahead.  And then, with his point’s advantage, he would have to fight like hell, take every advantage, and press for victory.  It would be challenging, certainly, but hopefully his sacrificial tactic would reap a reward.  Hopefully.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Gemrayel, lying next to Sandalphon, thought on him.  He was asleep and she thought, now, of the faithfulness she had shown him for so long and if he felt, personally, the same.  She knew, from conversation, and the simple fact that he mostly slept with her, that he rarely now slept with another of the Celestyel’s or of the Oraphim from Nadrazon.  And that, silently, pleased her.

 

She loved Sandy.  She quite loved him.  He was strong, brutally male, and quite affectionate to her.  He, in terms of looks was, about average, but very masculine in those looks, almost brutal in a sense.

 

And, after a while, she had noticed that Sandalphon, despite at times giving the impression that he was a degree carnal in his ways, actually seemed to have a sense of holiness and torah observation, which she had noted quite strongly recently when he had given up the marijuana for health reasons.  That act had only drawn her closer to him and, now, she was quite protective of him.  He was her ‘Sandy’ and she didn’t really want him straying.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Samael sat next to Aphrayel in her abode, drinking some Lemon and Orange juice, staring at the picture of the Angel on the wall.  ‘Ok, Aphrayel.  I give up.  Who is the angel?’  Aphrayel, playing solitaire next to him, smiled to herself.  Finally – Finally – Finally – he had asked the bloody question.  ‘Dear Samael, why you of course.  Who else could it possibly be.’  He smiled, quite happy that the figure he had contemplated for so long, never asking, was in fact who he had always suspected it to be.  In response to his inquiry, Aphrayel returned in asking the question she had been saving.

‘Sammy.  If honesty be what honesty be, what is the heart of truth?’  Samael looked at her, momentarily stunned.  ‘Truth?  Mmm.  Now that is a good question Aphrayel, dear sister.’

 

He stood walked over to the window with his glass, and looked out at Azion.  ‘Can we really know the truth, dear Aphrayel?  Can we really know the truth?  Are there competing ideologies which, in their own way, mirror truths unto themselves?  In this sense, do each of us perceive truth in our own subjective manner?  Are their things which are true to us, yet not true to others?  And in that paradoxical idea, can the truth be a lie and still be the truth?’ Aphrayel considered that point, noting that it was indeed quite an interesting one.  He continued, ‘Of course, in the most obvious sense, the truth is meant to be that which is correct, factual, unchanging and irrevocably as such.  It is immutable, unchangeable, irrevocable, undeniable and eternal.  Truth remains the same.  Honesty, that beloved virtue, is the acknowledging of truth, whatever that may be.  At times, not all of us are honest.  Not all of us are honest in every way with what we wish communicated to others.  In that case, the truth, perhaps because of our sin, makes us lie and hide ourselves.  Perhaps, in that sense, the truth is a great convictor of our own internal hypocrisy and sins.  God, as I understand it, is supposed to be immaculate truth.  In him there is no shadow or turning of error.  He is the infallible, inerrant, eternal one, on whom all honesty and goodness springs forth.  God is pure truth in this sense.’

 

He paused, looking out at the city, before continuing.

 

‘Hopefully, dear sister.  Hopefully I speak the truth.  It is, in general, my main intent.  Yet, at times, in my heart and in my words, I feel I say things which, while not meant to be lies, are perhaps laden with ideology and thoughts which have yet to reach their proper conclusions.  Perhaps, in this sense, I speak things which are not so, simply because of my disservice to diligent and faithful contemplation of the divine mysteries.  Because, for want of a better explanation, I do not put enough effort into my studies to ensure I always speak true.  But, in my sorry defense, perhaps I am merely what I am.  Frail and weak, in my angelic frame.  Not of the eternal mind of God, simply doing the best I can with what I have.  But, forgive me.  I speak vain words perhaps.’

 

‘The truth is important, Aphrayel.  The truth is important.  We should cherish it and love it.  When it convicts us we should confess, even if we don’t want to.  It is the balm which will cure our hypocrisy.  Love the truth, Aphy.  Love the truth, for it will never change.’

 

Aphrayel, having taken that monologue in, smiled to herself.  He was well thought out on the issue, she felt.  Well thought out.  He had taken the time, obviously, to contemplate it, and reach his conclusions.  And his words seemed quite honest and true.  She stood to her feet, came over to him, and gave him a hug.  Whispering in to his ear, she said ‘Thank you brother.’

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Logos sat in his abode, Michael opposite him.  They were playing a new game.  A game which Saruviel had invented, called Chulara.  It was similar to chess in some ways, but quite different in others.  It involved coloured markers, with the ultimate objective to eliminate the opposing player’s markers.  In a sense it was a chess variant, but it had a different style of play and was starting to catch on with some angels.

 

Logos had invested much time into the study of chess, in an attempt to master its various intricacies.  He had decided, now, having enjoyed this new game of Chulara for some time, to devote some of his spare time to master this game as well.  It could prove a popular addition to the pastimes of the angels.

 

Saruviel himself was very talented at the game.  He was extremely attacking and moved relentlessly, even ruthlessly, when he did play.  He challenged Michael in particular at the game, very often in fact, to try and beat the firstborn of the Seraphim as often as he could.  However, now, after numerous games between them, the matching was very close, perhaps even half and half, although neither had counted the exact number of games.

 

As this rivalry had grown and continued, Logos had started to take an interest, and was now playing the game with Michael regularly to learn it and become skilled at it.  Once he was established as a good player he thought he might challenge Samael likewise to this game.  Perhaps, to get ahead of him, in the reputation amongst Chulara players.

 

One thing he had assumed was that, through playing Chulara, his own strategy skills would improve, and that some of the skills learnt through this new game would assist him in his objective to defeat Samael at chess.  Because of that he was taking his game with Michael quite seriously, attempting to defeat him if at all possible.

 

Jelenniel, who had taken to hanging around Logos, was sitting near by, occasionally going to the kitchen area to work on the dinner, interrupted by her writing of her next book.  Jelenniel, in Logos, had found a quiet and dedicated soul, one which was totally at peace with the world and his surroundings.  She had grown affectionate towards him, which he had not objected to, and spent much time in his abode.

 

There were soft rumours which suggested that perhaps, just perhaps, Logos had finally found comfort in a female and was perhaps enjoying the pleasures of the flesh.  These rumours were, in fact, untrue.  Logos remained faithful to his twin sister – the Word of Eternity – who resided at home.  He felt linked to the Word and would not betray the trust that they had placed in each other.

 

Looking out the window of his abode, Logos looked upon Azion the Golden city.  The Realm was starting to take greater shape in terms of law and conduct.  It was a very civilized and happy realm to live in.  Despite some of the conduct he disapproved of in Nadrazon, conduct which even some of his Onaphim brethren engaged in, Logos was generally pleased with how affairs were run in the Realm of Infinity.  In the end, life was good, and he hoped it would continue as such eternally so.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Sandalphon sat in front of Rageeta pond, tossing peanuts at the ducks, in the manner he had seen Samael do.  Today he was completely sober, not having touched the whiskey for a few weeks.  He had come to a conclusion on the issue.  While he would never totally abstain from the beloved drop, he would go, at times, on stints without drinking it so much to remain, overall, in a spirit of sobriety.  He felt, for the long term witness he perhaps now should be thinking of, that this would be in his best interests.

 

After a while of tossing peanuts at the ducks, being a little bored, he reached for his flask of juice and took a sip.

 

Life in Azion, for Sandalphon, was pleasant enough.  It was pleasant enough.  There were enough things to do to occupy your time.  He was always busy enough with council work, especially recently with the final week of deliberations on a bill so extremely important to him came to fruition.  Yet, despite these current preoccupation, which were still important, yet despite them life went on, as it always would regardless.

 

And life, for the firstborn of the Oraphim of Azion – the Oraphim of the Onaphim – was generally pleasant enough.

 

Gemrayel, recently, had become even more affectionate in the love she had shown him.  It seemed, now, they were together in a very close sense and that she sought no other.  While he had not made and definite commitment to this himself, it suited him and seemed to be a very acceptable and worthwhile status quo to maintain.  She was an affectionate and loving sister, and he did love her.

 

Yes, for Sandalphon, life was good enough.  Really, he could not complain or ask for anything more.  In its ebbs and flows, and gentle mysteries, life satisfied him and he was silently thankful to his father for bringing him to this realm of life to enjoy.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Shadray stood in the main library of Nadrazon, looking at the bookcase featuring various works on Torah knowledge, including some of Logos writings on the subject.  Just moments before he had been chatting with the female librarian and, funnily enough, she had asked him to dinner that night to a nice restaurant of Nadrazon, to which Shadray had accepted.  She was a pretty angel and he felt, with this one in particular, he might actually be able to start a relationship which, usually, had had relied upon his Celestyel sisters for.

 

At this moment in Shadray’s life, he was quite dedicated to his ongoing study of Torah, and increasing in wisdom in the knowledge and truth which God, through his holy spirit, taught him.  It was, in this stage of life for Shadray, of fundamental importance.

 

He took down the books and returned to the librarian, chatting with her for a while, and borrowing the books.  He would wait in the library today, until closing time, and then take his new friend out to dinner.  It was, for Shadray, something to look forward to.  Something to definitely look forward to.

 

Life for Shadray, now, firstborn of the Noahphim of Infinity, was good.  He could not complain, really.  He could not complain.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

As he was in the habit of doing, God, the eternal father of Glory of the Realm of Infinity and others, was planning.  With the help of his daughter, destiny, God was reaching conclusions on how matters, in the future, should need to culminate to satisfy his overall sense of justice and harmony – and in those culminations, to teach his children the very lessons that they needed to learn.

 

Very shortly, the final week of a crucial bill for the life of his son, Logos, was approaching.  It was a crucial time for him, one in which, so God felt, his child might just not be quite ready for.  Yet, for Logos, it would be a learning experience if things eventuated in a way in which he desired them not to.

 

For his sons Samael and Sandalphon, now was the time.  Perhaps, right now, they had an opportunity to grasp things in their life – things of glory – which they may never get again.  It would be a time of testing for these two to see if, in all their honesty, their claims were sincere.  It would be that test which would decide, in a sense, the immediate destiny of the Realm of Infinity.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Samael stood looking over the Azion from Aphrayel’s abode.  She was sitting, playing a game of solitaire, seeming to be happy enough from Samael’s perspective.  Samael was contemplating the future.  Contemplating the immediate future and for him, in the week ahead, that which would be a resolution, in a sense, to a long period of challenge.

 

Samael, in the end, desired his freedom.  He knew, in truth, that God would always be eternally God, and that this was unavoidable.  The eternal father of glory, love and peace, would always be there, wherever Samael was or wherever Samael went.  It was, in that sense, the nature of God.  He was and ever would be the eternal constant in the life of Samael.

 

Yet did Logos need to be as well?  Did his older brother need to be in the place of God, also, as an eternal aspect of his existence.  While, perhaps in truth, such a reality was not the end of the world, as he generally got along with Logos in all his undertakings.  Yet, also in truth, Samael wanted his freedom.  His freedom to live his own life and pursue his own dreams without the mandates of Logos interfering upon his life.

 

And because of these desires, Samael saw in democracy and in the establishment of democratic ideals through the Realm of Infinity, his opportunity to establish, once and for all, his own sovereign space – his own kingdom of glory.  It would be, once Logos was removed as an opponent, an opportunity to establish true freedom in the Realm of Infinity, and grant to its inhabitants the rights they needed, and ever would need, for their eternal existence.

 

He knew that in Sandalphon he had an ally.  An unshakeable ally who would perpetually see things similarly to Samael.  Of that being the truth he did not doubt.  Aphrayel, his beloved twin, he was not sure of.  He never really inquired into her views on the issues of his life in any great detail.  He knew she generally supported Logos and was happy enough with the status quo, but she also queried him often about his ideology, perhaps out of a simple sense of curiousity, but perhaps, also, out of a general desire to learn.

 

But, what he did know, she would never oppose him.  The bond of love and trust between them, Samael felt, was now eternal.  They had known each other, been with each other, touched each other, and loved each other for so long now that, for Samael, not matter how long eternity was, even though he knew it endless, their love would remain true.

 

So much, though, soon would be answered.  So much, soon, would shape his future and his hearts desires.

 

If they were successful – if they managed to achieve that which they truly desired – then he would have his freedom.  And with that freedom, in a sense, new life could begin.

 

So it was approaching.  The culmination of things was approaching.  And Samael knew in his heart he would have to be ready.  He would have to be ready for what would be.

 

Chapter Fourteen

 

And so the final week of deliberations on the proposed Amendments to Legislation Bill began its review.  For Logos, and many in his camp, the issue seemed dead.  The Bill, as it currently stood, would fail.  They had assented to much contained within and already a new alternative Bill was in the process of being drawn up, with other additions as well.  For Samael and Sandalphon, if they were to achieve their objective of having this Bill passed into Parliament, they had to work quickly and decisively.  Months of work had gone up to this point – really, not months, but millennia.  And, if they were ever going to bring about the types of changes they desired, it was now or never

 

They counted numbers.  Every day, every hour practically, they counted numbers.  And as the debate neared its end towards the end of the week, Samael considered an option which Logos might not in fact predict.  He considered the option of the influence and word his father may have on the issue.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

‘It is an unusual gambit, brother.  Most unusual.  As I understand it, in relation to the functioning of this Assembly God still has two main rights.  The right to make law and repeal law.  Yet he never does either.  It is as if he simply watches on, almost impartially.’  Samael nodded, yet persisted.  ‘But it is precisely that point.  He can make law.  If he chooses, he can introduce law into the Assembly to which Logos can not veto.’  Aphrayel spoke up at that most interesting idea.  ‘Do you really think Father’s will will contradict Logos’?’  Samael considered his words.

‘Those two are close, I know Aphy.  But, this is a truth I have come to.  Even though Logos is firstborn with all that authority, his word is not absolute.  Father may – he just may – allow us to have our say as well.  Especially if we voice our concerns based on a sense of justice – justice to which he expresses such joy and love over in Torah.  If we make our voice known to him based on this issue, he may just listen.’  Aphrayel smiled, yet took the information in very seriously.  It was, in truth, becoming quite important to her the result of this debate.

‘So when will you speak with him,’ Sandalphon asked him.

‘Tonight.  No point in wasting time.  I will be careful.  As careful as I can with what I say.  Knowing God, and I hope this works in my favour, but knowing him I really know he can be influenced with how much effort and passion we put into our claims.  It is almost how he works in a sense.  Even if he may favour another solution, he will allow ours to go forth if we are the most passionate and sincere.  So we have to stick to it.’

Sandalphon nodded, resonating with some of those words about their God.  They did, from experience, appear true.  That their eternal creator did give affections to those passionate of heart.  And in that passion, influence could be gained.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

‘SON.  IT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO LOGOS TO BE THE CENTRAL FIGURE OF AUTHORITY WITHIN THE REALM OF INFINITY.  IT IS MY JUDGEMENT THAT YOU BE REMINDED OF THIS, SAMAEL AND YOUR ENTOURAGE, ALSO OF THIS UNAVOIDABLE TRUTH.  IT IS LOGOS TO WHOM JUDGEMENT IS GIVEN, NOT ANYONE ELSE.  YET SON, IF YOU ARE TO WREST THIS POWER FROM HIM, AND YOU SUCCEED, THEN JUDGEMENT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU.  YET MY JUDGEMENT IS THAT LOGOS IS TO BE JUDGE, AS TO HIM IT WAS GIVEN.’

Samael nodded, consoled somewhat by the words of God.  His father had declined the idea of passing any form of legislation, but had left him with the knowledge that if Samael wrested away power from Logos – a result which seemed implicitly acceptable now within the judgement of God – then he could achieve success regardless.  And, with that word of allowance, Samael would take every opportunity available to him.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

‘So, Saruviel, will you finally accept our position?’  Samael was intent in his questioning of his younger Seraphim brother.  ‘At this stage, brother, no.  But I will leave you with one final word.  If this does come to a vote – if it does, I will not yet guarantee that I will vote against you.  In all likelihood I will, and follow my instincts in a sense.  But, no, I will not completely outrule your views in my judgement.  So, as strange as it may sound, I would encourage you to persist.  The strongest word will achieve victory in the end, brother.  The strongest word.’  Samael nodded.  He nodded, quietly satisfied.  He had a chance, now.  He had a chance.  If Saruviel changed his mind.  If Saruviel, at the last hour, changed his mind, he did not doubt that a small number of key voices in the Assembly would link to Saruviel and that, then, they would have Logos.  It was, in a strange way, coming down to destiny.  The fate of destiny to triumph for him, now, looked ever so appealing.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Aphrayel, surveying her newly built keep, just finished on the edge of Nadrazon disc, was pleased.  It was, again, a work of brilliance.  Of course, she had a great deal of land available to her in the outer section.  One block of 400 was, actually, quite a large chunk.  She felt, through subdivision, she could really add other keeps to this one and rent out a number of small keeps.  Of course, they would have to be of the highest quality if she was going to be competitive.  But, perhaps, if she specialised on a small community of high quality abodes, perhaps there may, in time, be strong demand for what she had to offer.  So, for now, she was committed to the task of building up her new community and was slowly thinking of giving a name to her own block and the community that would potentially come forth.  For now she was going under the working title of ‘Aphraphon’ for main community.  It was named after herself but, perhaps even in a little bit of vanity, she didn’t really mind.  It was suitable enough and, if recorded permanently in the records of the community, would bring her a little slice of glory.

 

And, so, the life of Aphrayel, Celestyel angel of Infinity, continued on its merry humdrum, a life happily lived amongst many, in the angels of the Realm of Infinity.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Garanel sat with Dolphyel in the main nightclub of Nadrazon.  The two of them, in general, were happy.  Both of them had a lady lined up for the night, which they were looking forward to, Garanel having to pay a number of credits, Dolphyel having flirted a bit and scored without cost.  They drank beer that afternoon, talked the usual talk, and simply relaxed and enjoyed life.  If this was what life was always going to lead to, they wondered why it had not happened as such much sooner.  But, perhaps, in the eternal wisdom of their father, he knew what he was doing.  Perhaps he did.  Yet, regardless, they two Onaphim angels were happy and relaxed, life for them leading them downs its merry way and course.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Shadray sat in his abode, studying Torah.  He also had some of Logos teaching beside him and was working through that also, as he often did.  He was stronger, now, he felt.  Stronger because of his choice to commit to regular Torah study.  Its benefit, now, seemed undoubtable.  It kept you spiritually strong – spiritually alive.  With such a focus towards God’s truth, eternal life lay in the grasp with eternal bliss beckoning.  And, due to this, Shadray had new found peace, joy and confidence.  Whatever the future brought, with the Torah to guide him, he was ready for any challenge.  So he thought anyway.  So he thought anyway.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Semyaza, looking forward to the upcoming potential vote, sat in his abode in Nadrazon keep, reviewing over some council notes.  He had some ideas in mind, at that moment.  Ideas about the own degree of power he would like the Oraphim community to, one day, be able to wield.  With the power of amendment to constitution available via referendum he felt, if the veto power of Logos was gone, he could have such potential influence amongst the Oraphim, as firstborn of that community, that he could himself one day be the chief voice on council.  And, if that possibility were to arise – a possibility he shared not with Samael and Sandalphon – then his own dreams and aspirations, both for himself and his community – could be brought forth.  Such, in the democratic ideology of his older brothers, was the possibilities in front of the firstborn of the Oraphim of Nadrazon.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Logos sat with Michael, discussing council and other things.  Gabriel was looking at the game of chess progressing between Logos and Samael.  ‘For the life of me, Logos, I do not understand why Samael did not take your piece.  It was available to him, without cost, and he simply made another move.  I just don’t understand.’  Logos looked at Gabriel briefly, also concerned on that particular perplexing quandary, yet returned to his conversation with Michael.  ‘So the bill will have its final debate tomorrow morning.  At this stage, barring something unforseen, it will simply fail without the votes.  Fortunately Samael will not be able to complain about my veto power over-ruling democracy, as he simply does not have the votes anyway.  And, with this bill out of the way, and this issue dealt with, we can move on to better and brighter things.

 

Michael nodded, understanding his older brothers correct perspective.  Like Logos, he too was sure the bill would fail.  They had the numbers, of this he was sure.  At this stage, barring an act of God, the issue which had long dragged its heels in the community of Azion, could finally be laid to rest.  Perhaps, later on tomorrow afternoon, a new spirit may have entered Azion.  Perhaps, then, peace would return completely.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

‘So you think, then, that Saruviel may change his mind?’ queried Sandalphon to Samael.  ‘I am not completely sure, brother.  But I think, just maybe, he might.  He spoke to me a short time ago which suggested such a thing was possible.  And so, now, it comes down to the final debate.  Tomorrow – tomorrow if we can win the hearts and minds of council with final persuasive words, we can achieve victory, brother.  We can achieve victory.  I urge you.  Be ready with your words.  Be ready.’  Sandalphon nodded.  ‘Aye, lad.  I’ll be ready.  Don’t you worry about that, now.’

 

*    *    *    *    *

And so the final day of deliberations on the Amendment of Legislation bill was debated, and, to Samael’s misfortune, the party line did not appear to have changed.

 

By lunchtime, eating over his meal with Sandalphon and Aphrayel, they were a little depressed.  It appeared, after all this time, after all this effort, they had failed.  That they had failed to achieve the glory they so earnestly desired, beaten, in the end, by the common view.  Yet Sandalphon had these words.  ‘Do not give up just yet, brother.  Let us push our cause, this afternoon, with words most valiant.  Let us push them to the edge.  In the end, it may result in a stalemate, which may buy us some time.  If we can get to that point in the council, Logos may have to seek out God to affirm the council’s general conclusion on this issue to silence us permanently.  The closeness, still, of this issue may warrant him acting as such.  So do not give up just yet.  We are still in with a chance.’  Samael could only nod.  In some ways, it was like fighting against a brick wall, in as much as your opponent was practically invincible.  But, despite the pain, if you persevered long enough, you could make cracks.  And with such cracks, felt Samael, breaking down to dust could inevitably come.  So he would hold on for now, and make one last valiant effort, in the words of Sandalphon, to achieve their goals that afternoon.

 

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

The debate had reached a stalemate.  Logos, having firmly rejected all of Samael and Sandalphon’s final closing arguments on the notion of their democratic rights, had one course of action left to him to affirm forever to the council and the community the mandate of the council in majority, and the rule of God on the issue.  The mandate and will of his Father on the issue.

 

In a memorandum to the heads of council he stated he would present the pleas of Samael and Sandalphon to his heavenly father and await his judgement.  It was, now, the only way Logos felt he could convince his brothers to depart from their foolishness.  He assumed they would inevitably accept the authority and judgement of Almighty God on the issue.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Samael sat next to Aphrayel in her abode.  Semyaza was seated opposite him, Sandalphon over by the counter drinking scotch.  They were nervous – quite nervous.  The issue had been debated through and they were sure they now may just have the numbers, depending on how Saruviel voted, to bring their democratic reforms to pass.  The reforms which delegated the authority Logos had always enjoyed to wether or not he sat on the ruling party at any given time in the council’s session, and the full institutionalisation of the democratic process in all major aspects of council life, especially removing the power of Logos’ veto vote – this was the heart of the debate on the bill right at this precise moment and, now that the matter had been adjourned for God’s comment, they were confident of a good result.

 

Semyaza spoke up.  ‘Father, I think, knowing how he rarely sides with either side, may be cryptic in his response to Logos.  He may grant Logos what he is basically looking for, but we will be given an opportunity, I think.  It may come down to the vote.

 

Samael and Sandalphon both nodded, having thought similar things.

 

The time, now, was approaching. The time in which the power within the Realm of Infinity – the power to choose freedom over slavery – may finally be within their grasp.  Each had confidence.  Each had somewhat a degree of faith.  It was now in the hands of the Almighty.  It was, now, in the fateful hands of destiny – a destiny each of them anxiously awaited.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

‘SON.  IT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO YOU TO BE THE CENTRAL FIGURE OF AUTHORITY WITHIN THE REALM OF INFINITY.  IT IS MY JUDGEMENT THAT YOU REMIND SAMAEL AND HIS ENTOURAGE OF THIS UNAVOIDABLE TRUTH.  IT IS YOU TO WHOM JUDGEMENT IS GIVEN, NOT ANY OF THEM.  YET SON, IF THEY ARE TO WREST THIS POWER FROM YOU, AND YOU ALLOW THEM, JUDGEMENT WILL BE GIVEN TO THEM.  YET MY JUDGEMENT IS THAT YOU ARE TO BE JUDGE, AS TO YOU IT WAS GIVEN.’  Logos nodded, now understanding that he had complete authority.  It was his to judge – not Samael’s.  It was his birthright, and he would continue as such in it.  Yet, in father’s words, he was reminded of a principle.  If he failed to act in his authority, and they succeeded in their vision, they would be given judgement.  And on that reality Logos would stand firmly against.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

‘So, Samael,’ said Logos, ‘you see you must comply.  God’s judgement has been made apparent, and he has affirmed my decisions, and we all must therefore act accordingly.’  Logos glared at his opponent, almost demanding him to respond.  Samael stared at Logos and knew that his decision must now be made known.  Under his breath he said simply, ‘Then I reject God’s authority.’  Logos looked at him, a puzzled expression on his face.  ‘What?  What did you say?’ he asked softly.  Samael stood, and spoke out loudly, looking around the room as he spoke out.  ‘Then I reject God’s authority.  He will not dictate to me on these issues.’  The council let out a gasp.  Sandalphon remained silent.  He knew that decision was coming.  A number of other angels in league with Samael stood, saying ‘Aye.  We assent.  We assent.’  Logos stared at them, bewildered.  He was not quite sure if he had really heard correctly – that they could not possibly, like the fallen Satan, be rejecting the authority of God.  Surely they would not make such a mistake.  He turned to Michael, exasperated.  ‘What, what do we say?  How can we respond to this?’  Michael shook his head, ‘I, I don’t know Logos.’  Logos looked down, thinking what to do next.  He made a decision.  A needed decision.  He turned to Sandalphon and spoke, ‘Guardian.  I submit that you revoke Samael’s comments and command him to act in accordance with the protocols of this assembly, which are based upon the authority of Almighty God.  We can not tolerate such defiance.  He must be reprimanded.

 

Sandalphon rose to his feet.  He smiled, inwardly, at Logos’ words.  Of course, Sandalphon would reject Logos request.  All had gone in accordance with his plans.  And now, now he had the opportunity to hand over the seat of power to himself, through Samael who would be his pawn in his ambitions.  He began, ‘Logos, Samael, divine assembly.  I have listened to these dialogues over the last few months, and have reached a conclusion.  This council was established with the approval of God.  If he can not accept the judgements of this council, then God be damned.  His hypocrisy would be then known to all.’  Logos cringed at the insult towards his father.  Sandalphon continued.  ‘Samael’s voice must be heard.  He is representative of a community of angels who find disagreement with the judgements of the Logos.  This council was formed to represent all the angelic community and their views – not one member only, which Logos would seemingly have us believe.  My judgement is thus.  Samael will be allowed to present his claims within this council and we, the council, will take a ballot.  The majority decision of this council will decide, wether or not, Samael be allowed to bring his reforms.  We will allow the notion Samael has advanced, that of democracy, to have its say.  Within this framework we will reach the conclusion of this matter.’

 

Logos looked at Sandalphon, and looked around the council.  He knew that many of the council, even those who abided with his decisions, agreed with the ‘democracy’ ideology.  He knew, then, that he would have to allow it to have its say.  That he would have to allow the community to speak.  It was now his decision.  He could remove Sandalphon, and appoint a new Guardian, but that would result in an outcry amongst the angelic community, who would surely disdain him and his judgements from then onwards.  He knew that he would have to accept the voice of democracy.  Wether he liked the outcome or not, he knew he would have to abide by the decision the community made.  He again rose to his feet and spoke, ‘Very well, Sandalphon.  We will take this vote.  But I assure you, we will act in accordance with the decision of the council – that will be absolute.’  ‘Very well, Logos.  It shall be as you have decreed.’

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

The ballot was as close as it could have been.  The best of 64 votes had been agreed upon, Logos and the 63 Onaphim each given the power of one vote.  The final result was 33 to 31 – 33 in favour of Samael’s propositions of the democratic process.

 

*    *    *    *    *

 

Later that night, reflecting in his apartment with Michael and Gabriel present, Logos discussed the closeness of the vote.  ‘We had the numbers, Michael.  I know we had the numbers.  I know this council.  40 of them had voiced that they had agreed with the judgements I had been making.  Until yesterday, I was sure of 40 of them.  Yet, seemingly, nine of them have changed their views.  Nine of them have rejected what is right – what is true.  Whatever can we do?  Whatever can we do?’    Michael, standing beside the window, looking down over the Golden city, was not sure how to answer the Logos.  He had voted in favour of what the Logos represented.  But he had known that one member of the ‘Ecclesia’ had not.  One member, the seventh, had been for a long time supportive of what Logos taught, but as that seventh member had shared with Michael that morning, his decision was to now go against Logos.  And in that decision, he had claimed that he had spoken with other members of the council, and that Michael should not take his views for granted.  Michael thought on that seventh member.  That one had kept silent for a long time, rarely, if ever, sharing his views.  In all the actions of the Ecclesia, he had tacitly accepted the leading of Logos and Michael.  But now he had shown himself.  Now the Seraphim Saruviel had indicated were his ideologies did in fact lie.  And in that choice, Michael believed, only trouble could come.  Only trouble could come.

Epilogue

 

Logos and Samael.  Each children of passion and determination.  Each determined to prove their points and make their claims known.  Of course, God understood that Sandalphon was the driving force behind Samael’s actions and arguments in the divine council he had established.  And, with Sandalphon’s last words to Logos at the council, the words which had left the Angels caught unaware, God had departed from the lives of the Angels of Infinity.  The flame of his presence would remain within the throne-rooms of each city – always there, symbolizing his faithful love.  But he had reached a decision regarding the Realm of Infinity.  He would leave it to follow the course of life which it chose for itself.  He would not speak again with the Angels of Infinity – not for a great and long time.  He wanted to see their hearts – to see the choices that they desired in those hearts to make for themselves.

 

God had known that, inevitably, Sandalphon would curse him.  His child refused to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and the rulings he had made.  But the curse needed to be responded to.  The angelic realm needed to understand that such words were not acceptable to him – that they defiled his holiness.  And as such, he would depart from the Realm of Infinity for a time period.  A time period in which the Angels of Infinity would search their hearts and souls to see just what they believed about God and life.

 

Sandalphon would eventually be responded to – but not for now – not for a great time.  But his judgement would one day come.

 

For now, God would watch over the Realm of Infinity.  He would watch and work silently, until his objectives were, in the way most suitable, accomplished.

 

 

‘Afterthought’

 

15,250 HY

13,150 ROI

 

As he sat there, the light in his room gradually diminishing as another day was ending, Saruviel the Seraphim of the Realm of Infinity, 7th born of the Seraphim Onaphim of Infinity came to himself.  The cold of the winter’s day shivered in his bones and wrapping the cloak around himself he thought on recent events.  Recent drastic events.

 

It was only 50 years ago in which Michael, his Seraphim brother, had spoken to him foreboding words.  ‘The end of darkness is death, Saruviel.  Choose wisely, I urge you.’  Of course he knew what his brother meant, he knew instantly.  He had voted the way he had, in the end, wanting freedom.  That spoke to his heart.  It spoke to his heart completely and utterly.  But the price for that choice had now been paid, and it was a heavy price indeed.

 

The cold of the winter’s day seemed to eat away not only at his flesh, but his confidence, his faith.  He stared up at the bookcase, full of all the various doctrines and teachings Sandalphon and Samael had composed and looking at them, now, he was bitter.  Suddenly, in a spirit of rage, he got to his feet and tore down the bookcase, sending the works flying.  He would burn them, yes.  Yes, he would destroy the fowl heresy he had finally succumbed to.  Perhaps that – that would be a sign to the eternal one who had judged him so harshly that he had, in truth, repented.  He looked at the fireplace, and went to gather matches from the kitchen.  Gathering up the works, ripping them up as he went along, he spoke to nobody in particular present, but to those not that far from his abode, in other places there in the heart of the realm of Infinity.  ‘You are a curse to me Sandalphon.  You are a curse to me, Samael.  And on that great day of Judgement our eternal father speaks of may he have pity on your souls.’  And tearing the works up, throwing them into the fireplace, he lit a match and after pouring on kerosene, threw the match onto the pile.  The paper erupted into flames, consuming the works with as much passion as those works had consumed the life of Saruviel of Infinity.  As the works burned, so to, it seemed to him, did the darkness in his soul slowly ebb away, once again letting life, new life, enter his being.  It was almost as if father was restoring him now, and he felt something of the spirit of his younger years once again re-emerge, giving him that feeling of quiet happiness he had not known for so long now.  And then a word from the infinite one spoke to his mind – ‘Atonement’.

 

Later that week he had made instrumental choices and performed actions which would now be undeniable to those he once felt were his true redeemers.  He had pillaged the assembly hall of Samael’s party in Nadrazon, down below, putting to flame all the heretical, soul destroying works he had once succumbed to.  Of course, they had caught him, and he had not denied his crime, but Logos had used the powers remaining to him and granted him grace, silently pleased at his younger brother’s repentance.  Logos had then taken him aside, queried his rationale, and then Saruviel spoke of the pit of Sheol – the pit he had been condemned to for those few hours when he had stood in the throneroom of God, boasting against his authority.  Logos had taken the news surprisingly well, but urged him to now keep the peace.  ‘Transgressor’s will learn their faults in time, dear brother.  But remember our father’s mercy is everlasting.  Remember that.’  And that had consoled Saruviel of Infinity somewhat.

 

Yet sitting there again, in the seventh tower of the circle of Infinity, looking at the ashes in the fireplace, he thought on Samael and Sandalphon and the fate that, perhaps, one day – one distant and dim day in the future, awaited them as their punishment in the neverending death of Sheol.  And, his vengeance complete, he began to weep.

 

 

THE END

 

 

 

Infinite Class

Chapter One

A deep well. In the heart of Nadrazon, the silver city. A deep well. A wellspring almost. Of the 7 original Onaphim angels of the Realm of Infinity, Abrel was the sixth of such angels, and Zelophrayel was the 6^th female of the Celestyels. And Abrel and Zelophrayel were best of friends. And in that little love circle, Samael, firstborn of the Onaphim, also registered an acquaintance of regular visitation. Traditionally, amongst the 70 Onaphim of heaven, which was a name also given to the first 10 groups of 7 angels as a whole, there were friendships well known with each other, and Samael was well known, deservedly so, for his due adoration of the company of Aphrayel and Sandalphon. Yet he knew them all and, over time, had established relations with others of the Onaphim also. And while Aphrayel and Sandalphon gave the type of camaraderie that Samael valued most of all, Abrel and Zelophrayel had a calmer persona about their friendship together and once, in the library of infinity, Samael had sat down next to the two of them in conversation, and the beginnings of a circle of friends began, which had lasted for quite some time now. And, in the heart of Nadrazon, the silver city, beneath Azion the Golden City, the 70 Onaphim knew as their home, there was a wellspring of spirituality in a simple home, a simple abode, in a group of flats, which overlooked some playing fields, which Abrel owned, and Zelophrayel and Samael visited to him on many recent occasions. It was pleasant spirituality to Samael, for it was the fire of a hearth of love, quite different to what he was normally acquainted with.

'4 of spades,' said Abrel.

Zelophrayel looked at him. 'That's a good card,' she said. 'Are you sure you want to risk it so early on in this round?'

Abrel placed the card down on the table, and the two others considered it. The game was a complex tricks based game with very elaborate rules, and even when you were losing, a good strategy could turn things around.

'Well, 4 of hearts,' said Samael, placing it down, and looking intently at Zelophrayel, whose card could determine with Abrel, Samael or herself took the trick.

'9 of clubs,' she declared, and placed the card down, and so Samael won the round.

'Do you fancy some pizza tonight?' Zelophrayel asked Samael.

'I don't know. Maybe,' he replied.

'Pizza would be good,' said Abrel. 'And I love the cheesy garlic bread.'

'I can order some,' she said, looking intently at Samael.

'Go on. Pizza will do fine,' said Samael.

Zelophrayel went off and rang for pizza and the two boys looked at their cards.

'It's been a quiet week,' said Abrel. 'Not much happening. I might have to duck into the office next week for a while, take care of some things. Money doesn't grow on trees, you know.'

'Don't I know it,' replied Samael. 'I sometimes question economic wisdom, compared to our earlier life, but it works well enough. Motivates people I think,' commented Sammy.

'Angels can be lazy,' said Zelophrayel, coming back to the table. 'Using a monetary system is the only way we can get some angels to do anything at all. They weren't all trained as well as us, you know. Some of them have very slack attitudes.'

'The blessings of the firstborns,' said Samael softly.

'Perhaps we should strive more as the Lord compels us and teach our young brethren a more strict code,' said Abrel.

'You want everyone a Logos?' asked Samael. 'I fear he will be a religious cult in time, anyway. The way things are shaping up these days. It's not even damn Torah he preaches half of the time. A personal agenda of popularity I accuse him of.'

'Don't let him get to you,' said Abrel. 'Big brother has a big ego. Wants to be and remain number one forever.'

'And he certainly doesn't mind letting people know about it either,' responded Samael. 'Counsel these days is a farce. The amount of kissing his highness’s exterior is sickening.'

'Ooh,' said Zelophrayel. 'Samael wins the popular vote for a while, and thinks everything is sweet. But Logos comes on strong for decades now, and Sammy is jealous. Ooh, ooh, ooh,' she said.

'Shut up, Z,' smiled Samael. 'Logos sucks, kapiche.'

'Jealous, jealous, jealous,' smirked Zelophrayel. 'I should indeed tell Aphy all about it.'

'Go ahead,' said Samael. 'Blab all our discourse to the world and beyond, if that is what tickles your tits.'

Abrel chuckled at Samael's smutty talk.

'Well, I will,' she said defiantly.

'Betcha don't,' said Abrel. 'You respect our circle too much to do that.'

'Shut up,' she said. 'I shall disclose all to all and sundry who beg even the slightest bit of gossip.'

'Bullshit,' said Abrel.

Zelophrayel smiled. 'Oh, OK I was only joking.'

'Everyone thinks its funny,' began Abrel.

'Until someone loses an eye,' finished Zelophrayel. 'Goodness me, Abrel, the amount of times I've heard that bloody saying of Logos' is too many to count.'

'Don't I know it,' said Samael dryly.

'Come on. Be fair,' said Abrel. 'I mean what is so bad about Logos anyway? He's our older brother.'

'First,' said Samael, looking at his cards. 'He sucks.' The two others grinned at that. 'Second,' continued Samael, 'he's a pretty hopeless politician. Right wing madness, fundamentally approached, no real concern for the welfare of the community as long as his tribe of zealots are doing well and making all the cashola. They feather their nests, and then go on about the evils of the left wing all the time. And while we have the genuine concerns for peoples liberties and freedoms, they claim they offer true freedom through following the Logos and listening to his wisdom, while all the time curbing their freedoms on behaviours which are only perfectly natural in the end anyway. Their a pathetic joke.'

'But a popular joke,' said Zelophrayel, looking at her cards.

Samael gazed at her.

'Yep,' continued Abrel. 'Damn popular. Latest polls suggest Logos' is gonna kick your arse in power for a fair while to come, bro. People seem to dig his message.'

'The only freedom they offer is the freedom to exploit employees, make incredible money if you've got ownership of all the key resources, and how to sack people without giving the slightest damn. Hypocrites the lot of them.'

'Yeh, cash,' said Zelophrayel. 'Its great to make good cash.'

Samael gazed at her again – more of a glare, really, though.

'Face it,' said Abrel. 'They have a more populist position. I think he has learned from you, really. You know, bro. Really.'

Samael looked at Abrel. 'How so?'

'Well, you offer liberties. Perhaps they just happen to offer that many more, now. Liberty to fuck with your neighbour to a degree. If they wanna be rich, fuck the world. Samael preaches freedom says Logos, so we'll have our bloody freedom and get rich. Bit of a pot calling the kettle black, aren't you?'

'Be that as it may,' continued Samael, unperturbed. 'I maintain my case. Logos just sucks in general.'

'I'm hearing you,' said Zelophrayel. 'Might look at starting a business next week, but I'm hearing you.'

Samael glared at her for sure this time. 'What is your bloody problem sis?'

'Oh, nothing,' she replied. 'Just pointing out, like my dear twin, that perhaps someone should look in his own back yard, before he rattles on about his neighbours being total crap.'

He looked at her again, this time a little thoughtfully, and looked at his cards.

'Our liberties are reasonable. I'll maintain that. We don't promote evil, but allow freedoms. Logos is acting like an up himself fool who thinks, as you may say, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Yet, this apparent moral lesson he might be teaching me, I guess, well............He can stuff up his butt. In the end, they will maintain their agenda I would guess, but they'll never be that popular over time.'

'Mmm,' said Zelophrayel. 'Tell that to the millionaires.'

'Shut up Zelly,' said Samael.

Zelophrayel grinned at her brother.

* * * * *

Garanel was the third of the original 7 Onaphim of Infinity and Damienyel was the 7^th. Garanel, as an angel went, was a mediocre kind of guy. Well, that is what society in general led him to believe about himself, yet who was he kidding. He was a hell of a mediocre kind of guy. Damienyel, on the other hand, was a straight-laced Onaphim, adherent of the wisdom of Logos, and conservative in nature in most respects. Yet, likely their Onaphic kinship in the end, had led them to become good friends of recent decades. Garanel gambled – Damienyel didn't – but hung around him none-the-less. Garanel screwed prostitutes – Damienyel sat patiently in the waiting room – and hung around him regardless. Garanel got drunk – Damienyel remained incredibly sober – but was always at the back of the bar, ready to come forward and drive Garanel home when he was making a nuisance of himself. Logos encouraged in his devotees concern and care for others, and Damienyel had taken upon himself the redemption of his lost brother Garanel in due obedience to Logos' directives. But, frankly, he wasn't having much success.

Recently, Garanel had been seeing a chick of very dubious reputation, who apparently had medical problems down below. They were called Venereal Diseases these days, since first appearing not long prior, and, so it was believed, overactive sexual activity was the culprit. Garanel had been informed of this by Damienyel on many occasions, but was not deterred from screwing the blonde chick with the big tits, cause she was a 'Top Fuck' in the coarse language of the angel.

'She'll give you herpes, bloke,' said Damienyel, inside the apartment of Garanel's in Nadrazon, the silver city.

'I'll get a shot,' said Garanel.

'You think those medicines really will cure that shit long term?' asked Damienyel. ''You know, deaths are rare in the Realm of Infinity, and while it takes a decade or so for God to resurrect the soul, often, so Logos claims, he has expressed the view 'Why should he really, lest people conform with lawfulness and moral behaviour.'

'I guess we're all just a bunch of sinners, then,' replied Garanel.

'Which you should turn from,' chided Damienyel. 'You are Onaphim. The third born of the 7. You really should consider yourself and your position of status more, dear brother.'

'Bite me,' replied Garanel, and fished out yesterdays uneaten fry up and, sitting in just his underwear, turned on the TV set, eating his fry-up with a bottle of beer, and, indeed, farting occasionally, which he was wont to due to his unhealthy diet.

'There are more disgusting angels than you, probably,' said Damienyel. 'But I feel you as their role model will likely go unchallenged for centuries to come.'

'Ayyy,' said Garanel. 'Thanks mate. I appreciate the compliment.'

Damienyel came and, gingerly, sat down on the mucky couch and looked at the TV. 'Porn Star Bitches on Heat?' he queried his brother. 'Your watching Porn Star Bitches on Heat?'

'What's wrong with that?' asked Garanel. 'Every fucker watches Porn Star Bitches on Heat. It's a top rating program.'

'Amongst the lower class, maybe,' replied Damienyel.

Garanel looked at his brother. 'Logos waffle? The classes? How people are graded into certain moral groups, and, usually, the rich are at the top with supposedly the best morals and the most class?'

'Exactly,' replied Damienyel. 'Class attracts wealth and wealth attracts class.'

'While I watch Butt Bandits on the weekend? Is that what your saying?'

'Scum is as scum does,' replied Damienyel.

'Charmed,' replied Garanel, and turned his attention to the television set.

Damienyel looked at the TV for a while. 'They like to suck a lot of cock, I've noticed.'

'It's what gets us off, bro.'

'It's not exactly true romance though.'

'You've been reading too many of those novels as far as I'm concerned,' replied Garanel. 'It's not a blokey thing, mate. You fuck sheilas, and give em a bunch of roses if they've been good. You don't fucken write them love poems declaring bullshit oaths of eternal loyalty, which yous will never fucken keep. I know what you're made of mate.'

'Some of us have standards, Garanel. We treat the fairer sex with dignity and respect.'

'And still fuck em up the arse later on when you've got your marriage certificate. Fucken hypocrites.'

'Very funny,' replied Damienyel. 'Besides. I don't have sexual intercourse with a woman's anus. I use the vagina.'

'Does she blow you?' asked Garanel.

Damienyel remained silent.

'I rest my case,' finished Garanel.

'Humph. With no class,' finished Damienyel.

'Well such is fucking life. Now shut up. I've seen this episode before. The next scene is a killer.'

And so Damienyel watched on, listening to his brothers crude talk, but, strangely, enjoyed his company and slowly relaxed, as he was used to doing, watching 'Porn Star Bitches on Heat' in a rather scruffy apartment, in the heart of Nadrazon, the Silver City, of the Realm of Infinity.

* * * * *

Logos examined the pencil set. Decent quality, original shades of colouring, well presented pencil can, and the price was within budget for a very good profit. Apparently new resin in the pencils made these ones specialities for the art world. Should be perfect. He looked at the formed, ticked of the standard 7 boxes, and signed it. Another produce for 'Divine Logistics' his main Business Enterprise.

'It's good to be successful, Janderrandalel said to him, the female Oraphim who worked as his current secretary. She was the 497^th of the Oraphim of Infinity, well experienced and knowledgeable, a delight to work with, and a keen eye for mistakes, which he valued greatly in his workers. If one thing there indeed was which Logos of Infinity prided himself in, faultlessness was it. He would brook no spelling mistake, no misaligned angle, no shoddily presented or packaged product. Faultless and perfect, as he preached all should be.

'So you like them,' Janderrandalel said.

'R& D have done good work again,' said Logos. 'Another fine product. Meeting the exacting standards we all know lead to prosperity.'

'Gotta love that prosperity doctrine,' she remarked.

He looked at her. 'Are you being sarcastic?'

'Oh, sorry. Forgive me. I mean, we should really all most definitely appreciated your doctrine on prosperity. It is helping so many of us succeed in life.'

'As long as we care for the poor, It is unlimited wealth in my way of thinking,' replied Logos.

'And the poor just need work harder, don't they,' replied Jandy.

'There is no excuse for slovenliness,' replied Logos. 'Early to bed, early to rise, makes an angel healthy, wealthy and wise.'

'Very wise,' she replied. 'I'll handle the paperwork and we'll get the sets off the production line in no time.'

'Excellent Jandy. Thank you.'

'My pleasure,' responded the female Oraphim.

Logos turned in his desk, and looked out on the Silver City of Nadrazon from his skyscraper top floor abode. He was king of the world, wasn't he. The most successful businessman in the world, it seemed – the wealthiest, the classiest, example of example to all and sundry of striving for the best in life. And he was just a little proud in himself because of it. After all, he was doing the right thing. Wasn't he. Setting an example and all. Yes. Definitely yes. Definitely

'I think I will go down to the bar on the bottom floor,' he said to his secretary. 'The day is mostly done, and a small reward for a hard days work won't go amiss.'

'Enjoy yourself,' she replied.

Logos felt good. As he descended in the elevator, he felt good. Life was working out. Working out extremely well, in fact. He was successful, loved, popular and famous. And very, very wealthy. And, so it seemed as of later, becoming quite eligible with his father to entertain a growing number of female compatriots. That was always a good thing.

He reached the ground floor, passed over to the bar, waving to certain other suited figures who acknowledged him, and bought a whiskey with lemonade, and sat down in his favourite seat, enjoying himself. Definitely enjoying himself.

'Hey, handsome,' a voice said out of nowhere.

Logos turned. An extremely good looking lady sat nearby, dressed in a gorgeous red dress, with make-up and a startling figure also.

'Wanna buy me a drink?' she asked him.

'Oh, uh. Yes. Sure. It would be my pleasure,' he replied in good faith.

He returned to her table with a drink, and sat down opposite her.

'Logos, right?' she asked.

'Yes, my dear,' he replied.

'Mmm. Single? Attached?'

'Well, single, I guess. Technically,' he replied a little nervously. She was indeed quite attractive.

'Well, I'm single at the moment. Tell you what. Want to spend a little time and money on some fun with me, hon?'

Logos manhood stood at attention.

'Um, well. Well sure. Whatever. Yes, we could spend some time together.'

'Why don't you invite me home tonight,' she said in one of those quite experienced voices.

'Well, certainly,' he replied.

Later on, when he came out of the bedroom, into the en suite, to shower, as the dirtiness he felt after having his cock sucked twice, and then fucking her up the arse was quite extreme. But she said 'Go for your dirty dreams, sweetie. I'm easy.' And he did. He washed his crotch, and looked at himself in the mirror. What the hell was he doing.

'Sweetie! Are you ready for more?' came her voice from the other room.

He looked at himself, and then, temptation, the oldest devil, said to his heart. 'Hey, your king of the world. May as well enjoy yourself.'

And he looked at himself, and said, slowly, 'Well, yeh. I suppose. I mean, I'm the boss. Aren't I. Fuckit,' he finished, and went off for yet another session for the evening. And nobody was any the wiser.

* * * * *

'You know,' Garanel said to Logos. 'It's not that bad.'

Garanel was sitting in a sex clinic, reading a magazine, chatting with Logos, who had a worried look on his face. He'd just had a blood test and was waiting on results.

'I mean, sure, herpes sucks. It's a bitch of an itch. But don't worry. It's not herpes from what you've said.'

'What is it then?' asked a nervous Logos.

'Probably Gonorrhoea. But don't let the name scare you. Get a shot and the shit clears up after a while. She'll be cool mate. Don't sweat it. I've had heaps of them. My pecker still works fine.'

'Wonderful,' replied an increasingly anxious Logos.

'Of course, it could be something worse. Maybe one of those hepatitis strains. They are killers those fuckers. And that chick you mentioned, I don't know. Name rings a bell. Not sure if she's that kosher down below, mate. You could have problems, but don't sweat it. Most heps are treatable.'

'Most?' asked Logos, looking nervously again at Garanel.

'Calm down, bloke. Get yourself together. Be a man about it. You did the crime, now do the time. That's the breaks on our kinda lifestyle.'

Logos looked at him, and looked straight forward. He was not in a good mood.

Suddenly the nurse appeared, and spoke to him quietly. 'It's just a minor herpes strain. Take this prescription and take all the tablets one a day until the bottle is gone. You should be fine in a few months.'

'See. She's cool,' said Garanel. 'Nothing to worry about.' Logos only looked mildly relieved of his tension.

'Thanks, Garanel. Um, thanks. I'll see you some time.'

'Don't make yourself a stranger,' said Garanel, as Logos disappeared.

The nurse smiled at him and Garanel said 'Newbies. What can you say, ya know?'

The nurse smiled again, and left, and Garanel returned to his magazine, himself waiting on potentially quite concerning results.

* * * * *

'So,' said Aphrayel to Samael. 'Hangin with Abrel and Zelophrayel a lot. Mmm. You enjoying that?' queried the Celestyel, working through a game of solitaire in her abode in Azion, the Golden City of the Realm of Infinity.

'It's fine,' said Samael, nonplussed.

'Right. They good company and all? I mean, your enjoying their stimulating conversation and intelligent insights and all?'

'They're bright enough,' responded Samael casually.

'Mmm. That's good,' said Aphrayel. 'Of course, with friends like them, I suppose you can move on in life and all, now. You know. Like people do. Move on. Let old friend, old acquaintances, old flames be. You know.'

Samael looked squarely at Aphrayel. 'Why, Aphy. Your not jealous, are you?' he asked, a typical Samael grin on his face.

'God forbid!' exclaimed Aphrayel animatedly.

'Why the fuck would she care? She shags me now,' said Sandalphon from the side window, glass of scotch in hand, watching out over the city, his anciently established tradition.

'Yep. And he shags well!' said Aphrayel, rather passionately.

Samael smiled. 'Oh, well you two are quite content then. Mmm. Indeed. Perhaps I should move down below to Nadrazon on a more permanent basis. Make it official with Abby and Zelly.'

'Abby and Zelly. Ooh. Nicknames,' said a surly voiced Aphrayel. 'My, my, my. We are a happy little angel, aren't we. Found our circle of friends, so the oldies can fuck themselves and fuck off. But you never needed us anyway. What, with the stimulating conversation they obviously offer you.'

Samael smiled at that, and put his hands behind his head, and laid back on the couch. 'Oh, they're fine as company. Good mates, really. Quite friendly. Good manners. You know them, though. They've always been pretty strong on respect.'

'Ooh, ooh, ooh. They kiss Samael's butt, I see. Just what our lord and master loves. A new trio for him to entertain his vast imaginations with. Screw the old ones. They were only his besties, for like, a trillion fucken years,' savaged Aphrayel.

'Your acting quite passionately about my newfound glory,' replied Samael. 'Why thank you for appreciating them so much.'

Aphrayel looked at Samael, and cried out 'I give up. He's a faithless bastard.'

'She a good shag?' Sandalphon asked Samael.

'Me and Zelly have a well established friendship. I have been known to be in her bed on very rare occasions, but its not quite like that.'

'Humph,' responded Aphrayel.

'So, you've got a new crew then,' said Sandalphon. 'Look, mate. That's cool with us. Seriously. Aphrayel's just jealous. Yeh, fuck us. Why would you want to hang around that much anymore with old Sandalphon and scrawny Aphrayel anyway?'

Samael smiled. 'I have an issue,' he began.

Aphrayel commented first. 'Oh, do tell. Yet I am sure it has been thoroughly vetted with Abrel and Zelophrayel already, so, you know, what can we possibly have to offer?'

'Aphrayel. You are a unique angel of compelling fidelity,' said Samael. 'Very well, then. I shall introduce yourself and Sandalphon to our circle of friends, and you will find that Abrel and Zelophrayel are actually quite good intentioned angels, and sympathetic with much of our own views on life.'

'Humph,' said Aphrayel, but after a while she softened. 'Well, um, ok. That would be ok, I suppose. Zelly is a bestie forever, of course, and while I've indeed known Abrel forever, I don't really know him personally very well, you know.'

'Their cool,' said Samael. 'I think you'll find yourself getting along with our little circle.'

Aphrayel suddenly smiled at the thought. 'Thank you Samael. Thank you for bringing us into your new world. That much is appreciated.'

'I wasn't neglecting you dear sister and dear brother. But I do have another life. Yet you are welcome to join it. You both are very dear to me.'

'Cheers,' said Sandalphon, and Aphrayel gave him a hug.

'What issues?' asked Aphrayel.

'Logos,' said Samael.

Sandalphon looked out at the Golden City. 'Logos is a mystery. There is a world of theological belief running through him these days. I sense of self-justification and self-determination, in which he is so sure of himself, of his own apparent deity, that he serves God's will regardless of whether he actually serves God's will. That is an established fact in his mind. He knows he is right. He knows his agenda is true. He knows.'

'And therein is the problem,' replied Samael, thinking over Sandalphon's words.

Aphrayel took issue for a second. 'Samael. Are you a moral angel?'

Samael paused from staring at Sandalphon and looked at Aphrayel. 'Moral?' he asked her after a while.

She nodded.

'Why do you ask if I'm moral?'

'What. Do you fear answering the question?'

Sandalphon stared at Samael. 'I mean, you know. When it comes right down to it, if we are true to our agendas and position, as Aphrayel says, aren't we arguing that those views are the moral truths of life?'

'And my point would be that God's teaching defines morality,' said Aphrayel, returning to her card game.

Samael looked at them both, and then sat back in his couch, putting his hands to his head.

'I'm not a moral being,' he said at last. 'It's not about morality. God, I couldn't give a damn about morality, and Logos knows that well. It's just that our freedoms are our rights. They are what we deserve, what we have a fundamental right to express in our lives.'

'Thus you are arguing that they are morally correct,' stated Aphrayel.

'No, I'm.......I'm...........I'm not bloody...........' And then he paused and thought on it. 'Well, uh. Mmm. Yeh. I suppose so. I suppose I am arguing they are correct and, if you insist, moral.'

'Then you have a question of morality ethics with Logos. So why not just be bloody honest and argue that with him and society. If you really think you have been so damn righteous all along, then be honest about it.'

'I'm far from righteous. Many call me a devil for good reason,' responded Samael.

'Part of your charms and character I would think,' commented Samael. 'But many believe what you are saying, you know. It's why you have so many followers and win half of the elections on counsel.'

Samael sat there for a while, mostly unconvinced, and then came out with it. 'Wasn't it supposed to be rebellion? Weren't my views supposed to reflect disobedience to God?'

'But you believe them, don't you?' asked Aphrayel.

'I certainly do,' replied Samael.

'Then you are arguing your beliefs are morally true.'

Samael stared at her, incredulously. 'Well, I guess so,' he finally said.

'So base it on that. This up and coming debate which is catching on out there. That your position is more moral than the position of Logos. And, besides, in the end, God hasn't really condemned your views anyway. He doesn't really comment, but sees if your views prevail from personal observations.'

'I've noticed that too,' said Samael.

'Then run with it,' said Sandalphon. 'And Logos be damned.'

'Logos be damned,' repeated Samael to himself, and sat pondering on that for quite a while that afternoon.

* * * * *

'Fate and Destiny, Destiny and Fate. One you love, one you hate. Choose one now, and don't choose late. Fate or Destiny, Destiny or Fate?'

'Fate will do,' responded Angela to the Jester in front of her throne in Paradise.

'Ooh. So it's fate, Queen of Islam. Are you sure? Fate, in the end, is the true challenger of equality with God, but the only one which will learn its lesson, also, any time soon that is,' said the Jester.

'We have learned our lesson. So tell me of the vice of Fate?'

'A soul, it seems, which sees within, a power infinite, which has no sin. And as within, its self it boasts, is the Lord of Heaven's host.'

'The Logos,' she said.

'The other player, the Lord Jesus Christ of Eternity will parade his deity long beyond Logos' humbling, so thou hast indeed chosen wisely to seek the Children of Fate. A far more adroit decision.'

'Jesus is but a prophet. We know the Lord is one,' said the Queen of Islam. 'And he has no son.'

'No son indeed,' responded the Jester. 'Allah is sonless. Devoid of offspring.'

'Nay, we are his heavenly children. Yea, sons and daughters of God, the children of Islam. But we are not God's very own equal, as if bequeathed from his very loins.'

'Thine knoweth wisdom,' declared the jester Alcazar. 'Your majesty has made her choice.' The jester then whistled in the throneroom of Paradise, and two female jesters came in through the grand entrance, rolling a large marble dish of sorts, with water within.

'Dost thou darest to gaze into the portal of Infinity?' queried the jester.

'I shall,' said Queen Angela of Islam, and descended her royal throne to come and look into the waters. Deep into the waters.

…...............I feel. I feel as if,' said the angel Zelophryael. Is if it is not Destiny which leads us, but something different. Some other spirit. A fate, Abrel. Not a destiny.'

'And who is daughter Fate?' asked Abrel, smirking.

Zelophrayel looked into her heart, and the dreamscape she had known since youth. 'She is not daughter Destiny. She is not daughter Destiny,' she repeated.

'Then we must be the Children of Fate,' said Abrel.

And Zelophrayel, looked at him, and slowly nodded, and pondered that much of the remainder of the day.

Queen Angela left off looking into the waters, as the vision passed, and righted herself, thinking.

'Has the queen seen her vision true?' asked Alcazar the Jester.

'The Queen's vision is her own business,' she responded. 'Now go and summon Mohammed for me. I will have words with him again.'

'As you wish my queen,' and the Jester danced away, off to another part of the Palace of Paradise, seeking Mohammed, and the will of his Queen, Queen of Paradise, Angela, daughter of heaven, Child of Allah, the Most High God of Infinite Glory.

Chapter Two

'Yo. Sandalphon. I do believe you haven't praised God in the last 12 billion years.'

Sandalphon, in the cafeteria of Azion, turned and looked at who was speaking. 'Number 2,' he said. 'What's up your arse?'

Shamrenaphon, the secondborn of the 7 original Oraphim Angels of Eternity, number 2 to indeed Sandalphon, chuckled. 'Sandy. Bite me.'

'Heh heh heh,' responded Sandalphon.

'We have a gathering. Of Onaphim in the throne room, and we were wondering if you wanted to come along and praise God with us for a while.'

'Logos stooges, huh,' replied Sandalphon.

'If you insist,' said Shamrenaphon. 'He loves you, you know. Logos. God too. We are here for you, brother. We love you, you know.'

'Does this particular praise session have any alcohol?' asked Sandalphon.

Shamrenaphon gave him one of those looks.

'Right. Naked ladies perhaps?'

'Sandalphon. We do not go to worship God and indulge in fornication at the same time. It is not exactly appropriate.'

'You don't know what yer missing,' replied Sandalphon.

'Come on,' said Shamrenaphon. 'Even a devil like you needs to get around and pay your dues eventually.'

'Fine,' moaned Sandalphon. 'I'll be there next year. Late. Perhaps.'

'Sandalphon!' said Shamrenaphon seriously.

'For fuck's sake,' said Sandalphon after his breath, indicated acceptance by nodding, and followed Shamrenaphon out of the cafeteria to the throneroom of Azion.

There were 12 other Onaphim angels present when the arrived. Kalel and Donel, both respectively the 4^th and 5^th born of the 7 Onaphim angels, the other 5 Oraphim of Kaleriaphon, the 3^rd born of the Oraphim, Bastraphon, the 4^th born of the Oraphim, Zanaphon, the 5^th born of the Oraphim, Ternaphon the 6^th born of the Oraphim and Divraphon, the 7^th born of the Oraphim. Apart from that, Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, the first 3 of the 3^rd group of 7 Angels of the Onaphim, the Seraphim, were also there, as well as the two female Celestyels, Desrayel, the 4^th born of the Celestyels and, finally, Qadrayel, the 5^th born of the Celstyels.

'So you found him,' said Kaleriaphon. 'That's good. He can show his long due love to Jehovah and worship him in spirit and in truth.'

'Founds fab Kal,' said Sandalphon to Kaleriaphon.

'I do hope you put your whole heart into it,' continued Kaleriaphon. 'God needs to be shown our purest love and devotion. We owe him so much you know. For everything, really.'

'He's so right,' said Qadrayel. 'God is the source of all love and goodness and good things. For an angel to praise God there is something right happening in the world.'

'Yep,' replied Sandalphon. 'Gotcha Qads.'

'We often take turns making a solo,' said Bastraphon. 'It is good for God to examine each of us in praise, and it is a way we present ourselves to him for his inspection. He looks into our heart and impart his own love and spirit the closer we draw to him. Part of our life has always been to draw close to God and show him our love and fear of his holiness. It's what its all about brother.'

'And to love him so much,' said Qadrael. 'I mean, you can't help but feel it here, Sandy. The pure and good spirit which abides with Yahweh. It is – unbelievable.'

Sandalphon looked at the whole host of devotees and turned to Shamrenaphon. 'Uh, are you really sure I'm what you are looking for?' he queried. 'Sure, God's grouse and all that, but I'm not sure if this is my scene, bloke.'

'You'll do fine,' said Shamrenaphon smiling.

'God will touch you,' said Qadrael. 'He'll do a special work in your life. A miracle, really. Something amazing.'

'We'll pray for you as well,' said Kaleriaphon.

'Go nuts,' said Sandalphon. 'Can't get enough of those prayers.'

And so the praising began, and when it came around to Sandalphon's time to sing, he stood forward, looked up to God and, slowly, turned to look at all the other zealots, eyes closed, looking upwards, hands raised in the air, and he came to his sense.

'Fuck this for a joke,' he said, and, carefully, extracted his way to the exit.

But Kaleriaphon caught him. 'You don't want to get yet, brother. We have so much more praising to do. And there will be a sermon from Michael.'

'Uh, shit. You know, I'd love to stay around, but Samael got his balls stuck in some nasty business at the moment. Another time, kapiche.'

Kaleriaphon stood there, almost about to put his hand out to prevent Sandalphon leaving, but sighed, and drew back, as Sandalphon departed.

As he climbed down, and back to the real world, all that Sandalphon could say to himself as he made his way to Aphrayel's abode was 'For heaven's fucking sake.'

* * * * *

'Yeh, I know what your saying,' replied Garanel to Sandalphons statement.

'I mean, for fuck's sake, their lunatics,' exclaimed the firstborn of the Oraphim.

'Perhaps you shouldn't be so hard on the zealots,' commented Dolphyel, second-born of the 7 Onaphim. 'They are only doing what they think is right.'

'They are fucking nuts,' responded Sandalphon.

'I like them,' said Elendayel, seventhborn of the Celestyels. 'Our brothers and sisters are very devoted to God in a very strong way now, and I know that is difficult to understand Sandy, but they are more friendly than ever, you know.'

'They are mind controlled,' said Sandalphon strongly. 'Not even servants of God. Puppets of Logos – nothing more.'

'I think I see Sandalphon's point,' said Samael. 'Dear Elendayel, they don't appear to be themselves. Like a new spirit has gotten hold of them and made them into something their not. Sure, it looks as it is all love and kisses, but is it rational? Is it even normal, you know. That sort of way?'

'I suppose I see your point,' said Elendayel, looking at her cards in the match between herself and Aphrayel, 'But I like them. No, I don't think I want to join them. Not saying that at all. But I find them very hospitable and easy to get along with quite frankly.'

'Very sweet. Like Ice cream,' said Sandalphon. 'But eat too much too quickly and you'll get a god-awful brain freeze damn quick I tell you.'

Elendayel chuckled on Sandalphon's comment.

'The question I would ask,' continued Samael. 'Is this going to grow? Is Logos in expansion mode and is he looking for recruits? And if he is content in his brainwashing activities, then perhaps we should consider our own position? I mean, if the tide turns, Logos wins a high majority, we will be at the beck and call of endless requests for praise sessions, as Sandalphon puts it, and rebuked for every fowl word or thought that crosses our lips and mind. Are you sure you want that Elendayel?'

'Don't know. Perhaps we should be holy,' she replied. 'But I see your point. Not, I think, the kind of life I ultimately want either.'

'Then join Pax Libertarius,' said Sandalphon. 'You've been told for a few weeks now about it. It might come down to one or the other, sweetie. I don't think solo girl will survive long in what's brewing up out there, you know.'

Elendayel looked seriously at Sandalphon for a moment, and then returned to look at her cards. 'I'm still thinking that over, ok. Give me time. But possibly. Possibly.'

'Good to hear,' said Sandalphon, and turned to look out the window, sipping on his scotch.

Elendayel sat quietly for a while, then, playing cards with Aphrayel, and Sandalphon stood gazing out the window. Samael looked on. The conversation had temporarily run dry.

'Garanel,' said Aphrayel. 'Have you proposed to that blonde angel you are dating yet?'

'Jellaqwai? Hell no,' replied Garanel, and scratched his crotch for a few moments.

'Got the itch, have you?' queried Sandalphon to Garanel.

Garanel looked at his brother. 'Jellaqwai is known to be somewhat frisky. I admit it. What, you gonna preach at me? Sandalphon has already joined the light brigade is it?'

Sandalphon smiled at his brother, but didn't comment.

'Some angels come across as all hugs and kisses,' said Aphayel. 'But its with every tom, dick and harry that they are all hugs and kisses. The kinds of diseases venereally these days are getting worse and worse all the time.'

'The more we practice sexual immorality, the more it builds up. The Vds become more concentrated with the more partners we have. We've all got our sins, you know. And the more we fuck around with our privates, the more explicit shit our privates have to deal with. And it adds up after a while.'

'Sure you've seen your fair deal of hot vagina,' said Garanel, glaring at Sandalphon.

Sandalphon sipped on his scotch, but did not comment.

'He doesn't. That much,' said Aphrayel. 'A few lovers. Not many. Sticks to the same patches forever. Same old pieces of tail for Sandy.'

'You should know sweetie,' responded Sandalphon.

'That's just it,' replied Aphrayel. 'I do. Don't object to you being in my bed because of it.'

Samael found that interesting.

'I don't fuck around as much as you might think. And with new girls these days, I practice safely,' said Garanel. 'I mean, I'm not completely an idiot.'

'Perhaps a bit too much, though,' said Aphrayel. 'Father likes intimacy shared with very few.'

Garanel looked at the angels in the room. 'For fuck's sake. Lighten up, ok. What, are you guys the new holy rollers or something?'

'I don't think its exactly holiness we give much of a damn about,' said Samael. 'More of the realities of life. What actually stuffs you up in the end. We have, well, discussed these ideas a lot. Aphrayel myself and Sandalphon have had long discussions on issues of life and problems associated with it. Realities, though. The point of the morals, it seems, is just more of a security blanket to protect from some of the effects of those harsher realities.'

'Yeh, well. Well that I can accept bro,' said Garanel. 'It does pay to be informed.'

'Hang around,' said Aphrayel. 'You might learn something.'

'Then explain Pax Libertarius,' said Garanel.

'Well its not called Pax Idioticus,' smiled Samael. Sandalphon and Aphrayel both chuckled on that one.

'Is there a Pax Fuckaroundusabituswithoutgettingintotoomuchshittus then?' asked Garanel.

'We'll make one. Just for you,' smiled Elendayel.

'Your all heart,' replied Garanel.

'Indeed she is,' commented Samael.

And they partied on, and the mood was good, and Pax Libertarius gained momentum.

* * * * *

Pieradore looked at the scroll. 'The Glory of Xanth!' A majestic work, he thought to himself. 'Xanth shall be my heart,' he exclaimed out loud,' but nobody in the library of the Golden City was around to hear his words. Pieradore was the 56^th of the 70 Onaphim angels, the 7^th and last of the 7 Abraphim angels. And he was a writer. It was what he liked doing, and was popular and successful at it. And he had a new creation. A fantasy world called 'Xanth'. Xanth was full of magical creatures, where everyone had a magical talent, and they went on adventures and quests, and solved riddles and puzzles and fell into dangerous encounters of all kind. And that is how his world would gradually unfold and come to be.

'Heaven's above, Pieradore. I have been looking for you everywhere.'

Pieradore looked up. It was Zelophraye. 'Why have you been looking for me Zelly?'

'Oh,' she replied, sitting down opposite him. 'No particular reason. It is just that we must make an effort with our brothers to show them that feminine touch once in a while. The Celestyels have always had that in mind. And I wanted to say how proud I am of you for all the books you have been writing so long, and to ask about this new 'Xanth' project of yours I have heard whispers of.'

Pieradore passed her the scroll and she looked at it.

'The Glory of Xanth? Brilliant,' she said. And she sat there for half an hour reading it. 'Great idea,' she finally said. 'Everyone having a magic talent. But you should give someone a talent that is hard to find when they are young, if they all find their talents at a young age. Some character who must quest to find their talent.'

'I am thinking maybe Bink or Chameleon for that,' said Pieradore. 'I haven't decided which one yet.'

'Bink looks like a great character,' said Zelophrayel. 'Start with him. Yes, yes start with him.'

'Then that is what I shall do,' replied Pieradore. 'How about, 'A Talent for Chameleon?'

'A Spell for Chameleon,' replied Zelophrayel.

'A Spell for Chameleon, you say?' asked Pieradore.

Zelophrayel nodded. 'A Spell for Chameleon.'

'So be it dear sister, that shall be the foundation of Xanth. A Spell for Chameleon.' And Zelophrayel laughed, and Pieradore smiled at his sister's joy.

* * * * *

'Davros. You are a juvenile,' said Brentonios, the fourthborn of the 7 Ozraphim angels.

'Forgive me,' replied Davros, the sixthborn of the 7 Ozraphim angels. 'But I get it all from you older brother.'

'Ha. Good one,' replied Brentonios. 'So what have you been up to? It's been a while.'

'Designing weird new metal designs,' replied Davros the architect of splendid creations. 'This for example,' he said, showing a strange looking metallic object.

'What is it?' asked Brentonios.

'I call it a Dalek. They are my faithful robot servants. They fight the Doctor,' replied Davros.

'Doctor who?' asked Brentonios.

'Something like that,' snickered Davros. 'I have already designed an army of Daleks. I have a chess set based on them. The Gold versus the Black Daleks.'

'You are endlessly creative,' replied Brentonios. 'Always a strength of the Ozraphim. 'Good with our hands and making things.'

'Our specialty I think,' replied Davros. 'What the Ozraphim perhaps represent best in the Realm of Infinity.'

'Mmm,' commented Brentonios. 'Well, how about that then?'

'How about what?' asked Davros, examining his Dalek.

'How about we represent in the Realm of Infinity. As an official community. Unite the Ozraphim of Nadrazon with a Vision of the Ozraphim.'

Davros put down his figure and looked at his older brother. 'Are you serious? Besides, we have an Ozraphim council.'

'Which never meets and does bugger all in the name of the Ozraphim. Perhaps we could change that? Show some class. Show some Infinite class. Mean something. Be something. Be a people,' said Brentonios.

'I don't know. It might work. What, are you the new Samael or something?' said Davros.

'No. All 7 of us. All 7 of the Onaphim Ozraphim. Take our guardianship over the council jobs seriously, and actually do something now. Make something of a name for ourselves. Why not? We've nothing much else to do which is new anymore? Get ourselves an agenda or something.'

'I have an agenda,' said Davros, looking at his figure. 'But I am listening brother. I am listening.'

'Well let's all get together. The 7 Ozraphim. And think about it. Have a chat. Do something, if you know what I mean?'

'Mmm,' replied Davros, looking at the glint in his brother's eyes. A very interesting idea indeed.

* * * * *

Bastraphon, the fourthborn of the 7 Oraphim Angels and Zanaphon the fifthborn of the 7 Oraphim angels, where on the outskirts of the Golden City, near the playing fields, having a quiet drink, watching the world go by.

'Why don't we make up a new sport?' suggested Bastraphon. 'Something new to do.

'What shall we call it?' asked Zanaphon.

'Oraball,' replied Bastraphon. 'A game invented by the Oraphim for the Oraphim.'

'Sounds good. What are the rules?' asked Zanaphon.

'We make a ball. Fill it with air, and kick it around a field. There are three teams. The object is to kick the ball, and you can't touch it with your hand, into the centre of the field, where there is a large block of stone. If you hit the stone, you score a point, and then the ball is thrown outside the field, and the team who scores gets to kick the ball back onto the field to restart the game. At the end of the game, the team with the most points wins,' said Bastraphon.

'Sounds interesting,' said Zanaphon. 'Perhaps you could have attacking players and players who defend the rock.'

'Brilliant,' said Bastraphon, but sighed. 'But we'll probably never do it. We're just too lazy to bother.'

'Ain't that the truth,' replied Zanaphon. 'Stil, whatcha going to do huh?'

They sat there, drinking, and smoking, looking at the world going by.

'It would give us something to do, though,' said Bastraphon. 'Work is work, and there isn't much new in that. A decent sport. Gives us a new focus on things.'

'True,' said Zanaphon.

'We could form Oraball leagues. Make it a big competition in the Realm of Infinity,' said Bastraphon.

'That we could,' agreed Zanaphon.

'Draw crowds. Form teams. Make it an official sport of the Oraphim. It could be huge,' said Bastraphon.

'Could be,' agreed Zanaphon.

'But we'll probably never do it,' said Bastraphon.

'Too much work,' said Zanaphon.

'Yep, too much work,' agreed Bastraphon, and sighed.

They sat there, drinking, and smoking, looking at the world going by.

'I'll draw up the rules tonight, and we'll start recruiting players tomorrow,' said Bastraphon.

'Right behind you buddy,' said Zanaphon.

They watched the world go by, but there were smiles on both Oraphim angel faces. Definitely smiles.

The End

The Divine Order


'You know, Sammy.  Life has a mystery to it.  Who can say, ultimately, what will be?'
Samael, seated on Aphrayel's couch, looking at the cards in 'Tripular Solitaire', a game Aphrayel had invented smiled.
'I think, dear Aphrayel, that whatever will be will be, as you rightly know.'
'Nonsense,' said Sandalphon.  'Life is not fate, it is destiny.  It is not an ending we are heading inexorably towards, but a destiny we are inexorably travelling forwards upon.'
'Yet fate is the end of Infinity,' responded Samael.
'And Destiny is the beginning of Eternity,' replied Sandalphon.
'Neither is my choice,' interjected Aphrayel.  'Home is where the heart is, and I shall not be swayed from mine eternal wisdom.'
'Yet heaven above is my deepest desire,' said Zelophrayel.
They all looked at Zelophrayel.  'Come on, Zelly.  We have all had the dreams, but heaven is a fantasy of Logos.  It DOESN''T exist,' said Samael.
'Perhaps you are a little naive,' responded Zelophrayel.  'There are 70 children of Heaven.  Of that I am sure.'  And she looked directly at Samael, and thought on recent dreams of a namesake.  Again, she repeated herself.  'Of that I am sure.'
'Hum,' said Samael.  'Whatever you say, dear sister.'
'Paradise awaits,' said Abrel.  The group all looked at Abrel.
'Paradise?' queried Sandalphon.
'Uh.  Oh, nothing,' said Abrel.  'Just whimsical old Abrel having some fun.'

That day the Children of Infinity were in a goodish sort of mood.  In the last 12 decades since 'The Doctrine of Resolution' had been passed, they had increasingly found more peace amongst themselves.  In the light of the covenant between Samael 
and Logos on political issues and acknowledgement of both parties rights to express their soci-political-economic policies while in office,
society had gotten back to normal after the quite heated, in the end, debates on class warfare.

It had been a turbulent time in the Realm of Infinity but, since then, things had started resolving themselves.  Life had started, finally, getting back to normal.

The End