The Angels Saga

Volume 53

Morning Stars of Infinity

Pseudepigraphal Apostolics Volume 1

by

Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly

Copyright 6185 SC / 2022 CE

Stories:

Prologue

Garanel's Red Light Preoccupations

Team Seraphim of Infinity

Samael, Sandalphon & Aphrayel

Alison and Natalia: Tag Team Partners 2

The Masked Infidel and the Puny One

Michael 6

Conditions

Gabriel and Garanel

Leo the Lion

Ruth 36

Patience

Infinity Council

Michael 7

Improvements

Daniel and Valladore 3

Kaleriaphon and Brigidina 2

Leo the Lion 2

Kaleriaphon and Brigidina 3

Gabriel and Garanel 2

Alison and Natalia: Tag Team Partners 3

Yah Ha Wai Hii the Big Kahuna

Aphar 7 III

Krystabel and the Clock of Eternity VIII

Abrazabrandelionkonjonshonvantrantavere II 4

Garanel and Mabel

Daniel and Valladore 4

Daravier and the Afryka Initiative 2

Demographics

Saruvim Vs Callophim

The Angels Saga: The Books of Destiny & Rebirth

Cat Lady 20

Good Times in Zaphora

Samaen's Agenda 2

Abrazabrandelionkonjonshonvantrantavere II 5

Kaleriaphon and Brigidina 4

Daniel and Valladore 5

Damienyel the Onaphim

Cricket in the Golden City Cafeteria

Golden City Common Room

Golden City Archives

Golden City Arts & Crafts Room

Golden City Education

Lanyon Stackings: Artie & Rose's Newsagency

Life in Brindaphora

Belzavier and Desrayel: Golden City Arcade

Golden City Hair Salon

HNF Assembly of Satan the Son of God

Robot Droid Dude

Cat Lady 21

Golden City Tea Room

Golden City Daylight

By the Power of the Rainbow 2

The Taylor Swift Legacy

New Girls

Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly and an Irate Taylor Swift

The Taylor Swift Legacy 2

Golden City Stretchers

Golden City Birdwatchers

Aphrayel's Question About Beltaran

The Taylor Swift Legacy 3

Ye Olde Golden City Stamps and Coins Society

Golden City Central Offices

The Natural World 1: Golden City Lights

The Philo Crusade

A New Harvest

Shards of a Casual Heart

The McIntosh's

Love VI: Where Does Love Go When It Dies?

Gemma's Question

Censure

David's Rebuke

Fallen Angel

Infinity Council 2

Golden City Farming Sector

Draven's Wisdom

Yah Ha Wai Hii The Big Kahuna 2

Michael 8

4 O'Clock 28

Golden City Fidelity Club

Golden City All-Stars

MEMORIES OF THE CHRONICLER OF THE ANGELS OF LOVE

The Infancy of Lucy Potter: Story One 'The Birth & Naming of Lucy Potter'

Circle of the Rainbow Covenant

Fanfic Ideas

Prologue

Apholox sat in the time masters control room, at the control deck, examining the history of the world. Things had taken place which had culminated Destiny and its Rebirth. The official things were complete. 'It's like that you need a full glass of juice,' said Apholox, turning to the Time Masters. 'But instead of a full orange, you only have half. What do you do?'

'Get another orange,' said a Time Master.

'No more oranges. What now?'

'Water it down and call it Fruit Drink,' said a Time Master.

'Exactly. Half Strength. Pseudepigraphal Apostolic sort of literature. Semi-Divine. Almost the word of God in some ways, but not quite. The firstfruits of the onflow of the original plannings. We have entered this phase in our record keeping and time management for the history of the world. The essential is now done. Now we are on half strength for a while, soon enough to go down to standard operating procedure which is just the regular stuff.'

The Time Masters clapped. Job done. God would be proud.

Garanel's Red Light Preoccupations

'You know, babe,' said Garanel, lying on the hookers bed after the action. 'I'm married to the red light.'

'It's a pretty sad thing, buddy,' said the hooker, counting her bills. 'Married to hookers as your way of life. I mean, come on Gar. We're sluts. You can do better than marrying the red light. You even have a twin these days. You should go and look her up and get over your slovenly ways. Not that I mind, you know. Certainly need the cash. But you can do much better now. You are starting to show genuine charm and courtesy with us. You are becoming, slowly, too good for this lifestyle Garanel. Grow up. Get to your actual duties with Jehovah. You're being slack.'

Garanel sat there, smoking his ciggie, looking at the wall, and the picture of Marilyn Monroe revealing her breast.

'It's crossed my mind. In recent millennia especially. Sort of, a long time ago, this was my lot in life. It was never really going to change. Just the way I was. But I know what you are saying babe. The scene is getting a bit old. I'm getting over it, slowly. Guess I'll have to divorce ya'all.'

'You do that. But remember to pay me a final visit when you finally make the commitment to Torah values you are supposed to.'

Garanel stood, showered, and dressed. 'This was it,' he said. 'I won't see you again.'

She stood, came and kissed him. 'You've been fab, hunny. Good luck with your new life.'

The angel left. He traced his way over the next few months from a long way out in the Realm of Infinity, centrewards, to the Golden City. And finding his dorm, he looked for the key in the mailbox, found it, and went inside. There was quite a lot of dust. It had been a long time. There was mail, actually, on his couch. A few personals as well. He sat down, lit a ciggie, and smoked. Shortly a knock came to the door.

'Come in,' shouted Garanel.

Logos entered with Samael. 'Well, the dreamer has returned,' said Logos. 'Word got round when someone spotted you. Now you have been the victim of Seraphim prayer for quite a while now, and there has been a requirement with them before you would be allowed to think about returning to the Golden City. It was repentance of your fowl fornications.'

'Fuck you,' said Garanel. 'Yes, I've frikking repented. Been happening in my heart for a while now. Got over it a few months back. Just could focus on my preoccupations with the Red Light like I used to. The faces and places were getting old, so I went home.'

'He's repented of the shit then,' said Samael, and sat down next to Garanel. He picked up the remote and the TV flickered for a second, but came on. Oprah Winfrey was playing.

'She'll do,' said Garanel. 'Give me some ideas on a community spirit and all that jazz. Social issues and shit. Probably need that stuff now.'

'Sounds wise of you,' agreed Logos. 'We'll go now. We'll send Aphrayel around with your dinner, and I'll get your twin in next week to chat with you. She wants to mate with you as soon as you are over it, which we assured her was coming.'

'Right,' said Garanel, and lit another cigarette. 'Cheers buddy.'

Logos and Samael left, and Garanel watched the show. Funny thing, though. His heart felt better. He'd come home, getting over the long held ways of Garanel and the dark side, but he felt better. Like he'd finally faced up to things and made the right decision. Funny. Reformed. You never really did know what life held for you in the end.

The End

Team Seraphim of Infinity

'We are the opposite of the Free Radicals,' said Michael the Seraphim of Infinity, to the gathering in the auditorium of the Golden City. 'This new spirit which has entered Heaven and Earth and the Planetary Bodies is to be opposed. It is an emerging threat to law and order and the Torahic way of life. It is far from being a decent, righteous and holy thing. As fundamentalists we are obligated to reach out to these infidels and correct them in their misaligned thoughts on what constitutes a fulfilled life. They talk of excitement and action and life on the edge, all players in the 'game'. They game is a moniker and it is an excuse to justify their shenanigans. And it will NOT be tolerated. By decree of Logos we have a new venture for Team Seraphim of Infinity. Combatting and opposing the reckless freedoms of laisez fairre with a solid vote that the community has its aspirations also and to live in peace and friendliness with all is one of our key values, not to be disturbed by the machinations of Lords of Misrule who are more addicted to their egos than a sensible and balanced way of life. The free radicals have a lesson coming from Team Seraphim, a lesson they will not soon forget.'

'Hear hear,' said many of those present.

Samael, at the back of the chamber, sitting next to Sandalphon and Garanel, muttered 'Same old rhetoric from Michael and his cronies. They never really get much of the point in things. They even have the audacity to call themselves fundamentalists. That term is so damn associated with backwards thinking it isn't funny. Yesteryears communist christians. Weird socialism going on here.'

'I know what you're saying,' replied Garanel. 'Not exactly what I came home expecting to see.'

'They have a point,' said Sandalphon. 'But there is a balance between the needs of the many and the needs of the few.'

'Indeed there is Captain Kirk,' replied Samael. 'And this looks like this is going to be an issue to raise yet again in council. Same ole story, and while legislation is mostly settled these days, there might be some examination of ethical regulations doctrine to see if we can nip this pain in the neck in the bud before it settles in and causes us all too many damn headaches.'

'We're back in business with another program then?' queried Sandalphon.

'So it would seem,' replied Samael. 'So it would seem.'

The End

Samael, Sandalphon & Aphrayel

Sandalphon stood by the window, sipping on his scotch. Aphrayel was playing solitaire. Samael was sitting there, thinking.

'I mean, he's a dick,' said Samael.

'Logos is a dick,' repeated Aphrayel.

'Michael too,' said Sandalphon.

'Michael is a dick,' repeated Aphrayel. 'Nice to see some new conversation topics after all this time. Some devil's never really change their spots.'

'I mean, a complete dick,' said Samael. 'Sorry, what was that honey?' asked Samael.

'Don't mind me. Just doing what I always do,' replied Aphrayel.

'They need a lesson,' said Sandalphon, staring out at the city.

Aphrayel turned to Sandalphon. 'By the way, brother. What do you look at through my window.'

'Oh, you know. The city. There is also a good view of Gemrayel's abode. She occasionally appears in the window without her bra when she is changing. I wait faithfully for those thrills.'

Aphrayel just shook her head and returned to her game of solitaire.

'He needs a lesson,' said Samael. 'About our freedoms. We are not always compliant with what the community wants. We have our own life. It's our freedom.'

'Yes, Saruviel of Eternity,' replied Aphrayel.

Samael looked at his wife. 'And what is that supposed to mean?'

'I mean, come on. This is the oldest move of the devil of them all. Rebellion. Wanting to do his own thing. I shouldn't be surprised. You are one of the traditional devil's for mankind. You and that dastard Satan.'

'Him,' said Samael, and picked up his bottle of water, taking a sip. 'Isn't he over in the Realm of Eternity. 666 Paramount Tower or something. Still pushing that old joke.'

'I believe so,' replied Aphrayel. 'Has this grudge against Jesus and Logos which ain't over yet. Still an axed to grind in our Saruvim brother.'

'Funny,' said Samael. He stood, went to the bookshelf, and brought out the bible. He read some passages for a while, and turned to look at Aphrayel.

'Aphie,' he said.

'Yes, Samael,' she replied. 'Now don't get me wrong. But technically I am still an angel.'

'You qualify with Logos,' she replied. 'He's stated that Samael is of decent enough calibre to be considered angelic. Kind enough and charming enough. Not terribly preoccupied with evil anymore.'

'What would you say if I went off on a campaign to sanitize, for want of a better word, our Saruvim brother somewhat. A few months of mild lectures to try and get him back home.'

'He came not that long ago. Was over some of his fundamentals on evil. Started getting along was the general report in the end. Didn't mind different sorts of characters too much anymore. Gotten used to people and didn't always hate their guts automatically.'

'Yes, I recall something like that,' said Samael, scratching his head. 'Funny. That is almost an important issue to me now. Accepting people. Everyone deserves a chance at life.'

Aphrayel turned and looked at Samael for a moment, then returned to her game. 'Fricking hell,' she muttered softly to herself. 'What has changed in him? What the hell is happening to Samael?'

'I'm going to visit Satan. I will confess my details before I get accused of keeping my cards to myself. I need him on the team I want in council. Will need to get him around sooner or later. Will have to talk on some biblical issues and things and see if I can get a better form of compliance from him.'

'Good luck,' said Aphrayel. 'Seriously. Good luck.' She turned and looked at him. 'Do you care now Samael?'

Samael looked at Aphrayel. He blinked. 'I'll be back in a few months. Seeya,' and he left the room.

Aphrayel sat there, and continued her game.

'He'll be back in a few months,' she said to Sandalphon.

'So I heard,' he replied.

And the day passed.

The End

Alison and Natalia: Tag Team Partners 2

'So how is Matthew doing?' asked Natalia, swinging on the swing in Macarthur Park in Macarthur Suburb, Tuggeranong, on New Terra.

'He's coping with the studies at CIT,' said Alison. 'He's studying Electronics like his uncle Matthew. Him and his uncle are planning a business. Matthew & Matthew Technologies.'

'Fascinating,' replied Natalia. 'Is he any good at it?'

'Matthew is far from stupid, but he's slow. Not in slow dumb, just slow. He takes a while to process information. Believe me he's bright enough and has plenty of mum and dad's sarcasm, which I still hear stories about. It takes him a while to get a concept, but when he's got it he never shuts up about it, and thinks he knows it all then. Not terribly arrogant. And boy is he stubborn. And has bloody expectations like his uncle Matt. Expects people to do what they are supposed to do. Even when they have no intentions whatsoever of doing any such thing. Very stubborn.'

'He's cute,' said Natalia.

Alison looked at Natalia. 'Dear Cousin. He is your cousin. Haven't you got countless men now? How old are you anyway?'

'I'm ancient,' replied Natalia. 'And men are in the past. Let's talk Matthew Daly. He looks like my cup of tea.'

'Crude,' said Alison. 'But possibly legal. In some hick states.'

Natalia laughed.

'How are feeling these days? World famous articles on the History of the World Encyclopaedia from ANU. You're a big name now.'

'It was even more of a thrill chatting with God. Dad arranged the visit, and it was quite daunting. Zaphon is overloaded with anima. It's everywhere. I felt a trillion sensations when I was walking around inside. It was incredible.'

'I could imagine,' replied Natalia. 'Well, life is good for you. You're lucky. Still haven't lived much, but you are off to a cracker of a start.'

'I know,' said Alison. 'Still, testing often comes. I've been told that by dad. Pride comes before the fall. I keep that in mind. Stay focused because of it.'

'Don't let it get to your head, huh?'

'Something like that cous,' replied Alison. 'Now let's go order pizza and talk about boys.'

And so the girls went home and while Matthew as in his room listening to heavy metal, Natalia did peek in, and Alison rebuked her for it the rest of the evening.

The End

The Masked Infidel and the Puny One

'Mexican league time, mouseman,' said Daniel, coming out from the managers office in Golden Fries and Burgers.

'You're kidding,' aren't you,' replied Ambriel, sipping on a cola, chatting with Meludiel.

'That was a long time ago,' said Meludiel. 'Please tell me it doesn't involve anymore giant vaginas, penises and testicles.'

'What genitalic glory might be utilized remains to be seen, but I've been reading old journal entries, looking at my general Long Term timetable, and we're up again. Time to hit the scene once more. Dinosaur wrestling is out of vogue with MikeyDyke at the moment, so I'm expecting him and Phindwel, once they get word, to show up soon enough.'

Ambriel groaned. 'I haven't exercised properly in yonks.'

Daniel threw a tracksuit at his younger Seraphim brother. 'Go change.' Ambrie groaned. Shortly they were in front of Golden Fries and Burgers. '5 laps of the store today. Tomorrow 5 again, and then 5 again the next day. Next week we do 10 laps of the store. The following week we start proper training when you have some energy and foundation built up.'

'I can manage 5 without too many problems,' said Ambriel.

'Let's go then. It took them about 10 minutes walking, but soon Ambriel was back inside.

'I feel good. Pretty positive,' said Ambriel.

'Same again tomorrow,' said Daniel.

Meludiel showed up again the following day, and they did the circuit, again the following day too. The following week it was upgraded to 10 and Ambriel took it a bit more seriously. Then, when the week elapsed, proper training began. They were at a Forrestfield gym, and Daniel had on his mask of the Masked Infidel. They were in their wrestling gear.

'The Penis has been toned down a little bit, but it's still a penis,' said Daniel to Meludiel. 'Not as crudely done this time. The same with the vagina and testicles.'

'That's an improvement I suppose,' said Meludiel.

'Some sorts of jokes, but I have a notebook on our standard Joke moves. I'll lend it to you and you read it through.'

Meludiel saluted Daniel, and settled down on the bench to watch the boys go at it. They did many standard moves to start, and the insults were fresh and fast, and soon enough they'd built up a bit of sweat.

'Come on Infidel. Bring it hard and fast,' said the Puny One. Daniel responded with a leap, which Ambriel only partially dodged, on purpose. 'Ah, he's got me,' yelled Ambriel. 'Help. He weighs more than a rhino.'

Meludiel chuckled, and came over and kicked the two of them. 'That will do for today. Let's go and have pizza. You have both expended a lot of energy. My treat.'

'Thank you very much dear sister,' said Daniel.

Later, as they ate pizza, and joked lightly, Meludiel looked at the two of them. The mood was pretty happy again. Things were back to the old charm. But what lay ahead, God only knows.

The End

Michael 6

'See this Masked Infidel,' said Michael to the assembled Phindwel. 'He is dead meat. Understood accomplice in evil? He is dead meat.'

'Understood boss,' replied the 37^th Seraphim of Eternity, Phindwel.

'We will be entering the Mexican Wrestling League, now with many years of Dinosaur Wrestling Prowess under my belt, to take on mere mortals in the game of mano e mano. And we shall triumph, baker of delights. We shall triumph.' Michael growled at the picture of Daniel on an A-Frame, and sat back down at his desk.

'So. How's it hanging Phinnie. They treating you well in Eternity. Scumbags. Never let me visit.'

'They treat me just fine,' replied Phindwel. 'I have overseer work, work for the band, and I get on with things. A regulated life for the most part. Mostly well timetabled. This is a bit out of sync with where I'm normally at, but I can accommodate no problems. Looking forward to getting back in the ring.'

'Should be good. Now we take this serious like. Training. Professional stuff. I will be getting in pro-wrestlers from around Zionistya to give us some expert tips on the big league. I'm reasonably proficient at a lot of ideas in the sport these days, but it's handling lizards which is my expertise. Humans and Angels can be a lot more cunning. Need all the advice I can get. We'll get to the basic training in a few days once you settle in to your suite, and we'll get some TV and stuff involved in filming us and maybe a reality show for Zionistya on Michael's glorious return to the sport. Should be good for the community. They like a bit of competition at times, despite their conservative ways.'

'Understood,' replied Phindwel. 'Now don't go bearing a grudge big brother. This is for fun and entertainment, and not to be taken too seriously. Oh, I'll perform well enough. Take that for granted Mikey, but I don't want bad blood. Daniel and Ambriel have a pretty good heart most of the time. They usually care about the public a fair bit and putting on a professional show when they do things like this. ValDan is still pretty focused on good performance. No grudges, boss. They are too professional to mess with. They don't deserve any old revenge mentalities.'

'Oh, no. It won't be grudges. It will be putting proud peacocks in their place. Believe me,' replied Michael.

'Well, if you say so boss,' replied Phindwel.

'Oh, send in Gabriel. 'He's reading a magazine out there. And see you soon.'

Phindwel left and Gabriel wandered in and sat down on the couch. 'Got him involved, then.'

'Doesn't mind,' replied Michael. 'This could be good for us. Give us some chance to reconnect with the Realm of Eternity and breed some familiarity. And I look forward to pounding on that ruddy Daniel San.'

'Just not too much, right Mike?' said Gabriel.

'Sure,' replied Michael, rubbing his hands in glee. 'Not too much.'

The End

Conditions

'There are conditions, Satan,' said Samael. He plonked 'Code of Behaviour for Citizens of the Realm of Infinity' on Satan's desk, and stared at him. 'Read the book Saruvim scumbag.'

Satan picked it up and looked at the title. 'It looks like shit,' said the Devil.

'Required that you get that theology into your head, dirtbag. Now I came early in the morning, so get Marni into here to do some knitting, and I will sit and watch you read it all. Should take about 2 hours.'

Satan clicked a buzzer. 'Get Marni in here.' Marni appeared 5 minutes later. 'Knit, Marni.' Marni picked up her knitting, sat down, and continued on a current project. Satan took the book, and began reading. Samael watched. Time passed, and Samael glanced up at the clock from time to time. After two hours he interrupted the devil.

'How you going?'

'Final chapter, buddy,' replied Satan. 'Give me, say, another 10 minutes.'

Samael waited. Soon enough the Devil put down the book and looked at his older Onaphim brother. 'Like I said, but I know I have that data in my mind now. It was tolerable enough on enforced ethical behaviour. I'll adapt somewhat to it in my life after a few months. Hopefully that will suffice your desires, brother of mine.'

'You'll be on the council with me,' said Samael. 'You'll be kicked out once or twice. Expect that. Everyone will. But you agree with this proposition, you have already agreed to it, so remember – you are also a free radical, and this can affect you in the long term. Rights need to be defended. Otherwise the Authorities which be get too much power and influence in the world for their agenda.'

'I see it your way,' said Satan. 'Now get. I want to review Marni's work.'

Samael left, and returned to his hotel. He flicked on the TV and sat on his bed, thinking it over. Satan had not been too much trouble. He already saw the merit in what he was wanting to achieve. He would go home soon enough, maybe look around this area a bit to start with, and then continue on with his slowly developing plan for the changes he needed to ensure rights and freedoms were well enough protected in the Realm of Infinity.

The End

Gabriel and Garanel

The Don Bongiovi All Stars were in the Realm of Infinity in Nadrazon the Silver City. They were at a Bon Jovi concert. Don Bongiovi was the human identity of Archangel Gabriel of the Realm of Eternity, a descendant of John Bongivo or Jon Bon Jovi, lead singer of Bon Jovi. Garanel of Infinity was with him in the upper section of the theatre.

'I've been thinking about investment in hard rock singles,' said Don. 'They have this share scheme you can buy into on investing on the original Earth singles. The singles usually increase yearly in value, and owning shares of them rises quite regularly as the songs are played on radio and TV and so on. When people commit to the scheme they give a guarantee that the single will be held for a certain number of Megas, and then it will go to auction. Returns are usually quite good.'

'Interesting enough way to make cash,' replied Garanel to Gabriel's comment. 'I have a selection of sleaze metal original stuff. Motley Crue, Ratt, Steel Panther. Stuff like that. They are apparently worth a fair bit, but I don't bother checking values much.'

'Right,' nodded Don, as Bon Jovi belted out 'Let it Rock'. 'Also thinking about getting the band going again. We play regular rhythm and blues sort of music. Like the Eagles, the Beatles, Dire Straits a bit. Stuff like that. Traditional Rock and Roll.'

'Money in that,' agreed Garanel. 'Anyway, why did you invite me here to this concert? Tickets must have cost you a fortune.'

'I'm a humble man in my own way,' replied Don. 'And I strongly believe in community. But I also believe that the individual must pursue their own lives dreams. God made us as a person. Not as a person with multiple brains connected in Julian May's Unity. Know what I mean?'

'I do,' replied Garanel. 'Has this anything to do with our Free Radical's agenda.'

Don went silent. He turned to Garanel. 'Yes it does. I'm not a supporter of Sarvuiel's original Freedom campaign. He pushed it to the point it practically rejected the authority of God. And that is not what I am about. But there are elements which were natural. A beings pursuit of its natural life and way of thinkings, not being forced to comply to the herd or others who are trying to dominate with a uniform approach. It can get cultic like that. They all dress alike. They all look alike. They have not much of their individual personality left which has been forced to conform. Clones. All clones. It's just not the way of a person to submit so much that they lose who they really are underneath all that hypocrisy.'

'So what are you saying?' asked Garanel.

'You have a supporter in me on this agenda. And, apart from that, I'm looking to my own plans soon enough in some long dormant competition to the supremacy of the egomaniacal ValDan Agenda. Those boys have it coming to them. Can I count on you for some interest.'

'Interest, maybe,' replied Garanel. 'We'll see how it goes.'

'Sounds good,' said Don, and sat back to enjoy the rest of the show.

The End

Leo the Lion

'The Lion's are the best team in the Heavenly League,' said Leo.

'Proud of you, such a statement,' said Kelly Clarkson. 'Rugby League is for immature twins who follow it out of father's paternal fascinations, and have a lack of ability to find their own dream in life.'

'Nobody is better than the Lion's,' said Leo. 'They are da best.'

'Why is Nashville Kalphora even in the Rugby League,' said Kelly. 'The inner discs are supposed to be spiritually minded. The sport is done in the spirit of the game. Not world level competition. They are hardly a big enough thing to compete.'

'Their disc is growing,' replied Leo. 'And the Lion's have risen to grade 396. They are up and coming mother dearest.'

'So you are Leo the Lion are you?' queried Kelly. 'That Lion's poster I bought you when you were younger has gone to your head. Obsessive I think. I should remedy that. No more football until you graduate from university.'

'Aw, that's not fair,' replied Leo. 'And Callodyn smells. Is he my father?'

Kelly sat there. The question had come. 'Your father is a first class idiot,' replied Kelly.

'What you call Callodyn all the time,' replied Leo, now starting to sulk. 'I thought Callodyn has a wife.'

'He does,' replied Kelly, now putting the second load of washing into the washing machine. The laundry window was all steamed up, and it was dark and raining outside. Her new child Leo was her central preoccupation at this time, and she wanted him raised properly. She was doing homeschooling, and was living in Nashville in Kalphora, to be in a traditional sort of Clarkson environment for Leo Clarkson's upbringing.

'Am I really Leo Daly? Or am I a bastard?' asked the 9 year old.

'Where did you learn that word,' scolded Kelly. 'You are far from being a bastard. You are a godfearing Callophim, and for that you can be praised.'

'I'm 100% Callophim, aren't I mum? Both parents.'

Kelly looked at him, and left the room with the first basket of washing. She put them up in the bathroom on the clothes rack and turned on the heater lights to let them dry. Leo followed her in. 'I'm bored mum.'

'Then go watch the Lion's match,' replied Kelly. She sat down on the edge of the bathtub and looked around the room. God, she was bored too, quite frankly. But only in recent months. She'd lost a bit of a focus for a while, concentrating on Leo so much, that it had all become a bit humdrum. She needed a girl's night out or something to refresh her. She stood, straightened out her dress, and went into the living room where Leo was watching the football. The match hadn't started yet, but the commentators were previewing the game.

'Why do you want to know who your father is?' asked Kelly, sitting down on the lounge sweet. 'Aren't I enough for you?'

'Of course you are mom,' replied Leo, and gave her a hug. 'But I've got to know eventually. We're supposed to know, aren't we? I know it's not Mr Blackstock. I look nothing like him and you said it wasn't.'

'No,' replied Kelly, looking at her son. 'It's not him.'

'Then who is it?' asked Leo, earnestly.

'Mmm. What say I cook you pancakes,' replied Kelly, trying to change the subject. She stood, and started pancakes in the kitchen. But shortly Leo crept up and tugged at her dress.

'Who is it?' he asked.

Kelly came clean. 'Callodyn and I had a liaison. It was unplanned. But we still have feelings. You came along. I haven't told him yet, which is why I didn't really want you to know to start with.'

'So I am 100% Callophim,' said Leo, a tinge of pride in his voice.

'I guess so,' said Kelly.

'When's he visiting next?' asked Leo.

'Hopefully never,' replied Kelly, sarcastically.

'I have to see him. Mom. It's important.'

'I know, Leo. Soon enough. Soon enough.'

Leo returned to the lounge as the football match got under way, and Kelly stared at him. Callodyn's boy. Not like him in a lot of ways, but he was a Daly. Maybe he was something else in that bloodline she hadn't connected to yet. God only knows, she thought, as she returned to the stove getting the pancakes under way.

The End

Ruth 36

Chapter 1

'Why is Callodyn such an asshole?' asked a frustrated Kayella the Callophim to Ruth the Moabite.

Ruth stood there, lost for words. Soon she returned to her cutting of carrots. 'He's not an asshole,' replied Ruth after a while.

'He's just misunderstood,' said Stephanie, Callodyn's wife.

'You'd know I suppose,' said Stephanie. 'The new girl.'

'She's been around a while now,' said Ruth. 'Longer than some, believe me.'

Kelly looked at Stephanie. 'He opens up to you in ways he doesn't open up to me?'

'I took Ruth's advice on an issue,' replied Stephanie. 'It worked wonders. It didn't compromise a feminist bone in my body. I considered it wise advice for any human to do.'

'Which was asked Kelly, sitting down at the table in Ruth's kitchen.

'I got to know the house and all of its possessions. I read every book in Callodyn's library, and am now well through some of the encyclopaedia sets. I looked at every inch of the house and the neightbourhood, and the depression – mild depression – left and I settled right in. And I started understanding a lot of Callodyn's conversation topics. Like I said, you can do this for any human. Not just a submissive wife. It doesn't have to be taken that way. It's just concern. Care.'

'Of course,' said Kelly, and put her chin in her hand, looking at the kitchen wall. 'Interesting she said.' She looked at Stephanie. 'And that helped you get to know him?'

'I understand his world a lot more now,' said Stephanie. 'And I'm reviewing his religious organisations and his pastimes in more detail. It's what you can do to any human,' said Stephanie. 'Enter their world and find things in common simply by doing that and researching the things they are into. You don't have to find someone with things in common. Just take an interest in the things they are about, and research them well.'

'Get some love in your heart for the things of life,' said Ruth. 'Love those things also, and it becomes very easy to get along with someone after a while. I take time to look at stamp catalogues for Boaz, for example. I know a lot of things about stamps, and we sit in bed sometimes chatting over stamp shows and things. He often kisses me and calls me a wonderful wife because of it.'

Kelly stared at Ruth, a little perplexed also. 'I see she said. Interesting.'

'Take an interest in the asshole,' said Stephanie. 'Get to know his world and it becomes a whole lot easier.'

'Wisdom for life,' said Ruth, tapping her nose.

'I see,' replied Kelly. She was still perplexed, but now had some food for thought.

Chapter 2

'James Hill is hardly a challenge,' said Kayella to her Callophim twin Callodyn. 'Satan would mock us both for climbing a mediocre hill such as this.'

'It was your idea,' replied a bewildered Callodyn.

'Yeh, but you agreed to it, idiot,' said Kayella.

Callodyn glared at her. 'That smells like Kayella the Callophim brooding inside the witch. She hasn't been seen for a while. Thinks she's tough. Can challenge the devil himself and triumph. I've long feared his patient wrath on you.'

'He can bite me,' replied Kayella. 'But it sums it up, doesn't it? I have to suggest what we do together now. You don't have any ideas left. Callodyn the wise has no inspiration left. Settled down. Become regular. Boring. Plain. All the passion is gone. None of the sparks left in his soul. And he calls himself a Callophim? I need to find a replacement. A new one. Maybe a lad. Leo or something.'

'Your talking crazy again,' said Callodyn.

'Yes. Leo Clarkson. I'll have a bastard child with you, call it Leo, and raise him in Kalphora in Nashville. The Lion's will be his favourite Rugby League team. And I'll never tell him about you.' She went quietly. 'Until recently,' she said softly.

He looked at the hill. After a moment he turned and looked at her. 'What? What did you say?'

'Your an idiot,' she said, and marched on, climbing up the hill. Callodyn took off after her. When they reached the top Kayella sat down and enjoyed the view.

'Leo?' asked Callodyn. 'You have a boy called Leo? We have a boy called Leo?'

'Last time I was in town. Remember,' said Kayella.

'But we took precaut.....' Callodyn trailed off.

'Uh huh. You said fuck it. And we did. Shit happens, you know.'

'I see,' said Callodyn. 'Oh. I see.'

Kayella took out a photograph of Leo and showed it to Callodyn. 'He's 9. Smart enough. Like you in some ways. A Daly well enough. Wants to see you.'

'Oh,' said Callodyn.

'So stop being an idiot,' said Kayella. 'And he'll be here next week on a flight.'

'Oh,' said Callodyn. He sat down next to Kayella. 'Good view. Dear,' he said.

'Funny,' she replied.

He put his hand on her shoulder. 'Normal for twins, at times. This stuff happens.'

'Don't I know it,' replied Kayella the Callophim.

Chapter 3

'You seem like a bright child,' said Boaz to Leo. 'Tell me. What is the capital city of Televere?'

'Androvon,' said Leo.

'Close enough,' replied Boaz, and handed him a chuppa chup lollie pop.

Leo sat down and played with the little game and watch digital game which Boaz had given him to play, and Boaz sat down in his chair, opposite Callodyn.

'He's like you in some ways. It's ironic, he's like your uncle Leo. Even looks a bit like him.'

'The Marist Brother,' said Callodyn. 'I think I noticed that immediately. Might even be a bit of thing in his name. I've noticed over the long haul of life people with the same first name often have similar characteristics.'

'And even looks at times,' said Boaz. 'Why the name often gets applied I think.'

'Quite possibly,' said Callodyn.

'How is Kayella?' asked Boaz. 'And what made her up and confess to you about the child? You stated she wanted to keep it to herself until he was older.'

'Leo wanted to see me,' said Callodyn.

'I need a proper dad,' said Leo. 'Boys in the neighbourhood often tease me because I don't have a real dad. It's embarrassing.'

'Don't worry about them,' said Boaz. He looked at Callodyn. 'A father again. Responsibilities again. Will you continue to see him?'

'Mum is coming here to live with Callodyn. Me too,' said Leo.

Callodyn and Boaz stared at Leo. Boaz then looked at Callodyn. 'Is that the case is it?'

Just then Kayella walked into the room. 'Of course it is,' she said. 'The boy knows now, so time to be a big and happy family. Isn't that right dearest,' said Kelly, sitting down, and snuggling in next to Callodyn.

Boaz chuckled. 'Looks like the decision has already been made.'

Callodyn was again bewildered. 'Shouldn't we talk about that idea first?'

'I already did,' said Kayella. 'And naturally you agree.'

'Yeh.' Callodyn looked down at Leo.

'A boy needs his father,' said Boaz.

'I bet he does,' replied Callodyn. He pinched Kayella's leg. 'Sure thing sweetie. Three in a bed sounds fabulous.'

'Don't get any ideas, buster. I'll be in the spare room. So keep your hands where I can see them.'

'Right,' said Callodyn. He started to smile. 'Yeh, sure. He's my boy. Not a problem at all. The extra company will be great for a while.'

'Could last too,' said Kayella, smiling.

Callodyn sat there. He started to realize Kayella might have more on her mind than just a visit for a few years to raise a child together. Perhaps much more indeed.

Chapter 4

'Well, all's well that ends well,' said Boaz.

'You think so?' queried Ruth.

'Of course. Callodyn has finally made some headway with his twin, and they have a new life to celebrate together. Whatever could be the problem with that?'

'Jealous wife,' said Ruth. 'Potentially lethal.'

Boaz stared at Ruth for a moment. 'Don't be silly. Stephanie and Kelly get along just fine.'

'When the twin is usually out of town,' said Ruth. 'Complete different issue living under the same roof. There are probably going to cold stares at the bathroom door, believe me. It's the way of the world. Gonna be a lot of trouble in that house for a while. Two's company, and three is a crowd, Boaz, husband of mine.'

'If you say so,' replied Boaz, but Ruth couldn't shift the glowing pride on Boaz's face. Men, she thought. How predictable.

The End

Patience

'Brother?' queried Leo Daly.

'Something like that,' said Daniel the Seraphim, looking at the website.

'Ok,' said Leo. 'You are Callodyn's human son on Earth at the beginning, but older than him in the Realm of Eternity as an angel. Because you are Seraphim.'

Daniel looked at Leo. 'It might be something like that, like I said. I forget the details. Hazy now.'

'I doubt that,' said Leo.

'Look, it's a divine mystery. One of the divine mysteries. The 3 Daniel's. Where did they come from? Who are they really? Are they evil or divine? Stuff like that kid.'

'Very funny,' replied Leo. 'You are my brother. I take that much for granted.'

'Possibly, bro,' said Daniel. 'But I'm old enough to be your grandfather of that many countless generations it ain't funny.'

'I know,' said Leo. 'Let's play footie outside. I have a ball.'

Daniel looked at his little brother. 'Sure.'

They kicked the ball for a while and then Leo said, 'You are mad Bulldogs supporters. Like grandfather Daniel. The cherubim. I go for the Lions. They are the best.'

'Kalphora Lions, isn't it,' replied Daniel.

'They are the best,' said Leo. 'They'll be the number one team one day. I prayed to God and asked him to make it so, and he agreed.'

'And when they fall back down to mediocrity after their glory days?' asked Daniel. 'What then?'

Leo looked confused. 'What does mediocrity mean?'

'Let's go inside, bro. You've got some learning to do.'

Leo followed Daniel inside and they sat down in the game's room of Callodyn's house.

'Now it's like this,' said Daniel. 'Teams are on a list. A big prayer list in Almighty God's head. And they have earnings from time to time. On prayers for the team. Encouragements and things like that also. And every now and again they rise and they taste the glory. But, inevitably, the fall comes along, and they sink back down to the rest of the pack. The goodwill of prayers and their efforts gets its reward, believe me, but, and keep this in mind. So do the rest of the players in the game of life. They get their prayers answered also.'

Leo looked at him and blinked. 'What does that mean?'

'It means, brother of mine, that a lot of people are also praying for your team, the Lions. And there is most likely numerous requests that they be number one. God will eventually answer this prayer for the team, and they will be the biggest team in the world for a while. It will happen. Patience is required. But the other teams also have fans.'

'And they pray also,' sighed Leo. 'I think I understand.'

'Good,' said Daniel. 'Keep this in mind, though. We are dealing with eternal life. So things can happen over and over and over and over again. Your passion will never be wasted. God can get around to it again. So, you pray. But you are allowed to pray again. And again. And again. You can make it a habit if you like. You get ultimately good results in life that way. God will get around to your prayers in time.'

Leo sat there, playing with his footie. 'I should make it a habit to pray for the Lions then?'

'No. Jesus Christ no. At your age you have a lot of growing up to do and decisions to make and commitments you will make one day. There is the distinct possibility you will marry a woman one day, and she might be a Rugby League fan, and not support the Lions? What do you do then?'

'Go for boths teams I suppose,' said Leo.

'There you go. There are things you have to keep in mind. But what if your passions by then say no way? Only the Lions? And, further, what if this passion for sports disappears one day. Wasted time praying when you didn't really care that much anyway? Be sure about it, or don't really bother in the end. You know.'

Leo looked a little glum. 'I'll always go for the Lions,' he said. 'But I think I like the Bulldogs too. They are dad's team, and I like their colours.'

'Then you have two teams to pray for,' replied Daniel.

'I guess so,' said Leo.

'Let's play Monopoly,' said Daniel.

Callodyn came in later on that day, watching Daniel and Leo. He had listened at the doorway to the conversation. It was interesting. And it was true. Spiritual truths of how life worked. And, thinking it over, he decided he did have some things he wouldn't mind seeing happen in life and, with the patience of a chunk of eternity behind him now, he was happy enough to wait.

The End

Infinity Council

'You know,' said Satan the Devil, sitting in the back row of the opposition next to Samael. 'I dig this scene. Always fancied myself a member of the council proper. So I can fuck damn right with the system.'

'Not the point,' replied Samael. 'We're attempting to introduce principles which give us the rights we require in the thoughts of the populace. Without the will of the community we will suffer in some of the things we should be able to do.'

'Fucking with em all. That's what I do best,' replied Satan.

'Funny,' said Samael.

'Try not to appear to evil,' said Sandalphon. 'Michael usually relies on Samael for such gestures of pride. He's not too fond of you. You notice. He's staring at you right now.'

Satan glanced towards his older Seraphim brother. Michael was glaring with open hostility at the old arch-nemesis.

'He don't like you,' said Sandalphon.

'Feeling's mutual,' replied Satan.

Logos stood up. 'Now, as I was saying. Protocol 7496332.15 on gardening services and details relating to the correctly allowed blade devices for cutting along garden edges needs refining. Blades are too flexible in the amount of sharpness we allow them. They need dulling somewhat. For a more safer world.'

'Jesus,' said Satan. 'They are square aren't they.'

'You have no idea,' replied Samael.

Satan spoke up. 'Can't handle a nick from shaving I bet, Logophile.'

Logos looked over at Satan. 'Does the guest member have something he wishes to comment on?'

'Who? Me?' replied Satan. 'Course not dude. Just enjoying the show, brother.'

'Then I would thank you to remain quiet as civilized discussion takes place.'

'No problemo,' replied the Devil.

Logos continued on muttering away, and Samael sat there, arms crossed. 'Now,' he said to Satan.

Satan stood, and waved his hands. Logos looked at him. 'The guest member wishes to make a point?'

'Yeh. Yeh, I do,' said Satan. 'Now, brother. It's been a long time since I've been around these parts. Don't get invited that much, you know. Surprised you've allowed me in here.'

'Your conduct in recent millennia was examined. Your legal status was of sufficient merit to tolerate your presence.'

'Aw, that's sweet of you,' replied Satan, in a mocking tone. 'I was to raise with the council an issue. Freedom, liberty, stuff like that. About the, as you say, tolerance we allow each other as a society. I would like the council to debate that issue. Especially pertaining to the recently discussed issue of free radicals. Which the beloved opposition on your side of the house so love to berate, from what I hear.'

Logs glared at the Devil. 'Mr Speaker,' he said. 'I move a motion we vote on the guest members proposition.'

'I'll allow the vote,' said the speaker. 'Those who say aye,' said the speaker. Very many hands went up. 'Those who say nay,' said the speaker. Not so many hands went up. 'I believe the ayes have it,' said the speaker.

Logos stood there, looking at Satan. 'Very well then,' he said after a while. 'We will refer this matter to discussion at a future council meeting.'

'Won't have to wait forever will we?' asked Satan.

'Soon enough,' said Logos. 'As you are so anxious to debate the issue.'

'That's awesome,' said Satan.

Logos glared at his younger brother. He was far from pleased.

The End

Michael 7

'Another Mars bar?' asked Phindwel. 'We're starting to get fat.'

'You can't be a pro mexican wrestler unless you have a few extra pounds,' replied Michael. 'It's just not the scene. Cheer up buddy. We're heading to KFC later on.'

'Wonderful,' said Phindwel.

Michael turned the switch on the remote and they turned to the boxing channel. 'We need a few tips on some boxing moves of the current generation. To stay in vogue. Know what I mean? So we also look up to date and pretty cool. Just some jab moves, and stuff like that.'

Phindwel stared at the screen, slowly eating his Mars bar, while Michael made weird grunting noises saying 'I'll get you, I'll get you buddy.' Phindwel looked at him. 'Is that necessary?'

'We gotta sound the part also. Come on, try it.'

'I could not forgive myself with such base traits in my history,' replied Phindwel.

'Come on. Say 'Adrian' in a Rocky voice.'

'Adrian,' said Phindwel, in a plain neutral tone.

'Sad,' replied Michael. 'I'll get you into shape. Mmm. I know, think Perverse. Your Perverse album. Be perverse.'

'There is a point to that,' said Phindwel.

'Don't think about the ruddy point. Being perverse is you don't care about the ruddy point.'

'I'll try,' replied Phindwel. 'Turn it back to the wrestling.' Michael did so. They watched a while, and Phindwel stood, and came behind Michael and grabbed him around the neck. 'Let's wrestle then.'

'Bout time,' replied Michael.

They were in their wrestling pants, and lathered up, and they got on to the wrestling mat in the room. Elenniel came in.

'Taking it seriously now, are we?' she asked.

'Phindwel is starting to get the point,' said Michael.

'I've been cultured a long time,' replied Phindwel. 'Traditional Englishman pursuits. This has not been my way in a very long time.'

'Then we'll edecate you,' said Michael, in a southern american accent.

Phindwel grabbed Michael by the shoulders, and they started shoving around and grappling. They went at it for half an hour or so and Elenniel sat quietly, cheering both of them. Finally Phindwel pulled away, with snot coming out of his nose.

'Well done Phinnie,' said Michael. 'Your starting to get into it.'

'Enjoying it, actually. Despite myself,' replied Phindwel.

'We'll keep going,' said Michael. 'Start to work on some improvements in time. Get back to form.'

Phindwel nodded. 'I'll shower now. Don't want this sweat on me.'

Phindwel left the room and Elenniel looked at Michael. 'Do you think you are getting back to normal Michael. After all these years since being away from the pit. You seem to have found a bit of balance gradually. Between work and play. They never liked us too serious, you know. They never liked that.'

Michael sat down next to his twin. 'Well, they've got what they want. We'll see where it goes from here.'

Elenniel hugged her twin, who sat back, and put the wrestling back on the TV. Soon he was making those funny noises again. Elenniel just smiled.

The End

Improvements

'You know,' said Aphrayel. 'You are wise enough for an angel, Samael. Wise enough. But you can do better.'

'I work on it steadily. It's a long eternity,' replied Samael.

'A standard justification. But you can put an effort in. Chisel away at some of the old attitudes. Replace them with more logical and decent reasoning.'

'Samael is a national treasure,' replied Sandalphon. 'People like his textures. It's what defines him. You don't reinvent the wheel. It does its purpose just fine.'

'But you improve the model,' said Aphrayel.

'Well,' said Samael. 'If you insist.' He stood and went to her bookcase, and brought down the 'Forbidden Treasure' box from atop of it.

'You're not going to actually open that,' said Aphrayel. 'It's sat there forever.'

Samael opened the box, took out a small box, and then returned the larger box with its contents to the top of the suitcase. He handed the small package to Aphrayel. She took it.

'Oh,' she said. 'A pack of cards,' she said, somewhat defensively.

'You have played with that eternya pack of cards since the beginning of time. This is a better quality pack. Much better artwork and flexibility.'

'Oh, I couldn't,' said Aphrayel. 'My set is too personal to me.'

'I rest my case then,' replied Samael, taking back the pack of cards. He stood and put it back into the box atop the bookcase, and sat back down. Aphrayel was silent.

'It's not a reasonable analogy,' she said.

'It is,' said Sandalphon. 'And you know it. You yourself admit to your craving to connect to the familiar which does not change. You could not in your heart of hearts adapt to a new system, no matter the benefits, because you are set in your ways.'

Aphryael sat there. She was thinking. 'Ok. I see your point.'

'Quite frankly, my dear, if you don't love me the way I am by now, well I really couldn't give a damn,' said Samael.

'Fine,' she said. 'Well I guess I'll have to leave improvements for another day then.'

'I guess so, dear sister,' replied Samael. Aphrayel returned to her game of solitaire. Samael sat in thought. Sandalphon sipped on his scotch.

The End

Daniel and Valladore 3

'Of course, this discussion is not the intellectual property of the Realm of Infinity. It's stuff we cogitate on also,' said Daniel, sitting next to Valladore in the council. Preliminary discussion was being given by Samael on the definitions of Free Radicals in the Council of Infinity.

'The Record is copyrighted in the Realm were it can be,' replied Valladore. 'We have legal rights to record all dialogue. It's not for commercial purposes, though.'

'Naturally,' replied Daniel, watching Samael speak. 'I have a question. Do you enjoy Mozart's variations of other composers pieces?'

'They complement his work well,' replied Valladore.

'Would variations of Realm of Infinity glory be something acceptable to the wisdom of the self appointed Guardian of Infinity?'

'That old conversation,' replied Valladore. He looked at Daniel. 'We'd allow certain things. We'd want monetary compensation. But eternya structures could be allowed. If varied sufficiently. Passing all decent and fair judgements of ethical and moral enough variation without ripping us off. You know.'

'As I could imagine,' replied Daniel.

'What is the problem though? Seriously, don't you guys have enough culture? Is it really that much of an issue Daniel San?'

'We want to simply develop the Realm of Eternity as it continues to grow,' said Daniel. 'I agree with you Valladore. We are not the Realm of Infinity. We should not be the same as them. It's a different cultural and intellectual community. But there are things in your culture which we could borrow and amend in some ways which would make decent introductions to our realm. Still be differing enough.'

'Invest in middle earth or something,' said Valladore. 'We have a good and strong culture, but we like to mostly keep it to ourselves. We are the upper realm still, in our view, and we like it unique enough. If you insist, pay well. And we won't bother you. Each time you use a design. And keep them in territorial places specified to be ROI like and it will be fine. They can be places we travel and visit.'

'I see,' said Daniel. 'Fine. That shouldn't be a problem.'

Valladore watched the discussion. 'He's belaboring the point a lot. Of how freedom is properly defined.'

'It's a good debate,' said Daniel. 'I've my own thinking.'

'I would imagine you do,' replied Valladore, looking at his Seraphim cousin.

'Indeed,' replied the Arch-Regent of Eternity.

The End

Kaleriaphon and Brigidina 2

'It looks nice,' said Brigidina the Cherubim to Seraphim Daniel of Eternity. 'Good view from here. But, I don't know. It lacks something. You need a stream or something running through the valley to cheer it up or something. Alongside the main road through town.'

Daniel looked down at the recently built valley in the Realm of Eternity based on paid for designs to the Realm of Infinity, upon recent discussions with the Angel Valladore.

'I think I would agree with her,' said Kaleriaphon, angel of the Golden City of the Realm of Infinity. 'A narrow stream running along the highway, which is more than just a simple sewage system. And there's room for it too.'

'Ok, ok,' replied Daniel. 'We'll get that done.'

Brigidina sat down on the rug atop of the hill they were on overlooking a newly built project in the Realm of Eternity. Daniel remained standing, looking at the city, but Kaleriaphon sat also.

'I don't think she wants to divorce me,' said Kaleriaphon to Brigidina. 'We've had correspondence on the issue a long time, and she's always saying I guess, I suppose, but never really agrees with the idea. She is single, and working in a convent for Noahides, and doesn't really want any change in her official status. That is the impression I'm starting to get. She likes things the way they are.'

'Then take a second wife,' commented Daniel. 'Believe me, it's not unheard of.'

'Don't fancy being second string,' said Brigidina, and started nibbling on the fried chicken in the packed lunch. 'Not really my way.'

'Nor should you have to my dear,' replied Kaleriaphon.

'Then you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. You'll have to track down your wife and officially resolve the situation. She's just going to have to move on. That is assuming you and Brigidina are forever.'

'We've been together that long now,' said Kaleriaphon. I couldn't imagine finding another woman now.'

'Then you know what you have to do,' said Daniel. 'Bite the bullet with the woman and insist she sign the damn divorce papers.'

Brigidina sipped on some juice and looked at Valeriaphon. 'Unless you also like the situation as it is.'

'Living in sin?' queried Daniel. There was deathly silence for a while.

'We, uh, don't actually sleep together,' said Valeriaphon, breaking the silence. 'We have separate rooms.'

'You don't?' replied Daniel. 'That's puzzling.'

'Kaleriaphon fancies himself the saint of saints,' said Brigidina. 'Keeps everything above board. I've never known him that way.'

'Jesus,' replied Daniel. 'That's patience for you. I'd be up your clacker second date if possible,' replied Daniel.

'I could imagine,' replied Brigidina, giving Daniel a cautious look.

'No, I don't like the situation as it is,' said Kaleriaphon. 'Look, I'll deal with it. I'll visit her if I have to.'

'Then there you have it,' said Daniel.

Kaleriaphon glanced at Brigidina nibbling on the chicken. 'Yes, I guess so.'

The End

Leo the Lion 2

'I don't want that there,' said Stephanie, frustrated.

'Ok, were do you want it then?' asked Kelly.

'Just keep it in your room,' replied Stephanie.

'Humph,' replied Kelly. 'Come on Leo. I can tell when we are not wanted.'

'Wait,' said Stephanie. 'Give the damn grammy to me.'

Kelly handed it to Stephanie. She put it on the bookcase in prominent enough display.

'I don't like to disturb my arrangement,' said Stephanie. 'You'll obviously take it with you when you leave, so it's just going to bother me.'

Kelly looked at Stephanie. She blinked. 'Yeh, sure' she said. 'Well, everything is fine now. I'll feel more at home. Who's cooking dinner?'

Stephanie looked at her new house-mate. 'Well, alright then. If you are offering. We'll both cook dinner.'

'Sounds good to me,' said Kelly. They went into the kitchen, and Leo sat down at the table.

'I like fried chicken,' said Kelly.

'Obviously,' replied Stephanie.

'What's that supposed to mean?' asked Kelly.

'Well, I can tell,' said Stephanie.

Kelly put her hands on her hips. 'And how exactly?'

'She thinks your overweight,' said Leo. 'She said it to Callodyn yesterday.'

Kelly stared at her son and looked at Stephanie. 'You think I'm fat? Well goddamit I'm a whole lot of woman.'

'Hardly need a meal,' replied Stephanie. 'Plenty to live on.'

'Go to hell,' replied Kelly. She opened the fridge. 'You have eggs. And bacon. And fresh lettuce and tomatoes. We'll have omelettes with salad.'

Stephanie looked at the clock on the wall. 'He should be here in about 20 minutes. We may as well get started.'

'I'll cook the omelette,' said Kelly. 'I'm good at them.'

'I'll prepare the salad,' replied Stephanie.

And so they started cooking, quietly at first, but after a while started chatting lightly, about Callodyn and the house and each other's favourite hairstyles and things. It actually went on smoothly enough. When Callodyn got home, they were getting along. Leo felt relieved.

The End

Kaleriaphon and Brigidina 3

'Quiet,' said Margaret, Kaleriaphon's wife. Brigidina refrained from speaking. She sat down on the couch and waited. After a while Margaret closed her spiritual book and looked at her. 'You need to learn a lesson. I am not going to divorce Kaleriaphon. This I have stressed to you in the last week while I have been here.'

'As you have maintained,' replied Brigidina.

'So it behoves you to learn the family trade, as who will be the second wife. We are a religious family. We are nuns and brothers. Kaleriaphon is not quite aware of that reality yet, and I would ask you not to inform him as such, but since the beginning that has been my calling with my husband to ensure our spiritual purity as a family. Yes, we marry, and in time will have children. Your destiny is that of a Brigidine Nun in the Unitarian Catholic Church. You will be married to Kaleriaphon, and you will live in the townships I have also arranged in prayer. The place were the Realm of Infinity meets the Realm of Eternity. This is the basis of our family. Unity between the realms, and you are no surprise as Kaleriaphon's second wife. Since I heard about you prayers have been underway. And all is going according to plan.'

Brigidina sat there. 'You have arranged this all along? With Almighty God?'

'I have,' replied Margaret. 'Now, our business is, as said, the religious order in the biblical traditions. We do charity work and we are involved with monasteries. We do gain an income, and we are about building the Kingdom of God. We do have family as we work on the Noahide side of the Catholic faith. This is well established for us. Daniel has arranged that since early times. So you will enter into the Bridgine Convent of the Unitarian Catholic Church, and abstain from relations with Kaleriaphon, after you have married him and had your initial consecration, for a substantial period of time, to tend to your devotions. But there is a long term plan for us to settle as a family in the United world of the Realms, were they interconnect, and we will pursue our callings and devotions in life in these settings. Is that understood?'

Brigidina nodded. 'I have no objections. It's as good a life plan as any.'

'Now, you will not speak to Kaleriaphon on this issue. He will work it out in time. It is not really our job to tell our husband what to do. But we are able to plead to Almighty God for our plans, and he has agreed to mine. So it will come to be in time. Until then you will exhibit patience. It is a virtue after all.'

'Indeed,' replied Brigidina.

'You may leave,' said Margaret.

Brigidina left the room and went downstairs. 'What did she say?' asked Kaleriaphon. Brigidina just stared at him.

The End

Gabriel and Garanel 2

Gabriel turned over the sausages. 'You like em well done?' he asked Garanael. The hooker next to Garanel nodded.

'Name's Mabel,' she said. 'I'm an ex-hooker, actually. Haven't done the work in a long time. Garanel called me up. Said he was over the scene. Mentioned to him once I was getting out of it. Needed to settle down.'

'Right,' nodded Gabriel. He came over with the plate of sausages, and sat down on the picnic table near the barbecue in front of Garanel's abode in the Golden city. The three angels hooked in, and Garanel poured out some soft drink. He put his arm around Mabel.

'She's sweet on me,' said Garanel.

'Hey, don't take me for granted,' said Mabel. 'Or I'll leave you in a hurry.'

'Doubt you would,' replied Garanel.

'No. Probably not,' said Mabel. 'You were always my best customer,' she said with a grin.

'He liked to bed em from all that I've heard over the years,' said Gabriel.

'Past days,' replied Garanel. 'That nuts idea of maturity finally settled in my soul. Don't know why it would. I was a solitary man with a way of life which I always felt was just the way I am. But things softened slowly. Probably Seraphim prayer. But it softened. One day I knew it just wasn't me anymore. Had to change. Had to move on. Had to grow up I suppose. It just happened.'

'And he called me up and I knew what my life was meant to be from then,' said Mabel.

'Which is?' asked Gabriel, making his second sausage sandwich.

'Wife to Garanel and the Dream.'

'What is the Dream?' asked Gabriel.

'What we were talking about last time,' replied Garanel to Gabriel. 'What you have planned. The entrepreneurial spirit of things. The dream of life. The dream of glory. The dream of success. Me, I've always gotten by with my investments, and never bothered with much. In the beginning I did some things. Copyrights on a lot of stuff when you add it all up. Even some business registrations. And I maintained them. And now, well........' he trailed off.

'That becomes a reality. The reality,' said Mabel.

'As Garanel enters in,' said Gabriel.

'I guess so,' replied Garanel.

'Right,' said Gabriel. 'Well. You know. That's what it's about at this stage. And that's why we need to defend a certain right. Of people. To pursue the dream. To pursue the glory. Otherwise it's Mother Russia. In the end, it's just like Mother Russia. What the Seraphim of Infinity are all about. State controlled everything, and you serve the system, and the Logos the way they often go about things. And everything is controlled. Your whole way of life. Your whole existence. All to the glory of their damn legal codes and traditions.'

'We're used to it,' said Garanel. 'Infinity likes it a bit stricter than Eternity.'

'Used to Daniel and Valandriel,' said Gabriel. 'And in Zionistya, Michael is gung ho for the libertarian agenda of do whatever these days. Not exactly Saruviel's freedom logic, as he follows the rules when it comes down to it. But he does what he wants when he wants it. I know him well on this issue.'

'Saruviel had a system, though,' said Garanel. 'That was the impression I got.'

'Organisational strengths of getting work done, but not much else was initially planned,' said Gabriel. 'It never came into fruition, much, his original plan at the beginning of things. It was not really so much that he was a dictator of things. He was the opposite. He just felt someone needed to organise the way they went about their upkeep and things to get established the way they lived freedom.'

'Right,' said Garanel. 'Well, Infinity doesn't mind Logos or the Seraphim. We do have liberty, you know. Just heavily legislated liberty.'

'The question is, though. How heavy should that legislation be?' replied Gabriel.

'The current debate,' said Garanel. He looked at Mabel. 'Have another sausage. And you can nibble on mine later.'

'Dude,' said Mabel.

Gabriel laughed.

The End

Alison and Natalia: Tag Team Partners 3

'Mother Russia, how are you sleeping, duh duh duh,' sang Matthew Daly, Alison Daly's younger brother.

'You have problems,' said Alison.

'He's ok,' said Natalia.

'She likes me,' said Matthew.

'She wants to see you butt naked,' said Alison. 'What do you expect?'

Matthew blushed and Natalia gave Alison a shove. 'Shut up Alison. That's private.'

'I am Metal,' said Matthew, and stood and left the room.

'Going off for a wank are you?' asked Alison.

Matthew glared at her. Natalia winked. 'I can help you with that,' she said.

Matthew blushed again, and headed off to her room.

'Your disgusting,' said Alison.

'I like him,' replied Natalia.

'Hey,' said Alison.

'Hey what?' replied Natalia.

Alison leaned over and picked up an old VHS video cassette. 'Let's watch this.'

'What is it?' she asked.

'Ariel sent it to me. Daniel the Seraphim's twin.'

'Nephew, huh.'

'That might be the case,' replied Alison. 'They like to keep all that a divine mystery, as they say. Anyway, it's secret data.'

'What is it?' asked Natalia, looking at the blank covered tape.

'Michael and Phindwel. Elenniel sent a copy to Ariel who made some copies. It's their new wrestling agenda. They used to do it years ago. They are entering in to the Mexican league to take on Daniel and Ambriel. It's all hush hush.'

'Not sure it's hush hush,' replied Natalia, putting in the tape into the tape machine. 'Jack Black has been dressing up as Nacho Libre recently, with his buddy from the movie, and they are declaring they will soon be entering into the Mexican League, and Tenacious D will the soundtrack for their glory.'

'There's gonna be some rumbling then,' said Alison. They watched the tape for a while, and Matthew and Uncle Matt came in and sat down watching with them. Alison's brother Matt sat next to Natalia, and subtly put his hand on her leg. Alison pretended not to notice, but Natalia put her hand on Matthews and squeezed it. Obviously they liked each other.

'Let's wrestle,' said Natalia after a while. They drifted out the back and Uncle Matt and Matthew, dressed in 'I am Metal' T-Shirts they'd had custom made, sat on the concrete verandah, and watched as the girls started wrestling each other.

'Your going down Michelle the Archangel,' said Natalia.

'I don't think so. Your arse is grass, Phannie the Seraphim.

And so the girls wrestled, and the boys mocked their attempts.

Finally, 'Tag team partners, then,' said Natalia, in a sweat.

'Tag team partners,' replied Alison.

'I can coach,' said Uncle Mat.

'I'll help. Matthew and Matthew coaching services,' said Matthew.

And the dream was born.

The End

YaHaWaiHii The Big Kahuna

'We're going to Hawaii,' said God to Rihanna.

'Go away. I'm lazy,' replied Rihanna.

'We're going to Hawaii,' said the Theophany.

'I'm African. I'm lazy. I'm sleeping,' said Rihanna.

'Mmm. Yes, Ham was always particularly lazy. Never accomplished much. Shem? Now he worked steadily, and Japheth slaved his arse off. But Ham just made spears and shields and played bongo drums.'

'We still do that, racist,' replied Rihanna. 'Go away. I'm lazy. Why are we going to Hawaii? Why would the coolest chick in the universe want to go to Hawaii? I live at Home. The axiom of Creation. The central pinnacle of glory. Why would I go to Hawaii? I'm lazy. Go away. I need to sleep.'

'It is sedate here,' replied God. He looked out the window. 'It's that aurora, isn't it? It's drowsy. Keeps eternal holiness in the populace. Keeps everything under control.'

'Must be,' replied Rihanna. 'Go away.'

'Humph,' replied God, and left the room. The following morning he came in again. 'We're going to Hawaii,' he said.

'Fine.' She put on a lei and came out. 'Let's go.'

'Put on regular clothing.'

'When in Rome, old man.'

'At least put your top on. Not sure it's legal to go around bear-breasted.'

'You don't like my tits?' she asked. 'You sure pay them enough attention.'

'Which is the way it's meant to be. I pay them enough attention. Not every Tom, Dick and Harry.'

She left the room and came back with the lei on, with knickers underneath, and a short t-shirt with 'I love New York' on it.'

'That will do,' said the Theophany.

'Do I need to pack?' she asked. 'And which Hawaii? There are countless.'

'About 57 Quadrillion different Hawaii's now,' replied God. 'We're going to the one in Terraphora. The main gun.'

'Ok,' she said. 'We can go dancing at Zaphora then.'

'As you wish,' he replied. 'Pack a suitcase.'

She did so, and they notified Memra, Logos and Metatron. Metatron was put in charge while God was gone. His turn on the list. They carried their stuff, and walked into the aurora.

'What's this?' she asked.

'It's an elevator,' he replied. 'We're descending down to Hawaii.'

'New way of doing it,' she replied.

'I've given the idea some thought for a while. Put the request in. The spirit didn't mind.'

They landed on Hawaii in Terraphora on the North Shore. Men were surfing.

'It's the Big Kahuna,' said a voice.

God and Rihanna turned. It was Saruviel.

'You are in Hawaii at the moment?' asked God.

The spirit in God's head laughed a little. 'Got plans,' it said to Wolfgang.

'I've got an office here,' replied Saruviel. 'Working on the campaign with Daraqel and Kantriel at the moment. Getting on with the Job of being the Angel of Adversity and taking them all on. Free Radicals will be on the march soon enough, and I intend to be the One King to rule them all.'

'You'll need a mighty fine ring then,' said Rihanna.

God looked at Saruviel. He reached his conclusion. 'I'll be your counsellor for a while. You are also the god of the USA, the Prince of America, so that will be part of the functioning at this time. We'll stick with the traditional role you have for your Radical Ambitions.'

'Fine,' said Saruviel, looking at Rihanna. 'My, we're playing the part, aren't we?'

'When in Rome, honey,' replied Rihanna.

'Very funny,' said God.

The End

Aphar 7 III

'It's very strange stuff,' said Garanel.

Pieradore the Abraphim Angel of Infinity, 56^th of the 70 Onaphim Angels and 7^th of the Abraphim group of 7 angels agreed. 'It has a purpose. Subura Takahashi is still producing more of the stuff, and pushing it around here and there. It's blissful, and it has magical properties, and it's part of his agenda. Quite clearly.'

'Free radical agenda,' said Garanel. 'What's it's soon gonna be all about.'

'I prefer rational life,' replied Pieradore. 'Getting caught up in money-making power games is not my cup of tea.'

'Give you a microscope and a casio calculator and your right at home, huh?' replied Garanel, poking at the Aphar 7 material.

'Very funny,' replied Pieradore.

'Can you unlock it's mysteries Piers?' asked Garanel. 'You have enough experience with magic. You've written millions of novels on the stuff. I called you in to this project coz I felt you would have the experience required.'

'I can probably crack it's code,' said Pieradore, who had lived life on Earth as the SF author Piers Anthony. 'It will take some time though.'

'I'll fund you,' replied Garanel. 'This is one of Gabriel's main concerns at the moment. Wants to know what Takahashi is up to with Aphar 7.'

'I'll keep you informed,' said Pieradore, and continued poking around at the chewing gum like material.

'Cool,' said Garanel, and headed off for the rest of his afternoon.

Pieradore continued examining the stuff. He had sudden inspiration. He went to the back of the science room of the Golden City, and found an Ankh. It had been used countless times by the 70 Onaphim for this and that purpose, spiritual and decorative. It was a traditional thing they had made in the beginning to celebrate Egyptian culture, and belonged to them all. It had a long spiritual history now. He brought it near to the Aphar 7 Material, and he could here a trilling sound in the aether the nearer he brought it to it.

'That's interesting,' he said to himself, and put the Ankh back on its shelf. He stood in front of the Aphar 7. 'Now what exactly are you made of my dear friend?' he said, as he carried on his investigations.

The End

Krystabel and the Clock of Eternity VIII

'Trains are a metaphor for life,' said Ambriel.

Krystabel continued knitting and watched as Ambriel continued setting up the model train set around the clock and the throne. 'How so?' she asked.

'Life is a journey, with a Daily destination. It mostly works day by day. Often, with holidays especially, and a decent yearly calendar life mapped out, it can work in greater lengths of time, but usually, for the majority, it's a day by day adventure. And it's the same for train journeys. They are often a day by day things, but sometimes longer.'

'I see,' replied Krystabel. 'Very good.'

'WHAT HAPPENS IF THE TRAIN CRASHES?'

Ambriel went silent. He looked up at the flickering throne of God.

'Life has crashes in it,' said Krystabel. 'When we come to our wits end and are beside ourselves. Usually it will be better in the morning, but we're lost for words at times, with no idea what we are supposed to do.'

'Something like that,' said Ambriel, to the flickering flame of God upon the Throne.

'I SEE,' replied God. 'I'LL MAKE A NOTE OF YOUR ANSWERS.'

'And it all works out in time,' said Ambriel. 'Like the clock of eternity. It all works out in time.'

'Even according to timetables,' said Krystabel.

Ambriel looked at her. He looked up at the flickering throne. 'You have a timetable for the clock of eternity?' he asked God.

'WHO'S ASKING?' Replied God.

'Oh, he does,' said Krystabel. 'Fascinating.'

'It's probably the bothersome chronicles of the children of destiny,' said Ambriel. 'Daly's masterpieces.'

'YOU HAVEN'T SUBMITTED THE MESSIAH'S BIBLE TO ALT.GOD OR ALT.BIBLE ON USENET GOOGLE GROUPS YET,' said God.

Ambriel went silent. He looked up at the throne. He sat down next to Krystabel.

'Those requirements are in the online literature,' said Krystabel. 'Saruviel informed me of that once long ago. To submit new scripture, it has to be placed in an official enough forum. Usenet was the foundation of Internet newsgroups for the most part. It's quite an official thing. God apparently recognizes the Facebook Metaverse groups as somewhat official also.'

'THEY ARE REASONABLY VALID FOR SUBMISSION,' said God.

'Messiah Ministries has functioned fine for a long time,' said David. 'You've blessed it abundantly.'

'YOU AND YOUR WORKS DO NOT ORGANIZE DESTINY. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW BY THE COMMUNITY. IT REQUIRES SUBMISSION TO THE COMMUNITY FOR REVIEW TO BE ACCEPTED FOR SCRIPTURAL PURPOSES.'

'You always wanted it to be the House of David's private ministry,' said Krystabel. 'We do recall. You liked to keep a lot of things to yourself.'

'It's part of the mystery,' said David. 'How Messiah Ministries functions.'

'IF IT WAS PUBLIC IT WOULD BE USED FOR MANKIND,' said God.

'I understand,' replied Ambriel. 'I'll think about that for a while. Might be a consideration.'

He continued setting up the model, and soon enough it was going around the clock and the throne.

'ENTERTAINING,' said God.

'We'll make it a thing,' said Ambriel.

Krystabel sipped on some juice. Another day passed.

The End

Abrazabrandelionkonjonshonvantrantavere II 4

Abrazabrandelionkonjonshonvantrantavere II was in a pensive mood. He was studying 'The Chronicles of the Children of Destiny' by Daniel Daly and the Daly Family. He was reviewing the article on his record, and finding it amusing. A slice of Ab's life was always something to behold. But he put the chronicle aside, and sat down at the couch in his den, picking up a dictionary, his favourite reading material for roots. Words. Roots to bigger words. The building blocks of knowledge and information. His daughter was in the room, with her long blonde hair, sipping tea, by the fireplace which was burning.

'Do you know what time it is?' he asked her.

She looked over at him. 'I'd estimate it about 11:23, sensing the date and temperature outside, and what appears to be the Animistic feel of the moment,' she replied.

'Yes, I've studied a lot of that,' said Abs. 'Need to get to more of those studies. I can tell it's the 11^th hour. The ambience is unmissable. But nay, I'm not sensitive enough to know the minute details yet.'

'They just clicked over to 11:24,' replied his daughter, sipping on her tea.

'Is there a word for the animistic gift of knowing the time?' he asked her.

'Yes there is,' she replied. 'It's the talent of Animchronologica. Sensitivity to the Anima or Spirit of the time. And times in general. The passing days and years and things.'

'Fascinating,' replied Abs. 'Mmm. A decent length word,' he said.

'Not enormous by any means,' said his daughter. 'And the family loves the bigguns.'

Abs smiled. 'Do you have any books on this subject in your catacombs?' His daughter, like himself, now being quite old, had archived belongings in various locations within the society they were part of and functioned in.

'1 or 2,' she replied. 'I'll drag one out for you one of these days.'

'Appreciated,' he replied. 'Chat material for a while, and something to fascinate grandfather with.'

'Indeed,' replied his daughter, and sipped on her tea.

The End

Garanel and Mabel

Garanel and Mabel were on the northern side of the Golden City, playing frisbee. They were both in tracksuit pants and sporty t-shirts. They were having fun.

'You know, babe. We're getting good at this. Maybe we should invite some of your brothers to hang out and play frisbee with us.'

'With a danish cookie tin lid?' queried Garanel.

'Why are we doing that, by the way? Using a cookie tin lid?'

'Daniel. The Seraphim of Eternity recommended it to me. Said it was an alternative to the traditional plastic style frisbees. Good for short and quick passes in a back yard. Said he went way back with it.'

'Right,' replied Mabel. 'Well maybe we should invite this Daniel or someone else. Maybe Pieradore. He could come along and join our fun. Not any more than 1 at a time though. Three's ok with me, but I don't like too many people around me any more. Feel weird about that now.'

They sat down on a bench, and started sipping on their health drinks.

'Why's that then?' asked Garanel.

'Because I've repented of being a slut, and sat down with some Torah books, and read them a while now. Feel different. Don't like crowds any more. Don't like being around too many people. Don't like it at all. Like the library in the Golden City, and reading the teenagers books. Mostly that. Listening to classical music, and sleeping with you. Don't want to do much else. Apart from cooking.'

'Strange,' said Garanel. 'I guess I might end up like that eventually. If God has brought us together. Maybe you are right for me or something.'

'Or vice versa,' she said, smiling.

'Maybe,' agreed Garanel. They sat there, enjoying the scenery, and the sounds of nature.

'It's quiet. Isn't it,' said Mabel.

'Don't mind that,' said Garanel. 'One with the world I guess.'

'I suppose,' she replied. 'Getting used to a lot of peace. Peace and quiet. Don't mind it. You know.'

'After your red light lifestyle it might be what your heart has craved.'

'Could be,' she said. 'And I don't think I ever want to go back to that shit. Probably over it now. Just like the quiet life.'

'Sounds good. Let's play frisbee,' he said.

They got to their feet, and continued their pastime, the gentle sounds of nature of the nearby environment happily enjoying the angels at play.

The End

Daniel and Valladore 4

Lucy sniffed at the apple. 'It smells,' she said to Enrique.

'You smell, child of heaven,' replied Enrique.

'This place smells,' said Lucy. They were in the library of the Golden City.

'Why are you here?' asked Mabel, Garanel's new wife.

'We are visiting. We come on occasions,' said Lucy. 'To chat with the Guardian Protector of the Upper Realms.'

'And who may I ask is that?'

'Why me, of course,' replied Valladore of Infinity, coming into the room with Daniel the Seraphim of Eternity.

'It smells because that is the anima of this realm, particularly the Golden City,' said Mabel. 'You smell Lucy.'

'She know me,' said Lucy proudly to Enrique.

'Wicked Witch of the Everywhere,' said Mabel, and returned to her book she was reading.

'I'm hardly wicked,' replied Lucy. 'I'm especially trained in Anima as well, if you really must know.'

'Wasn't asking,' said Mabel, returning her focus to the Children of Heaven.

'These are citizens of the upper realm, of course,' said Daniel to Valladore.

'Indeed they are,' replied Valladore.

'Which pride themselves on their spiritual virtues,' said Daniel.

Lucy bit into the apple. 'It doesn't appear to be rotten,' she replied. 'But the smell is funny. Must be the apples in this realm or something.'

'We save the worst ones for appropriate enough people,' said Mabel. 'The librarian likely sighted you and picked that one especially.'

'Oh, you're all charm,' said Lucy, and stuck her tongue out at Mabel.

'Charm and sophistication,' said Daniel to Valladore. 'Such exemplary behaviours from upper realm citizens.'

Valladore sighed. 'It's not always like this, you know. They are just getting to know each other.'

'Like a bad smell which doesn't go away,' said Mabel.

'Oh, that's it. I'm casting a spell on her,' said Lucy, standing to her feet and taking out her wand.

'Go ahead,' said Mabel. 'I'm likely impervious to your passions. This is our stronghold. You won't bust through Seraphim prayers here sister.'

Lucy put her wand away, and sat down. 'No,' she replied. 'Probably not.'

'Pretty pathetic witch. Didn't even try,' said Mabel.

'I should let them know of your former profession if you want to keep that up Mabel,' said Valladore strictly.

'I'll be good. No need to mention past mistakes,' replied Mabel, and smiled fakely at Lucy.

'She was probably a harlot or something like that,' said Lucy. 'I think I can tell. From the smell.'

'Bitch,' said Mabel.

'Takes one to know one,' replied Lucy.

'Well if you must know, so bloody what. I've changed from those days,' said Mabel. 'Came to a life decision after some soul-searching. Gave the game away. Garanel liked me anyway. Married me.'

'I'm not criticizing you for your past,' said Lucy. 'But your present attitude is questionable.'

'Loving too,' said Daniel. Valladore put his hand on his forehead in frustration.

'Hey, it takes a while to grow up,' said Mabel.

'Some people probably an eternity,' replied Lucy, returning her focus to Enrique.

'Humph,' said Mabel. She continued reading her book, but stood after a while and came and sat down next to Lucy. 'You have nice long hair,' she said, and started working with it. Lucy looked at her.

'What are you doing?'

'Braiding it. Plain is fine, but witches need to be cool. I'll give you a proper look.'

'Oh,' said Lucy. 'Ok then.'

'Who work out their differences in the end,' said Valladore triumphantly.

'Touche Valley Boy,' replied Daniel.

The End

Daravier and the Afryka Initiative 2

Daravier looked at the birth rate figure. 'Now that's just crazy,' said Augustin Kagame, the Ketravim angel Daravier of the Realm of Infinity, founder of the Afryka Initiative, a plan for the blessing of African nations and their development and growth, particularly at health and even excessive birth rates. Daravier was looking at his organisations latest report, which included a statistic for the birth rate in the African Nation of 'Zambulla', a traditional African country name, but something was different about this Zambulla. The families were, on average, large. Nearly the largest for a nation he had seen on this project. But the birth rate? About 25% above the average – quite healthy indeed. This Zambulla functioned in part of the Nadrazon Silver City disc of the Realm of Infinity, under an Angelic Overseer who watched over many nations. And he was well signed up with the Afryka Initiative. Over it's history of many aeons now, the Afryka Initiative had had moderate success with its ambitions all things told. In reality, most partner overseers which he mostly worked with did some growth plans and implemented various recommendations for the primacy of Africa, but generally did not really follow through the monitoring of the program long term, and things slid. A small amount of them were faithful to the organisations ambitions, but most called it an unnecessary interference with the natural growth of nations. It really did not need to be so deliberate. It was happening gradually anyway, and Africa grew with much of a muchness with the other cultural empires. These days Daravier took most of that attitude for granted. He'd settled. A lot of it had been old kernels of frustrations from Black Lives Matters days and racial pride when it came right down to it. They, the people of Africa, should also prosper. He had believed that with all his heart. But over the long haul he had come to his senses somewhat, and seen the program more for what it was. A bit of pride. Now, though, the organisation had gone through the process of adapting its structures to more of a general welfare and development organisation, like the African Congress of Nations and other bodies. Mostly focused on economic development than anything else, and a strong promotion of African culture. It had faded, the original zeal, replaced with a more stead and ultimately sensible approach to ensuring the continuity and eternality of African culture. And after all this time Daravier had concluded that that was much more importance. The survival of their culture and way of life. It was a long eternity and he had noticed over the long years, people faded away sometimes. Off into other communities and other cultures of the universe, and traditional societies did not always maintain their members. They even disappeared at time, people moving on to things they found more preferable. He knew in his heart there would always be an Africa, but there was also much competition and now, after all these years, he was more focused on sustainability, maintenance and general stability rather than trying to rule the world in the name of the Nubian people. Yet, the work went on, and things he'd noticed today were encouraging, and, as the day passed, Daravier had a bit of a smile on his face as he went about his business in the Golden City of the Realm of Infinity.

The End

Demographics

'3% of the complete population of everywhere is Christian. Half of that is Catholic and the other half is non Catholic. Barely any of them regard Jesus as the Messiah of Israel. That doctrine is just about non-existent, apart from the occasional new believer. He is accepted as a Christ Figure and founder of the Church. 1% of the complete population of everywhere is Muslim. Various bodies. Eastern religions are extremely minor. Torah of Israel religions account for about 2% of the complete population, mainly in Zionistya and the Televeran planetary bodies. New Agenda religions account for 13% of the overall population. Other religions account for 5% of the overall population. No religion accounts for 3% of the overall population. 13% are Heavenly religious communities such as the Seraphim Torah community. 5% are Noahide religions. 55% are Modern Karaite Adamide-Noahide religions. The ANM and other Daniel Daly foundation faiths account for 90% of the Modern Karaite Adamide-Noahide Religions. About half of everyone,' said Valandriel.

'It's been this way for a long time,' said Seraphim Daniel. 'Should we bother attempting to change anything much?'

'I'm not sure if we really could,' said Valandriel. 'The pillars of stability in prayer and scripture study are too well established now in lives in the various religions. They just ain't changing now. Their works are established, and their rewards are pretty much set in stone. This is the way it is now kemosabe. It's what we work with.'

'Then on with the show,' said Daniel.

'On with the show,' replied Valandriel.

The End

Saruvim Vs Callophim

'But you're hopeless at chess,' said Leo. 'I can beat you. And I'm young.'

'I'm not hopeless, Leo Daly,' said Kelly. 'I am quite proficient. I am entering the Televon Intergalactic Chess Tournament because I am proficient. I go through Paradision qualifiers early next week.'

Stephanie laughed. 'Hah. They'll kick your arse, idol queen.'

'Very funny,' said Kelly.

'You sure babe,' said Callodyn. 'You are hardly a champion at chess.'

'I'll have you know this Callophim Angel has been studying chess on the side a very long time now. I've simply never used my prowess at the game very much.'

'Saving it, huh?' replied Callodyn. 'Ok. I'll give you a game. I'll even bring my b-Game to the table.'

'Your A-Game will be too embarrassed,' said Kelly. 'I'd kick it's arse too.'

'Get the chess set Leo,' said Callodyn. 'Them's fighting words.'

Leo went and got the expensive chess set, in the choice he made, and set it up on the dining room table, carefully putting all the correct pieces in the right place.'

'Mom's made the boast so she'll have to prove her words, and go second,' said Leo.

'The black queen,' said Stephanie. 'How appropriate.'

'Bite me,' said Kelly. 'Your move Callophim,' said Kayella.

'No worries Kayella.' Callodyn picked up the rules book.

'You've forgotten how to play?' asked Kelly.

Callodyn stared at her. 'No,' he said. Finally, 'I haven't played a game of chess in a very long time. A very long time. Haven't gotten around to it. You know I'm good at it.'

He made his move. King's Pawn up one position. The game started and while Callodyn seemed to start working it out, Kayella won handsomely.

'You're quite good,' said Callodyn.

'I could see you starting to remember how it works,' said Kayella. 'So I won't make a brag against you on this occasion. But I'm going to the contest.'

'Good work mum,' said Leo.

'The Idol Queen has finally used some grey matter,' said Stephanie. 'We best all be concerned.'

'Funny girl,' said Kelly Clarkson.

'The glory awaits,' said Callodyn, putting the pieces back in the box with Leo's help.

'The glory awaits,' replied Kayella the Callophim.

The End

The Angels Saga: The Books of Destiny & Rebirth

The Books of Destiny and Rebirth Chronicles the Angels Saga. The history of the children and angels of God. But they were also a canon of scripture in a greater reality. They served as a creative model of a spiritual history of life – a destiny with a rebirth – for the purposes of education, entertainment, learning and encouragment. And also as a model for destiny and the shaping of lives for real people thereon. People can invoke the books of destiny and rebirth into their lives, calling on the Lord of Glory to inspire them and bring fantasy and adventures of destiny and rebirth into their own destiny in life. And God was asked as well, by the Chronicler, to take hold of the books of destiny and rebirth, to use them as his very own word and teaching alongside his biblical tome, to shape the lives of the children of men and angelkind for the purposes of their own sanctification, salvation, prosperity, preservation and the living of life in the general sense. They are submissions, to Almighty God, for his word. For his teaching. For his use to serve the glory of his Kingdom. Their histories in the greater reality are pseudepigraphic. Based on the scriptures themselves, but inspired fables for the purposes as just told. In the greater realities, no, they are not really true history. But shades of what has been and, potentially, what could be as history of the future unfolds. They are offerings to the Kingdom of God, to embellish the live of Kingdom Citizens, and to give them more teaching, education and security in their service to Jehovah, in their service to Yahweh, in their service to El Shadda, God Almighty, for the praise and glory of his name, for his good, and the good of all his kingdom, world without end. Amen.

The End

Cat Lady 20

'See, Daniel. Starched underwear.'

Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly looked at Joe Alywn's starched underwear.

'It can break in two, it's that starched,' said Taylor. 'Joe has made it extra starchy. He's going for a big interview with Warner Brothers to star in 'The Life of Cassidy Makepeace'. One of the early blockbuster novels of the 55^th century.'

'They did that. Years ago,' said Daniel.

'It's a remake,' said Joe. 'And they want a squeaky clean fellow for the part of Cassidy. I've concentrated on the starchiness in my underwear. I need you to take a photo of me in them,' said Joe, starting to undress.

'For fuck's sake, don't get starkers on me Alwyn. But Joe stripped.

'Quite impressive, Joe,' said Taylor, as Joe turned around, butt naked, showing his glory.

'Jesus,' said Daniel, averting his eyes. 'Here,' he said, handing Joe the underwear. 'Put on the damn underwear.'

Joe put it on. 'There,' he said. 'Now take a picture.'

Daniel looked. Joe stood there, in extra-starchy underpants, and nothing else.

'Well, I suppose,' said Daniel.

'I could pose in front of the TV with the Commodore 64 screen showing,' said Joe.

'Perfect,' said Taylor. 'Meredith Mayhem, come here,' said Taylor. A cat scooted into view. 'Stand there,' said Taylor. 'Hold the cat. Stroke the cat.'

Joe started stroking Taylor's pussy.

'Fine,' said Daniel. He pointed his mobile and started taking snaps.

'Sit down legs out with the cat in front of your crotch,' said Taylor. Joe did so.

'There are numerous taglines running through my head,' said Daniel. 'Joe gets a bit of Taylor's pussy is one of them.'

'Just take the photo,' said Taylor, smiling. Daniel took the photos.

'Perfect,' said Taylor.

'You can dress now,' said Daniel.

Joe took off his underwear.

'Not again,' said Daniel, averting his eyes.

'I need to put the old underwear back on,' said Joe. 'The meeting is not until later this week.'

Joe redressed.

Later on Daniel was watching TV with Taylor. Joe had disappeared, back to his hotel room.

'We arranged that,' said Taylor.

'It was a long time coming,' said Daniel. 'I did those humor videos a long time ago.'

'I planned out my revenge,' said Taylor.

'Joe Alwyn's cockles,' said Daniel.

'Nothing better,' replied Taylor Swift.

Daniel thought about that. 'I'll take your word for it.'

'You do that,' she said. 'Next time, even starchier.'

'God helps us all,' finished Daniel.

Taylor giggled. It had been one of those days.

The End

Good Times in Zaphora

'The heat of the fire is strong,' said Cyradel.

'It's fire,' said Azrael. 'It is a strong element. A strong gas.'

'Like your mighty wind, Azrael,' replied Cyradel.

'They warned me about you,' said Azrael. 'Have another ginger ale. Seeing that is all you drink in a tavern.'

'I'll have another indeed,' said Cyradel. 'Put in some juice as well please. Put it on my tab.'

'Your tab is getting on a bit. Care to clear it?' queried Azrael.

Cyradel whisked out his Visa Card. 'I am sure I have the credit. It's a debit card actually. I only spend my own money.'

'Declined,' said Azrael.

Cyradel took the card. 'Oh,' he said. He wiped the card. 'Try again.'

Azrael tried the card again. 'Approved,' he said. 'No problems.'

'It's a bit warped,' said Cyradel. 'It sometimes gets declined.'

'I understand,' replied Azrael. 'Common enough.'

Cyradel put the card back in his backpack, and found a seat. Meludiel came over and sat next to him.

'Cherubim offspring, aren't you?' she queried.

'Daniel and Taylor's grandson,' replied Cyradel.

'Oh,' said Meludiel. 'Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly you mean?'

'He's the one. Gramps,' said Cyradel. 'Likes me to hang around these days. Needs me around, apparently. Guard his steps and his duties and things. I've been going solo a long time, but now he wants me in on the family business. Time for me to take my heritage and legacy seriously. He has me reading through the chronicles these days. Studying the ANM literature and things. Says ValDan will have work for me as well, arranged it with Daniel the Seraphim.'

'Oh. Good,' said Meludiel. 'You seem like a nice guy Cyradel. Well mannered.'

'I take angelic duties seriously,' replied Cyradel. 'God gets me to rescue people stuck in snow a lot. One of my duties. I go out to snowy regions sometimes, and dig people in cars out of trapped snow. It's a joy in many ways, saving souls. Feel like a good person when I'm doing that. It actually is a joy serving God. In a strange way.'

'Yes it is,' she replied. She pulled out a pack of dominoes. 'We'll play dominoes here, every Tuesday afternoon, for a few decades. That will be ok right? We'll become friends.'

'Uh, sure. Why not,' replied Cyradel.

They started playing dominoes. Azrael was wiping glasses, looking at his customer doing their natural thing. Times were good in Zaphora.

The End

Samaen's Agenda 2

Samaen examined his followers. 'You are a scurvy ridden bunch of sea dogs.'

'Aye, captain,' they exclaimed.

'The Bad Ship 'Satan's Testicle's' is surely happy to have ye, but I have plans, ye sea dogs. Landlubbers do not yet fear the fowl powers of Lord Satan of Paramount Tower. We do not yet instil the fear and despise us bitter wretches seek from angel and mankind.'

'Why do we seek this?' queried a sea dog.

'So we can carry on with our wicked ways without too much damn holiness preaching, you scurvy ridden sea dog,' replied Samaen.

'So it's mostly a pretense to piss them off enough so they don't complain about our hedonistic ways.'

'Something like that,' replied Samaen, waving his hand away at the question. 'It's in the old literature. Look it up if you have the patience. So now we are to be about our agenda. And our agenda is devouring the way of the eternal dove. To cause fear and paranoia – especially paranoia – into the hearts of the elders of the way. So that they fear us and not get on with their long rested plans of putting the Saruvim of Infinity in their place.'

'What plan?' asked the same Sea Dog.

'It's in their literature. Look it up if you have the patience,' replied Samaen, waving his hand away at the question. 'So we are to practice some traditional stalking and other fowl tricks to upset the Way and keep them off guard in their agenda to eventually put us in our place and teach us a lesson. Rachael, their leader, last of the Cherubim and first of the Ketravim, is a wily old angel lady, and she has the ear of Samael, who we work hard to keep on our side of things. We must make sure we irritate her nearest and dearest at the top of the Ketravim list that she must act, and pray if at all possible, for God to do something about the situation.'

'And what will God do exactly?' asked the Sea Dog.

'He will rebuke our most unholy Lord Satan and tell us to keep his fowl followers in line, which we will reluctantly agree with, but this will keep the status quo of us being feared and not bothered with still pretty much the status quo,' replied Samaen.

'Oh. I see the logic,' said the Sea Dog. 'Quite diabolical really.'

'As all of Samaen's Agendas are,' replied Samaen of the Saruvim. 'So report to my captains Cabin over the next few weeks. I will assign you each your tasks.'

And Samaen's agenda continued.

The End

Abrazabrandelionkonjonshonvantrantavere II 5

'Animchronolgica and the changing times of the eras. By Zephadel Brown. Fascinating,' said Abrazab to his daughter, Beletranziel.

'It's quite meaty as you can see,' replied his daughter. 'Should take you a few weeks at least.'

'I'll take my time,' replied Abrazab. He opened it up, looked at the fireplace, and began reading. His daughter sewed in silence.

He spoke after a while, concentrating on the book. 'Is Cyradel still asking you out?'

'I don't know why this particular angel offspring wants to engage with myself,' said Beletranziel. 'He is of some age, and while his prospects are probably quite good really, I am not sure we are compatible.'

'Mr Daly – the three Daniel's – tend to mature at a slow rate, from observations. But they are gentlemen for the most part these days. Cyradel is probably on this pathway. He could prove a fitting mate in time. Besides, you have settled long enough. You are content and happy, and your mother and I have no problems with that. But grandchildren would be quite welcome. As you know Beletranziel.'

'I am aware of that fashion,' replied Beletranziel.

'The procreation designed by Almighty God is far from being merely fashionable. It's a function we do. It is the nature of our being.'

'Which is in fashion at times, regardless of the truth of the issue,' replied Beletranziel. 'Suddenly my girlfriends all want to go off and get married, and it comes in a rush. Predictably so. And I am left high and dry in my social circle, waiting again for new single ladies to dialogue with. It is purely a fashion. Esmerelda kicked it off, and they all liked to do what she did, and I was left practically on my lonesome apart from Petunia, who seems practically a lesbian anyway from observations.'

'She's not, you know. She's more like you. Quite settled, and not looking to change her life circumstance anytime soon. Your mother shared that particular fact with me.'

'Oh. I see,' rpelied Beletranziel. 'Anyway, Cyradel is an awkward sod. Will hardly ever drink alcohol, besides constantly claiming he is not a teetotaller. Never seen him drink a drop.'

'They maintain a policy of low alcohol consumption in that family. Not their way to indulge.'

'I don't believe in drunkenness at all, but every few months I like a drop of the wine or harder stuff. Just to get the blood up. I am afraid with Mr Cyradel Daly I would be frowned on constantly for such a delight. Not sure if I want that in a mate.'

'Keep him in mind,' said Abrazab. 'We think well of him.'

'As you wish,' replied his daughter.

The night turned over, and Beletranziel retired for the night, leaving Abrazab and his reading in front of the fireplace a quiet and happy content room, till he nodded off as the embers burned slowly down.

The End

Kaleriaphon and Brigidina 4

'Sister Frances was less scary. And she was a dragon,' said Brigidina, sobbing in Kaleriaphon's arms.

'Margaret is not that bad,' replied Kaleriaphon.

'Sister Frances would use the ruler in corporal punishment, but she'd leave it at that. I'm worried Margaret will have me in thumb screws over the slightest indiscretion.'

'Don't be silly. The thumb screws are only for show,' replied Kaleriaphon.

'She actually has thumb screws?' asked Brigidina. Kaleriaphon gave her a helpless look. 'It's worse,' continued the sobbing Brigidina, crying into Kaleriaphon's shoulders. After a while Kaleriaphon detached his sobbing wife.

'Now, don't be silly. The thumb screws are meant for our children.'

'She's going to use thumb screws on her children? Is she a monster?' replied Brigidina.

'Not on them. Don't be silly again. They are a point of reference. To enforce strictness. That is all.'

Brigidina wiped her nose. 'I see. So it's more huff and puff than any actual dragonflame?'

'She's a christian. Well, a catholic. Noahide Catholic. From old blood. She likes to maintain a certain styling in things, and is a serious nun. It's the way of her order. It's the way of many such orders. But believe me she has a heart of gold and will work her socks off for you in devotions.'

Brigidina took a tissue and wiped her nose. 'Yes, she will do that. She works tirelessly.'

'She is quite fond of you Brigidina, and would not have you exchanged. God forbid would be her words. She would have you, from what I have gathered, in the convent with her for a while, to learn your devotions to God, and then we would settle in the United Realms territories. The plan seems suitable in many ways.'

'Oh. Yes, that is a good plan,' said Brigidina. 'Well, I do not really object to being a nun. I suppose I have no great choice in the matter now. I am fond of the lord. But how do you solve a problem like Brigidina?'

'As nearly as much a challenge as that of Margaret, I would imagine,' replied Kaleriaphon.

Brigidina smiled. 'Don't dare say that again. At least not in her presence. Or there will be hell to pay.'

'I could imagine, Biddy. I could imagine.'

The End

Daniel and Valladore 5

'The United Realms are a place for peace and understanding,' said the host of the introductory video. 'Were we can work out our differences and get along in a spirit of togetherness. Welcome to Paradise City.'

Daniel stared at the video. Valladore shrugged. They continued through the terminal out into the taxi rank.

'Paradise Hotel,' said Daniel, as Daniel and Valladore got in a taxi.

'Oh, big spenders,' said the taxi driver. He looked through the mirror at them. 'Daniel the Seraphim of Eternity and Valadore of Infinity. Hey, can I get a picture?' he queried, holding up his mobile.

'Are you going to click that?' asked Daniel. 'I could have copyright concerns.'

'Go ahead,' said Valladore. 'He can afford a few bucks.'

The taxi driver clicked the photo. 'I'll only put it on social media. Promise,' said the driver.

'I'll bet,' replied Daniel. The taxi drove through the city, making its way to Paradise hotel.

'It's come along a fair bit since our last visit,' said Valladore.

'Paradise city is a place on the move,' said the Taxi driver. 'We are the best of both worlds. Infinity and Eternity all rolled into one. Hey, you two guys are the architects of much of the agreements. You'd know well how we function I guess?'

'Intimately,' replied Valladore.

They arrived at the hotel, and Daniel and Valladore grabbed their suitcases, Daniel swiping his card to pay the fare. They came inside, and the receptionist indicated their rooms were ready, and they took a lift to their floor. Later Daniel joined Valladore in the restaurant.

'Now, as agreeed, it's mostly about observation,' said Valladore. 'We're here to see how our tentative agreements work in the real world. Observations so far seem favourable.'

'The people seem happy,' replied Daniel. 'I guess they are used to the concept. I dare say we have a number of natural enough new citizens in the United Realms now.'

'For some it's what they have been born into,' said Valladore. 'We're probably going to have to make this work for their sakes at the least.'

'I think so,' said Daniel. He looked at the wine list. 'Some of the classics from both realms.'

'Obviously so,' replied Valladore looking at the list. 'Hybrid cultures. Becoming one.'

'Two become one. Married like a Spice Girl and a Spice Boy,' replied Daniel.

'But which is which,' replied Valladore.

'That's an interesting question. You have always seemed a little effeminate to me. Eternity? You always claim we are less sophisticated than your glorious realm citizens. We must be more manly. Less refined than your glorious ways.'

'Indeed,' replied Valladore. 'More brutish.'

'So we're the spice boys.'

'I guess so,' said Valladore. He ordered a glass of champagne, and liking it ordered the bottle. They sat there, chatting lightly, and agreed that for the following few weeks they would wander around Paradise City, asking innocent enough questions, seeing how the United Realms worked out in practice. An important enough exercise for the grand chiefs in their own way of each Realm of Glory.

The End

Damienyel the Onaphim

Damienyel the Onaphim was of the firstborn group of 7 Onaphim Angels of the Realm of Infinity. He was 7^th on the list, right after Abrel. And he was not in a good mood.

'No, I am not Santa Claus,' said Damienyel to the young angel of Infinity.

'You're the library Santa, aren't you? Big bushy beard? Good with children? Or are you an old fart who just reads books?'

'You are a bothersome child,' said Damienyel. 'I should have words with your parents.'

The child, disappointed it wasn't Santa with a treat, wandered away.

'Why they think I'm Santa all the time?' said Damienyel, returning to his reading of 'The Hobbit'.

'It's cause you're fat and have a big beard,' said a voice.

'I'm not fat Abrel,' said Damienyel.

The 6^th of the Onaphim angels, with Gemrayel, sat down opposite Damienyel.

'Well, no. Not fat exactly. But overweight. And that beard would impress any devout Torah Rabbi.

'It suits me,' said Damienyel. 'And it's my look. It's not even white. They shouldn't call me Santa.'

'It's an old thing going round,' snided Abrel. 'We should have confessed years ago. People tell young kids your santa. One of the Saruvim started it I think. Logos rebukes it a bit, but most don't care.'

'And how long has this been going on? I've been called Santa forever?'

'Way back in the day,' replied Abrel. 'We only do it on rare occasions.'

'Terrible, aren't they,' said Gemrayel. She reached out and took Damienyel's hands. 'I understand. Books are your comfort. You prefer them and chocolate to a woman.'

'Bah. Witch queen,' said Damienyel. 'Leave me with my hobbit.'

He sat quietly reading his book, while Abrel chuckled softly.

'Do you get any, brother?' asked Abrel.

'Get any what?' replied Damienyel, frustratingly putting down his book.

'Action?'

'I sometimes catch an Action bus in Canberra,' replied Damienyel.

'You know what he means, silly angel,' replied Gemrayel.

'I'm not into fornication, if that's what you mean. I have a wife for that affair.'

'Jesus,' swore Abrel, spitting out the gum he was chewing. He picked it up and put it back in his mouth. 'And when did this occur exactly?'

'I've always had a wife,' replied Damienyel.

'He's lying,' said Gemrayel. 'I've never seen him with a woman.'

'Ok. You've got me there. I've never brought her to the Golden City, but since the earliest epochs I've been married. When I go out on my trips I often see her.'

'Prove it,' said Abrel.

Damienyel pulled out his wallet, and opened it up. He handed it to Abrel. Abrel looked at it.

'What's her name?' asked Abrel.

'Galadel. She's Onaphim offspring. Think she's possibly even one of yours down the line actually.'

'She looks like she might be,' said Gemrayel.

'Oh,' said Abrel, handing the wallet back to Damienyel. 'You have any children?'

'3. They are private. The family only grows very slowly. That's the plan. Only a new addition to the clan every aeon or so. It is a quite distinctive plan to grow slowly and not upset the boat or cause anyone any grief. I'm slow in this respect. No desire to be a worldshaker.'

'Bring her around,' said Abrel.

'I'd like to meet her,' said Gemrayel.

The conservative Damienyel looked at his angelic brethren. 'Well, alright I guess. It's probably about time. But please be respectful with her. She is used to my conservative ways. It's what she expects.'

'I'll be on my best behaviour. Girl scouts honour,' said Gemrayel, putting two fingers against her head.

'Fine,' replied Damienyel. 'Now leave santa be with his books.'

'As you wish,' replied Abrel.

They left Damienyel in peace and, looking at the picture of his wife, he smiled, put his wallet away, and returned to his reading of one of his favourite stories.

The End

Cricket in the Golden City Cafeteria

'How much do you want for it?' asked Abrel.

Sandalphon sat there, literally caressing the Len Hutton cricket bat.

'It's expensive,' said Sandalphon.

'He'll overcharge you abby,' said Gemrayel.

'He paid enough for it,' said Lovrayel.

Sandalphon picked up the bat and stood in the cafeteria. 'Bowl me a tennis ball, Aphrayel.'

Aphrayel, sitting next to to Samael, looked at the kfuffle. 'Now why would I do that? And you presume I have a tennis ball.'

'You and Samael just played a game,' replied Sandalphon.

Samael picked up the sports bag and brought out a tennis ball, passing it to Aphrayel.

'You had to encourage him, didn't you,' scolded Aphrayel to Samael.

'He likes to show off,' said Samael.

'I'll field,' said Gemrayel.

'Fine,' said Aphrayel. 'Don't hit anyone in the cafeteria, Sandy,' said Aphrayel to Sandalphon.

'I'll go easy,' replied Sandalphon.

Aphrayel made to do an underarm throw and Gemrayel put up her hands.

'At least bowl it properly.'

'There are people trying to eat, Gemmie,' said Aprayel.

'Don't be a wuss,' said a voice to Sandalphon. 'Take it like a man.'

'Overarm,' signalled Sandalphon.

Aphrayel stood back, and walked in a little, doing a spin ball. It landed just in front of Sandalphon, and spun quite a lot, but Sandalphon blocked it and it went under a table. Gemrayel retrieved it and tossed it back to Aphrayel.

;One over,' said Sandalphon. 'That's six balls, for you Aphrayel.'

'I know how many an over is,' muttered Aphrayel under her breath. She span all six balls, and they all spun quite well, but Sandalphon maintained his cool and blocked them all, in different angles.

'Very good,' said Sandalphon, and bowed to Aphrayel.

'Funny,' she said, and sat down next to Samael.

'You should have mentioned that,' said Samael.

'Mentioned what?' asked Aphrayel.

'That you can spin bowl. I haven't seen you play cricket in forever. Didn't know you could do that.'

Aphrayel looked at her man. 'Well, aren't I a hidden treasure.'

'Obviously,' replied Samael.

Sandalphon had sat back down.

'Hutton played 300 tests with the bat, in early times, and it's finally been released from his private collection. I paid tonnes for it.'

Abrel looked over the bat. 'How about a trade?'

'What have you got?' asked Sandalphon.

'Try the Johnny Walker Premium bottle you've got. From the early ages. It' so mature now God himself is impressed,' said Gemrayel.

'I've been saving that for an official routine in something,' replied Abrel. 'Reluctant. It's probably for a video sequence on something with my copyrights.'

'I'll accept the trade, providing I can keep the bottle also,' said Sandalphon. 'They are worth nearly as much as this bat to me personally.'

'You can go get the bottle if you like Gemrayel,' said Abrel.

Gemrayel left but returned after about 5 minutes with Abreal's rare bottle of Scotch.

'I should know better,' said Abrel. 'But I can invest in another bottle some time.'

Sandalphon handed over the bat, and took the bottle of Scotch. 'This will be good drinking.'

'Well done, Abrel,' said Gemrayel. 'Sandalphon really loves his Scotch. You've done a kind deed, and have been rewarded well for it.'

Abrel looked over the bat. 'Now, there's this spin bowling of Aphrayel to concern ourselves with. Has she been hiding something?'

Abrel turned and looked at Aphrayel sitting with Samael. Other's had been commenting about that in the cafeteria also, as the day passed.

The End

Golden City Common Room

The Golden City of the Angels of Infinity had a library and it had a cafeteria and it had a utilities room and, of course, the throne room. But it also had a common room. The common room was still visited at times, throughout the day, were angels met up and chatted lightly. The arts and crafts room was adjacent to it, and their was educational rooms also connected in this block of rooms, in some ways the central aspect of the Golden City.

'Sammy. It's still here,' said Aphrayel.

'Why are we in this place?' asked Samael.

'What? Is it beneath you?' asked Aphrayel.

'It's for the juveniles,' said Samael. 'Hardly a thing for grown up angels.'

'We still mingle here, snooty,' replied Aphrayel. 'Look.;

Samael observed the wall. It was a large wall, with upper windows, and there was inscriptions of legend all over the wall.

'Samael Heart Aphrayel. How droll,' said Samael.

'That was done at the beginning of things,' said Aphrayel. 'Do you remember?'

'Vaguely. Somewhere in the corners of my mind.' He looked at the inscription for a moment. 'Wasn't there a piece of artwork? Which was laminated?'

Aphrayel stared at him. 'Mildred?' she queried.

Mildred was an angel who had run the common room a long time now.

'Yes,' she said, coming over from her desk.

'Do you have the old pieces of art? From ancient days?' asked Aphrayel.

'They are archived,' replied Mildred.

'Where are they archived?' asked Aphrayel, observing Samael as he looked over the wall.

'In the Golden City Archived. About a mile south of here,' replied Mildred.

'Come on, Sammy.'

They left the common room, and Samael commented that it still seemed rather basic to him, but memorable, and walked for 20 minutes or so till they reached the archives. The building was unique and blunt in its design, and they came inside. Soon they were brought down to a sub-basement archive, which required security clearance.

'Why is it so secure?' queried Samael.

'The works are priceless,' said the male angel. 'Valuable beyond belief.'

'I'll take your word for it,' replied Samale.

'Sit here. I'll return with your early portfolio's shortly,' said the archivist.

Samael and Aphrayel took a seat, noticing a grey haired angel, smoking a pipe, and noticing them.

'I'm not really supposed to smoke in here,' he said. 'But I'm very regular, and they don't mind as long as I don't smoke around the articles.'

'Oh,' said Aphrayel.

The archivist returned with two large satchels, and placed them on the desk.

'This is artwork,' said the archivist. 'Other objects would need to be brought out one at a time.'

'I see,' said Aphrayel.

The archivist opened the satchels, and stood back.

Samael and Aphrayel spent some time, looking at their earliest worksy .

'They're all laminated,' said Samael. 'I remember them as well – looking at them.'

'Oh, we actually did have talent, didn't we?' said Aphrayel. 'Look at this. Sandalphon.'

'It's classic,' said Samael.

'Please be careful. We know you technically own them, and they are under an eternya blessing, but technically they are your pieces, and can be claimed. Please don't, though. We get worried when the early angels come and visit.'

Samael smiled. 'Lest you lose your treasures to our whims?'

'Something like that,' replied the archivist.

'Humph,' replied Samael. 'Can I get a copy of this one?'

The archivist took the piece and had it photocopied, giving the copy to Samael. He signed his copy, and asked for it to be laminated. The archivist returned shortly with the laminated new copy, and Samael rolled it up.

'I'll be putting it up on the all, Aphy,' he said.

'It looks like Monet,' she said. 'His style.'

'That was the point,' said Samael.

They returned to the common room after thanking the archivist, and Aphrayel sat down on one of the lounges. 'It's time we started acting normally again. Mingling and not being so exclusive.

'If you insist,' replied Samael.

'I don't insist. The point is you should want to. Break your reputation of devilish demeanour.'

'It's a hard won persona. But I see your point,' replied Samael. He looked at the wall, and thought on his artwork. 'We'll go next door. I'll draw you then you draw me.'

Aphrayel smiled. 'A good start, dear,' she said.

'I'll do my best also, Aphy.

And the day passed.

The End

Golden City Archives

'Quiet day,' said Jemima.

'It is at this time of the year,' said Fernando. 'Cedric is down in the sub-basements as usual. He smokes down there. I can tell. On his pipe. He says he doesn't with the articles, but I've noticed ash from time to time.'

'They are safely eternya. It's not really an issue,' replied Jemima. 'Nobody cares anyway. He's part of the furniture these days.'

Fernando washed out his coffee cup and put it on the rack, looking out the window of the third level of the archives in the staff room. It was a blustery and grey day, and it had been raining intermittently.

'Wouldn't want to be out there in that weather,' said Fernando.

'I have to get to the bus stop in that weather. And wait around for the bus,' said Jemima.

'Oh, that's right. You're having car problems,' replied Fernando, one of the archivists for the Golden City Archives.

'It's been playing funny for a while. Got it in downtown. They say it will take a week or so to get the parts they need,' replied Jemima Fairweather.

'So you're bussing it. Aren't you married, though? Can't your husband pick you up?'

'If he ever gets home from work on time. And he's out of town constantly. You finally asked if I was married? What gives?'

'Oh, it's been on my mind for a few weeks now. We never really talk about home life much. Just our work. I recall though that you mentioned you were married when you started. Long time ago now, and he never comes to the archive.'

'He's not interested in them,' she said. 'Very business focused. No time for public pleasures, unless it was a business concern.'

'I see,' replied Fernando. 'Mmm. Well that's life.' He sat down, and continued eating his pasta salad, opening the bottle of orange juice. He saved the juice till after his mandatory coffee, to wash it down. 'Samael and Aphrayel came yesterday,' said Fernando.

Jemima spit out a carrot stick. 'What?' she asked. 'Seriously?'

'Yep. They came right in. Asked to see their ancient works. I was very reluctant to agree in some ways.'

'You know they can claim them if they want, and they haven't necessarily agreed to the Eternya blessing. It's just something we work with. Tentative agreement at the beginning of the archives, but we have no signed contracts or anything like that,' replied Jemima.

'Why I was bloody nervous,' said Fernando. 'But, you know. It's not like I can refuse them. Technically they own them.'

'Yes. Yes, that would be the case. The works are just being lent to us when it comes right down to it.'

'Wasn't a problem, though. They just wanted to see the, and Samael made a copy of one of his works, which I laminated for him. They sort of understood the point of the archives.'

'Well, that's a relief. Those things are the foundation of our society in many ways. The springboards of knowledge we build on. They have to be managed carefully,' said Jemima.

'Why I became an archivist,' replied Fernando.

'Mmm,' agreed Jemima.

'Anyway, I'll finish this up and go down to the basement and chat with Cedric for a while. He likes to talk to me as he writes his notes. Asks questions about things. I do the best I can to answer.'

'Doing a major review of things, isn't he?' queried Jemima.

'Personal reasons, maybe. Or possibly for a journal or something. He won't say. But he's been at it forever, so we keep at it with him.'

'I must remember to get that book he was looking for. The one by Dolphyel. It's not technically an archive thing, mainly for public sale, but he's been asking.'

'Mmm,' replied Fernando, finishing off his lunch. He picked up his orange juice.

'Talk later.' And Fernando made his way to the elevators, and down to the sub-basements, to help the inquiring Cedric with his ongoing studies in Golden City Archives.

The End

Golden City Arts & Crafts room

'I mean, how much exactly did that blood diamond cost you?' inquired the archivist Fernando.

'Money in fair words,' replied the Celstyel Qadrayel. 'But money was not an object. The work has to be completed and I wanted the glory of a blood diamond for the final piece.'

She continued her final touches on the blood diamond figurine.

'Who is it?' asked Aphrayel.

'This one is Abrel,' replied Qadrayel. 'He's the final figure of the 70 Onaphim for the display.'

Fernando looked over the large display of the Golden City in model form which Qadrayel had spent aeons in the arts and crafts room of the Golden Cit working on.

'Every single piece is made of a different material,' said Qadrayel. 'The initial planning was to choose all the material's I wanted to use, in different quality and different levels of hardness, and craft it all out so that it all ultimately looked diverse but in harmony also. The arrangement had to all fit perfectly, and I have many of the original drawings still in my collection of how I ultimatley wanted it all arranged.'

'You've done well Qaddy,' said Samael.

'Gifted work,' said Sandalphon.

'She's a champion,' said Logos.

'It's finished,' said Qadrayel, inspecting her final piece. 'I'm happy with Abrel. He looks splish.'

'Where will it be placed? The final moment,' said Fernando the archivist.

'Could be interesting,' said Cedric. Cedric had been asked by Fernando to help him lift the display into the van and take to the archive, where it would be down in a sub-basement on permanent display, one of the major works of the Celestyel's.

'Right here,' said Qadrayel, placing the piece on top of the Throne Room Building, having it look out over the central part of the City.

Mobile phones came out, and the camera applications turned on, and as photos from the gathered 70 Onaphim angels flashed to get their picture of a display they had seen growing from the start, Qadrayel beamed at all the attention and congratulations she was being given for finally completing the work.

'You saved me for last. You must love me the most,' said Abrel.

'Oh, of course,' said Qadrayel.

'Well she did me first,' said Sandalphon.

'Always the most awkward,' said Qadrayel. 'And the most effort.'

Samael chuckled. 'True,' he commented. Aphrayel nudged him.

The party went on for the rest of the afternoon, and Qadrayel helped Jemima, Cedric and Fernando in getting the display into the Van piece by piece, and going across the city to the Archives and down into the sub-basements. It took the rest of the afternoon and some of the evening, but when it was set up in on it's display table, and the perspect clear covering placed over it, Qadrayel looked at it proudly.

'I already have 17 books written about it and it's progress,' said Cedric. 'My readers will look forward to the next volume.'

'Who do you work for Cedric?' inquired Qadrayel.

'He never tells us,' said Jemima.

'State secret,' said Fernando.

'And so it shall remain,' said Cedric the angel. 'But I'll let you know one day.'

Qadrayel gave her display one last loving look, and joined Fernando in the elevator, as the lights dimmed, and a long worked on piece of glory was finally complete.

The End

Golden City Education

The small class was in attendance in the Golden City Education room, which was in a central block in the Golden City, were the common room and the arts and crafts room were also concentrated in the block.

'Now the Daverion clan is quite feisty, as wyvvern's are in general. 'But the Daverion's are quite markedly loyal. Probably the most loyal of all the Wyvvern clans,' continued Logos.

'They have a lot of heart, and get upset at losing their own,' said Damienyel. 'From all my research they tend to cling to their families quite a bit.'

'That would be correct,' said Logos. 'The blood has been brewing a long time in their stock, and there are traditions they keep which are well enforced, as in all the Wyvvern clans in general, much alike their dragon cousins. Take for example Rhembala Fordon Daverion. She is a very proud Wyvvern of fame in the upper regions of the Kemly mountains of a Scottish land in the Realm of Infinity. Rhembala is so loyal to her offspring that she has manufacture golden bracelets with the clan inscription on them, which are attached to the legs of her offspring, and she prays to the Almighty for an Animistic sense to trace her to her offspring whenever she has concerns or needs be. Fiercely loyal lady.'

Logos clicked his button and pictures of Rhembala in proud stances in mountain scenery were shown.

'She is coloured well,' said Qadrayel. 'Very distinctive.'

'And very proud of that from all reports,' said Logos. 'She is a queen and brooks no idiots from discussions I've had. Knows herself and her worth.'

'Leave that picture up would you,' said Qadrayel, as she took out her art pad and started doing a sketch of the Wyvvern.

Logos continued his lecture.

'What you doing?' whispered Damienyel to Qadrayel.

'I have an idea. For my next art work.'

'Fantastica?' queried Damienyel, looking at Qadrayel sketching the Wyvvern.

'Never you mind Damienyel,' replied Qadrayel.

'I could assist you in this one. You did the last one solo, but I could help you this time.'

Qadrayel looked at him. 'Promise me you will deliver this mystery wife for our examination. Promise me.'

'She doesn't want to show up yet,' sighed Damienyel. 'I tried to talk her into it, but she is very shy and conservative. It's just not our way to push things too much. But now that she is known of she has agreed soon enough to show her head. Let knowledge of me settle in first, please, Damienyel, she said to me. You know. It's how I go about things. I let people have a good look at me first.'

'Don't I know it,' replied Qadrayel, continuing on with her sketching.

'Are you two having a good time?' queried Logos. 'Care to share with the class what you are discussing?'

'No boss,' said Damienyel. 'It's educationally related somewhat.'

Logos stared at Damienyel. 'As I was saying,' he said, continuing with his lecture.

'Show the damn woman, or no teaming up,' said Qadrayel.

'Fine,' said Damienyel. 'I'll think about it.'

'Shut up. Pay attention now,' said Qadrayel.

And as the class continued Qadrayel nodded to Logos that he could go on with the next picture, and Damienyel sat there mulling over whether he should bother his wife Galadel with the request to meet his brethren for the second time. And the world turned.

The End

Lanyon Stackings: Artie & Rose's Newsagency

Rat & Squeakers Antique's Roadshow occupied the Eastern side of Tower F in the Lanyon Stackings. The Lanyon Stackings were a group of towers, 26 in all, each named after a letter of the English Alphabet, based on the notions of Mega Cities which mostly provided for themselves and were largely self-sustainable. Though this was mainly in terms of foodstuffs and clothing provisions, as they traded regularly enough in other merchandise. This particular Lanyon was indeed part of a Tuggeranong Area, with Erindale Forthright to the North-East of them, a large city areas also in its own right, in the Realm of Eternity. Rat & Squeakers Antiques Roadshow was part of the Mall Life of Tower F, which occupied half a dozen or so levels half way up in the Tower F Mega City. Around the outskirts of their level ran a walkway or verandah of sorts, all the way around the rectangular Tower. They were right at the edge and just in front of the store on the right (from inside the store's perspective) was an entrance to the walkway. Next to them on the left was the Angus and Robertson's bookstore, and then right to the left of them was a large open section, with an elevator made of glass walls and a long row of stores running west, south and north. Opposite them, though, on the northern side of the entrance way was Artie & Rose's Newsagency. Like the Antiques store, it was a goodly size, and had a back storage room, the same as the bookstore next door. And next to the Newsagency was a donut shop on the corner of the open section, were workers in the 3 stores often grabbed a snack.

Artie and Rose Pendleton were a married couple, which was common enough for many of the mall stores of Tower F, were most of the workers in the mall lived. That was the nature of most mega vertical cities in the Lanyon Stackings, people working were they lived – the basis for them being built like that initially. Artie and Rose got along well enough but were childless. This had been planned though. One day, when the franchise finally got established, they would look at offspring. But Artie was a conservative type and didn't want to make any plans for his dynasty until he was well established. Rose ran along with this, but did have some reservations.

'You know, Artie. We could have children now,' said Rose, wiping down the newsagency counter in a quiet time of the afternoon.

'Not this again,' replied Artie. 'Not until we're established.'

'And when will that be then?' queried Rose.

Artie looked at her. 'That's a good question. We have good savings, but you yourself admit we need more experience still. A franchise network needs to last if it's really meant to last. And if it's supposed to last then it has to be built to last.'

'I know, I know,' replied Rose. She opened a chocolate bar and took a bite. 'Not yet, quite frankly. There are still aspects of the overall business we are learning. But it would be nice to have children. We can probably manage it.'

'I don't want ambitions from them outside of the franchise. Father doesn't want that either. This is meant to be our thing after all. It's what we agreed on to start with.'

'I know, I know,' replied Rose. She sat down on her stool. 'Still, mother is knitting me these baby clothes. She's hoping we get busy soon enough.'

'You and your mother,' replied Artie Pendleton.

So that was a snapshot of the Pendleton's, a typical life story for much of Tower F and its residents. Soon enough, though, changes would come, and the Pendletons would have more than they bargained for.

The End

Life in Brindaphora

Brindaphora was the 76^th disc of the Realm of Eternity, named after it's overseer, the Seraphim female Brindabel. There was a large province of Brindaphora called Tuggeranong Prime, and there were many Tuggeranong places in Brindaphora, the home of the Brindabella mountain ranges on Earth. In the province of Tuggeranong Prime, the central city structure was Tugerraphora City were Tuggeraphon Keep was located, were Brindabel had her primary keep of overseersmanship. It was further divided into districts, were there were places like Chisholm Glory, Tharwa Bliss, Erindale Forthright and the Lanyon Stackings. Tuggeraphon Keep itself was located in the district of Greenway City. Brindabel herself was often in Greenway City at Tuggeranong Library. She was affectionately known as the 'Chief Librarian' of Brindaphora, as she was the Chief Librarian of Zaphon itself. You would find her at times, not so much necessarily in Brindaphon Keep, but across the road in Tuggeranong Library, were she worked as well, as indeed the chief librarian, to stay up to date with her main job, and be in charge somewhat of the flow of knowledge throughout Brindaphora. Brindabel had a lot of the say in the school and education facilities reading curriculum, which she took great pleasure in reviewing and updating from time to time. There was always this and that classic novel which she placed on reading lists for a while, as one of her concerns as a librarian was to see the books were read in the end, but that people also got a decent education, which all civilizations, in the view of Brindabel, should be striving to achieve.

'Abrazab,' said Brindabel. 'Where are you going?'

'To the library of course, Brindabel,' replied Abrazabrandelionkonjonshonvantrantavere II.

'Can we talk?' asked Brindabel.

'Of course' replied Abrazab, as Brindabel fell in beside him.

'I hear your daughter is interested in Cyradel. He's been making quite a name for himself in Zaphora City. But he's a long term resident of ours from Tharwa Bliss, and I'd like to discuss an issue.'

'What?' queried Abrazab.

'Cyrdael is employed, currently on hiatus, in the department of events and historical records. I have work, which I am currently informed by your daughter, you have been studying recently. In relation to Animchronologica.'

'That's interesting,' replied Abrazab.

'I believe your daughter, from conversations with me, is quite animistically sensitive. I have a degree of expertise in this field as well. It's not something which is easy to manufacture, as there are qualities which seem to be necessary to the divine before the spirit in a thing really emerges. But I want to do something. Something which Zaphora quite frankly doesn't yet have the room to house.'

'What?' queried Abrazab.

'I want to make an Animchronological Archive of the history of, quite frankly, the Realm of Eternity. More of an archive than a library, as I want it to be something were passes and relevant qualifications are required to visit and learn from the archive. I want us to know the spirit of our spiritual history. As chief librarian history is obviously a subject at the core of our duties. And I want you involved in this task.'

Abrazab looked at his boss. 'I don't know what to say. I mean, I have current duties and...'

Brindabel put up her hands. 'I need someone I know and trust can do the job. You I want working with me on this task. And your daughter and Cyradel also. I'll let you think it over.'

'I'll need to do that. It sounds like quite the undertaking.'

'It should be,' replied Brindabel.

They continued chatting, and went on to the library, and Brindabel, chief librarian, was in a good mood, with a brand new project of life inspiration, as the day passed in Brindaphora.

The End

Belzavier & Desrayel: Golden City Arcade

'I'll bet you have played every game here,' said Desrayel.

Belzavier swiped his card and collected 100 coin tokens for the Golden City Arcade.

'Probably,' he replied. They came to a machine, Space Invaders 88, and Belzavier inserted a token. He started playing. Desrayel watched.

'Music. It helps me concentrate. And feel cool,' said Belzavier.

'Give me a token,' replied Desrayel.

'Can't you get your own tokens?' asked Belzavier.

'You're not broke are you?' queried the Celestyel.

Belzavier, firstborn of the 7 Ketravim Angels of Infinity, turned and looked at her. 'Far from it. Just saving my tokens. Gonna be a long day.'

'Fine,' replied the Celestyel, and wandered off to get her own tokens for the juke box. The early morning passed and the arcade gradually started filling up. Belzavier was on his 5^th game of Space Invaders 88.

'It's only been here a week,' said Garanel, having snuck in. 'Space Invaders 87 was starting to become part of the furniture. How many of them are there now?'

'Millions of sequels, bro. The parlour is only working through them slowly. Giving everyone a chance to finish the games before they move on.'

'I never manage to finish many of them,' said Desrayel. 'They are too hard.'

'You have skills, but video games isn't one of them. Unless its strategy games,' replied Belzavier.

'Or RPGs,' said Desrayel.

'Always the queen geek of the Celestyels,' replied Belzavier.

'Witch Queen 7000 has long been invincible,' replied Garanel to Desrayel's long held moniker in the gaming world.

The game finished.

'It's more challenging still,' said Belzavier. He looked around and felt his tokens. 'Waste it all on 'Gauntlet: Rise of the White Valkyries'?' queried Belzavier to Desrayel.

'I'll be the warrior,' said Garanel.

'I'll go elf,' said Desrayel.

'Then I shall be a Valkyrie,' said Belzavier.

'Stuff the wizard,' said Garanel. 'No fighting power.'

So the trio which had formed played a standard Gauntlet video game the rest of the morning, before having lunch in the Arcade cafeteria, and wasting away the rest of the day on slot machines and other more relaxed gaming experiences.

The End

Golden City Hair Salon

Desrayel touched the statue of Witch Queen 7000 for good luck.

'It's a hell of a head of hair, Pieradore,' said Desrayel. 'Do you really think you are a warrior of the Battle Circle?'

'I try to be,' replied Pieradore the Angel, the human Piers Anthony in his manifestation on earth.

'Cutting that will mean extra,' said Zelophrayel. 'Unless it's a short back and sides.'

'No, not at all,' said Pieradore. 'I want it styled. Like the ultimate warrior barbarian?'

'Conan look? Momoa or Schwarzenegger?' queried Elendayel.

'I – don't know,' replied Pieradore. 'Surprise me. But make it epic. Very manly. But wonderfully poetic and hyborian also. A classic barbarian king.'

'Indeed,' replied Desrayel, folding the long head of hair in her hands.

It was salon day. The Celestyels, as a business, ran a hair salon in the golden city. They took turn on official duties, and it wasn't always open, but once or twice a month they opened up for the morning, and elderly angels of the golden city wandered in for a cut. Logos hardly ever failed for his cut.

'I want – charisma,' said Pieradore.

'You always had plenty of that,' said Desrayel.

'You look good as a librarian in a shirt with skivvy,' said Elendayel. 'Books are your natural thing. Not even the wizard or an elf. Your the scholar fantasy type.'

'You think so,' replied Pieradore.

'Oh, we know so,' said Elendayel. 'We have chatted a long time about the right looks for our brothers and what they do best in life. Long discussions and contemplations.'

'Fascinating. I'll have to write a new Xanth novel with that in mind,' replied Pieradore.

'You do that,' said Desrayel. 'Now let me see.' She picked up some gel and worked the long head of hair for a while, doing various shapes, before washing the gel out. 'Right,' she said, finally having made up her mind on what she was doing. 'We're going to do the works.'

Logos wandered in.

'Sit there,' said Desrayel to Logos. 'One of the girls will get to you shortly, but we're doing the works on Pieradore today.'

'Can I hang around and watch?' queried Logos.

'Suits me,' replied Pieradore.

They put the 'Closed' sign up, and the girls all looked in the mirror at Pieradore.

'I'll want some snaps,' said Desrayel. 'That ok with you bro?'

Pieradore nodded.

'And a gaming night with some of the brethren. To show off our glory properly.'

'I can arrange it,' replied Pieradore.

'Fine,' said Desrayel.

'Let's get to work, girls,' said Elendayel.

And so a busy morning began, and after a quick cut on Logos head by Zelophrayel, the celestyels got to work on a major fantasy epic cut for Pieradore. And when it was all said and done, despite a remark from Logos that he looked like a male version of the goddess Aphrodite, Pieradore was satisfied. He looked – divine.

The End

HNF Assembly of Satan the Son of God

Satan, the Dark Lord of Infinity, entered the Daly Foundation of the 45^th disc of the Realm of Eternity. He stole his way past reception, and came to the offices of Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly. He entered without knocking. Although many observed him, nobody tried to stop him. Daniel was tapping away at his PC, with Taylor quietly knitting. Daniel's mother was next to Taylor, and she was instructing Taylor on the crochet rug she was knitting. All eyes looked up at Satan as he entered. He sat down, took out a cigarette, lit up, and smiled that devilish smile.

'HNF Assembly of Satan the Son of God?'

'They are not evil, Satan. So get any such thought out of your mind. They are based on biblical passages from the Tanakh, and the teachings I fashioned in ancient days. They also use an official biography I wrote on you, emphasizing certain qualities which pertain to your traditional angelic role.'

'Suits me,' said the devil. 'Are they tithed up? What's my cut?'

'You'll be let in, around...........' Daniel trailed off. He looked at Taylor.

'Probably ok now, really, Dan. He's just about calm enough.'

'He still has issues,' said Mary.

'I'm not trying to change his party ways. They have been taken for granted by the Assembly. We're based on hard rock and heavy metal and a good dose of Sith humour from Star Wars. He's a bad boy, but he is entertaining.'

'I hear the Rainbow Torah applies with them,' said the Devil.

'Indeed it does,' replied Daniel. 'Genesis 1:1 – 11:9. They observe it too.'

'That probably suits me fine. I'll be entering into that now. Meet up with some new rockers. Have a bit of fun with some new babes.'

'They expected you would eventually show.'

Daniel printed off an address and handed it to the dark lord.

'Go easy to start with Devil. But they are under no illusions with your own pre-eminence.'

'Obviously they shouldn't be,' replied Satan. He looked at the address. 'I don't recall authorizing this, by the way.'

'You've never refuted it,' said Daniel.

'Never would. Like the idea of servants. That shit makes my world go round. Seeya Taylor,' he said, and winked at her, before the Devil left the building.

'Dealt with it at last,' said Taylor.

'Judgement Day,' replied Daniel.

'God help us all,' finished Mary.

The End

Robot Droid Dude

'He's robot droid dude,' said James Daly.

'Robot Droid Dude?' queried the Angel Dolphyel of Infinity. 'What the heck kind of name is Robot Droid Dude?'

'It was the best I could do,' said James father, Gregory Daly, brother of Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly. 'Given the circumstances that every word in the dictionary practically had a trademark on it by then, and half of the two-word combinations likewise. It just seemed – silly, but fun enough.'

'Does he have a comic then?' asked Dolphyel, taking the remote control, and manouvering Robot Droid Dude around the Golden City common room.

'I have several issues on my PC. James is still working on the art from time to time. We've been working on it a long time, and there were earlier releases from Noahide Comics. I released with them because Daniel gave me a go with the mini-series.'

'You'll have to flick me a copy,' said Dolphyel, as he again moved the robot around the room with the remote. 'It handles well. What can it do?'

'All sorts of things,' said Gregory. 'It speaks well enough. AI. Has the capabilities of talking to you somewhat, on various things. Basic responses, mostly.'

'Hey, robot droid dude. What is your favourite colour?' asked Dolphyel.

'The Rainbow is an interesting spectrum,' replied the robot. 'It was designed by God and given with the covenant of Noah. It contains all basic colours, but tertiaries are a bit of a problem usually.'

'Funny robot,' said Dolphyel.

Gregory took the remote control off Dolphyel and got the robot to use the vending machine, putting in coins, and bringing them ice cold coca cola.

'Now that's useful,' said Dolphyel.

Daniel entered the room with Valladore.

'I see they've kept you busy,' he said to Dolphyel.

'Your brother clearly has an imagination,' said Dolphyel.

'Greg is like dad. Cyril. He likes technical information to a certain degree. I'm more linguistic and cultural, but Greg can get technical with his thinking.'

'We inherit each different things,' said Greg. 'I got what I got, Danny and the rest of our siblings likewise.'

'The wonders of genetics,' said Dolphyel. 'Now give me that remote. We'll see how fast he can go.'

So Greg and James tour of the Golden City sponsored by Daniel went on, and Robot Droid Dude proved a popular enough thing to while away one of the afternoons of their holiday.

The End

Cat Lady 21

'Don't be silly,' said Taylor. 'I mean, I don't even know what this city is called.'

Shane looked at the map. 'I can't make head nor tail of it. I don't go out of my area. Our area. Near the offices and not far from you guys at the Daly Foundation.'

'We used to live in the upper apartments, you know. To start with. He moved us down to the ground floor on the adjacent streets to the west, just over from the Daly foundation. I got a house next door to his for a while. I think we still own it.'

The new cat, Jane Meredith Baxby miaowed.

'I know you have a sore tummy, Jane. We'll get to the vet soon.'

'Hull,' said Shane. 'I remember. This city is called Hull.'

'Hull?' queried Taylor. 'Really?'

'I remember, when I was young, dad mentioned it, and it was taught as a tradition that it was technically to be called Hull in official terms, but the overseer, Daniel the Seraphim, wanted it just part of the city life of the Realm of Eternity, adjoined with other metropolitan areas. Just 'The City' if you know what I mean. But technically this is Hull.'

'I see,' replied Taylor. 'Fascinating. Oh, there it is,' she said, pointing to a vet's office.

They parked, and Shane Kolby picked up the cat cage and they took the cat into the vet's office. It turned out the cat had swallowed a new brand milk bottle label which had a picture of a mouse on it, which had probably been caught up in the milk for the cat, which Taylor knew she shouldn't give it but gave it anyway. It was a small cap, and Jane Meredith was a weird cat, from all of Taylor's observation. Not terribly old yet and not terribly wise. The cat ended up having its stomach pumped and brought up the cap. Sorry sight to see.

'Now,' said Taylor. 'Let me drive us back. I think I know the way.'

'You don't even know. Excuse me, didn't even know what the city was called,' replied Shane.

'Oh, let's stop at Commodore Glory +. They have that new game Daniel has been after. He said he was going to get it. We can surprise him.'

They indeed stopped at Commodore Glory + not too far from where they lived, and Taylor bought 'Ruff and Reddy: Penetrating Uranus' which Daniel had been harping on about. Taylor questioned the title of the game somewhat, and Daniel had suggested jokes could be fun, but it seemed to be about Ruff and Reddy investigating the inner depths of the planet Uranus. Harmless by the looks of it. Of course, Uranus was a gaseous planet, but she knew it was science fiction so let that one pass. They got home, and Shane headed off, leaving Taylor with a cat with a pumped stomach, a new C64 Disk game, and an empty house. She got dinner going. Daniel showed up from the Daly Foundation offices.

'Hey,' he said. 'Oh you got the game.'

'My pussy was pumped,' said Taylor.

Daniel looked at her. 'Mmm. Where to begin with that one.'

Taylor realized what she had just said. 'Shut up Daniel Daly.'

'Indeed,' replied Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly the Cherubim.

The End

Golden City Tea Room

Beldray was the 58^th Onaphim angel of eternity of the 70 Onaphim, the name for all 10 groups of 7 angels, being specficially the 2^nd angel of the 7 Noahphim angels, the 9^th group of 70 angels. His Celestyel sister Zelophrayel was the 69^th angel of the 70 Onaphim angels, the 6^th born of the 7 Celestyel's. And they ran Golden City Tea Room together.

'An angel must be polite, well mannered, decent and caring at all times,' said Beldray.

'Who are you kidding,' replied Zelophryael. 'The Saruvim have never risen to that duty. The Seraphim have a proper go at it, but nobody else cares much.'

'The Noahphim take it seriously,' replied Beldray. He continued working on the morning's cakes and pastries, setting the ovens for certain temperatures depending on the pastry at hand.

Zelophrayel left off sandwich and roll preparation, and sat down on a chair. She took out a cigarette and lit up.

'Not in here. Out back,' said Beldray.

'Forgive me this once,' said Zelophrayel. 'I have something to say.'

'Why do you wear that emo Mickey Mouse T-Shirt?' queried Betldray. 'It's like you have a point or something.'

'Shut up. I'm thinking,' said Zelophrayel. 'Oh,' she said, looking at her T-Shirt. 'It's a statement. I'm naughty and nice.'

'Mickey smiling, but an evil Donald with a knife behind him? Weird,' said Beldray.

'But Mickey is innocent,' said Zelophrayel. 'It's a metaphor for life. There is good and bad in everything.'

'Which is what you are saying, I suppose. Good angels, but bad ones as well. Well the Noahphim are good angels. All 7 of us. We do our duties properly these days. And we're getting respect too. The Seraphim say they enjoy our company. We follow the pathways of the child of heaven, Noah, before us, who sponsors a lot of our activity. Our Rainbow Crusade club is very popular in the Realm of Infinity. We're showing good spirit and good happiness for the people. Yes, we have a club to talk about Rainbows and basic Torah. Good things for people who need a basic but solid foundation for life.'

Zelophryael pointed at the ovens, and Beldray put the pastries and cakes in. 'Yes,' she said at last. 'I think I actually do agree. The Abraphim are solid enough. They take Abraham's words and teachings and practice a lot of it, but are very work oriented. But you guys take the traditional angel job now and take it seriously now. Probably commendable. Ok. I'll accept your boast. You've lived up to it.'

Beldray came over and put his hand out. 'Cigarettes. They go outside.'

Zelophrayel reluctantly handed over the back and Beldray took the pack outside and placed it under a pot.

'It's where you normally store them,' said Beldray coming back inside. 'Now, as I said. Angels are supposed to be nice, dutiful and chivalrous. Doing the right thing. And the Saruvim are doing that. In their own way.'

'And what way is that, exactly?'

'Saruviel of Eternity acted quickly in that respect. Challengers. Adversaries. They are taking it hard to start with, but I met Samaen recently. He's showing the colours they've been hiding. He grins a bit more now. Having his fun.'

'You're full of it. But maybe. Let's get back to work. Another day another dollar.'

Beldray sighed, and got on with the job. 2 hours later, all things ready and cooked and ready to serve, they opened up for the morning clientele, and Golden City Tea Room got on with another busy days work.

The End

Golden City Daylight

Mistray was the 63^rd Onaphim angel of Infinity, the 7^th and last of the 7 Noahphim angels. Elendayel was the 70^th and last of the 70 Onaphim angels of Infinity, and the 7^th and last of the female Celestyel Angels. And they were the hosts of Golden City Daylight, the morning news and variety show which ran through the Realm of Infinity.

'Good morning, Realm,' said Elendayel. 'We have another jam packed show for you this morning.'

'Morning one, morning all,' said Mistray. 'Hey, wasn't that a match, huh? The All Stars of ROI taking down Team Splendour of ROE in a 9 to 8 blockbuster Baseball match. I was on the edge of my seat. Literally.'

'But you would be,' said Elendayel. 'Not much else for you to do, is there? Single, still right?'

Mistray turned and looked at Elenday. 'I'm hooked.'

'Bullshit,' said Elenday under her breath.

In the Realm of Infinity people watching TV and the morning show as they got on with their day didn't really comment on this. The jibing was a standard part of the show now.

'I fancy Samael didn't see that point coming from Logos,' said Mistray.

'Freedom unlimited is an idiot's solution to what to do, you mean?' replied Elendayel.

'That's the one,' said Mistray. 'Scathing comment from number one. Right up Samael's clacker.'

'Who do you favour in this debate?' asked Elendayel.

Heads watched TV for a moment. This had been a long drawn out argument, were each stood politically. They tended to make a game of not being committed to either side.

'Well, I see Logos made some valid points in the discussion, but I like to stay neutral. Whatever justice decrees in the end,' replied Mistray.

'But you're an extensive shareholder in the end, aren't you,' replied Elendayel. 'You'll want to make sure your liberties are preserved in your enterprises. Make sure the profits keep rolling on in.'

'USA,' chanted Mistray, looking at the TV, with a sarcastic face.

'I'll bet,' replied Elendayel.

'You're not adverse to making a buck,' said Mistray. 'How much do they pay you now? Fifty Meg a show, I heard. Double me by the looks of it.'

'A woman can get fussy. Besides they can replace you. Me? More of a challenge.'

'I'll bet,' replied Mistray.

And so the show went on.

Later on, in the green room, when the show had ended.

'That was some good dialogue this morning,' said Mistray.

'Hey, I've got some ideas I want to discuss for tomorrows show,' said Elendayel. 'People are right into the debate in council at the moment, and I've got some lines which should go down well.'

And so it went.

The End

By the Power of the Rainbow 2

'Right,' said Graham Daly. 'This is it then. The end of an era.'

'Shut up,' replied Listra. 'Stop being so dramatic.'

'By the Power of the Rainbow, I compel thee sister of mine. Clean up this mess.'

Leo Daly looked around the room. It was all a mess. Christmas presents everywhere.

'We can't do this again, young brother,' said Graham. 'The Rainbow Crusade must be your heart from now on. Jesus is just too expensive. No more of mothers baptist christmas turkey for you.'

'I like Christmas Turkey,' said Leo to his older brother Graham. 'And I don't know the Rainbow Crusade.'

Jillian Goldfire-Daly, Graham's wife, spoke up. 'It's mainly run in the Realm of Infinity by the Noahphim community, young Leo. It's been my religious community since I was born. The Goldfire's descend a lot from Shadray the Noahphim in the Realm of Infinity. It is his Earthly manifestation surname. There are other Goldfire's, but that's my bunch.'

'I see,' said Leo. 'Well, are you Noahide?'

'Of course we're Noahide. Sort of. It is the Rainbow Covenant principles also, and when we became human on Earth we often were associated with Noahide organisations. I haven't been on Earth yet, of course. But every angel has a time in manifestation. It's our destiny to have earthly human life for a while.'

Leo picked up the He-Man figure, and was playing with it for a while. 'This is a limited edition run? It doesn't have the Eternya sticker on it though.'

'I'll probably have to serve on that prayer of Eternya,' said Callodyn. 'It's really only a dated limited edition. It's a standard figure. There might be some minor design variations, but they would likely be very minor by now. Everything original went a long time ago on stuff like that.'

'Men spend their urge quickly,' said Kayella. 'It's just like them to stand at attention when they want some, but they just can't last the night.'

'Mother!' exclaimed Listra. 'Watch your words.'

'I'm sure I do,' replied Kayella. She sipped on her coffee. 'Rainbows go on forever, and Jesus likes rainbows well enough anyway, little Leo. Don't let that argument be the winning case on our faith.'

'I won't,' said Leo. 'Besides,' he said, looking at his father. 'He took me to Midnight Mass last night. He didn't tell you.'

Kayella looked at Callodyn. 'Just when they are young. It's a thing of world culture I acknowledge. Everyone should probably get along to a classic Catholic Midnight Mass regardless of their faith. It's a thing to experience.'

'I'll bet,' said Kayella. She looked out over all the presents. 'By the power of the rainbow, you'll be having fun for weeks.'

'Don't forget to clean it all up,' said Graham to Listra.

'In your dreams, G-Man,' replied Listra. The family laughed.

The End

The Taylor Swift Legacy

'Right, Daniel,' said Taylor. She looked at the door in the Daly Foundation. It had the sign 'Taylor Swift Legacy Room' written on it.

'It's Eternya now,' said Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly.

'But sub-basement 2?' asked Taylor.

'There won't be anyone higher on the list,' replied Daniel. The 'Notable Partner's' hallways begin with you, by the way. Katy Perry is next door, planned in a while.'

'Right,' said Taylor. They went inside. There was various paraphernalia of the aeons of time Daniel and Taylor had been together. Key family photos and various other celebratory items and items which meant something to each of them personally.

'Now, you will always be able to visit this room,' said Daniel. 'Just go in to reception, and you can get access. They'll always know who you are.'

Taylor nodded. She looked around. 'It looks fine,' she said. 'Now remember, we have an enduring legacy together. We have family to represent that. Part of the history of the growing Realm of Eternity and Danielphora in particular is the legacy of our offspring and their part in society. I'll expect you to make sure you remember us, Daniel. We were quite a pair. It was never going to be eternal. Right from the beginning we knew that. I have other dreams. But it was always going to be a good thing. And I learned a lot from you on those issues.'

'I learned a lot about women, I think, from you Taylor,' replied Daniel. 'How they think. Their often liberal passions.'

'Naturally,' said Taylor. 'Well, all looks good.' They exited the room, and stood in the hallway. 'Well,' said Taylor. 'It's been good knowing you Mr Daniel Daly. I'll be going now.' She stood there.

Daniel kissed her on the cheek. 'I'll always love you, Tails. But time to move on.'

Taylor nodded, and started walking away. She came to the elevator, and waited. Daniel was in front of it. She waved her hand, and the elevator door closed. And he did not see Taylor Swift again for quite some time.

The End

New Girls

Em Beihold and Alice Merton were in frilly knickers and bras, in the Daly Foundation Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly apartment, were Taylor and Daniel used to originally hang. They were looking like floozies, but Daniel didn't mistake them for that.

'You realize Taylor is working you out,' said Alice. 'The girl is not 100% sure what makes you tick. She's fucked off to Mr Alwyn and is drifting with him to outer worlds for the next Period. She's not had enough of you. She won't be finished with you. She wants you to know, as I and Em do, that we are independent women. We don't settle with one man. We believe in relationships as Jehovah and Jesus don't really mind, depending on the nature of the woman at hand.'

'I sold my soul to the devil in becoming glory, Daniel Daly,' said Em. 'Right into the hands of Babylon. There are prices to pay. My tush is claimed by about 100 decent enough men who need me over eternity. So I knew the price I was paying, and it didn't bother me, because I have a free spirit streak. But your's isn't quite as vicious. Se we took a vote, and Madonna sent us two over, because we're more conservative than the rest by nature.'

Daniel sat down at the keyboard and start playing Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag.

'Are we doing the whole Age of Innocence thing, then?' asked Alice, taking an interest in the music.

'I think so,' said Daniel. 'Hull, this technical city of Danielphora, wants to find some sort of key culture. C64 is well established, but the citizens are ruminating over this and that and want the hear to Hull Danielphon to settle on something which doesn't really want to shift. Madonna chose well, but you were what I had in mind anyway. Girls like you on a list I have.'

'Not surprising,' said Alice. She sipped on her wine, and Daniel played the music.

'Do you like pussy then?' asked Em.

'Jesus,' said Daniel. 'You mean cats?'

'Taylor said you like cats hanging around,' replied Em. 'I'll get us some cats. That can be my thing.'

'I suppose you want me doggy style then,' said Alice Merton.

Daniel stood, tugged on Alice's arm, and they retreated to the bedroom. Later on, after washing, they filtered back in to the main room, and Em had dinner on the go.

'Doggy style,' said Alice. 'He liked it also. He'd been hard up a while, he tells me.'

'About 3 or 4 children would probably be the thing,' said Daniel to Alice. 'I need a legacy room for you also one day.'

'Make it down a level,' said Alice. 'Don't want to be that high on your list. I like. Enough to be with you. But there are other guys.'

'Don't I know it,' said Em Beihold.

'Don't talk about it Em,' said Alice. 'Our affairs are our business. He likes us for us, that's all we need to worry about it.'

Em smiled that Em smile. 'Dinner's ready.'

They ate pasta, and Daniel felt like showering twice after his carnal activities. Back in the saddle took some getting used to after the long stable relationship with Miss Taylor Swift.

The End

Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly and an Irate Taylor Swift

'You are a beast, Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly. A faithless, heartless, beast.' Taylor burst out crying, all over Daniel's desk in the Daly foundation.

'Now now, babe. Cheer up,' said Daniel.

Taylor kept on wailing.

Cyril, Daniel's dad, came through the doorway. 'Oh,' he said. 'Women trouble.'

'She's off her head,' said Daniel.

Taylor looked up and said 'Beast' at Daniel, and then lowered her head, continuing her wailing.

'Give her grog,' said Cyril, and left the room.

Daniel put his hands on Taylor's head. 'Now now, dear. You know I love you.'

Taylor looked up. 'Faithless beast!' she exclaimed, and continued wailing.

'Jesus. Just because I shagged Alice Merton,' said Daniel.

'You shagged her also?' said Taylor. 'DEVIL!' She swore at him, and only wailed louder.

Daniel reached for the drawer, and bought out his 'Special' bottle of grog. He opened it, and lifted Taylor's head gingerly, pouring some into her mouth. Shortly Taylor raised her head, and took the grog from Daniel.

'I should probably take you to court, you know,' said Taylor, sipping on the grog. 'We have been legally wed for quite some time. Unless you are having major problems with Taylor Alison Swift, you are going to have to put up with me.'

'I only want to mingle with the new girls a bit,' said Daniel. 'It's only for a season and a time. They are good value, Alice and Em. They need some encouragement to reach for the stars even higher. I want to help solidify their careers even more.'

Taylor sipped on the grog. 'If you say so. You can have a few more days with them, but then I'm coming over. And they best be gone, buster.'

She lifted up herself, wiped her eyes, and took the grog. 'Good stuff,' she said, indicating the bottle, and left the room.

Cyril came back in. 'You handled it Dan?'

'I handled it dad. Now to deal with Em and Alice. Shit. And I liked them too.'

Such were the problems in the Daly foundation on another fine day in the Realm of Eternity.

The End

The Taylor Swift Legacy 2

Taylor sipped on Dan's special Grog.

'This is good stuff,' said Taylor, sitting at the desk in the Taylor Swift Legacy room of the Daly foundation.

'Why do you persist in nagging me? It will never work out,' said Daniel.

'I'm yours to keep, buddy,' said Taylor. 'I'm not looking for another man anymore. I went away. I knew you'd hooked up with those two class acts, but that wasn't an issue. Then I settled down in an hotel room, took out a little black book, and closed it. And I knew right then I was wasting my time. Men are much of a muchness, to use your mother's expression. There are a lot of good ones, but you are fine, and we have enough connections now. No point in trying to find a new one.'

'Give me that,' said Daniel, snatching away the grog from Taylor's hands. He smelled it. 'Have you added tequila? I bet you've added tequila.'

'You know. For that extra kick,' said Taylor, snatching back the bottle.

'Humph. He sat down on a chair and looked the room over. 'I did intend on it being permanent. Long after you were gone. It wasn't going to be done away with. Was going to look you up ever period or so.'

'Figured that,' said Taylor. She pulled out an album. 'This is us,' she said. 'When we did indoor skating for a while. In Cooma on New Terra.'

Daniel looked at it. 'It's the old rollerskating arena at Polo Flat. Heaven didn't change the design much. Doesn't have the other end which was business, but its the same basic design.'

'We'll do that again,' she said, sipping on her drink. 'We'll do the stuff we traditionally do.' She stood and walked to the door. 'Oh, no other wives apart from Katy. You can only be buddies with Em and Alice. Kapiche? Buddies. No more fooling around.'

'Fine,' said Daniel. 'When I shagged Alice I had to wash twice. I sat there the following morning. Can't do this shit anymore I said to myself. Just too grotty. She was clean and all, don't get me wrong. But I was cheating. And I knew it.'

'Oh,' said Taylor. She came back into the room and sat next to Daniel. She took his hand. 'Do you love me then?'

'I've always loved you, babe. It's in too deep now. Can't hack another new girl. Just some new buddies. My circle is quhiite limited now. Need you. Need you. You know.'

Taylor stood and walked to the door. 'Don't think it will be a problem then. Looks like the Taylor Swift Legacy will work out after all.'

She left. Daniel sat there. 'I guess so,' he said to the empty room, and picked up the album, reliving old memories and laughing.

The End

Golden City Stretchers

In the middle of the Golden City of the Realm of Infinity was a small central park. And this morning, bright and early, the Golden City Stretchers, the exercise group run by Logos and the Seraphim, was busy doing its thing.

'Come on Semyaza,' said Michael the Seraphim to his Cherubim brother of the Realm of Infinity. 'That's hardly a stretch.'

'I am not up for this,' replied Semyaza. 'I had a busy night with business, and I don't care that the cherubim are rostered on for this week's exercises. I should be home in bed.'

Michael came over and grabbed Semyaza's hands and pushed them down to his toes, which Semyaza reluctantly allowed.

'That's the spirit Semmy,' said Logos. 'Get those limbs warmed up. Important to stay fit and healthy for the work of life.'

Mallintor was sitting at the moment. Uriel the Seraphim came over to him. 'Had enough? We've barely begun. We've only been at it 10 minutes. Still 12 minutes to go.'

'22 minutes in hell,' said Mallintor, getting up and resuming his stretching. Pop music was playing, Madonna's greatest hits 2, and Xaddadaxx the Cherubim, 7^th born of the Cherubim was enjoying it.

'You like Ms Ciccone I take it?' qeuried Logos to Xaddadaxx, who was humming the songs.

'My type of music. Pop divas,' said Xaddadaxx. 'Don't get me wrong. Metal and Rock rule my world with classical, but I love the pop divas when they do the hot stuff.'

Logos smiled and continued on with leading the exercises.

'Can I get excused?' asked Semyaza. 'I have an important business call I need to attend to.'

'Nothing that can't wait a little,' said Michael. 'It's important. All work and no exercise makes Semyaza a fat little baby.'

'I work hard,' replied Semyaza.

'Mostly on your ass though,' said Kalan, sixthborn of the Cherubim.

'It's office work. It's what I do,' said Semyaza.

'Which is why we need the exercise regularly enough,' said Raphael the Seraphim. 'Now get to it little brother. Move those feet.'

Semyaza continued on reluctantly, but took his phone out of the pocket, and dialled, and was soon chatting away while he exercised.

'We must continue to set an example to the Realm of Infinity,' said Logos. 'Time and time again I stress this to the 10 groups. We must exercise, stay fit, eat healthily and live wholesome lives. It's important to continue functioning in eternal life. Use it or lose it. Get too fat, heart attack, and years of repentance in Sheol before some poor sap gets you up through prayer.''

'Speaking of prayer,' said Semyaza. 'You can pray this deal goes through.'

'Give me that,' said Logos, and plucked Semyaza's mobile out of his hands.

'Hey, I needed that,' said Semyaza. 'No fair.'

'You can have it back when exercises are complete. Now stretch, Cherubim. Shake off those kilos.'

And so the Golden City Stretchers continued on till the 22 minutes were up, and despite 8 minutes being put aside for warming down and casual chat, Semyaza insisted on his mobile, and Logos, albeit reluctantly, handed it over.

The End

Golden City Birdwatchers

Logos noted the bird.

'Yellow feathered Robin,' said Samael. 'I've counted 7 different ones this morning.'

Logos continued making his notes, as Samael sat next to him on the bench in the small central park of the Golden City.

'You always do this after Stretchers,' said Samael. 'I think it's a ritual you have. More than even a pastime.'

'Life is a ritual,' said Kalan. 'We're supposed to make things strong enough and predictable enough routines in the end. So people grow comfortable with us. It's important that. You take that for granted a lot firstborn Onaphim.'

'Shaddup, minor cherubim,' replied Samael.

'I've counted 8 of them on the park just in front of us. When you were drinking that can of coke, you missed one just over there,' said Logos pointing. Samael stared after him.

'No, I counted that one. Must have been another one. Oh, just a sec. When I had a coke. No, you're right. There was another one which hopped that way.'

'Yes, I think it did,' said Logos. 'Now, this club is more voluntary, but I try and get 1 or 2 to join me in the mornings after stretchers. Lot of demand, though, from ROI Church people to join Logos in his birdwatching club. But I get to the 70 Onaphim once in a while. The Seraphim like the activity.'

'They would,' replied Samael.

'You have a keen eye,' said Logos. 'Noteworthy that the firstborn of the angels of Infinity is not a slacker in a lot of ways. Keen alertness.'

'It's a habit of sorts. Maybe a routine or ritual,' he said sarcastically.

'Funny,' said Logos. 'Ho, a magpie.'

A magpie had landed in front of them, and was pecking around for food. Kalan tossed it a peanut, which it devoured, and soon enough it flew off and Logos and Kalan made their notes.

'What do you do with those records?' asked Samael, looking at Logos notebook.

'Well, that nice of you to inquire,' said Logos. 'I put the information into a database which goes online first of all, and the notebooks are auctioned off in the Realm at Sotheby's auctions and the proceeds to go to charity.'

'I see,' said Samael. He returned his view to the grass in front of them. 'I suppose its something to do and therapeutic an puts us in touch with nature.'

'You get to love it and enjoy what might come next when you get very old at it,' replied Logos. 'I have a pretty good feel for this park in particular, but it does throw an oddball at you every now and again. Or an oddbird, if you will.'

'I could imagine,' said Samael. He picked up his can of coke and shook it.

'None left?' asked Logos.

Samael sipped on it. 'Just a drop,' he said. 'This is not too boring. Your company is usual interesting enough. Couldn't manage this thing permanently I think. But I see the point.'

'I'll look forward to our next visitation. Could be a long time, but I'll get to you again.'

Samael stood and looked at his adversary. 'Cheers. Enjoy the show,' and he wandered off.

'One Goose,' said Kalan, about to make a note.

Logos looked at Kalan, then looked at Samael and made the connection. 'Very funny,' he replied.

The End

Aphrayel's Question About Beltaran

'Where is Beltaran?' asked Aphrayel.

Kalan sat there, in Aphrayel's abode. He looked at his sister. Next to him Xaddadaxx fidgeted a bit. Mallintor, over the by the window, drinking scotch, turned and looked at Aphrayel.

'Beltaran?' asked Kalan slowly. 'What........what do you mean, where is Beltaran?'

Aphrayel picked up a notebook. 'Gabriel of Eternity wrote this. Ask Kalan, Mallintor and Xaddadaxx where Beltaran is. And ask them about Kaluvia.'

'Shit,' said Mallintor. 'You don't need to know about those nightmares, Aphy.'

'What nightmares?' asked Aphrayel.

'It was a long time ago. I wasn't even an angel. An elf if you must know,' said Xaddadaxx. 'And Beltaran was my brother. Is my brother, I suppose. Elven brother.'

'In this Kaluvia?' queried Aphrayel.

'The 7^th era. Multiverse time. Kaluvia is a continent on a world we lived in. Where we had a problem with doomsayers and things,' said Kalan. 'It was dark for a while. Not pretty. Swords, sorcery, and we were like the Fellowship of the Ring in a lot of ways.'

'Sword and sorcery is not all it's cracked up to be,' said Mallintor. 'Oh, it's the life alight. Just too rich a life for my tastes. I was magical and it was a hell of a rush. I learned a lot from that time.'

'Have you ever been back to that world?' asked Aphrayel.

Silence.

'Don't think I would go back,' said Kalan at last. 'I was king and all. Still am I think. Registered with them. I don't keep in touch. It was like I said. Not pretty. People and societies out in that universe still live like that. Some like it even. I need my heaters and blankets and television and instant food takeaways. Don't want to go back to royal duties. No thanks.'

'Royal duties?' queried Aphrayel to her cherubim brother, eyebrow raised.

'I see,' said Aphrayel. 'Is there a written legacy of your adventures, then?'

'Father requested we share our tale with the Chronicler, Mr Daly. He has it in his tomes. I think it might even be online,' said Xaddadaxx.

'I will have to look it up then,' said Aphrayel. 'Gabriel knows this? Was he there too?'

'I seem to recall something like that,' said Mallintor, and turned to look out the window once more. The room went silent again. Aphrayel had touched on sensitive bits. Past history, which seemed wanted to be forgotten almost.

'I mean, I would go back. To visit and all,' said Kalan. 'Probably will one day anyway. But it's just not my scene long term. To basic a society.'

'Yes, I understand,' replied Aphrayel. 'I'll look forward to reading the chronicle and seeing for myself.'

'You do that,' said Mallintor.

'Could be quite an eye opener,' said Xaddadaxx.

'Indeed,' replied Aphrayel.

The End

The Taylor Swift Legacy 3

'What are you doing here?' asked Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly to Taylor Swift who was again in the Taylor Swift Legacy room in a sub-basement of the Daly foundation, typing away at the desk on the PC in the room.

'Work,' replied Taylor, and sipped on her special bottle of grog.

'What work?' asked Daniel, sitting down next to her. He looked at the screen. 'Taylor's Page?' he asked. 'Oh, I recall that. The Daly Foundation gave you an honorary page for our website.'

'Uh huh,' replied Taylor.

Daniel looked again. ''MKN Taylor Swift Legacy Activities' was written at the top of the page she was working on. 'Love Story: Noahide Relationships,' said Daniel.

'Pretty much. You guys need help with that,' said Taylor.

'Right,' said Daniel. 'We sort of let nature run its course on such things, but if you think so.' He looked again. ''Fearless: Advice Principles to Overcome Life's challenges.' Daniel thought on that one. 'You're using your works,' he said.

'In conjunction with my page for MKN people. I get over a quintillion hits a second, you know,' replied Taylor.

'Not bad. Minor amount of hits, but the page is not heavily featured. Only accessed from the index site map I think,' said Daniel.

'Pretty much. The limitations I work with. But I've been associated with Karaite Noahide faith long enough, and while I'm a Catholic, I do believe in the Unity of God these days, and I accept Jesus was mainly just pushing his messianic agenda, so you guys speak some of my faith in some ways. So I'll have a say thanks,' replied Taylor Swift.

Daniel sat there, watching her type. 'Well, I suppose we should include your page in one of the menu options. Your audience will increase a lot that way. You'll be up to decillions a microsecond, or more.'

'Thanks. That would help,' said Taylor.

Daniel nodded. He bit into his apple, and stood, and went to the door. He looked at Taylor. Typing away. He looked at the sign on the door. Now what the hell had he gotten himself into?

The End

Ye Olde Golden City Stamps and Coins Society

'No, I have that one,' said Samael.

Gemrayel nodded. 'I know you think you do, but look again.'

Samael looked at the stamp in the plastic holder. 'Oh,' he said after a while. 'It's a variant. The usual turquoise is a solid green. And I think there are two bottles instead of 5.'

'Yep,' she replied. 'It's also a $35 stamp, not a $25 one. Kunitia's new series. Just came out last week.'

Samael continued purveying the stamp.

'What have you got there?' asked Logos to Samael.

'Uh, nothing,' said Samael. 'Just a stamp Gemrayel is showing me. Is this from the new arrivals?' asked Samael.

'Of course,' she said.

'Kunitia,' mused Samael. 'That's on the New Earth. It's a Romano based society with Egyptian elements and a lot of Scots also, from memory. I think I visited it about 50,000 years ago. When it was forming.'

'You did,' said Logos. 'I remember going with you to the train station to see you off. You and Aphrayel were with Rachel of Eternity going off on a world tour.'

'That's right,' said Samael. He looked at the stamp. It was priced at 45,000 Realm Credits. Credits had fluctuated in value over a long period of time in the Realm of Infinity. There was indeed often inflation, but deflationary policies came in very often in society, as people didn't want to change their currency code that much. Legal price fixing was a policy often set in stone for long periods. In fact, at the moment council was discussing a price fixation policy to last the next couple of periods. 'Not too expensive. I'll order it,' said Samael.

Gemrayel grinned. 'A fine addition.'

'How many stamps now, statistic king?' asked Logos to Samael.

Samael waved away his hand. The subject was brought up all the time in Ye Olde Golden City Stamps and Coin Society. 'I have enough older sibling,' said Samael. 'I choose well, and invest into my stamp archive.'

'I believe you mentioned about 54 trillion or so in recent times,' said Kalan, seated opposite them with Gemrayel, sipping on coffee.

'He competes with Boaz of Paradision,' said Sandalphon from the back of the room. 'Boaz has one of the most valuable collections in the universe now. They have a department in the royal Rothchild family of Televere which prays over Ruth and Boaz and their blessings. People have taken note of these things. God blesses us when we pray. You know.'

'Indeed he does,' said Logos. 'The way of reality.'

'How about this one?' asked Gemrayel to Samael, showing him another stamp from her digging in the new arrivals. And the night wore on.

The End

Golden City Central Offices

Zanaphon was the 5^th born of the Oraphim angels of Infinity, the second set of 7 angels of the overall 70 Onaphim angels. Ternaphon was the 6^th born of the Oraphim Angels, and Qadrayel was the 5^th born of the Celestyels. And they worked in Golden City Central Offices, adjoined to the Throne Room of the Golden City.

'Will you take tea with that?' asked Zanaphon, in a deliberately posh English accent.

'Shaddup,' said Semyaza. He pushed his mobile phone to the centre of his desk. 'Damn,' he said after a moment, and ate the cookie which Zanaphon had provided.

'What's the problem?' asked Zanaphon, adjusting his tie. He sat down next to Semyaza.

'The current program needs some difficult new investments. Not just financial ones. They're demanding an appearance from Logos and Michael of our Seraphim. To show 'Propriety' for the new line, and that it is indeed ROI approved sort of stuff. I mean, come on. Logos is not exactly the kind of dude which endorses product lines.'

'No,' said Zanaphon, sipping on his tea.

'You'd have to sweet talk him,' said Qadrayel, wandering in to Semyaza's office. 'He does technically believe and affirm economic and commercial activity. They believe in restraint and not being sellers of capitalism to the detriment of the soul and social justice. But they do believe in work and product promotion. If it's the right type of product.'

'It's these outfits,' said Ternaphon, who entered the room just after Qadrayel. 'Isn't it. The leather outfits. Dresses and skirts, and some of them are a bit racy.'

'They'd possibly even be considered raunchy. But it depends on what you dress them with,' said Semyaza. 'Not sure if Michael, let alone Logos, would be interested in attaching their names to the line. But the deal now seems to hinge on it.'

'Then you'll have to negotiate,' said Zanaphon.

'Pity you can't do it for me,' said Semyaza.

'My specialty is Air and Water Regulation. Standard Public Servant, sorry.'

Semyaza looked at Ternaphon. 'Hey, I manage soil, the other of the 3 major elements of Public Service concern,' said Ternaphon.

'Who manages the economy here?' asked Semyaza, looking out his door into the offices. 'Maybe they can negotiate for me.'

'Somebody,' said Qadrayel, pouring herself a cup of tea. 'Flordwindel I think is the main commerce officer here at Central.'

'Oh,' said Semyaza. 'She's tight as they come. She wouldn't endorse me if I paid her.'

'Very much into anti-corruption,' said Zanaphon. 'Infinity Council policies flow in here, and the offices have the most stringent of personnel hanging around. Some of the Realms finest, so Logos maintains.'

'Aware of that,' replied Semyaza sighing. 'I'll have that tea, Zanaphon.'

Zanaphon poured his brother some tea.

'Watcha gonna do?' asked Qadrayel.

'I'll come up with a plan,' replied Semyaza. 'Stress the importance of clothing and people's choices.'

'Sort of the opposing camp, if you know what I mean. Peoples freedom of choice. Especially at the moment with the council,' said Ternaphon.

'I know what you mean,' replied Semyaza. He sipped on his tea. 'I'll come up with something.'

'You do that bro,' said Zanaphon, and wheeled the beverage trolley away, him, Ternaphon and Qadrayel returning to their desks in the Golden City Central Offices of the Realm of Infinity.

The End

The Natural World 1: Golden City Lights

'Pass the bottle, would you Aphy,' said Sandalphon.

Aphrayel took another sip of scotch and passed the bottle to Sandalphon. A car wizzed by the underpass, but soon was gone. Lights were overhead. Tall streetlights, on the edge of the inner Golden City, were it gave way to Golden City greater metropolitan area. The real world, in a lot of ways. The natural world in a lot of ways. It was night, it was dark, and the huge concrete wall behind them had a strong feel to it. They'd started doing this. For a while now. Samael, Sandalphon and Aphrayel. Walking north to the edge of the classical golden city, to the real world, were highways and byways and trucks and cars and skyscrapers and modern architecture took over. What the world beyond had now become. They did the trek, armed with grog, and came and stood underneath an underpass, with massive concrete, and tall streetlights, and cars and trucks wizzing by in the wee hours. And they usually waited till those wee hours, marching out past midnight, to enjoy the natural world, and to enjoy being vagabonds. Vagrants. Boozers by the side of the road, even though they had wealth unimaginable at their disposal.

'Pick a card,' said Samael, showing Aphrayel a deck of cards.

'You pick one for me Sammy. Jesus it's cold.' Aphrayel was in a skirt and t-shirt, with a foxskin coat over the top, the kind you wore to dance clubs. She had high heels on, and looked every inch a prostitute these men were picking up for a lay.

'You should have worn the trackies,' said Samael. 'They are appropriate too.'

'Not quite my scene,' replied Aphrayel. 'I agree they are the real world, and fit my type somewhat, but I'm a lady with a bit more class. And this is the shit people live in the real world. Gotta hack it whether I like it or not. It's not that cold anyway. I can cope.'

Samael took of his jacket, and sat down against the concrete wall. 'Sit down next to me,' he said. Aphrayel sat down, and he put his jacket over both their legs.

'That's better,' she replied.

Sandalphon sat down, and put on his walkman, AC DC, Back in Black, on cassette tape.

'He's still evil,' said Aphrayel, indicating Sandalphon.

'He's trying to fit the part,' replied Samael. 'This is something we felt we need to do. Something about reality and the natural world and what petople probably believe in. We need to suffer. To get a grip. We need to cope with a life which some people live to remain relevant to life.'

'I don't really disagree,' she said. 'It makes me feel that, though. The struggle of even walking here in the cold makes me feel that. Alive, I guess.'

'Yeh,' replied Samael.

A blue flame appeared in front of them.

'DO YOU LIKE THE CONCRETE? HUMAN CREATION FROM MIXING MY OWN CREATIONS NATURAL ELEMENTS.'

'Works for me Yahweh,' replied Samael.

'ARE YOU OVER BEING EVIL?'

Sandalphon looked at the blue flame. 'I suppose we were over being bad boys a long time ago. We have our arguments these days. But they are arguments. Hostility is mostly a thing of the past.'

Silence for a moment.

'I'LL JOIN YOU HERE. IF YOU KEEP ON COMING.'

'Suits me,' said Samael.

'I need to pee, Sammy,' said Aphrayel.

'Oh, shit,' said Samael. 'Look, just go over there. We won't look.'

Aphrayel walked a distance, and looked at Samael and Sandalphon who were staring at her. She waved her hand, and they turned their heads. Shortly she rejoined them.

'You better not have looked,' said Aphrayel.

Samael smiled. 'We didn't.'

'I DID.'

The trio went silent.

'Glad you got a thrill,' said Aphrayel. 'Funny creator.'

'JUST MONITORING YOU. YOUR TOILETRIES ARE NOT AN AREA OF FASCINATION. I KNOW EVERYONE'S TOILETRIES.'

'Oh. Well, good to know,' replied Aphrayel. 'Give us that damn scotch, Sandalphon,' and she snapped it out of Sandalphon's hands.

And the night passed.

The End

The Philo Crusade

Philo of Alexandria had made plans. Mankind was settled to a large extent. Most things were understood and in their place. But he had a message. Messages. Pertaining to Adamide-Noahide mankind in his writings. And so he launched, from Alexandria on New Terra, the Philo Crusade. He would teach mankind the Adamide-Noahide portions of his writings, and include the Logos teaching also, and promote them in the formation of 'The Philo Crusade' – a religious community which honoured the Rainbow Torah and the Teachings of Philo relevant to Mankind. He consulted with Adam and he consulted with Noah and he consulted with the Daly Foundation. And with guidelines established, he began his work and ministry. In the initial years converts came quickly, and in new places it was always like that. They came in a rush. But after the initial spurt things died down rather quickly. It seemed to Philo God already had a flock prepared for him, people who were already Rainbow Torah citizens, but looking for that bit extra of a tradition separate to those on offer from the traditional Adamide-Noahide communities. And he snapped up this portion of mankind, albeit small, soon enough, and that seemed to be that. He preached his messages, built his synagogues and temples, began his study groups, set up seminaries to instruct Hakhams and Rabbis in the teaching of his messages, and got on with the work. Day, weeks and years passed by, and it was met with genuine approval from most people. From most.

The End

A New Harvest

Chapter One

'Morning, nan,' said Jenny Gilmore to her grandmother Janet as she came into the breakfast table at the Gilmore farm outside of Dalgety on New Terra one fine summer morning.

'Good morning dear grand-daughter. Eggs have just been fried, with the bacon. Enjoy your grandmother's hospitality,' replied Janet.

'And grandfathers?' queried Jenny, sitting down at the table.

'Who you kidding. That old goat is still wandering the universe. He likes to explore. It's his thing in life. He saves his money for generations and goes off and sees the world. I didn't know I married a roamer in the end. I don't know. Maybe one day he will settle down and get over it, but I think it might almost be his way of life.'

'He's been doing it a while,' said Jenny, buttering her toast. 'Heaven knows father never goes anywhere, so it's not exactly a family trait. He's steady with the farm, day in day out, year in year out.'

'I think your father enjoys the lifestyle,' replied Janet. 'He works with his plan, and it settles and organises his life. It's what he knows well.'

'Uh, excuse me,' said Jenny, and rushed to the toilet, where she started vomiting.

Janet looked at her. 'That's the third time this week. There's not anything wrong with you is there?'

Laura, her mother, came out the hallway and looked at Jenny. 'Morning sickness,' she said casually, and headed to the kitchen.

Janet looked at her daughter in law a moment and then looked at Jenny. 'You haven't been committing fornication have you?'

'Nan,' replied Jenny, having cleared her stomach, and wiping up. She returned to the kitchen and sat down, returning to her meal.

'She's pregnant. I can tell,' said Laura.

'Why are you here?' asked Janet. 'You live in town.'

'She stays every now and then. They're still married. These days she stays a bit more often as well,' replied Jenny.

'I'm aware you aren't really moving on in a new direction, Laura. It's worked out has it?'

'Stewart is like that old play doll you had as a kid. It got to your heart,' replied Laura. 'I'm taken Janet. Your boy has got me. I'm not bothering with another idea. Besides,' she said, looking at Jenny. 'I don't think I could betray this family.'

Jenny retched, and brought up the toast.

'Get a test kit,' said Laura.

'Who's getting a test kit?' asked Stewart, coming into the kitchen.

'Your daughter, apparently,' said Janet. 'We surmise she might be pregnant.'

'You been sleeping around?' asked Stewart, sitting down at the table.

'I don't sleep around,' replied Jenny hotly.

'No. You don't,' said Stewart, He poured out some coffee and looked at his daughter. 'Craig Coleman has been visiting her in recent months. Helping with her animal shelter.'

Janet raised her eyebrow. 'The original fling!'

'Grandma!' scolded Jenny. 'How dare you?'

'Well,' said her mother Laura. 'Do you need to get a test kit or don't you?'

Jenny went silent. All her where on her. 'We can get one today,' she finally said softly.

'It will be Craig, won't it?' asked Stewart.

'Dad!' exclaimed Jenny. 'Of course it will be Craig. Do I look like a floozie?'

'Just asking,' replied Stewart.

Silence around the table. The Gilmores were grinning. Jenny was not impressed.

* * * * *

Jenny was grinding wheat from her father's latest load.

'Jenny. You shouldn't be doing that. Not in your condition,' said Janet her grandmother, coming into the shed.

'Nan. Don't be silly. I'm not even showing yet.'

Jenny had taken the pregnancy test and the result had come back positive. But she asked that Craig Coleman not be informed. Not yet anyway.

'Still, I don't like it. You shouldn't be doing that anyway. A man's work.'

'We need flower for the kitchen, and dad likes us to produce as much of our own food as reasonably possible, as you well know.'

Janet came in and took Jenny by the hands. 'I don't want my great-grandchild endangered,' she said. 'Lighten up soon enough.'

'I understand,' said Jenny, and returned to grinding the wheat. Soon enough she had a few kilos all done, and put it into a sack, which she brought inside and stored in the pantry.

'We need some new Jam,' said Stewart. 'Get out to the factory in Bredbo next week, will you.'

The family owned a conserve company, started a long time ago. It was one of the going concerns of the Gilmore family, and well established on many planetary bodies as well as in the Heaven system.

'Will do,' said Jenny, taking his plate.

'I can do that sweetheart,' replied Stewart.

'I'm not useless. Just pregnant,' replied Jenny.

Janet came into the room and sat down. She had knitting with her, and a copy of the Watchtower. She opened it up.

'Jehovah's children need to be brought up with healthy and decent diets,' she began reading. 'Much of the world is beset with luxury choices, but not all of these are healthy or wise,' read Janet.

'I hardly eat fast food at all,' said Jenny.

'Which is good,' said Janet. 'That's the way the Lord likes it.'

'We've always conformed to that I would say,' said Stewart. 'We're natural sort of farmers. I mean, we're not strictly organic, but Jenny likes it often quite natural.'

'I don't advocate organic only,' replied Jenny. 'I don't object to additives and preservatives and things. It's not an issue. Just good healthy food.'

'The way it was made for Adam and Eve,' said Janet.

'I've met them,' said Jenny.

Janet looked at her. 'You are a child of blessing, Jenny Gilmore. You've run the galaxy, and met all sorts of famous people. But you're still down to earth at heart.'

'The way we like her,' said Stewart proudly.

'Plate,' said Jenny.

'Fine,' said Stewart, handing it over.

Jenny washed up after the lunch, and soon enough Stewart was back out on the farm, working. Jenny found him later in the day and said she'd go out to Bredbo now. Quiet at the moment with the animal welfare, so she could do with a little trip for some supplies.

'Drive safely,' said Stewart.

'Will do,' replied Jenny, heading off.

She took the keys to the ute, and let her mother know where she was going, and drove into Dalgety, where she got some fuel. Then she started the trip to Bredbo, and some old familiar faces.

* * * * *

Jenny looked at Roary MacIntosh in his white work uniform. All hygienic and clean in the food factory in outer Bredbo.

'Yeh,' said Roary. 'Just a second Jenny.' He gave some orders, and a worker responded, and then Roary nodded to Jenny and they made their way out of the factory floor to the stores section of the factory.

'So how have you been, Roary?' asked Jenny.

'You know Jenny. Work. AC DC. Paintball. Adventuring. More work,' replied Roary.

'You must have done that Tuggeranong Paintball park adventure a trillion times by now,' said Jenny.

'Fiona is getting harder and harder to kill,' said Roary. 'And she gets me nearly a third of the time first now. She's getting skilled at it is your sister.'

Roary was the overseer in charge of the factory the Gilmores ran, producing Conserves and other foodstuffs. The farm actually supplied a percentage of the raw foodstuff material for the factory, but they sourced materials also from elsewhere in the Monaro region. Roary brought out a box, but noticed Jenny had remembered to bring her bags this time.

'What do you need?' he asked.

'Oh, surprise me,' said Jenny.

Roary said 'No worries then,' and started getting out various tins and jars of this and that. Fiona wandered in.

'Hey babe,' said Roary. 'You have it all packed up then?'

'The four wheel drive is ready to go, Roary,' said Fiona.

'Camping again?' asked Jenny.

'Same as usual. Long weekend, and we're going to Numerella, not far from Countegany. We have a special camera which takes great twilight photos, and we're working on the next almanac of our adventures. Should fetch, I don't know, maybe 70 million credits this time?'

'Could go that high,' said Roary. 'The demand from UG historians is growing slowly.'

UG or United Galaxy Historians had a big interest in Jenny and her time running the United Galaxy. Fiona was quite well known as Jenny's sister, and they were able to advertise well on Jenny's UG webpage everytime they went to sell a new photo almanac on auction. It was only a one of a kind, signed, and with handwritten dialogue of each photo's story. The last almanac managed 68 million credits, such being their popularity. It was a carefully constructed thing, and Roary and Fiona enjoyed the hobby and challenging themselves to come up with classic pictures.

'I'm pregnant.' There. Jenny blurted it out.

'Anyone we know?' asked Roary.

'Craig. Again. Jamie is going to have a sibling.'

'Aw,' said Fiona, and hugged Jenny. 'A baby shower?'

'We'll see,' said Jenny.

Roary packed up the final groceries into Jenny's bags. 'You sure you can manage them? In your condition.'

'Very funny,' replied Jenny. She smiled, and wandered off. Driving home she stopped at MacDonalds, and reminded herself that while she was in no way an organic food fanatic, it did mean she could technically enjoy a little luxury. Just every now and again. On special occasions. You know.

* * * * *

'Laura Marie Claire Gilmore, could you tell your blasted Grandson to change that damn T-Shirt. I hate that T-Shirt.'

'Maiden Rock,' replied Jamie Gilmore to his great-grandmother Janet's protestations to his Iron Maiden 'Number of the Beast' T-Shirt.

'I think Jamie has a mind of his own,' said Laura. 'He's a grown boy as well.'

'We assessed that band,' said Janet, eating her muesli. 'I listened to that album. 3 times when it first came out. Concluded they were goofball christian metalheads in disguise.'

'Officially, they are pseudo-religious,' replied Jamie.

'I couldn't agree more,' said Janet.

'No, I mean, not false religious. But sort of softly religious,' replied Jamie. 'A play at being religious a little bit.'

'I know what you are saying young man,' replied Janet. 'Steve Harris thinks he is a funny man. Holy Smoke indeed.'

'Hah,' went Jamie, and started buttering his toast.

Jenny came in. She looked tired.

'Didn't sleep well?' asked her mother Laura.

'I vomited this morning,' said Jenny. 'And no, I didn't sleep particularly well. Was up all night eating weird foods.'

'The child craves a variety of things,' said Janet. 'It wants to try things out in the way the food is processed for it. You'll eat weird things.'

Laura looked at her mother-in-law. 'That scientific? Or Watchtower doctrine?'

'An old woman knows these things Laura,' replied Janet.

'Interesting,' said Laura, tilting her head.

'Andrew Smith sent me a letter. Congratulaing me,' said Jenny.

'You emailed him, didn't you,' said Laura.

'He said he'll visit with the kids when the child gets a bit older. Have a family reunion.'

'You have 3 children with Andrew Smith, don't you,' said Janet.

'They're execs in the United Galaxy administration,' said Jenny. 'We don't keep in touch much. They very much have their own lives and things. But their father sees them a lot.'

'Mmm,' said Janet. 'He has another wife, doesn't he?'

'He's been married forever now,' said Jenny. 'But he writes me. Letters of all things. I just email him, but he replies with letters. He usually tells me I was a good thing for his life, and he's quite happy to enjoy our children together.'

'Considerate man,' said Janet.

'Come with me to an Iron Maiden concert,' blurted out Jamie to Janet.

'Not on your life my young son,' said Janet.

'Nah. Nah, you won't. You'd see that Iron Maiden fans are really quite decent. You'd have to acknowledge it then. They are mostly Christian and Christianized sort of people. They have regular jobs and do normal things. They're hardly losers. We have a decent reputation if you must know.'

Janet glared at Jamie, and poured out a mug of coffee. 'Very well then. Order the tickets and I will make an assessment of what I see, and tell it to the congregation in Cooma.'

'They're touring next year. Up in Sydney. I already have 3 tickets. But I'll invite you.'

'I'll come,' said Jenny.

'It's a date then,' said Jamie.

Janet looked at Jamie and then at Jenny. Just what had she gotten herself into?

Chapter Two

'What is that?' asked Jamie Gilmore, indicating his grandmother's T-Shirt.

'It's a Stryper T-Shirt,' replied Janet.

'Aw, hell. I don't know if I can be seen with you at the concert. I mean, Bon Jovi would be passable, but Stryper? And it's a fricking Petra badge as well. Jesus.'

'Wash your mouth, Jamie Gilmore. Now come on Moondog. Let's do this,' said Janet.

'Moondog? Was Moondog ever in vogue?'

'It sure was,' replied Janet.

'You look cool nan,' said Jenny.

'I'm a hard rocking Christian Chick, and they won't forget me,' said Janet. Janet looked at Jenny. 'Are you sure you should be coming? In your condition. It's not long to go now.'

'The doc feels it's still two weeks away, and I feel fine,' replied Jenny, who was 8 and half months pregnant.

'I still wish you would see Craig Coleman. He still doesn't know,' said Janet.

'I don't want him too,' said Jenny. 'Maybe one day. But he won't marry me anyway. I'm his softly softly girlfriend. It's all he wants from me.'

'He should make an honest woman out of you,' replied Janet.

'He never made an honest kid out of me much,' said Jamie. 'I don't even use the Coleman name. It's legally used, but everyone calls me Gilmore.'

'Yes,' replied Janet. 'But you're more of a Gilmore anyway. Especially in your features.'

They continued on the pathway and got to the entertainment centre. Soon enough they began letting people in, and they made their way to seats in the middle of the theatre, just left of centre. The warm up band was 'The Almighty' and Jamie was humbled by all the people who gave Janet a nod and said 'Rock on Stryper.' Soon Bruce Dickinson, the lead singer for Iron Maiden appeared, and Blood Brothers started playing. It was later, though, just after the second encore, that problems began. Jenny had been feeling uncomfortable, and then her waters broke, and very shortly she went into labour. She was on her chair, and the band stopped playing, and Steve Harris came over.

'Hey,' he said to Janet. 'Cool T-Shirt.' He looked at Jenny. 'I'm a qualified doctor.' And so, with Steve Harris help, Jenny gave birth to a boy. But she continued moaning, and something happened. They never had an ultrasound. And when the second head appeared, and another boy came out, they had twins. Identical by the looks of it. Steve had his crew film the work, keeping Jenny's privates private, but they showed the kids, and the audience cheered the bassist of the band. They returned to the stage, dedicated the final song to Janet and Jenny Gilmore, and that was that. And was Janet Gilmore a surprised Jehovah's Witness after the incident.

* * * * *

'Do you know what you are doing Stewart? You've never been formally trained in welding,' said a concerned Janet Gilmore.

'Mum. I've welded on the farm on a rare occasion for, gosh.' Stewart scratched his head. 'What year is this now Jenny?'

'Process 8,' replied Jenny Gilmore. 'It's a long time since creation. Googols of years.'

'Right,' said Stewart. 'I have experience for a million degrees in welding, mother.'

'But you've never been formally trained,' replied Janet.

'A farmer learns as he goes,' said Stewart. 'Quit your winging.'

Thaddeus and William Gilmore, the twins, who were now 5 years old, were running around on the grass. Stewart was putting the finishing touches on the metal rocket ship for kids he was building.

'It's the same design as in Mittagong,' said Stewart. 'Slight modifications for greater stability.'

Over the next few hours he started putting the pieces together on the scaffolding he had put up, and after another two hours of welding, late in the day, the rocket ship was complete.

'Yay,' said William.

'Let's climb bro,' said Thaddeus.

Jenny watched as Thaddeus quickly climbed to the top level, but William only went to the first level, and shook his head when his brother yelled to him to climb higher.

'Are you scared of heights?' Janet asked William.

William looked at his great-grandmother. 'I don't want to go higher. I'm scared.'

'Do you want to come down?' asked Jenny.

'This is ok,' he said. 'But not higher.'

'Right,' said Stewart. 'Well, 1 out of 2 isn't too bad.'

The boys played a while, and William seemed to cheer up, going to the second level, but coming down after a couple of minutes. Later on at the dinner table he said heights wasn't his cup of tea, an expression Janet used all the time, which made the family smile. Later on, after tucking the twins in for the night, Janet slipped into Jenny's room.

'You need to tell Craig,' she said. 'A father has a right to know about his children.'

Jenny continued brushing her hair and looked at her grandmother in the window. 'You know, it's funny. Sometimes things happen in life, and it just becomes too late to change them. I have kids to two different men. And because of that, and because they have a main wife which is their real concern, I'm always going to be an independent woman.'

Janet sighed. 'Jenny Gilmore. You're not a harlot. I won't even say you made mistakes. I don't really think you have.'

'Thanks nan,' replied Jenny.

'But it's like this anyway. Sometimes family's need to be a family, and sometimes some people are children and some parents. You are Stewart's daughter, and he needs a daughter on the farm in his life. It's probably Jehovah's plan for many people in life to live like this. It's probably the way it really is.'

'Maybe,' replied Jenny.

'But Craig Coleman needs to know about his children anyway.'

Jenny looked at her grandmother. 'I'll think about it,' she finally said.

'You do that,' said Janet, and kissed Jenny on the head, before leaving the room. Jenny looked in the mirror and sighed. Being a daughter. Her eternal duty presumably.

* * * * *

'Well, they're obviously mine,' said Craig, looking at William and Thaddeus play.

Jenny was silent.

'Out with it Jenny,' said Janet.

'They do have a father,' said Jenny.

Janet kicked Jenny under the table.

'He's possibly you. But I can't confirm or deny,' said Jenny.

'Jenny Gilmore!' exclaimed Janet. 'Of course they're yours, Craig. She wasn't sleeping with anyone else.'

'We only did it the once, as well,' said Craig. 'That was lucky I guess.'

Janet looked at Jenny. 'You only had relations once when he was around?'

'So what,' replied Jenny.

'Oh,' said Janet. 'I see.'

'And what's that supposed to mean?' asked Jenny. 'I – I. Look, you know I'm a Catholic now. And technically I follow the New Testament, and apostle Paul doesn't like fornicators very much. It's not the Christian thing to do. I got tempted one night. I went to confession the following Sunday because of it.'

Janet smiled. She didn't comment.

'Luck of the draw, I guess,' said Craig. 'Hey, they're good looking as well. Gilmore's though. I recognize dad in them a bit. But definitely Gilmore's.'

'We think so too,' said Janet. She picked up the pink lemonade, and excused herself.

'I'm apparently sentenced to be an eternal child of Stewart Gilmore at this farm,' said Jenny. 'What do you think of that?'

'You want it to change?' asked Craig. 'I mean, we have an MOU. Technically your the other woman who I see every now and again. But we rarely sleep together. It's not meant to be cheating. It's meant to be so tame that society won't complain. But you're always free to find someone.'

'I don't think I could,' said Jenny. 'It's said a woman who has children to more than one man is not wise. I see the point. I think, though, that I probably will always be at this farm though anyway. It feels like a sentence. But I'm not sure I would change it if I could.'

'Then you are a bit on the side, Jenny Gilmore.'

'A bit on the side,' replied Jenny, watching the boys play. 'That's life I suppose.'

Craig left a little while later, and the boys were brought in to wash up and have their dinner. As she put them to bed she said 'Did you like meeting your daddy?'

'He was nice,' said William.

'He smells like a farmer too,' said Thaddeus.

'He indeed does,' replied Jenny. She patted them down, and turned off the lights. Sitting in front of the mirror in the room, she looked at herself. What next Gilmore? Any dreams left? She looked at the letter from the UG. She presumed it was from a child of hers, but she opened it. It was actually formal. They had a new position, a diplomatic embassy to a confederation which was starting to grow and rival the UG, despite not being anywhere near as old. She presumed she'd turn the offer down, but she picked up the letter again, looked it over, and smiled. Well, a new challenge. We'll see how it goes,' she said to herself. And she laid down on her bed, and soon enough fell asleep, a new harvest having come in the life of Jenny Gilmore of Dalgety.

The End

Shards of a Casual Heart

'If love lasts forever, Jonathon Kolby. Do you love me? Do you love me?' asked Kirstie Kolby, in Jonathon's Hughes flat in Canberra, Australia on New Terra.

'Oh, Kirstie. Stop being so melodramatic,' replied Jonathon, not looking up from his arcade game Super Xevios War 17.

'Wonderful,' replied Kirstie. She went back into the kitchen and continued chopping the carrots for dinner. 'I married a jerk,' she said.

There was a knock on the door. 'It's open,' yelled Jonathon, again not looking up from the game.

Lucy Smith came in. 'Yo, Jonathon,' she said. She was all dressed in black, with mascara, looking every inch the classical wiccan.

'Hey Lucy,' replied Jonathon. 'Have a coke,' he said, motioning with his arm to the esky filled with ice and cans of coca cola. Lucy took one and sat down on the other side of the machine. She watched the game.

'Oh, hi Lucy,' said Kirstie, coming into the room, holding carrots. She was fixing her eyes. Lucy looked at them.

'Oh, you've been crying,' said Lucy.

'No I haven't,' said Kirstie. 'It's, it's onion.'

'You're chopping carrots,' said Lucy.

'There were onions,' replied Kirstie.

'Right,' said Lucy. She sipped on her coke, and returned to watching the video game. Kirstie looked at them for a moment, and went back into the kitchen.

Jonathon continued playing the game, did not look up, but said softly,'She was crying, was she? She used a classic line. I was casual.'

'Asshole,' said Lucy. 'Yeh, she was crying.'

'Play this game,' said Jonathon.

Luch switched sides, and carefully replaced Jonathon on the machine. Jonathon watched a moment, gave some instructions, and went off to the kitchen.

'It smells good, babe,' he said.

'Yeh. Right. Do you even know what today is?'

'14^th of September? No idea.'

'The anniversary of when we first met,' replied Kirstie. 'You never remember.'

'I remembered,' replied Jonathon.

'No you didn't' she replied, cutting the carrots.

'Look in the fridge,' said Jonathon.

Kirstie turned and looked at him. 'Seriously?'

'Look,' said Jonathoon. 'On the top shelf behind the door.'

Kirstie opened up the fridge, and pulled out a plastic bag. She opened it and found a box of chocolates with a note. She read the note. She looked at him. 'It says, Yes Kirstie. Love lasts forever.' She went silent for a bit, slight smiles forming on her face. 'I guess you knew I'd ask.'

'Maybe,' said Jonathon.

'Go play your game. I'm ok now.'

Jonathon walked off as Kirstie started humming. The mood had changed.

'Glad you took the advice,' said Lucy. 'I always remember the date. You never remember. You wouldn't even buy the chocolates.'

'How's Callodyn Daly?' asked Jonathon, taking over again, after Lucy had lost a life.

'He's with his wife on Paradision,' said Lucy. 'And Kelly again.'

'Don't you miss him?' asked Jonathon. 'He's company for you. Apart from Geoffrey and your coven and Shelandragh.'

'Madalene hangs around most days. As well as Natalia and Alison. They've taken to hanging around Bunyan and Chakola with me.'

'So you have enough company.'

'I like coming here these days,' said Lucy. 'Your some of my favourite Canberra people. I probably know half the city by now, as we all do, but you guys I get along well with.'

'I know your legal rights as a witch,' said Jonathon. 'I play it by the book. Not everyone gives you that respect.'

Lucy looked at him. 'Maybe that's it. Somewhat. But your nice as well. So's Kirstie. She's really polite at times. She's hard on herself. Performs with good intepersonal behaviours and doesn't judge you if you don't.'

'She's the lady I want most. Apart from hanging with my partner in the force. Couldn't live without her, but it's just strictly buddy.'

'You have a good life Jonathon Kolby,' said Lucy.

'Yeh, lucky,' replied Jonathon.

* * * * *

'Have a cider,' said Jonathon to Jenny Jones, his partner, as she sat down at his table in the Canberra Policeman's Ball.

'Hey Jenny,' said Kirstie.

'This is your brand,' said Jenny, looking at the cider. 'Did you secure a contract for the catering or something?'

Jonathon winked at her.

'Shall we dance?' Jenny asked.

Jonathon looked at Kirstie, who nodded with eyes wide open.

They danced slowly, and Jenny looked at her partner. 'You know, you haven't held me this close in years. I almost get an urge.'

'What do you do about your urges, anyway?' asked Jonathon. 'You never seem to want to find a guy.'

'Married to my job. Married to you, idiot,' she replied.

'We're not married,' he said softly.

'Course not,' she replied. 'Every new years eve, just after midnight and my drink of scotch for the year with the fireworks on TV, I dig out my old copy of playgirl and my sex toy and take care of business.'

'A yearly thing?' queried Jonathon.

'Deals with the urges,' replied Jenny.

'Yeh, you see I couldn't do that. Be so casual about it. Need to have that physical touch. Reasonably regularly.'

'Buy a bible,' said Jenny. 'Keep that alive in you and it quells the urge.'

'I go to church at Christmas,' said Jonathon. 'We're a once a year family. I get my focus on faith at that time.'

'Then you will need regular loving.'

'I guess,' replied Jonathon. The song changed, but they continued dancing. Jenny looked at Kirstie.

'It's working out now, isn't it? You two have been back together a long time now. Seems you've both lost the desire to stray. Settled right down.'

'The way it was always going to be. In the end,' said Jonathon. 'I always knew in my heart she was my girl. I always knew that.'

'Yeh,' said Jenny, and put her head on Jonathon's shoulder. Jonathon danced steadily, and the music changed to a faster beat.

'I gotta go,' said Jenny, and wiped at her eye.

'You crying?' asked Jonathon.

'I gotta go. See you Monday.' And Jenny walked off, out the dance hall.

Jonathon returned to his seat, and sipped on his cider.

'She got called away?' asked Kirstie innocently.

Jonathon looked at the doors which Jenny had left by. 'Yeh,' he said, casually, after a moment.

* * * * *

'So, Ladies and Gentlemen. You've seen what we are after. We only want a maximum of 5 suppliers for our foodstuffs, and the tenders won't be on offer again, as per our policy, for another millennia. Let's see what business we can do.'

The exec of Waldorf hotel Canberra finished speaking, and the room came alive with the businesses looking to do business with Waldorf plying their trade. Jonathon sat quietly, waiting his opportunity, when the man with the moustache next to him said hello.

'Yeh, hi,' replied Jonathon.

'I'm Roary MacIntosh. You're Jonathon Kolby aren't you? Friend of Lucy Smith.'

Jonathon looked at the man. 'I know you don't I?'

'We've met. On a rare occasion. Usually at a Bridges family bonfire in Chakola,' replied Roary.

'Ah, yeh. That's it,' said Jonathon. 'You work for the Gilmore family. In their conserves and foodstuffs company. I guess your here to do business?'

'We get the occasional contract in the region. People starting to know us well. My own invention 'Manmite' is starting to catch on,' said Roary.

'I actually eat that on occasion,' replied Jonathon. 'It's got that vegemite taste, but the burnt steak essence really gives it a manly nice flavour.'

'Manmite,' said Roary proudly. 'Perfectly named. Every Solo Man has to try it.'

'Yeh, I'll bet,' replied Jonathon. The conversation went quiet for a moment, and then the Waldorf exec indicated Jonathon to come and sit next to him. He managed to secure the contract for half the alcoholic beverages, which was mainly just his ciders, as the company was happy to have a change for a while in menu choices. Later, out in the lounge suite area, tapping away at his PC, Roary walked past.

'Did you get the contract?' asked Jonathon.

'Course we did,' said Roary. 'It was a shoe in.'

'Good luck with it,' said Jonathon.

Roary saluted him and motored on. Jonathon picked up his mobile and called him.

'Kirstie Kolby,' replied Kirstie shortly.

'We got it,' said Jonathon.

'Special dinner tonight,' said Kirstie.

'See you soon babe,' said Jonathon. He was in a good mood.

* * * * *

They ran 3 runs, and claimed the Ashes. England again. And only the 3^rd test.

'It's gonna be a whitewash,' said Jenny Jones.

Jonathon got up and turned off the TV, and sat back down at his desk, facing the PC.

'Jenny,' said Jonathon.

'Yes Jonathon,' replied Jenny.

'Why did you leave in a hurry the other night?'

'Don't wanna talk about it,' replied Jenny Jones.

'You can't get hung up on me. Only in our buddy cop system,' said Jonathon.

'A woman can't help how she feels,' said Jenny. 'Besides, I really only need to see you on the job. Intimacy is a lesser priority. The dance is actually what got me there. Just feeling you close on a rare occasion is enough for me.'

'You can have a dance, if that's what you mean,' said Jonathon.

'Then I'm good,' replied Jenny.

'Whatever,' sighed Jonathon, looking at his PC. The phone rang. Jonathon answere it.

'Let's roll. Down to Michelago and up to the Tinderry ranges. Act of theft.'

They drove down the Monaro, and turned east at Michelago, soon finding the campervan.

'Roary,' said Jonathon. 'And Fiona Gilmore.'

'We're camping here. Doing our Almanac. It's a project we do regularly.'

'I see,' said Jonathon.

'You have a stolen Esky?' queried Jenny.

'With ice and beer,' said Roary. 'Look, I don't really want to get the bloke in trouble. I don't begrudge a bloke a beer. But it's technically a crime and Fiona thinks it best to report it.'

Jonathon took out a scanner and started surveying the sight of the Esky. He picked up traces of the imprint of the footwear which didn't belong to Fiona or Roary, and they walked to the road.

'Probably these tracks,' said Jenny.

'The footwear was here too,' said Jonathon. 'Shit. It's Artie by the looks of it.'

'He always gets into trouble this time of the year,' said Jenny.

They motored down the road.

'There he is,' said Jenny.

They pulled alongside a ute, which was parked on the side of the road not far from Burra, and Artie Edwards was drinking the second beer.

'Look,' said Artie. 'I was going to return it. Just wanted a couple of beers. Take the Esky,' he said, handing the Esky to Jonathon.

'I shouldn't do this. I'm being casual,' said Jonathon. 'But I have the authority to judge the case, so you have a $1500 fine, and 6 months community service. I'll leave it to your good conscience to report in.'

As they drove back to the campervan Jenny smiled. 'Casual,' she said, grinning.

'Shut up Jenny Jones,' replied Jonathon.

* * * * *

Jonathon was playing Space Invaders 46 on his Arcade machine. You could select from a whole host of the classics, and there was a download connection to the internet on the machine.

'She's hung up on me,' said Jonathon. 'Says a close dance is all she needs every now and again. I don't know.'

'I don't really mind,' said Kirstie, on the other side of the machine, sipping on Coke.

Jonathon looked up at her. 'You don't?' he asked.

'No,' she said. 'I mean, come on Jonathon. What do you expect? Jenny is settled in life. She's a nun of sorts, married to her coppers job and married to her partner. It's what she's settled for in life. It has the dab of buddy she wants, and I think that's all she really wants. Just to see you regularly. The dance is where she has a cry and a sigh.'

Jonathon continued playing the game. 'And you can accept that?'

'I don't pretend the shards of our broken hearts don't belong to different people,' said Kirstie. 'The way life is.'

'The way life is,' said Jonathon. 'Anyway, I've invited Roary and Fiona to a barbecue next weekend. Here at the flat. He seems like a gent worth getting to know.'

'Sounds alright. I remember him from the bonfire nights also. Always an above board sort of fellow. Very Australian.'

'Very,' said Jonathon. He finished the game, and smiled at her, and went to the bedroom. Sitting on the bed he took out his wallet, and behind the picture of Kirstie he took out the picture of him and Jenny on the job. He looked at his partner. Of course, he'd known this was the situation for a long time now. But he had a shard of his heart, a bit of an uncertain one, but certainly not that casual, which he could probably share with Jenny Jones. So he'd make sure he did a good job as her partner, and go out of his way to dance with her at the policeman's ball. It was the least he could do.

* * * * *

'Have a cider,' said Jonathon, passing a cider to Roary.

'Cheers,' replied Roary, opening the bottle.

It was summer, and there was heat in the Saturday afternoon in Hughes in Canberra. Kirstie was at the barbecue with Fiona.

'She doesn't do the barbecue very much, but she wanted to today,' said Jonathon.

'We're not in for surprises are we?' asked Roary.

'Nah. Chicken kebabs and beef sausages. Coleslaw and potato salad,' replied Jonathon.

'Perfect,' said Roary.

They chatted casually for a while, and Roary related how he and Fiona had a practice of putting together photo almanacs, which they auctioned off on Fiona's sister, Jenny Gilmore's, UG website.

'She knows a descendant of mine. Who was the big buy at the foundation of the UG,' said Jonathon.

'Jan Kolby. The Rimwalker,' said Roary. 'A man of action indeed.'

'He has a hell of a story to tell,' said Jonathon.

'I think we all have that,' said Roary. 'Good ones. Bad ones. Exciting ones. Casual ones. We've all got a story to tell.'

The girls came over with the meat and put it on the table, and they sat and chatted. And as Jonathon sat sipping cider, enjoying good company, he felt he was happy with the stories he had to tell in life. No matter how casual they might have been as of late.

The End

The McIntosh's

'You know, Fiona. That's dumb. I mean, your not the brightest spark in the family, but that's really dumb. Golden Fries and Burgers are not macho enough for the celebration as the foodstuffs of substance. I've worked my socks off on this Almanac with Fiona, and Forrestfield will not witness Roary McIntosh being served crappy Fries and Burgers by his distant cousin Fiona. It's not going to happen,' said Roary McIntosh.

'Give 'em a go,' said David Rothchild. 'Come on Roary. They have the Aussie Burger. It should do fine. Fiona needs this breakthrough. It's challenging to get work on New Terra. Very expensive, and she's lucky she can afford it.'

'Got lucky connections,' replied Fiona. 'Married to the Messiah. Sort of helps.'

'How are you two related?' Kirstie Kolby, sipping on a caramel thickshake, blurted out.

'I'm a direct descendant of Roary's brother,' said Fiona. Down the line a long way, but that's life in eternity.'

'I see,' said Kirstie. 'Close enough to family in reality.'

'That's Charlie McIntosh is it?' queried Jonathon Kolby.

'Charlie boy,' said Roary. 'Man, I need to look him up. Haven't seen him in ages.'

'Grandpa Charlie,' said Fiona. 'I've met him a number of times. Been through a lot of my ancestry. Got it all mapped out online.'

'No, we're not having crappy Fries and Burgers.

'She can put beetroot on the burgers,' said David, pinching one of Kirstie's fries.

Roary looked at David with one of those 'Give me a Break' looks.

'We can do fried onion on request,' said Fiona.

'I can provide cider,' said Jonathon.

'Fried onions? And Beetroot? On Aussie Burgers.'

'Come on Roary,' said Fiona Gilmore. 'Give Fiona a go. She could use a break. New Terran Golden Fries will think well of her for landing this deal.'

'Fine, fine, fine,' said Roary McIntosh. 'As long as it's properly fried onions it should be ok.'

'Thank you,' replied Fiona McIntosh.

They were at David Rothchild's place in Forrestfield in Perth, were the Golden Fries and Burgers store was located just down at the Forrestfield Forum. David was married to Fiona McIntosh, and at the moment a relation of clan identity, Roary, who he knew, was connecting with them. But other McIntosh's would be hanging around soon, which could prove intersting.

* * * * *

The celebration was going well, when Charlie McIntosh and his wife Chelsea McIntosh came in. Charlie came over to the catering table and smiled at Fiona.

'Grand-daughter,' he said warmly. 'Good to see you are making way with the connections. Roary emailed me and told me you were catering, and I decided it a good time to catch up. Came over on a flight last night.'

'Hello Charlie,' said Fiona. She came around the table and gave Charlie a hug. 'You're a good grandfather you know. Totally different to Roary. He is so – Australian.'

'Roary was secular growing up,' replied Charlie. 'He had faith in the good Lord, but was not religious. I concentrated on being good. I wasn't religious but I had faith in God and believed if I concentrated on being a good and loving person life would favour me well.'

'It's favoured you quite well,' said Chelsea. 'You have a lot of success these days.'

'Business is good,' said Charlie. 'Shares are doing well in the planetary bodies. We can travel at times. When we get the spending visa rights from the planets.'

'There still mostly UG managed,' said Fiona. 'I always wondered if things would break up in time, but most of the planetary bodies stick with the traditions of the United Galaxy. It seems that Mankind still mostly wants to be united. There are rival systems of course, but they develop traditions much the same. I was watching some shows on the various confederations further out.'

'Makes it all the more interesting,' replied Charlie. 'Now where's Roary?'

Fiona pointed to the front table, and Charlie hugged her again, wandering off to see his brother.

David came over. 'Charlie again, babe.'

'He's a loving man,' said Fiona. 'I felt a flush of the holy spirit when he was talking to me. Like things I get from you from time to time David.'

'Really,' said David, looking over at Charlie. 'Interesting.'

The celebration carried on, and Fiona was busy with her work, earning a good reputation for herself with Golden Fries and Burgers and the New Terra community.

* * * * *

'So then Alexander says but I'm a jew who can boogie woogie, and he did the John Travolta splits. The bloke lightened up after that, and left Alexander alone. Afterwards we went out with our women, and walked over to a park, getting some kebabs from a late night caravan which sold stuff. We chatted, and this is what I remember. We prayed. We prayed, quietly, that in our lives we shouldn't let religion be a reason for hate but a reason for love. That we'd both commit to that reality, and we both meant it. We went our separate ways soon afterwards, and Alexander ended up in Canberra, where Roary actually drifted down to after a while. But I knew your father, David, for a few months, and we were pretty tight for a while.'

'I know your spirit,' said David Rothchild. 'I think my father has the same thing as well. Fiona pointed it out.'

'I did, Charlie,' said Fiona.

'Maybe,' replied Charlie McIntosh. 'I'm not sure of being a spirit filled person, but maybe God draws close.'

'That's what it is,' said David.

'Are you in town long?' asked Fiona. 'You could come over again, and we could have a meal. A proper dinner. I'll go to some effort as well.'

'Maybe. But we're leaving soon. Back to work and things,' replied Charlie.

They chatted on and David was enthralled about the tale of Charlie and his father Alexander's brief time together when they were young. He knew there was something about this Charlie McIntosh that he recognized. Charlie and Chelsea left later on that day, and Fiona was humming all afternoon. She was in a good mood.

'You're happy,' said David.

'I am very proud of my family,' said Fiona. 'He has wonderful stories to tell.'

'Pretty much,' replied David. 'Anyway, I won't spoil the mood. We'll get pizza.'

'As long as its Mexicana. I'm in the mood for something spicy,' replied Fiona.

'As you wish,' said David. And Mexicana with Cola is indeed what they got.

* * * * *

'So we'll be going now,' said Charlie to Fiona. 'The burgers are excellent here.'

'See you,' said Roary.

'We'll catch up in Canberra soon,' said Fiona.

Roary, Fiona, Chelsea and Charlie left the Golden Fries and Burgers of Forrestfield store, and Fiona walked over to David who was wiping windows.

'Should be able to catch up in February, shouldn't we?' she asked David.

'That should be in the timetable. But I'm strict on timetabling at the moment. My heavenly twin wants to maintain her twinship with strict timetabling policies. Her whole life revolves around them these days.'

'Blessed Meludiel. A very strict baptist girl,' said Fiona. 'You must have a thing for Baptists. That Justine Atkinson and all.'

'Justine is more of a universalist these days,' replied David. 'She visits the Unitarian Universalists regularly. She says she's still a Baptist but says she's Torah as well, being a Noahide-Jewish Believer and follower a fair bit. Says the UU is where she finds it all working out.'

'Pure and Honest Love must be in her heart,' said Justine. 'Those days, I'm told, people judged religious differences a fair bit.'

'It was more challenging in earlier centuries, even in the early 20^th century. But by then people were starting to become tolerant.'

Daniel and his uncle Gregory came in, who had a house down the road in Pyrus Way.

'Working hard, kemosabe?' asked Daniel the Seraphim.

'Hey Greg. Ginger Ninja,' said Fiona.

Greg smiled. Both Gregory and Fiona were redheads.

'I'll have the Aussie Burger meal,' Greg said to Fiona, who took the order and started chatting to him.

Daniel stood next to David. 'Your work. Second rate. I can see splotches everywhere.'

'I have things on my mind. Sorry boss,' replied David.

'Right,' said Daniel, munching on chips which Fiona passed to him. 'What things?'

'Family things. Sort of. Weird connections.' He looked at Fiona. 'Sometimes, I think, Daniel Daly. That there is a Tapestry of Life and things happen more for a reason than we are often prepared to admit to. But sometimes we find out why things happen.'

'So it would be wonderful to see things happen like clean windows,' said Daniel. 'Get your mind on your job Jewboy.'

'Asshole,' said David.

Daniel grinned. But David looked at the windows, sighed, and worked his job with a bit more attention.

The End

Love VI: Where Does Love Go When it Dies?

Fiona looked agitated. 'Uh, would you like some more orange juice Gemma?' asked David Rothchild.

'Sure,' replied Gemma.

Gemma Watkins looked gorgeous. David was quite stunned. Fiona – completely the opposite.

'Still a lawyer?' asked David, as he poured out the orange juice.

'Pays the bills,' replied Gemma. 'Oh, I have some footie cards for you. Raiders cards from about a millennia ago. Jack Meninga, Mal's offspring, is in the team. I have the base set for you. I assume you don't collect anymore.'

'Jesus,' said David. 'I have my old cards. Don't get me wrong. But the fuss on getting everything under the sun is Daniel's tirade. I just sort of settled down and let it all be. Got enough things. Just want to love and enjoy life.'

'Right,' said Gemma. 'Never mind then.' She sipped on the juice.

'We can put them in the folder in the basement,' said Fiona. 'It has some spare plastic sleeves for new cards.'

'Uh, yeh,' said David. 'Sure why not.'

Gemma opened her bag, and got out a set of Canberra Raiders trading cards. She handed them to David. David looked through them.

'Yeh,' he said. 'Jack Meninga. Old times.' He looked at Gemma who smiled at him wryly. He glanced slightly to Fiona. The frown on her face summed up the situation.

Gemma looked at David. 'Do you have any of it? Any of it left?'

'Any what left?' asked David.

'The zing,' replied Gemma.

David looked at Fiona. 'We're just an ordinary family. I'm just an ordinary man,' replied David.

'I know what David was like. When he was young. And officially the Messiah. A long time ago that became unimportant to him. Most things did. He probably settled with me because there's an old family connection. We found that out recently. David settled down not into being Messiah but just plain old David Rothchild.'

'You were hot shit,' said Gemma. 'One of the coolest people on the planet. Everyone wanted to meet you.'

'He's over it,' said Fiona.

'No shit,' replied Gemma. She stood, took her bag, and looked at David. 'I'll be seeing you sweetheart.'

And Gemma was gone.

'Thank God she's gone,' said Fiona.

And try as he might David couldn't find the heart to disagree.

* * * * *

'You are disgusting David Rothchild.'

Fiona and David were having an argument.

'I'm not disgusting,' replied David.

'You and that Daniel. A paedophile ring. That's sickening,' said Fiona. No wonder Gemma notices you've faded. Disgusting.'

'We're having this argument again, are we? It's not disgusting. It's love for children.'

'Bullshit,' she replied.

'Which Daniel?' asked David. 'Daniel Daly? He's not a paedo.'

'He's a saint,' said Fiona. 'What do you mean which Daniel? Daniel Rothchild?'

'Daniel Daly was known as Daniel Rothchild,' replied David. 'He grew up with me. Adopted sort of.'

'News to me. No, that bastard son of yours.'

'Oh. Michael,' replied David. 'I didn't know you knew he was involved. Besides, it's not a ring. We just sort of get kids from congregations. Nobody asks questions much. It's all done hush hush. And besides, out in the Colton Confederation it's legal anyway.'

'And look at them,' said Fiona. 'More crime and unemployment than anywhere in the UG. They are a pathetic civilization. All the freedoms they tolerate. You're not Hot Shit anymore David. Just shit.'

'Leave me alone,' said David, and walked out the room. He sat down on his bed. It was true. He had been involved in Paedophile behaviour a long time now. Fiona had known a while, and said she would leave him be on his perverse behaviour. But the encounter with Gemma had sparked an argument, and the sins of the family had come to the surface. He felt low. He was low. But he didn't care. He did what he wanted. Love, in the mind of David, covered this sin. In the mind of David Rothchild it did.

* * * * *

'A certain family member,' continued Daniel the Seraphim. 'Had issues with a female relation when she was 10. He gave her the touch on her privates a couple of times. It never happened again, and he soundly repented of the issue.'

'It doesn't really bother me,' said David Rothchild.

'How old do they have to be?' asked Daniel.

'I get 'em at 5,' said David. 'Once they hit kindergarten they're introduced to the world as far as I am concerned, and I don't care after that. I mean, I wouldn't do a baby. You know. That's low. But at 5 they're out there and fair game.'

'Conventional wisdom with a lot of people is that you can hit on a lady after she's had her first period. She can technically get pregnant then. Under that age – it's illegal in most places. Hell, it's still illegal in many US and Australian states under the age of 16. You know, David. Perhaps you should cut it out.'

'I show them affection,' said David, as they continued walking up the street of Greenway in Tuggeranong, up to Gotham City Comics.

'It's hardly a genuine justification,' replied Daniel.

'It does me,' said David.

They entered the comic store and David started looking at the Star Trek TPBs. He couldn't find what he needed so went to the desk.

'Hey. Do you have Star Trek: Blaze in Trade Paperback.'

'Nah mate. Sorry about that. We can get it in, but you can find it downstairs at Jards SF & Fantasy bookstore anyway,' replied the man behind the counter.

'Right,' said David. He looked at Daniel who bought a comic book, then made ready to go, but stopped. He returned to the desk.

'Downstairs? What downstairs? In the hyperdome you mean?'

'Uh, shit,' said the man. 'I let one slip.' The man looked at him. 'Ok, no worries. David Rothchild isn't it?'

David nodded.

'Ok. Your pappy is well secure in the town echelon. Go into the bikestore next door and ask to use the elevator downstairs. Tell them I said it was ok.'

'Right,' said David. As they walked to the bikestore David turned to Daniel. 'You know about this place.' Daniel didn't comment. They came in to the bike store, and the attendant showed them to the back room, and a small elevator. They had to cramp inside, and it took them down a level. They came out into a dimly lit hallway, with a few men on seats, and a small number of stores. They found Jard's bookstore, and went inside. The owner, Michael Jard came up to them.

'Who let you in David?' asked Michael. Michael was a dark skinned aboriginal man, who had a concerned look on his face.

'The guy from the comic store said it would be ok,' said David. 'I'm after Star Trek: Blaze trade paperback. I need it for the collection. Haven't gotten that one yet.'

'Yeh, we've got it. Remember, keep it hush hush what you see in the store. We have a lot of illegal material in here.'

'Oh. I see,' said David, now understanding.

They went inside, and Daniel looked around for a while, noticed some things, then went to side back out in the main area. It wasn't for him. David, though, found his Star Trek comic, and a few other enticing things, which he made sure he got well taped up in the brown paper bag. When he exited he looked at Daniel sitting on the seat. 'Not your cup of tea, huh?'

'I know Jardie things he does a service of sorts. But some of that shit – not for this pussy cat.'

David laughed, and they went back up the crappy elevator, and headed home.

* * * * *

'I also sleep with men,' said David.

Fiona plucked his cheeks with her fingers and said 'I knew that the first time I met you Davy.'

'Right,' said David. 'Figures.'

'Does Michael?' she asked, chopping the nights dinner.

David went silent. Eventually he spoke. 'Michael is faithful to Elenniel. Gabriel is straight. Completely.'

'So Michael doesn't sleep around, then,' she continued.

David picked up a magazine and started flicking through it. 'He's not heterosexual,' he said at last.

'Didn't think so,' said Fiona.

'He's bisexual. He's not gay,' said David.

'Does he also molest little boys? Fuck, do you molest little boys?'

David went silent. Minutes passed. Eventually he spoke. 'Yes,' he said quietly.

'Poofter as well,' said Fiona. 'Paedophile faggot poof. I married a paedophile faggot poof. Wonderful.'

'There's no need to tell anyone,' said David.

'Oh, don't worry about that. I wouldn't dream of it,' replied Fiona. 'Oh, and those books and things you bought the other day. I stuck them in the garage. Up the back. Out of sight. I don't really want that stuff in the house, ok.'

'No problems,' said David.

'Where the hell you get shit like that is beyond me,' she said.

'Places,' said David.

Fiona continued cutting the carrots. They were at their home in Canberra on New Terra. Revelations had come in recent times. David was not sure if his marriage, currently, was on solid ground.

* * * * *

David came in carrying pizza. Hopefully that would put a smile on Fionas face. He came into the living room and found Fiona chatting with Gemma.

'Oh, hi Gemma.'

Gemma looked at him. 'You know, I could report you. I am a lawyer. It's my civic duty and all.'

'Shit, Fiona. Why'd you go and tell her?' complained David.

'I needed to speak to someone about it,' said Fiona, who had been crying.

'You know where love goes when it dies, David? To hell, obviously. Straight to hell,' said Gemma.

'Look Gem. It's not that bad. Really,' said David.

'Oh, don't lecture me on sexual morals David Rothchild. You of all people should be immaculate in this respect. I think about all your classmates at the university we went to. Shit, this one in Canberra on Earth. I don't doubt some of them have succumbed to misbehaviour also, but you? You were the hot little Israelite wannabe lawyer who was everyone's golden child. And now? Now you're a pervert.'

'I'm not a pervert,' he defied. 'It's love.'

'Don't lecture me on love either. Your idea of love? Sickening dude.'

Gemma turned to Fiona. 'By all rights I should tell you to leave him. But I won't. It's your issue as a family.'

She stood, took her handbag and looked at David. 'Seeya loser,' she said, and walked out. And David didn't see Gemma Watkins again for quite some time.

The End

Gemma's Question

'She's a close friend of mine, Jesus,' said Daniel the Seraphim. 'She wants to ask you a question?'

Jesus settled back in his Bethlephon office chair, and looked at Gemma Watkins. 'Shoot,' he said.

'Ok. Nice to meet you Christ Child,' she said. 'The question is this. Does love think molesting children is part of love? Love justifying paedophile behaviour? David Rothchild thinks it does. He practices it.'

Jesus leaned up in his chair and looked at Daniel. There was a concerned look on his face.

'Our Seraphim brother has practiced it for a while now. He's not alone. Michael is involved too.'

Jesus looked at Daniel a moment, and returned to face Gemma, and sat back in his chair.

'That's a challenging question. Love is patient. And love is kind. Yet the Gospel of the New Testament has standards. And sexual immorality is not justified in love. Love is patient with people seeking their repentance. But while it covers sins of those who admit it and confess it, judgement does come for reprobate souls who never repent.'

'David seems to live in his own world,' said Gemma. 'I've seen it in these people before. They have a worldview which considers these issues differently. Like it doesn't really matter. A big deal over a small affair. What do you have to say to that?'

'It's not a small affair,' said Jesus. 'Children are entitled to their innocence until they can properly chart their way through life on these issues. Hell, adults are too when it comes right down to it, but so many believe in consent upon adulthood. It's always been a major issue of societal concern. Officially the church, while often guilty of this behaviour in all its types of members, does not condone it. It's sin, and should potentially be reported depending on the gravity of the case.'

'Well, thanks,' said Gemma. 'I've reported it to you. You guys are his close brethren.'

She stood. 'Please, do something about it.'

Jesus looked at her sternly. 'We will, Gemma Watkins. We will.'

Gemma nodded, and left.

Jesus looked at Daniel. 'Shit,' he said. That seemed to sum up the feeling on the issue.

The End

Censure

'Brothers, sisters. I've had us all gathered here today for a rebuke amongst the children of destiny. A public censure,' said Jesus. The Seraphim and elder Cherubim were gathered in the throneroom of Zaphon.

'Michael. Ambriel. Come here,' said Jesus.

Michael and Ambriel got off their seats and came forward.

'Sit in these two chairs,' said Jesus. 'Facing your brethren.'

Both did as asked. Jesus continued.

'Our brothers have been involved in lechery. Sodomy and paedophilia. And they have not relented of it for a long time. It has come to the attention of citizens of the public, and I have been asked to do something about it.'

'It's not a big issue,' said Michael, casually.

'Azrael. Cut off their hair,' said Jesus.

Azrael took the electric razor, first Ambriel and then Michael's hair was shaved right off.

'Brethren, come forward and spit in their faces,' said Jesus.

One by one they filed up. Pervert was uttered a lot, and then the spit. Ambriel was concerned when Meludiel stood before him. She was looking down. She looked up at him at last.

'I love you Ambriel,' she said. 'But you can't do that.' She spit softly on his face, and started weeping.

Gabriel was last, and spat at Ambriel then faced Michael. 'Sorry bro. You should have known.' And he spat in his face, and sat down.

Jesus resumed speaking. 'Our two brothers are to face a wall of silence from us all for 100 years. We will not utter a word to them in all that time.'

'Wonderful. The silent treatment. How original,' said Michael.

Jesus stepped down from the throne and came and looked at Ambriel and Michael. Then he turned and walked out the throneroom. One by one they followed. Meludiel was last. She looked at Ambriel, shook her head, and left.

Michael and Ambriel sat there.

'Fuck,' said Michael at last.

'Exactly,' replied Ambriel.

The End

David's Rebuke

'You moron. You absolute fucking moron,' swore King David at David Rothchild. 'What the hell where you thinking?'

'It's love,' replied an unrepentant David Rothchild.

'Love? Love? It's not fucking love. It's carnal fucking pleasure. Love has nothing to fucking do with it. Your getting your fucking rocks off mate. Fuck.'

David sat in silence in the palace of King David in Zionistya.

'Dafuq we gonna do with him?' he asked Bathsheba.

'Our young Messiah has made some mistakes,' said Bathsheba. She looked at her husband. 'Nobody is perfect.'

'No,' he replied. 'Nobody is. But the Lord does not justify our excuses and attempts at justifying such shitty behaviour. I'm fucking glad Jesus filled me in on all of this. Very relieved. It gives me the opportunity to make sure this is cut right down. Traditionally we used to mock the church for this a bit, but now we're as guilty as their priests. It ain't happening again, Rothchild. It ain't happening again.'

'You can't control me,' said David. 'Love is freedom. It's the truth.'

'Fuck, listen to him,' said David. 'One delusional motherfucker.'

'I'm not deluded. You live in a world of rules and pious saints who know nothing of the real world. High and mighties who look down on the rest of us for simply behaving naturally.'

King David picked up his bottle of scotch from his desk and eyed David Rothchild. 'Is that what you think then?'

'It is,' replied David Rothchild.

'You know the Lord handles sinners. He has a way about him. They learn their lesson in time. I guess you have probably always thought yourself immaculate. The golden boy Messiah everybody loved and wanted to meet.'

'They still do,' prided David Rothchild in reply.

'Right,' said King David. He took a swig of Scotch. 'Then you can learn the hard way kid. Get the fuck out of my palace.'

'Gladly,' replied David Rothchild, and stood and walked away.

'That's probably the best decision,' said Bathsheba.

'Let the little shit learn the hard way,' replied King David. 'I certainly did.'

The End

Fallen Angel

'It's like this,' said Valladore, on the outskirts of the Golden City, on a hill, overlooking a highway. 'They are children. And they are innocent. When we receive a child, they give us trust. To cover them with our sexual desires, and destroy the innocence they are entitled to and the sense of wonder about the world. Look, it's just wrong. Just to gratify ourselves to destroy innocence? It's a sin.'

And just in the way Valladore said that Ambriel knew. It didn't take long. Valladore had left, and Ambriel was on top of the highway, on a bridge with an underpass. He looked down. He got out his wings, and looked up. 'Don't bother bringing me back,' he said. And then he fell, and his head smashed into the road beneath, and he was dead. A fallen angel.

* * * * *

The Spirit judged him, but not too harshly, then he was settled down, at what would have been the feet of where Michael had laid in Sheol, and the spirit said to him he would be there a while, sorting out the issue, coming to terms with his sin, gradually being redeemed. There were those who would pray for him and his ultimate resurrection and, in time, the situation would be – resolved.

The End

Infinity Council 2

'The Colton Confederation is one of the concerns,' said Logos, addressing the Infinity Council. 'We have a task set by Jehovah. We are Heaven. Heaven's Children. Heaven's Soldiers. The Heavenly Host. We are to be exampleship to heaven itself and the Eternally Growing New Earth. These are the two monopolies of power in the spiritual universe. But we have planetary bodies which tend to sequentalize in their tradition. And they slowly grow in strength and power as new planetary bodies are added constantly by the Grand Creator. And while we have no direct statement of intent from the Lord God to rule the planetary bodies or exercise authority over them, it becomes abundantly clear that we must maintain our way of life with decent standards and, because of that, should various powers which be rise up to ultimately try and rule the universe, and powers which be which exalt decadence, it behoves us to oppose such despots. Multivarious confederations and organisations exist now which have severely questionable morality in their rule of law. Severely. So heaven and the Infinity Council must make a stand of being Interuniversal police of sorts to ensure a certain basic foundation of rule of law is maintained. And that is what we are here to discuss. The core morality we must enforce to some degree or another. And with both questions now on the table of the resolution of the rights of free radicals and the need for rule of law when free radicals push their agenda just too much, what can I say but that these here are challenging times.'

And Logos sat and the council chatted.

Later on Samael was sitting with Aphrayel and Sandalphon in the Central Park of Golden City after the debate.

'What is the answer to all answers of the heart of Samael on these curly issues,' sparked out Aphrayel, and turned to look at her husband. 'I do know dear brother you have certain – standards – now. Certain standards which seem to suggest you may not completely oppose Logos points.'

'The debate remains unchanged. We have always organised by rule of law, dear sister. It's just the degree of rights and freedoms we debate on. Logos is too restrictive. He complains we are too liberal. The right and the left fight it out, and such has always been the case.'

'So you are the left wing, then, I take it?' queried Aphrayel.

'We are business men. But we crave our liberties and freedoms,' said Samael. 'We are the left of things. Logos is far stricter, and to the right of us. But the Labour boys, they are further left of us. And left of them you find communism. All these groups pursue lawfulness, and differing degrees of rights and freedoms. The Labour boys to our left would impinge us with higher taxes and the religious to the right would do likewise. We are caught between hell and a handbasket. Neither can be reasoned with terribly easy to understand a beings fundamental liberties at self-management. So we argue our case till they do. But we have never argued, nor Saruviel of Eternity, that our rights and freedoms interpose themselves to the right to deny that to others. And thus we have rule of law.'

'Yet some of the new confederations allow almost anarchic interpretations of freedom,' said Sandalphon. 'And if you don't like it, move back to squareville.'

'So that is what people can do,' replied Samael. 'So a mountain, again, out of a molehill.'

Silence.

'He is concerned, Aphrayel. Believe me, he talks about the nonsense of the Colton Confederation.'

'I see,' said Aphrayel.

Samael poked his tongue out at Aphy. 'We'll do something about it. Logos is not alone in his concerns.'

'Good to hear,' replied the Celestyel.

The End

Golden City Farming Sector

Maravier the fifthborn of the 7 Ketravim Angels of the 70 Onaphim angels of Infinity and Toravier, the sixthborn of the 7 Ketravim Angels of Infinity, respectively the 40^th and 41^st of the overall 70 Onaphim Angels, as well as Elendayel, the 7^th born of the Celestyels of Infinity, were in Kazraphon farming sector, south-east of the Golden City of Infinity, taking their turn in the roster work for the faming sector. Today they were harvesting Dwarrow, Tomatoes and Onion.

'Ratatouille for dinner for the next week,' said Maravier. 'The menus will have it all over them.'

'Most likely,' said Toravier in reply.

'What else you going to cook with these 3?' queried Elendayel. 'I mean, there are choices, but its they this comes up on the request list so much. People like Ratatouille every now and again.'

'I know what we could cook,' said Maravier. 'Fried Angel brain.'

'That sounds – unappetizing,' replied Toravier.

'What angel brain?' asked Elendayel.

'We sneak into the morgue and get Ambriel's brain,' said Maravier. 'And we make a horror movie cooking it up.'

'Ooh, gross,' said Elendayel.

'They going to embalm that damn thing for posterity or what?' queried Maravier.

'Who knows,' replied Toravier. 'Hey, why don't we finish up here for the day, and go look at it? Play reanimator and raise him from the dead.'

'Spooky,' said Elendayel. 'Seriously, though. What if God answers our prayer? He loves that angel a lot. Might be keen on returning him to his original body.'

'I doubt it,' said Maravier. He looked around. 'Come on. We're 70% done here. We'll go check out the stiff.'

They finished up work, cleaned up, and made the walk to the morgue. It was quiet, and the receptionist at the front desk understood that they wanted to pay their respects to their cousin from Eternity. They came in, and opened up the metal cabinet, pulling out Ambriel.

'Fuck. He busted his head pretty bad,' said Maravier, looking at the cadaver.

'Poor sod,' said Elendayel. 'Likely guilt over his bad ways with kids. Molesting them. That's the word going round.'

'Came to terms with it. Probably had a conscience which finally admitted it,' said Toravier. He looked at Maravier. 'Come on then. Raise the tyke.'

'You serious?' queried Maravier.

'Hold hand,' said Elendayel. 'And put them on his head.'

The 3 angels held hands and put them on the head of Ambriel.

'I'll pray,' said Elendayel. 'Heavenly father. Ambriel wasn't that bad in the end. If he's learned his lesson well enough, you may as well give the kid a break.'

They removed their hands.

Nothing.

'Funny,' said Elendayel.

'I need to have a shower,' said Maravier, turning away.

They walked down the hallway, and a voice spoke to them from behind.

'What day is it?'

They turned. Ambriel was there, in his gown, holding his head.

'Shit,' said Elendayel. 'It bloody worked.'

'Uh, you're in Infinity. In the morgue. We decided you'd learnt your lesson,' said Maravier.

'Right,' replied Ambriel. He blinked and looked a them. 'I remember hitting the ground, and passing out. It hurt briefly like hell. Knocked something out of me though.'

'Well, your back,' Said Elendayel. 'Come to my abode and we'll sort you out, get your clothes, and give you a shower.'

'Thanks,' replied Ambriel.

'Back to farming in the morning,' said Maravier.

'But no more raising the dead,' said Elendayel.

'Wouldn't dream of it,' replied the Ketravim angel.

The End

Draven's Wisdom

'God would rather see a society destroyed than bore the people to death,' said Draven.

'What is your point?' asked an irritated Saruviel of Eternity, sipping on his cocktail, overlooking a beach in Hawaii in Terraphora.

'I think he has a point,' said Satan the Saruvim of Infinity.

'It better be a good one,' said Saruviel. 'I have a date with the Big Kahuna for chatting about power games shortly.'

'My point is that if people become to relaxed and sedate with a society without complications they lose their zest for life. It's become altogether too easy for them. Without a challenge from the dread they slip into laziness and lack of performance. It's your whole point Saruviel. To be an Angel of Adversity. It's our point. We challenge to bring out the best in them.'

'I challenge them to piss them off and get a thrill,' said Satan.

'No you don't,' said Marni. 'You have some theological points with Yahweh about the level of tolerances and freedoms in society and that bad boys are an expression of freedom which should be a natural motif and element of all societies.'

'Shaddup babe,' replied Satan. 'Don't give the game away.'

'What are you proposing,' said Saruviel, sipping on his drink.

'There are powers which be which are steadily accumulating wealth and power to rule eternally. They are satisfied that the competition no longer cares about the game they are playing and making more and more enterprise to strengthen their positions in life. I've researched ValDan. It's protocols which it makes available online. They are predicting the gradual dissemination of powers to outer confederations in times and that people will drift to where they get the world to their liking.'

'But that's what people want,' said Saruviel.

'No. They don't,' said Draven. 'They want to run the show. And ValDan knows that well. A long way down the track Archangel Michael will finally get over being a sinner, and want restoration of his place in life. And ValDan knows this well. All the Children of Destiny will want the original plan. And to then push their Oblivion Tube Agendas.'

'No need to mention those days,' said Saruviel.

'I am aware you have agendas,' said Draven. 'Believe me. We all do. Now our purpose is to make sure the world is not too predictable with everyone serving the whims of ValDan in the end.'

'They won't,' said Saruviel.

Draven looked steadily at his brother. 'Then you are the biggest fool of them all.'

Saruviel stared steadily at Draven. His brother had now piqued his interest.

The End

Yah Ha Wai Hii The Big Kahuna 2

'Powerplays,' said the Theophany. 'But don't worry about it. Draven is short-sighted. It's a long eternity. The ValDan Agenda is mostly about a moral structure in society. Other things emerge in time which counter any dictatorial corruption of ValDan. Valandriel and Daniel are just having their fun. The Daly Foundation keeps them in check, which is a straightforward Rainbow Torah Association. ValDan has a natural glory like all my children earn in time.'

'I see,' replied Saruviel. 'Well, I'll run with Draven's philosophy for a while anyway. See what he thinks about it all.'

'You do that,' replied the Theophany. 'Now let's surf.'

They went out on the North Shore, and the Theophanie's Hawaiian buddy came out with them. Rihanna stayed on the beach, but she had a surfboard too. Out in the surf Saruviel commented.

'She can surf well now, apparently. Braves some of the big stuff.'

'She's intending to compete at some competitions gradually,' said the Theophany. 'Wants the kids involved in the end. Says we're a party people and Caribbean Royalty. The main focus on her half of the deal.'

'Her half of the deal?' queried Saruviel.

'The two become one flesh, but each has a mind and a heart and a soul which can not be made nought. I instinctively in time do some of the things she wants. I'm the dominant thought, but the influence of the other half is always noteworthy.'

'I see,' replied Saruviel. 'Here comes a good one.'

They surfed it in, and Saruviel decided that would do. They returned to the shore, and the Theophany's buddy gave him a high 5 and made his way off.

'You're making progress with them,' said Saruviel.

'I'm the manifestation of their father also. Like all cultures. Takes time, some time, to win them over. There was a lot of Europa at the start of things. People make a lot of assumptions about what the Kingdom of God is all about.'

'And that's not right?' said Saruviel.

'Well it's not wrong. But there's more to the picture,' said the Theophany.

'I see,' replied Saruviel.

They sat around, chatting, and Rihanna bought them drinks. Saruviel kept his eye on Wolfgang the Theophany that afternoon. Obviously the man knew things of God. Obviously he had his own knowledge about how it all fitted together.

The End

Michael 8

So a century came and a century went, and Elenniel sat there.

'Hello brother,' said Elenniel.

'What the fuck!' swore Michael. 'Why the hell are you talking to me?'

'The Century is complete,' replied Elenniel.

Michael stared at her. It had started with complete silence, but then she had agreed to talk about his actual issue of the sexual immorality as that would be constructive rehabilitation and in the best interests of the actual punishment, which point was reforming Michael's slack attitude. But that only came around every now and again. She would nod to him otherwise, and make occasional hand gestures. But mostly, when he was talking to her she would look at him and shrug. They weren't exactly ignoring him. Just the silent treatment. Michael looked up at the calendar on the wall.

'Shit,' he said. 'Yeh, you're probably right. It's been about a century.'

'So I want to have a discussion. Jesus the Cherubim has been monitoring your activities with his spyforce. They've kept a careful eye on you. We've noticed you haven't gone near children or any gay lovers in this time. Ambriel has talked to you, as technically he is under the same punishment. We didn't bother enforcing that after his conviction, which he talked about at length. But you appear to have reformed your attitude.'

'It was never going to fricking last, Elenniel. It was my way of saying fuck you to all the people who oppose us in life. They fricking kicked us out of the Realm of Eternity and started Zionistya. Demotion for the wandering Jew. Fuck them all.'

'Taking it out on innocents was hardly the way to make a point. The servant suffers under the wrath of mankind's sins.'

'Well I had just a bit too much for my liking,' replied Michael. He sat down on the couch and picked up a copy of the Logic Problems magazine he'd bought at the newsagent recently.

'I didn't even give a damn about the thrill after a while. It was just to make a point. To send a message,' said Michael.

'Well I think you made that,' replied Elenniel.

Michael put down the magazine. 'Now what then?'

'We go on with our lives,' said Elenniel. 'As husband and wife. And you continue on with the therapy.'

'Fine,' he said, picking up the magazine again and reaching for a pen.

'Good,' said Elenniel, and left the room.

'Fussy bitch,' he said, under his breath, but soon enough was walking out the logic challenge of Mr Kelly's House problems, and time passed in another day.

The End

4 O'Clock 28

'She's a hot Hawaiian slut with big breasts. Don't tell me you weren't looking boy,' said Rihanna.

'It's 4 O'Clock in the morning, or late at night, you choose, and I'm ready to be a man,' said Wolfgang the Theophany of God.

'You want more of the Black Virgin Doom Juice do you, old fart?' queried Rihanna.

'It's a blend of Jack Daniel's,' said God. 'I'm sure it's the Jack Daniel' company.'

'It says it on the label,' said Rihanna.

God looked. 'Indeed it does. Bingo. I was right. Good stuff.'

'Don't get too inebriated old timer,' replied Rihanna.

God looked again as the Hawaiian lady with the ample breastage passed by them again. She looked at Wolfgang this time and winked at him.

'I saw that bitch,' said Rihanna.

'He's taken is he,' she said, stopping.

Rihanna looked at her, and looked at God, and picked up her handbag, starting to fidget.

God looked at Rihanna, a concerned look on his face. He turned to the lady. 'I'm with someone,' he said.

'Pity,' she replied. 'You look like a real man.' And she wandered on.

God returned his gaze to his girlfriend. 'We are together. What's the problem. I can't marry you. God doesn't do that. He doesn't need to. He officiates those things for those made in his image.'

'Then what the fuck do I look like? Rumplestiltskin?' she replied hotly.

'But I'm his official spokesperson for a wide range of duties,' replied the Theophany. 'He doesn't want me officially attached. Of course I can have a romantic relationship. But it has to be on the terms in the duty statement I'm assigned.'

'Never seen no duty statement,' she replied.

'It's down in the archives. Private matters,' replied God. 'Anyway, let's dance.'

She put down her bag. 'Fine.'

And so they danced and pranced, and soon enough Riri had forgotten her woes, as her man looked more and more like a professional 70s boogie king, now quite skilled at the craft.

The End

Golden City Fidelity Club

'Of course, we run into Fidelity Club for our yearly meeting. Fidelity observations are once per month, but we meetup for our tea and bickies every year. Where we are going now,' said Logos.

'I hardly qualify,' replied Samael.

'You have some observations,' said Logos graciously.

They arrived at the community centre and came into a large room were seats were around tables, and people were chatting.

'President is here,' said Michael the Seraphim.

'About time,' said Pieradore. 'We have much to discuss.'

'Settle, settle,' said Logos.

'Funny thing bringing that loser here,' said Valladore. 'He's hardly fidelity material.'

'Samael was involved with a birdwatching meeting. I think it can qualify for a chat.'

Samael sat down with Logos and the chatting began. Gemrayel came around with the tea and bickies trolley, and people chatted about their recordmakings of the monthly fidelity club.

'So what did the grand lord of the opposition observe then?' asked Valladore.

'Birds. Some people,' replied Samael. 'I don't recall much else.'

'Sad,' replied Valladore. 'Anyone of significance?'

'The Dean of Golden City University,' said Samael.

'That's right,' said Logos. 'He was briefly in the park with his wife, walking past.'

'What do you presume they were doing then?' asked Valladore.

'Why would that matter?' asked Samael, bemused.

'That's the whole point of Fidelity Club,' replied Valladore. 'I assume you have filled him in Logos.'

'I think he's getting the idea,' replied Logos smiling.

'I don't know. They were going off to engage in sexual activity with a Nubian Prostitute. What do you think?' replied Samael sarcastically.

'Interesting. What do you think this Nubian Prostitute charged them, then?' queried Valladore.

'An arm and a leg,' replied Samael.

'Which presumably saw a lot of action,' replied Valladore.

Samael chuckled. 'I guess so,' he said.

'You're getting the hang of it now, Samael,' said Logos. 'Each month we travel to a location and make notes of all the wildlife and humans or angels who walk by, and record these in a log. At our yearly meetup we discuss all the things which happened, and there is often a lot of speculation about what people might have been up to.'

'I see,' said Samael. He sipped on his tea. 'Actually, an interesting enough hobby. I suppose the yearly meetup is the icing on the cake.'

'Why we're here till midnight,' said Michael the Seraphim.

'Long night,' said Samael.

'So cogitate on that prostitute, and give us all the goss,' laughed Valladore.

'Indeed,' finished Samael.

And the night rolled on.

The End

Golden City All-Stars

'How about Samael?' queried Raphael the Seraphim.

'He had a headbutt of a football a while back,' said the Theophany. 'He was hanging around some kids with Sandalphon, drinking, and they kicked a football at him and he headed it back to them.'

'That's good form,' said Michael.

'I'll add him to the list,' said Logos.

'Valladore?' queried Uriel.

'He competed in a minor league in the Nadrazon club scene for a season. It was just a local competition, but he played out the season. That was about 4 million years after the prior All-Stars Match, and he had a bit of zeal in him since that match to bother with the game one day,' replied the Theophany.

'Then that is excellent form,' said Uriel.

'Potentially team captain,' said Logos, writing down Valladore's name.

They were in the Community Centre, writing down names of various of the 70 Onaphim Angels for the upcoming All-Stars Football match. The match was only held every aeon, a vast time between each match, but it was tradition now, and while none of the Onaphim played soccer in any regular sense, everyone kicked a ball at times, which is what they were charting out with the Theophany who was accessing the mind of God to get all the details they needed.

'What about Gemrayel?' asked Saruviel the Seraphim.

'She watched about 20 matches for a while on TV when she had an interest for a bit,' said the Theophany. 'She was going through the motions of whether she wanted to follow a football team properly. She gave it away after a while, but learned quite a bit about the game and had some thoughts on it.'

'I'll add her to the list,' said Logos.

'Garanel?' queried Raphael. 'He's a rugged sort of angel. Probably kicks the ball all the time.'

'Well, actually,' said the Theophany. 'He's your best bet. He played in a league with his girlfriend watching him for about a century. It was just club scene again, but it was a thing they were doing for a while, and it wasn't that far back.'

'He'll be a captain for sure,' said Logos.

'Now, as I understand it, you guys select the two captains, and apoint one as head of the Legionnaires and one as head of the Doom Squad, who take turns choosing from the draft list,' said God.

'That's how it works,' replied Logos.

'Then we have enough names. Let's get to it tomorrow,' said God. 'I'll be interested this time in a lot of the interactivity.'

'Sounds good,' replied Logos smiling.

'Game on,' said Michael.

* * * * *

'The uniform is for girls,' said Samael to Aphrayel.

'Soccer is not a girls sport,' replied Aphrayel, holding up the uniform the Seraphim had sent them for Samael. 'I think you'll look dapper in it Sammy.'

'Hah,' said Sandalphon. 'Samael the Onaphim playing sports? It must be doomsday.'

'They'll probably pick me for the Doom Squad with that omen,' replied Samael.

'Well your hardly Legionnaires material,' replied Aphrayel. 'Now come on. Hurry up. Put it on.'

'I don't know why I'm doing this,' said Samael, taking his top off.

'They conned you into it. Write that on your tombstone. Here lies Samael the angel. Died of a heart attack on the football pitch. His last word 'They conned me into it.' Hargh,' chuckled Sandalphon.

'Ignore him,' said Aphrayel.

Samael, bravel, put on the team soccer shirt.

'Oh, it's the Doom Squad outfit,' said Samael, noting the logo of the team.

'Dead by dawn,' scoffed Sandalphon.

'Quiet you,' said Aphrayel to Sandalphon. 'Now the shorts and the socks and the boots, Sammy. If you please.'

'The things we do for love,' replied an unimpressed Samael.

* * * * *

'Nah, it's not me,' said Pieradore. 'I'm not football material. It's just a thing I like a bit. I'm a pacifist. Competition is for the world of the imagination. In the physical flesh it's far more daunting.'

'Put on the top,' said Elendayel.

Pieradore put on the top.

'It fits perfectly,' she said.

'I'm hardly a Legionnaire,' said Pieradore. 'Definitely Doom Squad.'

'You only pretend to be a bad boy,' replied Elendayel. 'It's your nature, though. Lord Xanthony always liked to imagine himself on the edge. Stuck in Xanth. Where the wild things grow.'

'Beware my wrath,' replied Pieradore, and mouthed his teeth as fangs at his celestyel sister.

'You daunt me. Good. Bring that to the football pitch. You'll probably need it.'

'Indubatibly,' he replied.

* * * * *

And so the match began. And it was a shredding. The Doom Squad trounced the Legionnaires 7 Nil. But the afterparty was the reverse, were the drunken Doom Squad was wrestled to the ground by the mostly sober Legionnaires and made to admit they had called upon the powers of their Saruvim brothers to assist them. Most admitted it. It was only partially true.

The End

MEMORIES OF THE CHRONICLER OF THE ANGELS OF LOVE

The Infancy of Lucy Potter

Story One

'The Birth & Naming of Lucy Potter'

….And So the Chronicler brings to memory ancient records of the Angels of Love....

'The heat is starting to become too much, James. Merlin's Grimoire is coveted too much now by he who shall not be named. It's too much heat. I fear for my life. I fear for Caroline's life. And it would be best if I left you and Lily and little Harry be. I have to go now,' said David Potter.

'If you have to,' said James, looking down at the sleeping little Harry Potter in his cradle. 'But remember – we're always family. You always have sanctuary with me.'

David Potter looked down at Harry. 'Maybe we'll meet again, one day, little Harry. Maybe one day.' And David Potter, leaving James and Lily Potter's house, and their young sleeping Harry, stole away in the night.

'It's rumbling again,' said Caroline.

'It's not the Grimoire which actually rumbles,' said David, as they drove along the dirt track. 'It's the magical aether around it. Every witch and wizard in the old world would want to get their hands on this book. It contains secrets – deep and dark secrets – secrets which have the power to unravel the magical world itself. From one of Slytherin's most respected wizards.'

'And he who shall not be named wishes it from you.'

'I think he knows I have it. He has probably always known,' said David. 'Which is why we must hide away. Up north. In the highlands. Away from Hogwarts and the community. Were it's even colder, and the snow gets black on the road in winters. Were Voldemort will never find us.'

'We hope,' said Caroline Potter.

And, as the car veered northwards, coming onto a major road, David Potter kept that hope deep, deep in his heart.

* * * * *

'It's a girl,' said the midwife.

'Oh, wonderful,' said Caroline.

'Drat,' said David.

'David. After the hell I've just been through. Give me my baby,' said Caroline. The midwife finished wiping off the afterbirth away from the child, and wrapped it in a blanket, handing her to Caroline.

'My little baby. My little darling,' said Caroline, cradling the child. Caroline looked at David. 'I know you had your heart set on a son. But we got a girl. And you should be proud.'

David put out his hand and caressed the baby's head. 'Never prouder, Caroline. Never prouder.'

The family was in the midwife's home for the next couple of days, but soon were returned to their own home. Caroline's motherly instincts took over, as David continued with his forestry work, cutting down pine trees in the pine plantation for his company he was part of. It was not exactly wizards work, but they needed to do something, even though they had money, and witchcraft and wizardry was out of the question at this time. David was always a bit of a man about things, and took up work cutting down trees for wood. It kept him busy, but they always feared that someone would pass on his details and word would get out. He was officially David Smith at this time, a pseudonym to hide their identity, and David had grown a beard and moustache, and wore a cap, so that he looked different. He also dressed in rugged workman gear, and was a different man. Caroline had also noticed his muscular new physique forming from all the hard labour and, as a woman, that was not necessarily that disappointing. But David was a Wizard and Caroline was a muggle student of the New Age, who had met David at a gathering, and magic was in the blood – literally. So, as days passed by, David continued his studies in magical things, and the Grimoire of Merline was looked through on more than one occasion. It was a deathly tome with deathly things. Powerful things. Dangerous things. Things which drew on the dark elements of magic and used them to accomplish dark deeds. The very thing Voldemort craved the book and its knowledge for.

'Meow,' said the little girl to the cat. The girl was 3 years old, and still unnamed. She was just their daughter.

'You like cats, do you little one,' said David, her father.

The child nodded. 'Can I name it?' she asked.

'Whatever you like,' replied David.

'I'll name you Tinkerbell,' said the girl.

'How appropriate,' said Lucy Dupre.

'Lucy,' said Caroline. 'We are eternally grateful you have come to see us, but it's a concern. We don't really want anyone else knowing where we are. David and I felt it was best we stayed connected, but it has to be secretive. Can't let anyone else know.'

'Of course,'replied Lucy Dupre. She looked at the little girl. 'That's just like me. Interest in cats. All witches need a cat. Or an Owl.'

'I like cats,' said the girl.

'Whatever are you going to name her?' asked Lucy Dupre.

'We're still mulling that over,' replied David. 'It's taken a while.'

'Come here little girl,' said Lucy Dupre.

The girl came and sat on Lucy Dupre's knee. 'Now listen, little Lucy Potter. I will gift you with a gift of magic. An Animistic Charm which will be with you always.'

Lucy Dupre took out her wand, and placed it on the girl's forehead. The she started mumbling something softly, and the room started humming and sparks were in the air. Then Lucy Dupre stopped and the girl was sleeping on her knee.

'Lucy Potter?' queried David.

'Oh, you know,' replied Lucy Dupre.

'Lucy Potter it is then,' said Caroline. 'It's as good as any name.'

Lucy Dupre looked down at the little child which had just received her blessing. Anima. An excellent gift to start with.

'Well, it's getting on a bit, and I'd better be going,' said Lucy Dupre.

'Remember, nobody must know where we are,' said David. 'The heat on our family at the moment is incredible. Dark powers want Merlin's book, and we can't afford to take any chances.'

'I understand,' replied Lucy Dupre. She looked at the girl and carefully placed her on the lounge. She straightened herself up. 'Till we meet again, little Lucy Potter.'

Lucy Dupre left, and David stood above his daughter. 'Little Lucy Potter,' he said proudly.

'A name at last,' replied Caroline.

The End

Circle of the Rainbow Covenant

….More Memories of the Angels of Love from the Chronicler....

'Lucy,' said Shelandragh.

'Mmm,' replied Lucy, looking up from her copy of Vogue.

Shelandragh was knitting in Minoxxia her home in Bunyan.

'I think it's time I told you something. Something important. Something about a loop. A loop in time.'

Lucy put down her magazine. 'Time travel?' she asked.

'Something to do with that. Something to do with that indeed. Now, your cousin Harry is the Chosen One. People call him that. But he wasn't the chosen one for the reasons they often think. There was something a lot deeper going on. Something which began near the dawn of time.'

'What do you mean?' asked Lucy.

'When the Rainbow Covenant was given,' said Shelandragh. 'The world had just changed. The fountains of the deep had broken apart, and we now have the continental plates. But something also happened then. An age of grace began, where the good lord promised Noah that he would never again send a flood.'

'I know the story like the back of my hand,' replied Lucy.

'Of course. You would,' replied Shelandragh. 'But it gets deep. When the age of grace began, God also allowed grace to conquer, how shall we put it, an overriding sense of God's purpose in men that they should necessarily be absolutely perfect. He understand they were only human. Genesis teaches this well. And because he understood that, he made allowances. Certain powers in the plan of creation, which were unlocked because of the new world and the Rainbow replacing the old system, came into be. Powers of magic, because of grace, would be tolerated. The priestly nation – Israel – they could never be allowed such graces, as they were to strive for the ideals God had in mind from the start. But the children of men were allowed greater tolerances. And this began with the Rainbow Covenant.'

Lucy looked at her mentor. 'And how does that figure in with Harry?'

'When Noah was chosen, there was also unleashed the power of opposing forces. Idols – the gods of the nations – began their work. And magic was often part of that work. But a plan had been put in place by God to deal with that magic. And it was a plan to let history play out and, when certain dark power had been defeated, to then go back and deal with the mistakes of it all, as it where. Those mistakes began with the flood, or shortly thereafter, when terrible dark wizards reigned. And, when Harry finally defeated Voldemort, the strength of the dark magic was broken, and the time to correct the fallen thing was in place. And that is a legacy which now must be realized and a quest undertaken to redeem history, as it where.'

Lucy picked up her magazine. 'Is this an old witches tale, Shelandragh? It's hardly biblical.'

'Oh, but it is. And in the lore I have received since ancient times it is well attested to. You'll be needed, and others, and Harry too. Because as the chosen one it is his responsibility to now deal with the Children of the Rainbow Coven.'

Lucy remained silent, reading her magazine. Finally she spoke. 'I had a dream. A few nights ago. The Lord told me I had something important to do. And it would be long and hard and difficult.'

'Well now you know what that is,' replied Shelandragh May.

'Now I know,' said Lucy softly. She looked at the fireplace, as it burned away. 'Heaven's Above,' she said to herself.

The End

Fanfic Ideas

'Hey Tails,' said Daniel.

'What Danny Boy,' replied Taylor.

'Let me, the Chronicler, give you some stuff from my ancient records of crazy story ideas.'

'Shoot,' replied Taylor.

'Here we go,' said Daniel, and began relating old knowledge.

Beverly Hills Cop: The Revenge of Mr Chiu

One Scene
Axel, Lee & Mr Chiu get into Axel's Chevy. Lee point to a plastic
figure of Crazy Frog on the dashboard and ask's what's that.
Axel replies 'What's that? What's that? That's crazy frog motherfucker.
'What's that.'
Mr Chiu had his electronic store and lab robbed. Some of his crucial
technology was stolen. Axel was assigned to the case, but Mr Chiu
is not that forthcoming on information. Whenever Axel presses him
for details about his research, Lee (female niece of Mr Chiu) always
looks at Mr Chiu and Mr Chiu looks at Lee, and they remain silent.
Mr Chiu had designed computing technology which was capable of
predicting winners in horsing events, through analyzing the data. Crime lords
broke in, bashed Mr Chiu, and stole the technoloy. Axel has been assigned
to make sure Mr Chiu is ok. He was told to 'Keep an eye on him'.
Axel gradually works out who might be behind the crime from his research
and goes to the race course were he talks with the crime lord billionaire,
who suggest Axel watches his step.
Later on in the film Axel is brought into a computer room with Mr Chiu
who rushes to see his computer. The bad guys have them hostage because
they need Mr Chiu to run the computer properly. Lee is probably instrumental
at this stage in freeing Axel, and gives him a gun, and he manages to call
the cops whilst dispatching the bad guys.

NOTE: This is possibly an Eddie Murphy Fanfiction. A Story in the Angels

Saga were Eddie has started working as a copy in Beverly Hills and nicknames

himself Axel Foley, following the tradition of his movies.

'It's funny how Eddie Murphy lived again as the Beverly Hills Cop,' said Taylor. 'Life wrote out its own plans in storytelling which came to life in the destiny of latter realms.'

'It had become ingrained in them by then,' replied Daniel. 'Here's a story which has an interesting life in it.'

Dead or Alive – Black Comedy

5 Melbourne Uni Students are sharing a flat together, doing their studies, chillin' and being the coolest students on campus. But a series of unfortunate events has led to 'The Beast' – one of the big hefty ocker blokes on campus – being found dead in the middle of their flat. They are lost for what to do about the situation, and worried that may be implicated in a potential murder. One of the lines is 'We'll fuck him up the arse,' which comes after another scene, said by one of the blokes. A lady says 'That could be interesting.' The other guy says 'I ain't fucking the beast.' Another lady, the emo, says 'Necrophilia. Cool.' The levelheaded lady says. 'Explain.' The guy explains that if they sodomize the body they can claim the beast was involved in a lovers tiff. 'And if they ask you for a sperm sample?' They guy says 'Scratch that then.' They spend a while trying to work out what to do with the dead body in various scenes around the flat. Finally, they are all out the back of the flat having a smoke, and when they go back inside the body is gone. The beast then walks in from the kitchen, with a beer in hand, saying 'I have a shit fucking headache,' as he rubs his head. He was alive all along.

'How that all turned out would be interesting,' said Taylor. 'Melbourne has a deep spirit to it.'

'Most big cities do,' replied Daniel. 'Now there's this story.'

SUMO KID – THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR

A fat young Japanese kid is being teased in school.
He goes home one day, taking an alternate route, and
sees Mr Miyagi doing Bonzai.
'What are you doing?' asks David Watanabe to Mr Miyagi.
Mr Miyagi looks at him. 'Bonzai.'
'My grandfather has a tree like that,' said David.
'You are Japanese?' asked Mr Miyagi.
'Hi,' replied David. 'But I don't speak it well.'
'You have a bruise,' said Mr Miyagi.
'Kids at school. They pick on me.'
'You should learn Karate,' said Mr Miyagi. 'I will teach you.'
David spends some afternoons learning Karate, and Daniel is
trying to get Mr Miyagis attention, a little jealouse. One day
David is asked by Mr Miyagi to run around the block. He starts
running, but tires out after 100 metres. Daniel runs past and
says 'Lap 7 Mr Miyagi,' and stops and looks at Mr Miyagi
who is looking at David on the ground, tired out.
'Not really working out, huh?' says Daniel.
'I'm not sure if Karate is his things,' replies Mr Miyagi.
'That night Mr Miyagi is watching Sumo on TV. The following
weekend he is at a Sumo studio in the city, watching the action.
He borrows a book on Sumo from the library and starts studying.
David shows up for training. Mr Miyagi says Karate will probably
not work for him. Then he shows him a video on Sumo.

NEXT SCENE

Later on in the week at a gym.

Sumo Kid starts wrestling a big plastic covered puff man.

'I have you now, puff man,' says Sumo Kid.

Jacky Takai watches him in the gym. 'Pathetic, David. You'll never amount to any warrior. I'm a true Sumo. Go back to kindie, sumo kid.'

'Leave me alone,' says Sumo Kid, and walks away from Puff Man and sits at the side of the gym. Mr Miyagi comes through the doors, having watched through the glass panels.

'Come here David san,' says Mr Miyagi.

'Fine,' replies David, getting to his feet.

'Spread your legs, David,' says Mr Miyagi.

'Why?' queries David.

'There is no why. There is do or do not. Never why,' replied Mr Miyagi.

David spreads his feet. Mr Miyagi shoves him, and he falls to the ground. Mr Miyagi helps him up.

'Spread your feet. Pretend someone is going to wrestle you. You need to be firmly rooted on the ground,' says Mr Miyagi.

'He's rooted to Mr Puff Man,' says Jacky, watching. 'He's hopeless Miyagi. You'll never train him.'

'See that competition coming up,' said Mr Miyagi, pointing his hand behind him towards the noticeboard on the wall.

'Yeh,' replies Jacky.

'David will win. I hope you enter.'

'Count on it,' replies Jacky, and leaves the room laughing.

'Now stand firm,' says Mr Miyagi. He pushes David again, who falls again, but was more resistant that time. Mr Miyagi helps him up.

'Better, David san. Better.'

NEXT SCENE

'You know, the Mr Miyagi way usually pulls out a trick or two,' says Daniel.

'I have been thinking about that Daniel San,' replies Mr Miyagi.

'Anything in mind?' asks Daniel.

'Something might be hopping around in my mind,' replies Mr Miyagi.

The TV shows Frogs leaping around in a nature video.

Mr Miyagi takes David to the beach and asks him to start leaping.

David eventually has to leap over a pier beam which juts up out of the beach about 5 feet high.

This is progressed to with his training and he eventually does it.

In the final scene, when Sumo Kid has been beaten pretty badly, the key move is them facing each

other and Sumo Kids starts slapping his own face and makes wild noises then runs at Jacky who

is laughing, ready to wrestle him, but leapfrogs over him, and turns and wrestles him to the ground

and wins the fight. (It's judged a very unusual move but legal enough by the judges).

NEXT SCENE

John Kreese, in his Cobra Kai outfit, comes down on to the beach and watches Mr Miyagi do Tai Chi while David trains.

'So, he's your Sumo Kid,' says John.

'David San is learning,' replies Mr Miyagi.

'His friend. Jacky Chan. Wants me to train him for the upcoming tournament. I don't do Sumo.'

'You do what you wish. We all do,' replies Mr Miyagi.