Chronicles of the 
Children of Destiny 
Morning Stars of Eternity 
Book One

by 
Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly 
http://noahidebooks.angelfire.com 
Copyright 6179 SC 
℗ Circa 6173-6179 SC/2010-2016 CE 

Story Contents: 
Morning Stars: Uriel
Morning Stars: Raguel
Gabriel 4 
Ruth II 
Ambriel at the Farm 
Morning Stars: Phanuel

Morning Stars IV 
Prologue

Yes. Yes. Yes. That would be next. The Comedian himself. Uriel. 

Chapter One

'I am telling you straight, Val. I am telling you straight. He bloody won’t choose anyone apart from Uriel. It is this streak thing they have talked about for ages. They want a streak. They are determined to go from Raphael to Uriel, and then Rags and Phan and Sar. They won’t budge. The eternal Sovereign Seven. And boy are they up themselves about it.’ 
‘Yeh. I know. Still, 45th is ok. And consistency is important, remember. It’s important. Builds up reputations, and that’s a good thing. 
‘Yeh, I suppose. I suppose. Well, I can wait now. I don’t mind waiting now. But they better choose me when its my turn, or there will be hell to pay. I can tell you right fucking now, there will be hell to pay.’ Valandriel nodded. Indeed, they’re likely would. 
‘Well, is, you know, the agenda worth pursuing. Raphael brushed us off for most of the Arc, but, we may very soon have beast number 3 at our disposal. Shall we continue? Is it worth the grief again?’ 
Daniel considered that, and after a while smiled. ‘Mmm. Well, I guess so. He is still a diehard Christian, Raphael, so the claim can quite possibly be made. We will see how Uriel turns out. Don’t worry, this time I will drop off the package. Cindradel has sworn to secrecy, so it shouldn’t be a problem. I guess, after all, it is an opportunity better not wasted. We’ll see how it goes.’ 
‘And then likely Raguel, huh? You are sure they will choose him.’ 
‘Probably. But we will wait and see, ok. We will wait and see.’ 
‘Kapiche Kemosabe,’ responded Valandriel. 
‘Very funny,’ said Daniel. ‘Very funny.’ 

* * * * * 

'The blessings of life eternal,' began the speaker, 'are in living the life which has completed its mission.' 
'And that mission?' queried archangel Uriel, sitting in the front row of the Haven Noahide Fellowship meeting of its central fellowship, in the heart of Zaphora, not far from Danielphon, Daniel himself being the sermonist on this particular occasion. 
'The mission we are all facing in life. Working it out. Working out how to live it. To do it right. To do it in the way, in the end, in which we are happiest - most satisfied - most alive to all the realities which are involved in enduring an eternal existence.' 
'And is that lifestyle enshrined in Torah?' was the next question from Uriel. 
Daniel nodded slowly. 'Yes. I guess you could say it is. But there is more than written Torah. More to life than the wisdom enshrined by God in his teaching directed towards us.' 
'Explain,' said Uriel. 
'Genesis 1 teaches a central principle. God is creator. Yet, we are creation, and being creation we function, not in individuality like so many liberal minded believers lapse into, but in a state of communion with all other beings, God included. The choices we make in this life affect others. We are not alone. We are not a rock - an island - impermeable to all which goes on around us. We are affected by the all, and we affect the all.' 
'Which means what?' asked Uriel again. 
'Which means,' continued Daniel, 'that the blessings of life eternal are working out how to make the right decisions, on a daily basis, for not only our happiness, but the happiness of the all. For in the wider community in which we co-exist together, the all's happiness shapes our own, and vice versa.' 
Karel spoke, the 4th born of the female Seraphim. 'How do we balance this dichotomy of self versus society?' 
'The first impulse is that of order. Through an orderly individual life we contribute to the balance of an orderly society, which is the first rule of law. And through an orderly society the next stages of developing wealth, prosperity, family, tradition, culture and glories are achieved. Thus, as an individual part of a wider whole, we function in the first place on the basis of moral rule - moral law - order - to ensure evil, the opposite to the base society in which happiness can be achieved, does not prosper. And by recognizing that only when the whole of society, with all its individual parts working as they should, and the whole flowing properly as it should, do we find true happiness. Thus, to answer the question, in Torah the first rule of Order is achieved. This God has done for us. But his first chapter of Torah - creation - teaches that there is a great society of factors, the aspects which have arrived from God's creation, including man and angel at its primacy. And man and angel, themselves, go on to create more things for society. Therefore, when we obey Torah, the society works on the basic level of Order. Yet, in all the complexities of this creation, with the need for food, work, entertainment, and other social constructs, there is more than just the teaching of Torah. It is the universal knowledge of how things work, of how cultures function, of how things make us laugh and cry and so on, that is the knowledge which we must learn - properly - to not only fully understand and appreciate the wider realities of creation in which we live, but by understanding the basic principles of all this knowledge, we can function appropriately and correctly in relation to our own bodies, souls and spirits - but also in relation to all the other aspects of the universe. So we read text books to work properly, we watch romances to love properly, and study health techniques to live properly and eat properly.' 

'And in mastering the universal knowledge, which has the moral law of Torah enshrined at its centre which make it all run smoothly on the basic level of moral conduct, we grow in knowledge to the point were we can achieve the blessings of life eternal. Which, to sum up, is to live life according to all the correct rules and principles of the universe - of creation - and all that it contains.' 
'And if we choose to rebel?' asked Uriel, a smile on his face. 

'Then we live in freedom by the power of Saruviel. 
And Daniel then grinned madly. 'Or by the power of the dark lord, and let our own selfish passion run amok.' 


The audience clapped, then, and Daniel finished his sermon. It was well spoken. And the wisdom therein was acknowledged by Uriel the Seraphim. 

* * * * * 

'Pride comes before the fall,' said Uriel, calmly, dressed in white robes with red dragon emblazoned on the front, in Chinese style. 
'Pride comes before the fall,' confirmed Daniel the Seraphim. 
'Pride comes before the fall, confirmed the prophet Daniel, the Cherubim. 
'Pride indeed comes before the fall,' likewise confirmed Chileab, son of King David, whose name was also Daniel. 
'Yes. Pride comes before the fall,' said Callodyn the Cherubim, Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly. 

Uriel looked at the 'Council of Daniel's. The Lords of humility, as the Theophany had called them, with a smile on his face, in a recent event in which the Overseer of the Realm of Eternity, Uriel, was being honoured by his guests. 

'To think too greatly of ourselves?' queried Uriel. 

'Leads to crucifixion,' said the wisecracking Jesus of Nazareth, over by the side of the council, an honoured guest. 

Daniel, son of David, spoke up. 'It is a distortion of the truth. A great sin. For while excessive humility can often be taken as a sign of virtue, nobody likes a braggart. They bring the party down.' 

'In your mocking words of superiority,' spoke the Seraphim Daniel, 'if you have not the ability to back up your proud words, do not expect to be easily forgiven. Or respected.' 

Kantriel, another honoured guest, dressed in chainmail, a dragon also emblazoned on his tunic, spoke up. 'By what right does the council of Dan's judge us? Where is your authority?' 

'Yes,' commented Jesus. 'I wouldn't mind knowing the answer to that myself.' 

Daniel the Cherubim turned to Saruviel. 'Do they object to being judged? I was assured they sought our wisdom before we convened this council?' 

Kantriel spoke before Saruviel could comment. 'Sorry. Sorry, that is true. We do desire your wisdom. Yet, I ask, what makes the council of Dan's so wise in its own opinion that it presumes to judge those such as ourselves?' 

Callodyn spoke. 'Wisdom. Eternal wisdom. It comes to those who have humbled themselves before the throne of eternal knowledge, our eternal father himself. He commissioned our council for the purpose of teaching enlightened wisdom of spiritual morality. Our everlasting Kingdom of Divine authority is enshrined in Torah, also, by the will of God Most High. Would you seek to remove our appointment?' 

'No,' said Jesus. 'If God has approved of you.' 

Callodyn spoke again. 'We have much we could say. We have led long lives, just as yourselves, and given much thought and ponderings to the intricacies of many areas of judgement. For our names appoint us to this role, and it is how we see our fulfilments in life. But, in our humility, we do not oppose those who reject such judgements. We come only in mercy and grace. Our words are intended to bring hope, joy and meaning. We do not insist they are acted upon. We are gentle men. God fearing men. We are not warriors of might, as you know so well. We are children of God, serving in meekness and truth. We do not have the character to act in aggression. Sensei’s of peace are not of this power. Our royal dominion is servile, meek, gentle - humble. We will speak on our faith if you wish to hear it. Not otherwise.' 

'It is as you say, brother,' said Daniel the Cherubim. 

Daniel, son of David, nodded. 

Daniel the Seraphim said 'My brother speaks my mind also.' 

'Mmm,' said Kantriel. 'So if we choose to ignore you?' 

'Life goes on,' said Daniel the Seraphim. 'It will not bother us. We are your friends. We are your confidantes. We care for you. We are here to judge you for your own positive life’s sake. Not to do harm. We are not out to do you harm, dear brother Kantriel.' 

'And thus, pride comes before the fall,' said Uriel again. 'Does it not, master Sensei’s? Master Dan's'? 

The council, dressed in robes of white, with rainbows splashed across the front of their robes, nodded. 

'And that is the first lesson,' said the Prophet Daniel. 
'Yes, that is the first lesson,' said Daniel, son of David. 
'Yes. The first lesson,' said Daniel the Seraphim. 
'The first,' said Callodyn, Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly. 

The council stood, exited the room, leaving the gathering of 12 angels chatting for a while, all dressed in their most honourable robes, which were robes of warriors in chainmail, swords at their sides. 


Saruviel spoke. 'They are pretty serious men. Very meek. Daniel's have always been like that. But pretty serious.' 

'Indeed,' said the Theophany, dressed in thick plate mail, a crown on his head, a large red wolf emblazoned on his tunic. 

* * * * * 

Joanne commented first. 'I don't know. Maybe. I suppose, yes. I suppose he really is.' 
Emma said, 'Well, yes. I know the Bond fellow is pretty famous, but Harry is huge. A phenomenon. Daniel has an amazing name because of it.' 
'But doesn't that defeat the point,' said Joanne. 'Isn't it supposed to be a council of humility.', 
'We are looking for well known Daniel's, not for pride, but well known ones who exhibit genuine meekness. Genuine softness. We have initial plans for a council of 7 members, but eventually to grow to 45 as our final number,' said Daniel the Cherubim. 
'Why 45?' asked Ms Rowling. 
'Daniel equals 45 in English in Ordinal Equivalents Gematria or Numerology. It is the best number to work with for that reason.' 
'Why English?' asked Emma. 
'Callodyn was first on the council,' said Daniel the Cherubim. We chose 45 in English because of that. It would have been different if it was myself. Probably the Hebrew equivalent instead.' 
'Right,' said Emma. 
'Could you ask for us?' asked David's son Chileab. 
'Oh, ok,' said Emma. 
'I don't mind,' said Joanne. 
'Thank you,' said Daniel the Cherubim. 'That would be appreciated.' 

'Do you have a purpose? A mandate?' asked Joanne. 

'Another council on spirituality,' said Chileab. 'It has a way about it. Just being 'Daniel's'. We thought it was a good idea upon the Theophany's suggestion, so we decided to run with it. Its long term use, whatever it tackles, well.... Well that remains to be seen.' 

'Mmm. Keep me informed said Joanne. 'I might write a book on it one day.' 

'Should be a classic,' said Emma Watson. 

* * * * * 

The Council of Daniel's was in private session. 
'The Word of God is immutable,' stated the Prophet, Daniel the Cherubim of Judah. 
'I concur,' agreed Callodyn the Cherubim, the human Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly. 
'Is not truth the fundamental issue?' queried Daniel Craig, the Bondman himself. 
'Yes. Truth. It is the foundation of all eternal empires,' replied Daniel Radcliffe, the illustrious Harry Potter. 
Chileab, Daniel son of David, spoke up. 'Truth is not always a matter of divinely ordained fact alone. There is a human element which influences the divine, the power of our own faith and prayer.' 
'And thus we keep faith in the immutable Tanakh, and pray our wisdom from the Book of Daniel in multiple and eternal fulfilment and meaning,' said Daniel the Seraphim.' 
'Yet is it true?' objected Daniel Craig once more. 
'It becomes the truth,' stated Daniel the Cherubim. 
'It becomes the truth,' stated Daniel son of David.' 
'It becomes the truth,' stated Callodyn, the human Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly. 
'It becomes the truth, Daniel Craig,' said Daniel the Seraphim. 
Daniel Radcliffe put his head into his hands. 'Yet this prophecy? It is controversial. And whereforth did it righteously originate? Ye have never said Daniel San.' 
Daniel the Seraphim smiled. 'It originates in the wisdom of the Ages. Surely ye cannot challenge its Danielic origin.' 
'No, I doubt very much that I could,' responded Daniel Radcliffe. 
'Then all is well,' replied Daniel the Seraphim. 
'Yes. All is well,' said Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly. 
The Prophecies of Daniel the Seraphim sat on the centre stage of the council room. A statue of a leopard stood beside it. 
'Time is again upon us, my brethren,' said Daniel the Seraphim. 
'Time is upon us,' they all responded as one. 

* * * * * 
'I am a leopard,' said Uriel. 'And I have wings to fly,' he said. 
'You have wings to be an idiot,' said Karel, not looking up from the TV set. 
'You would speak with the illustrious Overseer of Zaphon in such a tone?' queried Uriel. 'You have been eating too much Chow Mein I think.' 
'You can Chow Mein me,' replied Karel. 
'I am Beast THREE said Uriel. For the prophcy is immutable. It has been righteously declared by the Council of Daniel's.' 
'Another scheme of Daniel's for glory,' said Karel. 'He's just a bit obvious you know.' 
'People like his charm,' said Uriel, coming to sit down next to her. 'He keeps the world amused.' 
'If they knew your lovemaking skills you'd leave Daniel in the dust,' replied Karel, giggling. 
'The fourthborn of the Female Seraphim of Eternity would dare question my inimitable prowess in the love pad?' asked Uriel. 
'I've been considering dating a sloth,' she replied. 'He'd be a little more active.' 
'You are – truly inconsiderate. And after all those sex instructional videos you had me watched.' 
'Which you just jerked off over,' she replied, giggling again. 
Uriel did not reply. He was embarrassed. 
'So what is the first order of business for the Holy Leopard Beast of Eternity?' asked Karel. 
'A new agenda,' replied Uriel. 
'We have enough religions,' replied Karel. 
'Not talking about those shenanigans. The amount of emails I get from people trying to convert me? By Jehovah's wrath it pisses me off. No, sweetie. New ideas. Something which the inestimable wisdom of Uriel the Seraphim can birth in the Realm of Eternity.' 
'You make it sound so traumatic,' said Karel. 'I'm not sure the realm is ready to be rebirthed.' 
'Shaddup,' he replied. She just giggled. 
'No, I have a plan. China is well known for its famous comedians. Consider Jackie Chan.' 
Karel looked at her twin. 'Your bragging again,' she replied. 
'My dear. I never brag,' replied Jackie, bowing. 'No, I intend this to be a lighthearted Archal Epoch for the Realm of Eternity after Raphael's boring, but admittedly spiritual, reign of pleasantville. Time to lighten things up a little. So I will be employing Daniel the Seraphim, Valandriel the dimwit, Edward Murphy the Alcoholic, Jeremiah Seinfeld the Mocker and Azrael the Insane to get things going. There will be a series of events, and a contest at the climax of things, to determine 'The Funniest Guy in the World!' And I shall indubitably compete for the prize also.' 
She looked at him a little more seriously. 'Fascinating,' she replied. 
'You heard it here first,' he said, and went back to posing like his Leopard. 
'Whatever are we getting into,' thought Karel to herself, as she watched her twin make pose after pose of male, egotistical, bravado. 
* * * * * 
'He thinks he's a comedian,' said Callodyn the Cherubim. 
'Yeh. Impossible right,' said Kayella. 'Everyone knows your the biggest joke in the realm of eternity.' 
Callodyn glared at his twin, and returned his focus to the Comedy Network on TV. 'Jackie Chan. Action hero at best, and a mediocre one at that. He's just ripping off old Eddie Murphy jokes from what I've seen.' 
'Where as you are a clone of all the bad comedians conglomerated together,' remarked Kayella. 
He glared at her again. 'I should launch a discussion on the council of Daniel's. The inappropriateness of the realm overseer being a comic. Totally beneath the role.' 
'Ha!' she cried. 'Greatest statement of hypocrisy of all time.' 
He glared at her. Time to answer this fowl woman. 'You know Kayella. When God first designed women, he got to your blueprint. It will take the most sophisticated, intelligent, longsuffering, wise, illuminated and eternally patient soul of all to deal with this lady as his twin.' 
'But he chose you instead,' she replied, grinning. 
'Yes. And I've borne that cross for countless years now. You know, some people say to me. Callodyn, they say. We know hitmen. For a small fee they can be your backdoor men. I have not listened yet to their offers. Foolish of me, you will agree. But I have exhibited truly remarkable patience with the Witch Queen from Hell itself.' 
She only grinned more madly. 
'Art thou cooking dinner this evening? I see no meat on the bench in the kitchen verily defrosting.' 
'Girl's night out. Taylor and Luladiel and myself are going into Zaphona City for a party. Order pizza or something.' 
Callodyn nodded. 'Taylor and Luladiel? Mmm. You have taste. I have always liked those two.' 
'Get your mind out of the gutter,' she remarked. 'I'll be leaving late afternoon.' 
'Then be off with you fowl witch queen of hell,' he replied, and shooed her away with a wave of his hand. She just gave him a face. 
* * * * * 
'There was another life,' said Daniel Radcliffe. 'I remember it in my heart, in my soul. Were Harry lived. More than just words on a page. A living, real thing.' 
'I don't know,' said J K Rowling. 'Harry is a creation.' 
'And Lucy Smith was Lucy Potter,' continued Daniel. 'We were cousins. I know this in my heart. It was a heaven above, or something like that. I don't understand it, but my dreams come in, and they disappear, and I sense it truthfully. I was Harry Potter. Or I WILL be Harry Potter. It might be future.' 
'I think you are just dreaming,' said Joanne. 
'And Robert Pattinson was Cedric and also a vampire after he died. He had been taken to a life of Dark Love. I don't understand it at all. It's really weird,' said Daniel. 
'The Angel Kardos – is NOT a vampire,' said Joanne firmly. 'I think your dreams, Daniel. They are just wild Harry Potter fantasies. Nothing more.' 
'And one of the Spice Girls ruled everything,' said Daniel. 
'It's confirmed. Your nuts,' said Joanne. But Daniel just sat there, with a cogitatious expression on his face, unperturbed. 
Emma Watson spoke up. 'I've had a few weird dreams like that also. And Lucy Smith was a Lucy Potter I also dreamed. And Daniel was her cousin Jonathon Smith. It was very strange.' 
'Not you too,' said Joanne, pouring another cup of tea for each of them. They were in J K Rowlings lush English Countryisde manor, in the heart of England in Terraphora, and were discussing Daniel Radcliffe's weird fantasies. 
'In another world I was a cowboy for a while, and the spice girl Melanie C and Daniel the Seraphim were our best friends for a while,' said Daniel. 
'A cowboy?' queried Emma. 'Equus is the closest you come to horses.' 
'I know,' said Daniel. 'Weird. It was all – before. After this great rest we went through there were all these worlds in between. But it's like it hasn't happened yet. That its our future or something. Our destiny.' 
Joanne sipped on her tea and observed Daniel Radcliffe. Was he fantasizing? Were these just delusions of an overactive dream life? Or had her worlds really lived once, or were going to live one day? Was Harry Potter going to really be? 
'Don't let it go to your head, Daniel,' said Joanne. 'Whatever else you are Daniel Radcliffe now and forever. Nothing more, nothing less.' 
But Daniel would not be placated. 
* * * * * 
He found him in the back shed, and wandered into the ramshackle place, watching were he was stepping. 
'Richard. Richard Harris,' said Daniel. 
Richard turned away from the gadgetry he was tinkering with and looked at Daniel. 'Daniel Radcliffe. Dear friend, how good to see you.' 
The Dumbledore actor urged Daniel to sit down, and they began chatting. 
'Richard. What do you know of magic?' asked Daniel. 
'Heh. I'm only a wizard onscreen,' said Richard. 'It's not a particular hobby of mine.' 
'Seriously,' replied Daniel. 'What do you know?' 
Richard's friendly smiled turned a little more serious. 'Ok. I have a few books, up in the house attic. I've read them. From time to time. I don't dabble. But I've read them.' 
'Do you have any........memories? Weird memories? About being Dumbledore?' asked Daniel. 
Richard gazed at him steadily. 'Your talking foolishness and nonsense Daniel Radcliffe.' 
Daniel persisted. 'I have memories, I'm sure, of being Harry Potter. In another world. Another life, before this eternal world I think. But I'm not 100% sure either. It might be dreams of the future as well. Some of my thinking has been suggesting to me just that. I'm NOT Harry Potter. But I will be one day.' 
Richard sat there, observing Daniel for quite a while. 'I have work to do,' he said at last. 'Stay for dinner, but leave me to my tinkering. Nonsense and poppycott, Daniel. Go on, off to the house with you.' 
Daniel sighed, but as he left the shed, Richard observed his departure. He observed it, thinking briefly over a recent dream, but dismissed it and returned to his tinkering. 
* * * * * 
Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly, the 347th Cherubim of the Realm of Eternity, the original founder of the Advancing Noah Movement, which had mostly been developed by his offspring the Cherubim Callodyn and the Seraphim Daniel, was chatting with his friend Aaron Goodsell, the Seraphim Phanuel, sixthborn of the Seraphim Angels of Eternity in Romnaphon Keep in Terraphora, were Phanuel resided usually and ran affairs. Yet, they were interrupted in the cafeteria of Romnaphon by another member of the council of Daniel's, for Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly had also been admitted to that council, the interupter a very concerned Daniel Radcliffe. 
'Phanuel. You rule the sixth heavenly realm,' said Daniel Radcliffe. 
Phanuel and Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andre Daly looked curiously at Daniel Radcliffe. 'The sixth heavenly realm?' queried Phanuel. 'What the hell you talking about bro?' 
'I'm not sure,' said Daniel to Phanuel, taking a seat. A waitress came, and he ordered iced Melit Water, and sat there. 'It's something in my head at the moment. I'm Harry Potter in this realm, and you are the firstborn son of God, and you rule it all. And the Spice Girl, Emma Bunton, Baby Spice, became the ultimate Queen of this heaven, and, ironically enough, was the Queen of one of your religious Assemblies Daniel,' he said to Phanuel and then Cherubim Daniel. 
'Baby Spice? One of my Queens. How droll,' said the Cherubim. 
'But it is Michael who is firstborn,' said Phanuel. 'You have it all backwards.' 
'Not in this world,' said Daniel Radcliffe. 'You were firstborn, and ruled. And I was the wizard Harry Potter, and it was all true and all real.' 
Phanuel looked steadily at Daniel Radcliffe. 'Are you taking medication at the moment? Seeing a shrink or something?' 
'It's nothing like that,' said Daniel. He looked at Cherubim Daniel. 'I need a seconder. On the council of Daniel's. I want to raise a question regarding destiny, and what could one day be.' 
'Sure,' said Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly. 'If it is that important to you.' 
'It is,' said Daniel Radcliffe. 'Very.' 
His water arrived and he sipped on it. 
'Anyway, a serious subject will give us relief from all the bad comedy at the moment. Everyone think's he or she's a comedian,' said Cherubim Daniel. 
'And you're the worst,' grinned Phanuel at Cherubim Daniel. 
'Hah hah,' replied Daniel sarcastically. 
Daniel Radcliffe finished his iced Melit water, stood, and looked at Cherubim Daniel. 'It's important to me. Please don't change your mind.' 
'I won't. Scouts honour,' said Cherubim Daniel. 
Daniel Radcliffe left, and Phanuel turned to Cherubim Daniel. 'Delusions of grandeur,' he said to his buddy. 
'Maybe,' said cherubim Daniel, looking at the departing actor, but he wasn't quite so sure himself. 
* * * * * 
'It's a mystery,' said Chileab – Daniel – son of David. 
'Yet mysteries are to be resolved,' said Daniel the Seraphim. 
'Mysteries are to be resolved,' echoed Daniel Craig. 
'Daniel. You are the master of interpreting dreams. Are dream realities?' Daniel the Seraphim asked the prophet of Israel, Daniel the Cherubim. 
'A beast is born and a beast dies, and dreams foretell of what will be. But some are true and some are false and some the strangest fantasy,' said the prophet. 
'Is Destiny herself the mother of fantasy, or false delusion, or does she speak in our hearts what lies ahead? In the shadows of night, when our dreamscape is filled with possibilities?' asked Daniel the Seraphim to the council of Daniel's. 
'It is apparent,' said Chileab. 'That she is but a child of heaven, in a role she does undertake. Yet the mystery of her role is taken by the Most High and wrought into being for us children of destiny.' 
'And the Sandman, Dream Lord Daniel himself, of the child of heaven, crafts out her wisdom and sends it to is in the sands of infinite progression, does he not?' inquired Daniel the Seraphim. 
Callodyn spoke. 'Dream Lord has countless minions who serve his directives, lesser angels of a realm of dreaming and fantasy. This must be true. It is all part of the grand scheme of life which destiny plans, and which the Author writes to be.' 
'Then that is the mystery explained,' said Chileab. 
'That is the mystery explained,' said Daniel Craig. 
'That is the mystery explained,' finished Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly, looking directly at Daniel Radcliffe. 
'Portents of life,' Daniel Radcliffe surmised in his thought. Portents of life. And he resolved in his heart to accept that as his answer for the time being, and would give it some more contemplation, yet let it be as just that. A mystery which was all part of their Angels Saga of life, the Chronicles of the Children of Destiny. 
* * * * * 
Uriel sat in silence in his room. Karel sat with him. 'It wasn't that bad,' she said. 
'I got booed,' he replied. 
'They laughed at some points,' she said. 
'They laughed at me,' he replied. 
'You weren't that terrible,' she said. 
'I sucked big time,' he replied. 
'Well, they respect your work as overseer,' said Karel. 
'All I'm bloody good at,' sighed Uriel. 'Well, I gave it a go. That is all I can ask of myself.' 
'What? Quitting? The Archangel Uriel I know is not a quitter,' said Karel. 
'You're mistaking me for Valandriel and Daniel,' replied Uriel. 
'Yes. Yes I am. They would soldier on after sucking and work it out. Not wuss out. Yes, I should probably move in with Daniel instead. He will probably make me laugh,' replied Karel. 
Uriel looked down at the review in the newspaper. 'The worst attempt at comedy of all time. Banal racist jokes. Daft slapstick. Very, very unfunny,' it read. 
'You just need work,' said Karel. 'Go over the good bits and concentrate on them.' 
'There weren't any good bits,' said Uriel. 
'No. Not really. But the concepts are ok. The ideas you are using. You just need to make them funny,' she replied. 
'It's not easy. I thought I'd get a good reaction. Chris Rock makes it look far easier than it actually is,' replied Uriel. 
'Have you done some research? Read a lot of funny books and thought through the ideas in comedy movies, and what makes people laugh? Learn what triggers a reaction. That might be a way to work it out. You're smart enough. Don't quit Uri. Take it as a challenge. If at first you don't succeed........' 
'Quit,' he replied dejectedly. 
'Oh Uri,' said Karel, and put her arm on his shoulder, consoling him. 'Just be patient. The jokes will come.' 
'I hope so,' sighed Uriel. 'I hope so.' 

Chapter Two

'What do you call a solo shoe?' Uriel asked Jerahmeel.

'I don't know. What do you call a solo shoe?' replied Jerahmeel.

'Looking for a date,' replied Uriel.

'That's bad,' replied Jerahmeel. They were at Az's place. A bar in Zaphona City. Azrael had pushed the bar idea a few times, and then done other things, but he was at it again.

'You know,' said Jerahmeel. 'What do you think of Ice Blocks?'

'Great for kids,' said Uriel.

'Jollicles,' said Jerahmeel.

'We're discussing your genitalia?' queried the chinaman.

'No. Jollicles. Jerahmeel's Jollicles. It's an idea I have. Thought about starting a chain of Jerahmeel's Jollicles in some of the planetary bodies, and maybe in the Realm.'

'Interesting idea,' replied Uriel. 'You might be a good candyman. If anyone can, Jerahmeel can.'

'Yeh. Maybe,' said Jerahmeel. He winked at Cosadriel behind the bar. 'Put on that Bon Jovi album again, would you. Lost Highway.'

Cosadriel nodded, and the music came over the sound system in the bar shortly.

'Well, you're going to be a comedian,' said Jerahmeel to Uriel. 'As well as overseer.'

'Not pushing it that hard to start with,' said Uriel. 'It's going to be a thing for this Arc of life as Overseer, but ironically I'm not really going for the glory on the issue. Just a lot of bad jokes I want to push to get sort of moral rights with them.'

'Why is that?' asked Jerahmeel, sipping on his beer, and looking up at the Rugby League match on the screen between Halifax and Melbourne.

'Want to just develop the idea as a cornerstone in my life which people can look back at and say 'Yeh, Uriel had a go at comedy once. He was pathetic, but he had a go. Just so they know I had a go.'

Jerahmeel looked at his Seraphim brother. 'To get a name as a comedian, but a bad one?'

'The point I have in the glory at this time,' said Uriel. 'I mean, it's just to make sure I'm remembered as a comedian. Not a great one. Just known as one. Later on in eternity, then it's the plan. Way down the road.'

'Right,' nodded Jerahmeel. 'Well, that's one way of playing the ballgame I suppose.'

'Indeed it is,' said Uriel. He looked at the screen. 'Halifax are up 27 to 12 after that field goal. 12 minutes left. I think I've lost my bet. I'm buying today.'

'Halifax have been in form as of late,' said Jerahmeel. 'Been following the comp in recent years.'

'Right,' said Uriel. They watched the match, and the score didn't change, and Uriel paid the bill for the night. Then he wandered home late, after midnight, a little drunk, back to the Overseers apartment, and Karel sighed, but got him into the toilet, showered him, and got him to bed. In the morning she rang the overseer's office to say Uriel would not be in till the afternoon, and spent the morning giving him black coffee, and lecturing him on the vice of drunkenness, which Uriel swore he would remember. He got to work, but only did basic duties, looking at some programs in progress at the moment, and went home early to sleep it off. He thought maybe the tavern again that evening, and enjoying himself for a while, but he was overseer now, so decided to leave it as once per month, and Karel was happy enough with that.

*   *   *   *   *

'Dreams of love,' said Jerahmeel.

The Cherubim Callodyn, Daniel Daly, looked at the TV set. He adjusted the antenna, and the picture righted itself.

'Why do you use a tube TV?' asked Callodyn to Jerahmeel, looking at the screen. 'Ancient technology.'

'It's for the mancave,' said Jerahmeel. 'Traditional stuff from the early years of TV tech. The way I like it,' he replied.

'This is an original realm product, isn't it?' asked Daniel. 'No make that I can see. Done long before we went to Earth.'

'It is indeed Callodyn,' replied Jerahmeel. 'I have a lot of original things which I use and don't put into sacred storage.'

'Sacred storage is a good name for it,' said Callodyn. 'The heart of eternity, when all was fresh and new.'

'It's still new, each day,' said Jerahmeel. 'God works it like that. Each new day of creation has a plan with it. A focus from the Almight. With its own trials and tribulations, joys and rewards.'

'What about Dreams of Love?' Callodyn asked Jerahmeel, who was looking at the TV set. The angel sat down, and started eating potato crisps, watching the sporting match.

'I've had weird ones, lately,' replied Jerahmeel. 'Thought I'd tell you. You can go speak to that Sandman and inquire what his game is.'

'Daniel of heaven has his own ways,' said Callodyn. 'Not my job to interfere with the roles of the children of heaven. They do work for God.'

'Who officially interprets dreams then?' Jerahmeel asked. 'Who has that job?'

'Daniels and Josephs and Gabriels,' replied Daniel, sitting down next to Jerahmeel. 'Biblically, anyway.'

'So you can interpret my dream?'

'You might be better going to Daniel the Seraphim. Daniel is my human name. You would get a humanistic based understanding.'

Jerahmeel ate a crisp. 'That would probably do ok as well.'

'Right,' said Callodyn.

They spent the afternoon watching golf and eating snacks, and Jerahmeel's twin fed them dinner, and later Callodyn suggested Jerahmeel email him about his dreams, and he'd do some research and get back to him on the subject.

* * * * *

'Blazing fire. It was hell. The fires path waved through all the paddocks, and kept on running, down through the dry riverbeds, and all was scorched.'

The angel had a look on his face. That he'd seen hell.

'What happened?' asked Muriel.

'It was hell in the end,' said the Angel. 'We had millions of fireman from all over Pelnaphora fighting the beast. The biggest wildfire in the history of Pelnaphora. It had consumed billions of acres, and I was on the front line. Big trees, as well. Dried stumps. But we took it down.'

'It has been news for a while in Pelnaphora,' said Uriel. 'You see it mentioned on Realm TV somewhat.'

'I've noticed,' said Jerahmeel.

'You look like you could use a drink,' said Muriel, with a slight chuckle in her tone.

'Ice water, Maam,' replied the Angel.

Muriel went off to get the angel a drink, while Uriel and Jerahmeel left the man and wandered out to the back porch of Uriel's Pelnaphoran estate.

'Still got to pay attention to home duties also,' said Uriel. 'Officially I've got someone in my Pelnaphora Overseer's job, but this is hectic time. A lot of people have been affected by the wildfires, and it's needed my personal attention. Even in my capacity as realm overseer it was warranted.'

'Man. That angel has seen life on the edge,' said Jerahmeel. 'Confronting the worst of our fears.'

'Brave soul,' agreed Uriel, and tipped his can of beer to Jerahmeel, who clicked his can also, and they drank in honour of the brave Pelnaphoran firefighter.

* * * * *

Meludiel's Magical Melladon was going well. Muriel had her Miss Universe PNG outfit on, and Karel was looking a million bucks. They were in a conference room, were it was set up with tables, on a lower Zaphon Tower level.

'Crocheting,' said Daniel to Jerahmeel.

'They like that stuff,' replied Jerahmeel.

Daniel the Seraphim sipped on his pineapple juice. 'Oy, Meludiel. Tastes great,' yelled Daniel over to Meludiel in the corner, indicating the pineapple juice. Meludiel nodded, and returned to her conversation with ladies gathered around her. 'Jesus Christ. Pineapple juice. Don't get too excitable Meludiel,' said Daniel.

'She likes to play the saint,' said Jerahmeel. 'Meludiel has always been like that. Anyway, Callodyn gave me some perspectives. What do you say on my dreams?'

'Similar to Callodyn. God is speaking to your heart and commenting on your life. It is what dreams are about. They always mean something, and are usually about current issues in your life. The way you speak of them means, from what I'm discerning, is that you are appreciated in life, and the universe wants you to know that. People are approving of you a lot at the moment. You are doing things right.'

'Callodyn maintained it was people's heart to me at this time. Sort of the same thing I guess,' replied Jerahmeel.

'Yep,' said Daniel, and went over to get a refill of juice.

'Another cup?' queried Jerahmeel. Meludiel was suddenly next to them.

'Does it suffice?' she asked Daniel.

'Oh, it's a million bucks Melly,' replied Daniel.

'Sarcastic as ever,' replied Meludiel. 'Always my dopey brother with the sarcastic tongue.'

'I mean, come on,' said Daniel. 'Pineapple juice? Don't break the budget sis, ya here.'

'We're well budgeted for,' said Meludiel, looking around. 'And pineapple juice is how we like it,' she said. 'Excuse me.' And she was off.

'A woman and her ideas,' sighed Daniel.

'I guess so,' replied Jerahmeel.

* * * * *

'Harry Potter is a world created by J K Rowling,' said Lucy Smith. 'But it has a reality in it Daniel Radcliffe. There are other realms were we exist in a sense, in these personas. You are my cousin Jonathon Smith and you are Harry Potter. All 3 are one. And I'm not completely sure if that is the end of your life either. Destiny carves destiny, our mother Eve, but the creators of knowledge create destiny in their worlds of creation also. And God has this ahead of us in our own destinies. It all works out in the end,' said Lucy Smith.

'You know this. How?' asked Daniel to Lucy.

'I'm gifted in spiritual stuff, and animistic stuff, and I have insight into the dimensions of this universe, and how it fits together. Lots of new age study and mastery has guided me to many conclusions on things which are laughed at, but which are true in the end.'

'Richard Harris IS Dumbledore. In some sort of reality,' said Daniel.

'Indeed he is,' replied Lucy.

They continued chatting and Daniel showed Lucy around his apartment.

'You've already been Jonathon Smith,' she said. 'You just don't remember,' she said.

'An alternate reality which has already ocurred?' queried Daniel.

'Back in the day,' said Lucy. 'I know. Time moves on. We forget. Things change and evolve.

'That's life,' said Daniel.

'That's life,' replied the witch Lucy Smith.

* * * * *

Uriel was with Karel at Meludiel's Magical Mellodon the following month. Gabriel was sitting with Aquariel, in the corner, with Meludiel. Uriel and Karel walked over, and joined them.

'You know,' said Gabriel, as Uriel sat down. 'Life in the Realm is starting to take on depths of spirit. History overlayed with history, in the animistic energy in the Realm. It's old now. It has a lot of history. There is lot of spiritual life in it.'

'The more I travel, the more I notice things,' said Meludiel. 'Places with strong energy, and you sit back and watch the flowers, and a trill of spirits run through your heart.'

'I notice it in the overseer's office,' commented Uriel. 'Heavy thoughts from those before me seem to pervade at times.'

'Heavy thoughts?' queried Aquariel, looking at her brother.

'It was an intense time,' replied Gabriel. 'Prophetical craziness abounded.'

'He's having a go at that again,' said Uriel. 'Won't let him play ball though. Nip his moves in the bud.'

'Best way to handle Daniel,' remarked Meludiel.

They sat in silence, while Meludiel sipped on her pineapple juice.

'So, any major plans for the realm?' asked Aquariel to Uriel.

'This and that. Some chinese culture exhibits coming up on Zaphona City in the next few decades. A focus on my heritage. Other ideas, but slowly coming through. Much in the planning phase.'

'I see,' replied Aquariel.

'Jerahmeel works with me a lot,' said Uriel. 'Right hand man a lot of the time. And Raguel is in and out a lot.'

'Yep,' replied Gabriel. 'Noticed you three are tight.'

'Seems to have been like that a long time,' said Uriel. 'You and Michael are like that.'

'Azrael and Cosadriel,' said Karel.

'Daniel and Valandriel,' said Meludiel.

'Teams, I suppose,' said Uriel.

'I guess so,' replied Gabriel. 'And such a team that has organised this event,' said Gabriel to Meludiel.

'I know they can get dry at times. But we have to fellowship,' said Meludiel.

'Let's dance then,' said Uriel.

Soon the music was playing, and angels were dancing, and a bit of mirth seemed to be building, and things were cheering up from a dry spell in the conversation.

* * * * *

'Legend of Leopard and Lion?' queriel Daniel.

'Yep,' replied Valandriel. 'That is what it is called.'

'And it's about Uriel and Jesus?' queried Daniel the Seraphim.

'It is a response to the prophecies of Daniel. All of them,' said Valandriel.

'They are having a go?' queried Daniel.

'It is, in their own words, a riposte,' said Valandriel.

'It is a wank,' said Daniel.

'The movie comes out next week. It's in all the movies in the previews,' said Valandriel. 'It stars Uriel and Jesus in armour, warring knights against the infidels of 'Dalydia'.'

'The infidels of Dalydia?' asked Daniel.

'They are taking on Daniel and co,' replied Valandriel. 'They feel we need to be replied to, as I said.'

'We can manage this,' said Daniel.

'We'll need a plan,' said Valandriel.

'Hey, that's what we do kemosabe,' said Daniel.

'True,' replied Valandriel.

They were sitting in Zaphon cafeteria, looking at the menus, discussing the upcoming movie epic.

'I mean, we let it slide,' said Daniel. 'People will forget the moves of the fallible ones.'

'Fallible ones?' queried Valandriel.

'It's something I'm pushing with various websites,' said Daniel. 'Our oppponents are the fallible ones. It's a phrase. I'll push it a while.'

'We'll see,' said Valandriel.

'Have you noticed that Melanie looking at me,' said Daniel, waving back to Melanie the Cherubim who just entered the cafeteria.

'I think sporty likes you,' said Valandriel.

'Weird. She became a pop singer. Well famous because of it. I had a bit of thing for the Spice Girls as well.'

'Maybe that is why she likes you so much,' said Valandriel.

Daniel mused on that, but returned his focus to the menu. They both eventually ordered, while Daniel noticed Melanie looking at him more than once. The attention of a Spice Girl. Interesting.

* * * * *

Well, the jokes did come in time, and Uriel was pleased with himself.  The fourth Arc of the Realm of Eternity had its high moments, and its low moments, but in the end Uriel passed the test, did his work competently enough as overseer, lives were lived, and lives went on.  Uriel developed his humor, which had been a goal, but did not end up making a great career out of it.  Experience for life embellishment, in the end, and nothing more than that.  And life, as they put it, went on.

The End

Morning Stars V

Raguel, replacing Uriel, was expected. Everyone saw it coming, and everyone knew it was the right thing to happen. They didn’t want much change at the moment. People were generally happy. But Raguel had things on his mind. Daniel things. 

* * * * * 

‘A trial run, you say? That’s not quite what they expect.’ 
‘Like I said, 45,000 years from next year, and then I take out the million. Call it a sampler of Daniel. They like you. Some of them don’t want to wait forever, if you know what I mean. How about it?’ 
‘Yeh. Yeh, ok Rags. And thanks. Thanks.’ 
‘You’re welcome.’ 

Later on that day Daniel was over at Valandriel’s, having a little bit of wine, and smiling quite a bit. Hey, this was okay. Quite okay. A bit of a turn. He had forgotten most of his agenda, though. They had said ‘Not really going to happen.’ But Danny remembered the beginning when Sariel had a go and Saruviel had a go. It was mostly Michael, of course, but things happen from time to time. And Raguel didn’t mind that, so Daniel could have an early shot at it. Yeh, that was okay. That was quite fine.’ 

The year passed, and Daniel was chosen as overseer. He made an announcement that evening and said certain protocols would be altered, and certain laws repealed. ‘It will be a little more relaxed for a while, friends. Not so legalistic. There is an important copyright law, though. Original authors must be cited. Factual and truthful information must be cited. Quite important that. Oh, and another thing, we’re moving temporarily. Out to Mitraphora. Council will be stationed in ‘Lameth’ for about 42,000 years, and then back to Zaphon for 3,000 years, after which Raguel is in charge again. We need a change of scenery for a short while, just to freshen things up a little. And finally there will be certain sexual liberties for about 15,000 years. Certain romances need to be taken care of and so on. There’s a few other things, but mostly life in general. Council will be at Lameth. After the few introductory changes, nothing else from me. I won’t even be at council, but mostly at Zaphon. I won’t be available for any interviews, won’t be making any decisions, won’t be doing any policy, won’t be doing anything, actually. Just my personal life. But, hey, that’s life isn’t it. Talk to you soon, bye for now. 

* * * * * 

Daniel sat with Valandriel. They hadn’t even needed to send in the Prophecy this time. They hadn’t even needed to do that. Raguel had had his year, and as far as Valandriel and Daniel were concerned, the prophecy had done his bit and gotten him the job he was after. Daniel appointed, very quickly, Valandriel as his second in command, and got to work with his short list of things which needed amending. ‘You can sit in the executive suite, Val. You have stuck with me, so I have the official position at this stage, but you can have the glory of doing the work and getting the fame if you like. It is a short stab at the job, so we have got what we wanted for now.’ 
‘I am not that worried anymore, Danny. I am number 12 on the list, and I can wait. There is a run up, you see. I don’t think the heart of the run will change very much. We are basically getting one Arc each. It rounds out to that. You are lucky Raguel is so generous, you know. He has given you a fair slice.’ 
‘It is not too much. Besides, it evens things out somewhat from the earlier years. There is a little bit of flexibility, but hey that is life, isn’t it.’ 
‘And Raguel? Don’t you think he is a little worried about the 4th beast tag?’ 
‘I think that problem will disappear once your tenure is over, Val. We worked hard, got what we wanted, and I think, in the end, father gave us a break. Knew we were eager so let us have a go. About time he noticed, actually.’ 
‘Yes, yes, you’re right. Well, to our duties. And let me know when the day comes for the big seat. It should actually prove interesting.’ 
‘Will do, Kemosabe. Will do.’ 

* * * * * 

‘So it was just a tactic to get the job?’ 
‘That is what I am starting to think, Raphael. That is what I am starting to think.’ 
Michael looked at Raguel, considering his words. ‘So he has suckered you in the end, has he? Suckered us all.’ 
‘Perhaps,’ said Rag. ‘I was pretty careful that whole year in office to keep my mouth very polite towards God and respectful of his sovereignty. I don’t think I went anywhere near those words of the fourth beast, so I am starting to think it was just a tactic in the end. Like you said, he has suckered us.’ 
Gabriel nodded. ‘Then we will have to plan a revenge on this Seraphim. A most delicious revenge, I think. A most delicious revenge indeed. But we will wait a while, I think. Let the wind blow over, let things die down. But we will plan now, sow seeds, and not be as obvious as our dear brother.’ 
‘And let the Devil beware,’ said Uriel, and they all laughed. 

* * * * * 

Daniel stared at the prophecy. The fourth beast. Raguel. But only 1 year in the position, and now Daniel was in charge. 1 year. 1 solitary year. But Daniel was due 45,000 of them. And then he saw the smile on Raguel's face one afternoon when he came around to discuss some of the current business matters he had been handling, when Daniel made a decision. 
'Look. Rags. Stick with it. Here's the key. Ok.' 
And Daniel threw the key up into the air, watched as it landed on the desk in front of Raguel, and smiled as Raguel looked at him, slightly startled, as he ducked out of the office, smart enough to have figured something out. 

* * * * * 

'Right,' said Gabriel to Michael's point. 'Our younger brother is not a sucker. Not going to be so easy to catch out.' 
'So lets let it slide for a while,' said Michael. 'I have a plan, ok. It will be his lesson learned.' 
'So I'm the fourth beast,' said Raguel. 
'Just live with it,' said Raphael. 'Keep things normal and people will see through Daniel's prophecy in the end. He will be caught out in time.' 
'I hope your right, Raph. I hope your right.' 
'Daniel will get his come uppance one day, brothers. Remember, pride comes before the fall.' 
'That it does,' said Gabriel. 
And the group all said 'Amen.' 

* * * * * 

So, after much ado about nothing, really, Daniel returned to his agenda with Valandriel, and resigned himself to the long term agenda he had instead, leaving the overseers to choose their successors in turn, and not really wanting to interfere with that again. He would get his own glory, in time, and had a brief few weeks of it, so that would do for now. Later on, when it would be the right time to seek his ultimate glory, then he would show the world what Daniel the Seraphim, 45th of the Male Seraphim of the Realm of Eternity, really was made of. 

* * * * * 

Thus, for the most part, after a few hiccups, life got going again in the Realm of Eternity, a new overseer, a new Arc, a new beginning. They had been through this a few times now, and it was not that much of a surprise. Raguel had some early changes in policy, as each new overseer usually did, but things started flowing after a while with his ideas, and life went on. a new beginning, a fresh start, a letting go of the past, and marching bravely on into the future. 

For many it was a time of change, yet for many, well, the more things changed the more they stayed the same. For many, anyway. 
* * * * * 
Dorachel. Female Seraphim of Eternity. Twin to Raguel. A happy angel of God. She was sitting, watching 'Dora the Explorer', her favourite show, eatching chocolate biscuits, and slightly concerned about her weight. She was a little chubby. Raguel never minded. Dorachel saw through all that. 
'Do you love me?' she would ask. 
'You are divine,' he would reply. 
'And my waist?' she would ask. 
'Only more to love,' he would reply. 
'Bastard,' she would think to herself. Men never told the truth. 
She sat there, and started feeling depressed again. 'I need to get fit,' she said in a moment of inspiration. She got to her feet, looked at her joggers by the door, looked at the TV, and sat back down, picked up the bikkies, and munched away. Who was she kidding. 
A knock on the door. She got up and answered it. 
'Oh, it's you,' she said. Karel the Seraphim walked into the room. 
They sat, looking at Dora, and Karel handed her a bottle of Coca Cola. 
'Did you do it with him last night?' asked Karel. 
'Yeh, we did it,' replied Dorachel. 
'Was he passionate?' asked Karel. 
'Hardly. You'd think after a century's abstinence he would be eager, but he puts it in, explodes, and falls to sleep practically instantly. And I'm left high n dry.' 
Karel petted her sisters belly. 'Elenniel has said it enough, don't you think. They like a girl trim, taut and terrific.' 
'Shut up and drink your coca cola,' replied the Brazillian. 
They sat there for a while, watching Dora lead Boots through the map, and Karel looked at her sister with concern. 
'You've never really been terribly slim, have you?' 
'Not since the pre-terra days,' replied Dorachel. 'I maintained myself then. But life on earth was lots of fast food and chocolate, and I've never really recovered from that.' 
'And whatever you do it never works, right?' asked Karel. Dorachel shook her head. 'Then you need a plan with me, and I'll MAKE you stick to it.' 
Dorachel looked at her hopefully. 'What kind of plan?' 
'Uriel and Raguel want revenge on Daniel San. It involves a series of sporting events. If you can say 'This is awesome. Getting fit for this is great,' it will inspire Daniel to do the kind of results we want.' 
'What is the plan of revenge?' asked Dorachel. 
'Never you mind about that,' replied Karel. 'We'll let you know in time.' 
'Well, ok. I guess,' replied Dorachel. 
'We start in the morning. I'll be here early, and you be ready. Break of Dawn.' 
'Ok,' said Dorachel. 
* * * * * 
For once in her life Dorachel had a bit of motivation. Someone cared about her now. Her sister Karel. And so, getting up before dawn, Raguel not waking, she had a shower, put on her tracksuit, and got into her joggers. And she had just done it when there was a knock. 
'Good, you are ready,' said Karel, as Dorachel opened the door. 'Let's go.' And they were off. 
They got to the bottom of Zaphon keep, and looked out at the city of Zaphona. 'She's a glorious thing, isn't she,' said Karel. 'To see her in this early morning light.' 
'I guess,' replied Dorachel. 
'Ok. I know you are hardly fit,' said Karel. 'So today we'll go slow. Don't worry, there won't be any diet change for months. Today we'll just walk the entire way around Zaphon keep, and that will do. We'll do it every day for a week, and then we'll increase.' 
'Sounds good,' said Dorachel. They started off, and it was probably a good mile the whole way around the keep, as it had developed over the years, and Dorachel was puffing after only a quarter of the way. 
'Is this enough?' asked Dorachel. 
'Without discipline and pain you'll never pull through,' chided Karel. 
'Yes mistress,' replied Dorachel, and steadied herself as they continued. 
There was a buzz of early morning traffic around the keep, as cars and buses went to and fro throughout the city. Zaphona city was the heart of eternity, and the heart of the disc of Zaphora. It had built up a lot over time, and lots of Realm wide business organisations were headquartered there. 
'Once you get fit, you know. He'll be more interested,' said Karel. 
'Do you think?' asked Dorachel. 
'Definitely. He's too sensitive to say anything, but its how they all think. Believe me.' 
'That's good,' replied Dorachel. 
They continued on with their walk, and Dorachel was starting to get that familiar ache in her lower back. 'I need to rest,' she said. 
'We're only half way around. You can rest when we are finished.' 
'I need to bloody rest,' said Dorachel, and sat down on some grass. Karel shook her head, but sat down next to her. 
'I understand,' said Karel. 'A bit too much all at once. But tomorrow no rest. You'll be used to it a bit more then.' 
'Fine,' said Dorachel. 
'Anyway. Is Raguel liking his work?' 
'He doesn't talk about it much,' said Dorachel. 'He says a few things, but doesn't go into much detail. We talk more about TV and the weather and family and stuff.' 
'Oh,' replied Karel, not completely familiar with the conversation topics of Dorachel and her twin. 'He does love you, doesn't he?' 
'He tells me that. It's why we are married I suppose. But I think he gets along better with Uriel and Jerahmeel and Sariel quite frankly. Sometimes I'm just his twin which he has to live with I think.' 
'Mmm,' said Karel. 'Sometimes a relationship needs spice. To make it come alive. Get fit, get active in the bedroom, and he'll like you more. Go places, instead of TV all the time.' 
'Normally we couldn't be bothered,' replied Dorachel. 
'Then get bothered,' said Karel. 'Or you'll never be as happy as you could be.' 
'I suppose,' said Dorachel. 
'Right,' you've had your rest. Here we go again,' said Karel getting to her feet. Dorachel sighed, but nodded, and got to her feet, trudging. They made it though, and Dorachel got back to her suite, laid down on the couch, drank her bottle of water and said 'I'm fucked.' But she felt better. She felt much, much better. 
* * * * * 
Satan. The Dark Lord of Evil. So he imagined himself. But he was getting a lecture from Samael of Heaven, the real Devil. 
'Look, bloke. You are going to have to cut down the shenanigans. Paramount corporation, of which I am a key stakeholder, needs a better reputation. True, shareholders are shareholders because of your name. They like the rep of Satan as the lord of ruthless business practices and hostile takeovers. You're there kind of guy. But we comply with the law or we're fucked up the arse by the big Kahuna. Kapiche?' 
'The big Kahuna can bite me,' replied Satan to Samael. He wasn't in a good mood. Samael had been dishing out orders all morning. 
'Buddy. I have a hell of a lot more repentance required of me in contractual obligations with the children of heaven, and I won't have my good name ruined by your fuck ups. The prostitutes go. Ok. No more of them hanging around the office here. I know your workers don't give a damn. Hey, your the fucking devil, but Adam and Jesus have been questioning me. Am I faithful to my word.' 
'Jesus, is a pussy,' said Satan, in reference to Jesus, the child of heaven, not the literal Jesus of Nazareth of the Cherubim. 
'He's a nasty pussy in his mockery, and he has influence with the Wolf. If I don't comply enough there are nasty penalties in the contract.' 
'Fine,' said Satan. 'But let me keep Delilah. She's to die for.' 
'THEY GO,' said Samael. 
'Spoil sport,' said Satan under his breath. 'Ok. I get it. I get it. The prostitutes are not best ethics for business.' 
Samael glared at his underling. 'Good. And one last thing. The new Cola agenda. Good idea. Go through with it. Paramount Cola sounds great, with the Devil logo you guys have. Should be a real winner.' 
'Sure thing boss,' said Satan, saluting Samael in a sarcastic tone. 
Samael glared at him once more, and looked around the office, now seemingly satisfied. 'Apart form that, keep it up. Business as usual. Share prices are good, and we have good negotiations on things going at the moment. Don't fuck it up.' And then he was gone. 
'No more pussy,' said Samaen, playing with a paperweight. 
'No more pussy my butt,' replied Satan. 'I'll just be more discrete.' 
'Coming from you, that's rich,' said Samaen. 
'You can bite me,' said Satan. Samaen just chuckled. 
* * * * * 
'When was it first called Zaphona?' Ariel asked Daniel. 'The city?' 
Daniel looked over at his twin. 'Oh, it comes in and out of fashion. It's just the Realm of Eternity to the older angels, but a long time ago the term was coined. I think it was Saruviel, actually. In a memorandum to Michael once, he mentioned the term, which had apparently been used between him and Daraqel and Kantriel a bit. But it might have had another source than that. Not 100% sure. Zaphora, though, has been used since the beginning. The very beginning. But it was never taught much.' 
'Right,' said Ariel, and put her face back to the screen. 
'Why?' asked Daniel. 
'Writing. My autobiography,' said Ariel. 
Daniel came and stood and looked at the screen. 'Don't you have an ancient one?' 
'I'm updating,' she replied. 'A lot has happened between then and now. Getting it all down as best I can. Quite a lot to say, actually.' 
'Am I in it?' he asked vainly. 
'Not a word,' she replied. 
'Bitch,' he said. 
'You are practically on every page so get over it egomaniac.' Daniel grinned in response. 
'Are you going to publish? Or is it memoirs for the family.' 
'I'll publish,' she replied. 'Noahide Books this time as well if you like.' 
'We have a minor interest in Ariel the Seraphim,' replied Daniel. 'She has a moderate amount of fame. Mediocre personality, but a moderate amount of fame.' 
'You know Daniel. There was a picture of Satan in the Encyclopaedia of Evil once. Under the most evil of all antagonists. I think they republished recently and you had taken the top slot.' 
'And its about time too,' replied Daniel. 'Yes, we will publish your masterpiece. After the Ladies of the Seraphim Torah your reputation is solid as a rock. We would be honoured.' 
'I'll expect an advance. 40 Quadrillion.' 
'The lady doesn't come cheap,' said Daniel. 
'In cash,' she replied. 
Daniel raised his eyebrows. 'That's a lot of hard currency sweetie. Are you sure you can store it all?' 
'Realm Credits are still serialised,' replied Ariel. 'It's a collection investment in the notes themselves.' 
Daniel was curious. 'You? Collect? You don't normally take an interest in stuff like that.' 
'Oh, I have my collections. Not where you can get your covetous paws all over them, but I have them.' 
'Cash it is,' replied Daniel. 'And that Advance will be fine. Your popular enough throughout the realm to justify it.' 
'Good,' replied Ariel, and turned back to her screen to continue on with her work. Daniel watched her a moment, amused, and returned to watching the A Team. 
'Investing in cash,' Daniel thought to himself. A side of Ariel he had never really seen. How fascinating. 
And the world turned. 
* * * * * 
'So, we're official then?' asked Gloryel, looking at Ambriel with those eyes. 
'Mr Horner has had enough of you then?' asked Ambriel. 
'Oh, Christian is a poo pants,' said Gloryel. 'Racing Cars and Chess. He doesn't think about much else. Trying to become a grandmaster at chess, and challenge the world's greatest. He's too dim.' 
'Your so kind,' said Ambriel in reply. 
'We're official then?' asked Gloryel again. 
'If you insist,' said Ambriel. 'I'll let Meludiel know she can move in with Daniel for a while.' 
'Good,' said Gloryel. 'And we'll do everything together. Go to restaurants, the red carpet everywhere, theatre. I think 'My Fair Lady' is showing in Zaphona at the moment, so we'll be seen there.' 
'So you want to be seen with the Messiah then is it?' asked David, smiling warmly. 
'Oh, get over your ego. Religion is for zealots like that Daniel idiot. I'm a simple child of God who keeps faith in love,' replied Gloryel. 
'And you are so loving,' said Ambriel in a slightly mocking tone. 
'David,' said Gloryel, in a serious tone. 
'Yes Geraldine,' he replied. 
'Do you know anything about coffee? Caffeine?' 
'Enough I suppose,' replied David Rothchild. 
'Do you have any companies involved with their manufacture?' 
'Messiah Ministries has a comprehensive food empire for feeding the poor and disaffected. We produce a lot of our own product. I would imagine coffee is one of our products.' 
'Good, good,' replied Gloryel. 
'Why do you ask?' asked Ambriel. 
'I sense something coming. And I'd like to be involved in you big boys business this time. Daraqel has been talking with me of late, and he is in the know in a lot of circles. Caffeine is being heavily invested in at the moment, and I assume its coffee. It's possibly cola, though. But he's not 100% sure yet.' 
Ambriel looked at her curiously. 'Cola Wars?' 
'That might be the next wave of competition,' said Gloryel. 'And I'd like you and me to be at the forefront of it. If its cola I have some ideas. I saw some of Branson's Virgin Cola ideas for a bit. I think I could offer the world a good product if it is the stuff.' 
Ambriel nodded, slightly surprised at his sisters ambition. 'Do you want to form a company together then?' 
'It's called Ambiglory,' replied Gloryel. 'It was registered three weeks ago. You just have some documents to sign,' she said, batting her eyelashes. 
Ambriel smiled. 'You are a devil aren't you,' he said to his Seraphim sister. 
'Takes one to know one,' she grinned, and kissed him on the cheek. 
* * * * * 
Raguel was out in the fields. He was in Terraphora, in some land holdings of his, in Brazil. His nation. The Seraphim and Cherubim not only ruled Discs, but also nations. They acted as 'Princes' and 'Princesses' of various of the cultural nations of mankind. And this sovereignty extended over every developed nation based on the foundational nation throughout the realm. It was a larger glory in reality, especially for the Seraphim and elder Cherubim who claimed the main national glories. Raguel was Prince of Brazil, and always had been. Today he was inspecting his headquarters for his coffee empire, and the main fields were they grew the coffee bean. This was the new agenda in a way – it was becoming clearer through TV reports and word of mouth amongst the Seraphim especially. The Cola Wars were coming, and holding key stocks in coffee, one of the main ingredients in Cola, was a vital asset at this stage. Richard Branson had started the thing off a few weeks back with fresh Virgin Cola advertising, which the Spice Girls had done an advertisement for. Coca Cola and Pepsi Cola had responded very quickly, and Cola ads were currently in vogue on TV networks throughout the realm. Who would win the Cola Wars? Time would tell. 
'Well Dramdondoranta? What do you think?' Raguel asked the 66th born of the Cherubim males, head over his Terraphoran Company. 
'Soil cultivation is a long and drawn out process, and its a challenge to get the balance just right. And its an awful lot of expense. To do all our coffee fields, well. Well it would take a lot of cash,' replied the Cherubim. 
'That, I think, is worth the expense,' replied Raguel. 'If we are going to come out on top in this looming battlefield we need the best quality ingredients, and we're not doing them all. Coffee remains the main product for our beans. But we're doing a lot of them, so what do you think?' 
'It's a lot of commitment,' replied Dramdondoranta. 'And unless we are committing very long term to this project, I am not sure if it is the best of options. I know our cola is good – it tastes great. Right up there with Coke. But it's a lot of money Raguel.' 
Raguel nodded, and looked out at the fields. He turned to his business employee. 'Do it. Whatever it costs. And do it right. We're not going to lose this fight.' 
'Ok,' replied the Cherubim. 'I'll get started immediately.' 
Dramdondoranta turned and made his way back to the offices, and Raguel continued staring out at the fields. Busy times. Busy work. Lots to do. A great life because of it. A great life. 
* * * * * 
'How was work Drammy?' asked Dramdondoranta's twin, Quintathrea. 
'Yeh, how was work?' asked his Cherubim sister Verantina. 
'It was ok,' replied the angel. 'Challenging as usual. We're going through with the soil cultivation project. A lot of work ahead. Suppliers, new employees, a whole heck of complications.' 
'What's life without a challenge,' said Verantina, and returned her focus to the TV set. 
Quintathrea came over and kissed him on the cheek. They were married, had children who lived on the planetary bodies, and were a very traditional married couple. She stayed at home as a housewife, took care of cleaning the home, doing the cooking and washing the clothes and the other responsibilities, and spent the afternoon watching the TV shows, which she was addicted to. She spent a lot of time colouring in, and had various exhibits of her work up around their home. They were friendly in the bedroom, and a happily married couple. In fact, probably the most devoted of all the early Cherubim to each other. 
'Work is good for the soul, so its good its challenging,' replied his wife to the sigh on Dramdondoranta's face. 'Now its your poker night, and the boys are coming over, so we will make ourself scarce with the other ladies, and we'll be back at midnight as usual. 
Dramdondoranta nodded. 'Did you get the usual stuff?' 
'It's in the kitchen on the table and in the fridge. Remember, no heavy drinking. I expect you all under the limit by the time I get home. You have infracted a little in recent millennia. A few too many occasions you have been a bit more than just tipsy. So keep it under control.' 
'I understand,' he replied. He looked at the TV. It was a gardening show. 'Watching your stuff sis?' he asked Verantina. Verantina was a gardener in her occupation, and worked in Terraphora, often at Terraphon itself, were she had long done various gardening activities. 
'Oh, stay in the know. Refresh it all,' replied the female Cheruibm. 'I've seen the show a million times – literally – but it never hurts to keep it all fresh in your mind.' 
'No, it doesn't at that,' replied Dramdondoranta. 'Well, I'll have a shower, and then we'll eat.' 
'See you later, said Verantina, and his wife smiled at him as he headed off for a shower, and a change into more casual clothes for the night of fun and frivolity. 
* * * * * 
Kalendrasisus, 67th of the male Cherubim of Eternity, looked at his cards. 
'He's bluffing you you silly toffer,' said the posh Draconatissamay, 68th of the male Cherubim. 
Kalendrasius looked at Dramdondoranta the serene look of implacable calmness on his face. 
'Simon says, confess,' said Kalendrasius. 'Art thou bluffing thy younger but wiser brother?' 
'I am surely betting, within the confines of the rules of poker, as my heart does righteously testify me to,' smiled Dramdondoranta. 'Can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen buddy.' 
'He has the fraudulency skills of a skunk in a perfumery. Passes off his fowl odour as 'French Stylings', when its Iron Curtain shenanigans at best. He is as obvious as the day is long and the night black,' said Draconatissamay. 
'Perhaps,' said Kalendrasius nervously. 'Ok, I call,' said the angel, putting in his chips. 'Full house. Two twos and three queens. Your dead and you know it.' 
Draconatissamay smiled, and looked at Dramdondoranta. 'He is fuckethed, and he knoweth it righteously. 
'A valiant hand,' said Dramdondoranta. 'Surely my 4 Aces pale in significance,' he said proudly as he laid down the four Aces on the card table. 
'There goes my paypacket,' smiled Kalendrasius. 'The bugger has done it again.' 
'Forsooth, I sense his deception skills have improved,' mocked Draconatissamay. 
'The skill of experience,' replied Dramdondoranta, and raked in his chips. They only gambled with money occasionally, using chips which were cashed out through bank transfers. And tonight was Dramdondoranta's night. 
'Time for a drink I think,' said Draconatissamay. 'And some naughty videos.' 
'Only MA15+ I'm afraid,' replied Dramdondoranta. 'Quinny comes down pretty heavy on the higher ratings these days.' 
'So girls in knickers again is it?' asked Draconatissamay. 
'The same old classic,' replied Dramdondoranta. 
Soon enough they were in front of the lounge, lights dimmed, drinking beer and eating pretzels and nuts, as they watched the German classic, which had no subtitles, but they knew the language anyway, of German and Dutch girls running around in Knickers all over German fields, breasts showing to the world, a very soft core production, meant to tittilize the masses who had certain decency requirements in their entertainment of the manly kind. And the poker night passed in frivolity, and not long before midnight they were tipsy enough, but not drunk, not technically, and when Quintathrea came in with the other ladies, they looked at their men playing around like fools, noticed the questionable movie on the TV screen, but calmly let the situation be. Boys would be boys, and they were under control enough on this occasion. On this particular occasion anyway. 
*  *  *  *  *

Raguel always ended up looking back at his time as overseer with happiness at a job well done.  He’d carried the torch and the tradition of those gone before him, and cemented his name in legacy. He was content.  It was not everything predictable, and there were new ideas and new happenings but, again, it was in its own way continuity, not everything predictable, but predictable enough also. It was good.  Life as overseer of eternity, for Raguel the Seraphim, had been good.  But what the future held?  God only knows.

The End

Gabriel 4

‘Gabriel, Gabriel, Gabriel. When will you learn, my fine feathered friend?’
Satan grinned once more at Seraphim Gabriel of Eternity, dressed in a chicken outfit, out the front of one of Satan’s fast food restaurants, somewhere on the disc of Mitraphora. Gabriel had lost a match of chess with Satan, and had agreed to dress as a chicken to promote one of Satan’s Chicken Restaurant empires. And so, with the dark lord of evil watching on, Gabriel was handing out flyers in the shape of a chicken, doing his very best not to be embarrassed. 

‘I’ll get you for this, you know, Satan. I’ll get you back. When you are least suspecting you will enter into a DARK agreement, and vengeance shall be mine.’ 
‘Dream on, punk,’ responded the dark one. ‘Now remember, you have 3 solid years of this work before your time is up. A wager is a wager.’ 
‘I am still not sure how you won. I had you with only a few moves to play, and suddenly it was checkmate.’ 
‘Whatever. Now remember, smile and say ‘El Supremo’s make the best chicken in town’. Come on, give it a try,’ he said again, a smirk on his face. 
‘El Supremo’s make the best chicken in town,’ said Gabriel blandly. 
‘Surely you can do better than that, sayeth I. Now put some heart into it.’ 
‘El Supremo’s make the best chicken in town,’ said Gabriel, this time with just a tad of enthusiasm. Satan looked distressed, shaking his head. ‘It will have to do, I guess. But remember – 9 to 5. 9 to bloody 5, and only half an hour for lunch. Have fun,’ he said, walking back into the restaurant. 

Gabriel grumbled as he walked off. ‘You can have fun and take this chicken suit and shove it up you’re…… Oh, yes Maam,’ finished Gabriel, to a lady who had walked up to him, inquiring about the flyer. ‘Yes,’ he said, handing her a flyer. ‘El Supremo’s make the best chicken in town.’ As she walked into the restaurant Gabriel smiled to himself. Hopefully a satisfied customer. Hey, this wasn’t that bad after all. 


It was 4 O’Clock in the afternoon. Gabriel was still at work, yonked after a hard day’s yakka, and a little birdie had sent certain priority emails to certain people. Suddenly he was confronted with 4 very sarcastic angels. 

‘Heh, heh, heh. That looks like fun,’ said Daniel the Seraphim. 
‘Shut up Dan.’ 
‘He’ll get the hang of it,’ said Raphael. 
‘Yes, I am sure he will, finished Michael. 
Gabriel turned to the other angel. It was Aquariel. 
‘And you wondered why I said no,’ stated Aquariel, giving him a good old fashioned dressing down with her look. 

‘Look, I lost a wager. I had no choice,’ said Gabriel defensively. 
‘Heh, heh, heh,’ said Daniel again, grinning. 

Aquariel summed it up. ‘I guess you are too much of a CHICKEN to get a real job anyway. Too many tough roosters in the hen house competing with you.’ 
Gabriel groaned, the other three laughed, took flyers from him, and went inside to eat some chicken. 

When he had finished for the day he joined them and had a tasty chicken burger. Actually, it was pretty good chicken. He was not quite sure if El Supremo’s did in fact make the best chicken in town, but after a solid day’s handing out flyers, he was not sure if he really cared. And as he munched down his chicken, the other 4 just cracking jokes and ribbing him, he was grateful that he at least had some friendly company in what could end up one of the more demanding jobs in the realm of eternity. At least he was grateful for that.

The End

Ruth II
Chapter One

Ruth, great grandmother of King David, was a conservative enough sort of lady. She was Jewish now, by conversion and Bat Mitzvah upon Televere, and walked with God with a gentle and quiet serenity which her husband Boaz had long praised her for. She lived in the town of Paradision on the southern continent of Androma on the planet Televere, which was also known as Televon. It was a pleasant planet, with a gentle life, and not much great activity – which is really how the inhabitants generally liked things to run. They were a conservative people, the Televerans, of a strong monotheistic faith and kind disposition. Half the populace were Jewish, another quarter Christian and another quarter Noahide. They were a god-fearing people because of this balance and all respected and followed the decrees of the ruling Monarch, Albert Rothchild. 

Ruth had many friends around Televere who she emailed often. She and Boaz invited them to dinner very often and they had visiting guests at least half the days of the year. But that was the life of the eternal, so they had discovered, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. 

There next door neighbour on one side had been Daniel Daly who had returned to the Realm of Eternity to live there, for he was angelic in nature, going by the angelic name of Callodyn. Ruth had been fond of Daniel and had sought out a close friend of hers by the name of Claudia for them to hopefully, in Ruth’s mind, find some romance. But it had not eventuated and Ruth continued to pray for Mr Daly’s welfare on that issue because of it. 

As a couple they were largely incognito from much of the general populace, a necessity of their fame unfortunately. Most Paradisions knew who they were, but would not spread knowledge of them out of personal request, and that was the way it had generally remained since their settling on Televere. 

Boaz worked different jobs from time to time in Televere, often choosing something new simply to embellish life somewhat. He sat on the council of Televere, were a goodly portion of his regular income came from, and apart from that worked on and off in the local farming collective. Televere had an admixture of capitalist and socialist principles – in the heavenly life people were closer now, and it was not so necessary to strive for selfish purposes, an ideal of capitalism, thus socialistic principles found more of a home in the community. But they were capitalists as well and bought an ample supply of the lovely goods and services which passed through the stores of their towns. 

Boaz liked the internet of Televere a great deal, and now collected stamps of Televere. He had 4 levels of sub-basements beneath the house, all filled with various stamps Televere had now produced. Eventually, so he told Ruth, he would either sell them or give them to charity and simply start again. Collectables, in the stuff of eternal life, while still having great value for a while, did not really matter that much in the end. Life invariably went on and you could always start a collection again. But he would keep the oldest premium ones permanently, he assured his wife, for they made an excellent long term investment. 

They attended the synagogue each Sabbath and prayed to Hashem quiet and simple prayers of thanks and adoration. And therein they were content. They had children sparsely, over 100 now, but that was not really a great deal in the vast amount of time they had lived now on Televere. But they had no great need for further children and, generally, were largely content with their lot in life. This was life, Boaz often commented to her, and it was a happy and pleasant enough journey down the eternal hallways. Yet, whatever beckoned in the future – well time would only tell. 


Chapter Two 

‘Do you think the Rabbi will accept his request for conversion? You know how they are these days with Christians who want to join Israel – they almost definitely refuse outright. Way too many problems with answering endless questions, so the Rabbis say. Besides, why bother leaving Christian faith.’ 
Leah looked at the bearded man by the name of Nathan Smith, noticed that the beard was in fact quite lengthy, the sign he had been growing it for a while, and responded to Ruth. 
‘I don’t know. The beard will likely impress our Rabbi. He is fond of things like that. It will likely come down to how well he answers the Rabbis questions on Torah. If he speaks well the Rabbi may consider him. Perhaps this Nathan is a wise man, who fears Hashem. We will see soon enough.’ 
Ruth nodded, picked up a cookie, and continued staring at the synagogues guest who was doing his best to look unnoticeable. 
‘I think he knows we are looking at him, Ruthie. Best not to embarrass the man.’ 
Ruth nodded and turned away from her stirs, looking out on the after service supper. 
It was the usual thing, after Friday night Sabbath service, for the congregation to take a supper together, which had been prepared just before the Sabbath. Fortunately the coffee was still somewhat hot and the congregation sat as a group, smiling and chatting and enjoying each other’s company. 

After a while Rabbi Pearlman spoke up. ‘Brothers, sisters. I would like to introduce you all to a seeker of conversion. He is a Christian man who has been walking in Noahide faith. Yet he feels called to join Israel and we are considering his request. It is not often we seriously consider new converts, but I will let the man speak for himself.’ The Rabbi motioned to the man and he stood and introduced himself. 

‘Hello everyone. Shabbat Shalom. Well, I am a simple sort of guy, really. I am unmarried, and have lived on Televere for a few centuries since coming from earth. I moved to Paradision late last year and work in the farming community. I can’t really say, for sure, if it is Hashem leading me and guiding me. I can’t say that. But I feel a need to connect to Israel – to join them. I feel as if they are the people of my future, the people of my destiny. And I feel this deep inside, as if a voice of my heart is saying it is the right thing to do. I can’t really prove these words to you with just the saying of them, but I can say that if you can accept me into your congregation, well. Well, I wouldn’t let you down.’ 
There was a warm clap as he sat down again and the Rabbi thanked him. 

A little later on Boaz had signalled that it was about time to leave, but before they made off Ruth asked her husband if he would consider inviting Nathan to dinner. Boaz shrugged and, after returning from making the request, nodded to her that Nathan had agreed. ‘Next Saturday night, at 7, just after the end of Sabbath. He has agreed to come around. 
‘Good,’ said Ruth. ‘He might need to find a friendly face in our congregation if he is serious about joining us. It will also be a good opportunity for us to sound him out.’ 
‘You and your meddling,’ said Boaz with good humour. 
‘I am not meddling at all. I am simply acting wisely. Now let’s be going. I am getting tired. 

As they drove home Ruth gave thought to the new potential convert. While it was true conversion was now very difficult to achieve, it was not forbidden technically. It would be interesting to see, therefore, just what the hearts desires of this Nathan Smith really were made of towards her people. And with the dinner of Saturday night she assumed she would find out the answer to that question soon enough. 


Chapter Three 

Nathan proved an intelligent and charming man to Ruth. But it was Boaz who took a shining to him. The lad collected Stamps of all things, and Boaz and Nathan spent hours in the basement after dinner going through some of Boaz’s extensive stamp collection. When they returned, chatting about this and that watermark and other stamp related business, Ruth put out some cookies and coffee for her guest. As they munched Ruth let fly some of the questions she was interested in hearing answers to. She was asking from her own experiences and her own desires, to see if such things were also in the heart of Nathan. 
‘So, why Israel, Nathan? Why not stick with Jesus. Surely he has been good to you.’ 
Nathan looked at her with a calm demeanour and spoke very sincerely. ‘Yes, Jesus has been remarkably good to me, Ruth. I saw him once at a Mega church, preaching a sermon. It really was captivating. But, now while this may sound strange, Jesus is just one man. And while the church is full of people, it really sort of only has one ultimate authority apart from God and that is in the person of Jesus. Israel is different to that. Israel is almost more like a family in this respect. And, of course, that is exactly what it is. A family. I want that for myself, one day. The kind of family with the bonds of trust and respect that Israel has. And in joining my seed to the Israelite community I am sure that I will find the strength I desire for my offspring.’ 
‘That sounds very sensible,’ commented Boaz. ‘If you speak as such to the Rabbi I am sure he will look favourably upon you.’ 
‘It is not that easy, Boaz. I could only wish it was. The Rabbi expects high quality letters of recommendation from past pastoral figures, as well as extensive Torah knowledge. And while I have studied Judaism greatly, I fear I am still too young for the Rabbi to approve my conversion. I feel, in the end, it will be as I expect. Not until a thousand years of age in this heavenly realm will they approve. Not until I have really lived and known the commitment I am saying I am prepared to make.’ 
‘And is that a bad thing, Nathan? If they want you to wait.’ 
‘No. Not really. It’s frustrating, and time delaying in a sense. But I know I must have patience.’ 
‘Yes,’ agreed Boaz. ‘If you are to be approved of, time will generally be the testing of you. But you can know you have my vote of confidence.’ 
‘Thanks Boaz. That means a lot.’ 

They continued on for a while, discussing various aspects of Nathan’s plight, and as he left for the night, wishing them well, Ruth could see the struggle of the heart in Nathan Smith. He desperately wanted a family – a family in a way he had not found out in the Noahide or Christian world. And, while knowing she must respect her Rabbis judgement, she silently felt for him and hoped, perhaps against hope, the Rabbi would show leniency in this particular case. 


Chapter Four 

Rabbi Pearlman was a sensible and forthright Rabbi. Yet he had to consider not just Nathan Smith, but his congregation and the reputation of himself and his congregation for the decisions they were to make. In Televeran life the general consensus was the requests for conversion were now to be refused. Noahide and Christian faith were established of such a degree that the necessity for a soul to join the people of Israel had diminished and really was not necessary. But, technically, under a number of Rabbinic rulings, under the most exceptional of circumstances a case could be considered. Yet, even then, the standard practice of turning away a convert a number of times to determine their seriousness must be held to and, at the very least, a long and considered study of the Torah having had taken place. And, as such, the Rabbi knew what he had to do. 

Ruth regretted not seeing Nathan at the services anymore, but the Rabbi was of the opinion that Noahides should generally only congregate in their own assemblies, as was the custom on Televere. Nathan had been turned away in the end. The Rabbi had cited that it was practically impossible for him to make any other decision, and Nathan had left, broken hearted. But when Ruth had inquired of the Rabbi later on that week as to his decision he had taken her aside, spoken a few words of his wisdom on the subject, and she had nodded. ‘Not yet, Ruthie. Not yet. But one day? Well, maybe.’ 

And so life returned to its merry strum and ways and Ruth grew that little bit wiser in the ways and knowledge of the Rabbis and the ways of the people she had committed her heart to belong to.

The End

Ambriel at the Farm

Ambriel owned a big farm in Terraphora. He had bought it with Meludiel in the early years of Gabriel’s term as Overseer for the Realm of Eternity and now, 3 million years later, Raguel happily ensconced as Overseer of the Realm and doing fine, Ambriel had taken a few thousand years off his main duties to relax with Meludiel and let life simply pass on by. 

It was simple, the farm life. Very simple. He and Meludiel – the two of them – milked cows each morning, collected eggs, and occasionally picked out some tomatoes and onions from the garden to use in the big 
Omelettes Meludiel loved to cook for them both. Ambriel, from long experience, when he needed to pee, often peed on the tomatoes because they gave them a very tangy and lovely flavour when they were ripe. 
‘Human and Angel Urea is very refined because of what we eat,’ he commented to Meludiel once, and she acknowledged the delicious flavour which had come from his pee’s nutrients into the tomatoes. It was 
natural living, and she was perfectly at home with it. 

Once, when they were out a back paddock late in the day, the two of them came over a hill and were confronted with a stallion on the back of mare, humping away. As soon as it saw the both of them it suddenly stopped and they skitted away a distance. ‘Oops,’ said Meludiel. Ambriel smiled and looked at her. She was dressed in white lace, and looked beautiful. He put his hand on her shoulder and smiled. ‘Perhaps we could have some fun.’ 
‘Here?’ she said. ‘You are kidding aren’t you?’ 
He wasn’t kidding and, when she was down on all fours in the dirt, naked, shivering a little, her blessed grunting behind her as he thrust his manhood into her glory, she thought to herself ‘The Joys of Nature.’ 

There was another memorable time. They had been to a local antique store and purchased a rather large grandfather clock. When Daniel came to visit he looked at it suspiciously. ‘I’ve seen that clock before,’ he said. Ambriel smiled. 

Later that week, Ambriel coming into the kitchen early one morning, thinking he had heard some noise, he found the clock gone and there, Daniel, just outside, lifting the clock carefully, seemingly dragging it to his van. 

‘What the hell are you doing?’ Ambriel asked Daniel. 
Daniel looked guilty, but said nothing. 
‘You are stealing our bloody clock,’ said Ambriel. 

‘Oh. Well. Sorry. I had to.’ 
‘Why?’ 

‘Well, I owned this clock a few thousand years ago. I recognized some of the markings on it. There is something inside. An old gem which I hid there once. It was part of a rare set of 7 gems I had stored away.’ 
‘Why did you hide it?’ queried Ambriel, curious. 
‘Well, I won the 7 gems in a bet with Satan, who said he would steal them back eventually, and so I hid all 7. For the life of me I can’t remember were I put the other 6, but as soon as I saw the clock I suddenly remembered that I had hidden one in it.’ 
‘Oh,’ said Ambriel. 

And so, getting out some tools, they pulled the clock mechanism apart and, sure enough, they found a beautiful opal of dazzling brilliance. Daniel said ‘Well, it really is your clock. You have it.’ 
Ambriel smiled and thanked him. 

Later on that day, having been in the workshop that morning, he presented the opal to Meludiel with a chain now attached to it. 

‘Were did you get it?’ she asked. 
‘Don’t ask,’ he responded. 

There was another time, when Michael came to visit, that they were up all night with a version of ‘Advanced Monopoly’. The three of them – Michael, Ambriel& Meludiel were all determined to win, but Ambriel had collected the most properties and looked the most likely. 

Then it happened – he took a chance card, was fined taxation and, because he had too many properties, 1 of them had to be redeemed to the bank. Meludiel landed on the property next turn and became the first player to complete a run of all 5 colours of a property. She was lucky. Slowly, inevitably, she managed to put houses, and then hotels, and finally the bank on her property and, as time passed, and the other two landed on her from time to time, she claimed the victory. She was very happy with that. 

The farmhouse was quite big. It had 3 levels and then an attic as well and Meludiel sometimes stole away to the attic, sitting up there in the afternoon, sitting near the window, reading one of Daniel’s volumes of Angelic fiction she liked, in a little world of her own. She would sit there, occasionally petting the cat on her lap, looking out the window at the farm, listening to the noise of the animals. 

She would sit there, sometimes well into the afternoon, sometimes into the night, and Ambriel would rarely disturb her. He usually knew were she was. 

She read through Daniel’s chronicles many times and, when he occasionally added yet another volume to the voluminous saga she would, in time, finish off the saga and start again. Her reading list grew each time. 

She would also, from time to time, bring up some ice tea and sit there, one of her CDs playing in the background, thinking about life and God, and just being happy simply being alive. Simply being. 

Out the back of the farmhouse was a windmill. It was quite a large one, and there was enough room for a verandah of sorts around the top layer of the windmill. Meludiel would go up there, and look out over the cornfield. She would often think of the Superman movie, were Clark was in the field. She would sit up there and feel the spirit of the land, and her heart was moved each time. She would gaze out into the distance, imagining the fields going on forever, even though she had a pretty good idea were they ended. It was spiritual – it was life – and she did it often, escaping away, at peace with herself and God. 

Ambriel’s own private meditations in those years were often down in the basement of the farmhouse, sitting in the small lounge down there, reading some book or another. It was a quiet place, a little cold, especially in winter, but Meludiel said she would not disturb him down there. 

There was a pinball machine against the wall and, often, he would play it. Going for his high score again and again, just to pass the time, just to enjoy himself. 

And at other times he would sit there, reading through a text, thinking over what it was saying, and staring at the Aquarium, at the goldfish, working out life. Working through ideas. Working through what it was all about. 

He painted war game figures down there, at one end of the basement. In the local community there was a strong war-gaming presence, and they played, usually, Warhammer Fantasy Battle. Ambriel delighted in painting the figurines and putting in a wholehearted effort to ensure they were of a high quality. 

One campaign he was on was divided into a 300 year scenario of various conquests and quests – he did his best, but his main rival was simply stunning at the game in those days. He was clued up to all Ambriel’s moves and always seemed to be just that step ahead. But he finished the campaign well, and his rankings in Realm wide statistics benefited because of it. 

He thought on eternity a lot in those days. How things just went on, and never really ended. That they were children of eternal life, and simply really just had to ‘BE’ to enjoy it all. Oh, there was always this and that to fuss about, but life could be as complex as you wanted to make it, or as simple as you wanted to make it. It all depended on you. 

He wrote a novel, late in the reign of Raguel, called ‘Joy’. It was semi-autobiographical, about a farming couple retired from the big smoke. In truth he melded a lot of his own adventures with Meludiel into a contrived plot, but he was happy with the outcome. The book charted at number one of the realm bestseller list, mainly because of his fame, but the critics also remarked that it was extremely well written and had genuine warmth. 

There were a lot of adventures in those days on the farm and, although they never sold the place, they eventually returned to the mainstream world and got caught up with the affairs of Phanuel’s overseersmanship. They were good times and, so Ambriel promised Meludiel, they would inevitably return there one day, but for now they had ended, and life moved on. It moved on, again, into the complex riddle of eternal life and destiny charted yet another adventure for the likes of Ambriel, Seraphim Angel of Eternity.

The End

Morning Stars VI

Prologue

5 down. Sort of. God was in a good mood. Phanuel was due. The Australian angel. Competent. Skilled. Dedicated. Like Saruviel in many ways, but without the obvious rebellion. Sensible enough to stay loyal to God. It would be a good million years. 
Chapter One 
Raguel handed Phanuel the executive toilet key. 'Be warned. That toilet has suffered more abominations than the shitpot of Satan. Uriel left it in quite a ragged state when I took over, and I wasn't too kind to it either.' 
'I'll take not,' replied Phanuel, chuckling. 
'Well, bro. Remember, you choose your successor, and when you retire. It's tradition, the million years of service, but not law. We don't allow it to be law. If you choose to go on you will be establishing new precedent, and nobody has done that yet, but we've followed the tradition anyway. The Realm is now in your hands,' said Raguel. 
'I'll do my best,' replied Phanuel. 
Cindradel came in with a large chocolate mud cake, and several workers. 'Welcome boss,' said Cindradel. 'We have a good feeling about you.' 
'I'll try not to disappoint,' replied Phanuel. 
They celebrated, and Phanuel enjoyed his cake, and Cindradel said she'd come back after lunch with a basic mentoring session and to get him up to scratch, but she said to just turn on the PC and read the notes. He did. It took him about 2 hours, and when he'd read them he'd gotten most of the current picture on the state of play in the Realm and key factors of current concern. He'd already handled work like this for a long time, but he knew, it was a step up. A much bigger responsibility. He'd be professional – he always had been. But, for the most part, no great dramas for his tenure, and mostly business as usual, and let the Realm citizens get on with living their own lives. He looked at the notebook in front of him with 'Get to Tasks' written on it, surveyed the list, and got stuck in. No point in wasting time. There was work to do. 
* * * * * 
The 347th Cherubim of the Realm of Eternity, Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly, who had been born with that name in his earthly manifestation, was the actual founder of the Advancing Noah Movement, which comprised the Seven Divine Fellowships and the Assemblies of Faith. He'd gotten the project started, but it had mainly been his offspring Callodyn the Cherubim, who bore his name also and Daniel the Seraphim, who also bore his name, of which one was a son and the other a grandson, but they delighted in confusing the whole identity of things. Daniel had known the Seraphim Phanuel on Earth, a buddy of his, Aaron Goodsell, who'd taken up his Noahide Karaite faith for the most part also. They'd met in Potters House Christian Pentecostal Church, alongside another famous individual, Peter Fletcher, founder of a renegade Catholic Church, dedicated to quite a heathen lifestyle. But it did have its good points. Daniel, Peter and Aaron all played basketball. Daniel was not overly skilled, but improving slowly, and another friend, Troy Cooper, played as well, and they were all today on the outdoor basketball courts found at the western side of Zaphon keep. 
'So you are big bossman now, bro,' said the Fletch to Goodsell. 
'Big bossman,' replied Phanuel. 
'And you think your new status has improved your basketball skills?' inquired Troy. 'I can still take you.' 
'Dream on,' replied Aaron. 
'Right. Teams,' said Fletch. 'I'll take the Coop, You and Danno are the opposition.' 
'Righty O,' said Aaron. 
And they played for a while, but not too seriously, and Fletcher and Cooper were ahead 52 to 36 when they called it off. 
They sat on the seats of the court, sweating a bit, and drinking their bottled water. 
'You still suck Daly,' said the Fletch. 
'I scored half of our team's points,' defended Daniel. 
'You scored 17, I scored 19,' said Aaron. 
'Close enough,' replied the Cherubim. 
'He's getting better,' said Troy. 
Peter looked at Daniel. 'He's no Phil Smythe yet. But he's improving. Keep at it Danno. You'll land that Canberra Cannons gig one day.' 
'I'll keep that in mind,' responded Daniel. 
Peter looked at Aaron. 'So, what does the overseer have planned for us all?' 
'Steady times,' replied Phanuel. 'I'll come up with a theme soon enough. They've usually all had an agenda. Give me time. Something will crop up.' 
'We'll wait,' said Fletch. 
'Whatever you do, don't let Danno's kids go wild again. They piss everyone off with their prophetical rantings,' said Troy. 
Phanuel looked at Cherubim Daniel and grinned. 'I'll keep that in mind.' 
Daniel smiled back, but did not respond. They finished off the game, and Daniel and Aaron caught up to level, and they called it a draw at that point. 
'We'd have taken you if we'd played on, old goat,' said Aaron to Peter. 
'Keep on dreaming,' replied the MVPGOAT. 'Keep on dreaming.' 
* * * * * 
Brindabel was the sixth-born of the female Seraphim angels of the Realm of Eternity, twin to Phanuel. She was of the Indigenous Aboriginal Australian community, a well known actress, Deborah Mailman in her human manifestation. And she was librarian of Zaphon keep, a job she had undertaken eternally, so it seemed to her. Taking books, putting them back on their shelves, chasing up overdues, helping clients find the book they were after, explaining library hours and study rooms and how the catalogue worked – these were the endless tasks of Brindabel, but she did it all with competency and, most of all, patience. Yes, she needed a lot of patience, especially with Michael, the firstborn, who was a dedicated student of the library, and was always asking her to research the texts of the library to stay abreast of 'Core Realm Knowledge' as he put it, primarily the eternal library articles, which he expected her to know fluently and engage with him on discussion upon. 'The librarian has to know his or her stuff,' was Michael's oft comment of encouragement to her. She didn't mind. It made her bright, and that was what he wanted and desired for the premiere librarian in the realm. She didn't really think that – that she was number one. There were some very gifted and knowledgable librarians she had met over the years, especially at realm conferences on library studies, but she knew she was good. Talented at her job, and well learned. It gave her pride in some ways: that she was valued and respected and wanted. It gave her a sense of belonging and importance, and that she mattered. That she mattered in a world were replacing her could be done in an instant, but knowing that they would never want that. And, for the most part, it was her eternal calling. She'd decided that long ago. She had a disc of overseersmanship she was technical authority over, the 76th disc of the Realm, Brindaphora, but she delegated out that responsibility. Yet it never left her mind, and much of her late afternoon, especially after closing hours, was going through reports from the overseer to monitor the activities of Brindaphora to ensure lives and matters were happy and content, and squabbles and problems were dealt with according to Realm law and custom, and the general sense of Torah justice. In the end, Brindabel was probably happy. As happy as you probably could be. She and Phanuel were good friends, but not quite husband and wife. He had other ladies, but they shared their lives very often, especially at the moment, when he was seeing her regularly. It had been quite common, at the moment, for him to drop into the library and look around, as if he was monitoring things, and staying abreast with Zaphon life. But she caught him, occasionally, giving her a glance. He didn't say anything, but she knew. He was watching over her. Watching over his twin. Yes Brindabel was happy, life was good, and she probably, even if she could, wouldn't have it any other way. Probably no other way. 
* * * * * 
Daniel puzzled. He was studying revelation, thinking it over. Samael, over by the window, looking out over the Silver city spoke up. 
‘7 heads. 7 Kings. I know them, now. I know them. Judaism. Christianity. Islam. Bahai. 4 of them well established, and the Saruvim have chosen them well, each as their own. And now the saviour is approaching, approaching soon. Very soon. The Bahai’s wonder saviour, finally ready after lengthy preparation.’ 
‘You slew the lamb. You slew Jesus. And he was slain.’ 
‘And by his death he purchased a Kingdom of Priests and a Holy nation. For they are now loyal to him, for he has suffered in their eyes.’ 
‘And the holy ones?’ asked Daniel. 
‘Do you need to ask?’ 
‘Let me guess. Samaritans. Karaites. Unitarian literalists.’ 
‘Yes, that is what they all are,’ responded Samael. 
‘Judaism, Satan’s religion, as Jesus always maintained. The Mishnah, the Gemara, the Zohar, the extensive rabbinic works. An endless parade of manmade abomination in the name of the Most High. And the Trinitarians do the same, endlessly adding to God’s own words with their own. And of course the Muslims and the Bahai. All in the name of him who is.’ 
‘And thus choose the first 4 Saruvim each of these religions in order, to rule and be king, in a false showing of humility. And now the fifth kingdom beckons, the fifth hill beckons, and Samaen seeks his destiny,’ responded Samael. 
‘And each builds on holy Jerusalem, the city of each of these so called religions of God, the apparent chosen ones, and the holy city. For Babylon the Great is called ‘That Great City’ and only one other city is called that Great City in Revelation, and it is ‘That Great City Where our Lord was Crucified’ and that city is Jerusalem.’ 
‘Yes, the time is approaching, brother. The time is approaching,’ and silence descended on a tower in the Silver city in a deep conversation between Samael of Infinity and Daniel the Seraphim of Eternity. 

* * * * * 
It was a regular work day. Phanuel had been approaching his job, so far, with that attitude. Regular work. Part of him felt that, in the end, people could make quite a bit of fuss about work if they wanted to. Many did. But it was just there to pay the bills, in truth, for so many. The things they did for a bit of excitement and adventure in the world, to spice up the Garden of Eden from simply picking fruit and fornicating, and not much else. Much ado about nothing in the end to Phanuel, but it kept you busy enough. He enjoyed his work. He wasn't a worker, per se. He could bludge it up with the best of them. But he usually enjoyed working, and feeling as if he was contributing, and being useful to the world. He'd served a long time as Overseer of Romnaphon Keep in Terraphora, and then in his own disc of Romnaphora, the sixth disc of the Realm of Eternity. Not every Seraphim or Cherubim, by any means, was dedicated to their disc overseer work. Many had delegates who did the job on their behalf, and resumed something of their more regular life and own dreams. But Phanuel worked as Overseer on the sixth disc most of the time, taking his responsibility seriously, and that was that. His twin, Brindabel, was overseer of the 76th Disc of the Realm of Eternity, but while she monitored the disc religiously, and had regular reports from its delegated overseer, she remained eternally dedicated to his librarian job in Zaphon library. Like Cindradel as secretary to Zaphon Keep overseer, and Kaladel in the Zaphon kitchen, some things never changed. Some people seeming had a place in life, and never left it. Valandriel was like that in some ways, Phanuel had noticed from time to time. He spent an awful lot of time with Daniel the Seraphim, doing their various plannings and schemings together, but he was often found at his own disc of Kazraphora, the 12th disc of the Realm of Eternity, undertaking its overseer's job quite seriously. Conversely, Daniel delegated his own job for the 45th disc of Danielphora, and apparently didn't take that much of an interest. He had other things on his mind. But Phanuel, in some ways, knew his place in life, and didn't think it worthwhile or even necessary to deviate from the standard plan that much. He liked where God had placed him, and that was pretty much that. The theme idea was on his mind – what the boys had asked him about – what would HE do in his turn as overseer. He would leave the idea mostly alone for the time being, let a few millennium pass and think about it occasionally, and was confident enough an idea would permeate when it needed to. Or something or someone would come along and point him in the right direction. Either way he was comfortable for the time being, and was content in life as it was. And the pay was pretty good at the moment as well. Lucky that. 
* * * * * 

It had been written in the second Quran that the promised Warrior of Virtue of Bahai faith would be born a thousand years hence from the proclamation of the second Quran. Yet, in truth, that Warrior had not advented. Not in a thousand years. Yet, in his defence, Callodyn who had written such a text was merely following Bahai tradition itself in such a claim. Yet, it seems, he was without error in the end, for the Bahai in fact taught that at least a millennia from the proclamation of Bahai faith must occur BEFORE the Warrior of Virtue could in fact advent. And thusly, in the ‘Third Quran’, written not much later, Callodyn referred to this point of Bahai faith and made the declaration that it would likely be many years, perhaps beyond counting, before the world would be satisfied at the advent of such a warrior of virtue. And thus Callodyn declared this truth. 

Yet Daniel the Seraphim thought differently, and declared that it would be nearly 2 million years before the Warrior of Virtue would advent, but his thoughts of difference were based on the book of his younger Cherubim brother in the Jewish Bible, the Book of Daniel itself, and he claimed that the first four beasts were in fact Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahai in their corrupt form which rejected the scriptures themselves, exalting the words of their followers over their chief books. The Warrior of virtue was thus the Son of Man, who would rise to the Ancient of Days, and be given glory and authority. Yet Daniel posited this truth – if the Son of Man did fall, and tasted corruption, and fornicated spiritually with the words of men, positing them as the words of God and thus being shown fallible, then the Warrior of Virtue, in his own testing of life, would enter the domain of John the Apostle and his Holy revelation. For then there would be five kings of the beast, and the beast would indeed and in truth have seven kings ultimately. And this kingdom would be the false beast, one of the seven kings being the Antichrist eighth head beast. And in such a case Jesus himself would end up Christ, and there would be those two figures, one who would be ‘Lord of Lord’s and King of Kings’ and the other ‘King of King’s and Lord of Lord’s’, for revelation spoke of two differing figures in Daniel’s viewpoint, and he suggested that Gabriel perchance be one of these and Michael perchance be the other. And in this theory Gabriel was ‘A’ Lamb of God, in the mould of Jesus himself, and that Gabriel as a Lamb of God would taste a death, like Jesus tasted a death, and from this death he would purchase for God a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. For Gabriel, being a Christian, being so supremely dedicated, would be of such faith that he would literally take up his cross, follow Christ, and be crucified (in a manner of speaking) himself. And, thusly, if it were in fact Gabriel, then the city of his crucifixion suddenly becomes of paramount importance, for if it is a city not of Jerusalem, but another grand and noble ‘Babylon the Great’ where he tastes a crucifixion in a sense, then as a Lamb of God he would taste such a death and fulfil the Book of Revelation. And as a descendant of David he would receive the ‘Messiah’ title, not in opposition to Jesus own ‘Christ’ title. For ‘Christ’ is a Greek title and ‘Messiah’ is a Greek title, but BASED on the Hebrew Mashiach. And in that point of fact there actually is a reason for being as such in revelation. And Michael? Will he be the child born to the woman? Will he be taken up to heaven, his destiny to rule all nations with a rod of Iron, and a war for him to enter into with Satan the Dark Lord himself? Now, to regress, if Gabriel is a child of a certain ‘Babylon’ were he is to be crucified, and as Revelation teaches, our Lord is to be crucified in a ‘Great City’ and Revelation shows that only ‘Babylon the Great’ is called a Great city, then which city, must we ask, has 7 hills, being 7 Kingdoms? For it is a city with 7 Kings and thus 7 Kingdoms. Does Rome have 7 Kingdoms in its history? Does London have 7 Kingdoms in its history? Does Paris have 7 Kingdoms in its history? Does Babylon in Iraq have 7 Kingdoms in its history? Does Madrid in Spain have 7 Kingdoms in its history? Does Jerusalem have 7 Kingdoms in its history? Does Moscow have 7 Kings in its history? Jerusalem? Seriously? Nay, it doth not have 7 Kingdoms in its history? Surely you say I mock thee. Well, whatever may be may be, and the truth of such a matter is always a matter of perennial speculation, sayeth I, sayeth I, sayeth I. 

* * * * * 
'The thing is,' said the Fletch. 'You think you're good at basketball.' 
Phanuel ignored the comment. The Fletch was trying to distract him. He was going to go right. He always went right. Phanuel got ready for the feint to the left, and when it happened he feigned going left, and as the Fletch went right, he grabbed the ball, and shot off, and scored. 
'You're too predictable,' said Phanuel, throwing the ball to Fletch who was standing behind the basket, ready to toss the ball to Cooper. 
'He has no new ideas,' said the Coop. 
'It looks like the greatest of all time has plateaued,' said Daniel. 'A master past his prime. He'll be a has been soon enough.' 
'Bite me, Daly,' replied the Fletch, throwing the ball to Cooper. 
'You know, your daughter probably has more talent,' said Phanuel. 'And she's a girl.' 
Fletch glared at Phanuel. 
'Mr Snuffleupagus has more talent,' said the Coop. 'And nobody knows what he is.' 
'I think Gus the Snail from Mr Squiggle has about the same level as the Fletch,' said Daniel. 'Just complains a lot.' 
Fletch just grinned at the insults. 
'Nah, probably blackboard,' said Goodsell. 'Hurry up, he always complains to Cooper, and pass me the damn ball.' 
'Hurry up, hurry up,' said Danno. 
'You know, for E grade players, you sure talk tough,' said the Fletch, as the game got back underway. 
'Still 21 grades ahead of you Z-Man,' replied Phanuel, marking Peter. 
'Very funny,' replied Pete. 
And so the game ebbed to and fro, and the insults were thick and fast, but that's how they liked it. 
* * * * * 
'Well Brindabel. What mark is your twin going to make on the Realm of Eternity?' 
Brindabel looked up from her salad roll. 'Why Meludiel. Why would you have such a concern?' 
Meludiel sipped on her melit water. They were in Zaphon cafeteria, having lunch. 'Just curious. Ambriel is asking questions of the overseers who have served so far as overseer of Zaphon. Taking notes on what they think have been the successful ideas of their tenures. He suggested I do the same. Sort of preparing for when it is our turn.' 
'Interesting,' replied Brindabel. 'Trying to be responsible is he?' 
'So he says,' replied Meludiel. 
'I have no idea what Phanuel has planned. Apart from playing a lot of basketball with his posse, probably not much.' 
Meludiel nodded. 'Well, why don't you inspire him then? Set a direction for him. Give him an idea.' 
Brindabel munched into her salad roll, and then sipped on her melit water, considering that. 'Maybe. But he's the man, isn't he? Shouldn't he have direction enough for himself?' 
'Yes. He should. But as its been said, behind every great man is a great woman,' replied Meludiel. 
'True,' said the librarian of Zaphon. 'Ok then. I'll think it over. Think over a direction I might be able to point him in. But I'm sure he has ideas of his own.' 
'I think he's an angel of continuity, from what I've seen of him. Some of the fellas are very traditional, and don't like to tinker much with what is working. But he's an Archangel, sis. He needs something special about his time for us to remember him by. Push him, ok. Just a suggestion though. Do what you'll do.' 
'No, no. That's ok,' smiled Brindabel back at Meludiel. 'Aussie to Aussie, I think you might have a good point.' 
'Let's hope so,' replied Meludiel. 
After lunch Brindabel got back to work, doing her thing, but Meludiel's words crept into her mind, and after a while she stopped what she was doing, and thought it over. The mark of perfection – perhaps that was her ideal in many of her own ideas, and tried to live like that, and she was sure Phanuel did also. Tried to be the best he could be. But there was an idea that had come in, about responsibility to tradition, and that one thing Phanuel had always done was been responsible to his overseer duties, both at Romnaphon keep in Terraphora and his overseer work in Romnaphora. And she'd always encouraged that, and felt proud that he took that seriously. And with that as in idea, she suddenly had inspiration on an idea for Phanuel's tenure, and leaving her desk, she started gathering some books from around the library and, happy with what she had collected, made her way up Zaphon keep, headed for the office of Overseer, to confront her dear twin with his 'New Destiny'. 
* * * * * 
‘Oh, Daniel. You really know how to piss people off, you know. You know, I have been reading that book of Daniel, and in some translations it says Daniel was dressed in robes of Scarlett, and in some translations dressed in robes of purple. Apparently both? Now isn’t that interesting.’ 
‘Yes, Valandriel, I know dear brother. But go talk to our Cherubim brother about that. He will actually, and this is just a technically important point of, you know, I mean, you know, I mean, you know, uh, fact, heh, heh, heh, that it was actually only 1 colour which he was dressed in, as the scriptural word may mean certain things, but it didn’t actually mean 2 colours. So go ask Daniel himself.’ 
‘Fair enough, Daniel. I do get the point. A Christian tactic on revelation, then?’ 
‘Quite obviously brother. They weren’t born yesterday after all. I mean, take the NIV on that spiel on Danel. And then take other translations. One says ‘Are you wiser than Daniel,’ and another says, ‘You are wiser than Danel.’ I mean, come on church, please make up your mind. Ooh, ooh, ooh.’ 
‘Good on you,’ said Valandriel. 
‘But they do try, don’t they.’ 
‘I guess, brother. I guess.’ 
‘Oh, and I bet those two translations really cut some people up. I mean, come on. Read one and he asks you, are you wiser than Daniel. Then he goes on to explain some serious problems you have. And the other translation tells them ‘you ARE wiser than Daniel.’ 
‘And then what?’ asked Valandriel, about to smirk. 
‘Oh, uh, yeh It still goes on to explain some serious problems you have.’ 
‘You are so judgemental Daniel.’ 
‘What do you think my name means.’ 
‘Gah. You frustrate everyone.’ 
‘Oh well. Such is life.’ 

* * * * * 
'There are 17 things you need to learn dear brother,' said Brindabel, placing a stack of books on the new overseer's desk, her twin Phanuel. 'The first is, to do the job of overseer competently you will have to study.' 
'And the other 16?' asked Phanuel, looking up from the PC. 
'The same lesson, said in various other ways. I don't want my dear brother to be a slacker, so the hallmark of perfection of the reign of Phanuel the overseer is knowledge. You shall be the chief of scholars, teaching the wisdom of Romnaphons's work ethic and communicating that clearly to the Realm of Eternity. Gabriel didn't push the Terraphon agenda. He forgot. Raphael didn't bother with pushing the primacy and important of Mitraphora's work. He was lost in other ideas. Uriel was caught up in comedy, about the only cultural agenda he had, and not serious either, so Pelnaphon was not even addressed in his time. And Raguel just wanted to sell Cola. Brephon's ministry had not even been a concern. Romnaphon shall NOT suffer the same lack of respect, so you shall study work protocols and ethics, as taught in Romnaphon, brushing up on your vast experience there, and Romnaphon shall be given due and proper respect, hilighting the important work you have long undertook. The others missed their opportunity – you shall not. Am I clear?' 
Phanuel picked up the first text. 'Responsible Woodcarving Safety and Procedures,' he said, quoting the title. 'This is an important one is it?' 
'A lot of that work goes on in the Realm,' replied Brindabel. 'It is one of the oldest works from Romnaphon, and you shall honour old and ancient tradition first and foremost. We have a proper respect for old things which have earned their glory and status.' 
'Yes, I suppose we do,' replied Phanuel. 'You know, Deborah. I know this stuff well enough.' 
'That's not the point Aaron. You shall know it better. I intend to make my own mark when I am sure the women get their turn as overseer, so I won't have my reputation ruined by a twin's lacklustre performance.' 
'Indeed,' replied Phanuel, opening the text he knew quite well, and skimming through it. 'Ok, ok. I'll read all these in my lunch hour. Keep them coming regularly and I'll properly address your concerns. I'll ensure Romnaphon's role is properly addressed.' 
'Good,' replied the librarian of Zaphon. 'I'll collect them in a month, and bring some more with me then.' 
'You do that,' said Phanuel. She left, and he looked at the book a little longer, before putting them in the bookcase behind him, and getting on with his work. But, after some moment, with thoughts in the back of his head, he buzzed Cindradel. 'Come in Cindy, would you.' 
Cindradel promptly appeared. 'I'm delegating my work for the next decade to you to choose suitable workers to do the various tasks. You're not to do them yourself, but you are responsible for delegating all of my normal activities and tasks.' 
'Ok,' said Cindradel. 'And what will you be doing?' 
'Studying,' said Phanuel, and flicked off the PC, turned and picked up the pile of books which Brindabel had left, and said to Cindradel, 'I'll be in the special projects office if you need me. I'll be brushing up on a lot of stuff. I've decided to give it a decade, and then I'll be back in my regular duties.' 
'As you wish,' said Cindradel, and smiled, and left. 
Phanuel weighed the books in his hands – they were heavy enough – so he had a lot to do. He would take to this challenge of his sister, and take it seriously, because it had inspired him quickly enough, and he felt it a good idea. And he didn't want to let Brindie down. A serious effort for a serious angel. And he'd give her the reputation in her twin she so obviously had concerns for. 
*   *   *   *   *
Phanuel, in time, got a hold on his work as overseer. Learning the protocols of those established before him was second nature to Phannie, and he took to the task with the professionalism he was well known for. He undertook his studies as Brindabel required of him, and learned much. And communicating the core idea of Brindabel – that was the work to be done. In their time in the limelight Brindabel and Phanuel enjoyed being the toast of the realm, and much was done to bring further the agenda of God Almighty in his purposes in the Realm of Eternity to establish, simply that - an eternal way of life. And while the machinations of Daniel the Seraphim never seemed to go away, as his tenure as overseer drew to a close, Phanuel thanked God for the opportunities he had been given, and, knowing just who was next, prayed a private prayer to God that life, in the Realm of Eternity, would flow on, as it had eternally done so, undisturbed, happy, and at peace with its self. So he prayed for anyway.

The End