Chronicles of the

Children of the Rainbow

Rainbow Covenant

by

Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly

Copyright 6182 SC

Prologue

Before the beginning God planned. He planned Saruviel. Oh, he planned Daniel. Naturally he planned Daniel. Like an annoying leaky roof in the top of home, which always dripped in the middle of a board game you were playing with Metatron, and when you were winning too....... That is what God sometimes thought of Daniel. But divas liked him. He had that going for him. But, when Daniel wasn't bothering his thoughtstreams with endless demands of wealth, fame, glory and all and sundry, God took time to delight in a son he actually appreciated. His dearest Saruviel. Saruviel was complex. Very dramatic. Like Darth Vader and Batman rolled into one. Dramatic, intense and oh so serious. The bane of lighthearted Gloryel. But Saruviel was designed to be a challenge, and the Children of the Rainbow had a destiny from their rebirth to handle a second challenge from his dearest son. Right from the beginnng God could tell in how the heart of Saruviel being formed liked to be traditional in his own way, and give people what they expected when it all came down to it. Original, fresh, new in its own way, but givem a show. Don' leave em guessing. So God worked through the heart of his daughter Eve – Destiny – and the general creative strengths of Adam – the Author – and worked out the next chapter as best he could, with the choices from their etenal spirit making its decisions all along the way. And when push came to shove, and the living was to be done, what else could you say but whatever would be would be.

Chapter One

'So 12 processes complete, and we need an official title for a pfriod of 12 Processes. And they are doing a realm wide referendum on the ultimate choices. Your suggestion Arch-Regent?' queried Valandriel the Seraphim of his younger Seraphim brother Daniel.

'Just that kemosabe. A period. The end in many ways of the first section, which naturally indicates a second sentence is about to begin,' replied Daniel.

Valandriel stroked his chin. 'Not bad. That works for me. If we back it, they'll probably vote it.'

'Good. But other things are on my mind,' replied Daniel, as they sat on the edge of the rim in Zaphora, throwing pebbles into the gap.

'What?' asked Valandriel.

'Saruviel. Something has – changed – in him of recent times. But it's not really unfamiliar. It's a glint in his eye. An old glint. A glint of the dark lord we knew from the start. He's up to something, and I feel it's of no good.'

'Rebellion? Again? He's too old and wise and over it for that idea,' replied Valandriel.

'Yet, he hasn't forgotten his original commission. And I think he's got a plan. A bloody diabolical one.'

'Throw a pebble,' replied Valandriel. 'You worry too much.

Daniel threw a pebble, and they watched it sink down into the gap.

'I think, in reflection of this first period,' said Daniel.

'Must have been settled then,' replied Valandriel. 'We'll bypass the referendum and title it a period.'

'You do that,' replied Daniel. 'But I think in reflection over this first period I've probably learned some lessons. About how far you can push it mostly and still get the blessing in life. Sin doesn't really work as a concept terribly well, and its mostly a miserable lifestyle. But there are some conclusions I have reached, and one of those is that I don't have a drive on purpose in life terribly much yet. I've filled it in with religion, but while I'm sure that probably is the answer, I'm only going with what I think is right.'

'As opposed to what?' asked Valandriel.'What I know is right.'f

'The universal dilemma,' said Valandriel. 'But never mind that. Throw a pebble and it will be better in the morning.'

'Yes mum,' replied Daniel, and Valandriel grinned.

* * * * *

'You worry to much Ambriel,' said Michael. 'Now if you could learn to enjoy the fine art of French pornography, you'd be doing much better.'

'Still crude I see,' replied Ambriel.

'Only on weekends,' said Michael. 'And after Dinosaur wrestling on Thursday nights on Fox.'

'Dinosaur wrestling,' replied the Messiah. 'What is the frikking fascination with dinosaur wrestling. It's beyond me.'

'Oy, don't knock dinosaur wrestling till you've tried it,' said Gabriel, at the back of Michael's office in Mt Zionistya, looking at magazines from the filing cabinet.

'I have too much love for dinosaurs to try and intimidate them,' replied Ambriel. Ambriel looked at Michael. 'I mean, that's right isn't it? When it comes right down to it we're still angels, with an example to set. To love, to be at peace, and to care for God's creation.'

'I'm permanently jaded since biting the dust,' replied Michael. 'Solid thrills, a bit of Torah on the sabbath, good food and some love with Elenniel. The basics of my life. Lawful enough, and others can have the glory. Got plenty of my own.'

'Right,' said Ambriel.

'How's Meludiel. You two together?' asked Michael.

'I'm married to Fiona,' replied Ambriel.

Michael, for the first time in a very long time, looked at his younger brother, assessing him. 'You know, your handsome enough. Love gets you along a million miles of course, and your minions of Messiah Ministry femme beauties hang on every word you say because of it. But when all is said and done, you aren't a male hottie. Solid enough looks, but not majorly handsome. More than a pass I suppose, but no distinction level.'

'Gee, thanks,' replied Ambriel. 'Good to know.'

'What I'm saying is that, forgive me, butFiona is about the samfe. Solid looks, but no spunk. Not when it comes right down to it.'

'I find her attractive enough,' replied Ambriel defensively.

'I suppose you would,' replied Michael. 'She's about as good looking as you are.'

Ambriel sat in silence for a while, and picked up a dinosaur magazine. 'No need to be an asshole about it,' he said after a while.'

'Just being honest little brother,' said Michael. 'But you know it's truth well enough. Yeh, Fiona. Why not. Very stable worker. Probably good for you really.'

'I think so,' replied Ambriel. 'Anyway, do you have a comment?'

'To what?' asked Michael.

'To my statements. About Saruviel. Do you have a comment.'

'Think he gave a reply,' said Gabriel, coming over and sitting opposite Ambriel, next to Michael on the leather couches which opposed each other in Michael's office.

'I don't worry too much. Saruviel – I was with him – it was the old spirit. The one from the beginning. But a little colder this time. A little more wiley.'

'Let the Evening Stars handle it,' said Michael snidely. 'Think they bloody rule eternity now, well let them take care of the sitch. Got over it, really, even wanting to visit terribly much. Settled in Zionistya now, and its become the most suitable of homes.'

'Indeed it has,' replied Gabriel. 'One spirit, Torah Judaism dominates, and the non-jews follow Judaism with a standard approach. Up in eternity it's Noahidism which rules, and they don't want no Jews telling em what to do,' he finished sarcastically.

'They welcome Jewish people when they're not being so predictable and chosen about it,' Ambriel replied. 'When its a responsibility and a privilege. Not something which is a passport to power and abuse.'

'Fuckem,' replied Michael. 'We'd rather do it our own way anyway, and things are good now. Down below its worked out the way we like it, and we don't need the worries of the Evening Stars about their dread Lord to bring us down. We're happy now. They can jizz their own jazz. They kicked us out. Tough.'

'And do you expect to be honoured in eternity with no respect for your neighbours or their problems?' asked Ambriel. 'We had a commision to care,' said Ambriel.'Which mankind never appreciated,' saidf Michael. 'So they can go blow. Come on, watch some dinosaur wrestling with us. Let Saruviel be the devil he wants to be. It's how he gets his kicks. Don't sweat it bro.'

Ambriel sighed, stood, and said. 'I'll be at home. But I'll be returning to the Realm again to chat with Saruviel, and talk with Daniel and Valandriel. If you won't help I'll do it myself.'

'Fly away little one,' said Michael, waving his hand, and Ambriel gave Michael a bothered look, and left.

'Saruviel having fun again,' said Gabriel.

'News could be entertaining for a while,' said Michael.

'I guess so,' replied Gabriel, and returned his focus to 'Dinosaur Wrestling quarterly, and some of the latest exploits.

* * * * *

'It's not that you are not social,' said Raphael.

'Not to be bothersome, but wtf are you doing in Zaphora anyway? A Morning Star has a new home. The Zionistya of God's getting over bothering and giving us all a frikking break and the Jews having learned their frikking lesson and thank God for that,' replied Azrael, from behind the bar, green beard which Billy wore every St Patricks day, as it was good for the customers, and Kwintakel thought it funny.

Jay Z stretched his arms, and sipped on his beer. His twin, Beyonce, the Seraphim Nimorel, sat next to him, texting away, and occasionally adjusting her hair and looking around the bar.

'I have a traditional office in Zaphon with a right to redeem it at will. Ambriel has talked with me about Saruviel, and I decided I wasn't a sinner like Michael and would get involved.'

'So Michael's a sinner, is he?' queried Azrael, putting down his bartender wipe rag, and looking directly at his brother Seraphim.

'These days, man,' replied Raphael. 'He's got a lot of extra lives up his sleeve for his long service.'

'Must be a cat,' said Azrael.

'Oh, he's levelled out. Mostly. But he's carnal and uncaring, and tolerates a lot of crap in his dominion of Zionistya. Not exactly rough play, coz they're jews mostly. They tend not to get that rough. But rowdy in the main citadel and cities near the centre of Zionistya.'

'Ha. Would make a good Scot then,' replied Azrael. 'Jews finally toughening up a bit and getting over being such pussies about it. Abraham always had balls, but as sensitive to God like Jacob. They were fmen of the land, and could hack it, but went soft because God liked them.'

'Yeh,' replied Raphael, and sipped on his beer. 'Probably true on the patriarchs actually. Anyway, I have an office here again, and intend doing my traditional work. And one of my chief wards and concerns has always been Azrael the Seraphim.'

Azrael pu his hand on the bar, face down. 'Well, boss. As you can see, I get plenty of social activity. Talk with people all day long. Me and Kwintakel have been married forever now, and we chat about life in the bar, and the goings on of Zaphora life. Cosadriel comes in regularly, and works here from time to time. Mostly I think I'm covered well enough. A bit of standup every now and again which draws a crowd. Lot of material to draw from, you know. Got a wise daughter in Clamorton, married a famous painter's son, and they're doing well, and being very much the socialites on the scene. The painting I bought is over there on the wall,' said Azrael pointing.

Raphael turned, and looked at the scantily clad redheaded maiden, at the feet of her highlad prince. 'Choice,' he replied.

'So, dear brother. Life, I think, socially, is going well enough.'

'Good, good,' said Raphael. He took out a notebook.'

'Now why not a frikking tablet,' said Nimorel. 'Why still the frikkin notebooks. Is this how you are going to do all this bloody work here.'

'It was always done this way, Nimorel,' said Raphael. 'I do my official job the traditional way. While here, and working at Zaphon, tradition. I will give em what they expect.'

Nimorel looked at her husband. 'Ok she said. I guess I get the point.'

'If you must,' said Azrael. 'Fucked if I remember what I do traditionally.'

'A bi of roster work, and your mostly a loner,' replied Raphael.

Azrael looked at his brother. 'Must be in your notes.'

'Something like that,' said Raphael, and sipped on his beer, turning to admire the fine 'MacKenzie' painting on the wall, and enjoy the atmosphere of Az's place in the heart of Zaphona city.

* * * * *

'So it's not exactly a holy attitude,' chided Meludiel on Michael for the 7^th time that day.

'I know, I know. It's what's done in Zionistya. It's our right to behave like that, and its the way things are done at the bottom of the well. I get with the picture ad follow the scene like it's meant to be.'f

'His attitude is entirely appropriate and normal in Zionistya,' replied Gabriel. 'We are adaptive angelic beings, made in the image of a holy but also intelligent deity. We know what cuts the mustard.'

Meludiel glared at Gabriel but softened.

'And no, Meludiel. You will not be monitoring me, while I am here,' said Michael. 'Not that the power of the Lady Seraphim Torah is not acknowledged, but this current overseer, some mindor Cheruseraphim duke, has made room for me, and Cindradel gave me a knowing wink, and I am in charge. Saruviel will be responded to, as I won't tolerate that Ambriel thinking, deep down in his heart, that I have ever really not known or trusted in the LORD. From eternity to eternity God is, and I know that God, and his patience, AND his salvation. And I know when he likes a man after his heart. You can go now. I know my way around the cafeteria.'

Meludiel looked at Michael, and noticed the incredible change in his demeanour. It was just a point he was trying to make, with Ambriel. She saw it instantly. The man knew, he always had, exactly what he was doing. She waved her hand softly at him. 'See you michael.'

When she got back to the music room, a spirit had come over her, and she got out 'Give your best to God' from the cupboards, and started tidying up the music room, and Sharlamane walked in an Gamrayel walked in, and Gamrayel looked at Meludiel for a moment, and noticed the ancient spirit, and said. 'Oh. I see. Like that is it.' And started helping her organize the room the old way, and Sharlamane snapped to attention, and soon Melladon was being discussed, and Sharlamane was by the window, looking out at the greenery, and said 'I wonder what Daniel is doing?'

* * * * *

Saruviel Savereign, Alice Cooper, Saruviel the Seraphim of Eternity and the Seraphim offspring, Andrew, son of Daniel the Seraphim, were on the golf course. Zaphon Major, in the heart of Zaphona City.

'Hell. A place I've visited often,' commented Alice Cooper. 'Fore!' he yelled out, as he hit his ball.

'The point, I think, is probably ultimately redemption from hell,' said Saruviel Savereign.

'But we put them through it first,' stated Saruviel, lining up and taking his shot.

'And why is that then?' asked Andrew.

'People are weak,' sai Saruviel. 'They need a role model.'f

'And that's what you are?' asked Andrew.

'I make em sure they know they need one,' replied Saruviel, as Saruviel Savereign lined up to take his shot.

'That's were the Morning Stars come in,' said Saruviel of Eternity. 'Even now they assemble, and the first comments are not official till tonight.'

'Yes. Those comments. Of all the recent discussions,' said Andrew.

'A new vision for the universe,' said Sarviel Savereign, making the sign of a movie director with his hands of a big production. 'Eternya will love it I am sure, and I'm hugely impressed with being able to work with my namesake in this great and magnificent endeavour.'

'And me?' asked Andrew.

'The Realm of Infinity is tricky business,' said Saruviel. 'Samael likes traditional ways up there, and they like to know they run their own show without a shadow of a dobut. You have good experience in Infinity, though, and they like you. But I still see you haven't yet accepted the offer.'

'Still thinking over the theological implications of it all. It could in many ways be considered traditional rebellion. I mean, it's exactly what you did to start with. Taking over.'

'Hardly the same. And you know the logic this time. And it's undeniable.'

'Perhaps,' said Andrew. 'Still thinking that point over actually.' He lined up and took his own shot.

'Then you do that,' said Saruviel. 'Our friend Vincent Furnier here is signed up and happy to work from New Terra on the project, and with you in Infinity we have a formidable team.' Vincent Furnier was Alice Cooper's real name.

'We'll see,' replied Andrew Daly, as they marched down the green, a pleasant day, a happy day, in Zaphona City Major golf course, in the Realm of Eternity.

* * * * *

'You know how I feel you hanging around Sharlamane,' said Jessica, Daniel the Seraphim's wife, in their penthouse apartment in Danielphon Keep in the heart of Zaphora.

'A click, a tick and an upper lip, and that from little Ambyf Wamby, and Mikey Dyke has repented, or conformed, and is back in the old job. And the realm is still ticking over, but clicked into old gears. I smell the oil. The holy spirit. Old stuff. Animistic delight. When I go around the traps on a run, ancient stuff. Over by the southern lake, and in some sections of the gardening lands which are still going from the beginning, and all through the Garden itself, ancient spirit doing its thing again. And Zaphon stinks of the old ways. Reeks of it. Even got this memo from Michael expecting the Arch Regent in the Overseer's office first thing Monday morning. And I was too intimidated to deny him in my reply. So, to answer your point, if Sharlamane likes me at this time, that is just par for the course sweetie. Pass the weet bix would you.'

Jessica passed her husband the breakfast cereal from the pantry, and sat down with her Danielphon cafeteria latte. 'You've been faithful a very long time now. You won't slip will you?'

Daniel shook his head. 'A period is complete, and I think I've probably learned my lesson. Anyway, it's 11, and late. Why aren't you with Sharakondra?'

'Day off,' repied Jessica. 'I'm making notes and writing a report on tonight's address.'

'What address?' asked Daniel.

'Saruviel's,' she replied. 'A new thing he has going. On Realm-wide TV tonight. Hadn't you heard?'

Daniel eyed his wife, but just ate his weet bix in silence. Later, when they were watching TV, Daniel spoke up. 'And that is one thing which is not good. Saruviel's spirit. It's the ancient stuff also. The Adversarial stuff. When God called him Satan for a moment. And we learned very well what that meant after some time.'

'You don't talk about those days that much,' said Jessica, looking at him.

'Old history. Times and days which have spent their purpose and money.'

Jessica turned and looked at the TV. 'Which have apparently returned,' she said. 'To entertain us newbies with God's traditional ways no doubt.'

Daniel looked at her, almost stunned. He looked at the TV. 'I guess he so,' he said, and thought on that in silence for the rest of the day.

* * * * *

Uriel and Raguel glided into the cafeteria.f

'Hey. Smells like the old days,' said Uriel.

'Look at the menu,' said Raguel. 'The old stuff.'

'I'll order Langwah and salad,' said Uriel.

Kaladael herself took the order. Uriel blushed. His sister gave him a stern look as if 'What have you been up to?'.

'Yep,' he said, turning to Raguel. 'The old stuff indeed.'

Later on they were on the couches at the southern entrance of Zaphon Keep.

'Well, I'll be watching,' said Uriel.

'I don't think I can deny it. Saruviel again. Must be why we've been drawn back here.'

'Yep, I think its a gathering. I don't think we have much choice in this respect. Michael insisted, but I run my life. But it was authority in the memo, like he's the boss of Zaphon, and we do what he says. And I knew he was big brother, and I couldn't find the ability to argue much,'' replied Raguel.

'And Saruviel. It's what it's about. It's not freedom. It's something different. And Michael is taking it head on.'

'Old times,' replied Raguel. 'I'll move into the dorms tonight. Take my luggage in and set it up.'

'Let's visit Brindabel. And then play in the games room,' said Uriel. 'Keldo. The ancient set is still there. Still the same colours. I looked before. The same Chulara mat and makers also.'

'You're kidding, right?' asked Raguel.

'I swear. It's the same set,' said Uriel.

So they chatted, and reminisced, and soon enough were enjoying traditional things of Zaphon Keep which Seraphim angels at home undertook.

* * * * *

Alice Cooper was in the green room, with Andrew Daly, Saruviel Savereign, and Saruviel the Seraphim, was having his makeup done. Alice was strumming on a guitar. 'You know, Sar,' he said. 'A theme song for the campaign might fly. The cool cats could go for that jazz.'

'Sounds like solid dick,' replied Saruviel. 'Sfee to it.'

Kantriel and Daraqel entered the room and sat down on a leather couch.

'I assure you both, again, this is not a fruitless exerecise,' said Saruviel. 'It is after all one of the primary keys of my Oblivion Tube manifesto. We'll see how this flies, and do reports later on guaging its success.'

'Did you expect the Michael reaction?' asked Daraqel, taking a celery stick with cheese from a tray a station caterer was offering him.

'Unexpected. Given our victory as Evening Stars deposing Israel to Zionistya,' replied Saruviel.

'Which had been planned from the ages from all reports,' said Kantriel, the actor Orlando Bloom.

'Apparently,' said Saruviel, turning and looking at Kantriel. He looked forward into the mirror. 'So it could well be that Michael's more relaxed standards he is quite happy to display are part of the plan of God, and when the shit sinks to Zionistya Michael likes to chill out, wrestle dinosaurs, and be a regular doohicky.'

'But on home turf he's his old self,' commented Alice Cooper.

'Seems like it,' said Andrew.

'So that's the shit we might have to deal with,' said Daraqel.

'You all worry too much,' said Saruviel Savereign, who was dressed in his traditional Dracula outfit from his acting career in the role. 'Michael has been prompted by Israel's blessed Messiah to get his act together. The timing is purley coincidental. Your blessed Cindradel seemed to think that the case.'

'You enjoyed her company quite a lot,' said Saruviel the Seraphim to his namesake.

'She has great tradition in her,' replied Saruviel Savereign. 'One of the mainstays of House Savereign is tradition and the appreciation of that fact in others.'

'I look more at the absolutes of the idea. Eternal constants,' said Saruviel of Eternity.

'You would,' said Kantriel.

'Don't I know it,' replied Daraqel.

'Cheer up you two,' said Saruviel. 'The show is about to begin.

'5 minutes Saruviel,' said a station worker fopening the door and poking his head in.

'Action time boys,' said Saruviel, and stood and grinned at the assembled motley crew.

* * * * *

'Michael, suck my dick and sit the fuck down,' said Gabriel.

'Listen, semi-professional dinosaur shagger, I don't give a damn what Saruviel says. I am Michael the Archangel. Premiere fucking angel of the Realm of Eternity. Ambriel, the pretend Messiah, can suck my dick. And repentance? God can shove his repentance right up his jatz...'

'Saruviel's on,' interrupted Gabriel.

Michael sat down.

'Friends,' began Saruviel on the television broadcast.

'Pfffffttt,' commented Michael.

'Shut it,' said Gabriel.

'Let us listen in peace,' said Cindradel. 'You made us stay after work for this, so quieten down firstborn.'

Michael, humbly, took his rebuke.

'So, with greetings taken care of,' continued Saruviel. 'Down to business. I am Saruviel. Archangel of the Realm of Eternity.'

'Archangel my butt,' said Michael.

'MICHAEL!!!' chorused the overseers office as one.

'And as an Archangel I have a particular responsibility. I am the challenging angel. The Angel of Adversity. The one who gets the best out of everyone.'

'The worst more like it,' said Michael, but went quiet at the dirty looks directed towards him.

'And as challenging angel I have a responsibility, like all Archangels, to see to the welfare of the Realm of Eternity. To act in everyones best interests, not just my own. And in that job, of acting in everyones best interests, I have noticed things.'

'Get to the frikking point,' said Michael.

'I have noticed, that in this funny thing called life, certain things tend to happen under father's tender care after a while. Prosperity, yes. Happiness, somewhat. But more than anythfing else, indeed there is peace. But it is a peace which is, how can I put it, more of a malaise. More of something which one word in the language describes so more accurately than any other. And that word is boredom.'

'Interesting,' said Michael, now paying attention.

'In this grand prosperity and vision of God for a realm of peace and happiness, people have simply become dull and less interested in life. They lack any real motivation any more. Today, the weather reports are actually the most interesting of things on television, so bland has life begun.'

'What half my day revolves around, chatting about the weather,' said Cindradel.

'It is because, with all this wonderful peace, all this blissful prosperity, all this apparent wisdom of God, you have lost reason. Reason to live satisfying, happy and fulfilling lives. Lives with purpose. Lives with action. Lives with drive.'

'Mmmph,' said Michael, now a little curious about what Saruviel was saying.

'You have no reason now. Most of you. You have no reason for passion, for mission, for vision. Your dreams have become dry, lifeless, untenable. They lack substance now. The river has, how you put it. Run dry.'

Saruviel went silent. He knew his point was hitting home on some.

'As I said, you have no reason. And I off you a purpose. I offer you a plan. I offer you a fix. A fixation which will give you a drive which doesn't serve God and his boredom, but the rush of being alive and being 'ACTION.' It's the sedate which kills us, the pointlessness, and the calm sedate ways of father bore us all to death. Exalt me over eternity and I will drive you with passion. At the very least I will give you that fix. Even Jesus Christ knows God will drag you down to Mundania. He knows that all too well. The vision I have is a life filled with action, a life filled with purpose, a life filled with excitement. For God only knows, father never delivered on that anyway. MAKE SARUVIEL KING. Thank you.'

The program switched back to the hosts, who continued chatting, and Cindradel turned off the TV with the remote.

'Well, at least we're not going to be bored for a while,' said Gabriel

'Don't I know it,' said Michael, now starting to understand why he was back where he started. A new challenge from the dark Lord, and Michael knew what God was asking him. Did he give a damn?

* * * * *

'Abraham suggests you just sure up Noahide faith, and work out your faithful,' said Sharlamane.

'Noah suggested the same thing,' replied Daniel.

'Well, that's what we do,' said Valandriel. 'I mean, let's face it Daniel. We ain't no quitters, but the Morning Stars and the Evening Stars have been watching our progress a while now. The Oblivion Tube Processes was a time when many plans were made by ourselves. We know our plans. But the major manifesto's of eternity are not just fashioned by the ValDan agenda. Other voices have their dreams also.'

'Indeed we do,' said Sharlamane, looking warmly at Daniel.

'Don't get any ideas bitch,' said Jessica. 'He's taken. Permanently.'

Sharlamane bowed her head at Jessica Daly, but continued smiling at Daniel, who gave her a wry grin.

'He'll spend his money, one way or another,' said Valandriel. 'In time it will blow over. He wants a victory prize, so my suggestion is we ride with the flow of things, and when the wind changes it will just blow over.'

'But some times people make a mark,' said Daniel. 'And acknowledgements are made. A slight bow of the head to something done well and a grand impression made. Remember, his role is adversary.' Daniel went silent.

'What is your point husband?' asked Jessica.

'Two can play at that game,' replied Daniel.

Valandriel looked at Daniel squarely for a moment, and reached down into his briefcase and took out a notebook.

'The ValDan agenda,' said Valandriel. 'Has some new ideas.'

'Indeed it does,' replied Daniel. 'I'll give you a week, buddy, then we meet upstairs in the war room, and I'll share my notes also. Till then its back to the indoor cricket training. Uncle Matt's bastards are looking competitive this season, and I want a solid show for team Danielphon in the C league this season.'

'Bloody tought to make A grade these days,' said Valandriel.

'Full time commitment required, and constant training. Talent alone, and pulling one out just won't do it. Those lads in A and B are committed to full time at the thing. I just don't have the time. C will do. It's as competitive as A grade used to be these days, and the action level is about right for us.'f

'You are probably right,' said Valandriel.

'He is on that,' said Jessica. 'He's steady, and living a regular life, without letting the herohead take over these days. Consistent, and faithful as well,' she said, looking at Jessica with a stern look.

'I think I've learned some lessons about endurance and consistency,' said Daniel. 'And knowing one's place in the world, and not trying to take ALL the glory.'

'Just our share,' said Valandriel.

'Which we fight fairly for,' replied Daniel. 'Now get to those notes See you soon enough.'

Daniel finished his weet bix, and Jessica just stared at Sharlamane, but said nothing more. Her husband better have been listening to what she had to say.

* * * * *

'Funny,' said Samael, flicking off Aphrayel's television set.

'Mmm,' replied Aphrayel. 'Saruviel wants to be King of Eternity, and you say funny. 'You do know Andrew Daly has a speaking tour representing Saruviel's agenda taking place throughout Nadrazon in coming months.'

'The Realm of Infinity has little concern for the goings on of our counterparts down below,' said Sandalphon, over by the window, with his glass of scotch.

'In the last Process the Realm of Eternity passed the size of the Realm of Infinity for the first time. It was a news report for a while,' said Aphrayel.

'Was it now,' said Samael, stroking his chin. 'Well, good luck to them. Excellent to have ambition in life. It's how things are achieved.'

'And it doesn't bother you that they are now outperforming our efforts on growth,' said Aphrayel.

'Rivals compete to make a name. But they don't compete on their own to set that standard as personal benchmarks,' said Samael. 'When they've had the glory, they'll go down to the level they are set at, and we'll come back ahead.'

'And you know the level we are set at?' asked Aphrayel.

'I've read enough Asimov bfooks on the subject,' replied Samael.

'Ah, War of the Realms,' said Sandalphon. 'Classic literature.'

'I think you underestimate them. And overestimate confidence in your own knowledge. One thing I do know in life, growth occurs. And people learn and do improve.'

'They do so out of pride. Nature wins in the end. Not nurtured psychological ambition,' said Samael.

'It's an old debate,' said Sandalphon, as Aphryael gave him a puzzled look as to what Samael was going on about.

'Let Saruviel be King and let Andrew Daly do his speaking. Life will go on, invariably, the same old way in the end. Whatever powers may be,' said samael.

Aphrayel picked up her cards, and started another game of solitaire. 'Apparently,' she replied. And all Samael would do was sit there, in his traditional pose, stroking his chin.

Chapter Two

'So Zaphora expands,' said Chavanel.

Saruviel threw a pebble into the rim. 'Yeh. I guess so,' he replied. 'I mean, it's not like it was. I miss it, you know. The old realm. It's not what it was. People have moved on, and the only way to get the excited again is frikking rebellion. I got to put on this whole show, and make some noise, and play the devil card to the hilt, or people just get bored, and move on, and the life of eternity dwindles. Or more realistically, the powers that be go into their own showcase special in 'My disc is the supreme glory' and give not two seconds thought to Zaphora or Terraphora, and the fellowship fractures, and it just is not what it used to be.'

'I've moved on,' replied Chavanel, throwing in a pebble also. Zionistya is home now. I'm settled in a dominion of my twin and I, and we're happy. But the Evening Stars won't rest in the Morning, as the nature is different in each. It's more of a case of accepting our differences and living with that,' said Chavanel.

'It's why I've moved on with the Rainbow Covenant,' said Saruviel. 'It's clear from Andrew's discussions that the Realm of Infinity is settled on Realm Law as the primary paradigm. The machinations of Logos and Samael at council are sovereign. And in Heaven its more of a case that as a Child of God you have your own viewpoints which have been developed into eternal doctrine, and you are your own beacon of light, expected to carry yourff own load.'

'So you follow the child of heaven Noah, and his primary covenant. And that is the stability of eternity,' replied Chavanel.

'I think it will have to be,' said Saruviel. 'Which leaves me at a crossroad. I will push this current agenda, but the goal has changed to provoke to certainty. And that is what the heart of the adversarial role which God assigned me was all about. I've worked that out these last few weeks. It's to provoke them to certainty till they know what they believe and why they believe it. So the fun is gone, and I am taking things down a new tact in my next Television dialogue. It will be different, but the goal is to make people real. I mean, we are real. But we follow and don't stand. We don't stand on what is true and eternal, and flake away after the vibe to find a good time.'

'And that is the heart of addiction,' replied Chavanel.

'So we break the addiction,' replied Saruviel. 'And I know how I'm going to do that.'

Chavanel threw a pebble into the rim. 'Should be interesting viewing then,' she said.

'Stay tuned,' finished Saruviel.

* * * * *

'You got excited, and I was going to challenge, and a marvellous showdown. Predictable, aren't you all?'

'That's more like it,' said Michael. 'Mock the assholes. They're just spineless followers anyway.'

'Shut up Michael,' said Cindradel. 'I'm trying to listen.'

'I mean, fuck you all,' said Saruviel.

'Amen,' said Michael.

'MICHAEL,' yelled Chavanel.

'You people make me sick,' said Saruviel. 'Always needing to be told what to do. I get it day in day out. There I am, slaving my guts out as Overseer, and winge, winge, fucking winge. Everybody wants the fucking attention. This special project, that campaign, the needs program in disc 66. Disc 66 can shove itself as far as I am concerned. In the end, people, if you really crave a King Saruviel, and can't gather the wherewithal to take care of your own shit, how pathetic are you anyway.'

'Ok,' said Ed Sheeran, watching on TV. 'I'll show you what I can do then.'

'So I'm going on a holiday. Mef and Krystabel. And Michael farty Seraphim can run the Realm of Eternity, and you can be all bored fuckless with his tireless tirades of blandity.'

'Looking forward to it,' replied Michael, now grinning like a cheshire cat.

'Sing the fucking song Alice,' said Saruviel, and stood, an exited the stage. The scene flashed to Alice, who began singing the campaign theme and that, as they say, was that.

* * * * *

'Right,' said Ed. 'That way?' he asked. The lady nodded. Ed carried on through the overseer's offfice.

'It's a stupid idea Chavanel. Besides, Saruviel...... Where to begin. He's an asshole for starters,' said Michael.

'Excuse me,' said Ed, putting up his hand. He was ignored.

'Not only an asshole,' continued Michael. 'But a rebel. And a poor loser. Got his butt kicked to start with. We're not going to frikking kiss and makeup.'

'Excuse me sir,' said Ed Sheeran, again putting up his hand.

'I mean, why the hell would I want to work it out with Saruviel. It's really Daniel and Valandriel which are the assholes which run this joint anyway. They've just been letting me have the glory for a bit. Temporary glory in their book. I know how the damn well think. ValDan agenda my butt.'

'Excuse me sir?' said Ed again.

'What the hell do you want kid?' asked Michael, turning to look at Ed.

'Oh, it's Ed Sheeran,' said Cindradel. 'Fancy seeing him here.'

'I'd like a job. And an opportunity,' said Ed. 'I want to show the world a point I have. A point I'd like to make to Saruviel.'

'Right,' said Michael, and bit into his cigar. 'Take a note, Cindradel. Tighten Zaphon security. These days they're letting any old bum in with a name and a gold record.'

'Sit next to me,' said Chavanel to Ed. 'Michael is in a mood.'

'It's good to be fucking King again,' said Michael, puffing on his cigar.

'He's been like this for a whilef,' said Chavanel to Ed. Ed nodded in reply.

'I mean, I rule eternity. But that Daniel. He's going to get his comeuppance. Kick me out will he? I'm frikking firstborn. My job buddy. Position already filled. Look elsewhere.'

'I have an idea,' said Ed.

Michael's eyes finally settled on Ed Sheeran. 'What idea Mr Sheeran?'

'Justice,' said Ed.

'Justice?' queried Michael.

'Justice,' finished Ed Sheeran.

Michael put out his cigar. 'Get me coffee, Chavanel. I'll be in the task room. Ed. Follow me.'

'Good luck, Ed,' said Chavanel.

'And make it black!' yelled Michael.

Cindradel grumbled. One way, or another, and perhaps for the worst in the end, things were somewhat, finally, back to normal in Zaphon Keep, and the Realm of Eternity. And the name of the game was yet again Saruviel, and just what Ed Sheeran, of all people, had in his mind to answer the latest challenge of the dark lord of eternity.

* * * * *

'So what's the next card?' asked Andrew.

'Now the players play their cards,' said Saruviel. 'It's a matter of drawing them out with a sucker punch.'

'I get it. They think you've gone soft,' said Saruviel Savereign.

'Nobody fears a lamb,' replied Saruviel. 'Now my anticipation is that Jesus will make a play for Zionistya with Michael otherwise engaged. Cosadriel and Azrael will get some of their projects running more strongly with a now friendly and over it Saruviel, but Daniel and Valandriel probably aren't that stupid. They might do a thing or two, but that old Cherubim bastard Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly will tell them to keep an eye on me, and not be too obvious. He, at least, wasn't born yesterday.'

'Someone to have some fun with,' said Saruviel Savereign.

'That could be fun,' said Andrefw. 'He is my grandpa, you know.'

'Yes,' replied Saruviel. 'I wouldn't dream of doing anything against him, Andrew. He maintains a peace policy and just helping people to live out regular lives.'

'It's about all the ANM represent,' said Andrew. 'Dad, he likes the game, though.'

'Which is why we'll be watching,' said Saruviel.

'Indeed,' replied Andrew.

* * * * *

'I see, Andrew,' said Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly. 'There is nothing terribly lawless he has planned though, is there?'

'Not from what I've seen,' replied Andrew. 'Mainly a play at Kingmaker.'

'Which doesn't bother me,' replied Daniel. 'Father likes peace to reign in the Realm of Eternity, and for people to find their dreams. We Daly's facilitate that objective with maintenance of the Rainbow Covenant. 'Just report if Saruviel plans anything too dramatic, but otherwise keep it to yourself. I'm not here to interfere with Saruviel's agendas. It's his life and dreams, hopes and aspirations. I respect his right to express his heart and own plans for his popularity or whatever his will may be.'

'I see. So no more chats, unless its too disorderly.'

'If it is, you might want to go to the throneroom of Zaphon and speak with God about the situation. But if that is not called for, enjoy your time and thrills with Saruviel. He's allowed agendas also.'

Andrew took a sip of the ANM wine bottle at the back of the fellowship in the presbytery before leaving, and came out and looked at the night sky. It was summer in eternity, and it was warm, and his grandfather had made sense to him, and shown that Daly's had respect for the plans of others.

* * * * *

'Right. Why do we serve the Rainbow Covenant?' asked Daniel to Valandriel.

'Torah is life. We serve the Seraphim Torah and our human selves legal obligations with God.'

'Right,' said Daniel. They were in the war room of Danielphon. 'Ok,' he said, looking seriously down at the table, his mind aflood with life and excitement. 'And we commfit to that eternally?' asked Daniel.

'Do you have a covenant for Danielphon yet?' asked Valandriel.

'No,' replied Daniel. 'Not really.'

'Well, when you can affirm eternal commitment to the rainbow covenant, you will get your commitment from God for Danielphon in your name. I have my home with Elsabel, and the issue is settled. I've agreed to the law, and being a citizen with obedience to the authorities if there are other authorities in place.'

'Right,' said Daniel. His psychosis started settling as he sat down and picked up a magazine. 'Right,' he said. 'Ok.'

'Your nervous, aren't you,' said Valandriel. 'Excited by life, aren't you?'

'Wonderful time to live,' said Daniel.

'Which builds your psychosis,' said Valandriel.

'Indeed,' said Daniel. 'I'm sitting here, ok.'

Valandriel came and sat next to him. He took out Daniel's mobile and rang Jessica. Jessica showed up a few minutes later.

'Take him downstairs to ground level. Feed him chicken soup. Sit with him and talk softly.'

Daniel let Jessica lead him and they came and sat down in the sofa in the lounge of Danielphon keep on the ground floor, his traditional home.

'Your excited, aren't you,' she said to him.

He nodded.

'This is when the psychosis builds, and you go off wandering. Let the plan go. Let the plans go. You have a call for action, but you can't be crazy. Careful plans. Not excitable ones.

Daniel picked up the remote and put on the classical radio, and turned it down softly. He and Jessica sat in slience the rest of the afternoon. He went to sleep there, and Jessica put a blanke on him. In the morning he woke, went to the toilet, and returned to the War Room and loooked at the plans. He picked up a sheet, ripped it up, and threw it in the bin. Then he rang Valandriel and said he'd be busy that day.

'Going to the garden,' he said to Jessica, who nodded, and he left. He worked his way up the street, got to the garden soon enough, and found a bench. Then he sat dowfn, and looked at the morning light, and sat there. Letting his mind calm down. The day passed. People came and people went, and Daniel didn't move much, except to stretch a bit, and finally, when it was getting dark, he walked home. The following morning he told Jessica he would be doing it again. 3 days passed, and he repeated the dose each day. On the fourth day he came into the war room. He was a lot steadier. Valandriel looked at him. 'Ok. Your fine now.'

'Saruviel is playing us,' he said.

'Your probably right,' replied Valandriel.

'So we plan a response, and pursue some standard agendas. And I want to go on an ANM retreate for Rainbow Torah basics. To think over foundations for a while.'

'Then you do that,' said Valandriel. Daniel again looked down seriously at the notes on the war table, nodded to himself, got the torn up papers out of the bin, put them on the table, and went downstairs. He watched TV the rest of the week, and spent some time looking at his stamps. He'd sorted it out, the build up, and would think carefully now. But he wanted to address Valandriel's concerns. One of his principles was that, actually, when an issue was raised which was important, and which needed proper reflection, the time at the moment was actually a good time to do that. Because things put off often got forgotten, and if that was an issue of the moment, think on that for a bit. So he did some goof time, planned his retreat, and let sleeping dogs like Saruviel lie for a bit. He would take care of his own life, and address his brother Valandriel's words. They could be actual words God wanted Daniel to consider at this point in the life of the 45^th Seraphim of the Realm of Eternity.

* * * * *

'Jessica. This is Rodney. I still love you babe.'

Jessica hung up. 'You know,' she said, turning in the direction of the throneroom of Zaphon. 'You know, I thought, truly, he was probably dead. Boyfriend, 78 I think. Earth Prime material I believe. Were it all began,' she finished dramatically.

'Where all what began?' asked Sharakondra, coming back into the room.

'Oh, nothing,' said Jessica in reply. 'Let's work.'

Later that morning Jessica was in the office canteen, looking at her mobile. Rodney Cole. 100% it was Rodney Cole. And it was weird – she had Rodney's mobile number etcfhed in her head. One of those funny things you don't forget, like the scar you got at the beach some ancient Christmas, or that your aunt has bad breath from smoking, and you think that over when you are giving a blow job. Really weird shit like that. And Rodney Cole was really weird shit like that. She looked at the number, and dialled. Rodney answered.

'Hey, Jess. Thank God. I knew it was you.'

'What do you want Rodney?'

'It took me for fucking ever to find you. You disappeared off the fucking planet. Your brother would never tell.'

'What do you WANT!' insisted Jessica.

'I still love you babe. Just want you to know that. I want to meet. But it's not what you think. Been settled for ages now, married, lots of kids, family. Respected in the Earth Prime community. Want to go over some old issues, when I was a jerk and stuff and took women too much for granted. Want to make those jerky ways right. Just want to catch up, and apologize for some of my flakey ways.'

'Your married?' asked Jessica.

'Happily and faithfully. My wife is a born again and has been encouraging me to make peace with my past.'

'Oh,' said Jess. 'I see.'

'I can make it to Zaphora if you can put your name on the form on my visa application. Can come and see you and apologize for all the bullshit. Make it clear that I'm not what I was.'

'That's clear enough. Look, I'd rathe not, if that's ok. Sort of past history to me.'

'I understand. Look, ok. Click on view would you.'

Jessica clicked on view. Rodney's face came up. 'Ok, here is me and my immediate family.' The picture showed Rodney, seemingly happily married with children. 'Her name is Mildred. We've been together forever. She's Pentecostal, and wants me to work out my past transgressions, and apologize for the goofiness of my youth.'

'Look, that's ok Rodney. You weren't really any problem.'

'Good, good. Man it's good to see your face, Jess. Look, I've grown up. Matured a long time ago, and althought we weren't really meant to be, I've always thought well of you. So, you know. Sorry for being second rate at the time, but I'm glad your life has worked out.'

'Thanks Rodney,' she replied and fsmiled.

'Ok,' he said. 'Well that's me. Take care Jessica. Bye.' He waved, and then clicked a button, and the screen went blank. Jessica looked at the screen for a moment, then brushed a tear from her eye. Rodney had worked out, and in a weird way that made her happy, and something in her head clicked, and a phone number started finally dissipating which had waited a long time for a resentment to be healed.

* * * * *

'There are 6 colours of the rainbow,' said Shem.

'7,' replied Japheth.

'A comprehensive infinite spectrum,' said Ham.

'It's not the point,' said Noah. 'It's the sign of a promise, and we all know the approximate wavelengths and breadths of the colours. Stop arguing.'

'6,' said Shem.

'7,' defied Japheth.

'The ark is looking good,' said Titea.

'For an object aeons old it damn well is,' replied Noah. 'Why God has wanted to preserve it – beyond me. I would let it disappear into history as one of those things which are bestowed happily to the secularist in the name of legend. Like myself.'

'Still got tickets on yourself,' said Shem. 'You have a small kernel of fact in possible interpretation associated with your name, but they know the three of us are invention.'

'Speak for yourself,' replied Japheth.

'You? Your solid bullshit. Every atheist knows that.'

'But your good at it,' replied Japheth. 'Academy of Shem my butt. Melchizedek my butt. Israel is one deluded dude.'

'It's good for business, so keep it quiet,' replied Shem.

'How long are we going to be hanging around here in Ararat for?' asked Ham. 'I want to get home to heaven.'

'We're here for an affirmation,' said Noah. 'The theophany of God requested it. 'An official period has taken place in the Realm of Eternity, and it's quite an official designatiofn of time for them apparently, and there are covenantal issues which are coming into place he has told me. He wants us to witness a rainbow with the ark, and to make an official record with a painting.'

'Why me?' asked Shem.

'Your the best artist of the three of you. Besides, Ham will be doing the frame, and Japheth will be doing a model of papier mache which will be eternalized of the Ark with a Rainbow in the background, which will be put on display permanently in Zaphon library, alongside the painting.'

'I see,' said Titea. 'Well, how long do we have to wait.'

'Until it rains I have been told,' replied Noah. 'And a rainbow appears. Simply in the natural course of time. It's why we have the tents and things.'

'Roughing it,' said Shem, looking around. 'There are farmers down there. We could stay with them.'

'No,' replied Noah. 'They already know we are here, and the Ark is off limits to official tourists for the next 6 months. It has all been arranged.'

'I see,' said Shem. 'Well, I'll start on the tents.'

'I'll help you,' replied Ham.

And soon Noah's sons were helping each other set up the tents, to await a rainbow at the ark, a testimony for the Realm of Eternity of the enduring promise of the Rainbow Covenant.

* * * * *

'The thing is,' began Ed, sitting in the task room. 'People resented Saruviel's boast. That we all would so willingly just accept him as king. I have one king. God Almighty. And the bleeding angel is presumptuous as fuck to think the residents of the Realm of Eternity are all so happy with Saruviel thinking he is the bees knees.'

'I read you Ed,' replied Michael.

'So the motivation is not really to teach Saruviel a lesson. I have respect for him as the angel of adversity. That is indeed his job. It's more just to point out to him that we are quite happy with a settled life in eternity, and being regular people. I live in Zaphora, but I'm just plain old Ed Sheeran. I live here mainly bfecause Taylor is from Eternity, and so is Luladiel, and they are good friends, and I don't have the same connections in Infinity, and I like being in the angel realms were the behaviour standards are set a bit higher. On New Terra they can get more mundane at times, and to some degree Saruviel is right that we can be boring people under God in some ways. But while I like a bit more life in my life, it is probably a bit more enlightened a life, and probably even the dread of Saruviel, a bit more sedate. Or more a bit more serene, or peaceful. So I'm up and coming, and I'll be touring, and doing shows around the realm, and Chavanel will be touring with me, and so will Taylor, and we want the 'Message to Saruviel' show to say that we are happy with life, and we already have our meaning, and we want to simply get on with the regularity and indeed mundanaity of it all.'

Michael looked at Ed. 'Saruviel's point to you Ed is that you have to fight for that.'

'Why?' asked Ed.

'Why anything,' replied Michael. 'Why does the bronco buck under the rider trying to tame him? Why does the dolphin hit the shark? Why do babies cry? The lesson Saruviel is setting us once more is that if we don't fight for our peace in the world, it can, and will, be taken away from us.'

'Why should we have to though? Why can't people like Saruviel just leave us all in peace?'

'Take it up with the throneroom downstairs,' replied Michael. 'And if you don't like it, back to New Terra. 'The Seraphim know Saruviel's rights, and what he is perfectly entitled to pursue at times. Just thank your lucky stars your not from Infinity which have to deal with Satan. Or worse still, Samael of heaven. He's the head of all devil's, and as sarcastic as anyone on a good or bad day.'

'Right,' replied Ed. 'Well I'm a citizen.'

'So make your case, and if you can win people over, good luck to you.'

'Right,' replied Ed, and nodded his head. He knew his course of action. He knew what he was now committing to.

* * * * *

Council. The Council of Zaphora. A special convening. Things to discuss.

'We hardly answer to you,' started Saruviel, when Michael had sat.

'Still, there are things to discuss,' replied Michael.

'Like what the hell are you sitting inf that chair for,' said Valandriel angrily. 'Ok, fair enough. You got in a huff, and reclaimed the overseersmanship, but nobody gave a shit anyway, because duke whatshisname, the Cheruseraphim fella was a bit of a nobody, the long in a long streak given a go at the job, and nobody gave much of a damn. Sure, ok. Have your old job back for a bit, have a few choice words of revenge, but then we expect, we ALL expect you to take the hint motherfucker, and disappear back to Zionistya, and do everyone a favour. Like a bad smell, though, you still appear to be hanging around.'

'Quite a bad smell,' said Daniel.

'Michael has good hygiene,' said Gabriel.

'And what the fuck is Gabriel doing here? Is he your nanny?' asked Valandriel.

'Bite me,' replied Gabriel, and glared at Valandriel.

'Fellas,' said Cimbrel. 'That's no way to treat our honoured guests.'

'You barely love us,' said Michael. 'So much for the ancient fellowship.'

'That shit's not going to wash either,' replied Saruviel. 'Quote 1 Corinthians 13 even. You know where you can shove that jewish shit also.'

'I am overseer. For the moment,' finished Michael. 'And I would expect the Archangels of Eternity to remember we have an ancient covenant which has to be honoured at times.'

'Are you calling 'Home' asked Saruviel?' his eyebrow raised.

Elenniel spoke up. 'For a while. Our dear brother Michael intends to be at home for a while. 3 or 4 years, overseer, in peace. Nothing contentious, traditional ways, and deal with whatever you guys have planned, with traditional maturity. And then you can sling all the diry stuff you want, and we'll return to Zionistya.'

'Fine,' said Daniel. 'If your calling Home, fine. Welcome dear Michael. I will be in the dormitories of Zaphon, and chatting with Sharlamane over the next few weeks in an entirely innocent friendship. You can find me there,' and Daniel stood, and left.

Valandriel watched Daniel leave, and looked at Michael. 'I'll always honour home. We agreed on that. I'll be at Senersphon Keep, and swimming in the lake for a while. Nice to have you back for a traditional stay Michael. If you are on your best, we've missed you.'

Saruviel stood, crossed the floor, and extended his hand to Michael. '3 or 4 years grace, and then if you want to muscle up, we'll combat then. But I wouldn't cross firstborn ifn the heart of eternity when he remembers the heart of eternity. You know me. I'm still your younger brother also.'

Michael smiled, and patted Saruviel on the back. And Saruviel left, and the council disbanded.

* * * * *

'You're a fucking idiot,' said Kantriel. 'He'll only sure up his position.'

'He's not serious about calling home,' said Saruviel, sitting in the lobby of the council. 'He wouldn't bother with council to do that. It's just a move. He'd just have a chat with me, and hang around Loquiel for a while. It's a move he's making. Trying to outsmart us. He knows we're not simply being innocent about it all now.'

'Then what you going to do?' asked Daraqel.

'If Michael wants to play Home, well. Well two can play at that game.'

Kantriel looked at Saruviel, and shook his head, as Daraqel joined him in disappearing back to Kalphon and the competitions they had going on there at the moment. Which left a cold Saruviel looking at the floor, thinking. This was the point in the game which he had a fair bit of doctrine to deal with – it was just making the right move. His job was still clear from God, and he maintained his mandate. To be King he'd have to be wise, and play the cards as best he could. Because it was clear his older brother Michael knew his potential deigns on Zionistya in time, and was not born yesterday. Not born yesterday indeed.

* * * * *

'Yeh, it was Rodney,' said Jessica.

'How was he?' asked Daniel.

'The question is, how's Sharlamane?' asked Jessica.

'She's fine,' replied Daniel. 'I'm having lunch with her for the next 3 years. We'll be doing singing in choir under Meludiel together. I'll be on show for a while. Sharlamane is going to get my voice into shape. She's long loved me, and it's time to spend some time with her and give her some love in repsonse.'

'That sounds good. Love for another woman.'

'For starters, you know I'm not unfaithful, and you know that as a fact. And you know that Sharlamane has no real curiousity about the nether regions of Daniel the Seraphim anymore. She's an angel of love, like Ambriel, and wants my company for a while, and doesn't want anything more than that. She's like Kimborel like that. She loves you. She means it. But she doesn't want to get into your pants. Just some cherished time with you, to catch up, and share the love of God. They are both ultra traditional in this respect.'

'I see,' said Jessica. 'If you say so.'

'You obviously don't know Sharlamane that well then yet,' replied Daniel.'

'Haven't spent a great deal of time with her,' replied Jessica.'

'Then perhaps you should come along. Sharly won't mind at all. She just loves, you know. She doesn't hide it, and it's not really romance you know. It was a long time ago, but now it's just love. Beyond the days of pride secret to our life stuff, if you know what I mean.'

'Seraphim Torah?' queried Jessica.

'Kapiche,' replied Daniel. 'So come along. You'll see she just loves good company and loving her crushes in a sense. Just wants my company, and to be around a loved one. She's not simple in that way, but it's just simple love. Nothing terribly complicated.'

'Oh,' said Jessica. 'I see then. Well, part of Messiah Ministries role of a wife is that we are supposed to trust our husbands. And if that is all that you are saying it is, then I will extend you some trust Daniel Daly.'

'Thank you,' he replied. 'Now what about this Rodney?'

Jessica sighed, and left the room. Daniel could here about Rodney some other time, for she'd had enough of affairs of the heart for one night, and was now in a mood for some cheesy comedy, and the Simpsons were one, and that would do. As for Daniel and Sharlamane? Whatever. She believed he meant what he said just then, so she would extend him some trust. She would just be watchful for red lipstick on the colar, or any other place were red lipstick ought not to be. And if she found any there, well, hell to pay for Daniel the Seraphim. Hell to pay indeed.

Chapter Three

Chavanel tested the microphone. 'One, two,' she said. 'Can you hear me Taylor?'

Taylor, in the auditorium, nodded.

Chavnel took her guitar, and sang a song. Taylor was listening in the audience, and put her thumbs up when the song was finished.

Later, back stage, Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly was talking with Ed.

'It's more a case of Saruviel is just doing his job, Ed. A lot of what you are saying is probably really unnecessary. It's an assigned role he has in the Realm of Eternity.'

'Not to me,' said Ed. 'And it's my heaven as well.'

'I don't dispute you are a citizen of this spiritual universe, and with legal rights granted you to dwell in Zaphora, you can have as much say as the rest of us.'

'So I'm having my say,' said Ed. 'Now if you'll excuse me.'

Taylor came and sat next to Daniel. 'Ed is committed to Zaphora, Dan. He is going to have his say with Saruviel, because he feels he isn't going to be going anywhere ever, and Saruviel has to learn that there are a lot of Ed Sheerans in the Realm of Eternity who don't dig so much the liberities Saruviel thinks he has.'

'I understand,' replied Daniel. 'It's old tradition, and sometimes life doesn't always work out that way. It will certainly send a message to Saruviel, though. Ruffle his feathers.'

'Which is what Ed wants to do,' said Taylor. 'Squash the bullshit were his words to me earlier.'

'I don't disput that probably should be done towards Saruviel at times, but he's only doing what God asked him to do. Ed, I feel, needs to understand that. We all have roles, and Saruviel is doing what he's supposed to do. Bringing out the best in us.'

'And maybe Ed has a role. And its not standing for the BS,' replied Taylor.

'Quite obviously,' replied Daniel.

Ed walked past, carrying a guitar, and went on stage for a while. Soon they heard him strumming, and singing with Chava.

'If he really is committed to Eternity, he will find his natural way in time,' said Daniel. 'And if this is how Ed is honestly expressing himself, then I guess I support him.'

'It's why you're here right?' asked Taylor.

'Cautiously, yes,' replied Daniel. 'Also to see the show.'

Taylor touched Daniel on the shoulder, and they listened to Ed and Chava sing for a while. Daniel noticed on Taylor's finger. The Eternity ring he had given her. The Eternity friendship ring. She was wearing it today. He smiled a little to himself. He'd gotten that far with his girl quite apparently.

'Ok,' said Ed, coming back stage again. 'We're ready to go.' Soon enough there were roadies active all over the scene as the night descended, and a show was put on, which went an hour, and Ed spoke at the end. He spoke of the Realm of Eternity, and that it had become his home, and that he wanted to live in peace more than anything else. And that, respectfully, Saruviel should be allowed to do his job, but not bother decent citizens with nonsense talk of being King, when they were perfectly content enough. And in all honesty Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly couldn't find much to disagree with in the speech.

* * * * *

Daniel the Seraphim sat on the bench in the garden he was in the habit of calming down on. Jessica walked up, and looked at him.

'What you doing?' she asked him.

'Learning to cope,' he replied.

'Cope,' she asked, and did a ballerina twirl.

'Yep. Cope,' he replied. 'Slowly. It's slow, you know.'

'What is?' she asked him, and gave him a wink.

'Life. It's slow to start with. I see it, in the corner of my mind. Like Balaam I guess. Can't escape that Torah you know, it has glimpses of excellence in some of its ideas. Some bits really are cool and dramatic. Balaam saw a Star rising, and it was just a cool bit. Stayed with me.'

'But how is life slow,' said Jessica, standing on the tips of her toes.'

'What God does,' said Daniel.

'What, you believe in God?' she asked, smiling.

'I'm an idiot, yeh I know. Grandpa Cyril. Hopelessly conservative. Thought there was a power in the end.'

'I've heard about this Seraphim Daniel, you know,' said Jessica. 'Heard about him. They said he probably did believe in God, actually. Me, I'm traditional. Darwin has a brain at last.'

'Naturally,' said Daniel.

'Course,' she said, twirling again. 'But, you know, got me thinking one day.'

'Brains do that,' replied Daniel.

'Got me thinking. Maybe, you know. Maybe there's a frikking point. Maybe I'm here for a reason. Maybe.'

'And did you conclude that?'

'Nah. Smoked some dope, and got over it.'

Daniel laughed.

'But I met this fella. His name was Daniel. And he made me see things a bit differently. Gave me a reason to believe.'

'And I'm thinking on what that God does,' said Daniel.

'He's slow, that's your contemplation. And coping with a slow God.'

'Not coping with slowness. But what's coming.'

'And what is coming, wise sensei?' she asked.

'It's slow,' he replied. 'But God builds you up every aeon, and then you noticed it. People occasionally having just more than a quick stare. They sometimes say, 'Hey, you're Daniel, aren't you?' And I nod. And they say 'Cool'. And then I notice it, like Valandriel says. It's starting to work what we're doing. And I notice it especially in Zaphora. Especially here at home, where they are really sedate now, coz they all know us so well.'

'Fame,' she replied.

'And the heart of eternity. It's slow, like I said. But it's not what's coming. Slowly, slowly, the tempo is increasing. And things are starting to happen. I mean, sure, I get that at ANM conferences a bit. But now its different. Now a lot of people look at me, and they look at dad and grand-dad. And it's like we're relied on. And believed on, you know. Like we represent that bloody rainbow. And as the years pass, the excitement builds. And we're starting to get a lot of mail. I mean, a lot. Got a backload to Timbuktu.'

'But that's a good thing, handsome stranger. Isn't it?' she said, doing her final twirl.

'Which is why I'm learning to cope with the excitement, and the psychosis, and still being me. When the cacophany of excitement comes, still just being me. Still Daniel the Seraphim, angel of God, simply me. Just simply me in the end.'

'Well I like that simply you,' she said. 'So don't forget buster. I like simply you.'

'I won't,' he said.

'Promise?' she asked.

'Promise,' he replied.

They sat then. Listening to the birds cheep, and the activities of the garden. And Daniel reminded himself. Cope with it. When it comes, cope. Cope. And somehow, in the end, he knew he would. But it would be a hell of a ride for someone as sensitive, in the end, as Daniel the Seraphim really was. It would be one hell of a ride.

* * * * *

Valandriel was in Zaphon library with Raguel.

'So, a Period,' said Raguel.

'That would be the primacy of the doctrine,' replied Valandriel. 'We still have other options to present in the referendum, but Daniel and myself are backing the Period as the official title.'

'Good,' said Raguel. 'As Noah has a rainbow to share to celebrate the occasion.'

'Rainbow?' queried Valandriel.

'There. On the wall,' said Raguel, pointing. Valandriel turned, and looked to the end of the book aisle. There was a new picture in the library. He stood, walked down, and looked at it. It wasn't huge, but it was of Noah and his family in front of the Ark, and a Rainbow was in the background. The note on the plaque read 'To celebrate the end of Eternity's first Period.'. 'So, it's already a done thing,' mused Valandriel to himself. He returned to his seat.

'There's also a papier mache exhibit. In a glass case,' said Raguel. 'They both honour the Rainbow Covenant. The story goes Noah waited till an actual Rainbow appeared over the Ark before allowing the beginning of the painting by Shem.'

'I see,' replied Valandriel. 'Ironic. That's the name of the game at the moment.'

'What game?' quered Raguel.

'The Rainbow Covenant. Daniel has decided to run with a registrar. He's gotten back from some Rainbow Covenant seminar teaching, and wants to start an official registry of eternally committed Noahides in the Realm of Eternity. Those prepared to make an oath to God to affirm Noahide faith forever.'

'How interesting,' said Raguel. 'I've oathed in the throneroom to keep Seraphim Torah eternally. And I do study it with such commitment.'

'I think many of us have such commitments,' replied Valandriel. 'And I think that is what Daniel is finding. The ability to commit at last. Why it's an issue at the moment.'

'As long as angels like Saruviel don't try and take God's place,' chuckled Raguel.

'Indeed,' smiled Valandriel. 'Now that would be a turn up for the books.'

* * * * *

'Well, Azrael,' began Saruviel. 'What you up to these days?'

Azrael looked at Saruviel, spat behind the bar, and said, 'What do you have?'

'Pour him some piss,' said Raphael, turning to look at Saruviel. 'Because the dickhead he is is sure to swallow the lot.'

Eyes glared at Saruviel.

'Cold welcome,' said Kantriel.

'You think you're any better?' asked Raphael. 'Why you guys wanna piss everyone off for? Sheeran's concert has all the inner discs feeding into his hype. Kick Saruviel out of Eternity. You giving us Seraphim a bad name. Michael can indeed be a jerk. Doesn't mean you have to follow his example.'

'Let me redeem myself,' said Saruviel. 'Buy you all a drink.'

'I'll run the tab,' said Azrael, and poured himself a beer.

'I'll have a double scotch,' said Cosadriel.

'Saruviel's paying. Fine by me,' grinned Azrael.

'What next?' queried Kantriel under his breath to Saruviel.

'I have a plan,' said Saruviel dramatically.

'What plan, fearless leader?' asked Azrael, happy with the free grog.

'To be king for a day. Well a year or so anyway. Give everyone a rush.'

'We've heard it all,' said Cosadriel.

'Yeh, get a new record,' said Raphael, turning back to the bar and his free drink.

'It's in the manifesto I lodged at the council earlier today,' said Saruviel. 'I'll be taking over, and deposing the official system. Starting again by tearing everything down, and doing things differently. Lots of green building, and more of a Coruscant scene for the Realm. I'll modify Zaphora only on the edges, but lots of changes to lots of Terraphora, and megacity everywhere. And this time we have new rules. Not the traditional things bogged down with regulations. A lot more freedom and liberty. Nothing crazy, but with me as Monarch I'll lighten up peoples loads a lot, and give them the liberties they crave. Also, a bit more of an economic regime and building business empires, with more attention on legal slavery and bringing in mionions to pay more attention to the will of the overseers.'

'Laissez faire to the hilt, huh,' said Azrael.

'Something like that,' replied Saruviel. 'It'll be voted on at council, then I'll take it to the people. Freshen up things after the boredom of aeons of Jehovah's monotony.'

'Well as long as the free drinks run, you have my vote,' said Azrael.

'Can we count on that?' queried Kantriel, eyebrow raised.

Cosadriel sipped on his beer, and looked at Kantriel. 'We'll play your game. We'll give you a few years of the bullshit, as we don't mind freshening things up for a while, even if its old 666 at work. We know your game, but that's fine. Don't object to Saruviel wining with his mastercards for a while. Suits us well enough.'

Azrael raised his drink to toast it. Saruviel looked at Raphael. 'Well, brother?'

'I don't mind harsh rule on occasion. No major fuckwit rules, and you can have your fun for a while. Michael probably has it coming to him anyway.'

Later.

'Smoooth, Sar,' said Kantriel, as they headed to Zaphon.

'Sometimes honesty – is the best policy,' replied Saruviel.

And Kantriel could only grin wryly on that point.

* * * * *

'It's quite – basic,' said Daniel.

'Appeals to base thinking,' said Valandriel in reply. 'But Azrael and Cosadriel went for it, and Raphael didn't really care. They're jaded, and this will be at least an interesting change. They had words with other Seraphim. Used their influence. Over half have caved and said Saruviel may as well be king. Goes to council tonight.'

'You'd better put on your best, if your going to give a speech,' said Jessica, looking straightly at her husband.

Daniel stood there. Daniel always had a next move. Instead he stood there for a little bit.

'Well?' asked Valandriel. 'What's next, fearless leader? You have a speech planned.'

Daniel snapped out of it soon enough. 'No. No speech. That painting? The library you say?'

'Yep,' replied Valandriel.

'I'll be at Zaphon,' he said, kissing Jessica. 'Don't wait up.'

'But, but,' said Valandriel, but Daniel was gone, out the door, and off to the bus stop.

A short while later he was in the library of Zaphon, looking at the painting. Then he made his way to the papier mache display, and read the note. It celebrated the Noahide covenant above all else. He had his thoughts. They were obvious, but he had his thoughts. He walked to Brindabel's desk.

'Can we talk for a little bit?' he asked her.

'Sure,' replied Brindabel. 'What's up little brother?'

'Life goes on, doesn't it?'

Brindabel looked at him. 'Well, sometimes people die. And there life ends. But usually a saint is interceeding for that soul, and drawing it eventually back to life, once atonement is made. So, usually, yes. Life for th children of destiny goes on. What's your point?'

'And in all the hurlburly which comes our way, it comes and it goes, but life still goes on.'

'Pretty much,' said Brindabel.

'That display over there,' said Daniel pointing. 'That covenant is eternal, isn't it?'

'You should know that better than any of us,' replied Brindabel.

'Exactly, yes,' said Daniel, continuing his revelation. 'So when all the shit has hit the fan, the rainbow still doesn't give much of a damn, and keeps on shining.'

'I suppose so,' replied Brindabel, with a warm smile.

'Right,' said Daniel. 'Ok. I'll take this book.'

Brindabel smiled and looked at the book. 'Cimbrel's principles of mathematics. The actual original copy. Mmm. Well, you are a Seraphim. No problems.'

'Been on the reading list forever,' replied Daniel. 'And I have plenty of time to kill.'

Brindabel checked out the book. 'Good for you Daniel. Don't make yourself scarce, you hear.'

Daniel smiled, and left the library. The revelation was complete, and now he had his agenda. And, ironically, it was the one he was already fundamentally dedicated to anyway.

* * * * *

'And what did he say about the covenant?' Saruviel asked Brindabel.

'Nothing much. It was eternal. I mean, we all knew that. Just mainly that when all the hurlyburly is done, the covenant goes on.'

'Have you signed up to his registry of Noahides?' Saruviel asked her directly.

'We follow Seraphim Torah. Myself and Phanuel. That is something down the road to look at when we officially examine religion. Not today dear brother Saruviel.'

Saruviel walked over to the painting. He looked towards the throneroom of Zaphon for a moment, and looked up at the painting. He left the library.

Several days later Saruviel had booked out Glimmersphon Keep and was in the dining room with Dameriel.

'You are thinking again,' said Dameriel.

'Why would I want a rainbow as my foundation? Technically I'm Noahide and Catholic,' he said. 'In my human functioning. Accepted Haven Noahide Fellowship a long time ago.'

'But its not really a concern, is it,' said Dameriel.

'It's accepted. I know its valid. But what the hell is the point?'

Kantriel and Daraqel showed up later that day. They played risk, the four of them, and Florel served them all chicken noodle soup. Saruviel won, as usual.

The following day he was on the jetty, and turned to Zaphon.

'Ok,' he said to God. 'Jesus. Not really the messiah anyway. Gospel is fine. Haven't really cared one way or another for a long time anyway. But technically this is my covenant faith as Alexander. So ok. But being good? I mean, I like to live a little father. Sure, sure. I know, I know. There are good enough thrills in being good. The pay is ok, and you get a good reputation. I suppose. What? Can an angel of adversity be a good guy?' He went silent. The ripples he heard, an looked at them.

Wolfgng walked down the jetty, and sat at the edge, feet danglin over. Saruviel noticed him, and came over.

'Yep. Goodness is actually a lot of fun. I like it a lot.'

'Ok. So what do I have on my plate if I become a good angel? I'm still an Evening Star regardless.'

'That is perfectly ok. You don't want Michael on your turf too much, he is content with Zionistya. He really doesn't mind one way or another.'

'Not that I don't like Michael,' replied Saruviel. 'I think I've probably always liked big brother well enough. He has enough about him in his persona, and is intelligent enough.'

'You care for him?' asked God.

'Somewhat,' replied Saruviel. 'Not too much of a concern. I assume he can handle his own affairs.'

'He cares for all his brothers. But he's been enjoying his liberties as of late.'

;Daniel is the crown prince of the rainbow covenant?' asked Saruviel.

'You know, he's served on it forever Saruviel. They have a stable denomination. Don't mess with it, please. But why do you ask?'

'It's my covenant then also? And I can form a fellowship or something of that nature after some study and commitment?'

'What you do with your life, Archangel Saruviel, is up to you. After all, its your freedom, isn't it?'

Saruviel looked at God, and looked out at the lake. When he turned next, God was gone Saruviel stared out at Golden Lake, and thought on the plan he had been building, and then decided against it. No, he was an angel of adversity. That was his job. Some things never changed. But there was something which he would accept. The yoke of, ultimately, being a good guy. He'd run his show for now, and go with the flow of things, and see where this new direction took him. Kingship was off the agenda, but he'd calmed down a bit, and would have a more proper think about his adversarial role. Yes, he quickly had his mind made up. A few more days here, and then Kantriel and Daraqel, and even Devuel and Semambarel, in conversation in Kalphon Keep. They would have a think, and he would query each of them on the subject of being a good guy. And time would tell were this new direction would take him.

* * * * *

'But the church is more than just Jesus Christ,' said Alexander Darvanius I to his son. 'There are apostles, and prophets, and in time there came to be popes and cardinals and bishops and priests. And there is great teaching, and multiple fellowships and movements, and great spiritual life. Jesus of Nazareth, I know in truth he was ne'er really Messiah of Israel, never the less breathed to life a spiritual community. And that community we follow Alexander.'

Saruviel nodded. 'I understand. Is it the tradition, mostly? The community?'

'It is all those things, and more. And in a basic way the spiritual food is strong from the man from Nazareth. The mass keeps me grounded in a great way.'

'Mmm,' said Alexander. 'Join my brother Jesus' movement. Be Catholic?'

'It could do you a lot of good to return to your roots, Alexander. Think it over.'

Saruviel spent some time with his father on New Terra, and then returned to the Realm of Eternity. He sought out his Cherubim brother Jesus. 'You are well established, and I have decided that I am Haven Noahide Fellowship, yet catholic tradition is suitable, so I will remain consistent each year at Christmas, if you will accept my membership.'

'I would be honoured,' replied Jesus. 'The Church is about salvation, and a way of life which has love and the mercy of God.'

So Saruviel reaffirmed his religious commitments, knowing well the core truths of each of the faiths, and the purpose they would serve in his life.

* * * * *

'Saruviel plys his case still,' said Valandriel, as Daniel came in the room. 'Cept he has repented a thorough, and wants to rule with wisdom and peace.'

'Born again is he?' queried Daniel, coming into the war room in Danielphon.

'The Catholic way,' replied Valandriel.

Daniel looked at his brother. 'Oh, serious commitment is it? Discovering reasons to be Catholic.'

'And with Haven Noahide Fellowshp as well. Apparently he has decided to generally tread down the pathway, albeit gently, of being a good angel. Still an angel of adversity, but one who is good.'

'Right,' said Daniel. 'We'll see in time of that claim. Now, back to business. I've got the registry established now, and that is a priority for the time being. But we have some core business to look to, and I want a skills upgrade for each of us. Restudy half a dozen of our degrees over 30 odd years or so.'

'Well, if you insist,' said Valandriel.

'I do,' replied Daniel. 'I've done some soulsearching, and it's a harder game now. Worked out how some souls think. They don't really play games, but I queried Brindabel yesterday if she bought product happily if it was honestly advertised, and she said naturally.'

'Ethics say we don't agree with equal money, as nobody thinks that's a great idea, and it's best to earn fairly your share.'

'Yep,' replied Daniel. 'So I want to cash in, in a sense. Father and grandfather agreed to a basic stock take of Daly foundation assets and wealth. We've made an honest assessment that our wealth status is sufficient for all eternity now. We have enough grails of genuine worth and desirability, that our status in the Realm of Eternity can be reckoned as solid enough for permanent membership well enough in central discs. Our reputation is good enough, and both feel they are stable and committed to the covenant sufficiently that it should endure.'

'Yep. I got that picture a long time ago,' said Valandriel. 'Just carefully earning status items now. I have a home, and numerous places here and there, but no covenants for them yet.'

'Which is my purpose now for Danielphon,' replied Daniel. 'So it's a lot of study of fundamental knowledge texts, and making myself useful enough to the life of Zaphora to be worthy of permanent membership. And I feel that should be ok in time, so I'm on holiday after these degrees with Jessica for a few centuries. I think the DanVal agenda has met most likely some of its core objectives, we have the ability to have complete stability in the Realm of Eternity within our grasp.'

'I think so,' replied Valandriel.

'So see you at university,' said Daniel, and he was off, to his wife, and a private weekend getaway.

* * * * *

'But, seriously, fuck him,' said Saruviel. 'Fuck his ass.'

'You want to fuck Daniel the Seraphim's ass?' queried Kantriel.

'Sodomy,' said Daraqel. 'Times have moved on.'

Saruviel grinned. 'Sod the bastard,' he smirked. 'Yes, sure. I will be putting in some extra work on being a bit better about all the issues at hand.'

'Thought you'd repented,' said Kantriel.

'A bit,' replied Saruviel. 'But I will take the offer of Azrael and Co to support my ambitions of Monarchy.'

'Same basic agenda?' asked Daraqel. 'Including the slaves.'

Saruviel nodded. 'Yep. God doesn't object to that anyway, for the lower class of civilized type of people. They have it here and there, anyway.'

'We'll run with it then,' said Kantriel. 'I plan on being Duke Kantriel of the Northern Irish of Eternity. All of them,' said Kantriel. Technically a greater authority than they normall officially grant me. With your approval that is,' he said to Saruviel.

'I can allow that,' said Saruviel. 'They will expect such things for you two. But there's only so much they'll grant us, and it won't be unrestricted authority terribly much. Official Kingship will compete with Arch-Regency, and they'll never depose Daniel from his position. It's covenanted after all. And they won't grant me more than a decade at most. This much I know. So the seed will have to be sown in that time, for the authority to be recognized as something Eternity likes and can get used to.'

'But why?' queried Kantriel. 'I mean, why now. These are all plans like, I mean. After a hell of a lot of eternity has passed. When people really don't mind anymore. At this stage they still give a bit of a damn about God running the show officially. It's only somewhat they take it for a bift of a change, and something new, at this stage.'

'They'll run it a bit, and it builds an axiomitic building block I can use at that later date,' said Saruviel. 'Plants the seed that they'll eventually not mind on, already gotten used to it a bit.'

'Mmm,' nodded Daraqel. 'Yep, probably.'

'So the show goes on, and pass the coca cola.'

And they continued their lunch in Kalphon cafeteria, another fine day passing in eternity.

* * * * *

'It's more a case of actual repentance. Not just reforming ways somewhat,' replied Wolfgang the Theophany of God to Michael's statements regarding Daniel and Saruviel. 'They've both made some new commitments to being enduring types of people. And I've granted Daniel permanent status in Zaphora now in my judgements.'

'It bothers me that the Seraphim don't have that as an automatic given,' said Michael.

'It bothers me that you think your birth ranks weighs as anything in the light of eternity,' replied God.

'And what is that supposed to mean?' asked Michael.

'Uuhhh,' sighed God. 'Why do so few of you have any real insights. The Daly foundation. You know what they pursue?'

'Greed,' replied Michael.

'Status,' retorted God. 'And standing. In eternity. Gradually, in time people cycle in to Zaphora, and people cycle out. It's always happening.'

'I have noticed,' replied Michael.

'And many indeed commit to eternity here,' said God. 'But they don't cut the mustard after a long time, as more competitive, wealthy and, quite frankly, holier souls settle. Ones with a bit more wherewithal about them. More dedicated souls. And the heart of eternity which gradually be filled with real go-getters, with genuine passion for the Zaphoran community, and out go the jaded old souls, to lesser realms.'

'Wonderful,' said Michael. 'That'll fuck Saruviel.'

'It'll fuck you too in Castle Zionistya in time, scuse my French,' said God.

'How do we avoid this pitfall?' asked Cindradel.

'You did notice I've granted both Valandriel and Daniel permanent covenants so far,' said God.

'Yes,' replied Cindradel.

'Then go figure,' replied God, stood, pinched a jellybean from the overseer's desk, and left.

Michael was stroking his chin, while Cindradel excused herself and returned to her desk. Food for thought.

* * * * *

He sipped on his latte, and looked at the desk. 'Cindradel,' he buzzed. 'No visitors for 10 minutes. I'll be studying Seraphim Torah.'

'You know today's reading then?' she asked.

'There's an official reading?' asked Michael.

'Organised by Valandriel and Daniel a long time ago. Accepted Realm Wide. Hang on a sec.' Shortly she appeared and handed him a text.

'Reading Plan of the Seraphim Torah?' queried Michael 'Why wasn't I told about this?'

'Why would you be? Zionistyan aren't you?' queried Cindradel.

Michael nodded softly, and opened the text. The reading plan was rather straighforward, and there were alternatives to the standard realm reading plan. 'Are many reading the Seraphim Torah throughout the realm these days?' asked Michael.

'That plan is the standard way, and the community is enormous,' replied Cindradel. 'I never miss, each day, even when I'm sick.'

'Oh. I see,' said Michael. He looked at the days reading, and the suggested contemplation, and followed that that morning. Ironically he felt better afterwards. 'Cindrael,' he buzzed. 'I'll be in the library.'

Later.

'Sorry, Michael. The principles of mathematics by Cimbrel is on loan to Daniel at the moment,' said Brindabel.

'Oh. Shit,' said Michael.

Brindabel pointed to a sign. Michael looked up. One of the rules said 'No Swearing in the Library.'

'Oh, bother then,' replied Michael.

'Better,' said Brindabel. 'Would you like a second edition?'

'No,' said Michael with a little force. 'I'll wait. Can I reserve it please. I do remember that policy ironicaly. Haven't done it in fucking forever.......... forgive me, frikking forever. So I'll reserve the damn text.'

'If you insist,' said Brindabel. 'I'll send you an email when its in.'

'Good. Thanks,' replied Michael. He looked at her a moment, and a bit of the morning's torah had rubbed. 'Ah, Brindabel. Look, you're faithful here. Good work sis. Proud of you.'

Brindabel smiled. 'Well, thank you Michael. I appreciate that.'

Michael nodded, and out in the corridor he sat down at the traditional south entrance couches. Shit, he thought to himself. He felt strangely familiar. Like old Michael had suddenly shown up, and clicked into gear. But what was even funnier – he knew how to handle that gear, and quite well. Things were coming back to him now. The sense of what Zaphon was all about. He returned to the overseer's office, pulled out a bottle of scotch, had a sip, and rang Saruviel.

'Buddy, seeing as you guys are happy with me for a while, I'll be doing overseer's job for a while. And properly.'

'Suits me fine big brother,' replied Saruviel. 'I'll give you a Kalphon report next week.'

'You do that,' said Michael, and hung up.

Life, for the time being, back to normal. For the time being anyway.

Chapter Four

'Kalphon report,' said Saruviel.

Michael nodded, and opened the report. 'Handled responsibilities in Kalphora for a while?' he asked, without raising his eyes from the report.

Saruviel looked at Michael. 'Handled by overseer's. Appointed ones. I maintain the choice of overseer, and update regularly enough with new talent.'

'Shouldn't you be doing the job yourself?' asked Michael, now looking up.

'My, we're a bit cocky, aren't we?' queried Saruviel. 'Been overseer less time than a Christmas beetle fucks a ladybug for a thrill on boxing day, and already trying to run the show.'

Michael couldn't help but smirk. 'Shut up Saruviel,' he said.

'Look, buddy. You hardly run the show, ok. I'll run affairs of Kalphon as I see fit, kapiche.'

'I have a vision for eternity. What we are all about,' replied Michael.

'Right,' said Saruviel, and took a jellybean. 'Well. Digress.'

'We have excellent opportunities to establish Seraphim disc overseersmanships, and build them up as the foundational support for the outer discs, with good examples.'

'Right,' said Saruviel, chewing on his jellybean. 'And?'

'That's it,' said Michael, and smiled humbly.

'Wait,' said Saruviel, putting up his hand. He made some calls. Several. They had lunch, and chatted about Krystabel and things, then the boys showed up.

'Not my agenda,' said Azrael. 'For starters, Saruviel will be king for a while soon enough, and we're have an old fashioned stonecutters jazz for a bit. Maybe even a decade if he gets lucky.'

'Certainly not the ValDan agenda,' said Valandriel. 'Interesting enough, but let that idea be earned naturally with people asking, more than imposing it on them.'

'Yess doofus,' said Daniel. 'You ever heard of earning the glory, nitwit.'

'Really?' queried Michael. 'I assume overseer sets the tone.'

'Your not even the frikking boss,' said Daniel. 'Your job here in Zaphon is technically only over Zaphora. We're just having some fun amusing ourselves with your company for a bit – Zionistyan.'

'Pretty much,' said Azrael, glaring at Michael frankly.

'Yep, buddy,' said Valandriel. 'You really are out of touch, bro.'

'How do I get this agenda across then?' asked Michael.

'Fuck, like he's been playing the game for 5 minutes,' said Saruviel.

'Pretty much,' said Valandriel.

'Try council,' said Cindradel.

Michael looked at her. 'What?' he asked.

'Try council. Official business runs there. Oh, and TV is a good way to promote things. They do it constantly.'

'You bet sweetheart,' said Saruviel, giving Cindradel a wink.

'Fine,' said Michael. 'Right. A question. Is there a paradigm in which Michael can be permanent overseer of Zaphora?'

Saruviel grinned, but Azrael spoke. 'Depends on what you can offer us.'

'Loyalty for starters,' said Daniel. 'Your hardly that, and you've been pathetic for aeons now. Ambriel is severely disappointed in you. Hardly decent standards. We might get a bit cheeky, but we don't let the ruddy team down Mikey. And we're not gonna disappear when the going gets tough. Realm of Eternity, remember. Eternity's haven, remember.'

'I'll be bringing a motion at Zaphon council next week for the 140 Seraphim to officially gather and take responsibility for their discs and building their standard community realm wide.'

Cindradel handled Michael her tablet, and pointed. Michael read it, and looked at the boys.

'Been in the legislation practically since year dot,' said Valandriel.

'Old news,' said Daniel.

'We take care of that on occasions,' said Azrael. 'We do a lot of things you probably neglect.'

Michael was, for once, a little embarrassed. 'I see,' he said.

'If you are so serious about permanency in Zaphora, which we can probably swallow in the end,' said Valandriel. 'Then set a good example and live up to this current agenda yourself. There are Zaphora based discs out there. Get to it.'

Michael looked uncertainly at Valandriel, then steadied 'You are all dismissed. Yes, I'll be doing that Valandriel.'

The Evening Stars stood, but Michael heard an 'Amateur' statement, and, for once, it stung. For once a sledge stung.

* * * * *

'Not surprising,' said Daniel to Jessica. 'Michael has returned to Zionistya and told us to shove our overseer's job up our arse. The lad couldn't cut the mustard. Only made of so much in the end by the looks of it.'

'He's just working with tradition. Knows you'll give him the job occasionally simply because he's firstborn,' replied Jessica.

Daniel nodded. 'Yeh. Probably. Mmm. I'll put him on my mailing list then. Keep him informed on the goings on of some things. We probably give a minor damn about Michael of Eternity. Not that much, but maybe a little.'

'Your all heart,' replied Jessica. 'Now do these flowers look good to you?' she asked.

'Fine sweetcheeks,' replied Daniel, not looking at the flowers. 'I'll be in the war room,' and he was gone.

Later.

'Right. Number one has learned his place, and sunk like shit back to the Jew Crew of Zion, so it's back to regular business,' he said to Valandriel, who was sipping on a latte.

'No, he hasn't,' said Valandriel. 'He's in Kalphora at the moment. It's on the news. He and the overseer there are doing some projects involving animal welfare, and symmetry between created structures and natural structures. The report says its an area of interest for Michael.'

'What the f........,' said Daniel. 'He emailed me.'

'He emailed us all. It was a ruse,' replied Valandriel. 'He's teaching Saruviel a lesson. That much is obvious.'

'Oh, I get what he is doing alright,' said Daniel. 'Mmm. Interesting. Now Michael is not actually stupid when it comes right down to it. Perfectly capable of being savvy if he wants to. And if he is serious about integrity, he sets that as well if he wants to.'

'What do we do?' asked Valandriel.

'They don't know him,' said Daniel. 'Nobody knows him much up here. He's been away far too long. Just his legend. He'll have attention for a bit, but people will drift on and lose interest. He's only a jew in the end. Just serves God.'

'So do we,' replied Valandriel.

'But we do it well,' said Daniel. 'Michael. Boring in the end. Dry, dull. Makes traditional Saruviel's authority look exciting in comparison, and Gloryel couldn't stand traditional Saruviel.'

Valandriel chuckled. 'Ah, Mikey is just observing things. He'll be back in Zionistya in a week, anyway.'

'Why do you say that?' asked Daniel.

'It's not that he knows when he's licked, its more of that he's comfortable down there with his dinosaur wrestling, and just wants to keep faith with us all as bigger brother. The Morning Stars like Zionistya now, but want the rest of us to remember that they just care. They'll show up every now and again and do traditional things.'

'Then we have no problems. Would have thought a catch up would be enough in that respect, but ok. Don't think the realm will object to that.'

Sometimes in life people say things which are true. And in the throneroom of Zaphon God made a mental note on Valandriel's words, and smiled. Valandriel knew the heart of Michael on this issue.

Later that week Michael had finishe his work in Kalphora, and announced he would be indeed now returning to Zionistya, which had become his home, but would visit on occasions. Saruviel was glad to see the back of him, but made a public statement that an occasional visit from firstborn was not the end of the world. And life went on.

* * * * *

'It's about things which endure, Daniel. It's the Realm of Eternity and it's about things which last – eternity. Michael doesn't have that in him. Only likes to think he has,' said Meludiel.

'Couldn't agree more, sis,' replied Daniel. 'But why are you a Christian then?'

'Not in the Christ of Israel. Just in Jesus and his Gospel, and the Church way of doing things. I'm equally as dedicated to Seraphim Torah and Rainbow Torah. I keep my commitments.'

'Since when on the Rainbow Torah?' asked Daniel.

'Since a while,' replied Meludiel smiling. 'I think I know well enough Noah's stability now. Met him a bit. He's stable on the everlasting covenant. I think I'm satisfied well enough. And as for Jesus, he comes up here quite regularly, and maintains faith with a number in Eternity. Zionistya is his home now, and for much of the church, but he visits me and we chat. There are a number of churches still here and there in eternity. He hasn't let go of his job. He wouldn't do that.'

'No, probably not,' said Daniel. 'Like Messiah ministries. I'm frikking married to one of them.'

'Which is why Ambriel takes it seriously, like Jesus. Michael? No great ministry, no great commitment. More of a thing with Israel as a people, and not just a religious community.'

'And that's pretty much Zionistya now,' replied Daniel, making the obvious connection.

'So he is at home down there, and this job in eternity – never really meant to be. It was just something we knew, our brother Michael. It wasn't eternity. One day, he won't visit again. One day – it will be finished.'

'And how do you know that?' asked Daniel.

Meludiel smiled, and stood. She sipped on her melit water, and looked at him. 'I'll be in the music room.'

'I'll see you there later for practice with Sharlamane,' replied Daniel.

'I assume so,' said Meludiel, and she left. Shortly Kaladel was looking at him. 'Cheesecake Daniel?' she queried warmly. And Daniel couldn't help himself.

* * * * *

'You notice it's called Zionistya,' said Michael to Saruviel, over the game of snooker in Kalphon Keep.

'Your point?' asked Saruviel.

'God is not being too subtle, is he?' asked Michael. 'Were are Jews supposed to live when it comes right down to it?'

'Israel,' replied Saruviel.

'And the capital of Israel?' asked Michael.

'Jerusalem,' replied Saruviel.

'And the capital of Jerusalem?' asked Michael.

'I got the point a long time ago,' replied Saruviel. 'WE got the point a long time ago. It's just the game of life big brother. Enjoying the playing out of things.'

'Meludiel is right. I'll not leave it one day. A very rare travelling here and there, but once I settle down in Zionistya, that's the end of the affair. Evening does precede Morning, so I guess the Evening stars were destined to triumph in eternity. Just the way it was from the beginning.'

Saruviel looked at him, thinking that over, and took his shot. He was well ahead, but Michael wasn't really trying.

'Let's have a drink. Later on then. If it's really a settled thing, I'd like you to read some private memoirs I have. From days of old.'

Michael smiled. 'Gladly, little brother.'

And a resolution of things had not so much come to pass, as it had in fact done so quite along time ago, but more just been realized. And Michael knew it was just meant to be.

* * * * *

And so, for a few weeks, peace, and understanding returned to the realm of eternity. Saruviel figured in the end that Zionistya, which actually had been prophesied a very long time ago near the foundation of things, had been God's response to the dilemma between the Evening Stars of probably Noah and the Morning Stars of Abraham. And that, is an Israel on Earth, separation of warring parties had long been arranged. Marked in the flesh by the pact of circumcision. And with that reassurance, Saruviel took some time off, his plans temporary on hold, and a calm spirit inhabited eternity. For a few weeks anyway.

* * * * *

'Technically they are Karaite Noahide,' said Abraham to Michael.

'For fuck's sake,' replied the firstborn of the Seraphim. 'What the hell are they doing in Zionistya?'

'Well, we invited them,' replied Abraham. 'You know, in Israel we always did have resident aliens.'

Michael wanted to curse again, but looked at the angels. 'ANM cronies?' he asked.

'Pretty much,' replied Abraham. 'They have an agenda. To fill Zionistya with a strong Karaite Noahide community, and to teach Karaism as the faith of Zionistya. They have been debating the orthodox in this respect.'

'The position is already acknowledged,' replied Michael. 'We are well aware of the foundation of the oral law. Why do they want to disturb the peace?'

'Just arguing they have more accurate theology,' replied Abraham. 'Besides Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly points out to us we have every right to promote non-judaism in the Realm of Eternity.'

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

'We can't live there. But we can have assemblies of realm people who honour us as the founders of our own Torah assemblies.'

'Couldn't be bothered on that front,' replied Michael.

'Mr Daly thinks you will one day,' said Abraham. 'Michael's Torah Ministry he calls it.'

Michael smiled. 'Funny idea. I mean, I might bother with a Seraphim Torah community, and maybe a Genesis ministry for ideas, but only if I ever bothered getting religious again.'

'Which is what they predict, coz a jew is a frikking jew, and don't change its spots, so they are getting in first.'

'Yeh right,' said Michael, and smoked on his ciggie. He looked at Abraham. 'We do, though. Promote Torah. Our job, technically.'

Abraham looked at Abraham for a few moments. 'Yes, Michael. It is what we do.' And then the old men walked away, and Sarah followed him, as Michael went back inside Castle Zionistya after smoko break. He sat down at the PC and typed in. 'Seraphim Torah Ministries.' He looked up the Realm of Eternity web, chuckling to see if it was taken. The term 'Reserved' was next to the entry. He clicked on it. There was a note. 'At the foundation of the Realm of Eternity Michael the Archangel functioned as firstborn. This remains his official ministerial assembly title should he choose to one day get to his responsibilities.' And that was all the note read. Michael opened his drawer, and took out a pack of ciggies. A rare pack. He smoked one. 'I see,' he said to God softly.

* * * * *

'Right, Ambriel. Your desk,' said Raphael. 'You check up on Azrael this afternoon. Make sure he is getting some social.'

'Will do boss,' replied Ambriel.

'I'll be next door,' said Michael, putting in his head. 'It's the home for Seraphim Torah Ministries. My official Torah Ministry in the Realm of Eternity. Not the overseers job, but Michael the firstborn's job.'

'Back again I see,' said Raphael unimpressed.

'I'll be studying Torah, Seraphim Torah, and working on a document. Ambriel could be some help to throw ideas off. Could use him.'

'This going to be temporary?' asked Raphael, tilting his head.

'My dormitory bed will be were I sleep while in the Realm, mainly in Zaphora. Will visit and do the job regularly. Every year a few months of work. Won't shirk. Scout's honour.'

'I guess I'll extend some faith to you at this time,' said Raphael. 'You've repented a lot recently.' He went silent. 'That's your official work role here. It's in the legislation.'

'Yes,' said Michael, smiling at Ambriel. 'I know.' And then he was in his office.

'Mmm,' said Ambriel. 'Can't get rid of him after all.'

'Found his excuse,' grinned Raphael.

'And he'll use it to the hilt,' said Ambriel knowingly.

* * * * *

'Bullshit!' exclaimed Saruviel. 'That's complete and utter fucking bullshit.'

'It smells fowl,' said Daniel. 'Like a kosher jewish meal.'

'He's legal,' said Valandriel. 'We passed that a long time ago.'

'Anyone want a drink?' asked Azrael. They were in Az's place.

'I'll take a beer,' said Raphael, who had shared the news with Valandriel first.

'He's hardly holy,' said Daniel.

'That won't stop him,' replied Valandriel.

'No. It won't,' said Saruviel. 'Legalist. Can that rule be changed?' he asked hopefully.

'Uh, no,' said Daniel, who had now thought about it. 'Actually, if he takes it seriously, we technically recommend he does that work. It's his responsibility as firstborn.'

Valandriel nodded. 'Yes, we support that actually. His legal duties in service to God in the Realm of Eternity. Our foundation, actually. Seraphim Torah. We won't be denying Michael if he wants to do his actual job properly. That would be allowed for our older Morning Star brother.'

'Shit,' said Saruviel. He thought on it for a moment. 'Yes, if he does his job properly. But we all know its an excuse.'

'Let him have a go. At least he's finally got a start on the job,' said Raphael.

'I'll leave him be,' said Daniel. 'Will sit in with a study with him.'

Valandriel looked at his younger brother. 'Learn some Michael wisom, huh?'

'Never hurts to learn,' replied Daniel.

'Bah,' said Saruviel, and ordered a drink.

'Nothing will change. It's just a religious job,' said Valandriel.

'Yeh, right,' said Saruviel. And everyone noticed the glint in seventhborn's eyes.

* * * * *

'Are you going to do the job properly, or waste everyone's time with an excuse to barny it up with the lads?' asked Sharlamane.

'I still want the top job. Won't deny that,' said Michael. 'But since my fall I have been on Torah each sabbath. Still do it. Fidelity has remained strong enough to God. I'll do my Seraphim Torah Ministry job properly. Israel serves on Torah.'

'Right,' said Sharlamane. 'Ok. I'll be at your next meeting.'

'It's upstairs. Conference room 7,' said Michael. 'Not here next week. Filled up the requests pretty quickly.'

'Well, good for you,' said Sharlamane.

On the sabbath about 20 Seraphim males, 50 Seraphim females, and about 100 Cherubim had crammed into conference room 7. When Michael walked in his head tilted back a moment. Ambriel was at the door, and shook his hand. 'Good to see you Michael,' he said. 'Hopefully you'll have some words of wisdom for us all.'

'Uh, yeh,' said Michael. 'Sure hope so myself.'

He came up to the front and stood in front of the lecture stand. Saruviel, Raphael, Azrael, Daniel, Valandriel, Callodyn, Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly, and a host of other faces were in the front row, each of them glaring at him. 'Ok God,' he said under his breath. I get the point.'

Michael began speaking, and the assembly began.

Later on, when most had left, Ambriel came up to Michael. 'Next sabbath will be the Glory Auditorium downtown. We have requests for about 100,000 people to attend.'

Michael looked at him, almost stunned, but came to himself. 'You don't say,' he said.

'Oh, and the front row wants ministerial positions in the Assembly. All of them.'

'You don't say,' said Michael.

'And they are listening to what you say,' said Ambriel.

Michael looked at him. More obvoius words had never been said in all the days he could remember.

'Fine, Ambriel. Ok, you can be right hand man if you want.'

'Awesome,' said Ambriel, and he smiled, an ancient smile, and Michael felt humbled. This was very ancient, the spirt in the room. Something perhaps planned from eternity, which had finally come to pass.

'Looking forward to to it Ambs,' said Michael. And Ambriel waved, and was gone.

And life, yet again, returned to normal in the realm of eternity.

* * * * *

'Ok. Hopefully Michael will do his job properly for once,' said Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly.

'For a while anyway,' said Wolfgang, looking at one of Mr Daly's science fiction magazines.

'What does that mean for us?' asked Callodyn.

'It should ideally mean we don't have to work as hard,' replied Daniel. 'Seraphim Torah ministry is being done, and we would not have to handle that duty as much with the ANM. Our own ministry continues, but if Michael did this job seriously the spiritual sanctification in the Realm of Eternity to keep things under control would have a lot of help.'

'How about – no real reaction,' said Daniel the Seraphim. 'And we just go on with business as usual, and observe.'

'Probably for the best,' said Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly.

'Michael will only work in the job for a while, but has his eye on other things,' said Wolfgang. 'It's only a position of authority and glory to him. He doesn't really care about the spiritual state of the Realm of Eternity. Last thing on his mind. Barely cares if Zionistya is holy.'

Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly looked at God. 'Well, that's a sorry thing. Means we can't really lighten up.'

'Nobody likes to do the dishes,' replied God. 'I'm afraid your work is probably permanent on most of this. And, like I mentioned to you, don't expect Michael to last forever anyway. It's a new lease of life, but he's already chosen death in his heart. Down in Zionistya Abraham has already welcomed in the ANM to keep things under control. He knows you well enough. His rabbis he'll pass on, but he knows you mean it. And Eternya has no solid ministry anyway, so I'll expect that from you in time.'

Daniel sighed. 'Well, you heard it from the horses mouth boys. Back to work.'

Callodyn and Seraphim Daniel left, chatting to each other, and Cherubim Daniel looked at God. 'It's a dirty job.'

'But someone's got to do it,' finished the Theophany of the Almighty.

* * * * *

'Well, Sharlamane. This is lovely,' said Daniel.

'Indeed it is,' replied Sharlamane. 'They were in the eastern gardens of Zaphon Keep, on the benches, having luncheon.

'You obviously love Daniel,' said Jessica Daly.

Sharlamane looked at Jessica quizically. 'You're from Earth Prime, aren't you?'

'It's where I originate,' replied Jessica.

'Daniel and myself originate from the Realm of Eternity. It's where we began,' said Sharlamane, again smiling at Daniel.

Jessica bit into her apple. 'Right,' she said. She was glaring at Sharlamane, who only had eyes for Daniel. 'Did they teach you how to be a bitch also?' asked Jessica.

Sharlamane tilted her head to look at Jessica. 'Excuse me,' she replied.

'His dick is taken,' replied Jessica.

'Oh, gosh,' replied Sharlamane. 'I wouldn't dream of such a thing.'

'She woiuldn't actually,' said Daniel.

'Shut up Daniel,' said Jessica. 'Listen, sister. This bunny rabbit has Jessica Murdoch Mixamatosis. If his cockles get involved with any strange beasts, be they ROE or otherwise, believe me, he'll know it. Come right out in sores. Believe me.'

Sharlamane had a concerned look on her face, then softened. 'I'm an angel,' she replied.

'Don't buy it,' said Jessica.

'You should,' said Daniel softly.

Jessica glared at him. 'What's that supposed to mean.

'She actually takes her job as an angel seriously. Sharlamane and Ambriel long ago chatted about this sort of stuff. Meludiel too. Others are learning it slowly. She won't cheat,' said Daniel, looking at Sharlamane. 'She's over that sort of fun.'

'Oh,' said Jessica, with Ambriel's name mentioned. 'I know Messiah is a man of honour. It's why I follow Ambriel.'

'We've a long established tradition of stable souls in the realm of eternity,' replied Sharlmane. Kimborel, Kaladel and Brindabel are learning the way. Devotion to purity. They're not there yet, but they are on the pathway. They'll tell you that themselves.'

'What, no sex?' asked Jessica.

'Oh, gosh. Not exactly,' smiled Sharlamane.

'Only with your spouse, and the devotion really should be eternal by now,' said Daniel. 'It's old fashioned purity with this movement. Sharlamane is exercising actually genuine angelic love for others. She is just fond of her Seraphim brother Daniel, like Ambriel. Some of us she connects to, as each of us connects to some people who make sense to us.'

'Exactly,' replied Sharlamane.

Jessica bit into her apple again. 'Right,' she said, a little uncertainly.

'I love Daniel. But I wouldn't sleep with him,' said Sharlamane, again her attention on her Seraphim brother.

'I guess so,' replied Jessica.

Later.

'She's serious then,' asked Jessica, back at Danielphon.

'Some of us have been at spirituality a long time now,' said Daniel. 'Me, I'm a bit religious. I like theology mostly. But Sharlamane lets it into her heart very much. Some of the older angels are very much like that now.'

'Your an ideas man,' said Jessica. 'Why I took you. You get animated, and its exciting. You have passion at times, flair. Good for someone like me.'

Daniel nodded. 'You know, that's probably true.'

Jessica lost concern about the Sharlamane thing after that. Quite apparently nothing much to worry about.

* * * * *

Every morning, after breakfast, Michael studied Torah. For 17 weeks in his new job he studied Torah, each and every morning. Faithfully, dutifully, humbly. Then when morning, after breakfastf, he came to himself and said 'Bugger this for a joke. Cindradel, I'll be at Az's place.'

'It's not even past midday,' replied Cindradel.

'Do they have Dinosaur wrestling up here?' asked Michael hopefully.

'Channel 774,' replied Cindradel.

'Thanks peach,' replied Michael, who was again in the overseer's office, and he was off.

Later.

'You know,' said Azrael. 'It's more a case of Jews bug people a lot. More of that if they kept their numbers right down, and stuck with Israeli lands, not as much shit would be given.'

'Right,' said Michael, sipping on his beer.

'I mean, when it comes right down to it, what is life anyway? Just a serious of arm wrestles to pass the time. We shoot this jazz for something to goss about. Nothing much more. Kind of figured you guys preferred your own turf down in Zionistya anyway.'

'Probably do,' said Michael, a little tipsy. 'Got a point to prove with Ambriel. Want to show that I still care, you know. And I do a bit.'

'I hear ya,' replied Azrael. 'Me, I keep this job. Familar face to people, wear a basic grin, and how's your father. Stable face in the Realm, but we do have a few in Zaphora.'

'Noticed,' replied Michael. 'Hey, channel 774. Dinosaur wrestling.'

Azrael put on the channel, and dinosaur wrestling was live from Disc 18,000.

'Yep, we've had that a bit,' said Azrael. 'Not for me, but I get an occasional request for the jazz.'

Michael watched, now a bit happier. 'Might visit disc 18,000,' he said, off the cuff. 'Start a tour there for Seraphim Torah Ministries.'

'You do that,' said Azrael.

And Michael actually did. Gabriel joined him as well.

* * * * *

Saruviel sat in silence. Michael had disappeared off to Disc 18,000, and it seemed he was happy there for the time being. No longer a current threat. Firstborn had been a right pain in the neck for a while, and his mission had been misdirected a number of times recently. But he had organised a get together with the current team, and he'd put on another TV special shortly. He'd resolved himself a bit. Indeed, he would gradually be a bit better of an angel. He'd given some thought of late about the yearning for freedom, and he had conclued it was still a good idea, but unabated freedom, unless with goodness, well...........well you could do what you want, and sometimes that wasn't always for the best. And admitting it to God he realized there probably did need to be some sort of moral guidance. Principles or foundations which an angel acknowledged and lived by. Otherwise freedom turned to anarchy, and Saruviel didn't defend that ideal. Neither he, Kantriel, Daraqel, Semambarel or Devuel defended that idea. Some libertarians – somewhat. But Saruviel needed order in his freedom, and Seraphim Torah made a bit more sense now because of it. So an old thought had matured, and he had more insight. True, he knew this well enough from days of old really, but the gears were clicking into place where he understood it a bit better. Perhaps, in a way, he was growing up. Becoming Saruviel the angel. Not dread lord Saruviel. He mused on that, and other ideas, then flicked on channel 774, and amused himself with dinosaur wrestling for the rest of the afternoon.

* * * * *

'Andrew Daly. Tonight in the library of the Golden City. One night only,' said Aphrayel.

'Something to miss,' said Samael.

'I'm going,' said Sandalphon, over by the window, scotch in hand.

'You are?' asked Samael, interest now piqued.

'You bet. Been thinking on something.'

'What?' asked Aphrayel.

'About a formal request. For smoother inter-realm travel. The way technology is now, we can get space flights up very quickly and connected from realm to realm in much greater ways. Bigger ships can be done, and spaceports expanded from much larger flow of people. No reason we can't relax visa requirements, and get in a lot of travellers to the realm.'

'Why the hell do we want to do that?' asked Samael. 'We have something of a standard we set.'

Sandalphon turned and looked at Samael. 'Do we? Do we really want to jibe out this debate eternal? I would have thought, Samael, that the excitement of freer travel might be a bit more interesting to you now. We're not so inwards looking anymore anyway. We have good standing with heaven, and the interplanetary bodies. I feel a more united spiritual universe might be in everyone's best interests.'

Samael looked at Sandalphon, and then turned, looking forward. Aphrayel began another game of solitaire, and Samael sipped on his coca cola.

'What do you think Aphy?' asked Samael.

'We're already united. Why make it more difficult. Face it – even Eternya has old enough citizenship now, that you don't really mind their company somewhat. Why fight it. Get along with everyone.'

Samael leaned forward, and picked up the white king in the chess board. He knocked it over after a bit, and looked at Aphrayel. 'Ok. Why not. Life has a good enough flow here in the Golden City. I'm quite happy with the general running of things. Don't want much change. But perhaps, in the long term, greater fluidity of community could bring in some interesting older faces.'

'With some interesting stories and knowledge,' said Sandalphon.

Samael looked at his brother. 'Probably true, yes. Bring it up, then. At council.'

'I will,' said Sandalphon. 'And you're coming to hear Andrew.'

'Fine,' said Samael. He looked at Aphrayel. He grinned softly, and she returned to her game. Discussion finished.

Chapter Five

'It's a dragon,' said Samael, whispering.

'It's a big one,' replied Aphrayel. 'At least 100 feet tall.'

'Raises himself up, even bigger,' said Samael. 'Razorback range has a host of them,' he said.

'I'm thirsty,' she said.

'You want to quit? Aphrayel keeps these sort of commitment. Gemrayel is not doing any easier with Sandalphon, I assure you.'

'Come on,' she said. They crept down from their spot hidden in bushes, and walked steadily down to the stream. Aphrayel laid down and sipped the water. Samael took a few handfuls up to his mouth with his hand, and looked around. 'Wildberries,' he said.'

'Those type will give you a bellyache,' she said.

'I know them. I can handle them,' replied Samael, and took a few. Aphrayel ate some anyway. They stood there, eating, when the dragon struck. It hit Samael hard with its claw, and Samael spring to action, reaching for his sword, unfurling his wings, and flying into the sky. Aphrayel was up next to him, flying also.

'Angel scum,' roared the dragon, and breathed fire at them. The angels ducked the flames easily, and Samael flew around and knicked the dragon's ear, cutting out a tiny bit of flesh. The dragon roared and circled, and breathed fire again, which Aphrayel just managed to dodge. 'Illegal trespassing,' said the dragon. 'Ground yourself immediately. You have 3 weeks with bread and water to serve.'

Samael, flapping his wings, ignored the dragon's comment, but suddenly Sandalphon flew in with Gemrayel. 'I'll have them do their time,' he said to the dragon. 'Lead on and I'll ensure they comply.'

'Legalist,' sparked Samael.

'You lost. Failed the test b grader,' said Sandalphon, as they began following the flying dragon. Soon enough they were at a cave, were the dragon pointed its wing.

'There is ample water at the caves back, in a pool,' said the dragon. 'We will deliver you stale bread this evening. You shall watch over them Sandalphon, or we'll have you for trespass also.'

'I will keep my word,' said Sandalphon to the dragon.

'Wonderful,' said Samael.

Once in the cave Samael started 'Can we go already. You're not going to enforce this charade, are you?'

'Right, loser,' began Samael. 'My document manifesto, and not your altered variant.'

'Fine,' said Samael.

'I'll speak with the dragon. Arrange payment of a fine.' Sandalphon disappeared for a while, but soon returned, and nodded, then they were off, down the razorback range, to their encampment.

'It's too much damn freedom,' said Samael.

'Your word brother,' said Samael. 'My proposal without amendments. This is my idea, and I want your full commitment.'

'I doubt it will pass anyway,' replied Samael.

'Actually, I think Logos will probably like the idea,' said Sandalphon.

'Funnily enough so do I,' said Aphrayel.

'I think so to,' put in Gemrayel. 'Sandalphon hasn't shut up about the proposal, and I see the merit. Greater freedom. It's often what we want, but are too afraid to ask.'

'Freedoms have to be fought for,' said Samael.

'And sometimes not everyone has a voice,' said Gemrayel sofly.

Samael touched his sister's shoulder, and nodded softly.

'I want words with Saruviel, first. We're going to need a go to man in eternity, and Saruviel wants to be king. We'll deal with him.'

'Fine,' said Sandalphon. 'Good enough choice. Not sure what we would get from those Daly's and that Valandriel PM.'

'We'll find out soon enough I'm sure,' said Samael.

'Now can we please go home,' said Aphrayel.

As they drove back to the nearby city, Samael mused. Sandalphon had won the contest, an it was his manifesto withour alteration. No matter. His baby anyway. It would just be interesting what council had to say at this new proposal.

* * * * *

Abraham and Noah, children of heaven, were having a chat.

'It's probably time,' said Abraham. 'Zionistya as a foundation is laid, and the towering heavenlies are complete in their spiritual infrastructure.'

'Yes,' admitted Noah. 'Regular hurlyburl of leadership goes on, but life's like that. 'We'll admit them in now. Adam is in favour of now being a good time.'

Later

'Father. I will speak with Samael regarding this,' said Noah. 'He is obviously championing Sandalphon's position, so we will have a united front for eternity.'

'I'd rather you spoke with Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly,' replied Wolfgang. 'It's Samael of Heaven's job to speak with Samael.'

'Sammy barely cares,' replied Noah. 'He watches TV 24/7 when he's not sleeping, and orders takeaway, and does little else. Comfort is all that consumes that brother of mine.'

'Speak with him then. Tell him to get off his bottom and talk with Samael about heaven being part of this project. Samael likes to do his devil's business, so he'll find his motivations well enough.'

'As you will,' replied Noah.

Samael found the excuse to chat with Samael of Infinity good enough, and booked a flight down to the Golden City. When he found Samael in the library, he sat down and looked around. 'Sort of like a kindergarten library. Or school library,' said Sammy. 'I mean, colouring pencils.'

'It's popular with the ladies,' replied Samael of Infinity. 'Now, what can I do for you namesake?'

'Heaven is abuzz with Sandalphon's agenda. We're apparently 100% behind it. You needed to know this.'

'Ok,' said Samael. 'Fine then. We'll run with it.'

'What you doing? For the cause?'

'The cause?' asked Samael, amused.

'Oh, general devil's business,' replied Samael of Heaven. 'Not that I do that much more of that these days. I've honoured my repentance, and done the time long ago. But a role is a role, and sometimes I get ideas which the Spirit gives a nudge and says somebody has to oppose their ease of life.'

Samael looked at his older brother from heaven. 'Saruviel has that job also. Commissioned directly to do it.'

'It's the work of a devil,' replied Samael of heaven. 'It's what we're about.'

'Really?' queried Samael.

Samael of Heaven nodded. 'Really and truly. Now do you have any burger places in this city?'

Samael of Infinity directed Samael of Heaven to the cafeteria, but remained in the library, readin the famous five book by Enid Blyton he had been reading. But a thought struck him. The role of a devil. Now that was an interesting idea.

* * * * *

'So. How's tricks?' Noah asked Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly.

'Fine,' replied Daniel, behind his desk in his office at the Daly Foundation.

'You've made a lot of money in the name of the covenant and Noahide faith,' said Noah. 'Raked it in by all reports.'

Daniel looked at Noah, and came out from behind his desk, and sat down on the couch opposite Noah, who was looking at a popular science fiction magazine in his office which was well read. 'The pastor's preach the Rainbow Torah and elaborations of it pretty consistently every day. Head's of such organisations make a lot of money. I give a lot to charity from the proceeds, and a lot of the money is invested in work opportunities and education grants and so on. Our Noahides school open in outer discs constantly, and we teach the universal curriculum with careful Noahide ethics.'

'Not here to judge you,' said Noah.

'You want a favour?' asked Daniel.

'Why do it?' asked Noah, looking at his son. 'Did God make a covenant with you and the rainbow?'

Daniel nodded. Noah had a quizical look on his face. Daniel brought up an old video on a rainbow appearing to him which he had asked God to provide in the name of Noah's covenant. 'He justified my Noahide faith,' said Daniel.

'Apparently,' said Noah. He put down the magazine. 'Any complaints about your ministry?'

'I get some, nothing major. Anglelicdom tastes human life on Earth when their time comes. Many of them ultimately accept the covenant because of it.'

Noah nodded. 'Ever thought of asking me if I approve of you doing this?'

'God's covenant,' replied Daniel. 'Made with your offspring. I'm your offspring. My covenant. Sort of got to follow it anyway.'

'And teach in it?' queried Noah.

'It's in the name of the sons of God community,' replied Daniel. 'When I started, there wasn't an official biblical one.'

'Over two billion monotheists at the time,' said Noah.

'With zero biblical Noahides,' replied Daniel.

Noah nodded. 'True. So that's your justification then, is it? For this ministry?'

'We're also Rainbow Covenant people, if you are looking for another term not using your moniker.'

'No,' replied Noah. 'It's fine. I don't mind.'

'Well there you have it then,' replied Daniel.

'Times are changing. I'll be doing more for the Noahide community soon,' said Noah.

'You receive your share of the Deciarchal tithe already,' replied Daniel.

'It's not the money,' said Noah.

'Your on the board,' said Daniel.

'Not that either,' replied Noah.

'You want changes?' asked Daniel.

Noah nodded. 'It's a Noahide organisation.'

'It is,' replied Daniel.

'So I run the show, son.'

'You looking for a new man in eternity? Is that it?'

Noah looked at Daniel, like into his soul so Daniel felt, and shook his head. 'You'll be getting emails. Directives about what we will be soon doing. I'll have your cooperation, won't I?'

'Certainly. But we serve God, dad. We'll assess everything you request, but if we can comply, by natural course we will follow your lead.'

'That's all I ask,' replied Noah.

'Good,' said Daniel.

Noah stood. 'Nice picture,' he said to Daniel, and left.

Daniel looked up at the picture of Noah's ark behind hm, and looked after the departing patriarch. Noah now running the show. Well, he could finally catch up on that holiday time.

* * * * *

'I'll need an office,' said Japheth.

'And Shem is appointed to Zionistya and Eternity, and Ham is appointed to the Realm of Infinity,' replied Cherubim Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly to Japheth's statement.

'Anything wrong with this one?' asked Japheth. 'If you like it I can move in opposite,' replied Daniel.

'I like it. Can I keep the picture?' he asked.

'It's all yours,' replied Daniel.

'Cool bananas,' said Japheth. 'Now, I'm a Daly also. Nigall is in my progeny.'

'Yes. Aware of that,' replied Daniel.

'So Japheth Daly will be official moniker of myself at the Daly Foundation,' said Japheth. 'Don't feel heavy about dad. He runs a lot more than dear Europa. Shem is very complicated, and Ham can be an asshole.'

'Good to know,' said Daniel.

'Can you get me the program for the month ahead. And I will be joining the Daly foundation and taking it over. I'll be investing my fair share, and Japheth Daly runs the show through Cyril and yourself as the primary counsellors. We have the standard ANM tasks in the Realm of Eternity. No changes to any core programs. Just expansion into some new projects. Oh, I'm good with finances. You'll prosper. Don't sweat it.'

'It's like you guys to take charge is it?' asked Daniel.

'You don't have to run with it,' replied Japheth.

'It's not a problem. I'll get the lawyers to draft you in to the corporation.'

'I'll need a shield. A Daly shield in the office. Not a basic one. Full metal solid, kapiche. See to it.'

'I'll assign you a secretary this week,' said Daniel. 'I'll be busy,' and he left.

Japheth smiled. Could push him, but he wasn't a sucker. Good. He knew Daniel wouldn't complain about Japheth joining the Daly Foundation. He would jump at the justification. Irishman? Wear that hat? Why not, thought Japheth. Do just fine.

* * * * *

'So Japheth has officiall joined the Daly Foundation, and is running things. Granddad didn't like it much, but was too intimidated to say much. But Japheth has indicated permanency in eternity, so felt, in the end, with him taking the Daly surname it was in his best interests not to complain.'

'I could imagine,' replied Jessica to Seraphim Daniel's words. She was doing sculpting in the lounge of Danielphon Keep. 'Daniel,' said Jessica.

Daniel was on his tablet, tapping away, and didn't reply instantly.

'Daniel,' she said again.

'Yes, babe,' he replied.

'What do you do with murderers?'

Daniel tapped a few more seconds, then put down his tablet. He looked at his wife. 'Mmm. Do you care?'

'Yes,' she replied.

'There is a technical death penalty in the realm of eternity for first degree murderers. It doesn't happen much, but it is enforced.'

'And what about their souls. When they die?' asked Jessica.

'You did theology with Messiah Ministries. Sheol is a well known concept,' replied Daniel.

'But the soul exists and dwells in death replied Jessica.

'It's pastoral work,' replied Daniel, returning to his tablet.

'What is?' asked Jessica.

'Redemption,' said Daniel. 'Pastor's pray for the dead. Till they are redeemed. We have a team which does it.'

'And murderers?' asked Jessica softly.

'It's tricky stuff. You make that request after extreme time intervals. Good millennia between prayers, as the suffering is a lot.'

'Why is that?' asked Jessica.

'Because you have to change evil into good,' said Daniel. 'You have to persuade that soul on the decision it made to kill in cold blood that it was wrong, sinful, and then get actual repentance out of them. But that's not the killer. It's the atonement. Blood life takes a long time to atone for. To right the wrong of murder – it's not pleasant business. Takes many hundreds of thousands of years by tough souls. Pastors who can hack God frowning on them for a long time. They take a lot of the sin into them. They have to be strong enough to atone it.'

Jessica was about to ask another question, but something else entered her thoughts. 'And souls which don't have a pastor praying for them? What about them?'

'There's the registry,' said Daniel. 'You know, citizenship registry. We check things occasionally. Check up on people, I mean. See where they are in life. Everyone is monitored by the ANM. I mean, everyone. It may take us millions of years to get to some souls, sometimes billions, but we get to them in time, and check on their welfare. There is a program of universal salvation going, ok.'

'I see,' replied Jessiica. 'Oh, so there is universal salvation in the ANM in the end then?'

'Messiah Ministries does the work as well,' said Daniel. 'Me and Ambriel agreed to it a long time ago.'

Jessica went silent. She stopped her sculpting, and rammed her fist into it.

'Why'd you do that?' he asked.

'It was for the lost and forsaken. Going in my room on Earth Prime. But obviously,' she said, picking up the clay. 'I won't need it.'

'Obvioiusly,' said Daniel, a little perplexed.

Later on he came into her. 'Was that on your heart?'

'Yes,' she replied. 'I thought people could be lost ultimately.'

'Even in hell he tracks us down in the end,' replied Daniel.

Jessica put her head against Daniel. 'It works out in the end, then, I guess.'

Daniel consoled his wife. They listened to quiet music, and she went to bed early. Daniel could tell she had been crying. An issue had been on her mind, quite obviously. But an issue which had gotten an answer.

* * * * *