Day 3, 3:00 pm

Sunday, 31 March 2233

Epilogue: Heaven

The angel Gabriel hovered in place over the Indian Ocean as he completed his survey of recent events on Earth. He watched anxiously as the Flying M continued on its path to Megiddo, Israel, via the Karoo in South Africa. He completed documenting his log, “Situation report on the return of the Fallen Angel. 19th day of the month Adar II, in the Hebrew year of 5993.” With his final entry in place, he ported to the heavenly realm.

He stepped into the inner courtyard in heaven. The floors were pure gold, a deep orange-yellow, like sunshine reflecting on glass. Even after thousands of years, he was always awed at how the entire area sparkled like a myriad of crystals every time he returned. All around him was the soft glow of a rainbow kaleidoscope.

Gabriel found Michael with his hands clasped behind his back as he observed the latest developments on Earth through a viewing portal. He paused politely until Michael was ready to talk. Michael turned around. “I’ve read your situation report. Overall, there were good outcomes. It’s a pity about Simeon. He could have done so much more for the team. Has he been received into the transition area? I assume his entry will be straightforward and without complications.”

Gabriel nodded. “Yes, it should be smooth, barring any unxpected issues in the final judgement. There’s a full rebirth and baptism record, which was valid at the time of death. Simeon ran a good race on Earth. He fought a good fight and kept the faith. I anticipate he will be welcomed as a good and faithful servant.”

“Was his end-of-life moment painful?”

Gabriel shook his head. “Mercifully not. It was brutal but quick.”

“What became of Ananias and Sapphira after the Antarctic battle?”

Gabriel pointed downwards. “They went straight to hell. Nothing was found to redeem their souls or to separate them from the devil’s authority. In fairness, part of their sentence for the evil they committed while possessed by Abaddon and Azazel was commuted. Nevertheless, their remaining sins marred their spirits like a thick blistering rash with oozing sores. There is now a great gulf between them and us, and they are tormented in a flame. Even now, they gnash their teeth. They chose to live a life separate from God. They eternally separated themselves from all that is good and holy.”

“And pray tell, what of Onesiphorus?”

“Onesiphorus remains in the earthly realm. He survived the explosion from the self-destruct mechanism set up in his house. And he preserved all the crucial records, although some information did leak from the file Nimrod grabbed. The last I saw him, he was emerging from the vent. He had opened one bloodied eye and was dragging himself out of the rubble. Despite his disability, he is agile and resourceful. I expect he will make an unexpected and joyous rendezvous with Lydia’s team.”

They walked slowly, in contemplation. Michael seemed to be pondering something and then paused as if he had made a decision. “Our Conquerors team will need a replacement for Simeon – someone to manage the tactical aspects. Seven will be the optimal number for the battles they will face if they survive the locust men.”

Gabriel counted on his fingers. “Lydia, Micah, Peter, Cornelius, Onesiphorus ... I have five.”

“Add Apollos – for now, anyway. He is not an angel in good standing but needs to be protected within the Conquerors team so that the dark side doesn’t use him for their plans.”

“Michael, that makes six. Is JJ7 the seventh?”

“JJ7 is not a human, as you know, Gabriel. He is a versatile AI tool. Of course, he is a useful asset to the team, and we should keep it that way, but he has no legal standing according to the annals of the Chamber of Laws.”

Michael continued. “The seventh conqueror will be revealed in due course. For now, I’d like you to set aside five weapons from our armoury. Micah and Apollos already have their weapons. You will have to go and train them for three days.”

They paused by a fountain flowing with living water that sparkled like an unending stream of diamonds. Gabriel gazed into the infinite distance. He soaked in the peace and admired the lush, breathtaking heavenly views interspersed with dwellings built from precious stones.

Michael asked, “Tell me of Abaddon and Azazel?”

“Disarmed for now. They are hovering aimlessly in the Antarctic. Until, of course, they find new hosts. Lydia did a good job. I didn’t even have to intervene. However, I anticipate Nimrod will round up the entire cartel of senior demons to continue that fight. At best, there will be a reprieve of only three days if Micah’s team escapes the locust men, and that’s a big if.”

“Your latest assessment on our team’s chances, Gabriel?”

“About 1% at best. Maybe 2% at a stretch once I hand over the chosen weapons to them. They are injured, outnumbered, outmatched. The Karoo farm stopover will further diminish their already slim chances of survival. They could be ambushed.” He paused briefly. “Michael, we need a backup team in case this team fails. Who knows, they may have been positioned for such a time and purpose such as this. But if they are killed, relief and deliverance will have to arise from another place.”

It was Michael’s turn to look into the distance. When his answer came, his words were carefully chosen. “I agree with creating a backup plan. Assemble a spare team. There is too much at stake to rely solely on our six. I’m not counting the Fallen Angel – he is immortal like us. Nothing will be lost, and even if our heroes die fighting, we are assured that God can turn any failure or situation into something good. Remember what happened when Samson lost the plot to the Philistines after disclosing his strength? Even in his last act, with his eyes destroyed, he wiped out the temple of Dagon with all its inhabitants.

“Let me also address your justified concern about the South African stopover. Gabriel, the Karoo stop is a necessary part of Lydia’s journey if she is to be a fully effective part of the team. There are certain truths and realities she needs to confront, and she seems to be taking the first painful step.”

“Do you think she will disclose everything to Micah?”

I cannot predict what she will do. The human mind is unpredictable at the best of times. I do hope she will, though. If she holds anything back, they will never be able to overcome the past and have a fulfilling and trusting relationship. It is vital for them to have a strong connection and an untainted bond if they are to overcome.”

Gabriel’s smile faded as he considered the impending peril. Pensively, he moved on to his next question. “Is it time for the Intervention Protocol?”

The Intervention Protocol had been rarely used in history and could only be invoked if a prophetic outcome was in danger. Referred to by humans as miracles, it was the imposition of supernatural laws over natural laws. It included events such as the parting of the Red Sea, the preservation of the boy king Joash when evil forces had all but extinguished the lineage of David, the sun’s movement being suspended so that Joshua could complete his battle over the Amorites, the provision of manna and water to millions of Israelites who would have otherwise died in the desert; among other examples. Gabriel recalled how, as defenders of the Prophecy, they had fought off countless attacks by the devil to interrupt the seed line that would lead to Jesus.

Michael paused in deep thought. “What reason will you provide for filing an Intervention Protocol request?”

“Credible threats received of a plan to breach the Chamber of Laws. Imminent and potential reversal of Revelation prophecies.”

They decided that they had to approach Yeshua and ask Him if they should activate the Intervention Protocol. Since communication in heaven was without delay, He answered immediately, his voice reverberating all around them like the thunderous roar of many waters. “Be still before Me and wait patiently for Me. Do not fret yourself over the one who seems to prosper in his way or the one who carries out evil plans.”

Gabriel pressed. “We are growing worried. Can you reveal to us the plan to rescue Micah, Lydia and Peter? The evil forces are almost upon their craft. They will shred them to pieces.”

“I know the plans I have for them, plans for good and not for evil, to give them a future and a hope.”

The story of The Fallen Angel continues ...