The Third War

The gentle sound of the alarm begins to sound, the sound immediately cashing the sleepers to stir as a young feminine hand appears from under the furs, reaching for the alarm, stopping the noise.

“You know that’s the 3rd time it’s gone off, we really should be getting up,” Joslyn says, as her head appears from under the furs, of the right side of the bed.

“Yeah I know, but this feel so good, beats being cooped up in that cell, I could sleep in here all day,” Roslyn says sleepily.

“Girls! Breakfast is ready, or more accurately, Lunch, and we still have a lot more books to go through,” Doctor Zorn calls out through the door of the cabin.

“Yes! Uncle, we’ll be up soon,” Joslyn Calls back and ducks back under the furs.

“Yes! Uncle,” Roslyn calls back and follows her sisters back under the furs as they both laugh.

“Suit yourselves, but I can’t promise how long I can stop myself from eating the last of the Strawberry yoghurt, no telling when we will get more,” Doctor Zorn calls back. This time his words are responded by hurried movement, and seconds later, the door opens, and the two girls rush out, dressed in simple dresses.

“You know that the yoghurt is our favourite,” Joslyn says, reaching for it.

“Really? I would never have guessed,” Doctor Zorn says, smiling.

Roslyn reaches for the bread and picks up a knife, pausing then, she stares at it, turning it slowly in her hand, only to be broken out of her trance as her sister reaches for the butter.

“Are you done with this sis?” Joslyn says, looking a little concerned and catching a glance from Doctor Zorn.

“Oh, yeah sorry,” Roslyn replies, putting the knife down and seems content on eating her bread without butter.

“Do you know if Uriel will bring more news about mother of father today, it feels like it has been years?” asks Joslyn.

“That, I can not say, and it has been years, sadly, and lucky for us, the time has no real meaning within the garden, but according to Uriel they are both alive, and as you know, Jessica rescued your Mother, and I’m sure she will bring her back to you, when she is able,” Doctor Zorn says, as there is a knock on the door,

the two girls looking at each other with excitement, Roslyn reaching the door first, opening it, Doctor Zorn smiling, recognizing his old friend.

“Good morning Emerson, please, come in, I’m guessing you smelt the coffee,” Doctor Zorn says, standing and offers another chair.

“Morning to you all and yes, I did, I could smell it all the way across the dell,” Emerson replies, reaching for a cup, then helps himself to the coffee pot.

“I hope your researching is going well?” Emerson asks as he sips his drink.

“Slowly, unfortunately, although I understand much regarding Cain’s development. Harahel has brought me many books that seem to contradict each other, and some that leave gaps,” Dr Zorn replies.

“Well, it’s partly due to mankind’s self-belief that their World is at the centre of the Galaxy, but in reality, your World is just one of a multitude of Eden worlds, for example, only on Canaan was there the great flood and the tower of Babel,

also, take your World, it has a moon and 9 planets, a similar world to yours has one moon and eight planets, whereas some Eden worlds, never made it out of their dark ages due to some global event,

many other worlds develop almost identically to your own, including names of planets, cultures and disputes,” Emerson explains.

Doctor Zorn ponders Emerson’s words, trying to make sense of this galactic puzzle and slowly comes to a realization.

“So, in effect, we are all following a predestined design that is flawed.” Doctor Zorn says.

“Why do you believe it is flawed,” Emerson asks.

“Because this path that God designed, repeatedly leads us into conflict with each other.” Doctor Zorn replies.

“Do you honestly believe that your creator would on purpose deceive you in this way?” Emerson asks.

“I dearly wish that God would not, I have prayed to ask him why others suffer and conflict continues, but I receive no answer” Doctor Zorn replies.

“Don’t you remember what Urial told you, Your creator gave you the light and freewill and all she required in return is for you to live good lives.

Worship has never been a requirement, and prayer is not an encrypted channel to your creator. There are other entities in this Galaxy more than happy to reply and guide those who are willing to listen.” Emerson replies, with an air of warning, while Doctor Zorn becomes irritated.

“So I guess you’re going to tell me that the high priest was also a lie and wasn’t sent by God?” Doctor Zorn asks, sounding annoyed.

“He is also known by other names on other Eden Worlds, and I can assure you he was real, but the truth is often painful to hear and often leads to anger and more conflict, Heaven attempted to lead the people away from hate and their destructive path,

But in all but a few Worlds, the outcome was the same, crucifixion and the followers of the Dragon prevented the message from being heard.

However, this time the message wasn’t easily destroyed or removed, and so it was adopted. Over the years a church created, but we can discuss this more another time, I have other things to warn you about.

“What? no hang on a moment, you just dropped a religious bombshell, if I understand this right, you are pretty much saying that the Catholic Church is run by the followers of the Dragon?” Doctor Zorn says, sounding incredulous.

“Yes, is it too hard to believe? You only have to look towards the dark ages or how information and learning were controlled or restricted, or how even how the Church reacted to other philosophical ideas.

The Carthas, for example, had a very intriguing concept and very close to understanding God. Still, on the orders of the Pope, they were pretty much wiped out for their so-called heretical beliefs.” Emerson explains while Doctor Zorn listens on with doubt.

“So, what you are saying is that Christianity is corrupt?” Doctor Zorn asks angrily.

“No, not at all, on the surface, it is now a church of a loving God with some genuinely good people, however the real control and corruption hides in ways that the majority of the Church can not find them, or even know of their existence.

That is due to the way the people have developed and question authority and have driven change within society. The governments have relinquished much of their control, well at least until recently, “Emerson explains.

“Recently?” Doctor Zorn asks, his anger slowly softening as he’s been listening to Emerson’s explanation.

Recently since Earth has joined the inner Federation, but I can explain more regarding that at another time,

But I really must cut to the chase, The Magistratus has finally given up trying to get you all expelled, as she currently does not have the numbers among the elders, so she is now pursuing another avenue,” Emerson says, then sips his coffee, the girls looking at one and then back to Doctor Zorn.

“What does that mean?” Zorn replies.

“She has requested and been granted a review of the Garden dangerous species, she desires to understand the current inventory. In her words ‘To ensure that the galaxy is safe from accidental contamination’,” Emerson replies, taking another sip of his drink.

“That’s just another ploy to gain access to the garden” Doctor Zorn says, feeling an unease of the news.

“Well, yes, that is most likely what she desires, and to a degree, she is right to request such a review, as some plants in the past have gone missing. However, this could be serious, while here you all must keep your heads down,

do not give her an excuse to reopen her attempts to have you all removed, I’ll handle the Magistratus,” Emerson says, returning his cup to the table.

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Doctor Zorn asks.

“Thank you, my friend, but on this matter, there is not, but please continues your research among the great books, answers must be within them, and I thank you for your hospitality. I must be going, “Emerson says, standing and heads for the door, opening it.

“And that goes for you as well girls,” Emerson says, smiling, as he exits the small log cabin and closes the door behind him.

#

With breakfast done, Doctor Zorn turns his attention back to his research. The dusty tomes, containing all the Galaxy’s history, the girls head out for the day to collect berries and fresh crops around the Garden.

The girls accessing the Gardens transport hubs that are secreted all around The Garden providing access to far-reaching areas, including access to Warmer climate zones for various seasonal fruits and vegetable.

These transport hubs allowing individuals to cross thousands of miles, almost instantly, Roslyn and Joslyn had both been shown them a few days after arriving back from the care of Archangel Uriel and Archangel Chamuel. Both the girls having serious conditions upon their arrival, spending months recuperating.

Roslin’s condition caused my Archangel Samael, only the healing skill of Archangel Chamuel being enough to reverse the psychological damage that had been done to her, along with repairing the light within her that had been partially consumed by Archangel Samael, however, if Roslyn had managed to kill a single victim, the damage would have been irreversible.

Joslyn’s condition had a much different cause, but equally, as challenging to resolve, having been infected by Cain’s bioagent, in effect, corrupting her memories and rewriting pathways within her brain to accept an altogether different consciousness, only Jessica’s quick thinking and the Phantoms Nanites prevented the pathogen infection from being incurable.

Since the girls return they have found The Garden to be truly amazing and ever-changing, the sun seemingly changing in colour and intensity from time to time.

At first, the girls would ask the transport hub to take them to places that grew oranges or other fruits that required a warmer climate and then after a time, they began asking for a random location.

This allowed the girls to explore many unreachable areas of The Garden, including a rain forest, full of giant tree’s exotic flowers, animals and insects.

The later not being the best experience when an insect with far too many legs crawled up Joslyn’s leg. Joslyn’s scream, scattering the indigenous wildlife from miles around, much to the delight and laughter from her sister.

By the time The Garden light starts to fade, the girls had gathered enough fruit and vegetables to restock the cabin stores for at least a week. Returning back and forth with their baskets full.

The girls spend the last hour of light, sitting under the branches of one of the giant tree’s, the ripe fruit hanging within sight, tentatively close but out of reach.

Ever since their first arrival within The Garden, the trees of e garden seem to speak to the girls. Never have they seen such giant tree’s on Earth. Glorious to behold and feeling safe being within their shadow. The girls enjoying the last of the afternoon light relaxing and enjoying a packed lunch under the high branches.

#

The Serpent slithered down and into the thick stems of the flowers. The Magistratus choosing a particularly dense patch of flowers to crouch down by and reach in, Emerson having personally decided to give her the tour of the restricted section of the Garden continues to explain the rare properties of each of the flowers.

The Magistratus feigning her interest, while nodding appreciatively regarding certain facts. The Serpent making good the Magistratus distraction as it moves deeper among the flower beds. Only moving again once the small party of officials are out of sight.

Not having ever had many emotions, it felt odd somehow for the Serpent, being back in the Garden, having left sometime around Eves own departure.

It knew it hated and despised everything the Garden represented, but it felt something else. Maybe it had spent too much time with the Magistratus, Afterall she is human, all be it a vile one, and the Serpent felt rather proud of sneaking in that particular wolf into this henhouse of so-called pure souls.

It had one task here, to find a specific plant and eat some of the leaves. Then the Serpent would be able to produce poison strong enough to kill an elder. With an Elder dead, the Magistratus can arrange a replacement. With enough dead, the followers of the Dragon will control Heaven.

#

With Emerson distracted the task at hand is completed without causing a fuss. Gone are the days where he could go where ever he liked. The danger wasn’t down to more cherubims on guard, but Emerson, unlike the Angel’s he could go beyond his design and like all Elders was extremely hard to kill.

Angel’s had been given very specific instructions regarding their responsibilities and look out for a talking serpent was never given as a command or objective. Archangel’s, on the other hand, a greater range of autonomy. However, they still need to obey the laws laid down to them, very similar laws that AI had to follow.

As such, the talking Serpent made me eat the forbidden fruit, does not fly. Whereas if the talking Serpent killed the innocent, well then that is another matter and there lies the flaw in the so-called great plan.

Control the Elders then we control Heaven. Reprogramming Angel’s base commands would be the end of the last outpost. The plan to restore the light universe will fail.

The Serpent contemplates this and much more as it makes it way to where it had arranged to meet with the Magistratus when it sensed a familiar scent of purity, along with a peculiar odour, that the Serpent has not smelled in a very long time.

Nearing the area, the Serpent gazes up at the great tree of knowledge then searches for the source of the scent. This location causing concern as old memories are renewed of Lilith and Eve. And after hundreds of thousands of years, another innocent along with her sister gazes up at the great tree. The Serpent could not resist and slither closer, the concerns it had moments before now gone.

“Such a shame, ripe fruit, enough to sate your thirst and hunger but out of reach. You both must have done something wrong to be punished so,” The Serpents says broadcasting its voice to the girl’s minds. Only Joslyn looking startled, while Roslyn reaches for another roll, then picking up her sister’s knife.

“Don’t be afraid, I mean you no harm. Much in the Garden can be surprising, such as I. The last count I am just 1 of many hundreds of creatures within the Garden that can talk,” The Serpent says as it slithers to a halt in front of Joslyn.

“We were told that the fruit in the two great trees is forbidden,” Joslyn replies. Still a little uncertain.

“As I mentioned, you are being punished when others can freely take from the tree. Personally, this seems unfair to me what the men above you dictate and control what you can or can not do, it’s not fair,” The Serpent says, already feeling his words having the desired effect on Joslyn.

“What others?” Roslyn asks suddenly and steps closer.

“Pardon, Others?” The Serpent replies, sounding perturbed.

“You said, others freely take from the trees. I want to know who are these others,” Roslyn asks, stepping closer.

“Oh, I see,” The Serpent starts to reply as Roslyn takes another step closer and then lingers down upon the Serpent, the bread knife firmly gripped within her fist.

The Serpent then remembering the familiar scent that it had detected, and now it remembered Chamiel, Archangel of love and redemption. This memory coming a little too late as Roslyn knife plunges through the Serpents neck.

“What the heck Roslyn. Why did you do that!” Joslyn says, pushing past her sister. Stooping down to examine the snake. Roslyn continues to stare down at the creature then hears her sisters words.

“Joslyn, wait, don’t touch it!” Roslyn calls out as her sister reaches out to touch the still form of the Serpent, stiffened and falls backwards, landing on her back.

“Joslyn!” Roslyn calls out, going to her side, looking fearful.

“I’m fine, stop fussing. Just more blood than I was expecting, is all,” Joslyn replies, looking around at her surroundings. Roslyn is about to ask another question as a loud voice draws her attention away.

“What is all this about murder and desecration!” shouts the Magistratus, appears walking briskly towards the girls, Emerson following behind with looks of concern. Roslyn drops the knife, her own fears beginning to show then glancing at her sister who seems at first to be staring at her own hand then as if delayed in some way begins to shake.

Seemingly to answer the Magistratus, an Angel steps into view from out of nowhere. The Angel then leans into the Magistratus and whispers words the girls cannot hear. The Magustratus expression changing from one of annoyance to that of utmost anger.

Emerson kneels down by the Serpent, examining the creature. With a tut, he stands back up and regards the girls before addressing the Magistratus.

“Well, it’s certainly quite dead. So what happened here Roslyn, can you explain how this creature come to be killed. However, please bear in mind our conversation this morning,” Emerson asks then changing his gaze to the Magistratus. But its the Magistratus who replies first.

“With all due respect, Elder, but it should be I who asks the questions regarding this fowl murder. This Angel says the snake was stabbed and killed without provocation. However, the Angel could not tell by whom as something obscured its view as the act was carried out,” The Magustratus says, her voice shaking with emotions. The Magistratus then looks around the body.

“I understand, this is your jurisdiction for such crimes, especially those that are serpents around the tree of knowledge,” Emerson replies, looking at the girls. The Magistratus snapping her head towards Emerson at the word Serpent.

“Its a snake! Why do you call it a serpent?” The Magistratus shouts in reply.

“Was a serpent you mean, rather dead now I see, and because it’s the correct description, snake would refer to a legless reptile of the suborder of Serpentes. This was definitely a serpent, and as I mentioned, this tree has a history with serpents, especially talking ones,” Emerson replies with a slight grin. The Magustratus stares at Emerson trying to measure him.

“you can leave, but I will need to have a talk with the girls later,” The Magistratus says looking at the girl’s empty hands then back to the ground and frowns.

“Maybe I can stay and help?” Joslyn volunteers taking a step towards the Magustratus. The Magistratus looking up at Joslyn surprised at her suggestion and begins to stare. Emerson stepping in front and replies.

“You have both been through enough and had a long day. Besides Doctor Zorn will be expecting you both soon,” Emerson insists, Joslyn not happy but nods accepting Emerson’s decision.

The short journey back taking much longer than usual, Joslyn trying several times to convince Emerson to slow her to help the Magistratus.

Each time Emerson refused, Joslyn would slow her pace coming up with another reason to turn back. By the time they reach the small Dell Doctor Brooke’s is already waiting at the cabin door.

“What’s going on, always good to see you Emerson but this is unexpected at this hour,” Doctor Zorn asks looking from the girls to Emerson. Joslyn, pushing past Doctor Zorn, entering the cabin.

“I’m going to my room!” Joslyn says loudly as Emerson lightly touches Joslyn’s neck, Emerson ready for the reaction as Joslyn collapses like a rag doll, catching her within his arms.

“Really now, what is all this about!” Doctor Zorn asks again with more insistence. Emerson taking Joslyn inside first and setting her down before turning to face Doctor Zorn.

“Nothing good I’m afraid,” Emerson finally replies and produces a bloody bread knife and places it down on the reading desk.

Before any more is said, trumpets are heard throughout the Garden, Emerson looking up with tears filled eyes.