Chapter 1
As He sits beside the Great White throne, J.C. says, "Well, I'm not
going to say 'I told you so', and I know I was a part of this crazy scheme,
but We have to do something about this mess We have wrought."
"I know, J.C., and I have given it much thought. All master plans have
many variables and measures must be taken to correct bad judgment. It is not
of any great consequence, but I have compassion for the beings that have been
created. Consider this idea. Go out among these masses of souls and find some
with redeeming qualities. We will create a third plane of existence to which
We can elevate them. Give these elevated ones instructions on the proper playing
stringed instruments to create beautiful music to keep frustrations to a minimum
until We can figure out a permanent solution."
Having attended to this command, J.C. now asks the Father as to the disposition
of the remainder.
"What criteria were applied to the sorting?"
"I pulled the dossiers from the data bank, looking for outstanding deeds
acted on by a sense of worth and compassion unrelated to survival or self-aggrandizement.
I must admit I was shocked by the small number."
"You should not have been. Remember there was no Divine inspiration.
Things will get better in phase two."
"And pray tell, what in Our Name is 'Phase Two'?"
"Place a trap door, centrally located among the masses and let it be
operated by the moment of conception by copulation on the lowest level. The
jostling of the hordes on the Second Level will insure at least one soul of
being recycled."
J.C. asks, "But how can we be sure they will improve the second time
around?"
"The first experience will be implanted in the subconscious and influence
their dreams and emotions. Of course there is no guarantee two trips will
produce an Upper Level candidate, but being as we are, time has no meaning."
"As usual, this is Infinite Wisdom, of which you are so famous."
"Thank You, We shall see."
Reporting back before the Great White throne, J.C states "Things are
picking up. Level Three is filling up. We must find better things to occupy
their time. Time, something with which we are not acquainted."
"Let there be some sent back to Level Two, to mingle and to show some
of the second cycle's group ways to get bumped upstairs."
"I hate to keep bringing small problems to You, but some of the ejected
second cycle group are showing back up at Level Two from below and by their
nature, need reprocessing down again."
"How are they entering Level Two?"
"From all directions. If there were points of a compass here, it could
be said they are entering from North, South, East, West and all points between.
I have seen a few coming back through the trap door while it was momentarily
open. These could be the results of terminated pregnancies."
"Let there be placed around this multitude an impenetrable wall and at
one place, a pair of massive gates inlaid with pearl and adorned with gold.
And above this gate let there be placed a beacon of pure white light shining
on a Golden Staircase to guide souls in the proper ascension."
After having installed the great wall and gates, J.C. notices a mass confusion
at the gates. Inquiring as to the problem, He is told by many that the trip
up the Golden Stairs was truly a blissful experience. But what happens now?
And once again another problem is dumped on the Father. "It is understood
that We are all knowing and possess Infinite Wisdom, so We must hasten to
correct this lest Our credibility be damaged."
"Go into the Third Level and find One most enlightened in our Way. Place
this One at the gate with a Golden Wand and a terminal connected directly
to the universal data bank. In this way, candidates may be screened and some
may be wanded straight to Upper Levels. Others, well, We might have to figure
out other alternatives."
Sitting on throne number two, J.C. informs, "I have placed an exceptional
one at the Gate and things are getting better. By the way, his name is Peter."
"Is he the one that had a little trouble in Rome?"
"Yes, but he will not discuss it, saying it is all in his past and he
has forgiven them."
"Yes, I remember, a high quality soul."
"Of course, but he does have some idiosyncrasies."
"For instance?"
"You know he had some really traumatic experiences back down there, and
even though he claims he has forgiven them, he has this nagging compulsion
that some of this ilk may need different processing. He has been wanding some
over to the left, on the outside of the wall to a place that he has designated
as 'Limbo'."
"What does he intend to do with them?"
"He says that was not in his job description and he defers to Us."
"Hmm, is that troublemaker, Lucifer, still disrupting things up on the
Third Level?"
Agonizing, J.C. complains, "Oh yes, he is a thorn in My temple and a
sword in My side."
"I have never understood his rebellious nature. How did he get here in
the first place?"
"He has always been here, as his kind will always be everywhere."
"Move him out to this so-called Limbo place and let him figure out what
to do."
"I hope this will not be another of Our great mistakes."
"Time, of which we know nothing, will tell."
"How is Lucifer doing with this Limbo place?'
"You won't believe this, what am I saying? of course You will, I am your
only begotten Son. Anyway, he is gone. Limbo is gone. And all the inhabitants
are gone. All that is left is a big black hole. I went over to the edge and
it was a bottomless pit. It was in the middle of a most beautiful cloud. But
I sensed danger and backed away. Peter is now wanding some poor lost souls
over to the black hole."
"Maybe this will be the last We hear of him. All things may not be recyclable."
"If this is the last We hear of him, it will be because We have lost
Our hearing."
"Do You really think so?"
"You must be aware of the mischief he was causing up on the Third Level.
I believe He was trying to usurp Our Omnipotent Power."
"I am aware of everything, and have been contemplating a solution. Possibly
this has solved the problem."
"I certainly hope so. I enjoy Our position."
* * *
"It is my duty to report all that you seem to ignore, the activity around
the black hole is growing with monstrous proportions. The dossiers of many
are filling with foul deeds that cannot be attributed to the imaginations
of virgin souls on their first trip down. They are being influenced by some
external force coming from unknown places."
"This can only be the work of the trouble maker."
"I concur, but by what process?'
"We shall send a scout into the black hole."
"Ah, a spy!"
"That is not the proper term for a Messenger from Above."
"Very well. A scout he shall be."
"How deep is the black hole?"
"I did not see, but it seems as to be of infinite depth."
"Then our Messenger must be well equipped for the return journey. Find
an incorruptible soul and fit him with a pair of sturdy wings."
* * *
"I have found the perfect one for the journey. His name is Icarus. He
has had some experience with this sort of thing back at the lower level."
"Prepare him and send him on his way."
* * *
Much later, Icarus was seen by J.C. crawling out of the black hole. He fell
down on the fluffy white cloud adjacent, exhausted, with his golden hair and
beautiful wings singed by some intense heat."
"Oh, J.C. was it ever so hot down there! It was as hot as from where
I have come."
"How can that be? There is no thermal activity except at the first level."
"I went far past the first level." Icarus exclaimed, "The region
seems to be alien to all creation by the Magnificent Father and You."
"Please do give credit where it is not due. I came along much later."
"I do not understand."
"I have always been here, but not as long as The Father."
"I still do not understand, J.C."
"Nor shall you ever, Icarus."
"Well, back to the matter at hand. I had the weirdest feeling that this
place was the work of Lucifer, the fallen one."
"Go and repair the damage to your person. You are really a mess. You
shall be called after this has come to pass."
* * *
Please bear with this interruption for an explanation of the gender specific.
With the exception of the lower level, there is no sex as it is known at the
lower level. A necessary requirement for the tranquil operation of these higher
levels. Thank you for your patience.
* * *
"Icarus brought back revelations from below that may be disturbing to
You."
"Really? I, disturbed? Surely you jest!"
"Well, perhaps I should have used a more appropriate term."
"Indeed. Summon the messenger and We shall hear these tidings."
"Very aptly phrased. Much better than 'disturbing revelations'."
"Naturally."
* * *
"Messenger Icarus, share with Us the information that has been gleaned
from your somewhat hazardous journey."
"O Omnipotent One, Creator of all that is known and unknown, I have just
returned from a strange place not of Your creation, be that strange as it
seems. This place reeks of evil of the foulest imaginable kind. It is not
of a nebulous character, but is hewn out of solid granite of the densest kind.
Great power must have employed to create the myriad tunnels and enclosures.
And greater power is harnessed to maintain a thermal agitation necessary to
prevent any soul from languishing in any comfort whatsoever. There is no hope
for escape except through the will of their master. There is even a sign in
many languages at the entrance portal that proclaims 'Abandon all hope, ye
whosoever enters'."
"Under the prevailing conditions, how did you manage your escape?"
"I bore the insignia and icons, representing all that is good and pure."
"And how did you acquire these?"
"Through J.C."
"J.C., enlighten me."
"Oh, I had some of my accessories replicated and adorned Icarus' raiment."
"And what led you to believe this might assist Icarus on his journey?"
"I had noticed when I entered the Third Level while Lucifer was still
there, he would cringe and turn away from Me when the Everlasting Pure Light
was reflected from my neck-piece."
"This is well and good. We shall keep this in mind. Perhaps they will
come in handy dealing with this evil one."
"Icarus, what seems to be the purpose of Lucifer's endeavor?"
"It is difficult to fathom, but I did notice that certain ones were separated
from the doomed flock for further processing. They were the most depraved
and sadistic to be found and enjoyed special privileges. Some were assigned
to keep the furnaces running efficiently; others were like shepherds but used
pitchforks rather than gentle hooks. I even saw a few electric cattle prods,
probably from the technical revolution being experienced on the lower level."
"How gross! Please continue."
"The most cruel of these associates were recruited to return to the lower
level to act as missionaries to spread his anti-gospel."
"This explains the increase of travelers through the black hole. Severe
measures must be employed to combat this new development. J.C., get on this
right away and report back to Me."
"Oh no, do not tell me to go down again!"
"Calm down, it can probably be handled from up here."
"I certainly hope so!"
* * *
J.C. then appoints Icarus as chairman of a select group to find answers. The
select group creates a fact-finding committee to bring the select group up
to date on the developments transpiring below in the hole. The fact finding
committee, having an aversion for climates not experienced at the Second Level,
recruits many late commando types recently in from the torrid deserts of the
lower level. Their mission was to descend into the black hole and infiltrate
the ranks of Lucifer's associates. After learning the mechanics and logistics
pertinent to the motives of Lucifer, they are to return by whatever means
possible. Icarus was little help in this area, because the commando group
had not yet qualified for wings. Only the ones at the Third Level were considered
for wings. A lieutenant was appointed to lead the infiltrating party. His
name was Hannibal. After briefing his party, they mingled with the latest
horde wanded to the hole by Peter.
Due to the ethereal quality of this group, and the compression caused by the
decreasing diameter of the hole, various separate souls were merged, causing
some contamination of the chosen ones. Fortunately, Lt. Hannibal did not suffer
merging, as he was the leader and entered first. At the termination of downward
migration, he attempted to assemble his squad. He noticed a distinct personality
change in most and he was required to call upon his leadership to re-fuse
the squad into a workable unit. The first duty was to discover some method
of practical egress.
"Go ye all out to the far reaches of this evil domain and seek whatever
there is to deliver us from this evil place when our work is done."
After an exhaustive search of all the labyrinthine corridors and catacombs,
none was discovered.
Sgt. Olaf Thor rose and asked for the floor. "Sir, I may have discovered
something that may help us out of this quandary."
"Please do enlighten this group."
"Copious amounts of energy and heat abounds. And I have discovered the
sources. It will be a simple matter to harness this abundant energy and use
it to bore a lateral connector from the source to the wall of the hole. This
will create a massive convection in the hole and due to our ethereal quality,
we can ride the current to freedom."
"Thank you, Sgt. Thor. Let it be done."
Sgt. Thor set about this task with a zeal not seen before in this dismal place
of doom. He was inspired by the thought of extricating his party from this
place in short order.
* * *
"Sgt. Thor, since it was your genius that has brought this to pass, you
have the honor to test your theory first."
"Thank you sir, please monitor my ascension and keep your hand on the
damper. Away I go!"
One factor was not considered. Due to the increasing diameter of the hole
as Sgt. Thor ascended, there was a point of equilibrium established where
the convection velocity decreased in relation to the mass of our traveler.
And he stopped ascending at a level approximately halfway home.
While enjoying this euphoric state of suspension, he happened to glance up
to see a small group of Peter-wanded souls approaching on the way down. It
was a slow approach, due to the convection, but descend they did. And he was
in the path.
"Lt. Hannibal! Lt. Hannibal! Please close the damper, quick! I have no
desire to be co-mingled. And get out of the way!"
* * *
Lt. Hannibal and his squad worked long and hard to extricate Sgt. Thor from
the goo of melted lost souls. Melted, because they had yet to be sent through
the conditioning ovens to prepare them for the intense heat. It worked like
this, once the oven was loaded; the temperature was slowly increased to the
ambient temperature of the main hall. This worked like cooking a live frog.
A frog being a cold-blooded creature, can adjust to extremes of temperature
with no apparent ill effects. Up to a point. But then it will lose consciousness
before the damage is done. (Cooked).
A huddle is called. "Something has been gained. We now know how to block
the hole. If we melt enough souls in the hole, it can be permanently blocked.
Have any of you noticed how the goo solidified into a hard mass?" One
private went over and kicked the hard goo. His steel tipped combat boots were
dented.
"But if we seal the hole, how can we return?"
"It doesn't look like we can use it anyway, and maybe we can upset Lucifer"
"Let's go for it!"
"P.F.C. Yehudus, block the damper on the most open position to divert
maximum thermal energy into the black hole, and return quickly to our huddle."
* * *
"Sir, I have obeyed your instructions and the convection velocity has
increased ten fold."
"Thank you, P.F.C. Yehudus. Since the influx has been curtailed, we now
have free movement in this environment without experiencing gridlock. We must
now disperse to all extremities of this domain to gain sufficient knowledge
helpful in our return. So it has been said, so let it be done. Anyone that
has discovered any beneficial information, report back promptly."
* * *
"Ho Peter how goes the wanding?"
"Hello J.C., if You will glance over to the left, You will notice that
the black hole is no more and the area is getting congested as in olden times."
"This shall be discussed with the Higher Authority."
* * *
"It seems that Lt. Hannibal, in some way, has blocked the black hole
and Peter can wand no more to eliminate the confusion that was prevalent outside
the wall as in olden times."
"Instruct Peter to wand the rejects back down the Golden Stairs to be
recycled immediately without the benefit of cleansing."
"This action might well reduce the quality of existence on the lower
level, and our efforts to upgrade the character of beings dwelling there will
suffer a great setback."
"Be that as it may, We cannot afford to corrupt the Second Level."
"But of course, it shall be done."
"Besides, due to the increased activity of mating on the lower level,
We are depleting the supply of qualified candidates to be returned."
"I too, have noticed this, the trap door has been rebuilt many times."
"Perhaps the problem will be alleviated as the populace is enlightened
in the art of restraint."
"Optimism is a Divine Thought."
"Nevertheless, pessimism breeds hopelessness."
"True words of Wisdom."
* * *
Lt. Hannibal, while relaxing on a hot rock waiting for the return of his scouts,
was seen by Lucifer who was cruising around in his Hotmobile inspecting the
facilities.
"What, in the name of this place, is a soul like yours doing in a place
like this? I thought you would have been exempt. What happened?"
"It was simply an administrative error. My team and I were caught in
some friendly fire on the lower level were entered into the Great Record Book
as perpetrators of a great atrocity."
"And where may I ask is the rest of your team?"
"Oh, they were wanded with me into the black hole and, as we speak, they
are running amok in your facility."
"This will never do, Hannibal! You and your team do not meet our stringent
requirements to abide here. We must correct this error quickly."
"I whole heartily agree, Lucifer, but what can be done? You may have
noticed that for some reason, the black hole is no more. And we cannot egress
in that fashion."
"Yes, Hannibal, I see that the hole is sealed. That will explain the
curtailment of the candidate influx, and I must look into this problem later.
But now we have to deal with the problem at hand, which is untenable, namely
your group, that must leave at once before you upset the delicate balance
in which I dwell. I have developed a system in which I send souls indoctrinated
in my way back to the lower level to do my bidding. Even though you and your
team do not qualify, I feel I can modify the ejection process to accommodate
your group."
"But upon our arrival, what type of vessel shall we occupy?'
"Unfortunately, Hannibal, I have no control over this process. This part
of the operation is truly random."
"How about our memory of this?"
"Also out of my control. There may be some residual in the subconscious,
and manifest in some dreams or nightmares whichever may be the case. In rare
instances, more than one soul ejected may occupy the same vessel and multiple
personalities may emerge during the lifetime."
"How can this happen?"
"There is some controversy concerning this subject, but I feel that at
the moment of conception of these vessels, if multiple souls are ejected simultaneously
and an adequate number of vessels are not conceived at this moment, some doubling
up may occur."
"But there are so many of us, what are the chances of all of our group
occupying the same vessel?"
"I don't think you should worry about this. The mating frenzy is rising
rapidly at this time and there is no end in sight. This fact should be to
your advantage."
"I never dreamed that I would be happy because of this problem."
Comments Hannibal.
"Problem? What problem, this frenzy works to my advantage in perpetuating
misery and sorrow that I endorse."
"Maybe you, but not I."
"But of course, you belong to a different school. It is not of your doing.
I don't forgive you, as it is not my nature, but I do understand. You do not
need to make a pact with me to extricate yourself; I want you out as much
as you. Assemble your group and report to the ejection and you all will leave
perdition post haste."
* * *
"Any word from Lt. Hannibal and his team, J.C.?"
"Not as such, but as I was casually viewing at a lower level monitor,
I noticed one young man who seemed to possess some of Lt. Hannibal's traits.
I feel that somehow he has managed to himself and his group recycled."
"And his group? Explain."
"Well the vessel has been causing some confusion in the family he was
born into, and at least two different personalities have emerged. So far."
"This is very interesting. Is this not unusual?"
"Not really, it has occurred in the past, but lately the odds of occurrence
are increasing. Probably because of Peter's indiscriminate wanding, in conjunction
with an increasing reproduction frenzy, and I might add that the urge was
incorporated into the original model."
"But only to insure a stable and desirable growth."
"Maybe the pleasure quotient was overdone."
"This was necessary because the original intent of the urge could be
subdued by the increase of the intelligence quotient."
"Then a happy balance should have been met, but there is no happy balance
in sight."
"Blame Lucifer and his evil influence, not Me."
"We must give this problem more thought."
"Of course. But now back to Lt. Hannibal, et al."
"Oh, it will not be long before they are back with Us and then We can
clear the confusion in their minds as they will remember all past and then
be separated."
"Why leave them as co-joined and let him benefit by their many past experiences
and get bumped up to a higher level sooner?"
"But all the other souls will be assimilated by the dominant personality,
Hannibal, and will lose their individual identity."
"What difference does it make? All will merge ultimately at the most
highest level and be as One with Me."
"We all look forward for this to happen, bur right now it seems in the
far distant future."
"Future, past, present. What means this to Us? As you should know, time
was created solely for the benefit of beings at the lower level, to prevent
all things from happening at once as it does here."
"True, it is all the same, but impatience rules supreme on the lower
level."
"Contemplation and pure thoughts will assist in their endurance."
"There are many down there that believe Our streets are paved old, a
materialistic belief associated with their greed."
"A rude awakening awaits."