The Return of the Watchers (Armageddon Rising Book 1) (30 page)

"And here I was under the impression the major human incentive to succeed was driven by greed,” Dorian said. “The desire for nicer things and a better way of life drives societies to advance and produce. When people can get what they want whenever, as you say, don't they lose their drive for life?"

"In a society where greed is rampant, your assessment is correct; when the need can be satisfied on a whim the effect of gathering things to impress or get ahead of others is lessened and eventually becomes meaningless. What then is left for the greed driven individual? To look within and to recognize that the most valuable commodity was already before them all along; each other. When we see that what is most important is not things that we can gather up and look at, but rather caring for and loving one another, then we have realized our true purpose for this existence.

              “What was once about the self is now about the other self. We are all connected, you, me, and everyone in this room, this world. We are all part of the source of everything and we all originate as one; and therefore that person over there and that one there are as if brother and sister to you and I.                            

              “Greed, however, does not necessarily reflect an attribute for only those desiring material things. Selfishness can be in the form of laziness, of being unwilling to do what it takes to help your fellow brothers and sisters out.              

              “I have witnessed societies that tried taking the approach of shared wealth, but they did not flourish as greed prevailed, either through corruption of their leaders, laziness of their populace and general apathy. The same downfall can be applied to democratic societies as well.

              “A wise man once described the cycles a nation goes through- From bondage to spiritual faith; from spiritual faith to great courage; from courage to liberty; from liberty to abundance; from abundance to complacency; from complacency to apathy; from apathy to dependence and finally dependence back into bondage. I have lived for many thousands of years and have seen all forms of governance on Earth and several on other planets. There is yet to be one lasting form that all can rest comfortably in.

              “Forgive me, I did not intend to become so overbearing with my opinions. It's just that I feel pity for humans; after having lived so long humanity still cannot get it right,” he said with sadness in his voice.              “You won't get any argument from me,” Dorian replied.              “Anyway, here in Anidon, we have for the most part channeled our drive towards creative endeavors. Even though we use matter converters it still requires a blueprint; if none exists, then we must create one. All of the amazing things you have seen here are a result of the creative spirits within that have applied their skills for the betterment of all. Some here do not possess the intellectual or creative capacity to create; however, most here have found something that brings them some form of happiness that contributes towards the greater good."                                                                      "Everyone seems happy. I suppose what you have going here is a good thing." Dorian replied

              "It is not all without strife. There are those among the council and their followers who have more radical ideas towards ruling and our role in combating our enemies. Many citizens, the majority I would say, are in uniform agreement that the agents of The Lightbringer need to be dealt with. Only the methods we employ seem to be contested. Indeed, there are those on the council who would like to see me expelled from Anidon because I voice my concerns too loudly and disagree with how some would have things done here. But that is for another discussion. Today we should celebrate this occasion where father and son are reunited and enjoy our are time together. As I have chosen our seating environment, I think it only fair that you decide on what we shall eat. Several friends will be joining us shortly that I should like you to meet, so I suggest you choose wisely; two are fellow council members and two are part of my intelligence gathering team,” he said with a wink at Dorian.

              “I should also remind you not to mention or think anything about your birth mother; that stays between us and Matthias,” he added.                            Dorian looked over the menu options, which were too numerous to decide; he played it safe with Italian. The selection was made and a couple of punk rocker-type girls skated over the table to prepare the settings for their meal. In actuality they used a portable holographic screen that everyone in Anidon was fond of to select the place settings. A moment later a robotic servant brought them over.  Dorian instinctively started to get up to help make the room more inviting for the anticipated guests.               The girls smiled. “Have a seat, relax. We'll take care of it,” the pink haired one said, sizing him up.                                                                                    “I keep forgetting this isn't my living room,” Dorian replied with a laugh.                                                                                                                                              All sorts of smells filled the air, and in fact part of the fun of walking around was to see what other people were eating. While Urieth seemed to be interrupted by his subordinates checking in, Dorian took the opportunity of letting his mind sift through the thoughts of those around him for a few moments. He didn't pick up anything significant until he heard a female voice telepathically in his mind.                                                       
“You are being watched. Be on your guard, especially your thoughts,”
she said.                                                                                                               
“Who is this?”
he asked, peering around to see if the messenger was in his visual field.                                                                     

             
“A friend. Be wary of councilman Ashmus Terharax; he is not who he seems. I will say no more,”
she replied, then abruptly ceased communication.                                                                                                                “You would be wise to exercise caution using that skill. You don't know who might try to poison your mind,” a tall figure standing in front of the living room said. He was completely bald with an ashen-colored skin, much like the fallen watcher Dorian had encountered at his home in Ann Arbor. The  markings on his skin were similar as well, as if they were branded, and the resultant scars formed sigils that were licorice colored. His eyes were glowing with a yellowish hue, and his teeth were blackened and pointed. Dorian looked at his aura which was a deep violet. The feelings given off him were warm and inviting, which contrasted greatly with his appearance.                                                                                                                “Your countenance suggests you have seen an apparition,” he said to Dorian while glancing over at Urieth. Urieth smiled and stood up to greet him.                                                                                                                              “Sonra'el, my friend, I am warmed at your presence,” Urieth said, grasping Sonra'el's forearm in his. “Please, I would like to introduce you to my son, Dorian.”                                                                                                                  “It is my honor to meet the son of Urieth. We have all heard so much about you,” Sonra'el said, extending his hand to Dorian, who received it. A feeling of greetings was exchanged between the two. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Dorian had a flash of Sonra'el's past from ancient times, many thousands of years ago. Before his fall from grace he was a beautiful angelic being that shone brightly with the light of the creator. His fall disfigured him as he was seen now and the vision changed to a battleground of a major war. At that time, his brother, Salami'el joined with the Morning Star and fought against the forces of Heaven. Dorian saw that Sonra'el had also been one of his followers, but through a turn of events he betrayed the other fallen Angels, including his brother. Using very powerful magic he managed to open a dimensional rift to escape their wrath; however, his form remained unchanged. The next several thousand years flashed before Dorian's eyes in an instant and he witnessed the trials Sonra'el had faced over the millennium. A cold sweat formed on Dorian's forehead and his skin turned pale.                                                                                    “Are you well, my son?” Urieth asked as Dorian slowly pulled his hand away with a blank expression on his face, staring at Sonra'el.                             “Yes, I think so. I think. Did you just?” he asked, looking at Sonra'el.                                                                                                                              Sonra'el looked at Urieth and then back at Dorian.                                          “What is it, Dorian? Did something happen?” Urieth asked.                            Dorian looked at Urieth and then back at Sonra'el with astonishment.              “I'm not sure if I should....I had some kind of vision. You were an angel of light. I saw you in the war of heaven, the first meeting of the two of you, your struggles, the death of your family. It was as if I was there-I felt what you felt, everything,” Dorian replied, unsure of why he was able to view Sonra'el's past with such clarity. Sonra'el and Urieth looked at each other with astonishment.                                                                       “You have witnessed what very few have then. And if what you say is true, then you have shared the pain of my existence since that fateful day. I would not wish that upon anyone, my friend. Are you well?”               “I'm not feeling the greatest, no. I thought you sent that vision to me; I have no idea how that happened. I'm still learn
ing to control things. Looks like I have a long way to go,” Dorian replied, holding his hand over his forehead.                                                                                                                              “It would seem you have been blessed with many gifts,” Sonra'el replied. “One can only wonder what else is in store for you. Come, let us not relive the past, but enjoy each other's company while we are able.               “Urieth, I should mention, Gregory informed me he will be late in his arrival,” Sonra'el stated, appearing slightly shaken by Dorian's confession.              

              Urieth paused a moment while he looked over at his son with concern, then back at Sonra'el. “That is no surprise. Gregory is typically late for most social gatherings. Jasmine and Marcus should be here shortly. I see them now, actually,” Urieth said, waving at the council members to join them.             

              The two made their way over and fit themselves on the couch.               “Ah I see everyone's here except Gregory, as usual,” Jasmine said. Her face appeared to be much younger than her voice and demeanor suggested. Her skin was coco-olive in color, and she wore a dark blue and gold appointed turban and large gold earrings, along with a gold-woven dress; all in all she was a remarkably beautiful woman who garnered much attention from those passing by. She smiled at Dorian with her exceptionally perfect teeth and lips. Dorian smiled back nervously, having a difficult time maintaining his focus after his disturbing vision.                             A tall, dark man wearing a futuristic-looking grey suit moved in behind Marcus just as Jasmine finished her last sentence. “I'm not always late. Just most of the time,” he said with a laugh as he slid into the gathering, placing his arm around Jasmine and gently kissing her on the cheek.                                                                                                                               “Jasmine, Marcus, Gregory, I would like to introduce you to my son, Dorian. Jasmine is one of the council members and also serves as a Mediator, which is what you would refer to as a judge on the Earth's surface. The one to her left, often accused of being my twin, is Marcus Parreth, another council member who works in our intelligence gathering unit. And the last one, standing next to the beautiful woman he could only dream of acquiring is Gregory, who works with me in the Division of Offensive and Defensive Operations. Thank you all for coming.”                             “Urieth tells me that you are a professor and scientist in the state of Michigan in America on Earth. How is it you have not joined us sooner?”  Marcus asked. He had the chiseled and experienced look of his father, with long, sandy brown hair and blue eyes, along with a commanding tone of his voice. There were no ill intentions that Dorian could sense coming from him. Urieth did not mention the abilities of his guests, so Dorian had to assume they might be able to detect deception or evasiveness; the best approach, in his eyes, would be to tell as much of the truth as he could.              “I was given up for adoption for a time because Urieth wanted a normal life for me, away from all of the troubles you all face. For that I am grateful, because I see what a difficult life some of you have had. My foster parents have both passed on- my mother just a few days ago,” Dorian said, glaring at Urieth. “But they were both very loving and wonderful. I could not have asked for more. My father was a researcher and scientist, and when he died from a terrible disease I devoted my life to study and followed in his footsteps. Truthfully, I spent part of my research  just trying to find out about myself, what set me apart from everyone else.”                                                                                                                                              Urieth and the others looked at Dorian with sadness..                            “I think I can speak for everyone and say we are very sorry for your loss. You still have family, and in time I hope you will come to see Urieth as a father, if not a friend at least. You are very young. To ones such as us, the short time you have spent above was but a brief moment; however, you should be proud of what you have accomplished and do not feel as if it has been all for naught. Your experiences will be of value to you in the days ahead,” Jasmine said with a loving smile on her face.               “If only I shared your optimism, Jasmine. Events are rapidly unfolding all around the Earth signaling a major change, a coming war,” Marcus interjected.                                                                                                                 “What news can you share, Marcus?” Gregory asked.                            He looked around and lowered his voice. “There have been significant fluctuations in the Earth's energy field. We have reports that two of the prisons of the fallen have been opened and expect more to follow soon. I can also tell you that the Chinese and the Russians will be heading to war soon against Europe. This will have a major impact on the infiltration efforts the fallen have invested with the United Nations. They are vying for a world leader and this Mullah Xul may be what we have feared; some are saying he is the product of one of the corrupted Angels and one of the Nephilim.”                                                                                                   Dorian and Urieth looked at each other and said nothing.                             “There is also rumor that the offspring of one of Rapha'el's special guard may hold the key to Asa'el prison.”                       
                                  Urieth's eyes widened. He kept quiet but it was obvious that he was not happy with Marcus having this knowledge.                                                         “If what you say is true, we need to find this individual before the fallen do; with Asa'el unleashed, the world will become a battleground. No doubt his power has grown over the years,” Gregory replied.                            “Mullah Xul will have to be dealt with soon if we are to gain a foothold in the coming days,” Sonra'el said grimly.                                                        “We have made several attempts to assassinate him, but he has very powerful allies who seem to have some way of predicting our movements. I have my suspicions about why that is the case, but I will remain silent until I am certain of the facts,” Urieth said as the waitstaff began bringing their food.                                                                                                  They ate their meal and talked of lighter topics. Urieth stood up and made some motion with his hand on his personal display and the living room transformed as they sat. Dorian's grand piano made an entrance from the back of the room.                                                                                     “I was wondering if you would be willing to play a melody for us?” Urieth asked with a smile.                                                                                    “Oooh, Dorian please play us a song,” Jasmine said with a big smile, her eyes lighting up. Dorian groaned inside at the thought of performing, but he didn't want to embarrass Urieth, so he obliged. Getting up from his seat, he tapped the keys to determine how well the piano was tuned and the response of the instrument, then began to play. It wasn't long before a small crowd had gathered to listen. He finished a few more pieces to a rousing applause from the audience. Smiling and nodding in appreciation to their gesture, he got up and returned to his seat.                            “Quite the performance, Dorian. One would be surprised to learn the piano was not your profession,” Gregory remarked.