The Divine Dissimulation [Complete]

Chapter 19 An Assault from Above

A month later the shuttle with Lucifer and a group of six other angels arrived in orbit around Earth. They chose to stay in orbit over Antarctica so that they could conduct reconnaissance before acting. The shuttle was small, had stealth capabilities and no radio signal activated, so it was difficult for anyone to detect unless they were looking for it. Lucifer had decided that he would request an audience with the Goldstein leaders. If they were rebelling against his master, they would ambush him and his group as soon as they exited the shuttle.

The Goldstein building had automated defences, which did not activate when an incoming friendly vessel arrived. The fusion jetpack and advanced exoskeleton armour the angels had, was produced by Goldstein Corporation, and thus identified as friendly by the AI. There was also a secret escape hatch from Abraham's former penthouse that could open from the outside. From there they could make it to the weekly board meeting, take the board members hostage and ensure that they were cooperating.   The mission went according to plan, and the Goldstein board was flabbergasted as the angels stormed in interrupting the meeting

Isaac Goldstein:

-          What is the meaning of this? security guards should not disrupt board meetings!

 Lucifer:

-          We are not security guards; we are the angels of the divine master Abraham.

-          I am Lucifer, leader of the Angels and Abraham’s loyal subject

-          Abraham is also your master, so why are you disobeying him?

Isaac Goldstein:

-          Disobeying?

-          That bloody fool’s waste of money is driving the family and our people into bankruptcy.

-          I do what is best for the family and the people of Antarctica.

Lucifer:

-          Silence peasant!

-          Who are you to deny Abraham his divine will?

-          I should slay you all for your insolence.

Isaac Goldstein:

-          Do that if you must but realise the death of us will also be the death of you. And I can assure you that our successors will not send any more shipments to your master.

A moment of silence ensued with a lot of tension in the room. Lucifer was cold-sweating trying to figure out how to continue. He wished that he could hear his master’s voice, but it was for nothing. Abraham was asleep in his cryogenic tank and his master could not oversee him. Lucifer's predicament was absolved when another angel Ishmael joined in on the conversation:

Ishmael:

-          Master Lucifer: It is time to let this fool know why he cannot deny us.

Thankful for the reminder, Lucifer tried another approach and spoke again:

Lucifer:

-          Master Isaac. I applause your loyalty to your remaining family and your willingness to sacrifice yourself to protect the rest of the Goldstein family.

-          But your actions put your entire clan into immediate danger. You see, we angels can control and anyone with mind control as we see fit. So, if you reject our master’s demands, we will kill all of you.

Lucifer channelled his powers so that the board members could see an illusion of the sun glowing in the centre of the room. The illusory sphere was shining so brightly, so they had to cover their eyes to not damage them. Eventually one of the vice presidents, Elaine Goldstein screamed out:

-          Lucifer is right. Just give Abraham what he wants. Let’s not all die here today!

Isaac realised that he didn’t want mutually assured destruction spoke:

-          Okay Lucifer, no need to spill any blood today. We will succumb to Abraham's demands and send him the required shipments.

Lucifer:

-          Good; you have seen the righteous path. My master will be pleased. Let’s hope that no more misunderstandings come in the way between you and Abraham.

Isaac Goldstein:

-          Just let Abraham know that his actions are ruining us and that we can’t remain a dominant force on Earth if we fulfil his requirements.

-          Abraham lived his entire life working tirelessly to make House Goldstein the most powerful Terran faction; I am sure he doesn't want us to succumb to mediocrity

Lucifer:

-          Earth is no longer important for our master Abraham. Humankind is corrupt and needs a new beginning. Your money will finance this new beginning.  Eden is truly marvellous, and Abraham will spend your resources well there.

-          Now we must leave. Malphat, Hashmallim, Seraphim, and Ishmael will stay behind to make sure that you fulfil your promises. Do not disappoint us.

Having said this, Lucifer and the two other angels left the building and flew back to their shuttle in orbit.  After that, they started their return journey back to Eden. Once they were back on the shuttle Nuriel spoke up.

Nuriel:

-          You lied to them Master Lucifer. We do not have the power to kill humans via mind-control only the Abraham does.

Lucifer:

-          Correct, but it helped us complete the mission.

Nuriel:

-          An Angel is the bringer of light! An Angel does not lie. Humans lie.

Lucifer:

-          True, but even more important is being loyal to your master and do his bidding. I showed my loyalty and ability today and so did you.

-          Go to the sleep pod, Nuriel. We have three months of travel before we reach Eden and we better not waste any of our physical years sitting here doing nothing!

Doubting what Lucifer had said, Nuriel reluctantly walked over to the cryogenic sleep pod and fell into a dreamless sleep. Lucifer stayed awake for the following months, as he had to keep in contact with the Angels left behind on Earth to make sure Isaac Goldstein kept his end of the bargain.