Everyone sat anxiously awaiting further explanation from Alexander. He took a few seconds to slow down his thinking so that he was able to speak coherently:
"How about saving between eighty to one hundred billion souls in Heaven, the two and a half billion innocent souls in Hell, and as many of the eight billion souls on Earth as possible?"
Salome spoke:
"Alex, even if we could manage this influx, which we certainly cannot, there is still too little time."
"I know Mom and you just uttered the magic word, time. Time, we don't have so time we will steal time."
A wide smile appeared on the face of Samantha and everyone in her universe who had heard this phrase come out of his mouth before. He looked at Ella and said:
"Indeed nerd, time travel. But not in the classical sense. That would give an inevitable timeloop because of the paradox of time travel and the scope we will have to do it to get this circus in order."
He saw that most around the table had a look in their eyes from which he could tell they didn't understand much about it.
"For those who don't know this paradox; Suppose a guy named John Doe finds a way to go back in time. There he meets his grandfather before the latter could do the naughty with his grandmother to use Trixie's words. Because of some stupid reason, John Doe kills his grandfather. But if his grandfather dies before having had the chance to do the naughty with grandma his father cannot have been conceived and in turn neither John Doe because his father never existed. So, John Doe does not exist either and someone who does not exist can never have gone back in time. Result the grandfather did not die, and did the naughty with grandma, in turn, his father is born who in turn does the naughty with Mama John Doe. Since he is alive, he can go back in time and he can kill his grandfather. Hence a time loop that repeats infinitely. It's a merry-go-round without a break ever. The point where you start is always the same and you pass it again and again without the possibility to stop it or get off. Everyone so far along?"
Around the table, there was a slow nod of yes.
"Okay, to avoid a timeloop it takes an incredible amount of effort, time, and caution. Celine and I did it and believe me it was pretty much truly literal freaking Hell. Let me try to translate it as simply as possible to our situation. Our coup is now a few days old. If we go back in time, let's say two weeks we will create an infinite time loop. The reason for our jump in time would be to avoid the triggering of the implosion that is happening now. The first problem we encounter is that we suddenly find ourselves with two Lucifers, two Michaels, two of me, and so on. The confusion with our counterparts from the past would be total. The idea they could have might very well be that we would be a creation of Godfry. This is because we consider Godfry capable of anything. A fight between us and our antipodes two weeks ago is a consequence that I consider very possible. But even if we were to join hands and carry out the coup successfully it would be for naught. Why? If we had already carried out the coup two weeks ago then we cannot have committed it at the time we committed it so giving us no reason to go back in time and therefore setting of the implosion. A timeloop without end. That is in this universe. But you can go back in time without any danger of creating a time loop if you do time travel on a completely different level. From this universe back in time to another universe but directly to avoid a timeloop in that universe."
The council members looked at him as if he was speaking a language they had never heard before. Alexander drew two vertical lines in the sky that manifested as a red and blue line:
"The red line is this universe, the blue one the other universe. The top of the lines is the date, for both universes exactly the same. For convenience's sake, let's say the first of January 2000 at noon. You jump back in time from one universe to the other to the year 1900. So we have 100 years to build enough homes in Heaven for the souls of this Heaven here and for the two and a half billion souls from Hell. The group going along will reconnect with this universe on the first of January 2000 at 1 pm. and thus we will avoid the last chance of a time loop and we can begin to transfer all the souls because the infrastructure is in place."
The members of his counsel were pondering this solution until Ella said with a laugh:
"Damn, that's brilliant. Star Trek 2.0."
That statement started to make everyone at the table feel a lot better not that they understood what Star Trek was but because it simply came out of Ella's mouth. If someone with her unbridled optimistic disposition could be so impressed, then it could be nothing but positive. She continued:
"For the group that goes along, it's a hundred years. But for those who stay behind, only one hour will pass."
"Exactly Miss Lopez, you totally get it!"
Jeremiel who was in charge of construction asked:
"MyLord I understand those billions of homes. Even if we have a hundred years that will be damn close. Not only for the dwellings in Heaven but all the more for the needed dwellings on Earth."
"Not necessarily Jeremiel. You forget that an hour later we are already back in this universe. We then have, let's say, eight years to continue building. If we put up as many simple apartment buildings as we can where souls find temporary shelter and we let bachelors live under one roof in pairs, for example, we should have enough temporary housing for everyone. Remember that the souls cannot all be transferred at once. Souls will start moving from the temporary homes to more or less permanent homes after which new souls can move into the vacated temporary homes and so on until all souls are transferred."
Jeremiel calculated in his head for a moment and replied:
"Yes, that should be feasible MyLord. But we will first have to do an accurate calculation to see if it is feasible in a hundred years."
Alexander continued speaking:
"I know Jeremiel, the hundred years I mentioned was also just an example. Whether it's one hundred or five hundred years doesn't matter. We are all immortal and no matter how far back in time we have to go we are back an hour later anyway. As I said before, am I good or am I good!"
Everyone at the table could breathe more calmly again it seemed that their new God had again brought salvation. Only a few hours ago everything was on the verge of collapse. Irreversibly heading toward the abyss and now there was hope again. Laila asked:
"MyLord where will we find that universe then with a suitable planet for the people of Earth?"
He smiled at her:
"We won't."
He pointed to his parents:
"They can create a new universe in a day or ten. An exact copy of this universe as it is today but without any trace of humanity on the planet. That means I want to take two, maybe three weeks, to get things in order around here. Find volunteers to go with us. And preferably as many volunteers as possible from Q's department here. They should first go to Earth and learn as many as possible of the techniques that we will need to put down the basic infrastructure there on the new Earth for the people we are going to evacuate. And so on for each department."
Out of habit, he looked at his watch again:
"Ah damn, I totally forgot. Sam my love up for another ride on the throne?"
He looked at her mischievously and she understood exactly what he had in mind. Both took their seats on the throne. Their eyes lit up silver and a minute later they both had a satisfied look on their faces. When they took their seats again at the table Alexander said:
"Lucifer, I know you don't want to return to Hell but I'm sending you there anyway. It's time to pick up Daniel."
Ella and Lucifer looked at him with wide eyes. Lucifer asked:
"But you said you couldn't undo the laws of our father and mother, right?"
He replied a little irritated:
"Correction, Mister Morningstar I said that I could not do this on my own. The old laws were put in place by Godfry and his Goddess and could only change or be replaced by a God and Goddess. Were you not paying attention Lightbringer? And this applies to everyone at this table! Samantha is bound to the secondary throne and thus she is the Goddess of this universe! She is your Goddess now!"
"My apologies MyLady, MyLord I think I was too upset after everything that has already occurred today. With your permission, I would like to go pick up Daniel."
Samantha replied:
"No apologies needed Lucifer. This day has been shocking for everyone."
"Go, Dad, go get him quickly."
Lucifer stood up, bowed his head slightly in the direction of the new Gods, and disappeared.
A few moments later, he stood at the gates of Hell and took a deep breath. He had thought he would never have to see Hell again but for Daniel, he was very happy to make an exception. Belios and Bearus appeared at the gate, alarmed that their King had arrived.
"MyLord..."
Said Belios who already suspected why his King was suddenly back in Hell:
"You have come to collect Daniel?"
With a smile on his lips, Lucifer said happily:
"Indeed Belios, indeed. But please do me a favor. We all three know that you have been Alex's generals for ages and that I hate the damned title. Can we please just forget it as of today?"
"If that is your wish Lucifer, let us show you the way to his cell."
Spoke Bearus:
"A great deal has changed since you left and Alexander has dealt with Hell quite well."
Lucifer nodded and made his way to Daniel's cell along with the two Demons. He couldn't believe his eyes how everything had changed. Everything was neat, no more trace of the eternal ash, much lighter and even lots of green. Moments later, the three landed at a cell. Before Lucifer pulled open the door of the cell, he said almost shouting to the two demons:
"You call this quite well? It's bloody brilliant what he did with it!"
Lucifer practically yanked the door open. With a single hand movement, time returned to normal, and Daniel was able to move normally again. With wide eyes, he looked at Lucifer and asked a little frightened:
"Lucifer, are you coming to get me? How much time has passed?"
Lucifer smiled broadly:
"I am indeed coming to get you Detective Douche and less than 24 hours have passed. I have to admit that that son of mine goes damn fast when he's pissed off...."
"Where is Trixie? Decker fucking shot me man and the last thing I saw was her being dragged outside."
"Calm down Daniel, Beatrice is safe. Michael and I immediately went to Earth when she could pray towards Alexander. The Urchin is alive and well in Heaven with Alexander's family and he had Decker put away in a cell. I don't know what Alexander plans to do with her, but it probably won't be anything pleasant because he is incredibly pissed. That is by no means all. It would take far too long to explain here. You will hear about all of it in Heaven. Now it's time to surprise Beatrice."
Daniel left his cell with relief where he saw Bearus and Belios. Bearus said with undisguised pleasure and held out a hand:
"This must have been the shortest stay in the history of Hell. Until next time Daniel but in a more pleasant place. Enjoy Heaven."
Daniel shook the Demon's hand and nodded in the direction of Belios who did the same. Lucifer held Daniel and the next moment they were in the square in front of the palace.
"Come, Daniel, let me introduce you to our new Gods and a few more people in the meantime we can get Beatrice to join us."
The two stepped into the throne room and walked up to the council table. Alexander jumped up and stepped toward Daniel and pulled him into an embrace as if he was an old friend:
"I'm glad to see you Daniel and I'm sorry it couldn't be under better circumstances. I would love to introduce you to a few people, but I think this is going to have to wait a little because there is a whirlwind coming."
He had barely spoken when Trixie dashed into the throne room and saw her Daddy. She remained standing and cried violently. Daniel walked up to her and lifted her into his arms:
"It's okay Monkey. I'm fine, I'm here."
All that came out of her mouth was:
"Daddy..."
And she buried her face against his chest while holding him like an iron clamp. Alexander came up beside the two and whispered in Trixie's ear:
"Told you Sunflower..."
"Ella, Lucifer show our friend my office for a moment. Remember the meeting starts in fifteen minutes."
Daniel with Trixie firmly in his arms was taken by his friends to the office where he would have a little more privacy and be able to calm his daughter down. Alexander walked back to the conference table. Samantha gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek, and he heard her words in his head:
"And that my love is the third thing you've managed."
He looked at his watch for a moment:
"Well, the general assembly is going to start in a few minutes. Gabe, would you please have Raquel join us? When everyone is here, I'm going to give a brief introduction and then open up the floor for a Q and A."
"Done MyLord."
A moment later she came in.
"MyLord."
"Good morning Raquel. You know what Gabriel asked and what he explained. I am going to have some shocking things to say later. Please try not to get distracted. Do you think you can do that?"
"Absolutely MyLord."
"Perfect, take a seat at this table we are about to begin."
Overwhelmed that she was allowed to sit at the table of God and where so many more powerful people were gathered, she hesitantly took her seat. He whispered in Samantha's ear:
"Are you okay?"
She replied:
"Quite shocked but absolutely thrilled that you found a solution."
Meanwhile, the Angels were streaming in and looked in amazement at the seats that were obviously provided for them. This would be the first time they would sit in the presence of God. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lucifer and Ella come in with Daniel who still had Trixie on his arm. Lucifer showed them a place where they could sit close to the table and then he and Ella resumed their seats at the conference table.
The murmur fell silent as Alexander stood up and walked to the center of the room. Another unknown phenomenon to the Angels. Their father would never have stood up to speak while the Angels sat down. Their father would remain seated on his golden throne looking down on them. Alex began to speak:
"Good morning, I have bad news, very bad news, good news, and much better news. I am going to give a brief introduction and then you can ask questions which I am going to answer as best I can. May I ask you though to raise your hand when you have a question and when I point to you to stand up for a moment so everyone can follow along properly?"
He let it sink in for a moment before beginning:
"The bad news is that because of your father's misdeeds, there has been no Angel with the humans in two thousand years until yesterday. As a result, they live in deplorable conditions. This means we are going to have to build temporary homes for eighty to one hundred billion people. The worse news is that thanks to yet again your father, this universe is imploding, and thus everything and everyone is going to be destroyed!"
The Angels let out cries of disbelief and indignation and not a few shed tears. Questions were shouted through each other. Alexander raised his hand and the calm slowly returned.
"The good news is that counsel has found a solution."
Most members of the council, but not those who had known him longer, were not a little surprised that Alexander did not take the credit for finding a solution for himself but shared it with all of the council.
"The solution is simple on the one hand and terrifyingly complicated on the other. I'm going to need all of your help to get everything done. Just know that I would prefer to do this on a voluntary basis and prefer not to oblige anyone. Lady Salome, Lady Samantha's mother, has offered every Angel asylum. Those who would rather not cooperate because you are either too afraid or simply want some peace and to be safe after all you have been through in this Heaven, you can go to their Heaven where they will gladly take you in. Lady Salome's only condition is that you abide by the laws, rules, and customs of her universe. We still have about ten years before everything comes to an end, if we want to stay on the safe side eight. That said, it is up to you to ask questions."
The first Angel hesitantly raised her hand. They were not at all used to being allowed to ask God questions. The old one gave orders and did not tolerate questions. Alexander pointed to her, and the Angel stood up a little shaky as previously asked:
"MyLord, even if we could move to Lady Salome's universe such an amount of souls is impossible to transfer. And what about the people on Earth and as you have said the innocent souls in Hell? Surely, we cannot leave those behind, we must do everything we can to save them."
"Very good question and I absolutely want to thank you for the bigheartedness of your soul to think of the innocent souls and people."
His Angels were definitely not yet used to this kind of compliments from their God. One saw the Angel stand up straighter as she got tears in her eyes. He drew the same picture as he had done for the council. Only the lines were a lot bigger and so were clearly visible on the big screen behind the thrones. After which he answered the question:
"Okay, so that's how we are going to do it as far as infrastructure is concerned. Now the transfer of souls and people from Earth."
The members of the council were equally curious about that answer because that had not yet been offered:
"How do we fly? In two ways. With our wings in a normal way to fly a little above the city and have some fun, for example. I know I had some fun with my Samantha flying. Just ask Lady Samantha, if you can corner here in a more private setting about the time, she taught me how to fly."
Sam had to smile and turned a little red at the memory at the same time.
"The second way is teleportation. We can bend time and space so we go from one place to another instantaneously. I'm going to take that to a much higher level. Not just bending space and time but bending the two universes toward each other until they touch at one exact point."
To Demonstrate what he meant he had the lines he had previously manifested bend toward each other until they touched. And then continued as a single line.
"Admittedly, this will be the most difficult part of the whole operation and will take an enormous amount of energy. After that, it will become easy again. Simply said we will use eight portals."
He drew eight circles in the sky. These represented Heaven, Hell, and Earth in both universes.
"One portal in our Hell and two portals in the new Hell, one portal in our Heaven and two portals in the new Heaven. The souls in our Heaven go through the portal and enter the new Heaven. The innocent souls in our Hell go through the portal in our Hell and arrive in the new Hell after which they immediately go through a second portal, and they have arrived in the new Heaven through the second portal in that Heaven."
"But what about the people on Earth?"
Another Angel asked. Alexander smiled broadly:
"That is a job for Q, better known to you as Barachiel in cooperation with Laila. Q and his people can build giant spaceships based on designs that Laila and her people can create. Yes, that will take time but we have at least a hundred years, which should be more than enough. Each ship can ferry a million people. Ten of those ships are ten million people at a time. It will take a few years but basically, we could transfer them all to the new Earth. Through the two remaining portals, one in this universe and one in the new universe."
All the Angels were staring at him in amazement, processing his explanation. Beatrice, however, had narrowed her eyes to slits upon hearing the word spaceships. She wanted to explore Mars, and this sounded pretty damn close. Yet another Angel stood up and asked:
"If that's the good news, what's the better news My Lord?"
Now Alex smiled very broadly:
"The council has been expanded somewhat and as I said with the agreement of those who were already members. What may be shocking to you but what I personally think is absolutely a good thing is that two Demons and a for now still human being have joined. My good friend Anthony here, he will be managing the new Botanic Department. Celine my left hand will run another new Department, Security. We will need that Department to keep the peace once we start moving around billions of souls. Appointing these two Demons creates more diversity in the counsel but will also make our cooperation with Hell much easier and thus the transfer of the innocent souls from Hell. Aziraphael will lead the Department of Literature. And finally, Miss Ella Lopez who will build the new Department of Integration. All new council members Ella, Celine, Anthony, and Aziraphael will be elevated in rank. So, two new Archangels and two new Archdemons. Due to all the hustle and bustle, we have not been able to plan a ceremony yet, but I will definitely update you guys on that once we get to it."
He let the news of Demons being members of the council in Heaven sink in for a moment and then said:
"You may have heard it a moment ago but you, and certainly me, have a new Goddess. Samantha love, stand up for a moment, will you?"
He went over to her, took her firmly in his arms, and kissed her on the lips. With that, thunderous applause broke out and cheers from the Angels present and the council table did not fail to rise as well. The Angels, happy to have a new Goddess and God instead of a lonely God and mostly happy that he and his council had found a solution to what seemed like their inevitable destruction, had streamed out of the throne room.
He walked back to his seat and sat down. He saw a lot of happy faces but also a few who had wrinkles of thought on their foreheads. It was finally his father who asked:
"MyLord, how can you bend two universes as you envision? No one can do that, not even Father could, and he was Dei just like you. I don't understand how you as a God could do it when you are taking the same power from the throne?"
Everyone at the table immediately felt the short fuse of their new God. Alex had extreme difficulty suppressing an explosion. Once he had himself fully under control again, he asked Samantha:
"Darling you didn't happen to bring any of those T-shirts you made for me some years ago?"
She had a mischievous smile on her face remembering very well what he had in mind. Celine, who remembered these kinds of conversations between the two of them all too well from years back knew that there would be an explanation now too but that this time it would be a lot less friendly. Samantha said:
"No Love, not thought about it honestly. I assumed those wouldn't be needed anymore."
Alex said:
"Too bad! Then in an old-fashioned way."
He raised his voice, and everyone noticed he was pretty pissed:
"First this, I fucking meant it when I said that I never wanted to hear anyone addressing the former God as father! He is Godfry at least when I'm around and I'm fucking not joking around whit this directive!"
Then he turned to his father with his eyes on the verge of flaring up:
"Dad, what am I?"
"God of course."
"I meant before I became Dei, saving bulb!"
Lucifer was a little startled by this statement and knew immediately that he had made a very big mistake somewhere. He quickly said:
"The Crown Prince of Hell MyLord."
Alexander waited a few seconds to hear if anything else would follow-up on that statement but when Lucifer and the rest stayed quiet he said:
"And there lies your mistake! This applies to everyone what I am saying now and make sure you share it with your people! Screw your heads back on! Think and think rationally. Analyze what you hear or see and draw logical conclusions. I don't have the damn time to hold your hands and give you all the information through breastfeeding. I know this is a crazy day with a lot of bad news. But I want you to clear your minds this evening and tonight. I do not care how you do it! Meditate or try to get as wasted as possible, just do it! To answer my own question; yes I am the Crown Prince of Hell but that is through my father's side, Lucifer's side. Because I am the Crown Prince, Hell itself obeys me to a certain extent so I can manipulate it. But I also have a mother whom you seem to forget! DO NOT DO THAT AGAIN AFTER TODAY! Do not go off on half of the information there is available! After today there is an incredible mountain of work waiting for us and what we have to go through, and we can only do that if our heads are in the right direction and we can think clearly! Who is my mother? My mother is the Goddess of the multiverse So I'm also the Crown Prince of the multiverse! That means that the different universes in that multiverse, just like Hell here, obey me on some level. So surely, I can make two fucking Universes bend to my will and bend toward each other!"
He lit a cigarette and a few members of the council had to swallow for a moment because of this outburst.