A or B? Your Choice (Or Is It?)

A or B? Your Choice (Or Is It?) Part 2

5. Preparing for the First Test

"So, have you decided on what the tests are going to be?"

Michael sipped his piña colada. This time, it had been Lucifer's turn to choose a spot, and, as was his custom, he has chosen a rather loud and raucous bar. Like last time, Lucifer had set up a force field around them, so they were completely separated from the noisy bar and able to converse in their silent bubble. This time, Lucifer had ordered piña coladas for both of them, by which Michael knew that Lucifer was actually in a good mood and enjoying himself hugely.

"Of course, I had them planned months ago. Are you sure you want me to design all three tests?"

Lucifer asked the question precisely because he knew the answer, and he wasn't going to give up his right to design the tests even if Michael had insisted.

"Lucifer, it has been eons since I have actually dealt with humans. I wouldn't know what to test them about, for one thing."

"Yeah, you wouldn't. I'm surprised you even speak modern English, I thought you would stick with Latin for all eternity."

"Well, English is the new universal language, and I try to keep up with the times, Lucifer."

"Well, you're certainly trying, I'll give you that."

Lucifer remarked with a smug smile, looking over Michael's attire for the day. Instead of the designer suit he had worn the last time, he wore a Hawaiian shirt and slacks, and looked as comfortable in them as if he was wearing a straightjacket. Lucifer, on his part, was wearing a leather vest and skinny leather pants, and fit right in with the crowd.

Michael ignored Lucifer's last remark, and asked again,

"So, what are the three tests going to be?"

"Well, I've designed them to reflect the most basic human desires of the time: to succeed in life, to love, and to survive. The first is a little thing at his work, the second will be a little more interesting, and the third is going to be so simple that it's brilliant."

"You are not going to elaborate?"

"You set the rules, not me. I won't tell you what it is. I won't tell my demon, either, as promised. On an equal footing in all things, like you said."

"I would like a little more details, though."

"Come on, you're sucking up all the fun out of it. Just relax and see how things go. I suggest you just sit back and enjoy it as much as you can, until you have to admit your defeat."

"I will look forward to it, then. So, when is the first test going to be?"

"Tomorrow."

"I'll inform my representative, then."

..........

Miles plopped down in the chair opposite Michael. Several girls, who had noticed him when he had opened the door and walked in, watched him with undisguised interest and then suddenly lost interest in him and went back to their conversations as if nothing had happened.

"You've put up a force field?"

"A little trick I learned from Lucifer. It is actually quite handy when you do not want to be disturbed."

Michael poured a cup of green tea for Miles, and though he hated it, he took a sip without a word. Michael also poured himself a fresh cup and sipped it.