Premortal

Chapters 64 - 65

Chapter 64 – A cunning invitation

Towards the end of this self-imposed isolation, Lucifer's mind began to shift focus from the fourth division debacle to how he might secure the majority that he so desired. Eventually he settled upon Caleb as his last chance. He desperately hoped that Caleb had not received word of the defeat of first division, or alternately that he had heard one of the many lies that he had immediately dispatched in order to put a positive spin on a terrible defeat.

One of these lies was that first division had been instructed to lose the battle on purpose, in order to lull Father and Mother into a false sense of security. Lucifer hoped that Caleb had not heard that version of events as it was a bit extreme. He had always maintained to Caleb that his plan was a mere massaging of their parent's plan, not a rebellious alternative. The lie that suited his purposes better was the one where he divorced his cause entirely from the actions of first division.

It was very tricky trying to manage multiple lies about the one event, but if anyone could do it successfully it was the 'father of lies'. The combination of falsehoods that he dispatched had eventually stopped the leakage so that his support settled at approximately seven billion spirits. Lucifer desperately hoped that Caleb was among those who had been retained. He resolved that regardless of what Caleb had, or hadn't heard, it was absolutely essential that he meet with him as soon as possible. Accordingly, he sent an urgent message requesting an audience with Caleb.

To his delight, the invitation was accepted and later that day Caleb entered Lucifer's abode at the appointed time. On this occasion, Caleb was not entirely blinded to the dimness of the region, or the shade of Lucifer's countenance, but he did not comment on these things.

'Caleb, I'm so very glad that you could come,' said Lucifer, in his softest and most kindly tone.

'Thank you for inviting me. How have you been Lucifer?'

'Well enough thank you, but I have been a little troubled by some rogue forces who claim to be aligned with our cause. They have conducted themselves very poorly,' he said, sounding truly troubled.

'I have heard,' responded Caleb candidly.

'What are spirits saying about what has transpired, Caleb?' enquired Lucifer, hoping against hope that Caleb had heard the lie that best suited his purposes.

'Some are saying that the forces were aligned with you and were solidly beaten. Others are saying that they acted against your instructions,' said Caleb.

'I can assure you, Caleb that the latter is correct. Our plan is a plan of peace so it is absurd to suggest that I would approve some sort of skirmish,' said Lucifer innocently.

Lucifer looked carefully at Caleb and his target appeared partially satisfied, which was about all that he could hope for under the circumstances.

'It is such a shame, Caleb. I want nothing but the very best for all of our brothers and sisters,' said Lucifer, rising from his chair and pacing with hands behind back and face looking at the floor, as if the shame of these developments was almost more than he could bear. 'We have devised a plan that remedies the small imperfections in our parents proposal and provides a sure passage back to the Kingdom. All I ask is that this plan be presented fairly, for all to judge, but it appears that some within the Kingdom do not want this to occur.'

Lucifer paused again and feigned becoming quite emotional about the events that had transpired. Madeleine would have been proud of his dramatic performance and, having collected himself, he continued.

'Before the actions of that rogue force we had already persuaded many spirits of the virtue of our plan, and we were ever so close to obtaining the majority that we will need if we are to secure passage of our plan. Now, because of the actions of a few that have nothing to do with us, our numbers have fallen appreciably. It is such a tragedy. All of this and it appears that the final vote is just moments away,' bemoaned the leader with fresh tears in his eyes.