“Aluma, being so accustomed to the workings of these humans, would you mind showing us to the one called Alexander Matthews? We would have words with him.”
Zadkiel exited his crater as the other of The Dominion did the same. He came right towards me, while Ariel went off to the side, seemingly to speak with Puriel.
“Doctor.” Rand’s voice popped up again, unexpectedly.
Zadkiel looked genuinely surprised. “Excuse me?”
“He has a medical degree. He prefers to be called Dr. Matthews.”
Rand! Now is not the time for semantics!
“Oh, that is cute. Humans giving themselves titles.” Well, that was a bit condescending of Zadkiel…
“He earned it! And his healing proficiency has saved your soldiers more times than I can count!” The fury of the human was beginning to show. Dammit Rand.
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic. I am very grateful to one, anyone, who would serve The Presence, but the affairs of the hosts are so far above you humans. Your lifetimes are so short, as is the knowledge you can accumulate.”
“And it’s that very knowledge you now need from a human, so give it a little respect,” Rand sneers.
Oh that is enough!
“If you two would please stop posturing!”
I swear, whether they be hosts or apes, men are all the same. Maybe I should have used more caution around my superiors, but I’ve never been one to make proper decisions.
Still, I gather up my composure and continue my mission. “Now, if you would all please follow me, I can take you to the mortal you seek.”
“Not all of us are going. Zadkiel, Puriel, and Muriel will accompany you. Myself and Kushiel must away to other business.” Ariel spoke floating away from Puriel, their conversation appearing to be concluded.
I give a bow of acknowledgement.
“As you wish, Lady Ariel. Please, let us go. The sun is coming up, and our human friend is not as well shielded from mortal repercussions as we. He likely needs rest.”
“Actually, could we borrow your comrade? The human warrior might be of use.” Kushiel spoke while studying Rand. What could they have in mind for my friend?
“I suppose… Rand, what do you say?”
He walked around, looking over the angelic hosts, inspecting what little trinkets and things he can see. It was all a show of course. I’ve seen Rand do this before. Feels it makes him seem more perceptive than he really is. Does he really think-
“I’ll go with them. Looks like they could use my help.”
…I think Kushiel just relaxed a bit. How the hell does Rand get away with this shit?
“Then it’s decided! Let us all away!” Zadkiel’s enthusiasm caused me to smile. Just a bit.
As we flew through the air, the three Dominion that accompanied me kept looking around the city and making comments. Some thoughtful, others a bit condescending.
“Look! Most of these buildings are larger than the Tower of Babel! Amazing what humans can do in a few thousand years!”
“The females in these images are barely wearing any clothing… Are such advertisements directed at the men, or the women? And what is the secret of Victoria?”
“The telecommunications implemented are impressive, but seem to be poorly utilized.”
It was exasperating at times, but at others, it was amusing to see such powerful beings amazed at the technological advancements of these humans. They sometimes forget, but Lucifer fell because he couldn’t see their value. And it’s best if more of my brethren could learn to understand these creatures.
We finally reach the home of Dr. Matthews. The sun is fully risen by now, but I can only hope he’s not still sleeping. It was a long night. We land outside the building, in an alley way.
“It’s common human courtesy to rap upon the portal and wait to be invited in before entering,” I explain.
“That seems frivolous! Why not just enter the building! Our matter is of the utmost importance!” cried Puriel.
It certainly didn’t seem that way when you all sat staring at the giant television screen downtown for the better part of half an hour…
“Please, this is their realm. It is best if we abide their customs.”
I focus my energy to push the air in front of the door to give the impression of a short succession of knocks. There’s a shuffling of books and papers from inside as I wait for the man to open the door. When he does, he seems surprised to see me.
“Aluma, what are you-“
He stops as he notices my guests. Another human who’d never seen The Dominion. But unlike Rand, the doctor knew their significance. And he froze, unsure of how to react.
“Greetings, Doctor Matthews. May I present to you, members of the Dominion order of Hosts. Lord Zadkiel, Lady Puriel, and Lady Muriel.” At the mention of each of their names, the angel gave a bit of a nod.
“H-How do you d-do?” The doctor gave a bit of a bow, but kept his eye fixated on the beings of light.
“We are well, thank you Doctor Matthews. Please, might we come in?” Zadkiel spoke with the joviality he so adored.
“Of course!” The human bade us inside, quickly scampering about, attempting to straighten up and clean what he could for his guests. Puriel looked unimpressed, but Zadkiel seemed to delight in the frantic movements of our host. Muriel just kept her affable smile on, not paying attention to much of anything.
“I’m terribly sorry, I wasn’t expecting guests.”
“That’s quite all right, sir.” Zadkiel seems to have taken Rand’s words to heart. At least, I hope so. “Now, if you don’t mind, we have a few questions of you.”
“Anything for the servants of my Lord.” As he spoke, Dr. Matthews moved his hand towards the crucifix around his neck. I could see him mouth a little prayer to himself and his god.
“Thank you.” Zadkiel tursn towards me. “Aluma, if you could please leave us, this matter is private.”
“Excuse me?” I can’t contain the surprise with a hint of anger in my voice.
No but seriously, what the hell?
“The subject of this conversation is not for you. I am sorry.” There was no twinkle in Zadkiel’s eye this time. I was to not know what they talk about here.
I give a quick bow and float out of the house. Despite this, I feel a void in the house, as one of the Dominion shield the room from anyone getting in.
This entire matter is perplexing me.
