(no subject)

[godslantern]

[As alarming as it is that this device was delivered to Neriel's work space in the infirmary without drawing any attention... she thinks it may be useful. Especially now that matters are, well, arguably deteriorating further, even with Armageddon grinding to an unexpected halt.]

Can anyone tell me more about Earth? It looks like I'll need to make a planetside visit soon to get to the bottom of something, and our official records are... pretty vague. Comes of most angels not wanting to set foot on the place, I'm sure.

If it helps, we're 6022 years past the Creation of Earth, close to 6023. I believe the prevailing human calendar is at or near 2020? [It's near, not at, but that's never been a relevant calendar to Neriel's interests.]

Comments

spoilers for The Good Place I guess?

[ordinarythings]

...I guess afterlives in different worlds might work differently. According to Michael, because of how the point system worked, for almost 500 years nobody had gotten up there until they reformed the whole system.

[godslantern]

Very differently, as I can't see her being willing to discuss anything of the sort with humans. Not to mention, if the system ever does see further changes, it... won't happen without considerable resistance. They're hurt enough that Armageddon didn't proceed as planned.

[ordinarythings]

Armageddon? I'm guessing it was derailed pretty hard if the world's still there for you to visit?

[godslantern]

It was.

I certainly don't mind - it would have been needless suffering, and I can't bring myself to support that - but that's not as popular of an opinion as you might think.

Besides, we all know where to find plenty of uninhabited planets, if they really wanted to revisit the war that badly.

[ordinarythings]

[Surolam makes a mental note that this is definitely a failure state to avoid when they get to discussing their own afterlife system.]

Revisit the war? What was the first one even about?

[godslantern]

The first one was Lucifer's Rebellion.

[ordinarythings]

Rebellion?

[godslantern]

Against the Almighty. When he cast aside Her authority and dragged half of Heaven with him.

[Or, as her old mentor would put it, 'then Lucy said She wasn't the boss of him anymore and he was moving to the basement, and his friends could come along if they wanted.']

[ordinarythings]

Dragged? Does that mean they were forced to rebel, or is that just how it's put to make it sound less like a whole half of them were unhappy with the situation as it stood?

[godslantern]

He could be quite charming, and had a number of willing associates.

But I'm sure at least some of the Fallen simply insisted on asking their questions at the wrong time. They would have chased down answers sooner or later, but doing so when they did got them booted out as well.

I call it 'dragged' because no one was clear on the consequences. If Lucifer was himself, he certainly didn't advertise them. [The manipulation from his side was obvious. She's only just beginning to see how bad the manipulation was from both ends.]

[ordinarythings]

...that sounds like a poor system, if you're never allowed to question it. Am I right in assuming you'd get in trouble now since you are questioning what you were told?

[godslantern]

The Archangels certainly wouldn't be pleased by it, no.

As for the Almighty, it's been quite some time since She's informed anyone what She's actually up to, but it's not Her I'm questioning.

[Besides, if Neriel had forgotten how to ask questions, her mentor would disavow all knowledge of her. (If he hasn't forgotten all about her after all, but... well.)]

[ordinarythings]

So...I'm guessing the Archangels are the highest in rank after the Almighty? Or at least high enough you'd wish to avoid their displeasure as much as possible?

[godslantern]

Right. They've been de facto in charge more or less since the Rebellion, and not a one of them is pleased about Armageddon being called off at the last minute.

[ordinarythings]

And there's no way to challenge their authority? Or even send some anonymous complaints?

[godslantern]

I'm not inclined to direct confrontation.

Even if I were, they've recently demonstrated a willingness to resort to fatally punishing disobedience. Just because it didn't work the first time doesn't mean they wouldn't try it again. [You know, never mind that there's a traditional punishment for insubordinate angels, and it didn't kick in in this recent case...]

An anonymous complaint would eventually be traced, and put me in the same situation.

[ordinarythings]

I can definitely see why you'd want to get away from that situation. Is there any chance they'll try to chase you down once they realize you're gone, and is there any way you can minimize the risks of that happening?

[godslantern]

They absolutely will try to chase me down, once they realise I'm gone. My best defense there is not letting them realise I'm gone. [That will only get her so far, and she knows it. But the plan that comes after that is going to have to come later.]

Fortunately, everyone will assume I'm somewhere else in Heaven and not stop to think about it if they don't have to.

[ordinarythings]

I suppose it's good you can make their bureaucracy work for you. Good luck with getting out of there.

[godslantern]

Thank you.