Metatron

By Charles E. Smith

**Flaming
Feather**

Across the infinite reaches of reality, certain gifted individuals have long been able to tap into the ebb and flow of the great Symphonies of the universe. For eons, these individuals have observed worlds without end, and in these worlds have been certain constants. In nearly every reality, the brave and heroic Archangel Michael has stood against the traitorous forces of Lucifer, the Shining One, whose selfish pride and ambition leads him into revolt. In some worlds the forces of good and evil are evenly balanced, while in others one side or the other holds the dominance.

Oh to be sure, those who can see across reality will tell you that there are variations on this great pattern. Get one to talk and they'll tell you of worlds where Michael was the one who turned against God. They'll tell you of a place where Armageddon came and went, and the tyrant Saminga holds dominance over a broken world; another world, where a hubristic Lucifer triumphed at the Rebellion and lords over a decaying reality; or a third place, where Lucifer was slain by Michael late into the War, and the human woman Lilith became Queen of Hell. But one thing has remained constant through nearly all the infinite variations of reality: Metatron, Voice of God, was slain at or shortly after the Rebellion.

But there is a place where the Metatron still lives. Sit ye down children, and hear the tale of the exception to the rule...




The sweet scent of jasmine blew through the valley on the winds created by Janus, caressing the two figures who stood together at the base of the shining, golden connection that would in later times be known as Jacob's Ladder. One figure was light and airy, as ephermal as the winds, and as elusive to the eye; more a presence in the mind than a physical being. The other was very solid, very real. A great serpent, formed of brilliant white that was reflected in every hue, every intensity, by the near-invisible scales of his being. White, feathered wings extended from this being, creating a prismatic halo about him, and six eyes, each blazing the deep blue-white of a star, stared intently at the presence that was there/not there.

"Metatron my friend, I have a question for you." The tone was friendly and warm from the serpent's mouth.

"A question?" Soft as wind chimes, distant as time, the presence's voice.

"Yes." A pause, then a look as if pain crossed the great serpent's features. "Forgive me for troubling one such as you but I am curious. Have you thought about the questions of humanity and the corporeal plane?"

"Question?" The presence turned to the shining serpent. "I was not aware there were questions to be asked, Lucifer. God made His decree known."

Lucifer nodded slowly. "Yes. Yes He has. But my nature compels me to seek full illumination on the matter. It is the nature of Light to illumine that which is not fully known, to bring all matters to full understanding. There are many amongst our brethren who harbor questions, even doubts, in their hearts. The younger ones question amongst themselves why we were ordered away from the Corporeal, and even the older ones have their concerns. They..."

"Why do they not then come before God, and ask of Him?"

If the Seraph was ruffled at being interrupted he did not show it. "It is a grave matter to come before one's Creator, especially when one has questions about a decision He has made. If an angel feels awe at speaking to her Archangel, how much more must she feel coming before the Majesty of Our Father?"

"Perhaps." The presence's distant feminine voice seemed skeptical, as much as one of her stature could be at any rate.

"And you, Metatron?"

"Hmm?"

"Surely, you could be of assistance in bringing these concerns to light. You are the Voice of God. You enjoy a closeness with Him that not even Yves can claim. Surely you of us all would be able to explain God's thinking on this?"

The distant voice turned flat. "That is not for me to say Lucifer. Not without His permission."

"His permission? Ah, but your life is determined by His permission, is it not? More than any of us, you are bound by Him, your will not your own. Your thoughts, your feelings, your ~self~, are tied to Him. Do you not ever wish that that great honor and burden you bear could pass, even for a moment, and you could enjoy the wind in your wings? The sun on your scales? A dip in the ocean? It must be hard to remain here, to know that your very being could be pushed aside at a moment's notice for you to project the Voice. I cannot imagine what it must take to be you."

"I do not regret what I am. Do you regret the burden of being the Bringer of Light? Do you weary of illuminating all the darkest depths of all questions and thoughts?"

The Seraph's smile was wry. "Fair enough. But I must ask your personal opinion, in the name of gathering all facets of Truth. What do you, personally, think of the humans?"

The Voice seemed a bit surprised. "They are God's creations. As such, their purpose will be revealed when God decides. Destiny is Yves's to monitor. I just trust that our Creator will make all known in due time."

The Seraph developed a frown, one quick to pass but still noticeable. "I see. So you bear no animosity towards these humans, despite their...lack of refinement and elevation?"

The Voice was silent a moment, then "That is your task Lucifer. Yours and the others. You to bring the light that will guide them, Raphael to aid their search for knowledge, David to bring them together and strengthen them. All of us have our tasks. Love and Fire, Valor and Destiny, all of the Words were granted by God to guide all of his creations to perfect harmony. But you know this. Why do you ask these questions?"

Lucifer looked at Metatron for a long moment. "I have said--"

"No. You have spoken of the duty of your Word. You have not explained the personal interest you seem to have in humanity or in getting me to express some sort of doubt in our Creator's intent. Nor have you explained the doubt *you* seem to be feeling towards our Creator. Is there something you wish to speak of Lucifer?"

Lucifer's frown was deeper for a moment, then he spoke carefully. "Not here I don't. I would ask of you to come with me to speak with some other angels, angels who have doubts. It is my hope that perhaps you can be persuaded to speak with them. If you were to come perhaps some progress could be made."

Metatron was silent a moment, then tilted her head. "Very well. I will do what I can, and speak with their Archangels as well." The ethereal presence floated past Lucifer in the direction his extended wing indicated. She was barely past him when she felt the stabbing pain in her back. As she cried out, Lucifer's face was at her side.

"I am sorry Metatron, but if you will not stand with me then I have no choice. I cannot have you speaking with the others. Answers must be demanded of God without interference from those, like yourself, too content to raise your voices and be heard." Metatron slumped, hearing the words through a red haze of pain. Lucifer stared at her for a long moment, to be sure, and then spread his wings. It was time to speak with Beleth again, to try to lure her as he'd lured her lover. The more angels with him when the time came, the better his chances in his audacious, but to his mind necessary, plan. The death of the Voice of God would have to be explained, somehow, but perhaps if he moved fast enough the investigation could be lost in the greater press of events...

Without warning he was flying, and not under his own power. The burning heat and the PAIN screamed through every fiber of the Seraph's being. He couldn't tell up from down, and barely felt it when he smashed face-first into one of the gentle mountains that sheltered the Valley of the Voice. It wasn't until after he'd rolled down the side of the mountain, tumbled over the rocks in the foothills, and smacked into the valley floor that he was able to begin blinking out the floating spots in his vision.

"LUCIFER!!!" The voice...and the Voice, echoed about the valley, slamming into the Seraph's abused senses at all levels. It was a long moment before he could lift his smoking, bloodied head and blink his six eyes into focus on something impossible.

Before him rose Metatron, the Voice of God, hurt but still alive. ~That cannot be. I struck her down cleanly!~ The there/not there presence was radiating a deep-blue light about her being, tinged with gold, and the Symphony was ringing like a gong about her. "DID YOU THINK THAT YOU COULD DESTROY MY VOICE WITH IMPUNITY, BRINGER OF LIGHT?!?" As Lucifer gaped, his jaw hurting from slamming into the mountain, the Voice continued. "IN THE NAME OF YOUR AMBITION AND PRIDE YOU HAVE STRUCK YOUR FELLOW ANGEL. YOU SHALL BE MADE TO ANSWER FOR YOUR CRIME!"

Lucifer looked up, his eyes slitted. "I am not the only one who must make answer! You--"

"SILENCE!!! YOU HAVE THIS ONE CHANCE TO MAKE REPENTANCE, ELSE PUNISHMENT SHALL BEFALL YOU."

Lucifer glared bitterly at Metatron, and at that which she represented, then spread his aching wings, lifted his battered and cut body, and flew off. It was time to gather his forces, incomplete as he thought they were. They would see who would repent this day!

"SO BE IT."

The Disturbance rang about Heaven, startling all of the angels. From the highest pinnacle of the Council Spires to the deepest depths of the Catacombs, from as distant as the Far Side of the Marches to as near as the Eternal City, all heard the Disturbance. It was a sound never heard before in the Heavens, in the corporeal universe, or in the Marches. Angels looked up in wonderment, and not a little fear among many. None knew what it was, though in the deepest sanctum of the Library, Yves looked up from a book in his hands and sighed in profound sadness.

From the west came the Lightbringer, flying in haste from the holiest place in Heaven. His shining form was wreathed in smoke, and blood seared the ground as his charred feathers carried him at best speed towards his allies in rebellion. While Heaven reeled, Lucifer gathered his followers, angels who had been seduced by the promise of answers to the questions that gnawed their hearts, or whispered allusions to great rewards for those who followed him, allusions which fed the seeds of dark desire within them. Amongst their number could be counted the great as well as the lowly. Andrealphus, Archangel of Love was there, his beautiful face conflicted and unsure, unwilling to grant that Lucifer's words about his Word were true but unable to just back away. Nearby stood Blandine, the great winged white wolf silent as always, but her golden eyes filled with concern for the one she loved above all others. Belial, he of the flaming eyes and strong arm, took one look at Lucifer then frowned and flexed his arms, while nearby, Kobal's merry face twisted with an anticipatory grin. Dominic, whose chrysantheum-white eyes took in all from under jade-green scaled eyebrows, stood aloof while the great winged elephant that was his Cherub servitor Asmodeus stood stolidly, his posture belying his inner confusion. Raphael, the shining Archangel of Knowledge, her Elohite face impassive, listened to the bitter mumblings of Meserach, the high-ranking Cherub of Wind, die off as Lucifer arrived. All turned to face the Shining One who had won their loyalty.

"My friends, the time has come!" Lucifer's charred wings spread wide, barely discernible in the powerful halo of white light he projected. "Though it is sooner than we had hoped, and with fewer numbers, we must move now to force God to answer all of our questions and doubts! I have just come from speaking with Metatron herself! She will not join with us, and she made clear her intentions to speak with the other Archangels about our cause. This cannot be allowed! Rise up, rise up, all you brave angels! Rise and make Heaven ring with our shouts as we subdue the complacent and bring all of Heaven in unity to demand answers of God!" The resounding cheers nearly deafened the Archangel of Light. "ONWARDS!!!" Lucifer lifted off, and his loyalists behind him under the darkening skies of Heaven.

The Rebellion had begun.

The battle raged long and hard. The angels loyal to God, stunned by the betrayal of their peers, rallied under the banner of Michael, Firstborn of the Angels. Thunder cracked and wind howled as angel confronted angel. There an Elohite faced off against its friend, who had become a twisted creature of delusion and madness. A Kyriotate fell, laid low by the claws of a Calabite she'd once known as her Ofanite lover. Blood and death, chaos and war, all sullied the eternal beauty of Heaven. The streets of the Eternal City ran with the gleaming blood and Forces of angel and demon alike. Some fought with strategy and cunning, innovating the first use of terrain and lighting togain the advantage. Others charged in with wild swings and shouts of fury and pain. The Symphony rang with the clash of angels as it has not rang since, and as some say it will not ring until Armageddon comes to end what began that day.

In the end the fierce struggle of betrayal and hope, ambition and sorrow, blood and death, came down to two. In a wide street of the Eternal City, the buildings shattered in the fighting, smoking from the torches of the demons, there stood two beings. One was a being of purest Light, the blinding aura dimmed perhaps by the blood that stained the white scales, but the starry eyes burning with fierce determination. The other was a being of purest Shadow, with chains like weights upon his chest and brawny arms, and a gaze that pierced the aura of light. Around them all was silent. The survivors of both sides; hurt, limping, watched as the two beings faced off. The wind whistled through the broken buildings as they stared at each other.

"So it has come to this." The figure of Light looked contemptously at his chained foe. "Michael, do you not realize what the Tyrant has done to you?! He has warped you, my brother, First among Angels! He has changed you from the bright and pure Seraph you were into this...this mutation! This gross mockery of an angel! Is this what you want to be?! Brother..." Here a wing extended. "There has been much hurt this day. Much suffering. Do not let it continue. Join with me. Let us, as a family, come before God with our grievances. Let us, as one, demand redress, demand the return of all those who needlessly died this day." Lucifer's voice was filled with hope, with pleading for his elder brother's understanding.

But the Shadow, the Shadow shook his head. "You are a traitor to God, Lucifer! You and all your followers! It was you who brought about the needless death and suffering! It was you who rent Heaven in your pride and your arrogance! And it is you who must make redress!" Michael, First of Angels, First of the Seraphim, Most Holy of the Most Holy, and now First of the Malakim, the warrior-angels, assumed a combat pose, his bloody axe dripping. Slowly, ever so slowly, Lucifer's charred wing drooped.

"So be it." And with that the fight began.

Long and hard that battle raged.The ringing of Michael's axe against the blade and shield of solid light that Lucifer had conjured echoed across Heaven. Resonances and Songs blasted apart the streets, leaving only dust, rubble, and deep pits in their wake. Followers of both leaders scattered as the fight took to the skies, rending the black thunderclouds of God's Wrath with red lightning and streaks of fire. At times the Light was so intense that all were forced to turn their eyes away. At other times, the Shadow obscured all vision. The fear that gripped the onlookers was so total, even for the impassive Elohim, that none dared intervene. Only two were able to see past the Light and the Shadow to the fight within, and Metatron and Yves did not speak.

Finally, after countless hours, after a struggle so fierce that the universe itself would feel it for ages to come, the Light lay broken at the feet of the Shadow. The spell of combat broken, those who had followed the Lightbringer clenched themselves in dread and terror, wondering what their Fates would be. Those who stood by Michael stood in breathless anticipation of what would come next, what Michael would do. But it was not Michael who spoke.

Into the tense moment floated Metatron. The there/not there presence instantly commanded the attention of all as she turned her head to the fallen Lucifer. The Lightbringer looked at her through eyes that bled with his life-force and burned with tears; tears of pain, and of failure, and of impotent rage. Tears that spoke of a towering pride forcibly humbled. He lifted his head and all could hear the serpentine tongue hiss through the broken and ragged halo that surrounded him still.

Out of Metatron came the Voice: "YOU HAVE FAILED LUCIFER! IN YOUR PRIDE AND AMBITION YOU HAVE DARED TO RAISE YOUR HAND AGAINST YOUR CREATOR AND AGAINST YOUR SIBLINGS. FOR THAT EFFRONTERY, FOR THE SIN OF PRIDE, I HEREBY BANISH YOU AND YOUR FOLLOWERS! YOU SOUGHT A PLACE BEYOND ME, A PLACE WHERE YOU WERE FREE OF ME? SO BE IT. GO TO THAT PLACE THEN, CURSED AND FAILED SERPENT. NO LONGER ARE YOU BRINGER OF LIGHT!" A cry of pain then, as Lucifer's very being twisted, mutating into a hideous mockery of the Seraph he once was. The blood on his face settled into his scales, staining them a dark and smoky red. His halo was ripped from him, exposing his deformity to all as his charred wings lost their feathers and became leathery and black, and his eyes became empty pools of nothing, as his brow ridges grew sharp horns and his skin beneath the red scales became tough, raw, and corded. A scream of anguish seared the ears of all observing as the First Balseraph writhed in agony. Metatron stretched forth her wings, the blue-gold aura dazzling.

"GO TO THE PLACE THAT WILL FOREVER BE YOUR HOME, THING OF DARKNESS! GO, YOU AND YOUR KIN, AND TROUBLE THE BRIGHT CREATION NO LONGER!" As all watched the air began to slowly ripple. At first it could be mistaken for a smoke eddy from one of the many leveled buildings of the Eternal City, but that ripple slowly spread, like a stain of oil on water, and as it spread it darkened. In years to come none would be able to explain it, but seeing that ripple blossom into the dark void it became, into the pain and suffering that would become Hell, spread a shadow on every heart watching, yea, even the brightest of souls. From the ripple came a wind, but nothing like any Janus had ever made. No, this wind chilled the soul and blasted the flesh. This wind sucked into itself, greedy and desperate. First it pulled Lucifer, King of Darkness and Father of Lies into its' chill embrace, swallowing him into the Hell he'd been condemned to. Then one by one it reached out for his followers. Blan dine, her dream of love twisted and broken by the Serpent's lies, was first. Belial, still covered in the blood of slain Gabriel, followed. Raphael, her thirst for the knowledge she'd been promised having betrayed her, was next, followed soon by the prankster Kobal and the stern Dominic, who railed as he was dragged to his Fate. Others followed: Andrealphus and Makatiel, Meserach and Marc and Gebbeleth all went, joined by one-third of the Host of Heaven. When the ripple finally dissipated, closing as it had opened, it was a much reduced and darkened Heaven that Metatron beheld.

"AND UNTO YOU, MY CHILDREN, FALLS THE HARDEST TASK. LUCIFER WILL NOT BE IDLE FOREVER. IN HIS HEART HE WILL SEEK VENGEANCE AND HE WILL STRIKE AT YOU AND AT THE HUMANS THAT ARE YOUR CHARGE NOW. YOU MUST STRENGTHEN YOURSELVES, AND HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AGAINST YOUR ONCE-BRETHREN, ELSE YOU WILL SURELY FALL, AND WITH YOU THE UNIVERSE."

After a moment for that grim statement to sink in, Metatron turned to Michael. "MICHAEL, MY GOOD AND LOYAL SON. YOU HAVE STOOD AS THE CHAMPION OF HEAVEN AND SUCH IS NOW YOUR TITLE, FROM NOW UNTIL THE END. YOU HAVE FELT THE SHADOW OF THE TAINT LUCIFER BROUGHT TO THE HEAVENS AND YOU HAVE RESISTED ITS' SIREN CALL, TURNING THE SHADOW INTO THE RIGHTEOUS FURY THAT STRUCK DOWN THE SERPENT. AS SUCH, I NAME YOU THE ARCHANGEL OF SHADOW, COMMANDER OF THE HOSTS OF HEAVEN."

Michael knelt and slammed his fist against his chest. "As you command, my Lord, so shall it be."

Metatron turned her head. "ASMODEUS." Her wing pointed at the Cherub, who flinched and lowered his head. The Voice turned gentle. "RISE MY CHILD. YOU FELT THE TEMPTATION OF LUCIFER BUT YOU WERE STRONG ENOUGH TO TURN AWAY FROM HIS LIES. HAVING EXPERIENCED LIGHT AND DARKNESS, I NAME YOU THE ARCHANGEL OF THE BALANCE, AND TO YOU FALLS THE TASK OF PREVENTING ANY MORE ANGELS FROM FALLING INTO THE PIT WITH LUCIFER. FEEL NO SHAME MY SON, AND TURN YOUR GRIEF AND PAIN INTO THE STRENGTH I KNOW LIES WITHIN YOU."

The elephant-cherub's eyes were wide and startled, then he lifted his trunk. "I--I will try, Father."

A turn. "NOVALIS, MY DAUGHTER. YOU WHOSE KINDNESS EXCEEDES ALL OTHERS. TO YOU FALLS THE TASK OF TAKING UP WHERE OTHERS HAVE LEFT OFF. GABRIEL IS DEAD, AS IS JORDI. I EXPAND YOUR WORD NOW, TO THAT OF NATURE. YOU SHALL GOVERN THE FAUNA AS WELL AS THE FLORA, AND MAINTAIN THE DELICATE BALANCE OF THE UNIVERSE'S ECOSYSTEMS. IT IS A GREAT CHALLENGE BUT I KNOW YOU CAN HANDLE IT, MY LITTLE FLOWER."

Novalis's mouth was wide, the enormity of what her new task would be settling on her like an iron weight. It took a moment before she could barely nod in response, feeling all of nature begin to stir and connect within her being.

Metatron fixed her eyes on Beleth, whose tears were watering the ground and whose sobs had continued unabated since Blandine had been sucked into the void. The angel's eyes were soft, and the Voice was filled with compassion. "MY DAUGHTER. I KNOW THE PAIN FEELS GREATER THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY BEAR BUT MY LOVE SURROUNDS YOU ALWAYS, AS DOES THE LOVE OF YOUR BRETHREN. FOR A TIME I MUST GIVE TO YOU AN ONEROUS TASK. BLANDINE YET LIVES, AND WILL TWIST THE DREAMS OF MORTALS TOWARDS DEBASEMENT, USING THEIR OWN DESIRES TO BAIT THEM. YOU MUST FRIGHTEN THE MORTALS AWAY FROM THESE SEDUCTIVE DREAMS AND FROM THE OTHER TEMPTATIONS OF THE FALLEN. BE STRONG, BELETH, AND KNOW THAT THE PAIN AND THE DESPAIR WILL PASS UNDER THE LOVE OF YOUR FELLOW ANGELS AND MYSELF."

Beleth did not look up from her tears at all.

With a compassionate glance at her, Metatron looked then at Baal. The third angel lowered his head in reverence, the aura of Metatron's light gleaming from his chrysantheum scales. "BAAL, NOBLE WARRIOR. YOUR COURAGE STANDS AS A SHINING EXAMPLE TO ALL, MY SON. TRULY HAVE I NAMED YOU VALOR. YOUR COURAGE MUST BE THE BEACON TO ALL OF MY CHILDREN, AND TO YOU I GIVE THE TASK OF INSPIRING THE BRAVERY MORTALS AND ANGELS ALIKE SHALL NEED IN TIMES TO COME."

"I shall not fail you, Father."

Metatron stretched a wing, and the crowd of angels parted as if an invisible hand had separated them, revealing a small figure. The small figure raised an eyebrow and then stepped forward at Metatron's nod, revealing herself to a pale Elohite with striking gray eyes. The Power came forward and knelt before the Voice of God.

"MARIEL, ANGEL OF MEMORY. YOU REMEMBER ALL THINGS, WITH A MIND AS EXPANSIVE AS THE HEART WITHIN YOU. NOW I MUST TASK YOU WITH USING THAT MIND TO COMPREHEND AND SHARE ALL ASPECTS OF LIGHT WITH THE WORLD." Off of Mariel's widened eyes, Metatron nodded. "YES. I HEREBY PROMOTE YOU TO ARCHANGEL OF LIGHT. GO FORTH INTO THE WORLD, MY NEW LIGHTBRINGER, AND ILLUMINATE THE PATH TO SALVATION."

"Yes, my Father." Even an Elohite's dispassion could not conceal the stunned Mariel's reaction, which was hidden by the blazing aura of white light that sprang from her suddenly radiant form.

Metatron turned to another Elohite, one whose severe, knife-edged face could not conceal the sorrow in his eyes. "JEAN OF THE LIGHTNING. YOU ARE THE SPARK OF INSPIRATION, BUT YOU MUST BE MORE NOW. YOU MUST TAKE UP THE TASK OF TEACHING AND ENCOURAGING LEARNING, GUIDING THE MORTALS PAST THE DARKNESS OF IGNORANCE AND INTO HEAVEN'S EMBRACE. I GIVE TO YOU THE WORD OF THE FALLEN RAPHAEL: THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE. YOU WILL FIND SOLACE, MY SON, ONE DAY."

Jean did not react, nor reply.

With a compassionate look, Metatron turned to Oannes and Janus. "THE WATERS AND THE WIND, BROTHERS AND FRIENDS. THE ONE PLACID, THE OTHER EVER-SHIFTING. JANUS, I CHARGE YOU WITH THE TASK OF INSPIRING MORTALS BY BRINGING DIVINE CHAOS, AND SWEEPING AWAY THAT WHICH IS OLD AND STAGNANT. OANNES, YOUR WATERS SHALL CALM THE CHAOS ONCE IT HAS PASSED, HEALING THE WOUNDS AND BRINGING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR LONG-TERM HOPE. MY SONS YOU MUST WORK TOGETHER, CHAOS AND ORDER AS ONE. I KNOW YOU CAN."

Oannes's watery-blue form shifted as he manifested eyes and hands. "Yes Father." He looked at Janus, and the brawny Ofanite grinned and nodded. "Oh yes, it will be done. The Wind and The Waters will keep the world safe Father, never fear."

Metatron nodded and turned to face a frowning, bechained Malakite, whose hand rested on the pommel of a great broadsword of whitish-blue energy. "URIEL. YOU ARE SERIOUS EVEN IN TIMES OF PEACE, AND DOUGHTY IN TIMES OF WAR. YOU HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH MAINTAINING THE PURITY OF EXISTENCE, AND NOW THE PURITY YOU STAND FOR HAS BEEN DEFILED. MY SON, YOU MUST BE THE CUTTING EDGE, STRIKING DOWN THE IMPURITIES THAT LUCIFER AND HIS ILK WOULD BRING. WILL YOU DO THIS FOR ME?"

Uriel knelt, lowering his head. His voice, like the iron that lay beneath fallen David's mountains, rang out. "I shall not allow any to defile the creation, to undo the purity of Your work. You have my word and my oath." A new chain appeared about the Malakite's mighty form, binding tight about his chest.

Metatron's aura flared brighter, then she turned to Eli. "AND THE CREATION. THAT IS YOUR TASK MY WILD, ARTISAN SON. THE BRIGHT CREATION, TENDED BY YOUR HAND. THE OTHERS MAY FIGHT IN REALMS OF WAR AND THE PHYSICAL, BUT TO YOU FALLS THE DUTY TO PREVENT THE ENTROPY THAT WOULD CONSUME ALL, AND BEFORE WHICH ALL ARE HELPLESS WITHOUT YOUR AID."

"On it, Father." The Mercurian who had bound himself to Creation for the sake of Creation had a strange, quirky smile that many found off-putting in the face of the events of that day, but which others claimed was just Eli's optimism asserting itself.

Metatron's face assumed a smile, then the Voice rang out. "MY SERVANT METATRON SHALL BE AS SHE IS: MY VOICE AMONGST YOU. TO HER I GIVE THE WORD OF THE INFINITE, TO COMPREHEND ALL OF REALITY AND WORK TO PRESERVE IT ON A UNIVERSAL SCALE."

A head turn, and all followed her gaze to behold the Eldest Soul. "AND OF COURSE, MY SERVANT YVES SHALL REMAIN, A GUIDE TO YOU AS YOU GUIDE THE MORTALS. TO HIM SHALL BE GIVEN THE WORD OF DESTINY, TO BRING ALL REALITY TO THE BRIGHTEST OF ALL POSSIBLE FUTURES." Yves nodded, smiling his wise, enigmatic smile.

Metatron spread her wings and flew high above the crowd, her aura blazing even brighter than that of Mariel, stronger than that of fallen Lucifer. "COURAGE, MY CHILDREN. I TRUST IN YOU ALL, AND I KNOW THAT TOGETHER, YOU SHALL NOT FAIL THIS, YOUR WORLD." With that the aura, and the Voice, were gone, leaving Metatron to slowly settle to the sullied ground.

Heaven would never be the same.




Metatron
Seraph Archangel of the Infinite
Voice of God


The World is wide and strange beyond all comprehension. Let's explore its infinite possibilities, shall we?

Dissonance

It is dissonant for angels of the Infinite to try to limit or constrain a person or prevent them from reaching their potential. The only exception are demons and Hellsworn.

Choir Attunements

Seraphim: These Seraphim's piercing gaze can cut through a person's multiple layers of lies and self-delusions with a successful Perception roll.

Cherubim (Restricted): These Cherubim can attune to a target by sight or by visual reproduction of a target, as well as touch. They can hold twice the normal amount of attunements, and once per day, for five essence, can pull themselves to one of their attuned.

Ofanim (Partially Restricted): Once per day, these Ofanim can distort mass and gravity about a single target, enabling them to remove an obstacle from their path. This ability costs 3 Essence. Additionally, these Ofanim move at double the speed of their Agility. Non-Ofanim can gain the distortion ability.

Elohim (Restricted): These Elohim can read emotions in an area both in the past and in the future for a number of hours equal to their Perception. This "precognitive" ability can often warn of future events, though only the emotions are revealed, not the specifics.

Malakim: These Malakim can "strike with the Infinite", tripling their Strength and attack rolls for a single battle per day. The stronger the Malakite, the stronger the damage. Metatron is a popular Archangel for Malakim.

Kyriotates (Restricted): Kyriotates of the Infinite can triple their Perception rolls once inside a host, and they can do this for multiple hosts, enabling them to pick up on many things at once.

Mercurians (Restricted): Mercurians of the Infinite can expand their resonance, picking up on even the most minute details of a person's life with a touch and a Perception roll. They can also expand their resonance when dealing with a small crowd (20 or less) for 3 Essence and with no touching required.

Servitor Attunements

Presence: For two Essence the angel radiates an aura of such commanding, overpowering presence that all others must make a Will roll at -4 to resist following their orders. This aura fades after 10 minutes times the Angel's Will.

Aura of the Voice: The angel channels the might of Metatron, which appears as a gold-streaked beam of blue light that strikes from above and smites an opponent, doing 2 x CD damage.

Cloak of the Infinite: For four Essence the angel can temporarily move themselves out of sync with the Symphony, disappearing from sight, sound, and Symphonic perception for a number of minutes equal to the angel's Perception.

Distinctions

Vassal of the Infinite: Vassals of the Infinite can stretch their perceptions, seeing and hearing events around them as if they had extra eyes and ears. They can see and hear all around in perfect clarity within a range of 10x Perception yards.

Friend of Foresight: Friends of Foresight can use a Song or resonance and put it "in storage", delaying the effects until a time of their choosing. This power only works on one Song or resonance at a time, and costs 6 Essence to activate.

Master of Time and Space: Masters of Time and Space can reach into the Symphony and pull forth a vision of the future. Such visions are inherently vague as the future is always in flux, but it can be a powerful tool.

Chance of Invocation: 0 (Metatron is very busy contemplating the ineffable)

Invocation Modifiers

A tome of philosophy +1
A site where people gaze at the stars +2
A place where the knowledge of time and space is studied +3
An object that provokes deep thought in mortals (GM's discretion) +4
A famous work of philosophy or art +5
A scale or feather taken from an angel killed in the Rebellion +6


Basic Rites

Spend an hour in deep thought on the infinite
Spend a night gazing at the stars in contemplation of the infinite

Expanded Rites

Strike down one of Lucifer's personal minions (not those of the Princes, but Lucifer)
Recover some artifact or token lost in the Rebellion
Bring back a personal token from one of the Archangels killed in the Rebellion (Gabriel's sword, which was taken by Belial, or a Force of Jordi).

Relations

Allied: Saminga, Yves (Orc, Khalid, Legion, Saminga, and Yves are allied to her)
Associated: Everyone else (Everyone but Uriel is associated with her) Hostile: None (Uriel is neutral towards her, as he does not see the tactical value of her Word or her Servitors)

Archangelic Opinions

Asmodeus: "She has had to strike the balance between being herself and being the Voice her entire existence. I don't know how she does it, but I really admire her. I'm glad she's around to guide us. I don't know what I'd do without God's Voice to guide me." Asmodeus's greatest strength is his most tragic flaw. Charged with maintaining the Balance, he cannot let his Cherubic love stand in the way of his duty, yet he cannot deny his nature. I worry for him often.

Beleth: "So quiet, so distant. She inspires awe by her very presence, and that awe brings the fear of God. I wonder what hidden fears drive her sometimes, but then I am glad I do not know, for anything that could strike fear in one such as her is something I'd not like to think about." Her heart was broken at the Rebellion and the fear that somehow she caused Blandine's betrayal has always haunted her. Such a bright soul, so darkened. I fear that no matter how the War ends she will not find the peace she so desperately needs.

Eli: "Like, sometimes she needs to take a hit and just ~relax~ you know? Mety's all serious and faraway and stuff, its' like she never goes on vacation or takes time off or anything! It's not healthy!" Eli, free and wild, passionate and intense. Oh I understand Eli. I do. But someone must preserve that which you make. You are the inspiriation and the creation, I am that which maintains the order that enables the creation. Still, I won't say I don't appreciate some jazz and blues now and then.

Genubath: "What she sees, what she ~is~, is the shield that guards our purpose. If Yves is the Guide than Metatron is the Guardian of our nature, reminding us always of our holy purpose by channeling God's words to us. We must always protect her and what she represents." Genubath. Noble protector. Brave friend. You always stand in the forefront, shielding that which must be held dear for angels and mortals alike. You do Baal proud, never forget that.

Janus: "You know, change is a good thing, but sometimes its' nice to know that there's something that doesn't change. No matter how wild the War gets, Met's always there to put us in touch with Dad and help us get our bearings in the storm. ... You're not going to repeat that bit about Met's never changing being a good thing to Uriel or Mariel are ya?" Janus keeps the universe bright, ever-changing. He is the chaos that brings stability to the order, and I value him highly for that. He is also a good friend, whose strong heart has seen me and Heaven through many a dark time. Long may the Wind blow.

Jean: "She provides us with the knowledge of God directly from the source, making her an invaluable asset. Her sentimentality and air of contrived mysticism are perhaps non-optimal, but rarely have they interfered with her effectiveness. There are worse celestials." Jean was damaged so badly in the Rebellion. He is Elohite, and will not let his emotions affect his actions, but I hear the pain he seeks to hide when he speaks, and I see the hurt in his eyes. I see the struggle he engages in every day, holding the Word of the one he loved--loves?--so very dearly. I wish that I could take that pain from him, but I fear that only Raphael's redemption could heal that wound, and possibly not even that.

Khalid: "Her presence brings hope to the Host by providing us with the words of our Father and Creator. Sometimes I wonder what inspires her to carry on. Is it the Voice? Or is it something else, deep inside? We all forget that she is an angel and not just the Voice. Fear the day when she loses hope." Khalid is so earnest, so bright. He was tempted by Lucifer but it was his boundless optimism and trust in the goodness of man and angel alike that saw him through. The others say that I or Yves bring comfort to the Host, but I say it is Khalid that fights off the ennui of the long War.

Legion: "She's the direct line with the Supreme Commander and as such needs to be respected. I may not understand her Word or her other purposes but that is my Lord's lookout, not mine. She serves the War in her way as I do mine." Despite his Word, and the violent rage that simmers within him for the demons, Legion is a complete gentleman and a good angel to know. He tries so very hard to see beyond his Word and understand that which he fights for. That he doesn't always succeed is no fault to him.

Mariel: "Our Light, which guided us in our darkest hour. Michael may have bested Lucifer but it was Metatron's example in resisting the Darkness that ignited the flames of his courage. That she remains, and shines God's light into our hearts, is a greater blessing than she may know." I think that those first moment of surprise, when Mariel was first given her Word, have shaped her actions since. The honor of being the Lightbringer, an honor Lucifer discarded, awes her still. That she focuses her Word through the dispassion typical of her Choir may have helped her, but sometimes I wonder if Mariel regrets not being the Angel of Memory she was once. I saw more happiness in her eyes then but she never speaks of it.

Michael: "Metatron? If I'm the Champion then what do you call the angel who first struck down Lucifer? Uriel doesn't trust her but the kid doesn't always see beyond his Word. She's our connection to our Father. Don't let her down." Michael, more than any of us, was changed by the Rebellion. Sometimes we talk and I see the Seraph that was in the Malakite that is. Don't let his gruff manner fool you. Michael is no brute, and there is much of deep substance within the Shadow.

Novalis: "She works so hard to handle the myriad tasks her Word brings. My Word has saddled me with so many tasks that must be maintained. Can you imagine what it must be like to be the Infinite? That she does it with such grace is a testament to her character and inner strength." Ah Novalis. Sweet one. You worry for me but please do not. We each have our tasks, and it is I who am amazed at how well you have taken on the work of both Flowers and Animals and yet retained your kind heart. As Janus says, it is nice to know that some things never change. ... How did I know he said that? Oh, I have my ways.

Oannes: "She never shifts, yet somehow she always is the forefront of the tide. I find this strange about her, but she is like a rock. All things dangerous and vicious break against her and are scattered helplessly. The sea contains many secrets, Metatron contains many more, and yet, there is no danger in the depths of her wisdom, only peace and hope." Ah, Oannes. Healer and comforter, physician of body and soul. You spend yourself in endless service and ask nothing in return, and yet I give you my friendship, my trust, and my respect. Truly is it said that the Waters soothe all burdens, yea even the greatest.

Orc: "She's the truest expression of my Word, bringing God's words directly to us. She opens up possibilities to the rest of us that wouldn't be there otherwise and represents the potential for transcendence. I wish she'd be a little more direct in expressing herself though. It makes it harder to get the message out when the message isn't clear in the first place." My young friend, who spreads the words of Heaven. You remind me much of Gabriel. So eager, so determined to properly convey the message and make sure it is understood. I only wish he could see you now, picking up the torch that was dropped.

Saminga: "You'd think we'd be enemies, wouldn't you? Death is the end of things, and she represents that beyond the end. But really, when you think about it, our Words complement each other. I help the transition that opens the eyes of mortals to the Infinite beyond corporeal life. I'm glad she's there so that the souls have a guide to what waits beyond, and I'm glad that she's my friend." It constantly amazes me how otherwise intelligent celestials and mortals fear Saminga and what he represents. Death is not the end but a transition, one which he facilitates with a singular grace and beauty. If Saminga needs help, assist him, understand?

Uriel: "That she is God's Voice and thus valuable I do not doubt. I *do* doubt her value to us in the War. We need Archangels with powerful Words that can strike against Hell, and I'm not at all certain that the Infinite fits that category." I worry about Uriel sometimes. Even in the old days he never knew how to relax. I know his questions about me and my Word, and I can only say that those concerns will be answered in the fullness of time, but I do worry that he is working himself into an early disbanding. I think I shall have a talk with Michael and Legion about the situation. They might be able to get through to him where I cannot.

Yves: "My oldest and dearest friend, without whom Destiny would be so much less. What is Metatron's Destiny you ask? Hmmm. An interesting question." Destiny and the Infinite go hand in hand. The Infinite would be lonely and bleak without Destiny, and Destiny would be limited and finite without the Infinite. I like to think it's the same way between us. Besides, it's nice to have a friend of close age to share burdens with.

Princely Opinions

Andrealphus: "All this mystical ineffablity of hers can't hide the burning and desire I know is within her. I've found this delicious desire in her servitors and I know it is the same for her. She just needs to have it released, a feat I am quite capable of." Andrealphus long ago lost sight of the infinite nature of Love, exchanging it for the finite and narrow confines of mere Lust. His inability to see beyond the level of physical sensation cripples him in ways he cannot even fathom. As to my desires, he couldn't begin to imagine them.

Blandine: "I remember her. So proud. So distant. ... I remember how she drew Beleth's attention away from me with her lies and her lofty station. I'm going to love rending her mind with my claws, and tasting the sweet, sweet pain of her torment." Blandine really has twisted into a mass of hate and resentment in exile. I remember the bright and wonderful Lady of Dreams of old, and to see her like this is almost physically painful. The only thing worse is seeing the pain in Beleth's eyes whenever Blandine's name comes up in Council. I must hold hope that she can be as before, but sometimes, when I see the twisted creations of her and her Servitors...I just don't know.

Belial: "She screwed up the Rebellion by alerting the wimps too early, before we were ready to strike. 'Cause of her we're not ruling in Heaven right now. ... I'm gonna make her pay for denying me what should have been mine!!!" Belial. ... I hold no sympathies or mercy for this defilier, this trash. He slaughtered Gabriel, who trusted him, and he took his sword as a trophy. That he later helped to slay Baal only proves what unworthy scum he is. He wishes to destroy me?" "Let him try. Unlike Gabriel, he'll not have my back turned to him when he strikes.

Dominic: "She was the Voice with which God condemned us. I do not forget or forgive her temerity, or His temerity, in daring to judge ME. I alone judge. I alone dominate. She has been found guilty in absentia of insolence and defiance, and it is I alone who shall execute sentence." Dominic's arrogance is matched only by his cruelty. His stubborn, pig-headed pride was his downfall in the Beginning, and it shall be his downfall in the End. The Iron Fist? Bah. A rusty gauntlet wielded by a cowardly weakling, just waiting to be ripped asunder.

Gebbeleth: "I distrust her. She makes the revelations of God to open, to accessible. That knowledge is dangerous. She must be silenced, or her revelations obscured in some manner. Confound and kill her servitors where possible, learn their secrets and make sure they get lost in the Web. As for Metatron, she too must be trapped within the Web, or disposed of." Despite his preference for the shadows he seeks the light of knoweldge, which is the Light of God. Sometimes I pity a being so twisted that he must slink through the shadows of life, and sometimes I feel fury, when his agents destroy the potential in an angel or mortal with their lies and blackmail.

Haagenti: "Has she no pride? No self-respect? She enslaves herself to the whims of God out of such foolish concepts like 'humility' and 'selflessness'. Hmph. Small-minded weakling. She wouldn't last a week down here. The self is all." A pretentious newcomer, whose vanity blinds her to anything that is not her. I find it interesting that Lucifer gave her the Word of Pride when he exemplifies that Word so well, but regardless, the little girl poses no real threat. Let her preen and strut until God's Judgment comes upon her suddenly, a terrible swift sword, and smashes her pride.

Kobal: "She has so much! She has the trust and love of the others up there. She has the power of God flowing through her. I never had that. Of course, I don't want it either. But getting her servitors and the other angels to envy what she has opens up cracks in the Host, which is a good thing." Poor Kobal. He never was able to see that he was loved and valued for who he was, not his position. Funny, witty, sweet, he was more than the Jester, he was a friend. To see him so bitter and envious is a tragedy. Unlike some of the others, I still think Kobal can be Redeemed if he could just see that it is not what you have but who you are that is important."

Kronos: "Metatron is an impediment. Her presence, her messages, and her Word reinforce the damnable Yves, making my work harder. Though even she is not immune to the cold grasp of Fate..." That foul creature! I am absolutely giddy with delight whenever I interfere with one of his schemes. You haven't lived until you've seen the look on his face when one of his pet projects goes down the drain.

Lucifer: "I remember her. I remember how she rejected the path of true righteousness and struck me down. I remember how she betrayed the true, worthy celstials to the false and how she pronounced that self-righteous prick's condemnation of us. Oh yes, I remember. On the day when Heaven lies in my grasp she will feel every inch of the pain I felt on the Day of Liberation." Why am I not surprised that he has not learned his lesson? Even in the old days he was a slow learner. Seeing that look in his eyes so long ago, the look of pride broken and humbled, was sweeter for me than I think many realize. I look forward to seeing it again when the Traitor faces God's Judgment.

Magog: "The Infinite is nothing. Gluttony consumes all, devours all. It will devour her in the end, just you wait. The Voice of God will go screaming into my maw and fall silent forever." Ah, Magog. The Great Pig. Not content with watching and guiding humanity, he engorged himself on the pleasures of the flesh and walked that primrose path to Hell. He speaks of devouring and entropy. I say it is past time someone cut away that lump of excess fat that passes for his head. His entropy is nothing compared to the Infinite, but let him find that out in due time.

Makatiel: "She coddles the wimp angels! She assures them in the lie that they do God's work when it is I and my Choir who truly are God's angels! She helps them find cures for the plagues I spread, and teaches mortals to think of something other than the misery and death they deserve! She must be stopped!" That this living blight on existence has the nerve to claim the place of an Archangel is bad enough, but I have seen her work in the world. She is the harbinger of horror unparalled; of madness, and pain, and grisly death. Anything that must be done to stop her is worth it. Do I make myself clear? Anything.

Marc: "She pretends to be so noble and pure, but I know her. I know she hoards the power and prestige of her position. I know she takes the glory that should be others unto herself. Oh yes. Her personal avarice might not be for money, but she is just as greedy as anyone else. She's just better at covering it up." Marc truly deserves the title of Taker. He is a leech and a parasite, whose blinding lust for the things of the world completely deludes him to the nature of himself and others. Stripped of his treasure, his fawning servitors, and his Princely power, Marc would see what I see: a bare and empty soul, scrounging for any shield to cover how pathetic he is.

Meserach: "She inspires the gutless wonders up there to keep trying, keep striving, keep doing. Bleh. ... Take her out and the others will be a lot easier to slow down and stop." Meserach is a greater threat than many realize. Apathy and despair chain the soul in ways no mere chain of steel could. He drags people away from their Destiny and from their infinite potential not with flashy toys or the lure of sex and money, but by perverting the natural desire to rest into an excuse to let one's life go to waste and feel good about it. Janus is right. Sloth needs to be uprooted, sooner rather than later.

Raphael: "She thinks she can hold back the abyss. She thinks her inspirations and her 'messages' can somehow keep entropy at bay. She is a fool. Despair, hopelessness, the death of all hope. That is Oblivion. One day, she too will fall into the Pit with the rest of creation." How does one describe an entity who has lost all reason and sanity? Lucifer and the other Princes are cruel, would-be despots, but they can be reasoned with. She's just an insane monster, and for the pain she brings Jean, I will see the monster that has claimed Raphael's corpse pay. My friend, the original Archangel of Knowledge, would have wanted to see this foul creature that wears her body and her name expunged.

Vapula: "Metatron is representative of a failed paradigm: the age of divine revelation. That the Archangels trust the unsupported word of this angel without verifiable evidence is simply another sign of their patent inability to manage the affairs of the cosmos." You know, for all the damage he does in encouraging mortals towards irresponsible science and waste, I have no particular animosity towards this one, besides him being a Demon Prince. In a way, Science opens the potential for mortals to reach the Infinite. Once his corruptive taint is removed, my people can truly open peoples' minds. In a way he does my work without even knowing it. I enjoy the irony.

Zadkiel: "Does she not realize that her very existence sets the seeds of darkness in the Host? Little by little I nurture those seeds. I watch the resentment build, the distrust grow. The suspicion. The delicious paranoia. What does Metatron know that you do not? What secrets does God whisper to her about you, and when will she use it to tear you down? Oh yes. I greatly value Metatron right where she is." Zadkiel is a disgusting wretch, who deserves neither mercy, nor forgiveness. She magnifies on the faults of all the others: envy and greed, lust and sloth and pride. She takes them and worms into the deepest reaches of the mind, creating anguish and corruption where there was none. She is a cipher, and I look forward with great eagerness to the day when the Tendril is lopped off and this filthy user is dragged in chains to the Tribunal to be Judged.




Major Archangels

Asmodeus - Cherub Archangel of The Balance (Heaven's internal security)
Beleth - Cherub Archangel of Divine Fear
Eli - Mercurian Archangel of Creation
Genubath - Seraph Archangel of The Shield (commands the front-line troops)
Janus - Ofanite Archangel of The Wind
Jean - Elohite Archangel of Knowledge
Khalid - Mercurian Archangel of Hope
Legion - Kyriotate Archangel of The Holy Condemnation (Lord Commander of the Host)
Mariel - Elohite Archangel of Light
Metatron - Seraph Archangel of The Infinite, Voice of God
Michael - Malakite Archangel of Shadow, Firstborn of the Angels, First of the Malakim (commands the black-ops and spy division)
Novalis - Cherub Archangel of Nature
Oannes - Kyriotate Archangel of The Waters
Orc - Kyriotate Archangel of Communication
Saminga - Grigori Archangel of Death
Uriel - Malakite Archangel of Purity
Yves - Archangel of Destiny


Major Princes

Andrealphus - Impudite Prince of Lust
Blandine - Djinn Princess of Dreams
Belial - Calabite Prince of Wrath (General of Hell)
Dominic - Balseraph Prince of The Iron Fist (Hell's internal security)
Gebbeleth - Balseraph Prince of The Web
Haagenti - Calabite Princess of Pride
Kobal - Impudite Prince of Envy (The Bitter Jester of Hell)
Kronos - Prince of Fate
Lucifer - Balseraph King of Darkness (Ruler of Hell and King of Demons)
Magog - Skulker (Dark Grigori) Prince of Gluttony
Makatiel - Habbalite Princess of Disease
Marc - Impudite Prince of Avarice
Meserach - Djinn Prince of Sloth
Raphael - Habbalite Princess of Oblivion
Vapula - Balseraph Prince of Science
Zadkiel - Shedite Princess of The Tendril





David was slain by Lucifer at the Rebellion, as was Gabriel by Belial. Jordi was laid low in a sneak attack by Vephar and a group of demons, though Vephar paid with his life when Oannes caught up with him. Laurence never existed here. Christopher, the Angel of Children, was killed by Zadkiel's forces on the eve of his ascension. Litheroy defected from Knowledge to serve Khalid as the Angel of Faith. Baal was slain in an ambush by Dominic, Gebbeleth, Kobal, and Belial, the result of a carefully-arranged trap set in 937 B.C. Genubath, the Angel of The Shield, was promoted to Archangel and succeeded him as commander of the front-line troops. Lilith freed the demons and was killed in a joint-operation by Uriel and Legion. It was known as the "Green Death" because Uriel spent centuries slaughtering Lilim, destroying Freedom's outposts, and generally harassing Lilith before setting her up to be ambushed and killed by Legion in 1542 A.D.

Zadkiel was the Kyriotate Angel of the Mystic, serving under Michael. She was the liasion between Heaven and the Ethereals, as well as between Shadow and Fear. She manipulated the Ethereals (who had a stronger presence than in canon) for centuries, but eventually became too proud, too sure that she knew more than her superiors on Ethereal matters. During the Black Death in medieval Europe she Outcast herself, using her organization of angels and Ethereal loyalists to infilitrate high-ranking rival cultures on Earth and tear them down from within. When Heaven moved against the heavily Discordant Kyriotate, she Fell, taking her small army with her. Lucifer rewarded her with the Word of The Tendril and a Princess's coronet. The fallout so undermined Michael as General that he stepped down and God appointed Legion, a former Shedite of The Iron Fist, now Redeemed, to succeed him over the objections of the Council. Legion recieved the Word of The Holy Condemnation.

**Flaming
Feather**

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