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Chapter 8 is pretty long, so I'll split it up like Chapter 2.Page 55 posted:The two morning suns light up the skies of Jandella, driving temperatures to record highs before most of the species stir from their nocturnal hibernation. Raphael, Uriel, and Jumbla waste no time in surviving the surrounding area, quickly scaling the Trillidad hills, which over look Falco, so as to spy on their enemies. Pompe is readying the city for "the first annual Feast Of Accession" in celebration of his rise to power. While citizens and slaves busy themselves about the preparations, Pompe and his dark mentors are holding a meeting: Page 56 posted:"Isn't this all just decadently wicked?" Bal Ram Pompe spouts with pride, not drawing a response from the Masters. Pompe plans to have a sacrifice at the coming feast. He wants to kill Jumbla, but he will have to make do with another victim. This scene ends with a very strange exchange: Pages 56-57 posted:"I'm sure he's well hidden." Virgo offers. What is Anton doing here? I mean, I know what he's doing here, but what is he doing? He's a prisoner, but he somehow commands Pompe's forces, even though he refuses to submit to Pompe, who gives the orders anyway, but decides to relay them through this prisoner because...? Was this seriously the only way for Robinson to show Anton as Pompe's captive? We go back to Earth (I probably should have mentioned this much earlier, but these scene breaks are separated by maple leaf dingbats, which give the book an incongruously Canadian tint) for some confusing worldbuilding: Page 57 posted:The fallen Angels of Earth, who feel emboldened by the capture of the Oracles of Knowledge and Sacred Scroll of Light, openly embrace the empires of the humanoids making them their own. I'm going to stop right here for a second - if the fallen angels are controlling these civilizations because Satan has the Oracles and Scroll, what the heck was going on before that happened? Ra had clearly been running Egypt for a while before the news got there, and Egypt is not presented as an aberration. It might be argued that the fallen angels now rule "openly" and were covert before, but Ra seemed pretty open about reigning from his topaz throne of swirling fire. Whatever, let's get back to these empires: Page 57 posted:Many provinces now dot the planet, such as the continent of Mu, and the Lemurion civilization, which boast of electrical power, air conditioning, airless cylinder tubes, and crystals that glow at night to light their homes. The cities of Mohenjo Daro and Haroppa, jewels of the Indian subcontinent are a remarkable feat in city planning with an amazing plumbing and sewage system that runs through both cities. It almost seems like Robinson is about to get off the ancient alien train at this point. Plumbing is an impressive accomplishment for an ancient people, but it's not that "amazing" for spacefaring angels to set up. And are these people really "brilliant astronomers and mathematicians" if they're just studying the existing astronomy and mathematics of their extraterrestrial leaders? It's hard to square the responsibility for these wonders that Robinson ascribes to the angels with the awed reverence that he gives their supposed underlings. Whatever, all that matters is that we've finally learned where China got all that jade. Earth's largest spaceport is Baalbek (which Robinson should probably call Heliopolis of Phoenicia, although that would be only slightly less anachronistic - and peeing in the ocean compared to what's coming up), because the Trilithon there was clearly part of an angelic landing pad before the Romans built a temple around it. This spaceport is so large that it has entire "beacon cities" guiding vessels to it, with Mount Zion serving as "the Galactic Control Center called, The Mount Of Direction". What became of this massive assembly between then and now is anyone's guess. Michael and the other Guardian Knights have been sent to Earth, but he can't land at Baalbek because it's controlled by the fallen angels, who are consumed "in the incestuous fire of sins darkest grip". Instead, he heads south, to the lush, not-yet-frozen paradise of Antarctica: Page 58 posted:He approaches over Enderby and makes his way around the coast of the Ross Sea, until he reaches Queen Maud Land, where he sets Galactic One down. ...I love this book. Sham bam bamina! fucked around with this message at 05:03 on Jan 4, 2018 |
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Jan 3, 2018 19:55
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You know the more you post, the more I'm convinced that if the author had created a timeline and plot outline, he'd be halfway to a perfectly competent novel. I'm not saying it would be good, but a lot the confusion arising from this would be addressed.
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Jan 4, 2018 06:18
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He'd be halfway to competent Star Wars fanfiction.
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Jan 4, 2018 20:31
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anilEhilated posted:He'd be halfway to competent Star Wars fanfiction. So better than three-quarters of the old EU? 
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Jan 5, 2018 02:06
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Page 59 posted:In the Land Of The Lions, the Grey's have constructed a massive factory that builds humanoid machines the locals call, the Metal People. The project known as T1-47 is designed to build humanoid machines called androids that are programmed to kill. These androids, officially called Slayers, are 7 feet tall, are made of titanium-alloyed steel, display crushing strength and carry a variety of weapons. The aliens talk about Bible codes and free will in an exchange that you couldn't pay me to type out, but the scene ends on a high note: Page 60 posted:Soon after entering the compound a 7-foot tall Slayer is standing in front of Omega 7 with a huge slab of granite in his hands. The Grey looks the machine over almost mesmerized by its rotating eyes that emanate a blue hue ... then the mechanical beast crushes the massive rock turning it to dust with its two hydraulic driven arms. Meanwhile, the good guys are partying down in Antarctica, somewhat undercutting the urgency of their mission: Page 60 posted:Deep in the forest of Queen Maud Land the Queens court, her people and the Angelic Knights are celebrating their freedom from tyrannical rule by indulging themselves with drink, food, laughter, music and dance. Durganot dances around the flames of a mighty fire with the Queen herself, while Steven dances with a group of small children. Michael is honored that the musicians play their hearts out, and enjoys the laughter so loud heaven itself can hear it. As he eats of a freshly baked loaf of bread he sparks of an idea and leans in to Steven. Gabriel gives in. He starts by mentioning that it was a "night much like this one [...] on the remote regions of Eden" but is quickly interrupted: Page 61 posted:"There's no darkness on Eden." Steven interjects as a question. I guess that clears things up. Michael introduces his story proper with an ellipsis, which Robinson uses to segue into third-person omniscient narration of the actual events: Page 61 posted:... The celestial sea dotted with trillions of stars is laid out over the horizon of Anwar like a panoramic four-dimensional movie being shown on a crystal dome. The Atonement Nebula shines its red hue so ever bright as does the Milky Way Galaxy, reflecting the mighty power of the Absolute. Shimmering streams of Shekinah Glory streak across the atmosphere like blazing shooting stars, while the three closest moons shimmer their soft colors of blue, silver, and apricot orange over the Crescent Sea. The roaring waves crash against colossal pyramids constructed of the purest, whitest marble known in the universe. Some of the pyramids are underwater laboratories, which are partially submerged, while others house the Brotherhood Of Illumination schools called, Delphia. That's a lot of lovely imagery. Where will Robinson go from here? Pages 61-62 posted:Michael and his student Gabriel, and Uriel and his student Raphael follow the narrow path of enlightenment, which takes them past the Honey Bank Brook. Gabriel keeps one eye on the path and the other on the flowing honey until he can't stand it any longer and dips his fingers into the flowing delight.  Gabriel and Michael take off and have a playful race in the air, with Uriel and Raphael quickly joining them. They fly over the ocean before heading back to the city, "zing zigzagging in and around the pyramids just missing the massive structures". This sets the scene for a minor but notably stupid detour: Page 63 posted:Inside one of the fantastically gargantuan pyramids the Grand Master Educator Jadel inspects the newest younglings that are standing at attention before him. And you thought that Robinson was scraping the bottom of the Star Wars barrel before! (Not to spoil anything, but this is far from the last time that we'll be seeing that word.) As Jadel is solemnly instructing his protegés ("whom marvel at his crystal white robe and flowing diamond silk hair") on the "sober determination" needed in taking on the grave responsibilies of the Guardian Knights, the racers hilariously interrupt by hilariously swooping in and hilariously almost knocking Jadel over. It's all so hilarous that you'll just have to imagine it yourself instead of reading it. After some hilarious banter (" 'Look everybody, we pay now and play later.' A lone youngling spouts."), the race is resumed, but now it has a destination: Pages 63-64 posted:Lucifer's Majestic Emerald Palace sits on a resilient onyx precipice overlooking the sea. The four Angels approach at full speed, swirling in and around each other, until Michael blasts forth with a remarkable expeditious amount of atomic propelled velocity that literally sheers the night skies. On seeing the angels' approach ("which brings a broad smile over his chiseled face"), Lucifer ducks back into his palace for a quick moment with himself before greeting them. In keeping with the idea that Robinson would rather be watching a movie than writing a book, this bit has a mysteriously diegetic score: Pages 63-64 posted:He moves back inside and gazes into a mirror and slowly raises his hand, touching it to the crystallite glass. Chilling whispers and hypnotic music, which seem to seep from Lucifer's very, being, consume him. Before Lucifer can fall any deeper into his pride, Michael "brings Lucifer back from the edge" by abruptly entering. This doesn't seem to have brought Lucifer very far back, though: Page 64 posted:"Would you just look at this ... the five ultimate Angels in all the universes right here at Anwar. You know this Brotherhood of Illumination could rule the cosmos as well as any power ever known. Take the Universe Athaliah or the Universe Golan, or the Universe of Migdalel, or Shama or Karnak, or this newest Universe Tibhath ... I mean how many Universes does He need?" Lucifer invites his visitors to a feast. After a bit of unintentional homoeroticism, they all go: Page 64 posted:"Be careful Lucifer, I sense sensuality in your voice." Michael again warns. Once seated, the angels raise their swords "to their foreheads" (?) in a toast (?) to Yahweh. And that's it. That's Gabriel's story. Riveting, isn't it? In all fairness, it gets a pretty muted reception from the Antarctic court: Page 65 posted:"Oh thank you Gabriel for that great story." Queen Maud says gently trying to understand it all. Michael confirms that Yeshua has sent him and his forces to EnSidious, which is "to the North of here" - I'm pretty sure that most places would be - and says that they will be stopping in Atlantis on the way. Neptune offers the resources of his realm on arrival, but it turns out that he has other plans... Page 65 posted:Faraway from the peace of Queen Maud Land, on the outskirts of Atlantis the amphibious fallen Angelic beast under the rule of King Poseidon receive a message of their own ... there before them is a hologram of a brooding Neptune. Sham bam bamina! fucked around with this message at 05:07 on Jan 6, 2018 |
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Jan 6, 2018 02:56
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Queen Maud Land, home of the drunken sentimentality.
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Jan 6, 2018 04:38
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Sith Lords, Archangels, I can't wait to see where this book goes next.
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Jan 6, 2018 23:56
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this book posted:"Be careful Lucifer, I sense sensuality in your voice." Michael again warns.  I'm not even sure what that's trying to say. Lucy here doesn't seem to be talking up the pleasures of the flesh so much as a desire for power.
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Jan 7, 2018 02:03
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Sorry for the delay on Chapter 9; I've been busy with a lot of dumb crap these past few days. I hope that this chapter's brilliance makes up for the wait. This is the last chapter that I'll be splitting for the foreseeable future. They're getting longer in general now, so I'll be aiming for more of a happy medium between longer posts and lighter transcriptions going forward, but this one's 13 pages, and I can't get it into a single reasonably sized post without throwing out a lot of the good stuff. Page 66 posted:The distant planet of Rahab sits in gloomy darkness, even though on occasion, the sun does manage to burn through the black mist that hovers over the rough terrain giving the atmosphere a dull gray hue. The land is mostly a harsh mixture of treacherous marshes filled with giant lizards, dinosaurs, dragons and deserts filled with humanoid eating scorpions. The capital city of evil, such as a billion minds could never comprehend, encompasses one fourth of the planet and is simply known as Babylon. Satan's "Unholy Six-Galactic Alliance" is headquartered here, and he is about to give a proclamation "to the masses that follow him in blind drunkenness". But what of the dark leader himself? Pages 66-67 posted:Satan strolls down a massive elongated hallway inside his black iron palace ever alone, except for Sindorft, a black as night Raven with a blood dipped beak that sits on the living fiends shoulder. Satan's sin and hatred forever increases, which constantly reshapes his image into a more vulgar hideous creature of the night. The sin of a billion universes bores deep into the very core of his Spirit being, rotting him like a piece of dead meat. He smells of sulfur and rot and oozes putrid puss and sticky black goo. This process has de-evolved the revolting lord into a being that has become deadened to his world of personal insane madness. Satan is here joined by his propaganda chief, named Serb. Whether or not other Slavic nationalities are so represented remains to be seen. Serb doesn't appear to serve any purpose in this scene except to show the fear in Satan's underlings of his temper: "In these blinding furies of frenzied wrath Satan can fly into a depraved vicious paroxysm, which he attacks everyone in sight with violent mind rattling roars that can last for hours." Satan is in relatively high spirits tonight, though, and his speech is a lavish spectacle: Page 68 posted:Satan steps out onto a huge balcony, which overlooks millions upon millions of Reptilian soldiers and Slayers marching in a grand military procession in front of the iron palace. Huge flags with the Satanic Reptilian insignia of a pentagram with a twisted cross, called a swastika, residing in the center are flying over the two towers of Babel. Grey's fly their observation disks in ancient Babylon formation, doing fly bys as massive canons are fired. Beyond the army on the enormous mall, which leads to the immense Aquarian Pyramid, are countless myriads of Angelic beings, awaiting their Masters instruction. Satan's speech then turns into a fascinating rant about a new religion that he plans to create in repudiation of God - it reminds me strongly of a lot of Futurist writing, although I seriously doubt that Robinson has read any of it - but there's just too much to transcribe, so I'll skip to the end. (Before I do, here's a particularly manifesto-like sentence: "The perverse firelight of self-defilement will burn wildly in your children's eyes as I dance happily in the seats of power of your cities!") Pages 68-69 posted:"God says that I am a bestial animalistic creature who is into every kind of degradation, perversion, and depravity this side of creation. He says I am vile, base, hateful, sinfully wicked and joyfully sinful! Well guess what, I am! I am gross pornographic indecency, I am an abomination unto God, I am a sewer of contamination, a dung hill of pus, an utter cesspool of defilement and I will bring with me such vile sexual perversion, such utter insane sickness so demented you'll never be able to wash the depravity from your mind. I will rise out of the sewers and drown your hideaways in your culture driven beliefs! I will set my throne far above Yahweh, far above the Guardian Knights, and will destroy this new creation called Mankind, which will arise from the ash heap of yet another failed attempt of an impudent Creator-better pray I'm not around! For I am that which is, was and will be! I am that I am, I am God!" Meanwhile, the angel Mars, on the planet Mars, is not euphoric at all: Page 69 posted:Mars enters the relaxation chambers of his golden palace, which sits just west of the mighty carved face that bares his likeness on the Cydonia plains. Mars, an imposing figure, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, displays facial features of a lion and strength of a thousand bull elephants. He morphs back and forth between a humanoid male and his own likeness, as he paces back and forth relentlessly across the blazing emerald floor. Most Angels have wings, some are biological apertures that are regularly seen, but others, like the ones Mars has, are sub-atomic molecular strands of nuclear energy, which materializes when they are needed. The wings of Mars repeatedly vortex in and out of reality as he shape-shifts back and forth between humanoid and mighty Angel of the Lord. Neptune enters the room, interrupting Mars's thoughts. He asks Mars why he isn't on Earth with the other Guardian Knights, then "remembers" that Mars isn't one yet. His manipulation here is blatantly obvious, to the point that even Mars warily moves to draw his sword, but Neptune has brought someone with him: Page 71 posted:"Mars, this is Aishe Nubit, a virgin priestess of the grand mystery schools of Egypt." Chris, you master of wordplay! Mars says that he wants nothing to do with the "treason" that Neptune is tempting him into, but Aishe isn't easily discouraged: Page 71 posted:The ravenous woman turns her back to Mars and unfastens her green tunic and lets it shimmer down her long body until it lies on the floor. Mars eyes linger on her long slender back as she steps into his muscular body. But, sadly, Mars eventually loses his resolve under her advances: Page 71 posted:Aishe strokes Mars face, he struggles to resist the lustful maiden, a part of him not wanting to give in, but he does not run, instead he absorbs the feeling of lust, breathes her in as he slowly changes into a handsome humanoid male who begins kissing her without restraint. Sham bam bamina! fucked around with this message at 03:18 on Jan 10, 2018 |
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Jan 10, 2018 00:45
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What level of decadence is opium candles? That’s almost as bad as speed metal!
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Jan 10, 2018 01:29
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"Ravage" instead of "ravish" is such a wonderfully silly error. 
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Jan 10, 2018 01:29
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Spelling, grammar errors, and plain old making up words aside, Robinson writes like he's paid by the word. Why use two words when five will suffice? Kind of like an anti-Hemingway.
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Jan 10, 2018 03:54
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quote:Well guess what, I am! I am gross pornographic indecency, I am an abomination unto God, I am a sewer of contamination, a dung hill of pus, an utter cesspool of defilement and I will bring with me such vile sexual perversion, such utter insane sickness so demented you'll never be able to wash the depravity from your mind.
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Jan 11, 2018 01:38
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Uh, how does he "ravage" her? The angels don't have the right equipment, yeah? Also Steven is the best Angel name.
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Jan 17, 2018 04:55
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DeadFatDuckFat posted:Uh, how does he "ravage" her? The angels don't have the right equipment, yeah? Also Steven is the best Angel name. quote:"I understand that when an Angel changes to humanoid form he is like that of a horse?" Aishe says, her eyes burning with lust. Also, I apologize to everyone for taking so long to follow this last update. I'm trying to get a lot of stuff squared away right now; I'll update regularly again once I get back into a normal routine.
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Jan 17, 2018 07:25
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Oh poo poo how did I miss that. My brain must have recoiled at that line and deleted the memory.
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Jan 18, 2018 21:37
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