Judas quietly watched Pilate and Cobrata sitting with him at his breakfast table. Their view looked out over the Nashville skyline. No one spoke. Judas had been quiet for over two hours, just thinking.
Judas rubbed his face wearily and finally said, "Pilate, have you heard from Young Herod and Jezzz, today?" noting a "no" nod.
"I got a call from her two days ago. Those Agrippa twins really disappointed me. Have you ordered the Agrippas execution, yet?"
"Yes, sir, yesterday," Pilate spoke carefully.
"Isn't life strange? Here, my two weakest co-conspirators are pulling through for me. Can you imagine that? Have you heard from Italy since our problem?"
"Yes, Monsieur Arakiba left a message that he was contacted by the courier. He is to meet with him today. Everything seems fine."
"Have we a report on how the nuclear devices are coming?"
"Yes, our storage area has five handheld ones in a safe place in Jerusalem. We've had them in place for over three months, and we have our priest replacements ready to go. We have five nukes loaded on a C147 sitting on a nearby island 50 miles from Fernandian. We can't get near enough by ground because there are too many angels guarding it. We also have a refitted, Dragon nuclear submarine just off the coast. By air and underwater, we'll blow holes big enough for millions of our comrades to escape," replied Pilate proudly.
"God may interfere. That's why the attacks must by synchronized down to the second. I'm realistic enough to realize that if either one gets done, it's acceptable. Once I've decided on the appropriate timetable, we can start moving faster. I'd love to replace another hundred Jesus Priests, but I'm coming to believe that's just fantasy. These humans really are making it difficult. They're just too small. How many more potential priests do we have who are the right size?"
"None, we've replaced all we can, now. They're within tolerable margins of acceptance. We aren't off more than a couple of inches in height. They were all heavier; fatter is more like it, so they just look like they've been on a diet. Like I said, we have five Jesus Priests replaced and five nukes."
"That's convenient, a nuclear device for each one. Who would have figured? Are there any graduates who are going to Jerusalem and can be replaced before they get there?" Judas asked coldly, with a little hope.
"I don't know. I never thought about that. There are six active seminaries sending approved applicants to Jerusalem. Do you want me to check them out?" he asked and felt stupid after he asked it.
"Do I have to answer that?" asked Judas, shaking his head disappointedly.
"I'll get right on it!" replied Pilate and bowing submissively.
After Pilate was gone, Judas came around the table and encircled Cobrata passionately. "I couldn't wait for him to leave," he replied, then kissed her until she gasped for air, then she continued on her own.
He stopped as suddenly as he started. "Do me a favor. We're close enough to Sewanee for you to take a short trip for me, can't you?"
"Sure, whatever you want. I mean whatever you want," she hissed at him and pulled him to her for another passionate cling.
He pushed away from her and spun her around away from him. He wanted to talk business and knew her well enough to know that once he started something he'd have to finish it.
He quickly asked, "I want you to go to Sewanee to eyeball the Jerusalem candidates. They normally have several waiting for graduation. If you find one who looks promising, help him out and get rid of his competition, will you?"
Cobrata lived up to her reputation and grabbed him, then flung him to the floor with her Nephilim strength, but he levitated above her, completely surprising her.
"Do you see why you need to learn our new ways, dear one?"
"If I learn, can we be together in the air?" she asked as she hissed at him again and tried to reach him, but missed.
"Actually, that's not a bad idea, but it takes too much concentration. We'd start out okay, but end up busting ourselves over the furniture in seconds, but I'll make it easy for you," he replied, then came down in front of her.
"Sorry, I won't with you," she threatened as she grabbed him in her powerful grip. He wasn't getting away this time and didn't want to.