November

Issue 38

     "I plan to expand the Angel Guard's Tactical Manual.” Earl patted the bulky book on George’s desk. He had ideas and knew he could make a difference. “It hasn't been updated in eons."

     “This is your first assignment, Earl. How on heaven can a newbie angel think to change the manual?” The corner of George’s mouth turned up as he shook his head.

     “Simple, my friend. I’m going to marry my assignment, Christopher the dragon-slayer, to your assignment, Argu the dragon.”

     George’s mouth fell open, his eyes bulged. “Do you have any idea how silly that sounds? You’re crazy if you think that’ll work.”

     “George,” Earl said, “These days a good guardian works outside the box to keep his assignment alive.”

     “Outside the box?” George shook his head. “You’ve been listening to nineteen-eighties, self-help seminars again, haven’t you?”

     “Hey, you should listen to them. Like, totally mind expanding stuff. Rad to the max, like, fer sure.” Earl chuckled and seated himself in an easy chair constructed of clouds.

     Earl swept his hand in front of him. “Just look at your office, George. White walls, white desk, white chairs, white staples and pens. The only color here is a photo on your desk of your Martian family vacation and the black coffee in your white cup. Face it, you’re locked in a box.”

     George stared at his coffee cup and chuckled.

     Earl continued, “I have a responsibility to keep this dragon-slayer alive. He’s in a dangerous business and needs intervention. I believe this will work. Then I’ll stand out from the pack and Michael will beg to promote me!”

     George moved toward Earl. “You’ll stand out all right. Listen, these people’s lives are not a stage you can play out your innovative scripts on. Study how the previous guardians protected him and do what they did. They succeeded.”

     “So if Christopher kills your assignment, Argu, I’ll be successful?”

     “Well, no, but you know what I mean. I’ve my assignment and you’ve yours. Argu’s longevity isn’t your concern.”

     “I see where you’re going with this.” Earl pointed a finger at George. “You desire him to be her dinner. Why am I talking to the competition?”