Before the Beginning

Utopian communities never last. Earth knows. Heaving in sorrow, the planet almost wobbles out of its orbit. The destruction is devastating. It is Helel's fault. Created more beautiful than any of his cherubic siblings, he goes on an ego trip. Sure he is appointed the chief leader of Earth. It is true that under Helel's governance, inventive tenants turn cherished resources into cities of tall crystalline buildings, colorful tapestries of plant fibers and mines with spiraling tracks and habitable caves. He is even a great friend who laughs and cherishes Governor Michael's comedic banter during wrestling matches and games of strategy. Not even Abba, the Creator, conceives that Helel could become enchanted by an impossible notion: to become deity. Emboldened by beautiful Atara, Helel morphs from a faithful friend to a cunning foe. Evoking sympathy from tenants through flattery and deceit, he quickly wins many to his side. Those who reject his lure are subject to corporal torture. Michael, grieved by his brother's defiance, attempts to maintain order on the Earth, but as chaos and brutality increase, his job becomes a rescue mission for those that choose to remain loyal to Abba. This is Earth before Adam. Birthed not in a garden, but in Helel's heart, the contagion named sin turns cherubs into devils and beautiful Earth into a hellish wasteland.