A/N: I put this story on hold as I rewrote my novella "My Friend Carl" and hope to convert it into a Novel. I have submitted it for a Watty 2019.

Chapter 4

Extending the alliance – including all gods

Twenty-two Days Remaining

The former Supremes stammered. Their faces heated. They ranted and grumbled. Eyebrows were scrunching and shoulders stiffened. Grimaces protruded and fists clinched. Stark shock spread across faces. The only Supremes who exhibited smirks gushed from Sophia and Zeus.

However, the previous Lessors grinned and shouted above the proclamations. Their faces brightened with a golden glow. Even Jethro and Jerrod stood and applauded. The day of redemption erupted. Nick said, "Hector, I perceive you hiding behind the gods. Are you attempting to conceal your misdeeds? I envisioned that you put your two assistants up to destroying Sophia's garden. You attempted to rile her against me. Also, you levied a tax on your people in order to build a temple dedicated in your name. How is this bringing peace in your region? You are going to lie about these violations."

A voice from above said, "Your attempted to hurt a superior god and extort a burden on your province puts you in deep jeopardy. BYE!"

Hector evaporated from the gathered. The assembly gasped. The Most High said, "Revere Lord Nick or trifle as nothing."

Lord Nick proceeded, "The edict reads, all gods are equal. Lessors, Supremes and Half Gods become empowered on the same level. Those who were assistants are now co-regents with equal capabilities and rank. Failure to follow the proclamation results in termination."

Jethro asked, "Is Hector dead?"

"No, Hector lost his powers as a god. His memory as a deity ceases with a new mind. His history fathoms as a man forty years old, a wife and five children. They farm three hundred acres and are blissful."

"What about his other assistants and me?"

"As mentioned in the proclamation Jerrod, Jerry, Johnathan and you must coexist as Supremes. You are equal in power and bear the responsibility to create peace, harmony and brotherly love."

"What skills ought we attain to fulfill our duties?"

"Zeus made a list of starters such as eliminate weapons of war, offer rewards for those creating safe environments, organize sport teams to release tension, promote harmony and enhance physical strength. He emphasizes loving your neighbor. Then, follow the progress. Set guidelines. Nonetheless, do not micro-manage.

"I apologize to you for my action in the garden fiasco."

"You followed your boss's orders. You accomplished what you needed for your job."

"I ought to react nobler. My blooper. You exemplify generosity."

"Kindness attracts friends once you oversee your area. I predict the modifications selected will make you trustworthy."

One prior Lessor asked, "How does one get respect from a Supreme, a boss who believes he or she possesses the correct solutions – when they do not?"

"Remember everyone on a regional council maintains the same level and abilities. You elect one from your group to represent you to general conference."

"Time allows me to receive one more public question. I am available later for individual questions or concerns. Questions and apprehensions are important."

Several of the former Supremes continued to pout. Their lips quivered and muttering emitted from their mouths. Most comprehended the changes which benefitted all the gods.

A few exceeded their authority and hypnotized their former assistants. Lord Nick removed them as quick as he did Hector. They discovered themselves in labor intensive occupations with no recollection of their former selves. Grins and comradery became normal. Two continued to extort sacrifices and require building of temples in their honor. They disappeared with no mention of a new life.

Turbulence of war remained in seven regions. The gods in those districts disintegrated weapons into dust and organized basketball, baseball and other games in schools and communities. Difficulties in relationships delayed efforts of obtaining peace. Trust and loving one another became unmanageable. Brawls erupted at ballgames and minor assemblies. Nick reflected and perceived no gods provoked the destruction.

General Gladamier hid thousands of rifles, ammunition and bombs in a cave with hundreds of gold and silver bars. His anger vented as a result of his wife and two sons deaths in his last battle. Lord Nick appeared in a dream. He revealed men under Gladamier's command directed explosives catapulted in the village where his family resided. Soldiers responsible for the mistake also perished in the same battle.

Gladamier woke from the nightmare shouting, "NO! NO! NO!" He lifted his revolver and shot Nick six times. The bullets pierced his chest leaving holes, but blood did not seep from his body. He lifted the shirt, cupped a hand under the cavities and six bullets fell into it. The holes closed with the speed of a grubworm. Gladamier eyes bulged. The General's mouth gaped.

Nick said, "Yes you did order your men to bomb your wife's village as she visited her parents. You blamed your enemies. Now, you understand the truth."

Gladamier sobbed and pressed fingers into his temples. He confessed, "I murdered my loved ones." He put the barrel in his mouth and pulled the trigger. The gun remained silent. He used all the bullets on Nick. His cheeks reddened, and he shrieked obscenities. The muscles in his upper body bulged and stiffened. He slugged Nick in the face. His fist traveled through his head with ease. When he pulled back his hand - Nick chuckled.

Gladamier said, "I struck your head with the power of an eighteen wheeler. My fist went through you as if nothing was there. Are you a ghost?"

"No, like an angel. I am a god named Nick. A wallop one hundred times stronger would not have phased me. I allowed you the opportunity to experience my power. You are a great General, but you made one horrible mistake. An error sending you spiraling down a trail of evil. You have a chance to dissolve your armies and proclaim an armistice."

Randolph said, "Tell him Nick, tell'im if he keeps the wars going the earth is going to blow to pieces. Tell him it is his fault. If he doesn't stop the madness, we all gonna die." The goat takes a handkerchief, large pillowcase size, out of a pouch. He blows his nose into it and wipes the tears flowing from his eyes whimpering.

The general said, "Why me? The authority you control could destroy my armies."

"The problem reflects attitude. The solution removes control and involves peace. You have employed one hundred operatives evangelizing thousands to continue the wars," Your proclamation promotes the key to abort the fighting."

"Why would I want to stop the hostilities?"

"Actions you make now command destruction of the world. Close your eyes for a moment to observe what the devastation means."

Gladamier envisioned earth exploding and vanishing. His eyes widened as he sucked in air. His heart throbbed.

Nick explained, "I have within my dominion the ability to raise people from the dead. The longer they lay deceased the more difficulty to reconstruct them. Who would you like to reunite with who died within the last five years?"

"My wife and children. I would give everything I own for them to return. They perished three months ago."

"Would you discharge your armies giving up your hordes of gold and silver?"

"Yes."

"Maybe we can negotiate a deal appropriate for you, your men, and the remainder of the world."

I assure you whatever we arrange will be fair. Additionally, I promise my enlisted-men one hundred one half ounce silver coins at separation.

Junior officers two hundred one half ounce silver coins.

Senior officers one hundred one half ounce gold coins.

To my top ten generals two hundred one half ounce gold coins.

The separation funds should provide an increase to the economic growth to the communities where they settle."

Nick said, "Fine." They discussed the details.

Gladamier expressed, "I desire to meet my wife and sons."

Nick's face tightened, a smile broke his stern features and his eyes glowed. "I foresaw your aspiration. However, your life transforms the moment you behold them. Everything changes. At that time, fresh memories dictate your lives. The four of you obtain different names – the Golden family who love each other with warmth.

In the new life, your factories mold, mill and meld metals – iron, steel, copper, gold and silver. Your wealth is massive, but you refuse to manufacture weapons. The purpose of revealing the upgrade of identities alters your previous lives. Hence, no remembrances of wars, you remember only your love for your family."

Colonel Randolph said, "Hee haw."

Nick said, "You are a goat not a mule.

"In the barn we speak several languages. Are we done? I have a sweet little thing waiting for me."

"We have six more generals requiring our assistance. It may take time to return."