The great biomid has been traveling for many watches through space. It carries flora and fauna to replenish planet Eridu after the devastation of nuclear war and earthquakes caused by the coming flyby of the planet Olam. The rebel planet is still at war, fighting for the capital city, Salem. The craft is huge -- the size of small moon. It left Olam well in advance of the fly-by of Eridu in order to time it's arrival after the anticipated cataclysm caused by the gravitational tug of the great planet as it swings in from outer space in it's long elliptical orbit. It carries millions of citizens from Olam. They serve in many ways but primarily as worshipers, priests, warriors, messengers and administrators. Rebel forces from other planets in attack craft occasionally threaten the great ship as it cruises inexorably toward Eridu. One by one they are destroyed by blasts of pure light from the attack craft of Enlil. Enlil, the crown prince of Olam is in command of the mission and will lead his army against the final combined resistance of rebel forces.

Enlil's brother, Enki is in command of the rebels and has contended since ancient times for the throne of Eridu, the blue jewel where the great prince will make his permanent home and will set his throne. In addition to military challenge in space and on every planet but Olam, Enki has challenged his brother's right to rule in the courts of Olam. Enki has been allowed access to the highest courts in the kingdom and has been given every opportunity to prove his claim legally. This is because he is the first-born son of Anu, king of Olam. He has led one third of the subjects in the kingdom in rebellion. Enlil has the greater claim to the throne, however, because he is the son of Anu by his half sister, giving him more royal blood than his older brother who was not born of half sister. This is the unalterable law of succession. Enki's only hope to ascend the throne is to take it by force and the conflict of all time and eternity is about to culminate as Enlil approaches Eridu to assert his right to rule.

CHAPTER ONE

The Lord Enlil marched ceremoniously into the throne room attended by seven elders. He took his place on the emerald throne and the elders ascended their thrones with the other seventeen elders--twelve on each side. They all wore white robes with gold livery and each wore a gold crown. Enlil wore the horned crown of the king of the gods. He was ready to receive a royal emissary. His tall and graceful sister, Ninmah, was ushered into his presence, and bowed low before him. Her white hair revealed her great age, but her beauty was undimmed. She was attended by two women of Olam who held her train and assisted her to her seat in front of and below the emerald throne.

"You honor me by your presence in the Holy City, my beloved sister", said Enlil. Ninmah raised her eyes to meet his for the first time and smiled. "My Lord honors me by this courtly reception", she said. "It has been many watches since we last met. As you know, I have spent much time with our brother, Enki, trying to work out a peaceful settlement of his dispute with you. I bring a proposal to you from Enki that you call an assembly of the gods to discuss whether moving your throne to Eridu is legal. He will not give up control without a fight and I for one would like to see the conflict resolved legally instead of by force. Are you willing?" she asked.

"I am willing to call an assembly of the gods to discuss the matter, but I am afraid that Enki has long since passed the point of guilt or innocence," said Enlil. "He has rebelled against his king and his God. He has tried to overcome the sacred law of succession by usurping my throne. When that failed, he led one third of the kingdom into rebellion and is illegally in control of Eridu and the surrounding planets. He has turned millions of my subjects on Eridu against me and caused them to suffer eternal torment. If he will surrender, ask forgiveness and swear loyalty to me and to my kingdom, he will be spared. If not, he will spend eternity in the lake of fire prepared for him and his confederates. He cannot prevail against the power of my army or the power of my God."

"Very well", said Ninmah. "I will call the assembly in twelve watches. All will be able to attend except Anu."