Mark, I got a message last night that will force a change in plans here on Earth.

Oh yeah? What did it say?

It faded out toward the end but the first part said I had to perform more miracles. And that I had to get more notoriety while performing them.

Wow! How you gonna do that?

Well, since I usually have only one miracle per show, or one miracle per week, I don't see any way to up my game but to learn how to do many more miracles and/or do them often and in front of audiences.

Whaaaaaat?! Like a side show?!

Well, I guess.

Isn't that cheapening the whole effect? I mean, what would the man upstairs say?

Who do you think sent me the message?

The man upstairs?

Yep.

(beat)

I think.

You think?!

Well, the message, like I said, was fading out when it got to the part about under what circumstances I would have to do the extra miracles. And the voice, if it was the actual man upstairs, sounded a little off - a little nasally, a little different. You know, come to think of it, that message could have come from that crazy joker, Joseph.

The Joseph?

(looking puzzled)

What do you mean? The Joseph?

Well, who is Joseph then?

Joseph from Gaza. You remember, right? The first century "wandering Jew"?

'Fraid you got me here. Is he some sort of angel also?

(laughing)

I think you could say he is the opposite of an angel.

You mean ... ?

Yes, a pseudo-angel.

Is that the opposite of an angel?

Well, I really don't know. I have never been told what it means. But, I do know it ain't good!

Should you just ignore it all, then?

(looks at Mark with dopey expression)

Ah, duh! Sure I am going to ignore it.

But, what if it really was a message from the man upstairs who has a cold?

Get real! The man upstairs doesn't catch Earthly colds.

Oh yeah. I guess not.

So, what's on tap for today? I mean, if we do just ignore my message.

I'm going to catch the Candy Samples show over at the Black Cat Club. You coming?