Beneath the great Celestial Clock, babies headed for earth are assigned to their trusty guides. An old angel double checks all the coordinates—the position of the planets, relationship of the sun, moon and stars—scheduling the delivery with little regard for the readiness or unreadiness of the parents-to-be. Finally, blessed by a spark from the flame of hope, the babies are off, destined to forever alter time and the universe for their earthly recipients. - SG