The scene at intake had changed in the last three days. There was a touch screen and video to text interface. Every form was sent electronically to the queuing system. Each soul was issued a vibrating light up device, about the size of a smoke detector. They were encouraged to visit the pool hall, gardens or take up space elsewhere.

A screen above the shoots said which number they were serving. Most of them hadn't changed so quickly in aeons.

It was still Hell, so things might have looked slick, but...

The device was silent or teeth achingly loud and bright. When it was dormant, you were never sure when it would go off. It didn't fit in any pocket and putting it down would encourage its theft.

Have a high number?

Take a walk and swap it for a lower and quicker trip.

It didn't matter that your personal Hell was somewhere you didn't want to rush to, the type of personality they had meant that Now was the only time that mattered and Later was just too late.

The Demons had gone off the idea too. Screens needed cleaning, the floor was now to be swept regularly and their desks were no longer needed. They had a tablet and a unhappy to help badge. Now mobile "helpers" they competed for space with the damned, as they waited.

One of the nine pool tables in the room, was never used. It had been reserved sometime in the 14th century. A gold coin had been stabbed through the middle, by a large knife. Most people on seeing it, put their coin on another table and waited.

Muriel went up to the knife and read the name on it. Smiled a little and said "Shall we play? Is that the right term? I've never " she made a shot with an invisible cue "played? Pool before"

Her guide smiled. "I've shot pool. I can show you. You can go first"

"Can I? Thank you"

Three minutes later

"Its just like billiards" Muriel took aim "top right" the balls clicked and the 8 ball went in.

Pool isn't one of the sports that demons don't cheat at. But if they don't get the chance to pot even one ball, they can't win.

"Am I a prisoner?" she asked as she put the cue on the table.

"Non-voluntary guest"

"Oh. Jolly good. Can I continue the tour? I mean if you don't mind?" Muriel asked.

"Yes. This way" Apollyon guided her ever onwards.