audio / @hello / open

[lunchbreaks]

Hello, um, everyone. This is Aziraphale. I know I haven't met all of you, but I have gotten to know a good number of you as of late, and I've come to like you all a great deal, so it doesn't sit quite right with me not to apologize for recent events.

The sinking of the ferry was inexcusable. Our-- my failure, was a direct result of poor planning and lack of transparency, but I do need all of you to know that the intention had been to find our only way out of Beacon as other methods had been exhausted, and it was always in the plan to make subsequent trips for everyone remaining who wished a return home.

But I know that no amount of good intention will bring it back, nor heal your injuries, nor surface the supplies it was carrying. For all this, I am deeply and terribly sorry; this was, in no way, how I should have repaid all your kindnesses. I understand your anger, and you can direct it at me, if you would like, if you have need of a place to focus your ire.

However, I am afraid, actually, that I must ask a favor. I have, though not for lack of trying, not been able to retrieve much of the sunken raw material - if anyone should lend abilities, magical or otherwise, to help in the rebuilding of the ferry or the docks, you will have my deepest gratitude, for whatever that is worth.

I will try to assist with this as much as I possibly can, and otherwise will be available to assist those who require healing, though my ability to do so has been stunted.

Comments

[lunchbreaks]

No, I lived on a planet with six billion people, and I have lived a very long time and seen communities rise and fall. We are a small group, almost none of us soldiers, a significant amount of us having died just trying to communicate with the Lighthouse Keeper.

Whatever you decide, I ask you only to wait until I have done my part in rebuilding what I have helped to destroy.

[lunchbreaks]

First of all, not everyone. Several people were indeed angry, and they have every right to be, of course.

Second of all, no. I apologized for me, I apologized because it was the right thing to do, to start making amends. People were hurt. Things were destroyed.

I can't take it back, but I can move forward.

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley deflates.]

No, and you wouldn't take it back, either.

Always doing the right thing, you.

[lunchbreaks]

So. Will you come inside, then?

[sauntered_downward]

[he leans against the doorframe and gets himself up to limp inside. He starts for the stairs.]

I'm going to bed.

[lunchbreaks]

[ Aziraphale goes over to capture him and act as his crutch. ]

Alright. Let me get you to bed.

[pure_havoc]

[there's a moment's pause, like he's collecting himself. He had a good back and forth with Aziraphale at the meeting, he has nothing personal against him, but those guys...]

Do as you must. I'm certain I have no pull here to demand recompense but if someone can at least build a new ship before we run out of supplies, that would go a long way.

[lunchbreaks]

I will try my hardest, for whatever my word is worth to you.

[sauntered_downward]

I can do it myself.

[Still, he doesn't push Aziraphale away this time.]

[lunchbreaks]

I don't know why you keep insisting on putting weight on this leg.

[sauntered_downward]

Can't exactly fly everywhere I need to go.

[He gets as far as the couch, which he drops down onto heavily. It was a long walk back to the cabin.]

[lunchbreaks]

Well, why not?

I doubt anyone in the town hasn't seen us now.

[pure_havoc]

Actions, not words, good sir.

[he'll cool his anger for Aziraphale. The others, not so much.]

[sauntered_downward]

I don't think anyone did. [sniff] Except for the human soldier person, I'm sure he saw everything, but he already knows.

[lunchbreaks]

Do you just think everyone is blind? We did get pretty far.

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley shrugs]

You can tell everyone, if you like. I know you've wanted to.

[scarsolderthanyou]

I can try knocking a few down for you if that's what you want. I could get my tail around some of the littler ones and yank them out, probably.

[He's being helpful. This place is kind of boring, this sounds interesting.]

[lunchbreaks]

You know I don't like to lie when I don't have to.

[ And he's had to all these years, to Heaven. ]

[lunchbreaks]

Oh, yes. That would help a great deal, I think. I'll have to find a way to plane the logs, but I'm sure it can't be that difficult!

[scarsolderthanyou]

Just point me where you want me to pull things up, and when you want it by.

[It doesn't occur to him that the spirits might not like that much. This might require an exploration...]

[sauntered_downward]

[Crowley looks up at Aziraphale and gives him a small, fond smile.]

I know.

[lunchbreaks]

[ Yes I was thinking the same. ]

Yes, I will contact you!

[lunchbreaks]

Can I carry you to bed? Would you like me to read to you?

[sauntered_downward]

No, just...just give me a minute, I can walk it. I'll just need you to let me lean on you.

[lunchbreaks]

Alright.

[ He also takes a seat on the couch while he waits. ]