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

[savingthrows]

[ Eleven looks a little thoughtful at that, then nods. ]

Steve protects. Tries to. Nancy is... Mike's sister.

[ And that just makes her look sad again. ]

Mike is. Was. My boyfriend.

[lunchbreaks]

Oh.

[ He frowns sharply and places an assuring hand on Eleven's shoulder. ]

Then we will have to get you back expeditiously, as I'm sure he misses you dearly.

[ She's so young, it kills him a little. ]

[savingthrows]

[ Her jaw works for a moment, clenching and relaxing. She talked to Peter about Mike, but the emotion still sits in her throat, makes it harder to swallow. ]

He... didn't want me to. Go after the Mind Flayer. I heard him tell Max... he can't lose me. Because of love. But I went anyway. And the Mind Flayer... ended me.

[ She tucks a strange of her behind her ear, vision blurring a little. ]

I dumped his ass. Max said I could take him back. But... I'm here.

[ She looks up then, so much sadder than a child her age should have to be. ]

What's... expectliciously?

[ Not even close. Not even a little.

But oh boy, does she try. ]

[lunchbreaks]

It means... as soon as possible.

And-- if you dumped him, it won't mean he doesn't miss you.

[ What a complicated situation for such a young girl. And what on Earth is a Mind Flayer?

If she does start to cry, he'll be here to wipe away her tears with his thumb. ]

[savingthrows]

[ Eleven nods and puts her hands on her hips, trying to work through the emotions and get them calmed down again.

After a moment she huffs out a small laugh. ]

Peter... said that, too. About Mike.

[ And she smiles at Aziraphale. It's a bit wobbly and watery, but it's a smile. Small victories and all that. Eleven is rather proud for not breaking down again like she did on Peter. ]

[lunchbreaks]

[ Oh, it's alright. He would let her cry it out. ]

Well, that's very smart.

You're a very special girl, and doubtless it's why you've caught his attention.

Let's just worry about getting you back, yes? And you can worry about what you're going to do when you get back later.