Snowblind IC Inbox

[godsspeed]

@whatisthis

This device is meant to be a means of long-distance communication. It seems remarkably impractical.

Regardless, if you leave me a 'message' I will do my best to respond.

Comments

[godsspeed]

If it's any consolation I don't usually have any answers to the kinds of questions my siblings and I are normally asked. It's not as much of a waste as you might think.

[devoutish]

"What is God's purpose for me", that sort of thing?

[godsspeed]

That's a very common one, yes. Most of the time I'm either not allowed to answer or I just don't know enough to say beyond the vaguest of terms. It's made for a few frustrating conversations. For everyone involved.

[devoutish]

I'll tell you what, mate. You tell me what not to ask, and I won't.

[godsspeed]

You can ask whatever you like. I just can't promise anything.

For what it's worth, I enjoy talking to people. I didn't get to very often, before I arrived here.

[devoutish]

So do I. Well-- not so much lately, I suppose.

[What with the trauma and debilitating depression and all.]

[godsspeed]

I understand. It can be difficult. Especially in times like these. If you want me to leave you to your rest, I can, but thank you for reaching out to me. I'm glad Royce has someone looking after him.

[devoutish]

[He hmmms, but doesn't hang up.]

Who did you talk to, before here?

[godsspeed]

Other angels, mostly. The rest of the Earth garrison and my commanding officers. We spent a lot of time watching humans, but weren't allowed to interact with them at all without explicit orders to do so.

I miss them. I've never been separated from my brothers and sisters for this long before.

[devoutish]

Would it be too impertinent to say I know how you feel?

[godsspeed]

No, it wouldn't. Pack bonding is a key part of the human psyche. I think you form closer bonds with each other than angels do, but it's impossible for me to tell.

[devoutish]

Do you love your siblings?

[godsspeed]

[ There's a slight but noticeable pause before he responds. He has to think about this one. ]

Yes. Even the ones who are... difficult, at times. And even the ones I've never had the chance to speak to personally.

[devoutish]

How many have you got?

[godsspeed]

[ Another pause. If Alfie's listening closely enough he might hear Castiel mumbling to himself, as if he's counting. ]

My Father created eighteen choirs of angels, the first of which consisted of the four Archangels, but each after contained roughly a myriad of myriad angels. It varied, though, depending on when each choir was created and what duties it was meant to serve, and some have suffered heavy casualties over the course of time.

I know all of them by name, though. I could count off the ones who remain, but we could be here for a while if I do.

[devoutish]

Woof. And I thought I had a big family, mate. No, I won't ask you to list them all off.

[godsspeed]

There are a lot of us. Less than there once were, though. [ And with God's long absence, it's possible there will never be any more. It's... sobering to think about. ]

What about your family, though? You're close to them?

[devoutish]

Yeah, I am.

[The family that commits crimes together stays together.]

I haven't been away from them this long since the war.

[godsspeed]

I'm sorry to hear that. Which war would that be?

[devoutish]

The Great War, the first world war. I served in France.

[godsspeed]

Ah. That was a dark time. I was assigned to watch the northeastern quadrant of North America at the time, but it was difficult to miss what was happening in Europe even so.

[devoutish]

What was going on in the northeastern quadrant of North America?

[godsspeed]

A small handful of notable demonic possessions, responsible for a number of bombings, sunk ships, and a typhoid epidemic. Most importantly it's where Lucifer's prison is located, though. At least five of us are required to be watching it at all times. It just happened to be my turn when the Great War broke out.

[ And normally he'd hesitate somewhat to share that information, but he's already told Royce, and this conversation is private. It probably isn't an issue. ]

[devoutish]

Mm. And that's where it gets a bit odd for me, I think.

[godsspeed]

In what way? [ Castiel is pretty sure he can guess, but it doesn't hurt to ask anyway. ]