(Untitled)

[a_fell]

Stripes of wan sunlight paint the floor of the Prior's study and the antiquated heating system lets out the occasional clank and groan that interrupts the soft music that's playing; Bach, even after so long. He's not so set in his ways as he once was, certainly, but some traditions are worth maintaining

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[gabriel_tam]

It's early morning on Osiris, and Gabriel is beginning the day in his home office. With coffee at hand, he reviews the latest data reports, making note of this or that item in need of response as he reads.

The subdued chime signaling an incoming wave draws his attention, and he turns his chair to face the Cortex screen-- newly upgraded with advanced comm encryption, set to the highest available legal standard. It's expensive technology, but worth it, particularly now.

He touches 'accept', answering the screen with a cordial smile.

"Gabriel Tam."

[a_fell]

A second before Aziraphael looks up, seeming almost startled; he's still not quite used to the concept of technology doing what it is he wants. This is more, one could surmise, to do with the character of the angel than the technology that's available, since it's not as though he hasn't had the time to practice.

"Ni hao, Mr Tam. It's been a while."

[gabriel_tam]

"Prior Fell." Gabriel's smile warms, and his tone is one of pleased surprise. "Ni hao. I trust you're well?"

[a_fell]

"I'm rather known for it. I think the Shepherds resent me, rather, since there's something of an epidemic at present and I've caught not so much as a sniffle. The same can be said for you and your charming wife, I hope?"

His smile is more than merely polite; he rather likes Gabriel.

[gabriel_tam]

"I'm glad to hear it," he replies. "And certainly; Regan and I are both well, and I'll be sure to tell her that you asked after her."

Gabriel sets his papers aside and leans slightly back in his chair, focusing directly on the screen.

"Is there something I can help you with, Prior?"

[a_fell]

"I'm not much of a one for business, it must be said. I merely happened to catch sight of the news feeds one morning."

He's been watching rather more of the news than usual, of late, in fact.

"It reminded me that it's been entirely too long since we spoke, and I thought that a congratulatory message would do very nicely as a veiled apology for it." His smile widens. "Unfortunately I've never been terribly good at subterfuge."

[gabriel_tam]

A congratulatory message.

For all of his experience in maintaining a cordial business mien, he can't quite conceal the flicker of startled pleasure at this, especially in light of recent doubts expressed by one Kaylee Tam and subsequently wrestled with -- again-- in midnight's dark.

What matters now is what you do next.

"Really?" Gabriel smiles. "I'm very glad to hear that, as well. Xiexie ni; it's going to be quite a race, I think, but we believe it well worth the running."

[a_fell]

"I'll let you watch it all unfold on the Cortex newsfeeds, then" he'd said before, and Aziraphael has. Not just the conference, the oft-repeated soundbite of Crowley's familiar words, but the commentary, too. The reactions and the doubts, the beginnings of Alliance backlash and propoganda; slow-moving at first, as anything of such size will be, but... well. Gabriel Tam will need all the help he can get.

"Yes," he answers honestly, with conviction. "As do I."

[gabriel_tam]

There's a moment in which the flicker of relief in his expression might be plainly seen, and then Gabriel gives a small bow in the direction of the screen.

"It brightens my morning to hear such news, Prior; I hope that many more will come to feel as you do."

[a_fell]

"I'm sure many already do, although I confess you don't sound as sure as you might be." He smiles a little tentatively, almost certain they've yet to reach the point of confidences.

"Too many home truths, perhaps?"

[gabriel_tam]

"Well, it's early days yet," he prevaricates. "Opinion polls are just now being gathered to assess reaction to the official announcement."

Which is mixed, and highly controversial, as Gabriel knows full well.

[a_fell]

His smile twists ever so slightly, his voice dry.

"And the polls will be comprehensive, of course? Core planets, Alliance funded..."

[gabriel_tam]

"Our resources are concentrated most at present where there are the highest numbers of potentially eligible voters," he says carefully.

"Although I recognize that there are other regions that may be key and are certainly worthy of focused attention."

[a_fell]

"It's a new angle, certainly. One that could so easily be overlooked."

His voice is very light.

[gabriel_tam]

"That would be a shame," Gabriel replies. "Parliament is supposed to serve all of its citizens, both Core and Rim."

[a_fell]

Aziraphael nods slowly.

"Excuse me a moment."

A pause, as he goes to fetch his cup of tea, hands moving in patterns far too ingrained to disturb his train of thought; as he returns with his tea there's a slight frown on his face.

"I'll be interested to hear the results of these polls - I'd be most appreciative if you'd keep me - "

A pause, another sip of tea. The tension on his face eases.

"It's perhaps better that I wave you, in fact. I shouldn't like to miss the news."