(Untitled)

[gabriel_tam]

The hotel concierge had hastily arranged a private conference room for him, at least, but he's under no illusion that his own influence had anything to do with it. It's the fact that he's there as a special courier with an urgent message for Senator Gabriel Tam

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[a_fell]

The novice that answers the wave hesitates when he hears the name that Gabriel requests. He recovers quickly, though, and vanishes obediently to fetch the Prior. It's still a few minutes before Aziraphael shuffles into view, wearing a strange expression on his face. Those that know him might describe it as wild hope. Those that didn't might say it was mania. Regardless, it's vanished by the time he takes a seat in front of the screen and dismisses the novice with vague thanks.

"Gabriel," he says, voice a little creaky. "It's good to see you."

[gabriel_tam]

"You as well, Prior."

He hadn't missed the other's expression, or how it had changed when he'd seen who was waiting-- or who wasn't, rather.

Gabriel can feel his hopes trying to sink, and he forces himself to take a slow breath and not to jump to any unwanted conclusions.

"I'm sorry to disturb you."

[a_fell]

"No, no need to apologise," he says, waving a hand. "I'm afraid we're still floundering around in the Dark Ages here, as far as communication goes. It's not a necessity most of the time, you see."

He clears his throat, in the way that one does when recovering from a nasty cold.

"I hope you're well? Everything - things are going all right?"

[gabriel_tam]

"Wŏ hăo, yes, although..."

Carefully, so carefully.

"... I just received some troubling news."

A pause.

"More than troubling, really, if it were true."

[a_fell]

"Ah," he says, "yes." His hands fold into his lap; under the table, where they can't be seen, they tighten against each other until the knuckles show white.

"About Crowley. Rumours, I take it?"

[gabriel_tam]

"Something of the sort."

This time, the pause is much longer.

"They are just rumors... aren't they?"

[a_fell]

Aziraphael blinks a few times before he replies, but when he does his voice is more or less steady.

"I'm afraid not. The ship is gone. Crowley is... gone."

More blinking, then: "For now, that is. He'll eventually be back. He was discorporated."

The word sounds a little more sterile each time he says it. He's grateful for that.

[gabriel_tam]

No.

The word doesn't make it past his mind; Gabriel Tam is far too well trained in guarding his reactions for that. His reaction is only visible in the widening of his eyes and the sudden pallor of his skin.

"You're sure."

He's wrong. He has to be.

[a_fell]

Aziraphael's eyes lose just a little of their steady focus and he swallows, shaking his head minutely. It doesn't mean 'no.'

(he does not want to be alone)

"There was a Reaver attack. And a gun. He was shot, but--"

A shudder he's too tired to completely suppress.

"I'm certain, yes. I wish that I wasn't."

[gabriel_tam]

"Tiān xiăodé..."

Reavers.

Gabriel swallows, hard.

"I'm... I'm sorry to hear that."

Far more than the words themselves indicate, but the horrible, sick expression on his face may serve in their stead.

[a_fell]

Aziraphael nods, his eyes dropping momentarily to the rickety desk.

"You know, I believe that you really are," he says, lifting them again. "Crowley had such a surprising effect on people. It's quite remarkable."

Has, whispers his treacherous mind. Has an effect.

"Thank you," he adds.

[gabriel_tam]

"Of course."

The sentiment tastes like ashes in his mouth, but it's sincere all the same.

"Is there - is there anything I can do?"

[a_fell]

"I would suggest trying to keep the uproar on the political side manageable, but I have a feeling that's not going to be possible," he says, wry.

"Take care of yourself. That's what you can do."

[gabriel_tam]

"I'll do what I can, at any rate," Gabriel assures him. "You may be certain of that."

[a_fell]

"I know you will. And I'm grateful for that," he says.

"I suspect there will be others who need your support in the next few weeks; it's hit all of us rather hard. I'll be here, of course, if you -- any of you should need me."

[gabriel_tam]

"Dāngrán," he agrees. "And likewise; don't hesitate to wave me, Prior, if -- if there's anything."