(Untitled)

[hear_the_voices]

This is unexpected.

Anna stands in the middle of the bar, looking all around.

Things feel . . . off.

But she can't quite tell how, or how much of it is just normal end-of-the-universe interference with powers she hasn't had much call to use for the last couple decades.

Interesting.

Comments

[theunsmiling]

A woman seated several tables over -- dark hair, green eyes, jean jacket, red T-shirt -- looks up.

Her perusal of the newcomer-that-isn't lasts several seconds too long for mere human politeness.

There are reasons for that.

"Is this likely to be a harbinger, do you think?"

Inquiring minds want to know.

[hear_the_voices]

"Hard to say.

"Harbingers are so often only known in retrospect."

A pause, and then, "I remember you.

"Who never asked her father why He named her Michael."

[theunsmiling]

Michael does not smile.

"Curiosity was never my besetting vice."

It's a simple enough explanation that overlays a more complicated truth.

"Not that there are many who would disbelieve that."

She picks up her coffee cup, taking a long sip.

"Is forgetfulness yours?"

[hear_the_voices]

"No," Anna says.

"It would be a rather boring besetting vice, wouldn't it?"

She could lay claim to curiosity.

Disobedience is probably at the top of the list, though.

[theunsmiling]

"Mmm."

Michael's voice -- and her expression -- are very definitely non-committal.

"Not for the one who had it, I shouldn't think. Every day would be full of surprises. Goldfish, it is said, have a similar affliction. But at least they are rarely bored."

[hear_the_voices]

"And while surprises are not always pleasant, they cannot be said to be boring.

"Still, we are neither of us goldfish, are we?"

[theunsmiling]

Michael inclines her head ever so slightly, mouth pressed into a flat line.

"For the moment, at least."

Things change, given enough time.

(Or a good enough story.)

"I cannot see much reason for complaint."

[hear_the_voices]

"I do not believe that most creations who are not goldfish see much reason to complain about the fact."

[theunsmiling]

"Most creations who are not human see little reason to complain at all."

[hear_the_voices]

"Most, perhaps, but not all.

"Cats certainly have ways of making their displeasure known."

So do Angels.

[theunsmiling]

"My brother has certainly always been fond of them."

What that means for their creation is another story.

[hear_the_voices]

There is always another story.

"Am I meant to ask which brother?"

[theunsmiling]

"Do you need to?"

It's a fairly academic question, so far as that one goes.

Or at least it is in most of the stories.

One of Michael's brothers is far more famous than the rest.

[hear_the_voices]

And yet they are all extremely well known among those who know them.

And Anna does.

(Or did.)

Still . . .

"No, probably not."

[theunsmiling]

Michael merely nods.

"Here's where I should offer up a cutesy nickname, but I don't have much truck with those."

[hear_the_voices]

Anna almost laughs.

"For him or for yourself?

"Because, honestly, I'm having a hard time seeing either quite work."