"Now I know upgrading the security system is a good idea," there was not
malice in his voice, just a statement of fact. Whatever or whoever this was
had slipped through unnoticed by the sensors.
NM:
Michael smiled and pointed to the painting by way of greeting "Oh I don't
doubt it, Doctor Rayne and Julia will undoubtedly make this place more
secure than.. what is it, 'Fort Knox'? This artist got the eye color all
wrong but other than that it looks like me, but darned if I remember posing
for it."
He bent his knees a little and read the name to himself and shrugged, still
unable to place it in terms of having posed for the artwork before looking
back at Rayne and straightening "Not to worry though, I've been here,
watching over those that Julia was to guard while she rested. Now that
she's up and running I can give her back her charges and step back until
needed again."
Michael looked at the other man, thoughtful as he commented "She's
something... unique even in our realm. I swear you're the only one I've
seen yet that's met her level of..... shall we say persistence?"
He turned back to the window he had been looking out of when Kat and Julia
had been playing "Such an old spirit and yet... still maintains the youth
and even, in a way, an innocence about her even after everything she's
experienced and seen in both realms."
He looked back at Derek and flashed a quit but solemn smile "I envy you as a
mortal in a way. And yet you confused me too."
He turned to regard the man standing beside the bookcase for a long moment,
leaning his back against the window frame and arms crossed casually "Did
you know that mortals are the only ones allowed to lay eyes on the Grace of
God? Have the most opportunities to accept Gifts he offers...... and yet
for some strange alien reason turn Him down, only to regret what could have
been after it has been withdrawn. Mourn it even, and then feel burdened,
saddened."
"We have to approach Him with our eyes covered, to look upon Him would Blind
us and more. Don't get me wrong," Michael pointed out with a smile that
showed how much he felt for the One he served "It's an honor to serve Him
and I wouldn't trade it for anything anyone had to offer. And looking at
those like Julia..... well it makes the rewards of having to fight evil all
the more greater - clich� not intended."
He paused for a moment, looking at Derek for an answer "Why do mortals do
that? Turn away gifts offered them?"
