free will is a length of rope.

[ Cas's voice is quiet; even so, he sounds somewhat urgent. ]

I don't have much time. Dean, Sam and I are leaving soon to attempt to rescue their half-brother Adam from where the angels hold him. However, I...

[ there's a slight hesitation, but he presses on. ] I'm unsure of what will happen once we leave. He will be guarded, and Dean... [ a slight sigh, as his tone becomes more dull: ] Dean does not seem less intent on giving himself up to Michael. I don't know what will happen. But as this community is determined recently to broadcast my every action, [ said sourly ] I thought I had better anticipate it.

I would prefer it if none of you were alarmed, but it's... possible that I may not contact any of you for some time. Rory, if I could trouble you to watch River as much as you're able, that would give me some peace of mind. River... please don't worry. I'll be fine.

[ an awkward pause, and then he seems to audibly rally himself. ] I must go. Be safe.

[ and with that, he's gone. because he really sucks at goodbyes. ]

[ The place: Serenity. The person: a newly world-hopped, currently invisible-to-human-eyes angel of the Lord looking for his friend. It's probably a good thing that Castiel still has the ability to hide himself from people's view when he wants to. From what River's said before, he doubts the rest of the crew would be best pleased at finding a mysterious stranger looking to talk to River on the ship.

Does Castiel even know what he's going to try and do here, or even if he can do anything? The answer to that would be a resounding no, but he's not going to let that stop him from showing up anyway. Anyone who has a problem with that isn't going to be met with much patience.

In all honesty, he doubts anything he could do or say could make this better. He's not stupid. But River's his friend, and even if sitting quietly so she's less alone is the only thing that can be done, it's... well. It's something.

After checking that Simon isn't around, because that would make for some awkward explanations, he makes himself visible again. ]

... Hello River.