BASED ON ERIC KRIPKE'S "SUPERNATURAL". ALL COPYRIGHTED CHARACTERS AND STORYLINES BELONG TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNERS.

CHAPTER X: NEW COMMAND

While heavy rain cloud make the night even darker, a foot chase goes on the deserted sidewalk of the city. An individual runs from a mysterious follower, trying to reach a designated safe ground. Realizing he's exhausted, he figures it is a great time to hide. He goes into a back alley and enters a dumpster. Inside, the stench of garbage disgusts him but there is no other option. Suddenly he hears footsteps, harder and harder, as if they were approaching. From an opening of the dumpster, he notices his follower walking past his hiding place and moving on. When he feels the ghost is clear, he reaches to get out but the one who chases him appears again, watching him through the same dumpster opening. Knowing he will not escape, he decides to send a transmission.

"This is Loriel! Emergency 1 confirmed. Execute extreme caution. I repeat: emergency 1 confirmed … aaaaaaaa …"

Castiel is in Michael's office, now his, and is admiring its interior. Too large bookcases filled with scrolls coming from all of Earth's history, extend themselves behind the desk. Along side the parchments are old books, especially in Latin. Michael loved reading them over and over; it gave him small glimpses of relaxation. Beyond the books are displayed on special panels on the wall, different types of weapons. From swords to daggers to modern human equipment like an M4A1 or a M40 sniper rifle, the former leader of the Heavenly Host taking his rank as general very seriously. A large couch is set in a corner, facing a 65 inch plasma. On the other end of the office lies a giant desk, surrounded by multiple filing cabinets and the bookcases. Cas places his palm on the desk and walks it until he reaches the chair. Sitting down, he is both surprised and amazed of the exciting yet demanding new part of his existence.

His solitude is cut short by Adriel's appearance. The dominion drops several files on his desk and is on a bit of a talking frenzy:

"Ok, so there you have all the reports on angels who are in heaven and on Earth. You have all the major garrisons displayed with the personnel who remained behind." Castiel tries to keep up with him but is unable to do so. Adriel continues: "Also, since there is no board you'll have to establish a new one and review staff leaders on every floor. Oh and its Deborah's birthday. She goes to 500.000 today and she invited you. Now I am an expert in things like these. Just say the word and I'll cook up a lie…"

Castiel however points his view to a file that draws his attention. In it there are several reports about missing angels from garrisons across the US.

"What about this?" he asks the dominion.

"Yes, I've wanted to talk to you about that. Our guys on Earth are starting to disappear."

Thinking the ones responsible for this are the same ones who sent that team, he orders Adriel to announce that every angel who came in heaven, answering the horn's call must return to their posts at once. All garrisons must be on full alert. A new battle is about to begin.

But before that, Castiel must set up his personal staff, a new board of directors. Who better to occupy this position than his team? He calls everyone to the conference room and announces the good news. Flattered, each one accepts, only Noria shows doubts. Catching her alone, Cas tries to convince her.

"I don't know Castiel … I didn't fit in the last time I worked here at Command. And I'm okay with my current job."

"You're part of the team too Noria. You shouldn't be away. Especially when I need you."

Touched by Castiel's arguments, she begs time to reconsider. Cas agrees. However, suspecting that she still may refuse, he must get someone of her gender to talk to her. Who other than Ellen. Summoning her in his office, she quickly heeds his call and arrives shortly after.

Expecting her, the new general looks around the room to check if everything is all right. He sees a pillow slightly turned to the side and straightens it up. Having second thoughts, he curves it to the side thinking it is better this way. Then he changes his mind and straightens it up again. When Ellen knocks and enters his office, he panics and throws it past his shoulder.

"You wanted to see me Castiel?" she inquires while slipping a smile from her lips.

"Yes … I did" he says with recognizable fear in his voice. That fear turns to surprise when Ellen approaches him and starts kissing him. "You like this Cas? I know you want me." Afterwards she begins to undress, revealing her cleavage to him. Castiel develops a smirk. "Castiel?" she starts calling for him. "Castiel? ... Castiel!"

Cas notices Ellen standing at the door and asking if he summoned her. He realizes it was only a daydream and, quickly returning to reality, invites her to sit down. Thank God she's not strong enough to read his mind. He still feels strange sensations though when being around her. After he sits down too, because of standing so close to her, he forgets the reason he sent for her and remains quiet. Finding the silence awkward, Ellen looks at her boss and politely demands to know why she was called.

"Right" Castiel breaks his mouth lock "I want you to talk to Noria and convince her to accept the job."

"She did seem a bit off when you told her. Why are you asking me?"

"Because I thought … I don't know … you know each other" Castiel struggles to explain that he desires a woman to woman talk.

Despite the fact that she and Noria met not too long ago, Ellen understands what the general is talking about. And besides, Noria stood by her side all the time through Selaphiel's battle. She owes her and must do something for the seraphim manager in return.

"Ok, consider it done" Ellen says while getting up and leaving. While walking to the door, Castiel again stares at her but. After he remains alone, he places his hand on his forehead only to find huge amounts of sweat. "Great" he tells to himself.

Ellen teleports herself again to the Celestial Palace. Reaching Noria's office, she is welcomed like every time with great pleasure. As they sit down and drink a cup of tea, the two start to discuss. The host begins.

"So what brings you to my little old den?"

"What? I can't visit my friend and co-worker?"

"Right. Castiel sent you to talk me into taking the job, didn't he?" Noria correctly guesses Ellen's intentions.

"Yeah. What do you think of him anyway?"

"Who? Castiel? I think he's gone through a lot. He rebelled; he fought in the Apocalypse and at the Battle of Armageddon on the humans' side and won. He saved both them and us countless times and now he's our new general. I think that says it all. What do you think?"

"I think he may be good for us."

"That's it?"

"Well what do you want me to say? I don't know him. I knew the old Castiel but this one is completely different. I only believe in facts and so far, he proved himself right. Beyond that, remains to be seen."

"Aren't you the feisty one! How are things with Selaphiel?"

"They're good" Ellen says with a smile while Noria ironically repeats her and laughs, suggesting that she is lying. "Ok maybe they're very good but I don't know … sometimes I fell like he locks himself inside and keeps it in there, hurting himself."

"Maybe he's been through a lot! You got to give him more time. He'll come clean."

"All right enough about me! Let's talk you."

"What do you want to know?"

"Are you currently interested in someone?"

"No!" Noria answers with a grin.

"You are such a liar!"

They both laugh, having a good time together.

"No, now seriously" Ellen states "are you going to take the job?"

"I don't know. I need time to think."

"Look, I don't want to sound rude here but don't you think it would be a great opportunity? I don't pretend to know what happened in the past but now, it's something special, worth taking a chance. Think about that!"

Belial lies on the table in the demon gathering room in hell. Malakay walks in but is not minded by the beast. "Belial" he cries for attention.

"What?" the demon says with a groan.

"We have them."

"Good. Proceed with the spell!"

"Yes sir. You just stay right there!" Malakay whispers as not to be heard.

"What was that Malakay?"

"I said we have everything under control!"

"You wouldn't insult me now would you Malakay?" the creature asks while getting down from the table and approaching the other, who feels his heart pump faster out of fear. "Cause if you would, very unpleasant things will happen to you."

"I understand Belial!"

Watching Malakay leave, the beast realizes he will have problems with respect. At least they're following his orders. "Soon my dear celestials" he says with guile, leaning down the table again "soon…"