Chapter 14.
"I don't mean to question your ineffableness." said Crowley to Jack.
"Then kindly don't." said Cas, automatically leaping to Jack's defence, although he knew the new god had no need of his protection.
"It's fine." said Jack, "Question everything. That's what you're here for."
"Do you think my mother is exactly the right person to be in control of Hell? I mean, I don't want the job and I'm not saying she isn't an effective ruler, but she is a little ... how shall I put it? Power-crazed? There's just a chance that she'll be less interested in your plans than in a power grab that could make my little play for Purgatory look like kids scrabbling for crayons at a daycare."
"It already did look a little like that." said Cas.
Crowley glared at him. "What and yours didn't?"
"We talked about this before." said Bobby, "The past is the past. We're all on the same team now."
Crowley was about to argue, but he saw as clearly as Cas did the look in Jack's eyes, which suggested that an insult to Bobby would not be wise.
"You're right." said Crowley, "My apologies. However, my point stands. Rowena MacLeod is too fond of power."
"She loves power." said Jack, "Those who have been powerless sometimes go a little too far in loving what power they can take."
"So you see the problem?" said Crowley.
"It's not a problem," said Jack, "Rowena wants power and influence and to do things no-one has ever done before. My plans to reform Hell need someone strong and capable and willing to do things nobody has ever done before."
"She's embittered, vengeful and capable of anything." said Crowley.
"These are all qualities you share." said Jack.
"I don't deny it." said Crowley, "I confess, I wonder whether you're wise to trust me, too."
"Why wouldn't I trust you?" said Jack, "You're one of the most honest people I have ever met. Plus, Dean likes you and he is a very good judge."
"He actually said he likes me?" said Crowley.
"With Dean, actions speak louder than words." said Jack.
"You clearly haven't heard some of his louder words." said Crowley.
"Maybe you didn't witness some of his more eloquent actions." said Jack.
"Well, I know how he feels about me." said Meg, "But I don't care. I like him anyway, mainly because I know where I stand with him. I think Sam likes me a little bit, even though he hates that he likes me." She smiled at Cas, "And you, Cas, you really like me a lot."
"Yes, I do. I always will." said Cas.
She gave Jules a cooler look. "But you like her more."
"He likes me differently." said Jules.
"And more." said Meg.
"Don't be so needy!" said Crowley, "You think any demon matters to an angel?"
"You both matter." said Cas.
"You both matter to me, too." said Jules.
"Folly on your part." said Crowley, "That little whore would slit your throat soon as look at you."
"Don't call her that." said Jules.
"What would you prefer? Perfidious strumpet?"
"Use her name." said Jack.
"Which one?" said Crowley.
"Meg. It's a short name, uncomplicated." said Jack, "She calls you Crowley."
"She calls me a lot of things."
"You call me Meg, I'll call you Crowley." she said.
"Why are you trying to seem reasonable in front of him?" said Crowley, "He knows what you are. He knows everything."
"I know what you both are and why." said Jack, "I chose to bring you both out of the Empty."
"You offered to make that angel human, I hear you sent Raphael to Hell in human form, yet we're both still demons." said Crowley.
"Do you want to be mortal?" said Jack.
"I don't know. I do know I want a chance at redemption."
"And you have it. It doesn't matter what you are. It only matters what you do. If you seek redemption, you will find it."
"What if we fail?" said Meg.
"Failure is a single action, not an eternal sentence." said Jack, "We all fail, all the time. When you fail, try again."
"Endless fresh chances?" said Crowley.
"As long as you keep trying, yes." said Jack, "The battle isn't over until our side wins."
Cas smiled to himself. That was something Dean often said. He felt he had been less influential on the kid than Cas and Sam, but the truth was that Jack often quoted him.
Bobby sat down at his desk. "Do we have any plans for Purgatory yet?" he said.
Jack and Cas exchanged glances. Cas wasn't sure why he wanted it left alone for now, but Jack seemed to be fine with that. "It's not a priority." said Jack.
"And the Empty still ain't close to empty." said Bobby.
"Wasn't that place going to be destroyed?" said Crowley.
"There are decisions yet to be made." said Jack.
"Such as?" said Crowley.
"Such as Ruby. I need to talk to Sam about her and now is not the time."
"Don't want to rake up his demon lover now he and the little spitfire are expecting the arrival of my godchild?" said Crowley.
"Like they'd ever let you near it!" said Meg.
"Sam practically promised me the role." said Crowley.
"I don't think he did." said Jules.
"Well, he will. Small Winchester Number One is going to need some strong protection."
"Obviously," said Meg, "He and Dean will want Ruby obliterated, just like Lucifer. if I were you, I'd just do it and tell him about it when he asks."
"Yes, well, fortunately, you are not currently God." said Crowley.
Jack smiled at her. "But you are on his team." he said.
Meg looked triumphantly at Crowley.
"I need to discuss Ruby with Sam and there is plenty of time for that, but it won't be today. Today, let Sam enjoy his happiness."
"Amen!" said Jules, "He and Eileen need this."
Jack walked over to Cas. While the others were discussing the coming child, he said, "There is also the matter of Rachel. Her reasons were good, but she did try to kill you."
"She was right to do so. I would have done the same. I have done the same, countless times." said Cas, "Restore her to life and tell her I am truly sorry."
"Do you want to be there when I go to find her?" said Jack.
"No, I would prefer not to be there."
"As you wish." said Jack.
"But if she needs me to apologise in person, we can meet in Heaven."
Jack nodded. They looked over to the others.
"Sam's child." said Crowley, "You can bet the first word it learns will be 'No!'"
"I don't know," said Meg, "I might teach it to say, 'Screw you, Crowley.'" She glanced at Jack, "Hey, Jack, you ever wish you had kids?"
Jack smiled his sweetest, most innocent smile and said, "Sometimes, I feel I have billions of them."