The Impala
10 miles from Bobby's house
Sam had fallen asleep about 2 hours and 100 miles ago. It was sad to admit, but he and Dean often slept more soundly in the Impala than they did in actual beds. When he went to Stanford, Sam had a hard time falling asleep in a bed until he moved in with Jessica.
Sam shifted uncomfortably. Every time, he thought of Jessica, it hurt more than he could bear. He knew that he could have saved her and he didn't. Sam blamed himself every day for going off with Dean that weekend when he knew that Jessica was in danger. While Sam didn't want to admit it, Lucifer was right about one thing: Jessica was dead the minute Sam said hello to her.
"Do you really believe that Sam?" asked a compelling voice.
Sam turned and instantly saw that he was no longer asleep in the Impala. He was standing in the courtyard outside of the library at Stanford. It was the place where he and Jessica met for the first time. Instead of night, it was bright sunlight and Sam saw himself, six years ago, trying to work up the courage to talk to Jessica, but when she looked up at him, Sam lost his nerve and walked away. Even looking at the memory, Sam felt embarrassed. Behind him, he heard laughter.
"You were quite a geek in those days," said the voice which was now beside him, "Surprising for someone who hunted werewolves as a child."
Sam turned to the voice and saw it was man with brown hair, dark brown eyes and high cheekbones. Instantly, he knew this man was an angel. He couldn't say how he knew, but the man had the same smoothness and confidence that Sam had seen in Lucifer.
"Who are you?" asked Sam, poising himself for a fight. Yes, it was a dream, but Sam knew from his experience with African dream root that one could still die in dreams.
The angel smiled in amusement. "You don't have to worry Sam," The angel stretched his back and Sam could see his wings extend upward. "I would never hurt you," he paused and looked thoughtful, "not really."
"Michael," said Sam. "You're Michael."
"Very good," said Michael, "What gave it away?"
"You're kind of a dick," said Sam, "like your brother."
To his surprise, Michael didn't look offended, instead he smiled. "Yes, Lucifer and I were two of kind." He looked over at Sam. "We were close once, like you and Dean."
"Then Lucifer rebelled," said Sam, "and you kicked him out of heaven." Sam watched as his past life seemed to go by him as if it never really existed. "I've heard this story a million times."
"And it bears repeating," said Michael, "there is always a price to pay for rebellion." Michael gestured toward Jessica, who was still sitting on the courtyard bench reading when Dr. Olsen approached her for a friendly chat. "You discovered that when you left home, and if she doesn't listen to me, Dr. Olsen will discover the same."
"What about her?" asked Sam, still watching Jessica,
"She's a prophet," replied Michael, watching Sam.
Sam's attention finally turned to Michael. He was surprised. "You mean, she's like a prophet, like Chuck?"
Michael actually laughed out loud. "She's slightly more important Chuck." He gestured toward the professor who was now walking away from Jessica, who had gone back to reading. "She's helping everyone to understand how evil Lucifer really is."
"I don't think the world needs a college professor to tell them that," replied Sam.
"Of course they do," said Michael, "do you know how many people actually applauded what happened at Abu Gharib?" Or how many people think the Nazi's had the right idea?"
"Those people are far and few between" Sam pointed out, "No one takes them seriously."
"That's usually true," replied Michael, "until there is time of war, poverty and economic recession." Michael shook his head. "Then people will believe these fanatics because they need to believe that someone else, not themselves, is the cause of their problems."
Sam hated to admit it, but he had to agree. "That's how Hitler rose to power."
Michael nodded in agreement, "and people like Stalin, the Pol Pot regime, and Sarah Palin."
"Sarah Palin?" asked Sam, "She didn't even win the vice-presidency." He shook his head. "No one takes her seriously."
Michael grimaced. "Once people realize that the apocalypse is really happening, then Sarah Palin will be elected."
"President Obama's administration will never let that happen," said Sam.
"There will be an attack on the White House and the Senate by the Croatoans," said Michael. "Everyone who is a cabinet member, senator, the president and vice president will all be killed."
"Sarah Palin will become president?" said Sam unbelieving.
"That's what happens when you make a deal with Lucifer," said Michael.
Sam looked stunned. "I thought she was a big churchgoer."
Michael actually laughed out loud. "Churchgoers are usually the first to be seduced by power." He smiled. "Lucifer actually convinces her that she is doing the right thing by making the deal." "You know, saving America from the awful socialist regime."
Sam shook his head. It was all hard to believe, but he also knew from history and from his own experience that during times of desperation people will do and say anything.
"What does this have to do with me?" asked Sam. "Why have you brought me back to this point in time?"
"Look," said Michael, pointing toward Jessica.
Sam looked over and saw Dean talking to Jessica. He was shocked. He had never introduced Dean or his father to Jessica prior to her death. Dean was pouring on the charm and handed Jessica a piece of paper. Sam was uncertain whether to feel jealous or not. Jessica never mentioned meeting Dean before that fateful weekend. Why wouldn't she?
"Don't worry Sam," said Michael, sounding amused, "Dean gave Jessica your phone number."
"What?" said Sam, "Why would he do that?"
"Because, despite what you may have believed," said Michael, "your father and brother really did care about you." "They often came to Stanford to check on you."
Sam fell silent. He looked over at Jessica. Dean was gone, and Jessica was looking at his phone number thoughtfully. Then, she reached into her purse and grabbed her cell phone. Looking at the sheet of paper in her hand, she dialed the number on it and waited. Then she began speaking. Sam smiled painfully.
"That was our first conversation," said Sam, "we agreed to meet in this courtyard."
He looked at Michael. "You still haven't told me why you are showing me this."
"You needed to see how important Dean was to your life and happiness," said Michael, "You needed to see this to see this to save Dean from Dr. Olsen." He paused. "She's become another Sarah Palin; someone who believes that ends justify the means."
"What do you mean?" said Sam, and suddenly, he was moved through time to the future. He saw Dr. Olsen holding a gun and standing over Dean. Dean's eyes were wide open and he appeared to have a gunshot wound to his chest. Dr. Olsen's eyes were wide open with triumph and Lucifer was standing beside her looking pleased. As fast as it had come, the scene was gone and Sam was standing back in Stanford's courtyard.
"Dr. Olsen has come to sympathize with Lucifer," said Michael, "She will harm Dean if she gets a chance." Michael looked at Sam directly in the face. "You cannot let her have that chance.
Sam feared losing his brother more than anything. Losing Dean the first time led Sam down a dangerous path of destruction. Now that his brother was back and their relationship was on the mend, Sam knew that he couldn't allow anything to happen to Dean, no matter the consequences.
"What do you want me to do?" asked Sam, his voice becoming weak.
"Keep an eye on her," said Michael, "keep her at Bobby's house until I can talk to her."
Suddenly, Sam woke up. He looked over at Dean.
"You okay," said Dean, "You were talking in your sleep again."
"About what," asked Sam with a smirk, "Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie."
"Neither," said Dean quietly, "it was Jessica and me." For once, Dean actually looked uncomfortable. "Look Sam, I was just checking on you; I saw that you liked this girl, and I wanted you two to get together."
Sam smiled. "You know something?" he said. "That was probably the most romantic thing you have ever done in your life."
"Yeah," said Dean with a wry smile, "don't tell anyone."
Afterward, the brothers rode in silence until they reached Bobby's house. Castiel and Bobby were sitting on the front porch waiting for them.