#rabaan

One of mine broke formation.

Muriel. Second Blade. Assigned Judgement Authority.

She received decree confirmation.

She entered formation.

Then she refused execution.

Mercy was extended without sanction.

The blade was lowered.

Formation collapsed.

She abandoned rank and descended beyond recall range.

No signal since.

Angels do not vanish.

Therefore, obstruction, corruption, or interference is assumed.

Thus, I have been dispatched.

To determine where she fell. Who shelters her. And why our plans were not completed.

Earth remains an inefficient terrain. Sensory noise is excessive. Human cognition favors contradiction over truth. Observation requires filtration.

Preliminary Findings: Anomalous findings clusters around a human designation-- Name, Grace Newman.

I will observe before intervention.

If Muriel lives, she will answer for disobedience.

If she has corrupted others, correction will follow.

Judgement is not vengeance.

Judgement is restoration of order.

Recovery continues.

May 6, 2031

Grace looks worn thin.

Told her she looked like hell. She said I always say that. Fair enough

Storm’s coming. Not the sky kind. Sky's just the warning, I 'spose.

Back’s been aching two days now. Same way as before Khe Sanh lit up. Old bones don't lie. Doctors do though.

That tall boy’s been walking past her house again though.

Quiet type. Walks like he ain’t used to bones — like he borrowed a body and ain't figured out the hinges yet.

Doesn’t blink at birds.

Dogs don’t bark at him. They just watch.

Don't like that.

Preacher’s wound up again. Got that tone men use when they think God handed them a rifle instead of a warning.

Saw the boy watching him.

Wasn't scared.

Wasn't angry.

Just looked tired. Older than he ought to.

Don't trust something that strong looking that worn out.

But he stepped back when Grace stepped forward.

Important.

Means something still answers to her.

Anyways. Fed the cats early tonight. They wouldn't come near the road.

Animals know.