In this story, I thought Michael cut himself off from the rest of the Host after the Fall. He's been pouring over the plans from his war room and directing all the hands of fate for God's design through Raphael. In every spare minute he wanders the universe in search of God. The fact He is gone is a closely guarded secret until the events of the apocalypse.

Michael delegated all the field work to Raphael and trusted him to report back with the outcome. His memory of the Earth, the Host, and his brothers is a moment stuck in time, so it's a shock the first time he sees Gabriel and how far he's come. Michael plans to discuss it with Raphael, but observes him at work and is again surprised how much Raphael has also changed. Raphael acts differently when he doesn't think Michael's around, but Michael can't fault the effectiveness of his methods.

Without God or any of his brothers to consult, Michael has to turn inwards with his questions. He can't trust anyone else. It's the first time he's had to do it, so he was bound to come up with some shaky answers.