one.”
O’Leary stared at her. “So this is the new Vatican, the center of a new religion?”
“And of the synthesis of many old ones. I hardly think the Pope will come, but one may hope. At least I believe this form will give them a familiar anchor to Heaven. And one day, when all things are possible, we will restore this world to its pre-Maker state, and perhaps before I die, I might well be able to step into a true atmosphere and fly once more.”
Ming and Ari looked out the window at the dark and desolate landscape and could not imagine it.
“You are welcome to stay and be a part of God’s new plan,” Angel told them.
O’Leary cleared his throat. “I think not. I think I’d like to get back to taking on evil on a smaller, more direct scale. And I wouldn’t mind having a couple of very sexy partners with me in that, particularly ones that had an independent annuity!”
“I will give a hyperspace call for a private transport,” Angel told them. “Please, though, return often and tell me of your adventures!”
Ming smiled. “I promise. If you keep the master bedroom private and don’t get so holy you disconnect the bar.”
“For you, there will always be one special place here. That I promise.”
Ming sighed. “How long before we have a hope of being picked up?”
“Oh, probably a week, perhaps a bit more,” Angel told her. “There used to be wall-to-wall patrols here, but it’s a deserted neighborhood now. I’ll change that, though.”
Ming looked at O’Leary. First at his eyes, then his biceps, then lower. “Can we have that room until then, at least? And a little bit of privacy?”
“Of course. All you wish I will provide here so long as you need it.”
“How ’bout it, O’Leary? It’s been a real long time.”
Genghis O’Leary laughed. “Well, now, how can an old snake like me turn down an offer like that? After you!”
They both walked down toward the living quarters as Angel began to methodically disassemble the Straight Gate, hopefully for good.
Ari looked at Angel, at the hall, and at the receding couple, and sighed.
“What the hell,” she said to herself in a low tone. “Wouldn’t be the first or last time I got screwed by a cop.”
