Gratitude Will Suffice

Wernher Gauss paused outside the jade door and held up a hand, waving off his entourage of Streamer bodyguards. Sensing no fluctuations within the Imminent-Threat-Matrix, the guards reluctantly stood aside as the Archduke gripped the doorknob and entered the room.

Inside, Oscar Angeles was pacing nervously, half-dressed in a black tuxedo, the formal tie hanging loosely from his neck. The back of the tuxedo shirt had been carefully cut and hemmed to accommodate his large, feathery wings. The angel turned and let out a sigh of relief, “Thank God, Gauss. This was starting to feel like Wendauer all over again.”

“Well, I was on the way to discuss a peace accord with Prinzip Uziel, but what’s another couple hours of galactic hostilities?”

Oscar frowned, loathe to think his demand for answers to unyielding questions could be the single cause for extending the duration of a war that was affecting millions.

Gauss continued, “Did you find anything on your soul-searching trip?” The dragon nodded in the direction of Sister Assumpta who was tending to the semi-catatonic Green-Haired Witch.

“Long story,” Oscar replied, apparently missing the subtext of Gauss’ question, “I promise I’ll tell everyone later. Is Vinny alright?”

“For somebody about to get married to the ruler of a Kingdom of blood-thirsty cannibal tribes, he’s fine. It’s Vinny, after all.”

“Of course. What about Jon? The palace computer can’t seem to find him.”

“Nobody can,” Gauss crossed his arms, “He’s not dead, just missing.”

Assumpta looked over at Gauss, concern flooding her eyes.

“The best agents under the Empire's command are looking. When they know something, I’ll know. Until then, there’s no reason to worry or panic, though I doubt anything I say can keep you from doing both.”

Assumpta looked at the floor, lost in thought. Oscar stared at Gauss for a moment, then nodded in acceptance, “Is Miriam with him?”

“Nanogirl is currently in the custody of that mad space pirate Valendil, but I wouldn’t worry about her, either. She’s a tough AI—she can take care of herself.”

Oscar sighed, sitting heavily in a nearby chair, “Well, is there anything I can do to help?”

“Yeah,” Gauss said, walking over and clapping a hand heavily on Oscar’s shoulder, “Have a drink and relax, because you look like shit.”

Gauss turned to exit the room. His hand was on the doorknob when the angel spoke, “Gauss?”

The dragon turned his head slightly over his shoulder and Oscar continued, “After Jon saved your life, you said you owed him a wish.”

“That’s correct.”

“Do you recall the time you saved my life when I nearly drowned on that planet?”

Gauss closed his eyes, not liking where this inquiry was going, “Of course.”

“What do I owe you in return?”

Gauss sighed, “As you well know, we dragons are far superior to you mortals in every way. If I were a traditionalist, I’d say you’d owe me your life or at least your unwavering devotion. But seeing as you and I are on more familiar terms with each other, I think your gratitude will suffice.”

A moment passed before Oscar looked up at Gauss, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Gauss replied and he exited the room, closing the door gently behind him.

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