Mario snapped back, “I sure as hell will. I’ll kill you then.”

Somehow Joey had passed beyond fear. “Good for you. That’s the spirit. No need to be scared.”

Like a little child Mario yelled, “I’m not scared.”

Hearing Mario rattled, Joey smiled again. A genuine smile. He said only “Good,” and walked off to his room.

It wasn’t until a few hours later that it really hit him. Tomorrow he was going to fight for his life. Mario might be many things, but he knew flintlock guns much better than Joey. This might be his last night alive. Somehow that didn’t help him sleep. But he needed to sleep, because his dreams had something to do with inter-universal travel, or at least hopefully they did, because the alternative was worse.

He remembered Emerald’s earlier words to the other members of the Green Alliance. So elders in this other universe were somehow supposed to care enough to send messages home, and then elders from the home universe would communicate with this one, and …

It had sounded better when Emerald was saying it, but it hadn’t been completely convincing even then. He tried to imagine what Emerald might have in mind, less because he was confident that it would work, than because if he couldn’t fall asleep perhaps Emerald might be able to. Tomorrow would be even worse without sleep.

Johnny’s boss turned towards him. “You’ve probably heard that a few people needed psychiatric care after meeting an Angel, and a couple haven’t been seen since. You don’t have to do this.”

Austin’s voice turned hard. Even though Johnny had blocked himself from seeing Austin’s true face, he could imagine the mask dropping. He told the badger, “Shut up.”

Floyd replied, “You said you wouldn’t bring anyone who didn’t want to go.”

The hard flat voice said, “Nobody said you could suggest refusing to someone who didn’t express the idea themselves first.”

John E. broke in. “Send me if he doesn’t want to go. I’ll do better anyhow.”

Johnny had heard stories of people who had met the Angels being treated as their representatives, of their being treated with great respect and put on the fast track. Since few people met these anonymous stockholders, it was hard to argue with them. Until now Johnny had thought these to be absurd rumors – but he had thought the same about Phillip and the mental hospital.

Austin said, “No you won’t. Angel Green River Friend has not asked to meet you. Apart from anything else, you’re tinted blue.”

Nobody else seemed to find that last sentence odd, and Austin was still speaking. He said, “John E., you may go now.”

His eyes flicked back and forth between John E. and the door, making it clear he meant now. John E. flushed, but got up and left.

Austin continued, “If the panel anticipates a problem, that would be different. Nobody wants that. Show of hands.”

Everybody except Johnny seemed to know what he was talking about. All the other hands except Floyd’s went up.

Something strange was happening. Johnny felt his heart beating faster, but tried to keep his voice level. “Is there any way I can find out what we’re talking about before I decide?”

The lizard head shook back and forth. “No. Only one of the Angels is allowed to explain it to you. Floyd may have learned things over the years, despite having refused to meet an angel, but nobody is allowed to tell you anything.”

Johnny’s head was swimming. Floyd had been asked to meet … who or what?

Austin continued, “And you must decide now. I don’t want anyone to get themselves in trouble by trying to tell you more that they’re allowed to. The Angels have multiple sources, they always know more than anyone expects, and they mean what they say.”

Clearly this was a crossroads. Floyd seemed about to speak, but Johnny caught his eye and shook his head. Since he had already decided, he didn’t want anyone to get themselves in trouble for him.

“I’ll do it.”

Austin asked him, “Why?”

Johnny was a bit taken aback by this, since it seemed like Austin had been pushing him towards assenting. He answered honestly, “I love working here, but there’s something strange about this place, and I think this is the only way I’ll get to the heart of the mystery.”

What risks exactly was he taking to salve his curiosity? And support his career of course. He had never earned nearly as much money as this, under as good working conditions. And he’s been fired from his previous job.

Austin hesitated a split second. “That’s true enough.”

Johnny did not let his jaw drop open in astonishment as Austin told the meeting that they all knew the panel vote had been the real purpose they were there for, and brought the meeting to a close. Everyone except Floyd began leaving.

Austin told Floyd, “It will be fine. I’ll go with him the first time.”

Johnny opened his mouth to object. He found Austin to be equal parts intimidating and confusing.

Floyd spoke first. He told Johnny, “If you’re sure you want to do this, Mr. Fastow is the person to go with. He’s met several angels several times, with no negative effects.”

All this talk of negative effects was making Johnny doubt his bold decision. Embarrassment played an unsettlingly large role in his not expressing those feelings.

Austin told Floyd, “If you’ll wait in waiting room C, I’ll bring Johnny there in a couple of hours or less. I’m sure everything will be fine.”

Words clawed at Johnny’s throat, but did not quite escape.

After Floyd left Austin said, “You should set your glasses to show you my real head. This will be easier if you see a normal human beside you.”

Johnny jerked his head to the side and stared at Austin who casually told him, “Of course we know what you have on there. It’s all buried in the terms and conditions which nobody reads. Company property for shared use, no expectation of privacy, et cetera.”

Johnny didn’t know much law, but presumably Austin did and his lawyers knew more. Right or wrong, he would not win.

He said, “Um, I’m sorry, I just –”

“Sure, no problem. I don’t care, I only mention it because it may give you a bit of an edge if you get rid of it now. Though it’s worth mentioning that you can learn a lot by watching people’s faces.”

“Yes sir.”

Crestfallen, Johnny took a few minutes to get rid of the lizard head.

“Done sir.”

Austin said, “Other than that, keep your glasses on until the angel tells you to remove them.”

Johnny nodded.

“Then follow me.”