For the last time (not really), I do not own Big O or any of its characters. I am making no $$$ off this whatsoever. It is futile to sue me. So there.



Act 20: Flight



"You're right, Roger. I wasn't born in Paradigm City. I didn't even grow up here. I am from another city that survived the Event, except the citizens there retained some of their memories. Enough of them to know that if Paradigm, and more specifically, Rosewater, got control of the ancient weapons, he would bring about another cataclysm."

Roger was pondering her words. "So they sent you to watch Rosewater, and if he found what he was looking for, you were to take it yourself."

"Precisely."

"Why not destroy it?"

Angel groaned. "Haven't your recent experiences taught you anything, Roger? My people want to know about the past just as much as Rosewater does. But unlike him, they want knowledge for its own sake, not as a tool or a weapon." She leaned forward as she spoke. "Knowledge may be power, but it is also the most valuable thing one can have. During the Event, much was lost. We are trying to find it again."

"I see. Why should they harbor us? Wouldn't we be a burden on whatever resources your people have?"

The blonde woman glared at the Negotiator. "Don't underestimate us, Smith. If we choose to, we could have taken Paradigm by force long ago. Our resources are such that Alex Rosewater would drool if he knew. But we are not warriors or killers, Roger. We are watchers, we are librarians, and we are scholars."

"I see. What about the Megadeuces? If they are, as you say, ancient weapons, what use would your people have for them?"

"First, we want them where Rosewater can't get them. The farther from him the better. Second, we might need them for defense if he ever catches on to our operations here in Paradigm."

Roger sat up. "What do you mean, operations?"

"Did you think I was the only person sent here? We know about Paradigm's oppression. As we speak, some of our agents are gradually smuggling out those who wish to escape the city. If you no longer want the Megadeuce, then they can take you to freedom."

"Thanks, but I think i'll hang on to Big O for now. He is a family heirloom, you remember."

Angel frowned, then broke into a grin. "Yet again, I see why you're the number one Negotiator in this town." She sat up. "You know, if Rosewater ever does discover my home, we might need skills like yours to arrange a peace. Just consider it, Roger."


Later, Norman was tending to the wounds Roger had recieved during his adventures underground. "I must say, sir, it is a miracle you came out of those tunnels alive. Big O is in the worst shape I have ever seen it. If we are to flee the city, as Miss Angel has suggested, I will need to begin repairs immediately." He finished wrapping the bandage around Roger's waist. "There you are, sir. Good as new."

Roger dropped down from the bench and winced at the pain. "Not quite as good, but thanks anyway, Norman." The butler bowed slightly as Roger left, then began putting away his instruments.

Roger found Dorothy at the balcony, looking out over the city at the sunset. He walked up next to her. "Pretty, isn't it?"

Dorothy looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "I was just thinking...If we leave the city, I might never see this again." The fading light reflected off the domes, creating a spectacular panorama of color on both buildings and sky. Dorothy reached over and took Roger's hand, then laid her head against him. He smiled down at her, putting his other arm around her shoulders. Angel watched the pair, silently, from the window.

Ten minutes later, as darkness claimed the city, the two of them came back in. "I think i'll take you up on that offer, Angel." said Roger. "When do we leave?"