For an angel, Sylvia supposed she was rather fortunate. She was not particularly comely, nor was she, well, plain, either. Of course, this was judging by angelic standards, which were on a totally different scale than humans. To humans, angelic beings were so, well, to use a hackneyed and much overused word, completely glorious.

At the moment, Sylvia did not feel anywhere near to glorious. In fact, Sylvia was about to go, as her Assignment's best friend would put it, "Crackers."

Angels generally didn't even have emotions, but somewhere in the cosmic realm of things, exposure to her current Assignment had shattered most of the rules to the point that Sylvia had forgotten the book even existed.

Six, count them, SIX explosions in one day! * It was an outrage! Sylvia huffed to herself as she thought of the previous day. Why, it was more than any guardian angel should be expected to deal with. And Sylvia was tired of it. Which was why she was sitting here, in the outer office, gazing up at the large gold-trimmed door marked "Interdepartmental Transfers."

She was a bit nervous, but she was sure The Boss would understand. It wasn't that she didn't like the young human she was assigned to. He was a fine person, she supposed. It was just that he was such a constant…challenge. Why, her hair was nearly grey after only 5000 years because of him…and he had gifted her with her first grey hair when he was only a toddler!

Finally, the receptionist looked up and smiled, and it was her turn. The door opened, and the Boss turned to her. As always, it took a few moments to adjust. His grin was infectious. "I'll bet I know why you're here. I heard what happened yesterday. I thought for a bit he might have punched his card way too early." He paused, and watched her silently for a moment. "That would have been most unfortunate."

Sylvia winced at the thought. She stared at the ground. "Yes, Sir…it would have. But…"

He raised a gentle hand. "I understand. You wish to be released as his guardian."

Sylvia found herself looking into those depthless eyes. "Yes…yes, Sir. I-I just c-can't do it anymore."

He smiled. "I understand, and no one is blaming you. Very well. As of this moment, you are no longer responsible for Technical Sergeant Andrew Joseph Carter. You will receive the file on your new assignment after you have had a chance to rest for a few days. I'm sure you'll agree a short vacation is in order?"

"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir." Curiously, instead of feeling elated, Sylvia felt…hollow. As The Boss turned back to face the large picture window, Sylvia thought of something.

"Sir?"

He glanced back at her. "What is it?"

"I was just wondering…what will happen to him now, Carter, I mean?"

The Boss scratched his nose as he thought for a moment. "Well, as this is a very unusual situation, I'm not quite sure. We'll simply have to hope he can keep himself out of trouble until the next class graduates. It's only three weeks. I'm sure he'll be fine." He turned quickly away, a grin playing across his face.

Sylvia was horrified as she thought back over the past couple of decades…Andrew's life flashed before her eyes…three weeks. NO! He'd be dead by then! And then to be stuck with a raw recruit—a newbie! Absolutely NOT!

Ten minutes later, Sylvia left the Interdepartmental Transfer Office with a spring in her step and a determined fire in her eyes. Everyone working there noticed it. The Boss stepped out, sighing happily. He glanced over at His receptionist, noting her mischievous grin.

"Working miracles again, Sir?"

He grinned back. "Call Dad and let Him know I'm on my way over for lunch, will you?"

~The End~