"And the world has been rocked yet again today," said the reporter, "by the news that President Burger has not just conceded the election, but has left the planet! In a series of tweets, he said this was all planned, and he looks forward to his new TV series, The Interns in Space. He will return to Earth to run for President again in 2024.

'In other news, Metro City Police made world news today with a series of arrests that mark the collapse not just of MAD, but of the Network..."

Talon took a slice of pizza, and some of Ariadne's Mediterranean salad. The whole family was seated around the table again, watching the news.

"It's gonna seem quiet around here."

Ariadne smiled at him.

"I'm proud of you, Talon. At last, we're free of him."

Talon thought back.

"I just hope no one else goes and sets him free."

"I'm worried about that message," said Penny. "What did he mean, one last surprise?"

A jar of mayo slid out of Inspector Gadget's head. He added some to his salad.

"Idle threats, I'm sure, Penny. Meanwhile, we have a wedding to plan!"

Talon smiled.

"I've got some surprises of my own, for that. Meanwhile, I need to get an early night. They want us to investigate that MAD base I broke into, and all the other MAD HQs, as well. Make sure there's nothing still active. I know them better than anyone."

The remaining weeks slid by, and suddenly it was Christmas, with a massive tree in the centre of Metro City and holographic decorations at HQ. And when December 23rd arrived, Penny finally stepped into the Gadgetmobile and headed for her wedding day.

She stood before the Minister at the altar.

"Do you, Talon Felonius Claw, take Penny Ruth Gadget to be your lawful wedded wife?"

Talon didn't hesitate a moment before saying:

"I do."

"And do you, Penny Ruth Gadget, take Talon Felonius Claw to be your lawful wedded husband?"

Penny looked at Talon, at the Minister. She glanced back towards Uncle Gadget.

Then the whole church gasped as she said:

"I can't."

Talon looked stunned.

"What – why not?"

Penny turned calmly and faced him.

"Because you're not the real Talon. And because I've heard that high-pitched noise before. At HQ."

"Smart work, Penn."

There was a gasp as Talon stepped in at the back of the church. He looked battered and grimy and was dressed in his combat suit.

"I knew you'd spot it was a clone. I've been trapped in that MAD base, since I went there to investigate. Lucky I had some kit with me." He indicated his belt, and his bracelet. Then he ran towards the front of the church. "OK everybody – get down!"

Everyone dived beneath the pews, as a ticking sound began. The Talon-clone raised its hand. Penny gave a scream.

"Talon!"

The ticking clone fired a laser-beam. Gadget ran forward.

"Go-go-Gadget Mirror!"

His top hat produced a huge dressing-table mirror. The beam bounced off, backfiring onto the clone. In the same moment, Penny slid up the sleeve of her wedding-dress to reveal a control bracelet of her own, and generated a mini-forcefield around the fake Talon.

There was a deafening bang, as the fake Talon disappeared in a ball of flame.

The forcefield contained the blast. Everyone emerged, unhurt.

The Minister took a deep breath.

Talon wiped his forehead with his hand.

"I sure don't like Uncle Claw's choice of wedding present."

"You look terrible..." Penny hugged him anyway. Talon gave a grin. He reached for the control bracelet again.

"No problem."

He flickered, and instantly was clean and tidy again. He was still dressed in black.

"Now..."

His combat suit quickly changed to cardigan and jeans, then to his old MAD outfit, in purple.

"Sorry, no... that's the... wrong setting... wait there..."

There was a gasp as he appeared dressed only in boxer shorts. He chuckled nervously.

"Sorry, that's for tonight. Wait there."

There was an aah! as he appeared in full morning suit, with top hat. He took off the hat and chucked it carelessly into the congregation. Then he took Penny's hand.

"OK, Rev. Hit it."

In their pews, Gadget and Ariadne smiled...

"And so," said the Minister, "by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the... oh. You are."

Talon was. And so was Penny. Everyone was clapping and cheering.

As they left the church, Gadget stepped over to them.

"Go-go-Gadget confetti!"

He spluttered as the entire cloud blew straight back into his face.

Professor Von Slickstein was doubling as photographer. After plenty of pictures, Penny made her way to the Gadgetmobile, but Talon shook his head.

"Not this time, Penn. I've got a surprise of my own."

He reached for his wrist and activated a G-Portal.

"C'mon, everyone. Party time!"

He and Penny were the first through, and the others followed.

Penny stared at the white-walled building and the deep blue ocean and the surrounding palm trees. A faint roar came from the distant jungle.

"It's Isla Dia Bolico! You booked Isla Dia Bolico..." The last time she was here, Talon had been shooting a MAD promo. But it was a great place for a vacation...

Talon smiled. "I thought you deserved a proper trip, this time. No MAD, and no mud monsters. Now, c'mon. I'm dying to try that restaurant in a pool."

They had the Restaurante La Piscina to themselves. A Perspex floor covered the tranquil turquoise water, so that guests and waiting staff could stand on top. Canapés and bubbly were brought to them, then spit-roasted lamb prepared on the poolside. With a Christmas tree up as well, it was a lovely mixture of summer and winter. A four-piece jazz band was playing seasonal songs. A three-tier chocolate wedding cake stood waiting. On top were two little action figures in spy suits and shades.

Everyone came up to congratulate the newlyweds – Chief Quimby, and Gary, and Mika and Shaky. Ariadne kissed Penny.

"I'm so pleased Talon's married someone who'll keep him out of mischief."

Talon laughed. He hugged her.

"I'm so pleased I've got a Mom to tell me that."

Kayla was fizzing with excitement, with the Gadgetinis whirling around her. She had a big, delighted grin on her face. She kissed Penny, for the seventh time that day.

"Everyone at HQ's so pleased. They all keep saying it's about time. Oh... sorry... forget I said that."

"Congratulations, Penny."

Penny turned to see a fair-haired, bespectacled young man.

"William..."

Talon had gone off to talk to their HQ colleagues. William gave Penny a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Looks like the bad guy won in the end." He smiled. "I'm sorry. I hear he quit MAD. Hope he makes you happy."

Penny felt rather sad for a moment. Then she saw Kayla, still hovering.

"Have you met Kayla? This is William... Talon's cousin."

"Hi." Kayla gave William a goofy smile, then noticed the watch on his wrist. "Is that a Doctor Who watch?"

"Er... yes. It is."

"I LOVE Doctor Who!"

"Oh, so do I!"

"And do you like the latest..."

"Jodie? She's cool."

"I am such a big fan... hey, do you want to dance?"

"Sure!"

They went off together. Penny saw them talking, and laughing. Maybe there would be another wedding soon.

She saw Brain suddenly. He was around her ankles on all fours, like any other dog, and she thought she could hear a faint whining. This wasn't like Brain at all.

She bent down.

"Oh, don't worry, Brain. You're not losing an owner. You're gaining a walker!"

She patted him.

"I can't wait for all the missions you and I and Talon are gonna do together. There's sure to be some MAD people still around, and then who knows...? Maybe a whole new bunch of supervillains! We're going to be investigating evildoers for the rest of our lives!"

She hugged him.

She noticed Uncle Gadget, standing near the wedding cake. He was alone, and looking rather sad. She slid over to him. There was definitely a tear in his eye, and it wasn't one of his gadgets malfunctioning.

He looked away, hastily.

"It's the... fumes from the spit-roast. Go-go-Gadget Handkerchief!" The hanky slid out of his head in a gloved hand, wiped his eye for him, then blew his nose loudly.

Penny put her arm around him.

"I was just telling Brain... about all the investigations we've still got to do." She hugged him. "Thanks for... well, everything. Thanks for being you."

Inspector Gadget looked into her eyes.

"Your Mom and Dad would be so proud of you."

He quickly became his usual brisk self.

"Right. Time for the speeches. Uncle of the bride comes first, I think." He picked up a glass of bubbly from a table. "Go-go-Gadget Glass Banger!"

A huge mallet emerged from his head and smashed the glass. There was laughter, but everyone was listening anyway. Gadget cleared whatever he had for a throat.

"Ladies and gentlemen..." He paused. "Does anyone think it's a little cold, out here? Wait a second."

He went across to the edge of the pool, where he had spotted a small control panel with a dial. Penny blinked.

"Uncle Gadget, I'm not sure that's a thermostat..."

There were screams and yells, as Gadget twisted the control and the Perspex floor opened beneath their feet.

With a series of almighty splashes, the Gadgets and the Claws and Penny and Talon and their wedding cake disappeared into the swimming pool.

Talon bobbed to the surface. He was laughing. He swam over to Penny. After a pause, she started laughing too. She kissed him.

Chief Quimby came to the surface. He wasn't laughing.

"GADGET!"

Thanks to ffb22 for suggesting the venue for the wedding reception!

Epilogue to follow!