Chapter 9 - The Death of the Courier
62 years later...
It was the largest funeral in the history of the Empire.
Emperor House had seen to that personally.
All of this was possible because of her, and he was going to give the BEST speech of his life.
"Honored citizens of the Empire," he began. "When a young woman first walked into the Lucky 38 in 2281, I will confess I did not think much of her. Couriers were not well regarded in the Mojave Wasteland, and it was only by random chance that she became the one to bring the Platinum Chip to me. I thought she was one of many.
I was unfathomably wrong.
All of this is possible because of Emperor Lopez. Every stellar colony owes its existence to her. The massive metropolis that is New Vegas owes its existence to her. And most importantly - I owe everything I have ever accomplished to her.
So weep, citizens, for it is a tragic day. But always honor the First Emperor! Never forget her!
NEVER!"
The standing ovation lasted ten minutes.
-tcg-
On the ceiling of the massive building, Rem watched the funeral detachedly. This was the longest time she had ever spent with one human, and it was almost hard to wrap her head around the idea that it was over.
But she wasn't sad, for obvious reasons.
-tcg-
"Holy shit! It's you!"
A young woman wearing an oversized t-shirt with the words "HALICAN DROPS" on it grinned at the newly-departed Emperor. The latter simply stared.
This was the afterlife?
"Welcome to the Multiuniversal Afterlife!" She warmly greeted her. "I'm Sarah, and I like to greet people when they arrive. And I've got to tell you, there are a LOT of people who are really eager to see you again!"
"That's great!" If THIS was the afterlife, Gabriela could sure get used to it!
"The 2281st reality is all hours." Sarah smirked. "We figured you'd like the number, and we can change the designations around whenever we want. Welcome to the Eternal Vegas Empire, Gabriela Lopez!"
"WOOHOO!"
She transferred to the new reality as soon as she could.
-tcg-
"So, you'll come visit me on the regular?"
"Why would you ask that?" Rem sounded hurt. "Of course I will! We've been friends for over 60 years!"
They smiled together as the joints flowed freely.
It was a good day to be dead.