"We'll never, ever be able to explain this," said the Assistant Commissioner, the next afternoon. "It's changing history! We can't blame this on the woke brigade."

She held out further newspapers.

Big Ben vanishes!

Elizabeth Tower disappears

History books record Britain's first Victorian rocket

They were seated around Gadget's office, in present-day New Scotland Yard, enjoying some tea and biscuits. Talon had his feet up on a coffee table. He shrugged. He had online headlines open on his Codex.

"We got the Queen back, anyways. She's safe for her Jubilee. They put out a cover story. Said she had COVID. She's better now, and staying safe at Windsor Castle."

"But we still sent part of the Houses of Parliament into space..." Penny was looking embarrassed. Brain was lying on a rug, paws over his eyes.

Gadget rose from behind his desk.

"It's no good." He took off his Commissioner's cap, and laid it carefully upon the desk. "I'm just not cut out to be a London Police Commissioner. I handed in my resignation to the Home Secretary and the Mayor, first thing this morning."

The A.C. couldn't hide the look of joy on her face.

"All the Gadgetinis will be decommissioned. I'll let someone else have a try at Law and Order: UK."

Penny went and took his hand.

"So you'll be coming back with us? To Metro City?"

Gadget paused. Then he smiled. He shook his head.

"Uh-uh. I've got something much more exciting planned. This country's so cold. I'm off into the sun! They're looking for a relief Police Inspector, on this little Caribbean island. Look!"

He passed a letter, and a brochure, over to Penny. Penny stared at it, astounded.

"SAINT MARIE?!"

Look out for the new Inspector Gadget story

GADGET IN PARADISE