"Indeed it has," Angelina said firmly, with the instant decision women make in matters of the heart. "And what do you say, Jim?"
"I say it is up to the boys to decide."
She nodded agreement.
"They should be here soon," the doubled voice said. "I sent a message before I came."
James and Bolivar came in at that moment and did the best double act of double-takes I had ever seen in my life. Before they could speak each Sybil stepped forward and seized a twin and kissed him with passion. The response, I could tell, was equally passionate.
"I love you," Sybil breathed. "From the bottom of my heart, with all the depth of my being. Do you love me?"
That, as you might very well realize, was that. Angelina and I, smiling happily, joined hands and turned our backs on the embracing couples, sat and began to discuss their wedding plans.
It would be the grandest social occasion the Special Corps Prime Base had ever seen.
I snapped my fingers at the robar, which produced a chilled bottle of sparkling wine, opened it dexterously with its two right hands, poured and passed us brimming glasses. We clinked and drank.
"A toast," I said, "Can you think of one?"
"Of course. To the future newlyweds. And may their lives be filled with happiness."
"Like ours," I said.
"Of course."
We kissed and drank the toast. Over Angelina's shoulder I could see the screen with the image of that monstrous black sphere.
I turned my back on it, not wanting to spoil this memorable day. Still, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Neither could Angelina.
"Do we have enough money in the bank to buy a cyclotron?" she asked.
I nodded. "We could even afford a coal mine as well. Why do you ask?"
"I was just thinking. What a wonderful and unusual wedding present we could give the newlyweds.
The Stainless Steel Rat Go's To Hell Page 24