“You’re losing me,” Karma said.
“I’ve been trying to keep the paranormals from revealing their existence to humans, knowing how badly people would behave if they found out. They can barely tolerate each other. Can you imagine how threatened they’d be if they realized there was a whole subgroup with superior powers?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Karma said. “All of my clients are human, and they’re assigned to some pretty powerful minor goddesses.”
“But what happens when they find out the person you’ve assigned them toissupernatural? And superpowerful?”
“We give them a time period to adjust. If they can’t or don’t want to handle it, we wipe their memories.”
“Hmm… If only I could wipe every human’s mind and start over. I’d eliminate a lot of my gifts.”
“What would you take away from them?” Fate asked.
“That’s just it. I don’t know. I think they need most of what I gave them, but some have perverted it.”
“Are you talking about sexual perverts?” Karma asked. “Because I can help you with them.”
“No. I mean, yes…but not specifically oronlythem. But this might be a useful example. I gave people a sex drive to be sure the population didn’t die out. And yet, some have carried that too far.”
Karma nodded.
“Listen,” Fate said, “you can ponder the worth of your creation later. For now, we want to get you laid—I meanshade.We need to get you into the shade. Your fair skin will burn in the bright Caribbean sun.”
Gaia stuck a hand on her hip. “Sure, that’s what you meant to say. And that’s another thing! My ozone layer is my sunscreen, and humans are blowing a hole in it. With every rocket, every jet, it gets worse and worse. Why can’t they just leave my creations alone?”
Karma sighed. “It’s okay, Sister. Everything will work out. You’ll see.”
“I don’t know how you’re able to be so optimistic. Don’t you deal with the worst of them?”
“Yes, and I take great pleasure in busting their chops. Leave the offenders to me, Gaia. Take a little nap, and let me do the rest.”
“Why do you get to have all the fun?”
“Oh? You want to get in on the revenge game?”
Gaia shrugged. “It beats trying to think of ways to blow up the whole human race while leaving my innocent animals.”
“Why don’t you just concentrate on the people youdon’twant to blow up?” Fate winked. “I think there’s someone out there who is as lonely as you are. Maybe you should spend some more time with him?”
“I’m afraid I’ll screw it up.”
Fate choked, and Karma laughed. “Good for you, Sister. Now go tell him that.”
* * *
Aaron looked up from changing his granddaughter’s diaper. He seemed surprised to see Gaia.
“I thought you wanted to be by yourself to think.”
“Yes, and I thought. I also had a chat with my sisters. I’m done now,” Gaia said.
He grinned as he gently placed the freshly diapered baby in her crib. “So did you come up with any revelations? I mean—considerations?”
Gaia sighed. “No, but when Fate and Karma showed up, they gave me something else to think about—some interesting news.”
“Oh? What was that?”
Gaia chuckled. “I’m not sure I should tell you. You’ll laugh.”
