Conversation 2 [Rome!verse]

Written in math class when I doodled a new guy and realized he fit into Joseph and Rose's journey.

Joseph, Rose, Gabriel (not that one).

Scene: a cathedral, broken. A young priest and a lab-coated scientist stand between the pews. A dark-haired man sits on the steps near the altar.

From the young man, softly, as if awed.

"Why am I here?"

A measured and resigned baritone.

"Because this is where your journey brought you."

"We were going to Rome."

"Then this is a detour."

"You're Gabriel Smythe."

"Yes."

"You're quite famous, you know."

"So I've heard."

"And everyone thinks you're dead."

"I'd invite you to prove I'm not, but our logical friend would say..."

"...You can't prove a negative."

"Thank you."

"So are you, then? Dead?"

"I think so."

"When you were locking it."

"It's not good for your health, all that void and fire."

"It didn't work."

"I know."

"They sent me to finish your job."

"I know."

"I'm going to die too."

"I'm sorry."

A woman's voice, clear, low, biting.

"You are not going to die."

"I've made my peace with it, Rose."

"You are not, because you're better than him. Hell, so am I."

"Don't speak ill of the dead. Even to his face."

"You never really believed, did you, Smythe?"

"Mary Rose McComack!"

"Joseph, could you refrain from being a complete idiot for two seconds?"

"Your skeptic friend is right."

"Skeptic is not a pejorative term, priest."

"The title died when I did, but I take your point."

"It's all about faith, Joseph. The seals don't give a damn what you believe so long as you do."

"I cannot listen to you pontificate on things you do not understand again. Farewell."

Footsteps, then silence.

"I'm right. You know that."

"You are. I found out too late."

"He believes. I've seen it."

"Let us hope you have not shaken his faith."

"So do I."

"I had a feeling. Good luck, Mary."

"It's Rose. Shouldn't you be sending God with me?"

"I no longer have the right. Good luck, Rose McComack."

"Thank you."

Footsteps, then a shifting as of ashes in wind, then silence.