Free Archangel Crusader by Vijaya Schartz

mean not like me? You and my mother, I often wondered... It must have been rather primitive... I mean for such an evolved being as you."
    "No. Not primitive at all, very loving actually. We both enjoyed it very much. We did not beget perfection, though."
    Michael lifted an eyebrow, repressing a comment. "So what's the big shock?" he asked instead.
    "Here, see for yourself."
    A panel slid open in total silence.
    Michael stepped back, astounded. Behind the glass, in a blue light, floating in suspended animation, immodestly naked and staring back, stood a full-size replica of himself. He looked at Amrah for an explanation. When the alien offered none, Michael’s initial surprise turned to righteous wrath. "What the hell do you think you are doing in here?" As much as Michael knew about his father's civilization, he was not prepared for this.
    Amrah willed another panel to open and Michael blanched when he saw, beautiful as ever, in the same naked inanimate state, the graceful body of Veronica. He ached for her so much that he could contain his fury no longer. "Is it fun to play God? Who gave you the right? Who are these people? What are they? Don't you have any respect for anything at all? I am shocked. This is so..." he felt at a loss for words.
    "This, my son, is our specialty," Amrah answered undisturbed. "This is what we do best, engineer, reproduce, create intelligent prototypes. Do you like them? I think they go well together. They may be the future Adam and Eve of the next world we decide to populate. Of course, we will need a soul to inhabit them, a spirit to match these bodies."
    Amrah smiled and went on. "Although they look like ordinary humans, internally they represent our latest technology. They can stand repeated interstellar travel and regenerate themselves indefinitely without aging, just as we do. Their capacity for wisdom and memory is almost unlimited. As soon as they start breathing, their natural psychic faculties will awaken, and they will probably never have an evil thought as long as they live. I am particularly pleased with them."
    While talking, Amrah walked toward more side panels that opened by themselves as he went. In tanks of assorted colors, various human, less human, and totally alien shapes floated, in different stages of growth. A soft harmonic sound seemed to nurture all these staring bodies of various species. Michael could not think of anything to say. By now he had a hard time figuring out for himself whether to be mad or flattered by the selection.
    To avoid getting mad, Michael chose a technical approach. "So you are never really babies, you just take a body already grown and partially conditioned?"
    "Yes, it is a good approximation."
    "Doesn't sound like much fun, never being a kid... Don't you miss it? Don't you miss having a mother?"
    "No, I do not suppose we do. Are your childhood memories so precious to you?"
    "No, I couldn't say that. My childhood was mostly a nightmare, but I hope Jennifer's childhood is happy."
    Amrah smiled again, nodding as if he understood.
    Despite their cultural disagreements, Michael had learned much from Amrah and secretly admired his wisdom. Once again, he would have to trust the gentle alien and let go of his anger. Suddenly, Michael knew it was time to move on.
    Amrah must have felt it, too. “Son, it is time for you to return home and start on your mission. I taught you as much as I could. You are ready now to learn from your own experience." He sounded sad.
    Michael felt a pang of melancholy. He would miss the long conversations, the compassion in the Blue Angel’s eyes. "Can I visit once in a while?" he asked, almost shyly.
    "We will see each other again, my son." Amrah's gaze burned with intensity. "In the meantime, I will lend you strength."
    "Thank you, Father..." the word still felt odd in Michael's mouth. “How long have I been away?”
    “ Time is an illusion. When you return, only a few hours will have passed. Jennifer’s plane hasn’t