~ Chapel Perilous ~

[Malaclypse 666]

Eris was having a ball. But, Malaclypse was not amused.

Reggie's schedule had been delayed. First, by the Kentigearna women, who had apparently chosen this time to jump ship from the Gaians and look Reggie up on Canaria. Then, by two complete and utter strangers who felt they could wander about the Veranda without an invitation. FoFu the first... The saving grace was that Moira Kentigearna would accompany Reggie to Newcastle, and would probably do her utmost to keep him alive. Hope, and love, spring eternal.

Several of Shamus' assigned escorts had not reported in yet. John Matrix and Riley MacKenzie had not been heard from. Cid, Linus, and Blivet were on station in Baffin; but Shamus was just leaving Canaria to join them. This was only mildly troubling, as FoFu the second had knocked everything off schedule.

Deputy Defense Minister Ashi Tebayai had been attacked in Honshu by those idiot Mandalorians while enroute to Sigma 19. The destroyer he had requisitioned for the journey had been damaged and diverted to Yukawa shipyards for repair. Tebayai himself was in the Naval Hospital on Honshu. Mal's discreet inquiries had born fruit. Tebayai was recovering nicely, and would be released within a few days.

The most troubling of all was the lack of communication from the other Secret Chiefs. Sources on the Hawaii could provide nothing. Either the other three had been scared away by the attack on Tebayai, or they were planning their own responses to the DeLavancy problem. If there was no word from them by the time Tebayai was released, Mal would be forced to contact them directly.

In one way, the delayed arrival of the Four Primi on the Hawaii might be a blessing in disguise. it would allow both Shamus and Reggie to make up for lost time, and to be in position for their own roles in the plan. He would just have to remain in Kusari until Tebayai himself had the opportunity to put the meeting on track again.

Malaclypse was reminded of an old taunt from ancient Terra.. "You'd be late for your own funeral!" He just hoped that his Apple-tossing Goddess would get a sore arm soon. Apparently doing the will of a crazy Deity wasn't always fun and games. A guy could get killed..

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