~ Chapel Perilous ~

[Malaclypse 666]

Reggie closed down his comms unit with a very bemused look on his weathered face.

The troubling news regarding increased tensions between Bretonia and the Colonial Remnant had thrown a monkey wrench into his plans. Actually, it had been wrenches, wrenches, wrenches, all the way. Hail Bloody Eris!

Michael Gideon had promised him a couple of "specialists". They were to join him in Newcastle to complete the finishing touches on a very large surprise. "Shoggoth Stew", as he had just described it to a cryptic individual over his comms. Recent developments had virtually destroyed the chances of his getting the specialists from Tau 44. Reggie had been just about to call Gideon to verify this, when he received an incoming squawk from the Dublin system.. an independent Junker ship.

How the Captain of that ship knew of Reggie's dilemma was a mystery; but "Billy" had seemed to know exactly what his needs were, and alluded to "friends out east" who could help, for a price.

Timing was critical. The meeting on the Hawaii had just begun. Mal could drag it out for several days, but not longer. Reggie's mission had to be completed before the participants left the meeting. They did not dare risk interference from the influential people there. Shamus would be moving within the day towards his objective. The Mollies were within hours of completing their task. They were even now delivering the last of the charges to the shield generators which surrounded the artifact.

So, all that remained was to wait for word from Billy's "friends". The materials and delivery system were ready. Reggie just needed experts who could combine and shape the materials without taking out half a solar system in the process.

Well, not quite all. There was one item yet to be addressed.. Moira Kentigearna. The woman had been the recipient of a small loan some time ago, and apparently the Gaian woman had taken quite a shine to him. She had helped him destroy the Veranda Incognita, and now was willing to risk her life along with his for a cause she hardly understood. Reggie owed her something. A short trip to Belfast was in order.

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