~ Chapel Perilous ~

[Malaclypse 666]

At the center of the "Goddess Geode", there is no gravity. The small hollow planetoid's mass effectively cancels itself in an area approximately 100 meters across.

The kilometer-wide central chamber of the Geode is empty except for a massive dodecahedron, crafted of huge struts made fron Canarian oak. This 20-meter geodesic "Holy of Holies" is anchored in the exact center of the Geode by thick hemp ropes, woven from the fibrous stalks of the infamous Kallisti Gold plant.

Malaclypse pulled himself slowly along the rope leading from the entrance to the geode. He could already feel the curative powers of the crystals which lined the chamber. He shuddered to think how many brain cells had given up the ghost during his wild night on Islay; but contrary to medical opinion, those cells could indeed be replaced and regenerated.. even multiplied, due to the mysterious powers of this place.

Malaclypse smiled as he floated closer to the central structure. The small TAZmutt Fnordie was playing a friendly game of "tag" with several of the numerous "Scrubbies" that inhabited the Geode. The Scrubbies were able to "swim" through the atmosphere they had created inside the planetoid, while Fnordie was limited to propelling himself between the beams of the dodecahedron. Occasionally he would miss his target beam, and the Scrubbies would have to rescue the flailing canine, nudging him gently back towards the beams.

The panting pooch spotted Malaclypse just as he reached the Holy of Holies.

@Malaboss! You come to visit new Fnordette Scorn? Woof!@ The dog's telepathic transmission tickled Mal's Pineal gently. Mal could have answered in the same fashion, but he was rather enamored with the sound of his own voice.

"Yep, Fnordie. Have you seen any improvement since Dis and I uploaded his "remains" into the new transponder?" he nodded towards the small titanium globe which also floated nearby.

Fnordie floated close enough for Mal to grab one of his small paws, licking his stubbly face in greeting. @Scorn is still very scared, Boss. He doesn't "talk" to Fnordie yet. I try make Scorn feel safe now, but he still thinks Big Brain on Gammu will come, capture him again!@

"Well, just don't push him along too quickly, my four-legged friend. Maybe just being around you and your playful companions here will relieve his anxieties.

"As for me, I think I'll just stretch out here and recharge a bit myself. Wake me up in half an hour or so, will you Fnordie?" Mal gave the dog a gentle shove in the direction of the waiting Scrubbies, and the game was on again.

The crystals, inert yet alive, uncaring and unaware of their purpose, continued to work their magick.

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