~ Chapel Perilous ~

[Malaclypse 666]

Beau Coup stood in front of the mirror in his Hospital room, his hands shaking as he attempted to close the zippers and fasten the Velcro on his old flight suit. The blood stains from this recent horrible experience had somehow been removed during cleaning.

He had been released from the Canaria Clinic today. The doctors had vetted his physical health; but were guarded as to a prognosis of his emotional and psychological condition. Beau could make that prognosis himself.

As he peered at himself in the mirror, he noticed that his eyes still appeared gaunt and haunted. The ghastly events that occurred to him and his departed fiancee Myoki still entered and disturbed his dreams every single night. Her gruesome death at the hands of Dr. Artifice and Julius Kane, Lord Darkstar, would haunt him for a long time to come.

Beau had been grounded by the physicians who attended him, for an indefinite period. His emotional recovery was out of their hands, and would have to be dealt with as Beau saw fit. He might ignore their edict, and return to his Chimaera some day; but at the moment he realized the truth of his condition. He was unfit to fly.

Still staring into the mirror, and reflecting on more than his image, Beau heard the soft hum of a small anti-grav unit as it entered his room. Beau turned towards the sound, and attempted a weak smile.

So, Merci, youve finally gotten the courage to visit me. Out of pity? Curiosity? You should know that I dont blame you at all for what happened to Myoki. Our capture by that insane animal Dr. A. could never have been predicted. And perhaps Id be better off now if Mama Dis aim had been truer in the first place.

Merci, Beaus past companion and fellow ELF, was silent for some moments. Finally,

*Its that instinct thing you primates have. Yes, we cyber sentients may have a thousand times better response and reaction time than you do; but whatever that trait is, and wherever it comes from, it will always make you the better pilots.*

I believe thats the first time youve ever admitted inferiority of any kind to me, Merci. I appreciate the kindness. And, Im sure you have more pressing matters than hanging about a Clinic for weeks on end

*Not really, Beau. The Dojo for KNF training is closing. Sophies death took a toll on Mama Dis. I still dont believe it myself. Im pretty sure Dis will be returning to Canaria, to work with Mal and Pops.

*And Ive requested a leave of absence from the Merc Registry. They can find someone else to haul their ashes while Im.. while were.. gone*

Beaus face finally took on a look other than pain and loss. A look of curiosity briefly stole across his features. Gone? Are you planning to kidnap me and torture me for the way I neglected and mistreated you? I would deserve it.

*No, Ape boy.* said Merci, with a slight lilt to her vocal output. *Ive gotten a Nav program from my new little buddy, XM. Theres a semi-stable Rift about 40K above Canaria, that leads elsewhere. We need to go there, wherever there is, and get away from things for awhile. We need to decide who neglected and tortured whom, Beau, before we can heal the damage done to both of us. Then, we can think about returning here to our old lives. Interested, Count Coup?*

Theres nothing here for me anymore, Merci. And I trust your chauffer abilities implicitly, through experience. Im all packed. What are we flying?

*Well, my old Pard, I just happen to be in possession of a Chimaera. So, if you feel the urge to take the stick for awhile, it should be familiar! And thank you for accepting my offer, Beau. You dont know how hard it has been to approach you. Ive borne a lot of guilt over what happened to you and.. Myoki, myself. Perhaps a fresh start somewhere will help rid us of all this crazy emotional baggage.*

Then lead on, Merci! Let me just tap a note to his Episkyhood, if he even still acknowledges the title. I doubt it will take a whole page for Mal to understand the whys and wherefores. And thank you for the offer. Had you not had the courage to approach me, I doubt Id have found the guts to find you. Id probably still be immobile, staring into that mirror.

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