The Search for Malaclypse

[Ophiuchi]

POSTLUDE:

Reggie had become more than a bit "peeved" at the Shestov fellow. His request to see Malaclypse immediately had been denied. Instead he had been given a keycard to Lev's private quarters on the Freeport, with "instructions" to gather the other TAZ members for a private "audience" in fifteen minutes. Bollocks!

Doc, Mad John, Gaby and the others would not be amused either, he was certain; but he returned to the group and conveyed the instructions. A heated debate ensued, with one group still curious as to Mal's behavior and purpose; while another was ready to leave immediately, furious with that same behavior.

Reggie turned from the debate and began to observe the crowd still milling about the Chapel. It was fairly obvious from the conversations and gestures that the majority of those remaining were either amused by Mal's cheap theatrics, or angry at the man's exhortations to "Wake up!"

A few of the attendees remained thoughtful and silent, as if still contemplating what they had just seen and heard. Reggie's keen gaze soon noted that these few folk were being approached individually and discreetly by Mal's "Olympian" hostesses. After a brief conversation, the hostess would then gently usher the person towards the anteroom door behind the Podium.

Determined to make some "sense" out of this entire evening, Reggie moved slowly to a position which gave him a partial view into the anteroom as each hostess and her "charge" entered. As he had expected, the Episkopos was in the anteroom, greeting each of these "chosen" individuals. The greeting had a ceremonial air about it. Reggie could not hear the conversation, but the gist was obvious.

Malaclypse, smiling, would greet the individual with outstretched arms. Reggie assumed names were exchanged, and a few questions were asked and answered. Mal would then present the individual with a small bundle containing a small pamphlet with a lurid cover, what appeared to be a keycard, and a Pineal Amulet setting atop a white robe. Mal would then embrace the individual, kiss him or her soundly on the forehead, and convey a final "benediction".

Extrapolating the events, and reading Mal's lips, Reggie was relatively certain what that final benediction was:

"Welcome to Chapel Perilous!"

His old friend had sifted the "wheat from the chaff". Mal was recruiting either Crew or "Flock" for his new Ship of Fools. "Bloody Thud!"

Finally, the Episkopos gestured to two of the hostesses, and they returned to the main hall. With obvious reluctance, the hostesses approached two men wearing grubby, threadbare robes. Reggie vaguely recognized the men from somewhere in the dim past, but their names escaped him. He wondered if Mal was in the business of running a "rehab center" now as well...

Reggie finally shook his head and returned to his TAZ Brethren. He spent a few tense minutes convincing them (and himself..) that they should attend their granted "audience" in Room 27. Eventually they moved in a group towards the Geisha's shuttle bay.

Next: RECESSIONAL

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<span style="color:#339999">Reg Waverly * Moira &quot;Kentigearan&quot; Waverly * Fnordette Sophie Noir</span>



<span style="color:#66CCCC">Sophie's on the Square * Veranda Incognita</span>