The Search for Malaclypse

[Malaclypse 666]

Mal was taken aback briefly by Saucisson's question. He had assumed that the TAZ's questions would be concerned with more recent events. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before replying.

"Nowhere exotic, I assure you, Brother Rainus. No interdimensional hopscotch or time travel...

"To be perfectly honest, I was experiencing a serious 'crisis of faith'. I chose to deal with it through isolation and introspection.

"For the most part, I was hiding 'in plain sight'. I spent a few months at Alan Kell's old 'lakebottom' refuge on Canaria." He looked sheepishly at Reggie. "Right in the Waverlys' back yard, so to speak. The dolphins remembered me."

Mal gestured in the direction of the bar. "Lev here has also given me 'refuge' more than a few times, and I owe him a great deal for that.

"I made a few trips to Gallia as well, trying to fathom the mystery behind that great brooding anomaly in Dauphine. I am still at a loss there.."

Mal looked at Doc Holliday, a mixture of love and sadness crossed his face at seeing his discomfiture. He owed the man a sincere apology and explanation, but now was not the right time.

"But mostly, I spent considerable time in your own 'north forty', John Henry. You would be amazed how little traffic there is out at the automated Scrubby Farms. In the six months I spent there studying the Scrubbies, I had to avoid one CRI Research team, and a sleepy technician who came out to adjust some valves.

"Eventually, I made a few trips to my Chamber in the Geode, but the place was 'empty'.. no sign or word from Our Lady, until just recently; about the same time Reggie offerred his reward for my useless hide.

"That pretty much brings us up to today, Brother Rainus."

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