The Search for Malaclypse

[Ophiuchi]

Reginald Waverly had been patient for days, waiting for this moment. He sat silently, punching the screen of his datapad. Finally, he looked across at Mal.

"The actual figure, with William Bishop's retainer, comes to 28 Million. The invoice for the Eagles is now paid, for a total of 78 Million. After overhead and Church Fithings, your interest in Waverly LLC is now just over half a Billion credits."

"Thud! Business is that good, eh?"

"Yes. No thanks to you, Mal."

"Reggie....?"

Reggie sighed and set the datapad aside. "Before we continue with the mundane, Mal, I must say this. As your friend, and one of your few remaining friends, I will accept your apology; if you will admit to being an insensitve thoughtless bastard when it suits your 'agenda'!"

Mal recoiled slightly, as if slapped, but he could not escape the truth of Reg's comment.

"Acknowledged. No excuses. You deserved better, Reg. I am sorry I couldn't provide it."

Reggie looked into Mal's eyes. He saw pain there, but he also saw contrition, and something akin to love.

Nodding, he picked up his datapad again. "What's the plan then?"

"Thanks, 'Pops'. Very well, I plan to operate 'without purse or scrip', as the old missionary addage goes. I would like you to divest my Waverly holdings as follows:

"One third to the TAZ's Temple Fund for upkeep of Baffin, Sedona, the Temple, and the Farms;

"One third to Doc's Med Force One, for new diagnostic and research equipment. I'll be using their facilities quite frequently;

"And one third in the form of a grant to Cambridge Research Institute, earmarked solely for continued research on the Geode, and the Scrubbies."

Reggie nodded again as he entered the data. Any other man would be deemed insane for giving away a substantial fortune; but Mal was... Mal. Eris protects her Fools.

"Right. I'll have the papers drawn up immediately. I'll also file for non-profit status for your "Chapel". You should be a pauper by tomorrow night at the latest."

Mal chortled a bit at this. "Reg, somebody enjoyed my carny act. The tally on tonight's 'donations' was over 200,000 credits. That's more than enough to pay our bar tab, mooring fees, and to get us to our next 'gig'. Eris will provide, old friend. I think She likes me again!"

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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>