~ Chapel Perilous ~

[Malaclypse 666]

Breakfast in the aft Atrium soon went from leisurely to interminable. Mal couldn't believe it was taking the Freeport 14 shipwrights so long to prep and hand over two Eagles. At least Cid and Charlie were being patient about the delay. They both acted like they hadn't visited cholesterol heaven in ages, working on 3rd portions of omelettes, fresh fruit, and Shaking Mountain dark roast from Reggie's fields.

The eight new "Neophytes" had finished breakfast half an hour ago, and had returned to the Chapel for another 2 hours of meditation; after which Athena and her "Pooters Posse" would instruct the Neophytes on their new duties at Services.

Mal reviewed the list of Neophytes again. Perhaps there was a correlation between "neophile" tendencies and IQ or learning; because four of the eight also had excellent references which qualified them for the Chapel's crew complement:

Carter, Zebediah: Retired Military, Pilot, decorated;

Carter, Dejah Thoris: PHD, Stellar Cartography, Co-pilot, Navigator;

Burroughs, Jacob: PHD, Physics, Quantum Topology, N-Dimensional theory, First Officer;

Burroughs, Hilda: Sociologist, Specialist in Conflict resolution and body language, Comms Officer.

Somehow, the names seemed familiar, but Mal couldn't put the puzzle together. He would still need an Engineer. He hoped Hilda would double as Chef, as she was responsible for helping with their excellent morning meal.

Mal suddenly remembered the note from Doc he had found on his desk this morning. He patted his rumpled cargo shorts for the note, reread it, and subvocally activated the Chapel's FnordNet Sub Node.

"John Henry, I got your message. Will take a raincheck on Midori's Mahi Mahi, as we've encountered some delays here in Yukon. We hope to burn for Canaria and MF1 shortly, ETA late tomorrow. Once we've finished, I'd like to give the Neophytes a tour of the Church's operations on Canaria.. Perfect time for a meet 'n greet at Tombstone. I'll give you a call when we reach MF1."

He immediately placed a second call to the Freeport's ship dealer, merely grunting at the reply he got.

"Well, Charlie, Cid. Looks like your escort ships will be ready in an hour. If not, we'll go raise five kinds of Thud!"

Mal looked more closely at the two "veteran" Discordians, briefly reminiscing on some of their adventures from years past. They seemed rather uncomfortable and subdued as they sipped their coffee.

"Okey guys.. what's up? Are you having second thoughts about joining 'Eris' Travelling Mutation Show'?

"She brought you here to me for some reason, old friends. When it comes the the Goddess, you can 'eff the ineffable' until you're blue in the face; but you both know that you're as apt to get more questions than answers. Talk to me."

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