Malaclypse nodded to Charlie Koskinin, acknowledging his question. In the history of Sirius, only one man had ever flown with the Phantoms and lived to tell it about it. As "Epopt to the Phantoms", Charlie had served the Goddess well.
"It's still about Eris, Charlie. She just wants me to change the focus a bit here.
"All 'Deities' serve the same purpose. They provide an example of the Divinity humanity may someday achieve. The also provide 'clues' as to how this Divinity may be attained. 'As Above, so Below'.
"Enlightenment is not an easy path, Charlie, you know that. Eris just provides a bit more fun along the way. As to my 'next move', that is largely dependent on the results of my little 'brain change' experiment tonight and over the next few months."
"Tomorrow, I and the Neophytes chosen here tonight will be flying to Med Force 1, with Doc's permission. We will undergo complete 'baseline' physical and neurological workups. I can't explain why at the moment, but you and Cid there are welcome to join us if you wish."
Mal's attention then turned to the hooded figure standing alone near the far wall. While the questions he posed seemed a bit impertinent, they were indeed the right questions.
"You have me at a disadvantage sir," Mal replied. "I do not recognize you as a member of TAZ, or any of its former incarnations. I will answer your questions, in exchange for your name.
"There is a difference between 'magic' and 'Magick'. The former is useful because it allows the observer the option of saying 'It's a trick! It's done with smoke and mirrors.' And yes, my sermon was 'conventional' in the sense that any good holographic technician could, or may, have duplicated the effects you witnessed."
The level of dusky fluid in the Reposado bottle dropped again as Mal refilled his glass. He was indeed "warming" to the subject...
"You see, primates are notorious for defending their cherished paradigms. The will react with anything from denial to outright hostility to justify and protect their favorite reality tunnels from new 'memes'. The terms 'neophobe' and 'Homo Neophobe' were coined centuries ago to describe this behavior. As you can imagine, 'Homo Neophobe' is an unlikely candidate for Illumination. Are there any limes?"
Mal paused for a moment while Lev worked his own brand of magic, and a small bowl of lime segments "appeared" on the low table next to his chair. He bit into one before adding a swallow of the smokey aged tequila. Lighting another cheroot, he peered a moment at the hooded figure before continuing:
"Now, 'Magick' can be loosely defined as the use of external stimuli, symbols, or ritual to create internal change, either in oneself, or in a receptive 'observer'. The only thing required by the observer is a mind which is open to new ideas, new information, new ways of thinking. Such 'Homo Neophile' minds are quite rare.
"The entirety of tonight's 'Sermon', both the 'smoke and mirrors' and the content, was specifically designed to quickly identify and separate the 'neophiles' from the 'neophobes'. My first impression is that the 'experiment' was successful.
"As I mentioned to Charlie, my next task is to establish 'baseline' medical and psychological profiles for myself and the individuals who were chosen tonight. Once that is done, the 'experiment' can continue.
"Hopefully, that answers your question, 'Brother'. Now, return the favor. Who are you?"
The man in robe remained unmoved as Mal was speaking.
Ignoring his question, he slowly nodded "I was indeed talking about Chaos magic, also known as Magick, which symbol is the infamous chaosphere"
He then lowered his head and talked softly "What you say is interesting, Malaclypse the Third... I assume you wanted to spot the people attracted by novelty, as they should be the ones willing to follow you... However... Don't you think this... Dualism could be similar to the Order/Disorder one?"
A chuckle could be barely heard, coming from under the hood "I'm curious, Mal. Being curious isn't something bad per se. However some form of inertia can be considered as beneficial... or harmful. Same goes for change. A murderer can be considered as Neophiliac, because he tried something new... for him"
He raised his head "How do you make the distinction? And will the Podge prevail over the Hodge?"
The man remained silent during a few seconds, aiming his invisible eyes at John Henry, under his hood "Names... So many power is contained in them. If you need to give me a name, then call me bob... Or Brother reverend Caroll... Or Pikachu."
Lev put the lime slices down in front of Mal and moved back into the corner. He was obviously here as an observer. He had met the Old Man years ago, joined him on that damn Council, lived with him in Baffin, they went back a long way. Lev had never really thought of the Old Man as an important person. He knew that most Zoners saw him as some kind of Messiah, but he had never spent much time with Mal around others. Lev had never seen the man put on airs, but he had never seen him with his most beloved, the TAZ. Tonight was eye opening for Lev, his old was the center of the universe with these people, even Doc, who Lev hadn't really ever officially met, but was one of the most rational men he had ever heard speak, looked at Mal like one might view a god, that is if Lev believed in gods.
Lev had never been one for the religious mumbo jumbo, made his friendship with Mal all the more surprising. Going from place to place, Lev had long ago given up looking for some holy spirit to dictate how he should live his life. He knew the only person laying out a course for his life was Lev himself. But he was fond of the Old Man, so he figured he owed it to the man to stick around and make sure that his mission didn't get bogged down in minutia of logistics.
Leaning against the wall, listening to the back and forth between Mal and the TAZ, Lev found himself in awe, while he only understood ever third or fourth word, he could tell there as some kind of Aristotelian dialogue taking place, probably about the future of the TAZ, and here was Lev Shestov, yet again serving as an observer of history.
Noticing the liquor was getting a bit low, Lev grabbed another bottle and set it up for the Old Man. It was only then he noticed the hood removed and the odd looking man.
Nooblet\' Wrote:Living life as a Zoner? Sure, on my Eagle, Kingfisher, Conference, Fearless, Corvo, Aquilon and/or Juggernaut perhaps. Not on an Advanced Train or Zoner Whale.
The room went silent for a moment at the robed figures's perceived impudence. That silence was abruptly broken by an outburst of mirthful laughter.
Wiping the tears from his eyes, Malaclypse gestured towards the one known as "Cid".
"Pope Nasrudin, you should share that delightful parable about your namesake and his lost donkey with our 'guest' sometime. He might find it instructive!" Mal chuckled again as he turned to the mysterious figure.
"Good Sir Whosis, if you think I am seeking "followers" here, you are sorely mistaken. What I AM seeking are individuals with the potential to rise BEYOND the duality of follower/leader, or true/false, or possible/impossible.
"Balance is still necessary to that process, sir, so be assured that the Sacred Chao won't be on the menu of any future barbecues I might host. You can also give your Illuminati Primi a message for me. 'Grummet'."
Malaclypse rose and turned to his old roomie.
"Lev, please escort the TAZ Brethren to the Cave. I'll join you all as soon as I've had a chance to speak privately with Reggie and the Ambassador.
"Charlie. Cid. I know this is rather abrupt, but the Chapel leaves tomorrow. There are berths aboard if you want them. Breakfast at 10 in the aft Atrium."
Finally, the suite was empty except for the four seated individuals. Doctor and Mrs. Holliday, Reginald Waverly, and Malaclypse, past leader and Episkopos of the Temporary Autonomous Zoners.
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With the hall cleared, Doc sat quietly for a moment. It was evident that something weighed heavy on his mind. He took a sip from his glass and, after putting it down, patted Midori's arm. On cue, she let go of him as he stood up, his long flowing robes adorning him.
He sighed and looked downward for a moment before looking into the face of his old friend,
"First of all, it's great to see you back, Old Friend. Wherever you were and what you were doing really doesn't have a lot of relevance right now. The fact that you have come home means much."
He paused a moment and continued, "I suppose that only the rest of TAZ can truly judge me in your absence but I don't feel as if I've lived up to your expectations. I mean sure, I held them together, guided them through some pretty rough times and almost hung up my robes once myself but....they came to my side and together we rode it out."
He took a sip of his wine and continued,
"Much has happened, Mal, both within and outside of TAZ. The Zoner Alliance failed, we found ourselves at odds with our own Zoner brethren while making friendships with those people others wouldn't give a thought to. But Mal, I find myself thinking and feeling differently then I have before. You, Old Friend, have nothing to do with it."
He then takes a datapad from his pocket, uploads some info and hands it to Mal. On it is a long list of names with some pictures, a lot of them women and children.
"These faces, these names, will haunt me forever," he explained, "they are the 800 victims who died in a Corsair attack on Freeport 1 and Freeport 9 for the actions of other Zoners. I couldn't save them but for those that I could, I made sure they got a proper burial. Add to that Aurelia DeFrance attacking Freeport 10 some time back and carrying on her egotistical and vengeful ways, I'm finding it hard to be a man of peace."
He then turned and within a few steps, found a window to stare out of. Midori could only watch, her face one of pity and concern. Doc then took a softer tone, his hands behind his back, "Through it all, the likes of Xavier Triton, Popess Concordia, John Rackham, Sister Joanna and other TAZ folks have persevered. Quiet we have been but we still stand together. To them all I owe much."
He again sighed, hanging his head a bit, "Sure I can keep a group going but you are a far better Discordian than I ever will be. I've devoted more time to my practice and diplomacy than I have my own people."
He then turned and faced Mal, "For that, I owe you an apology."
He then turned back towards the window, awaiting a reply from his friend.
Cid stood as Mal and the others talked. He listened, and saw the differnt people he had once flown with, and knew that most didn't recognize him at all, and one or two barely. It wasn't unexpected. He had been drinking and gmbling his fortune away longer than Mal had been 'Missing'. Hell, He'd just learned that Mal was missing a couple days before. Almost like a dream now, as he thought back on it. A passing bar maid happened to recognize him and ask for Cid's blessing, and asked if the Eskipo-how-do-you-say-it had been found. Cid blessed her, kissed her smack dead in her third eye and walked out without paying yet another tab.
He had followed the nose after that, and ended up out in the last corner of the last room in the universe to find his brother and the former leader of the now TAZ, though Cid knew the secrets others didn't about the old man. Like his favorite kind of java. Still, Cid wasn't sure what was going on totally.
Unlike the rest of the group, when they were dismissed and sent to the Cave, Cid went and found one of the rooms Mal said was open for him to use. An easy enough task with the women running around on the ship. He managed to get a shower and a very cute girl to cut his hair, and help him make his face presentable. She even told him he was quite handsome once all that filth had been cleaned off. He kissed her forehead and sent her on her way with the message that when the Old Man was done with his guests, and the afterparty at the Cave that he come speak to Cid.
Then, with a wink and a smile, he shut the door and sat to meditate on the hooded figure that hadn't been willing to identify himself. Cid had long dealt with types that wouldn't show their faces or answer simple questions. He had been that guy once himself. Before finding Eris, and embracing her teachings. It seemed many lifetimes had gone by since then. Maybe they had. Cid had long ago stopped worrying about such things. Such a man could be a threat to his old friend, and brother. He would ask Eris to clarify and see if the Fnordnet could dig up anything on him later. Always good to know what you can before hand.
His hands settled on his knees, smoke rising around him from the brazier in the room filled the room with a sweet, musky smell. His awareness stretched and his mind soared to meet with what it could find.
Malaclypse rose and walked to the transparent wall overlooking the biodome. He placed an arm around John Henry's shoulders, feeling the tensions buried there. They both looked out on the vast desolate Yukon system for a silent moment.
"I think Baffin is a much prettier place, don't you, John?" Mal was rewarded with the tinge of a smile on the Ambassador's face, and a brief nod of agreement.
"John, when you first signed on with me and the TAZ, neither of us could have predicted the kind of hands we'd be dealt. When Eris is the Dealer, often you don't even know what stakes are on the table, or what the game is until the cards are dealt."
Holliday smiled again at the analogy to his favorite game. Mal guided Doc back to his seat next to Midori, and briefly touched her shoulder as well before returning to his own chair.
"Well, knowing our Goddess, it shouldn't surprise us that the game was 5-card Stud, with no draws.
"As my right hand on the Council of Zoners, you rose rapidly from "Aide" to Diplomat, to TAZ Ambassador;
"Your instincts to pursue medicine have taken you from frontier dentist to accredited Physician and Surgeon, responsible for creating the most advanced mobile Medical Center in known space."
Mal then looked at Mrs. Holliday before continuing.
"Your hand improved even more when you drew the "Queen", John. Somehow you managed to pluck the prettiest blossom from Kusari, becoming a husband and father." He bowed slightly to the blushing Midori.
"But then, I disappeared abruptly from the table, forcing Eris to adjust the deal, giving you two cards that should have been mine, old friend. For that, I hope you will accept my deep apologies, and my eternal gratitude.
"I believe that the fourth card has actually improved your hand, John. As TAZ Administrator, I can find no fault with your actions or your leadership. Baffin, and the TAZ, seem to have grown and flourished under your guidance. I ask you now to continue in that capacity, because I will not be returning to the TAZ."
To Mal's relief, Doc hesitated only briefly before nodding in the affirmative. Mal knew that it was the fifth card which really threw the wrench into Doc's hand, causing him to doubt the game's outcome. He chose his next words very carefully before continuing.
"John, I know full well that you never expected, nor wanted, to be the Spiritual Leader of Eris' Church. If anyone has failed in that duty, it is ME, not you. I plan to rectify that right now, by relieving some of your burden. I say "some", because the Law of Fives must still be given its' due, and any good poker player knows you have to play the hand you're dealt. Now, pretend I'm wearing my Robes, eh?"
Malaclypse rose and approached his seated friend. He placed his left hand on John's forehead, and raised his right hand in the familiar "23" symbol.
"As Episkopos Prime and Polyfather of the Church of Eris Esoteric, I do hereby Ordain Pope John Henry Holliday as High Priest of Baffin and the Temporary Autonomous Zoners, and Warden of the Temple of Eris! Skidoo!"
Instead of being relieved, Holliday sat stunned, confused, as if he'd just been dealt the Five of Turds. Mal had to stifle a laugh before speaking again. He sat down next to his friend and began to explain.
"John, the Titles are so much "eye candy", just as most of Discordianism is. I have just relieved you of any responsibility for the Souls and Pineals of your TAZ Brethren. I palmed the "Joker" and stole it back while you weren't looking. The "Flax stops here" again, my friend.
"However, there is still a Temple in Baffin to oversee and protect. And, Eris has blessed us with miracles which still require study and comprehension.. The Scrubbies, the Amulets, the Geode itself. There is an evolutionary 'synergy' at work in Baffin which we need to understand, and also to protect.
"As High Priest and Warden, those will be your only duties for the Church when I am away. I will return as often as possible; because Eris still lives in Baffin, Doc. Take good care of Her in my absence, and I am confident that She will protect and bless you all in return."
Doc seemed to relax a bit at his new "charge". Midori reached over and took his hand. "You do fine, John Henry!" she said lovingly. Doc's back straightened as he realized that his burden had lightened. "As you wish, Mal."
"Excellent! We've covered the Spiritual ramifications. Now for the "material" world." Mal turned to his old friend and business associate from Canaria.
"Reggie, I believe I owe you 25 Million Credits. Add to that a 50 Million Credit invoice for two fully-kitted Eagles for my "Deacons"; and my heartfelt apology to both you and Moira for leaving without a word."
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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Doc was relieved and breathed a bit easier now that he had Mal's approval. He sat honored now that he could add "High Priest" to his already well documented resume. He felt rejuvenated knowing that he could go on as he always had.
"Mal," he said, "let me know when you need Med Force One's facilities. I will make them available, even giving you quarters as needed."
He then smiled, "I think you will find that Scrubbies have more uses and applications than what you imagine. I'll show you on Med Force some time."
"As to your donation, I've been pondering the construction of a second but smaller Med Force for Baffin. I think the donation will go best towards that. Since I won't have the research facilities on it that I do on Med Force One, a Corvo class cruiser will suit my needs as I find patients coming to Baffin....that and houses will be a bit more forgiving of me flying through with it I would think. I've already upgraded the medical facilities quite a bit on Shasta so this seems sensible."
With that, he cozied back up to his once-again smiling bride as she took his arm. With a re-fill of his wine glass, he sat to give the respect of his friend, Mal, time to finish his business.
Mal smiled at Doc's mention of the "Scrubbies". They had been his "pets" for some time now.
"I think a second Med Force is a wonderful idea, John. A Corvo-sized ship would be extrremely convenient for the research I have in mind in Baffin; but for now, we'll set course for One's location first thing tomorrow. I want to get the baseline data on myself and my crew as soon as possible."
Mal thought for a moment. "We should also get copies of all the data CRI collected when I first discovered the Scrubbies and the Geode. We may be able to establish a baseline for the little tykes from their research.
"John, I think the Scrubbies 'learn'! The ones I've adopted over the years in the Geode seem to anticipate my wishes. They seem to respond to emotions as well. I believe the Geode's energies are having a physical, and possibly a neurological effect on our little space fishies. I intend to have them poked and prodded every bit as much as my new flock of 'research associates'."
"Gentlemen. Madame Holliday. I hope I've explained my past actions, and my future plans, to your satisfaction for the moment. The "Chapel" will be available on FnordNet if you need to get in touch. I am suddenly famished! Would you join me in the Bear Cave for a nightcap or a little midnight nosh?"
With the graceful Midori in the lead, and arms about his two old friends, they left Room 27. Even with his stomach grumbling like mad, he felt better than he had in years.
*****23*****
//(Dear Readers: The Search is indeed concluded. On the morrow, you can find the Episkopos and his new crew of Deacons and Neophytes having a leisurely breakfast aboard Chapel Perilous. You will most likely find Moira and Reggie at their Veranda Incognita plantation, or commuting from Canaria to Baffin on TAZ and Waverly LLC business. And of course you will find the TAZ where they've always been.. in the Bosom of the Goddess. Mal.)
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