Veranda Incognita, Home of the Waverlys

[Malaclypse 666]

It was a crisp, clear morning at Port Canaria. The weather portended to be perfect for the dedication this evening. Reggie and Mal sat on the veranda, gingerly sipping at steaming mugs of coffee. Reggie seemed lost in thought, behind a cloud of tobacco smoke from the pipe hed had crafted in Honshu those many months ago.

Problems, Pops? Id guess youre in a bit of a quandary over your dedication speech tonight..

Indeed, Mal. There is so much to be shared about Dr. deLuna and his unfortunate family; but I fear that doing so will negate the positive message I would hope to leave with our attendees tonight. I would like to focus on the positive aspects of their lives. I want the Plaza to be a memorial to the peace that Fiona sought, rather than the atrocities she and her family endured.

Pops, you knew Fiona as well or better than anyone in Sirius. You were privy to her hopes and fears. She kept much of herself a secret from the rest of her associates; but she shared her visions and dreams with you. Try to pass those dreams on to our guests.

Reggie smiled wanly. Oh, she had glorious dreams, Mal. After the attack by Dr. Artifice and the Ska Ralla she tended to be more introverted and cautious in talking about them; but they were still there.

Mal also smiled. I can attest that her daughter Sylvia shared Fionas dreams, Reg. That glorious child knew more about faith and love than all of us combined! I will miss her greatly. Jessica was a somewhat unknown factor; possibly due to being a clone of Fionas aunt; but I sensed that she also had a pure heart.

But will these people understand such intangibles as faith and love and purity, Mal? It seems that the Sector is caught up in a vicious cycle of conflict, death, and greed. Will one single word I say tonight have the least effect on people or events?

Possibly not, old friend. Not one other person has even requested to speak tonight. We may be on that Plaza alone, with our memories. But I do know this: The Chao cannot continue to spin in balance without the qualities which those women embodied. We Discordians and TAZers, primate, cyber sentient, and canine, know that. We will continue to do all within our power to preserve their memories and ideals.

Reggie looked down at his pipe, which had gone out during their conversation. Spoken like a true Episkopos of Eris, Mal. Perhaps I will go meditate for a bit, and seek some inspiration from that old Hag one more time. Knowing Her, shell have volumes to say on the matter.

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