The titanium globe known as "Shamus" floated over to the table where the Ravenhurst's crew were pounding both warm saki's and each other's backs. He'd seen the look on Linus' face, and wanted to feel him a bit.
*Good work, you lot. You'll be happy to know that our Spiritual Jefe has jumped a Kishiro cargo Drone, and he's headed to rendezvous with the [TAZ]Malaclypse at the Ogashawa. He wanted me to commend ye all on the nice support you gave our little soiree.
*Linus, sir. If ye don't mind, could I have a word with ye over at the bar?* Linus hesitated, then nodded and rose.
Shamus beeped at the Kusaran barmaid, and ordered a Tsingsao for Linus. The Ravenhurst's captain smacked his lips over the Kusaran beer, and turned to the F-unit. "Shamus.. the TAZ aren't known for conducting military excercises, let alone wet work on a bloody civilian lux liner.. what did we just do?"
*Well, Linus, I'll tell ye as much as I'm privy to. It's a bit strange, I'll grant, but here's the way of it. Our Episkopos has for some time now been wearin' "two hats", so ta speak. That bunch he was meetin' with on the Hawaii were the leaders of the Discordians' old nemesis on Terra, the Illuminati.*
Linus coughed, and his eyes widened. "I thought those were old wive's tales created to scare unruly children, Shamus! Even on Earth, the existence of the Illuminati was never proven. Oh, the accusations and rumors were rife about 'em, from what I've read, but you're sayin' they were, and are, real?"
*Aye, laddie, I am. And our Episkopos was one of their five secret leaders, the 'Illuminati Primi'. But Mal confided in me that he was gettin' very leery of their behavior of late. It seems they were becomin' power-mad, and Thud-bent on throwin' the whole of Sirius into one gigantic war.
"Well, it begins to make some sense, Shamus. But why, if these 'Primi' were so secret, would Mal go to the trouble of fakin' his own death back there?"
*This will never leave yer lips, Linus?* asked Shamus. Linus did not hesitate before giving an affirmative nod.
*Up until the very day of the assault, my orders had been to kill five persons in that suite, Linus. Malaclypse was ready to give up the battle for the Eristic side to ensure the complete demoralization of the Aneristic Forces. He wanted the lower-level Illuminati in Sirius to poop their drawers over this raid, and to do so, he basically 'signed' his own death warrant.*
Linus's eyes widened again, and he slowly set the half full beer bottle down on the bar, but said nothing.
*But something happened.. whether it had to do with these 'other' Terran Illuminati, or with other events I'm not privy to, I received an emergency squawk from Fnordie on Shasta Outpost. Mal was to be extracted, and that bloody 'golem' left in his place. I don't think I've ever been so relieved in both o' my short lives.*
Linus shook his head. "I can see why, Linus. I'd never have been able to live with myself, knowing that I'd assisted in Mal's own assassination. Whatever the reason, thank Goddess he changed his mind!"
*Aye. The old Fakir kinda grows on one, doesn't he...*