Chapter 2

Waitstate motioned for Recoil and Drill Master to put down their weapons. “Artifice mentioned you a few times, but he never told me you were his brother.”

Gravix chuckled. “We were the competitive type. Both of us wanted our notoriety and we couldn’t do that unless we became individuals.”

“Get your things and we can talk more in my office” Waitstate replied as he motioned for him to follow.

“Would you like our company?” Drill Master asked.

Waitstate patted Drill Master on the shoulder. “It’s okay Drill Master, I’ll call if I need anything.”

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Gravix entered Waitstate’s office and set a sack on his desk.

“I know you said you had something I’d like to see, but why do you want to join?” Waitstate asked.

“My brother an I had an agreement. When one of us departed, the other would take his place. We’d complete the unfinished business of the other, then continue on our way,” Gravix responded.

Waitstate leaned forward on his desk. “Sounds like a good deal, but in helping to take down Spectral Death I believe he fulfilled his greatest objective with us.”

“Maybe you’re right, but maybe you don’t see the whole picture.” Gravix reached into his bag and pulled out a book. “This is what Spectral Death has been after, this is what Artifice died for. Until all events mentioned in this book have come to pass, Artifice will never be able to rest.”

“Just what is that exactly? Why would Spectral Death be after something like that?” Waitstate was perplexed.

“This, my new friend, is the fabled ‘Book of Mordalis,’” Gravix replied triumphantly as he held the book up. “Some say it was written as a joke, some say it was authored by Mordalis himself. Either way, it holds details about the Cult of Mordalis’ most guarded secrets, the very basis of the Cult itself.”

“How do I know that’s what Spectral Death has really been after?” Waitstate asked. “It seems a little silly they’d waste so much time on a ratty old book.”

“I’m sure your ship has some sort facility that can validate the book’s age. Once you read a few passages out of it, I’m sure you can verify that it’s a major asset” Gravix said with a smile.

Waitstate sat back in his chair. “Very well, we’ll deal with that later. Let’s get you some quarters first.”

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In an unknown sector of the universe, the High Council of the Cult of Mordalis had called a meeting.

“The Gathering is almost completed. Soon all of us will be here to give rise to a new age in this establishment” echoed a voice from the Council. “Though Spectral Death failed us in recovering the Book of Mordalis, Xaraxus’ soldiers are still of use to us.”

The entire Cult was quiet. Not a single word was spoken amongst them, not a single sound was to be heard. To break any rules, even one as minor as moving during a service was to invite uncertain horrors.

“The group known as LONAC will soon come into possession of the Book, of this it has been written. It is only a matter of time before they learn of its secrets, of its true meaning.” The Council member turned to a figure separated from the rest of the group. “You shall help continue the search for the lost Eye of Mordalis. Aside from the Book, it is the last item of Mordalis that is of any interest to them.”

The Cult had been in existence for millions of years. Throughout those years, they had managed to retrieve nearly all of what they called “the lost artifacts.” These were believed to have belonged at one time to their departed figurehead.

“It may be impossible to retrieve the Book before the Gathering has come to completion. Spectral Death, at the very least, shall prevent LONAC from finding out its secrets too soon.” The Council member waved his hand and opened up a portal. He looked to the lone figure and motioned for him to pass through it. “Now go, for the next time we meet, our very purpose for existing shall come to pass.”

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Cirrus sat on the bridge of the LSS Freedom lazily looking into the view screen. The pattern of stars on the screen was ever changing, though they were still an all too familiar sight. His perseverance paid off though; an irregularity soon appeared.

“Hey boss, remember how Spectral Death pretty much dissolved after you killed Xaraxus? Remember how they never launched a serious attack since then?”

“Yeah?” Waitstate replied over his comm unit.

Cirrus sighed. “Well, times have changed.”