Chapter 17

It wasn’t long before most of the LONAC crew was gathered in the docking bay for Artifice’s funeral. They surrounded a silver capsule with the LONAC symbol embedded on the top. Due to the odd nature of Artifice’s death, the capsule was completely sealed.

Waitstate looked around to make sure everyone was present. He saw Restore and Welder walk up behind the crowd and then began his eulogy.

“We are gathered here to bid a fond farewell to our friend, Artifice” Waitstate began. “While we could do nothing to stop his passing, we can keep his spirit alive. He fought along side us with his entire spark. As a result, many of us owe him our lives.” Waitstate turned to the capsule. “Artifice, without you it may not have been possible to stop Xaraxus. It is true we’ve had our differences, but all is forgiven.” Waitstate stepped aside. “We shall have a final viewing for those who were not here earlier.”

Several of the LONAC members walked up to the capsule and said a few quick words. As they went back to their standing positions, Waitstate raised his arm again.

“Now that we have all said our final good-byes, it is time to let go of Artifice.” The docking bay doors opened, and the launcher holding Artifice’s capsule slowly raised. “With his spirit burning in all of us, I now commit Artifice’s body to space.”

The capsule was launched through the docking bay’s energy field and into outer space. Everyone on board the LSS Freedom watched the capsule in silence until it was completely out of view.

Slowly but surely the crew left the docking bay. Waitstate didn’t want anyone to know of his distress.

“Perhaps now, we can go back to truly being neutral. Without their leader Spectral Death will soon crumble” Waitstate thought to himself. “We did it old friend.”