Chapter 2

"Yes, the Book of Mordalis" the Council member announced. "Through our meetings here you all know the many tales of Mordalis, but now an outsider has access to them. While much of its contents are of no consequence, there are a few details that could jeopardize the better security of this organization."

"Well then, I see it is up to me once again to save the Cult. No fear, I shall return victorious." With that notion, Xaraxus lead Spectral Death outside of the temple and back to the Doom Gaze.

Once inside, the group began to chatter. "Man, those guys are really creep me out" Crimson stated.

Bataract hung from the ceiling. "Ah, not as scary as Zip Zap over there, now he's one ugly-"

"Shut up you tin-plated freak. This whole thing is just plain ridiculous, first trees, now some stupid book?" Zip Zap scowled.

"You really are thick headed Zip Zap" Xaraxus replied. "The Cults orders are my orders, and you do not question them. I would waste our time if the book were so trivial."

Zip Zap punched a wall. "Whatever, I just hope we get a good fight in before we have to come back."

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On board the LSS Freedom…

Inside his quarters, Waitstate paces back and fourth, too angry to sit down. He struggles with several issues he has in mind, but none of them have been expressed at length with the rest of the crew. Sitting down at his console, Waitstate brings up various data on Spectral Death. Most importantly, he reviews their recent attacks. After a considerable amount of time, he exists his quarters and moves directly to the Conference Room.

"I want all crew members, and I mean all to the Conference room. We have a very urgent matter to discuss" Waitstate said over the ship-wide comm.

Almost immediately the seats around the table were filled, while the other LONAC members lined up against the walls.

Once everyone was positioned, Waitstate stood up in front of his seat. "As all of you know, we have been plagued by Spectral Death for far to long now. I've tried to keep us in a totally neutral standpoint, but that has now become impossible. That is why I have decided to devise a first strike plan of attack."

"A first strike? Us? But that goes against too many of your principles. Don't get me wrong Wait, I'm always game for a good fight, but you?" Admiral Lilwall asked perplexed.

"He's gotta do what he's gotta do Admiral, and I have to agree with him on this" Artifice replied.

Waitstate leaned over on the table. " Your mission will first be to double-check every single one of the Freedom's systems, and I'm talking every one. Weapon systems, comm units, televisions, waste disposal units, everything. Once you are done, each one of you will be fully recharged and placed at your stations. You will not move from the stations unless under DIRECT orders from me."

"Sounds like a great time, then what do we get to do?" Splitwit asked.

"You will wait for further instructions" Waitstate replied sternly. "Several reports had given us some very good clues as to the current location of Spectral Death. We will encounter them in approximately 72 hours at current speed."

"We're practically right on their tail" Shadowpaw replied.

"That's right, and this time we're gonna sneak up on THEM." Waitstate said with power. "This isn't going to be the cutesy battles we've had in the past. Plain and simply, this is war, and we're gonna make sure those bastards pay."

The crew was stunned by his zeal and began to chatter nervously. Waitstate commanded them into order. "You are to begin at this meetings conclusion, if you have any serious questions you shall contact me immediately. Understood?"

Most of the crew uneasily replied "Yes sir." They slowly filed out of the room.

Artifice remained behind for a moment and patted Waitstate on the back. "I never thought you had it in you."

"You'd be surprised" Waitstate replied.

Artifice grinned and left the room.

Outside of the room, Deadlift crudely expresses his opinion. "Slagging leader is gonna get us all slagged, that's for sure."

"Spectral Death hasn't taken us down yet, this could be the chance we've all been waiting for the get some peace around here" Shadowstrike replied. "After thousands of vorns of fighting, it would be nice."