Changes: The return of the darkness.

[Galen/Mortis/_ronin1_]

The Council had been assembled. Galen stood at the center of the
large meeting room as the gallery behind him filled. Elric lead the
council and called for silence.

"Galen, you are accused of a heinous crime. You have gone outside the
Order and have interacted with outsiders." Elric paused to let the
seriousness of the charges have their full impact on the assembly.
Galen stood silent as Elric continued. "As you all know, we secreted
ourselves away many years ago. We no longer wanted to be used as
tools for the others in their wars.

"We are dreamers, shapers, singers, and makers. We study the mysteries
of laser and circuit, crystal and scanner, holographic demons and
invocations of equations. These are the tools we employ, and we know
many things." Elric looked squarely at Galen, "And we know what you
have done."

With this Galen could no longer be silent. "Is it wrong to help other
in their hour of need? Our Order order takes pride on knowing all
that can be known and most of all the rest. While you have hidden
yourselves away, I have saved the lives of those who could not do so
on their own."

"Galen," said Elric, "While we have turned a blind eye to your
activities for some time, we can no longer continue to do so."

"Our order says many things. It does a few of them. Believes in fewer
still" replied Galen.

"Not this time Galen. It has been decided, that on this day, you
shall leave us. Never return here Galen. This is the decision of the
Council. Meeting adjourned."

People began to file out of the chambers and holograms vanished.
Galen stood still. Elric considered him for a moment and moved
closer.

"Galen, when you were but a boy I took you into my care and passed on
my teachings. Your parents were close friends of mine. I considered
you a son. But", he broke off.

"Do not worry Elric, for I have hope. There's always hope...only
because it's the one thing nobody's figured out how to kill yet."
smiled Galen.

And with that he turned and walked away. He boarded his ship, and
rose through the atmosphere.

Upon reaching the outer edge of the planet he spoke once again.
"Ship, engage cloak. Open jump point and lock to earth beacon one one
six two niner. Contact Castle Mainframe."

"Castle Mainframe Online" replied a computer voice.

"Access 5th Business military operations and prepare for ship
arrival. Estimated time until
arrival, One week."

"Message received" replied the computer.

"Ship, Disengage cloak and follow course, best speed. Upon arrival at
Earth beacon, reengage the cloak and land at the base."

Galen stood up from the control console. As he stared out into the
hyperspace void, he couldn't help but think of his Isabelle. He
thought of her often these days. He had placed her ashes in the Well
of Forever. He had kept his promise. But now she haunted his
thoughts more than ever.

"One day my love. One day."