CHAPTER 8

MEET THE NEW GUY

Pilgrims piled out of their tents and cabins as word spread throughout the settlement of Cathedral. The militia members grabbed weapons from the armory and climbed the wooden city wall. Others who were not directly responsible for defending the settlement gathered near the gate, driven by their curiosity. The Prophets gathered to confer on how they should greet the new and unexpected visitor. Altogether, hundreds of community members dropped their chores and hurried to see.

The residents of Cathedral all wore robes. The white cloth which was harvested from the community's own cotton field and woven by those residents who were too feeble for more physical labors. The Prophets of course wore the most decorative robes, with the most elaborate designs worn by the highest ranking among the Holy. Their large eyes wavered over their robes as they conversed and glanced towards the opening gate. The Humans, Near-Humans, and various aliens who composed the majority of the community were newer recruits to the faith and thus their robes were entirely undecorated.

The crowd said many things in the Earthling language. “Who is he?” “I've heard of him back on the farm. He's an infamous killer.” “By the Great Sisters, are we letting him in here?” “I saw them from the wall. There's two of them traveling together.” “His gun is huge.” “None of his kind have ever converted until now.” “Is he really going to convert?”

The Prophets spoke in their own language which none of the pilgrims understood.

With the gate open, the visitors walked into the settlement. A Reptilian Raider strutted alongside a juvenile trap cat. The cat was not large enough yet to ride, but it carried saddlebags with large bundles. It was the perfect age for training. The cat's tail swished, obviously proud to be sharing a spotlight of attention.

The Raider was shorter and less muscular than some, but he carried a vast assortment of exotic weapons and gear.

Chief Gorgon had a reputation for targeting treasure hunters, killing them, and stealing the most desirable relics before they could be delivered to civilization. The gun he wore along his back was alone clearly worth more than most of the Holy had seen in their lives. Gorgon's fang-filled mouth enhanced the effect of his confident smirk.

One of the Holy stepped forward to greet him in Earthling. “Welcome to this sanctuary, Brother Reptilian. I am Prophet Olom, and I welcome --”

“Yes,” Gorgon interrupted, “I will join.”

“We do not simply allow potential dangers to come inside and cause havoc. This is a place of spiritual growth, and the pilgrims who come here must feel safe to pursue their growth.”

Gorgon petted his cat. “We can play nice. Bast here doesn't eat children. And me – well, I'm not feeling hungry.

I’m feeling curious. I have already acquired everything worth winning in the Civilized Lands. I want to find out what it feels like to have my spirit grown.”

“We do not permit violence among the Holy. Are you prepared to pledge eternal loyalty to our three divine patronesses, the Great Sisters? Are you willing to earn your keep with labor and meditation? Are you willing to submit to the authority of your elders in the Holy? All of these are non-negotiable.”

Gorgon answered, “Sure, sure, Prophet. So long as any of my enemies who come looking are held to the same standards, we'll be as docile as kittens. Specifically, there is this bounty hunter who is looking to collect on me, and

I seek sanctuary from this killer.”

“You should know that there is a pledge of sacrifice. You would need to give up your most valued worldly possessions and tithe them to the Holy. So tell me, how serious are you, Gorgon of the Raiders.”

“I guess you can call me Brother Gorgon now, padre. As for my most treasured treasure, I brought just the thing.”

He pulled one of the bundles out of Bast's saddlebag. Removing some of the canvas, he showed a metal dish inside.

“This is the most desirable treasure in all of the Civilized Lands.”

Prophet Olom stared at the strange machine. Bast rubbed her face against Gorgon's leg. The crowd murmured, unsure of what prize was being offered. Gorgon said, “What's wrong? Haven't you ever seen a Breach Closure Device before?”