# 9 by Scourge

Scourge took in the midnight sky of Planet Malta. He was enjoying the smell of fresh wild Cardamine, soaking it up in the breeze, feeling it on his face. The musky scent of other exotic fragrances had touched his nose as well. The news of the cardiforming of Honshu and Kyushu delighted him as he sat down in his chair, and lit up a Rheinland Swisher.

The news the Outcast high council was something that was revolutionary for the Outcasts. Even for the people in the militia like Scourge, it meant that Cardamine would flow three times as fast and as much as it did before. The floodgates would be opened. The rest of the universe would feel the scent-the taste- the euphoria- the beauty of Cardamine, and the joy that each and every outcast felt.

Talisman turned the corner atop the Spire in which Scourge sat. The lights were dim, only a few candles flickered in the corridor, while the brilliant green of Malta's sun shining on Vesuvius lit up the night sky. The marblestone of the Spire climbed the crafted peak-side, which was met by other spires across the horizon. Talisman, sure of what he was going to say, seemingly forgot as the Heaven of Malta captivated him just as it swallowed up Scourge.

"The Outcasts have played a fine hand today. The flow of Cardamine will never cease." Scourge said, seemingly knowing that Talisman was there.

"We have had a grand victory. Those who attempt to stop our glorious flow will bleed out like pigs."

"There is talk of a small crusade against us, based in Tau 23."

---

The light from the sun lost its blinding effect as Talisman and Scourge had exited the Tau 23 jumphole from Tau 29. They had been on a quiet hunt, searching for the crusaders who had made it their profession to stop cardamine smuggling.

"Java Station seems to be their choice of location," , Scourge said. He had inhaled another dose of Cardamine, his lungs filling with the sweet sensation. Space was cold, but Scourge could not feel it under the alteration his mind had felt.

"Such a small base, for such a large campaign against us. Come, Scourge, I want to taste their death." Talisman's bloodlust could be felt in Scourge. He knew his urge to maim and kill.

"Easy Talisman. There will be plenty of time for that," Scourge smiled at his brother's feelings, but knew that their two ships would not be able to crucify such a base. Then another dose had been inhaled, and he had felt enlightenment all over again. We shall attack this base, and send it a message that the Outcasts are prepared to force their will on all who oppose them."

"Its only a matter of time before everyone feels the Malta dust."

"We turned Malta into heaven. Now we will turn the rest into hell."