ã€ŠBlack Water Sleepsã€‹


 Chapter I

    ¡°The wee lass asked me once, ¡°what should I do?¡± So, I asked if she were little or big spoon. The look on ¡®er face was bloody priceless, but before she could answer I told ¡®er, ¡°it doesn¡¯t matter what ye say lass cos in a world of spoons; ye need to be a knife. Hone yerself an be the best knife ya can be, ya know? Even calm waters lurk monsters of the deep.¡± Ferret for the lass cos she became a better knife than me.¡± ¨C Response to Sister''s question, ¡°How does it feel to be the last of your kind?¡± Answered by Sigurd Ericsson, last known CoU Berserker, Year 2394 Sol.

    Exhausted did not amount to the raging fire that burned behind Morrigan¡¯s eyes. After barely being able to sleep before having to spend over a day and a half journeying and fighting, she was far beyond tired. However, she had expected the Federation to act ever since she had made her show of power at Mars, to start lashing out at the outer fringes, before turning towards the Eskarii and Marmuro¡¯k once they had finished off the CoU. For the Federation to so boldly show up with three ships at Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To¡¯s doorstep was a level of arrogance that infuriated her beyond her exhaustion.

    Admiral Shepard reported a Federation ¡°exploratory¡± Cruiser, accompanied by a Frigate and Destroyer, had entered deep into Marmuro¡¯k territory guns at the ready. Morrigan knew there was no such thing as exploratory when it came to the Federation; they only developed and researched new methods to destroy.

    The Federation contributed to very little of Earth¡¯s advancements. The CoU were the main producers of nearly everything for all Terran worlds; medicine, food, and household goods to large industrial or planetary equipment like atmospheric generators. The only thing Federation truly developed aside from the minimal necessities were weapons and war machines which was why the Federation¡¯s military presence was such a massive threat. Terrans were at mercy that the CoU also had a sizable military force though inferior in comparison.

    Morrigan ground her teeth as she considered the situation, watching Marmuro¡¯k scramble from the coliseum just moments after her resounding victory. She noticed the glares from the populace that held reservation against her being recognized as Marmuro¡¯k, as well as the mentioned idea that she had also become the chieftain of a new clan though Morrigan had not stopped to consider if her new title was a statement of fact or just superficial acceptance. At the moment, Morrigan did not care now that she had a target for her ire as she followed Xitzocl through the crowded dust coated street.

    ¡°Hey babe? I know you¡¯re all angry and such but do you have a plan?¡± Nora asked her.

    Morrigan glanced at Nora, her morally ambiguous, ex-pirate, ice mage girlfriend, seeing her piercing blue gaze upon her filled with a contradictory blend of excitement and concern.

    Morrigan¡¯s lip twitched in an effort to keep the surfacing sadistic smile from revealing itself.

    ¡°Depends on how this goes but yes, I have a plan hun,¡± she stated firmly, letting the corners of her mouth break her stoic demeanor with a held back smile.

    ¡°What are you to do?¡± Xitzocl demanded as she forced her way past the Marmuro¡¯k ahead of her, many of which became armed within minutes of the alarm sounding throughout the entirety of the sacred city of Tikal. The female Marmuro¡¯k chieftain shifted her head to look back at Morrigan.

    Her body arced in crimson primordial energy as she grinned, watching Xitzocl¡¯s eye go wide in worry before answering the question. ¡°If you can get me on that Cruiser, I intend to wreak as much havoc as I can.¡±

    Nora clapped and giggled excitedly while Xitzocl stopped in the center of the intersection kitty corner from the tower Morrigan met the chieftains in and turned to face her. Xitzocl even saw the aggressive reptilian smile on Xol-Clarke¡¯s face as she focused on her new ally.

    ¡°The Fang of Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To will be engaging with the enemy ships. They have no chance to defeat our mighty warship.¡±

    Morrigan did not stop though as she grabbed Xitzocl¡¯s wrist and dragged Xitzocl along forcefully only to stop, realizing she had no idea where to go. Morrigan shook her head and crossed her arms as she turned to her new friend, ¡°No, have your ship take care of the smaller two. My ship has a weapon to disable the command ship and I have a few nasty questions to ask the commanding admiral. I just need to get on the ship from here. So, can you help or not? Otherwise, I have to get back to my shuttle as fast as possible.¡±

    Xitzocl grunted as she considered the very pointed request before some of the Fire and Earth clan rushed by in a hurry. ¡°Fine, follow me,¡± she bit out, obviously displeased by the situation and followed after the determined group of Marmuro¡¯k at a brisk pace.

    What Morrigan did not realize was how humiliatingly little glory there was for the Fang of Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To to be ordered to hunt weaker prey, at least to the Marmuro¡¯k, not that it made any difference to her. She may have been new to the Marmuro¡¯k life, to the social customs and expectations one was supposed to follow but that meant nothing if she went back on her word to the citizens of Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To. If she was to be the sword and shield to her allies like she had claimed, then she had to take charge, customs be damned, and make sure the Federation did not escape; let alone survive long enough to harm any of the Marmuro¡¯k.

    Morrigan soon heard the commotion of preparation as they followed Xitzocl down a sloping path that led out of the city. As the sounds of the city fell away, the sounds of alien shouting and energy buildup began filling the air. The slope traveled on led to a steep drop above an open field that began to crack open. The resonating sound of mechanized motors churning was nothing compared to watching the massive field open up into a hidden airfield filled with small space craft and dozens upon dozens of Marmuro¡¯k preparing for an assault.

    Morrigan eyed both Xol and Xitzocl, Xol of which nodded in response before Xitzocl pointed to the airfield. ¡°That one there, it will be large enough for your clan. I will relay your orders to the Fang of Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To as well as give the pilot their orders to take you to the enemy ship¡­¡± Xitzocl stated reluctantly. Morrigan followed her long finger towards one of the ships more designed to be a drop ship than a fighter which certainly fit the bill.

    Morrigan watched as several Marmuro¡¯k barreled past her group, sliding down the hill with expert finesse weapons in hand which answered her question and turned to Xitzocl. ¡°Perfect, thank you.¡±

    Before Morrigan could move Xitzocl grabbed her arm at the risk of retaliation, ¡°Do not make me regret this Red Death, the chieftains will be furious, more so if you fail¡­¡± Xitzocl said expressing her concerns.

    Before Morrigan could say anything Xol clasped the chieftain on the shoulder, ¡°We won¡¯t. I have seen the warrior Red Death is, the Trial of Fire was only a tiny claw in comparison.¡± Morrigan¡¯s heart would have filled with disappointment remembering that Xol had seen her at her worst, even if it was the reason he was so fiercely loyal to her but given the situation they were in, her heart was ready to unleash her fury.

    Someone is a big softy on you, isn¡¯t he? Apollyon mused in the back of her mind as Xitzocl released her, allowing Morrigan and her team to make their way down the hill.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who said that''s how loyalty works?¡± she asked in her mind sarcastically.

    Listen, I paid for tickets to whole sale slaughter, not this touchy feely shit. That little tussle at the coliseum was nothing but a sorbet to cleanse the pallet so get a move on it little girl cuz daddy¡¯s hard for some carnage! Apollyon cackled with overt enthusiasm like the mad being it was. Morrigan could not help but snort and crack an amused smile despite how grossed out that Apollyon had just called itself ¡°daddy¡±.

    A lot of the spacecraft Morrigan¡¯s party had passed as they stormed across the airfield was overly simplified. Most of which were blocky and cubical though given the Marmuro¡¯k¡¯s penchant for excessive force, she was sure packed a serious punch while being able to take a significant amount of punishment. Something else Morrigan noticed was that most of the pilots for the fighters were K¨ºzi¡¯kan and S¡¯randin with only a handful of Timse¡¯h she could see jumping into pilot seats. Being the largest of the Marmuro¡¯k, it was almost comical to see one fit within one of the smaller starships.

    She also noticed the dropship they approached was by far the most cubical in design. Rectangular in shape with the corners shaved off at perfect 45-degree angles with a large viewing window in the front and a simple hatch in the back, she only hoped it did not lack in speed given its design.

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    Standing next to the ship was a K¨ºzi¡¯kan who waved them down as starships began taking off at speed. Morrigan paused for a second to watch as the starships made barely any sound as they took off, as if they had no engines yet managed to break the sound barrier mid atmosphere, the distant popping being what drew her attention.

    ¡°Chieftain Red Death, it is an honor to guide you into battle today! I am Szz¡¯rkal-Ra¡¯kesh¡¯kato. Let us be on our way!¡± the K¨ºzi¡¯kan greeted her drawing her attention back to watch him salute her with a fist over his heart before stepping into the ship.

    Morrigan and her team except for Yekku, who had stayed behind at the coliseum, wasted no time with formalities seeing as Xitzocl made good on her word of alerting the pilot and boarded the dropship. The ship interior was just as bleak and non-descript as the exterior except for intricate lines that spider webbed along the flat, dull grey walls began glowing brightly with a blue hue as the pilot readied for take off. The lack of seating except for the pilots chair, which was the only thing the took up space, was a testament to how the Marmuro¡¯k thought.

    Once the hatch sealed behind Skoll who whined, emanating discomfort, Morrigan watched their dropship shift and take off at what would have been alarming speeds. Morrigan brushed her hand through Skoll¡¯s fur mindlessly as her brain tried to cope with the disorienting effect of neither hearing or feeling anything in regards to their flight, only watching the world go by at break neck speed.

    ¡°Mori, enemy soldiers have boarded the Archangel,¡± Sister chimed loudly in her ear.

    The A.I.¡¯s loud voice was enough to break her focus on the flight and sent a wave of nausea through her stomach. Morrigan shook her head and touched the comm-bead, ¡°Patch me through to the bridge Sister.¡± A moment later, Admiral Shepard¡¯s voice came over the line.

    ¡°Sister has updated you on the situation? There are three Federation ships and we have several boarding vessels attached to our hull with the enemy assaulting the Archangel,¡± the old woman stated.

    ¡°Yeah, just have Sigurd deal with them. Listen, I am on a Marmuro¡¯k dropship enroute to the Federation Cruiser. Gunnar, I need you to prep the Javelin and target the primary generator of the ship. Avery, put the Archangel into a safe firing position. Sister, I need you to track my signal and order Gunnar to fire when we¡¯re within 200 meters of the Cruiser. The Marmuro¡¯k will handle the other two ships. Is that understood?¡± Morrigan asked.

    Gunnar was first to respond, ¡°why the generator? Shouldn¡¯t I target the drive core or the bridge?¡±

    Shepard followed up with her own question, ¡°Inquisitor, do you really want to have a Berserker tearing through our ship?¡± She asked incredulously.

    Morrigan growled in irritation as she watched the dropship break through Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To¡¯s atmosphere, revealing the black Inquisitorial ship engaging with the enemy Destroyer and Frigate while the Cruiser held back and fired long distance barrages at her ship. Aside from only seeing the Marmuro¡¯k fighters engaging with Federation fighters, that left the question of where the Marmuro¡¯k warship was?

    ¡°No, me and their admiral are going to have a nice long chat and Sigurd is far more competent than he seems, besides I have his damned controller!¡± Morrigan sniped as she saw how bad the situation was at the moment. Without the Marmuro¡¯k warship, the fighters and the Archangel were in serious danger however, if the Archangel could take out the generator of the Cruiser, that would cut off most of the ship''s offensive and defensive capabilities, balancing the scale.

    ¡°Aw, ye say such sweet things lass,¡± Sigurd mused over the comm as his metal feet clang against the bridge floor.

    ¡°Behave yourself Sigurd, that¡¯s an order. Same for the rest of you, move into a safe position and follow my instructions, the Marmuro¡¯k should be able to cover you while you recover from the Javelin,¡± Morrigan¡¯s tone did not hide the realization of the danger and the worry of leaving the Archangel vulnerable.

    As devastating of a weapon the Javelin was, it truly was not designed for a ship smaller than a Cruiser. The energy draw was too strong for smaller ships and that was what made the Archangel such a dangerous ship was its ability to have it built into it¡¯s hull despite being a Light Cruiser. Though, using it came with the drawback of being vulnerable for several minutes as the drive core and generator rebuilt the powerbase used for anything besides life support and bare minimum shielding.

    Shepard responded stoically to her orders though, as if she had not batted an eye at the danger they would be in, ¡°Understood Mori. Gunnar, prep the Javelin. Sister, alert the crew of impending Javelin launch and skip. Avery, inform Gene and prepare to skip into position. Sarilla, plot a safe firing position and Sigurd¡­ take a team with you and try not to break anything,¡± the admiral ordered tersely that left no argument to be had.

    ¡°Aye don¡¯t ye worry that wrinkled head of yers, an lass? Do everythin¡¯ I would do,¡± Sigurd responded before the communication line went dead which made Morrigan start laughing.

    Nora tilted her head to the side in curiosity as she watched her lover laugh, ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±

    Morrigan watched as energy crackled briefly around the Archangel before it flashed brightly and vanished from sight. She sighed wistfully, having needed a good laugh. ¡°Sigurd says to do everything he would do¡­ which frankly is an open invitation to do just about anything, then he told Shepard she had a wrinkly head. I could only imagine the punishment he¡¯ll get for that.¡±

    Nora watched the pilot jump as Skoll let out his usual high-pitched cackle of amusement out of the corner of her eye causing her to snicker with a sly smile before she looked out the viewing window at the fast-approaching Federation Cruiser. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan love?¡± she asked.

    Morrigan glanced at Nora, who leaned against the inner hull with her arms raised behind her head and hips on full display in a sultry pose. Morrigan could not help but absorb the woman''s lithe and well toned frame, letting her thoughts run wild before Skoll interrupted her ill-timed fantasies with a large wet tongue to the face.

    ¡°Oh! Buddy, that was rude,¡± she muttered quietly, eyeing the giant alien canine who panted happily in her face before looking back to find a wide grin on Nora¡¯s face. Morrigan¡¯s cheeks flushed as she chewed her lip at the realization that she had been caught red handed and let out a defeated sigh before running her hand across Skoll¡¯s face. ¡°Right, it¡¯s time for retribution, not dirty thoughts¡­¡± she muttered to herself in a dejected tone.

    Morrigan looked to Xol who waited with impatient expectation though, he would never demand she rush which only deepened her embarrassment for losing focus. ¡°Right, sorry. Anyways, the plan is simple; Gunnar will take out the generator allowing us to land in one of the hanger bays. Without the generator, the sub systems should keep life support stable while allowing us to pass though the anti-void reflection field as well as limit the amount of anti-starship defenses,¡± she stated before shifting over next to the pilot and glared at the approaching ship.

    Her resentment came back in full force at the sight of the Federation. ¡°All this time¡­ everything I¡¯ve gone through¡­ it was meant for this moment,¡± she thought to herself.

    You¡¯re right kiddo. Keep your eyes on the prize and unleash every level of hell upon them, Apollyon interjected into her thoughts with a sadistic wisdom.

    Morrigan looked back at her companions; Xol, Skoll, Nora and the ever-silent H?¡¯tet. Even her silent comrade saw the glint of determination in her eyes that caused him to stand at the ready.

    ¡°Once we board the enemy ship, Skoll and H?¡¯tet will commit as much chaos as possible. Given the opportunity, we may come across other Marmuro¡¯k that wished to join in the action when their defenses go down so Skoll, please don¡¯t hurt any Marmuro¡¯k,¡± she said looking pointedly at the wily creature. Skoll grumbled to itself looking away from here as if being obstinate, except Morrigan could feel the acceptance of her wish.

    She continued looking at Xol and Nora, ¡°Nora, I need you to disable the drive core. So, do what you do best hun but don¡¯t rig it to explode or anything, I intend on gifting the ship to the Marmuro¡¯k once this is all set and done. Xol, I need you to protect Nora while she does her thing and once she¡¯s done, you two join Skoll and H?¡¯tet in the fun.¡±

    Nora clapped giddily at the prospect of using her skills as well as being unleashed to do her thing. Morrigan knew it had been a long time since Nora had been allowed to play the deviant she was at heart. Xol however, was less than thrilled by the idea as he dropped his mace into both his hands and gave Morrigan and argumentative look.

    ¡°I am to protect Mirina Sor, not her mate,¡± he growled defensively.

    The look on Morrigan¡¯s face was that of pure annoyance as she inhaled deeply and let out a steady breath, ¡°Xol, we are a clan now. Your responsibility is to everyone, not just me,¡± she stated calmly. Despite being the one to point out her new chieftain status, Xol still looked at his new chieftain in surprise before bowing his head respectfully after reflecting on her words.

    ¡°My apologies. Clan-hood is still fresh and my soul looked to the past, not the present,¡± he gruffed out in embarrassment. His manner was endearing despite his incessant need to protect her drove Morrigan crazy sometimes, but she understood where Xol¡¯s mentality was.

    ¡°I understand Xol, but don¡¯t forget we are also family. Everyone must protect the clan. Now watch,¡± she said pointing just as the Archangel warped from one position to a much farther position away from the Federation ships. What followed next was the monument to technological genius.

    As the Archangel reappeared, the Javelin dropped from beneath the prow of the ship and three flat, thin rails extended the entire length of the blade shaped prow. Energy began to charge and intensify as the buildup bled across the entire hull of the Inquisitorial ship, white-blue arcs of energy highlighting the Gothic architecture of the Light Cruiser. The same energy bounced and arced across the electromagnetic rails forming a segmented barrel of pure power as the ship began to glow dimly in the void of space, Morrigan¡¯s crimson sigil along the port side of the command bridge for all to see. If someone did not know of the Archangel¡¯s capabilities, the power accumulation would look like a drive core having a critical meltdown. The next second, all of the energy was discharged through the Javelin, and a semi-truck sized bullet was fired at impossible speeds, only traceable to the naked eye by the energy trail left behind as everyone aboard the dropship watched the Federation Cruiser take damage near instantly, it¡¯s guns and shields shutting off as they lost power, as well as the Archangel''s.

    That reminded Morrigan to venture to the Javelin¡¯s deck in the future, reading a blueprint just did not do it justice after seeing the weapon in action. ¡°Alright, head towards the enemy ship and get us inside,¡± she ordered the pilot.

 Chapter II

    After diffusing the chaotic misconception Nora created, it came time for their mission to be underway. Morrigan and her group were led through the sprawling underground city by Myshkali herself, and an honor guard fit for a royal procession that enraptured the Eskarii populace. The excitement and curiosity superseded their first arrival, now thousands of Eskarii cheering and greeting their regal queen and the alien visitors that accompanied her, telling Morrigan that as mindful and caring as Myshkali was to her people; she was far from the public eye.

    However, in the presence of their queen, every Eskarii seemed to welcome them with open arms bringing out a sense of jovial wonder or excitement within her group, especially Yekku and Skoll who vied for as much attention as possible.

    Talking was kept to a minimum as everyone basked in the celebratory procession, more so since Queen Myshkali who periodically stopped and greeted a citizen at random, until they reached the underground airfield Morrigan¡¯s dropship sat waiting.

    Morrigan¡¯s body hummed with anticipation at the notion of escaping from the barrier she was under and returning to the stars however, there was a sting of disappointment to find Mo¡¯Emori no where in sight. Morrigan had refrained from asking her whereabouts all morning in hopes to see her before they left but to find that she had not been waiting in the airfield made Morrigan worry.

    ¡°Where is Mo¡¯Emori?¡± she finally asked as they crossed the open airfield.

    Myshkali side eyed her with a knowing smirk, ¡°I was curious how long it would take for you to ask¡­¡± her smirking growing into a smile as Morrigan¡¯s cheeks began to flush, ¡°She mentioned the situation with the Void Star and the need to scavenge for supplies.  She was quite adamant that the Eskarii support your mission as well as your ship, not that I disagree, and has spent most of the night and all of this morning having what we could spare sent to your ship.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you how much I appreciate that. We¡¯ve done well raiding the Federation for supplies but to have actual support truly means a lot to me¡­ as well as the crew of the Archangel. I¡¯m sure they¡¯re ecstatic,¡± Morrigan commented with relief. She was still disappointed to not see Mo¡¯Emori but couldn¡¯t help but feel an overwhelming appreciation for the quirky alien woman who apparently made it her mission to make sure her ship was supplied.

    ¡°As for your mission, I wish you the best of luck, Mori. As you Terrans say, ¡°It¡¯s a goose chase¡±, but I believe you will succeed,¡± Myshkali stated with mild levity as they reached her dropship, the pilot leaning against the hull patiently waiting.

    Morrigan realized she had completely forgotten about the pilot and wondered what he had done for the days spent sitting around but before she could inquire, Myshkali continued, ¡°The Eskarii do believe in the removal of the Federation however, our kind are a fragile populace such is why I cannot guarantee my fleet to you as of now however, if you do pull this plan of yours off, we will join in the fight to finally free all of our people from the tyranny of the Federation.¡±

    Morrigan turned to the queen and nodded, ¡°I understand. As soon as we have better numbers, I will send word. Until then though I do hope every Eskarii stays safe, and I hope to see and explore this beautiful city in the future.¡±

    ¡°We shall see each other and you will be met with wider arms,¡± Myshkali simply stated as her smile grew into an amused grin while Morrigan¡¯s face scrunched in abstract scrutiny of her words.

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell if you¡¯re purposefully ominous or not¡­¡± Morrigan commented before watching out of the corner of her eye everyone say goodbye to her mother.

    ¡°Looks like you have no choice than to succeed and find out. However, for now, I shall leave you to say your goodbyes,¡± the queen said with a small bow, Morrigan smirking at the comment before quickly bowing in return as everyone in her group slowly made their way into the dropship.

    As soon as Myshkali stepped away, Helen stepped closer and gave her daughter a true once-over with a proud smile on her face, ¡°Was it all true, what you said?¡±

    The demeanor in which she asked threw Morrigan off, as if it were a casual and vague thing to bring up. After taking a second to think, Morrigan realized that her mother really did push everything she said to the side to process later. Morrigan gave her mother a subtle smile and gently nodded, not wishing to dredge up every bad thing she unloaded onto her mother.

    Helen let out a long winded sigh as her shoulders fell. Morrigan could see how much all of that information was a lot for her mother to unpack. However, the look Helen gave her a she took a stoic step forward told an entirely different story. ¡°Good,¡± she said which was a large shock to Morrigan before Helen continued, ¡°Then what I say next will mean everything¡­¡±

    Helen took another step closer leaving her at arms length from her confused daughter but allowing Morrigan to see the look of pure determination on her face, ¡°You take care of my baby girl. I don''t care if you''re in her head, if she gets hurt, I will find a way to kick your ass across the galaxy and back.¡±

    Morrigan¡¯s expression shifted to a delighted surprise at the level her mother accepted the concept before Apollyon responded in her head.

    Yeah, no worries, boss lady. I''ll keep every hair on her pretty head intact.

    Morrigan snorted and tried her best not to laugh as she repeated the deity¡¯s response. Helen simply nodded before rushing Morrigan and wrapping her arms around her daughter with both relief and misery as she prepared to let Morrigan wander off into the stars once again into untold dangers.  ¡°One day we will stop saying goodbye like this¡­¡± Helen choked out a she felt Morrigan hold her tightly.

    ¡°We¡¯ll make sure of it, Mom,¡± Morrigan responded before pulling away so holding onto her mother''s arms, ¡°You need to stay safe too.¡±

    Truth of the matter was part of Morrigan had no desire to leave. That part of her wanted nothing more than to abandon her path to war and let the galaxy be as it may, spending the remainder of her life amongst friends and family on a world surrounded by a race she truly adored. She was tired of goodbyes, tired of the separation the war grafted into her life. However, she knew she had to see what she started through, to make sure all of the effort committed to ending the bloodshed that threatened to consume the entire galaxy wasn¡¯t wasted even if it took her entire life to see the war concluded.

    ¡°How do you think Dad would feel¡­¡± Morrigan asked unevenly, knowing the question hurt them both. There had always been a barrier between her and her father, one that she never truly understood.

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    The question was open ended however, Helen knew her daughter better than anyone and knew exactly what she wanted to know. ¡°Mori, you know how your father felt about violence,¡± Helen said softly as she watched Morrigan shift her gaze and purse her lips with a subtle nod.

    Helen squeezed her arms though before placing a gentle hand upon her cheek redirecting her daughter¡¯s crimson gaze, ¡°Make no mistake though sweetie, your father loved you and despite not seeing eye to eye, he would be proud of the woman you¡¯ve become and everything you have done. You¡¯re his daughter and there is nothing that could ever change that.¡±

    Morrigan nodded, not quite believing her mother''s response but still took solace in her words. She pulled her mother in for one final hug, ¡°Thanks Mom, I''ll try and come back as soon as I can.¡±

    With a final goodbye, Morrigan turned and approached her dropship, her pilot looking relatively spry as he pushed of the side of the hull. ¡°We good to go, boss? They were nice enough to give us a flight path out of here.¡±

    Morrigan nodded, ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s get going before I change my mind¡­ um, I¡¯m sorry for just kinda leaving you here¡­¡± she said shamefully as they walked around the ship to the ramp.

    The pilot waved her off though, ¡°No worries. They set me up in the barracks which were surprisingly pretty nice. Granted they all looked at me like an alien, which was fair, but they were pretty chill about me being there.¡±

    Morrigan smirked, relieved that the man had been taken care of while she was away, ¡°Good. Now it¡¯s time to head home.¡±

    ¡°Roger that, Ma¡¯am!¡± he responded with gusto before jogging his way through the tightly packed group, Skoll¡¯s twin tails slapping against the deck as everyone watched the ramp lift up behind her and seal shut.

    Moments later Morrigan watched as the tunnel walls sped past them while everyone talked to one another excitedly about their experience. It was a bittersweet moment for her because she had no desire to leave her family or Mo¡¯Emori, but she finally had a solid direction to move her plans toward as well as escape the suffocating space within the planet. She felt lucky that she didn''t require much use of her power outside of entertaining the young Eskarii girls, keeping the respective pool of energy relatively full, but recognized just how bad the situation could have been if she would have had to fight just like she had within Castile V.

    Ultimately though, she felt content about her visit to the true Eskarii home world. Her family was happy and healthy in a royal palace, she had a brand new niece she absolutely adored and made a new ally in the fight against the Federation; assuming the next leg of her journey went well.

    You know, I think this is the first time we''ve made friends without nearly committing a diplomatic incident, Apollyon comment in her head.

    Morrigan couldn''t help but smirk at the truth in the deity¡¯s observation. On Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To, she nearly incited civil war just by her being there and the Inquisition was a constant pushing of boundaries, ones that could have always landed her in hot water; bringing ancient enemies and hated creatures to a hidden city, nearly assaulting a diplomat, shooting an instructor, massacring dozens of groups of people whether they were pirate or Federation. To say she was lucky may have been an understatement.

    ¡°We can never say we don''t have good times¡­¡± she responded as she turned to her crew and seeing a smile or happy disposition in each and everyone of them.

    The moment the ship broke the surface and began streaking for the atmosphere, a tidal wave of happiness smashed into her. Thankfully, she was leaning against the window before it felt like her brain had been spun as her subconscious sorted out the blast of emotion.

    There was something odd though. As Morrigan looked around at everyone she could feel an abundant source of happiness which she originally presumed was Skoll, however, she could feel Skoll¡¯s level of emotion separate from everyone else being as strong as it was. What she felt was different though, like a happiness intermingled with nervous excitement.

    She looked around and tried to feel for the wayward emotion, furrowed her brow as she cataloged everyone aboard the ship as it soon began to rattle through the atmosphere. The feeling drew her to a storage chest, one belonging to the Inquisition that was bolted to the side of the hold where extra supplies could be stored which confused her even more.

    Everyone went silent as they watched Morrigan stalk closer to the chest, their idle conversation dying in the wake of their curiosity as they watched her reach for the lid.

    There was a soft, childish giggle as Morrigan was greeted by an array of pastel teal hair and bright yellow eyes, ¡°How did you find me so fast?¡±

    Morrigan¡¯s eyes went wide in surprise, ¡°Mo¡¯Emori!? How¡­ I mean, what?¡± She couldn¡¯t think straight as she stared at the wide unbridled smile, thinking that she wouldn¡¯t have been able to say goodbye to her adorable Eskarii friend and yet, of all ways, she found her stowed away aboard her dropship and so many reasons why circulated through her mind.

    Nora quickly stepped over and peered over her lover¡¯s shoulder to see a very self-amused Mo¡¯Emori curled up in the storage chest. ¡°Awe, babe, we got a souvenir!¡± Nora mused as she nudged the side of her temple against Morrigan¡¯s with a bright grin that made Mo¡¯Emori blush and giggle more in amusement before she reached down to help the Eskarii woman out of the box.

    Morrigan stepped back and watched Nora help her out, her brain running at speed, ¡°I thought¡­ your mom said you were¡­¡± then it dawned on her. Mo¡¯Emori was running from home to join her on her mission without the express permission of her mother, the Queen of the Eskarii. ¡°Your mom is so going to kill us¡­¡± she groaned before turning to see a variety of curious faces amongst her crew.

    ¡°Mem-eni won¡¯t keep me from you again. She made me leave you but I won¡¯t let that happen again,¡± Mo¡¯Emori chirped with cheery certainty as she stepped out of the chest with the support of Nora before Nora pulled her close in an exuberant, crushing embrace.

    ¡°Can we keep her? I promise to feed her!¡± Nora mused as Mo¡¯Emori squeaked under her grip. Meanwhile, Morrigan internally panicked inside.

    ¡°You were saying?!¡± Morrigan commented sardonically to the deity in her head as she considered the ramifications for kidnapping or harboring the princess of a foreign power.

    Well, we can never say we didn''t go for it, Apollyon snickered in her head in a sarcastic tone, respectively throwing Morrigan¡¯s words back at her.

    Morrigan deflated with a sigh, taking a moment to consider Myshkali¡¯s reaction before giving both women a soft smile. Both women, needing no further answer, rushed her and restrained Morrigan within a group hug.

    ¡°Hey, uh, is this going to be a problem?¡± Taylor finally asked from the group of bystanders. Xol humming in thought and equal curiosity as all three women turned towards them.

    ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°Maybe¡­¡±

    ¡°Who cares!¡±

    All three women responded at once only for Stephanie to nudge Taylor and garner his attention. ¡°Does it matter? We''re used to trouble and this is beautiful,¡± she signed before pointing towards the two women that smothered Morrigan.

    Taylor grunted in concession with a small appreciative smile, wrapping his arm around her and saying, ¡°Yeah, you have a point.¡±

    Yekku stepped forward chirping inquisitively focusing solely on Mo¡¯Emori as he rung his hands nervously. ¡°Oh! I think I understood that!¡± she exclaimed excitedly as she pulled herself away and approached the curious S¡¯randin.

    ¡°Yes, I''m here to stay, cutie,¡± Mo¡¯Emori cooed only for Yekku to let out an ecstatic screech before tackling Mo¡¯Emori in affectionate excitement that made everyone laugh.

    ¡°We¡¯re docking in five, Inquisitor,¡± the pilot chimed in over her comm piece drawing her attention. Moving towards the window, Morrigan looked out the beautiful black ship, her ship, that hung lazily within the orbit of Escostia. At the sight of the Archangel, Morrigan''s excitement began to grow. If all went well, Morrigan could even get ahead of the coming backlash that was bound to happen from Mo¡¯Emori''s absence.

    ¡°Shepard, this is Mori, be prepared to get us out of here; we got pirates to hunt,¡± Morrigan stated over her comm knowing that Sister had been monitoring the communication channels the entire time.

    There was a brief pause before she could hear Shepard chuckle over the comm, ¡°Well, as much as I¡¯d love to. What would you like me to do about the incoming messages from the Eskarii queen?¡±

    Busted, Apollyon mused.

    Morrigan cursed under her breath as she groaned, turning and glaring at the giggling Eskarii that Yekku continued to smother. Morrigan hoped to avoid that conversation with Myshkali however, out of everything she managed to skirt past in terms of trouble, it appeared her luck ran out when it came to a potentially irate matriarch of an entire species.

 Chapter III

    Stepping off the dropship, Morrigan was surprised to find the hangar packed with crew members all surrounding several monitors scattered throughout the massive room. What normally displayed statistics and work orders seemed to be playing a video that enraptured nearly everyone within the hangar, which was a very curious circumstance for Morrigan to see.

    Followed by her retinue, they approached one of the monitors to see a series of time lapsed videos playing on the screen. Her mouth fell when she saw a candid shot of her holding baby Emery, a smile plastered across her face as she held her sleeping niece. ¡°What?!¡± she asked in shock as the scene changed to Jen holding her newborn daughter, at what must have been days after giving birth with Torvil standing proudly over her shoulder as they spoke with whoever recorded the video.

    As the videos played, she noticed two things; one being that many of the crewmembers standing along side her were half-Eskarii, all of whom radiated overzealous joy, even some shed tears to compliment their happy emotions. The other thing was that every human in the room supported their half-Eskarii crewmates with gently placed hands, jovial laughter and words of unity as they all watched the Queen of the Eskarii proudly and manically adore her first grandchild up on the screen.

    Morrigan turned in shock as Mo¡¯Emori let a giggle slip from her lips, garnering Morrigan¡¯s attention. ¡°Mem-eni knows that mixed species Eskarii exist, and many feel prejudice on both sides,¡± she said solemnly as she stepped next to Morrigan proudly watching the screen at an amusing shot of Skoll cradling Emery in his tendril and refusing to let Yekku near the baby by guarding her with his snout.

    ¡°We may be cautious but we''re a proud race¡­ we know many are against breeding with humans but she wanted to show those that share our blood that they are welcomed with open arms by their queen,¡± Mo¡¯Emori finished as she looked at Morrigan with a bright smile.

    Morrigan couldn¡¯t find the words to express just how beautiful the notion was. Even though the Inquisition welcomed all species, she never stopped to consider what their lives could have been like before the Inquisition. The more she thought about it, the more she realized she wasn''t much different than the half-Eskarii; hated and snubbed by most that would surround them while only having the love and acceptance of loving parents to fall back on. Now, much like Morrigan, finding acceptance within the Inquisition, the half-Eskarii now had open, unabashed truth that they too were accepted by the single most important person of their lineage.

    Morrigan appreciated the gesture more than anything, also seeing a reminder that her dream of unifying everyone was in fact a possibility. Knowing she could be wrapped up in the moment forever, she touched Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s arm giving the girl her most serene of smiles.

    ¡°Mori? I don¡¯t believe the leader of the Eskarii should be kept waiting,¡± Shepard interrupted the moment over the comm piece in her ear.

    With a groan, Morrigan rolled her eyes, ¡°Come on, guess we have to go face the music¡­¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori giggled at that as she wrapped her arm in Morrigan¡¯s, letting Morrigan lead the way before saying, ¡°Don''t worry, ?arai, Mem-eni will not take me from you.¡±

    Her bold words of certainty made Morrigan blush as she looked back to Nora who was grinning in their direction with her arms around Stephanie and Taylor¡¯s necks, giving the woman she loved two thumbs up which only made the heat in her face rise.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be back¡­ gotta go put out a fire,¡± Morrigan announced.

    On queue, Nora snickered and replied, ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting to help start the second one!¡± Nora¡¯s laughter at her own perverse joke infected everyone else as Morrigan  turned to hide her crimson face before dragging Mo¡¯Emori giggling along behind her.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    ¡°Its good to see you, Mori,¡± Shepard stated the moment Morrigan stepped onto the bridge. To her surprise, the call from Myshkali wasn¡¯t waiting for her the moment she arrived but instead, Shepard was the one waiting with an unusual energy about her.

    Morrigan cocked an eyebrow as she looked at the stoic old woman standing at attention behind her command console while everyone aboard the bridge waved as they prepped the ship for departure.

    ¡°Why do I feel like I''m in trouble¡­¡± Morrigan said tentatively as she stepped up to her own console, eyeing Shepard as the woman radiated an odd mixture of excitement and relief.

    ¡°I can¡¯t speak about trouble but everyone is glad to have you back aboard the Archangel. Same to you as well, Mo¡¯Emori,¡± Shepard mused as she acknowledged the teal haired Eskarii behind Morrigan with a gentle bow of her head.

    Morrigan furrowed her brow at the calm and collective behavior of her bridge crew, ¡°Are we sure Tamina didn''t slip you something?¡± She asked as she looked at the incoming signal displaying on her screen.

    Oh she''s definitely up to something! I mean no one that old is that calm! Apollyon concurred in her head which made Morrigan chuckle.

    ¡°Right? Then again, what does that say about you?¡± she responded.

    She could hear Apollyon snort.

    I am mass extinction incarnate, what part of that says calm?

    Morrigan winged her eyebrows as if agreeing with a thought in her mind as she too snorted at the response before realizing that everyone was now waiting for her to connect to the Queen of the Eskarii, as if expecting a show.

    That''s when it dawned on her. Everyone was so evenly tempered because they expected the incoming call to be something entertaining, so instead of distracting her,  they patently kept their heads down.

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    She wanted to be irritated with them but knew such levels of obscure ¡°interactions¡± were few and far between while traveling through space. Shaking her head, she let out a deep breath and connected the call.

    Unexpectedly, Queen Myshkali wasn¡¯t the only one on screen. Surrounding the throne was everyone else important in her life; her mother, Jen, Torvil, Emery, Tali and Jae¡¯ron, all waving to her until it was noticed that Morrigan too wasn''t alone.

    The first thing she saw was Torvil hitch his breath the same time Myshkali¡¯s eyes narrowed, shifting to the side for a moment towards the sound her son made before refocusing on the feed. ¡°My dearest daughter, what do you think you are doing aboard the young Lord Inquisitor¡¯s ship?¡± Myshkali asked in a restrained tone that caused all the happy greetings to cease.

    ¡°Queen Myshkali, I can explain¡­¡± Morrigan started nervously only for Mo¡¯Emori to step next to her and interrupt.

    ¡°Fi fy¡¯ad ¨¢d gwen ? dali mae eto, Mem-eni,¡± Mo¡¯Emori stated firmly in her own language. Morrigan had yet to learn the Eskarii language like she had with the Marmuro¡¯k but the way Mo¡¯Emori stood with her hands clenched into fists, her tone and the harrowing look her mother gave her, she knew it was defiant.

    Myshkali slowly turned to Torvil, ¡°You knew about this?¡± Her tone carrying not the threat of a queen, but that of a very hostile mother.

    Torvil refused to look his mother in the eye as he cleared his throat and looked forward towards the feed, leaving the question unanswered. For a brief moment, Morrigan wondered just who he was more afraid of, but to break the aggressive tension, Jen leaned closer to Myshkali and stated, ¡°You so need to teach me to do that. Between this one,¡± she nudged her head towards Torvil before indicating her daughter who sat in her arms chewing on her hand, ¡°And this one, I have my hands full.¡±

    Myshkali turned to Jen with a complete sudden shift in demeanor as she smiled brightly at both her and the baby. ¡°Of course, any strong mother should take her place at the head of the family,¡± she stated with the hint of ire towards her son which made everyone but Torvil snigger.

    With an indignant sigh, Myshkali turned back to the feed and lifted her chin, ¡°As impetuous and insolent as you may be, child¡­¡± She said aggressively before letting out a defeated breath, ¡°The company you keep is enough for me not to argue.¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori and Morrigan looked at each other, the young Eskarii already forgetting the ire of her mother in a brilliant smile as Morrigan quickly refocused.

    ¡°I know you will do anything to keep my daughter safe, and I expect you to be true to your word. No harm shall come to my daughter or the wrath of my empire will be brought down upon you, Lord Inquisitor Morrigan,¡± Myshkali stated clearly.

    Morrigan¡¯s eyes widened at the sudden dark turn of tone before she caught the faintest hint of levity within Myshkali¡¯s eyes. Morrigan pursed lips slowly broke into a coy smile as she nodded, ¡°I understand,¡± she said knowingly.

    ¡°Good, now I take it my gift was well received?¡± Myshkali switched gears immediately.

    Before she could respond, Luisa blurted, ¡°It was beautiful, your majesty!¡± Sarilla moved to try to spend the half-Eskarii artillery coordinator but it was too late.

    Many of the bridge crew chuckled at the exuberant response before the queen asked curiously, ¡°Who is it that just spoke?¡± Morrigan wanted to groan but after a second, a sinister grin spread across her face.

    With a snap of her fingers, she pointed at the woman who squeaked in response before beckoning her over with a single finger. Shepard chuckled in amusement as everyone ¡°ooo¡¯d¡± at the embarrassed woman like a bunch of children as she tentatively got up and approached Morrigan.

    With a partially supporting smile, Morrigan dragged her the rest of the way till both stood in front of the screen. Morrigan could feel Luisa stop breathing which nearly made her giggle before announcing, ¡°Queen Myshkali, this is Luisa Manall, one of my gunnery captains. Luisa, meet Myshkali of House Cirgala, Queen of the Eskarii.¡±

    Luisa vibrated with nervous energy as Myshkali gave a kind smile, ¡°My, she¡¯s as beautiful as any of my children and with such a lovely name as well,¡± the queen said with heightened kindness.

    Luisa turned every shade of red in existence before grabbing onto Morrigan¡¯s arm to keep herself steady. Morrigan snickered as she supported the nearly fainting woman before Luisa finally sucked in a deep breath.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am¡­ your Majesty¡­ I just wanted to say how wonderful your message was. It means everything to me and the others aboard the Archangel¡­¡± Luisa paused as she looked around the room seeing everyone giving supporting smiles and Mo¡¯Emori motioning for her to continue.

    ¡°I, uh¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m just so nervous, um¡­¡± Luisa muttered before seeing the patient look upon the queen¡¯s face, ¡°My life has been spent around Terrans and other half-Eskarii like myself¡­ much like most of us, I never felt accepted or welcomed until the Inquisition. They uh¡­ Lord Inquisitor Solomon gave me a chance to find a real family and that''s exactly what I found here, on the Archangel¡­ but when I saw your message, I just¡­¡±

    Tears glistened Luisa''s eyes as she spoke the rest, ¡°It means everything to all of us; Terran and half-Eskarii. Your support makes everything we do all the more meaningful.¡±

    The smile on Myshkali¡¯s face widened as she gave Luisa a gentle yet stoic nod, ¡°I am aware that there is a rift between our kind, sweet Luisa, but if the birth of my granddaughter has taught me one thing it¡¯s that I cannot stand by idly and allow such prejudice to reign free across our people as I have allowed in the past. It is a shame I feel very deeply. Henceforth, those who share the blood of Eskarii will be treated equally and once this war with the Federation has concluded, Terrans who share a bond or lineage will be allowed to join their partners and families across our worlds without fear of bias and animosity.¡±

    To punctuate her mother''s point, Mo¡¯Emori wrapped her arms around Luisa and nearly pulled her off screen saying, ¡°See! We are one!¡±

    Morrigan couldn''t help but grin along with her entire crew as they watched Mo¡¯Emori smother Luisa who tried her best to stay composed. For the first time, Morrigan realized her dream wasn¡¯t just a possibility, but that it was coming true. Granted, despite the fear that it was, she had only made little headway with the Marmuro¡¯k however, Queen Myshkali set the precedent of what unity truly meant.

    ¡°Mori,¡± Myshkali said grabbing her attention. ¡°You know what is as stake. See this through and lead us to the victory our collective species needs.¡±

    Morrigan nodded sternly, ¡°As soon as I take care of the pirates and find the CoU I will let you know. After that, we''ll devise a plan of attack and put an end to this.¡±

    Everyone wished Morrigan farewell before the connection was dropped leaving everyone aboard the bridge to stare in levity and anticipation at their Inquisitor. Morrigan met their gazes before a rejuvenated, confident smirk cracked across her features.

    She knew exactly what they were waiting for, the anxious and enlivened expressions anticipating a call to arms. It wasn''t just her bridge crew that was excited. Throughout the ship she could feel the vibrating hum coming from everyone on board.

    Stepping forward towards her console, she found the button she wanted at a quick glance, ¡°Attention all Archangel personnel, this is In¡­ Lord Inquisitor Clarke; today we have been given two precious things. One, a grand unity between Terrans, Eskarii and those of mixed birth- a unity that I have always dreamed of and which brings us one step closer to our ultimate goal; galactic unity¡­¡±

    She paused feeling a spike in emotion across the ship causing her to reflect a smile of her newfound confidence as a Lord Inquisitor, as well as confidence and joy within her crew.

    ¡°And two, we have our next destination and target. Today we set sail to hunt for the pirate fortress The Cradle of Eden.¡±

    The moment she released the button her gaze shifted to Sarilla, ¡°Plot a course for the Eldora system.¡±

 Chapter IV

    Adding five days, it took nearly 11 days to reach the Eldora system from Cardissa Prime, the home system of Escostia, having stopped to check in on various distress signals and requests for assistance with planetary issues ranging from civil upheaval, government discourse and conflicts with the Federation. Thankfully, most of the issues Morrigan came across were well into their issues and easily resolved given the mountains of evidence she had been given.

    Throughout those days the excitement across the ship was at an all time high, letting the grapevine chatter amongst crewmembers to trickle upwards to Morrigan¡¯s attention. Like her crew, she too was proud of their progress as a single ship near-aimlessly wandering the galaxy in search of wrong doings to right. Their steady victories against injustice made for great morale boosts, even if some of the issues to resolve only involved Morrigan and Emily.

    However, two weeks went by floating around the dark space of the Eldora system, the outer space between two systems that withheld any form of civilization or sign of life, and spirits began to wane.

    ¡°Anything yet?¡± Morrigan asked upon her fifth time checking in with Sarilla on the bridge for the day, her gaze boring into the back of the red haired woman as she surveyed the long range communications.

    Sarilla huffed, showing the slightest hint of annoyance but responded, ¡°Nothing yet, unless you count an order for field cultivators for an agricultural company¡­¡±

    She then turned and looked at Morrigan in disappointment, ¡°Isn¡¯t there anything else you can be doing? Not only am I going through every single comm we come across, Sister is scanning every viable signal we possibly can every minute¡­ you need something to distract yourself with otherwise you¡¯re going to drive us crazy, and yourself.¡± Sarilla made no effort to hide her annoyance as Morrigan groaned in agreement.

    Morrigan deflated over her console as everyone but Shepard chuckled as she was absent for the time being. ¡°Like what?¡± she exasperated as she peered into the abyssal void of space through the viewing glass.

    Luisa blushed as a thought popped into her mind before sheepishly commenting, ¡°Well, you do have a girlfriend¡­¡±

    Morrigan snorted with a roll of her eyes as she leaned upwards, ¡°No, Nora¡¯s been busy with the combat squads brushing up on her classes¡­ I feel like this is cosmic punishment for all those days I was busy.¡±

    Oh sure, cuz the cosmos cares whether or not you go knuckle deep in that girl of yours, ha! Apollyon mused in her head.

    Morrigan chuckled in agreement at how obscure it sounded before Avery chimed in, ¡°I¡¯m surprised she¡¯s not hounding both you and the Eskarii princess.¡±

    Apollyon snorted; He does have a point.

    ¡°Mo¡¯Emori has been spending her time with the half-Eskarii, as well as helping Emily and the rest of the administrators¡­¡± Morrigan sighed as she stood up and focused across the 180-degree view of twinkling starscape in hopes to spot something of interest. The only thing interesting though was watching Sarilla¡¯s curvy form stand from her console and turn towards her, her flaming red hair cut neatly into a bob-cut and bronzed freckled skin greeting her with a contemplative look.

    Sarilla stepped up the platform to Morrigan¡¯s level before brushing past as she looked up behind her. ¡°You know, it often serves as inspiration for all of us to be true to ourselves and try our hardest¡­¡±

    Geez, if you stare any harder the girl¡¯s clothes will disintegrate, Apollyon teased.

    Sarilla paused as Morrigan quickly looked away upon seeing the red head¡¯s cheeks flush, telling Morrigan that she was aware that Morrigan had been ogling her defined bell-shaped curves before her eyes landed on the massive power sword bolted above the access elevator, let alone the deity in her head pointing out her behavior.

    After finally coming to terms with Sigurd¡¯s death, she made the Berserker¡¯s famous weapon an emblem for all who walked the bridge to see and remember the foul-mouthed man, especially Shepard who had missed the crazed Irishman nearly as much as she did.

    Seeing the battle-scarred weapon hanging above stirred a profound pride in Morrigan as she smiled up at the blade.

    ¡°It makes me wonder; how would he tell you to occupy yourself?¡± Sarilla mused.

    Morrigan snorted loudly, ¡°Probably, ¡°Find yerself a willin¡¯ lass and give her a good knuckle or two¡±.¡± Morrigan¡¯s mimicry of Sigurd¡¯s personality was enough to cause light hearted laughter to spread throughout the bridge as a gentle easiness set into her stress leaden shoulders.

    With a sigh, she considered what else the mad man would say. ¡°If that wasn¡¯t an option though, he usually had me beat the shit out of him until we were both tired,¡± she added as she considered that to be an option.

    ¡°That is always an option though I¡¯m not sure who else could go toe to toe with you,¡± Sarilla commented with a smile.

    ¡°What about Xol?¡± Gunnar threw out to which everyone nodded in agreement. Morrigan shook her head though. Even though it was an option, Morrigan had no desire to train at the moment but instead, decided on another option.

    Leaving the bridge crew to their devices, Morrigan took the elevator down to find Skoll obediently waiting for her and from there, the two of them made their way to the R&D deck below that ran through the entire center of the ship.

    The trip down to R&D was peaceful until the haunting sound of grinding metal and the smell of molten metal fusing together filled the air. Skoll immediately sneezed upon letting the new atmosphere fill his nose.

    Morrigan couldn''t help but smirk before reminding him, ¡°Be mindful of where you are, we don''t want anything getting caught in the machines.¡± Skoll¡¯s response was an indignant huff which made it seem as if she were needlessly reminding him the dangers of open machinery.

    The two of them stalked towards Danson¡¯s office all the while Morrigan kept a lookout for Yekku, scanning the area as they walked yet she was unable to spot the energetic S¡¯randin. Despite not being able to find Yekku, they both stepped into the office.

    Danson nearly dropped a canister he was holding as the door opened, fumbling the device between his hands and a set of small tools clattering on the ground as he struggled to catch it.  Wrapping his fingers around it and pulling it close to his chest, he sighed as he pushed his glasses up his nose before glancing to see who entered his office.

    ¡°Oh, Mori, what''s up?¡± he asked in surprise before setting the device down.

    Morrigan shrugged as Skoll posted around her and immediately tucked himself underneath the room length counter. ¡°Nothing sadly. Bored out of my skull and was hoping Yekku was around,¡± she commented as she glanced across the wall of monitors.

    Danson nodded as he reached down and picked up the tools around his feet, ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s up front in sector A-6 helping with routine maintenance for one of our cryogenic thermolators. He may have larger hands than us but his fingers are far longer and more dexterous which helps a lot when working on those.¡±

    Morrigan hummed in disappointment as she pretended to know what he was talking about. As Danson sat back up, he looked at her as she leaned against the counter and asked, ¡°No luck finding a pirate ship?¡±

    Morrigan crossed her arms across her chest and shook her head. ¡°No, just a lot of useless stuff¡­ I didn''t think it would be this hard¡­¡±

    ¡°Well, if they really are here, it''s not surprising given they''ve been managing to hide for who knows how long,¡± he commented before a look of an occurring thought crossed his mind. ¡°Oh, hey, I''ve been meaning to ask. What exactly is your plan when you find the pirate base?¡±

    Morrigan tilted her head in confusion before realizing that she had not shared her plan with anyone aside from Shepard, the bridge crew and her retinue to any notable extent.

    ¡°Shit, sorry. I kind of got caught up in all the excitement lately¡­ My goal was to find the pirate base sooner rather than later, which isn¡¯t really going as planned¡­¡± she sighed, stopping to scratch her forehead in thought and slowly began to realize she hadn¡¯t formed a detailed plan at all.

    She cast Danson a weary look, ¡°Frankly I don¡¯t know. Nora says women can''t become the head of the pirate clans, so, I really don''t know how I''m going to do it yet but my plan is to take control of the pirates and use them to hopefully find the remaining Inquisitors¡­ from there, find what¡¯s left of the CoU and then take the fight to the Federation.¡± Saying it out loud, she knew her words didn¡¯t carry much confidence in her plan especially since it required so many pieces she didn''t have. Her plan hedged on the idea of succeeding on each aspect and gaining not only the numbers, but the momentum of a well armed yet quick striking army to catch the Federation by surprise to maximize the damage they can cause before retaliation.

    There¡¯s merit in this plan of yours however, Apollyon paused causing Morrigan to grunt in annoyance as Danson gave her a simple nod of his head.

    You leave many variables for things to go wrong. What you need, girl, is an equalizer.

    ¡°But, what about the Void Star?¡± Danson interrupted her private conversation.

    Morrigan let out a defeated breath as she shrugged, ¡°I don''t know¡­ Solomon made it seem like he had a plan but my guess is he''s waiting for something- waiting for me, knowing him¡­¡± She considered the deity¡¯s words in her head and began back tracking as many conversations she had had with Apollyon regarding the Federation as well as theorizing the armada she was hoping to build.

    ¡°Mo¡¯Emori said the Federation had over 30 ships guarding the Void Star. Though, if we do this right, our collective fleet could wipe out 30 ships¡­ I''ve seen what they''re willing to do and can do. Plus, that would give the opportunity for the Federation to bolster their defenses in the Sol system¡­ I mean¡­ numbers win wars and removing that many ships would be helpful but I have no idea what we''re working with right now.¡±

    The longer she talked about her grand scheme of all out war with the Federation, the more she realized that despite having possible numbers, for all she knew, the pirates had very little in war capable ships which meant Apollyon was slowly beginning to appear correct.

    She glanced at the furrowed expression on Danson¡¯s face and considered who she spoke to. With a heavy, defeated sigh, she finally said, ¡°We need some kind of equalizer¡­ something to hold over their heads that would force the Federation to lay down their arms¡­¡±

    She watched his head twitch as he processed her words, his look diving deeper into confusion as he mulled through several ideas at once. ¡°I mean¡­ one of the best ways to topple a government is to cripple their infrastructure and supply chain, same goes for armies too.¡±

    He noticed the look of bewilderment she gave him and shrugged, ¡°I get a lot of inspiration from history. Anyway, even with so many ships we still wouldn''t have enough to do those things anyways¡­ the Terran flag stands on nearly 90 planets and that''s not including space stations¡­ to seize control over enough to put a stranglehold on the Federation is impossible. Not to mention the toll it would take on the populace.¡±

    Morrigan shook her head, ¡°No, we can''t take it out on the population. Despite submitting to the Federation¡¯s will, they haven''t done anything wrong. No, what we need is something¡­ singular? Something precious enough to the Federation that they¡¯d stop fighting¡­¡±

    ¡°Which is?¡± Danson asked with no effort to hide his incredulousness.

    Pursing her lips, Morrigan cast her gaze to the floor as Apollyon chuckled in her head.

    Oh, you know exactly what you need to do.

    Morrigan shook the thought from her head as Danson unintentionally added, ¡°Is there even anything of that nature? The Federation is notorious for taking what they want through sheer firepower and political influence, and given how the political influence is down to a singular person¡­ they kind of proved that¡¯s not a viable option. If anything, we would need some kind of superweapon they could be afraid of, yourself excluded. Kind of like World War II with the atomic bomb.¡±

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    ¡°Two¡­¡± Hearing the words aloud stung, her eyes squeezing shut in shame as she nodded in reluctant agreement, ¡°I¡¯m really hoping killing Amaranthe will be enough¡­ cut the head off the snake and let the Federation fall apart but¡­ we need a plan B¡­¡±

    Danson realized by the harrowing look on her face that her plan B was truly in agreement with his idea. ¡°Mori¡­¡± he didn''t know what else to say. His comment was more towards the end of gallows humor yet his idea had suddenly become a very realistic and daunting possibility.

    ¡°Can we even? That''s like¡­the one thing all Terrans have faithfully agreed upon. What you¡¯re suggesting is a war crime on a galactic level, Mori,¡± He blurted in disbelief.

    Skoll shimmied his way out from underneath the counter and yelped sharply at her growing distress before she leaned closer to him and dug her fingers into his fur. ¡°How is that any different than what they do?¡± She asked rhetorically with a sigh, ¡°I''ve watched them murder innocent civilians for being on the street, execute others for simply being different¡­I watched as they bombarded the surface of a planet for no reason at all and I¡¯ve witnessed wide scale slave labor, and was even part of it, and it was all on a whim by those in power¡­¡±

    Her voice carried a certain tone, not of anger, but the hollow pain that one would have knowing full well the regret in their own decision. ¡°We¡­ we have to end this, and we''re the only ones that can do it.¡±

    ¡°That''s not true,¡± Danson started, drawing her attention back to him, ¡°We have potentially four fleets and a handful of Inquisition ships. There''s no reason we can''t come out the other side as the victors, we just have to come up with a better battle plan.¡±

    Gag me with a knife. Talk about overly optimistic, Apollyon commented, audibly displeased by the hopeful words of the scientist.

    Morrigan nodded sullenly in agreement as a wave of gravity settled upon her shoulders, aware that she made it look like she was agreeing with him despite agreeing with the deity instead. Wishing to never have to resort to extreme lengths, Morrigan understood that things rarely go as planned and when it came to humanity, there was rarely a moment in history where they backed down; leaving her with the need to prepare for every contingent possible that could allow them to win their war and bring peace to the galaxy.

    ¡°Its just something to think about¡­ we still need to see what we can do now before taking drastic steps. Anyways, I¡¯m going to go find something to do. If you see Yekku, tell him he¡¯s doing a good job,¡± she stated before stepping towards the door as Skoll got up from the floor.

    Danson let out an exhausted breath before setting is glasses down audibly on his counter, ¡°Mori, you¡¯re not a bad person for thinking it. Honestly you might be right but it¡¯s just that¡­ that¡¯s a last resort sort of thing, ya know?¡±

    Morrigan looked back with a devoid look in her eyes, ¡°I know,¡± but what she didn¡¯t say was how much their success rode on perfection, and perfection was quite rare in their universe.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Emotionally drained by the war inside herself, Morrigan decided the best thing for her would be to take a nap. However, two hours balancing on the edge of sleep was rudely interrupted by a klaxon warning that blared across the ship.

    ¡°Sister, what did we find?¡± Morrigan asked over the call to battle stations as she sat up and threw her legs over the side of the bed directly into Skoll¡¯s haunch. Skoll bolted upright as Morrigan tried to steady his more rude awakening.

    ¡°Navigator Sarilla has deemed the infiltrated transmission stream to belong to a small number of pirate vessels although their numbers and nature cannot be verified at this time. We will be exiting FTL transition in T-minus two minutes for visual confirmation and scanning,¡± Sister stated factually as Morrigan rubbed the lingering tiredness from her face before standing.

    With a quick thanks to the onboard A.I., Morrigan stormed out of her room and rushed to the bridge within the short time frame Sister counted down from.

    ¡°What are you doing you bloody moron! Attack the left side, we need those cannons down!¡± Came the rough voice of a middle-aged man over the speaker system on the bridge the moment Morrigan stepped out of the elevator.

    Looking out the view port Morrigan could see three small ships, none larger than a Frigate, surrounding and firing a constant barrage at a massive Marmuro¡¯k ship with little effect. Morrigan watched a smaller Raider class starship move into position along the portside of the spearhead-shaped Marmuro¡¯k ship and fire at one of the plasma cannons that lined the ship.

    As the ship came into view of the massive, short barreled armament, a bright orb of molten hydrogen instantly ate through the shield of the Raider before splashing across the ship. The resulting heat that visibly faded against the endless dark of space had caused a series of explosions across the starboard side of the Raider until the slagged hull of the ship cracked open like an egg.

    Within a moment, the reactor in the ship melted down resulting in a brief yet bright explosion as the entire ship erupted in a miniature nova.

    Morrigan was aware of how dangerous Marmuro¡¯k technology was however, it was the first time she saw it with her own eyes in detail as the deep chill of space extinguished the remnants of the resulting devastation leaving her impressed and in awe.

    ¡°Mori, we have an incoming communication,¡± Shepard stated, drawing Morrigan''s attention away from the battle.

    ¡°Do we know who from?¡± Morrigan asked curiously, attempting to split her attention between the battle and her admiral.

    ¡°By the coding of the transmission, it appears to be coming from the Marmuro¡¯k ship, Mori,¡± Sister stated.

    Morrigan nodded and moved to her console, accepting the transmission, ¡°This is Chieftain Clarke of Clan Clarke. Which Clan banner is in charge of your ship?¡±

    As the connection fully connected, she and her crew could hear a multitude of vicious hissing through the other end as the elevator opened up once again to reveal Nora excitedly darting onto the bridge with full expectation of a pirate fight.

    ¡°Spineless, honor less cowards! To sink so low as to make a human a chieftain!¡± Came a very familiar raspy voice over the channel.

    ¡°False alarm I take it?¡± Nora asked curiously as she looked outside the viewport window.

    A sly, devilish smirk grew across Morrigan¡¯s face as she eyed her lover over her shoulder,  ¡°Not exactly,¡± she commented. ¡°Azuhcu¡¯ach the Clanless, how fortuitous it is to find you hiding in the shadows of dark space.¡±

    Azuhcu¡¯ach hissed angrily over the line, ¡°Clan Tau is strong! Yes, you are no match for the might of the ??r Ag?r! You shall meet the same fate as your pathetic humans and I shall bring glory to Clan Tau by delivering your head to the chieftains!¡±

    Another voice broke over the ravings of Azuhcu¡¯ach, one that Morrigan was unfamiliar with yet knew exactly who it was. ¡°What has happened to the remainder of Clan Tau?¡±

    Morrigan cracked a tight lipped smile at the irony behind her newest enemy¡¯s concern over the Marmuro¡¯k who had the bravery to face punishment for their chieftain¡¯s dishonor. ¡°Clan Tau that remained have been dispersed amongst the remaining Fire Clans, Clan Tau is no more.¡±

    Azuhcu¡¯ach barked something unintelligible before the massive Timse¡¯h interjected, ¡°Spare Clan Dji¡¯fahd. We shall not fight and I will accept punishment fit for my dishonor.¡±

    ¡°Excel-Gaui, spineless coward! You dare bow to the whims of such a weak creature!¡± Azuhcu¡¯ach countered over the line, apparently having moved towards the Timse¡¯h upon the bridge given the rising shouts of the background crew.

    ¡°This is madness! I was foolish to follow you, Azuhcu¡¯ach the Dishonorable!¡± Excel-Gaui-Dji¡¯Fahd roared over the cacophony of Marmuro¡¯k voices.

    Morrigan''s attention was pulled away as Nora snickered, having snuck up to Morrigan¡¯s side when she wasn''t looking, ¡°This guy doesn''t get it does he?¡±

    ¡°No, no he does not,¡± she huffed in annoyance by Azuhcu¡¯ach¡¯s apparent dwindling sanity and growing delusions, all the while Sarilla grabbed her attention.

    ¡°Mori, we¡¯re being hailed by one of the other ships,¡± she stated over the noise of arguing Marmuro¡¯k. Morrigan couldn¡¯t help but groan over the growing annoyance.

    Turning her attention back to the raucous channel Morrigan shouted, ¡°Hey, asshole!¡± To her pleasant surprise the Marmuro¡¯k ceased their arguing so she could continue, ¡°If I¡¯m so weak then face me you coward. I challenge you for the right of chieftain over the remainder of Clan Tau.¡±

    Morrigan imagined the confusion on Azuhcu¡¯ach¡¯s face as the Marmuro¡¯k of his bridge answered the challenge with a resounding cheer, something that likely grated his nerves.

    To prove her right, the angry hiss that resonated over the comm channel was long and filled with venom. ¡°So eager to die, filthy human. Your challenge is accepted. You shall die the most excruciating of deaths and your ship will be reduced to nothing!¡±

    Morrigan grinned viciously before cutting the comm, glancing at her crew who all wore amused expressions knowing just what Morrigan was capable of. It was relieving that her crew no longer worry for her safety when it involved bold personal risks such as stepping onto a massive ship filled with potential enemies however, despite following Azuhcu¡¯ach, the Marmuro¡¯k were still prideful of their traditions and the challenge of chief-hood was an ancient rite that allowed the transfer of power amongst the Marmuro¡¯k. Morrigan knew without a doubt that Excel-Gaui and Clan Dji¡¯fahd would uphold the tradition.

    In the meantime Morrigan connected the waiting transmission, the video feed popping up high above her console to reveal a disheveled portly man with a harshly untrimmed beard.

    ¡°This is Lord Inquisitor Clarke of the Inquisition Light Cruiser Archangel. To whom do I address?¡± she announced.

    ¡°Oh shit, an Inquisitor? Uh¡­ is there¡­by any chance.. would you be willing to lend a hand with this big bastard assaulting us?¡± the man asked nervously before taking a good look at the screen on his end. ¡°Well I''ll be damned, if it isn''t little Nora. Damn, haven¡¯t you turned out nicely since the last time I saw you!¡±

    Morrigan cocked an eyebrow in curiosity as she eyed her lover, watching Nora¡¯s lip twitch in restrained disgust.

    ¡°Well if it isn''t Bolton¡¯s lapdog, Harlock,¡± Nora sneered, crossing her arms.

    Instead of being insulted, the man laughed, ¡°Bolton!? Right, right, you''ve been gone awhile. Bolton¡¯s long gone.¡±

    Morrigan watched Nora cock her eyebrow incredulously. Upon seeing her look, the portly man Harlock scratched his stomach and mused, ¡°Yeah, you remember that scrawny little shit Jeremiah? Kid is some kinda genius or something, made this big robot that follows him everywhere. It''s what he used to kill Bolton and become king¡­¡±

    Harlock was interrupted by a violent tremor that rattled his ship, causing crew in the background to stumble and circuitry to pop in showers of sparks. The man swore profusely as Morrigan considered an idea.

    She needed to get her challenge against Azuhcu¡¯ach started while at the same time obtain the correct method of tracing the Cradle of Eden¡¯s low-tech signal. ¡°Have your ships fall back to the Archangel. I¡¯ll take care of the Marmuro¡¯k ship,¡± she demanded, making an executive decision.

    ¡°What?! Are you mad?¡± Harlock managed to squeeze in before Morrigan cut the line and looking to Nora¡¯s curious expression.

    ¡°Sorry, but Azuhcu¡¯ach won''t wait long. Do what you need to do to get what we need, we have to get this moving before those cannons turn on us,¡± she stated, glancing at the standby status on the live scans of the Marmuro¡¯k ship.

    ¡°Babe, you have control over how we handle the pirates,¡± Morrigan stated firmly as she watched the signatures regarding the plasma cannons indicate that despite unmoving, they were very much prepared to fire again. As sure as she was that the Archangel could dodge such slow projectiles, she was uncertain how well the ship could handle being hit by one.

    ¡°What? Really?¡± Nora asked in a mix of excitement and bewilderment as her face lit up with a bright smile.

    Shepard cleared her throat loud enough to pull everyone¡¯s attention as looks of concern spread across the bridge, Shepard¡¯s own face maintaining a stern and hard expression as she stared at both women, ¡°You may want to elaborate on that, Mori.¡±

    Morrigan glanced at each face across her bridge crew before snickering, ¡°Listen, pirates are Nora¡¯s expertise. We can¡¯t necessarily ask Stephanie to field the responsibility and I have a chieftain¡¯s ass to kick.¡±

    ¡°So, until I get back,¡± she paused and glanced at the curious expression on Nora¡¯s face as she bounced on her heels childishly, ¡°Nora has command. All other protocols are to remain in place, is that understood?¡± She finished looking back to her crew.

    She could see that every single member of the bridge crew wanted to argue her decision yet wouldn¡¯t bring themselves to voice their concern. Even Shepard glanced between Morrigan and Nora deep in thought as if contemplating on rejecting the idea until she gave a sharp nod to Morrigan. ¡°Very well. We will follow her command however, please do not make this a habit,¡± Shepard noted as Nora squealed in joyous excitement.

    ¡°This is going to be so much fun!¡± Nora exclaimed only for Morrigan to grab her face with both hands and settle her spastic outburst.

    ¡°Take only necessary steps to acquire what we need, love. Also, don¡¯t break my ship,¡± Morrigan demanded in lighthearted humor.

    With a quick kiss, Morrigan turned on her heels and stepped into the elevator before turning back to the crew, ¡°This is what we¡¯ve been waiting for so let¡¯s not screw this up, yeah?¡± she laughed before closing the elevator door letting the soft churn of the elevator motor notate her descent.

    Shepard couldn¡¯t help but crack a smile at the level of comfort Morrigan now possessed in her role as Inquisitor, watching the girl who had been a meek, uncertain and inexperienced leader turn into someone who had foresight, experience and confidence in not only herself, but in those she leads.

    A loud groan broke Shepard¡¯s attention, she looked to see Nora shudder in delight as she muttered to herself, ¡°That woman! She¡¯s so in for it later¡­¡±

    Once again, Shepard cleared her throat, ¡°So, what are your orders?¡± she asked in a tentative yet professional tone.

    Nora looked up and paled realizing all eyes were on her now before her aloof demeanor returned in full force, ¡°Right!¡± she exclaimed scratching her head as she stepped around to face Morrigan¡¯s command console, daunted by the multiple screens displaying information and multitude of unmarked buttons. ¡°Well, shit¡­ I really should pay more attention when I¡¯m up here¡­ shit,¡± she commented to herself before glancing back at the elevator, ¡°Oh! We should probably prep a ship for Mori!¡±

    Shepard chuckled in amusement to find Nora as nervous as she was, ¡°Already done.¡±

    ¡°Right on, ol¡¯ pirate lady! Alright, alright¡­¡± Nora said with nervous energy before groaning as she tried to get her mind to focus, rubbing her face and balancing on her heels. There were three problems she could see as she stared out of the viewing windows; one being the massive plasma cannons on the Marmuro¡¯k ship, another being two pirate ships that were slowly retreating to the safety of the Archangel¡¯s bulk, and finally, obtaining either the frequency and technology to follow that frequency from one of those two pirate ships while Morrigan went off to stake claim to another clan of Marmuro¡¯k.

    ¡°At the rate she¡¯s going, that sweet ass is going to be in charge of all of the Marmars¡­ but while she does that, how should I¡­ oh! Duh!¡± she thought to herself before turning, ¡°Hey, can we get the Javelin loaded?¡±

    Shepard gave her a solemn nod. Nora turned to Gunnar before pausing, ¡°Uh, Glasses! Load the Javelin and keep it ready!¡± she ordered, having forgotten Gunnar¡¯s name.

    Avery, Gunnar and Luisa all stifled a chuckle before all three burst into laughter before Gunnar called out over his shoulder, ¡°You got it, Captain Nora.¡±

    ¡°Oooh, I like that, keep calling me that!¡± Nora mused before Shepard let out a weary sigh.

    However, before Shepard could say anything, Nora rushed to the starboard viewing window and watched as the larger of the two pirate ships finally came within a safe distance of the Archangel.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m going to need some fighters, medics, about ten engineers and six of our best boarders,¡± Nora said aloud as she turned back to the bridge with an excited, devilish grin spread across her face. ¡°This is going to be so much fun!¡±

 Chapter V

    Nora squealed excitedly as she found two large dropships capable of carrying 30 personnel each prepped and waiting for her in the lower starboard hangar. To give her additional reason to be giddy, amongst the full 50 personnel she requested were the six additional units she had requested as a retinue. As her gaze landed upon the familiar sight of her sister¡¯s blonde dreadlocks, Nora grinned from ear to ear as she danced childishly in front of everyone.

    ¡°I totally thought you guys would be going with Mori!¡± She exclaimed as she ran up to Havoc squad who stood in front of the mix of soldiers, medics and engineers all idly chatting as they waited for their mission debrief.

    Stephanie snickered as she shouldered her repaired chainblade, smiling and signaled with one hand, ¡°The boss here is the one with our orders.¡±

    Nora quickly looked and cocked her head to see Ebony nervously standing at attention, far more nervous and stiff than anyone else in the massive hangar. Stalking towards the fit Egyptian woman, Nora made no effort to hide her wandering gaze as she inspected every inch of Ebony, striding around her and causing several others to take notice which brought the immediate noise around them down.

    ¡°So, how come you¡¯re here instead of with Mori?¡± Nora reiterated once she stopped in front Ebony.

    Ebony didn¡¯t shift her gaze from directly in front of her, as if attempting to see through Nora who stood in her way, before stating, ¡°Shepard¡¯s orders ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°Aweee,¡± Nora said with a smile of adoration towards the old woman before the way Ebony said ¡°ma¡¯am¡± registered in her mind. Nora¡¯s face shifted to a look that made it appear that she was grossed out.

    ¡°Listen, you¡¯re hot and all,¡± Nora said aloofly gesturing to Ebony¡¯s body with caused the woman¡¯s brow to furrow in confusion before Nora continued, ¡°But some how you just made that very unsexy. Like, if you¡¯re aiming to impress me- you¡¯re doing a very bad job at it.¡±

    Nora¡¯s professionally annoying personality got underneath Ebony¡¯s skin as her face hardened, ¡°First off, I am not trying to impress you and second, I am straight, so whatever idea you have in your head; you can forget about it.¡±

    By now, everyone in the large group had their eyes on the two as Nora started giggling manically. ¡°Says every girl ever!¡± She exclaimed before saying, ¡°I can¡¯t tell you how many times I¡¯ve heard that lie, though this whole stick up the ass personality is definitely a huge turn off.¡±

    The group standing behind Ebony began snickering to one another as Ebony¡¯s face twisted in disgust forcing her to break her stoic demeanor and angrily point at Nora with a step forward, ¡°You¡¯re dating the Lord Inquisitor, and you¡¯re fucking psychotic. Even if, what the hell makes you think I would want to fuck you instead of beating your annoying ass into the ground?¡±

    Nora clapped her hands tightly together close to her chest and resting her chin on the tips of her fingers before cocking her head to the side as if she were observing something obscenely cute with a small, endearing smile spreading across her lips. ¡°Awe, you just say the sweetest of things, we¡¯re going to have so much fun together!¡± Nora stated quickly and sharply before she glanced at her sister who struggled not to lose herself in silent laughter, ¡°Has she always been this much of a charmer?¡± she asked as she glanced at everyone in Havoc squad.

    Aleksei, who had been hiding his quiet laughing behind his fist, lost it first and let out a deep, loud laugh causing wide spread laughter to break out through the crowd. Even Taylor managed to lose his own stoic demeanor knowing full well that Nora was only picking on Ebony, or not, after considering who the antagonist was.

    ¡°Sorry EB, but you walked right into her trap,¡± Taylor said loud enough to be heard before hefting his light machinegun up to his chest. After dealing with her a few times, Taylor was well aware how Nora operated, ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan Nora?¡±

    Nora¡¯s attention snapped back to reality at the question, ignoring the baleful glare from Ebony, ¡°Oh, right! The plan!¡± she exclaimed before moving far enough away to be seen before clapping to get everyone¡¯s attention. As everyone regained their composure, grinning in excitement, ¡°Alright, so the plan is¡­ okay so I spoke with Harlock, the captain of the pirate ship we¡¯re heading to.¡±

    Stephanie made a clicking noise to get Nora¡¯s attention before signing, ¡°That fat bastard is still alive?¡±

    ¡°I know right?¡± Nora mused as she giggled, ¡°But yeah, so, we¡¯re going over there. Anyways, we got doctors and engineers to help get the ship in working order and get people patched up, who will be guided by my very bright and likely not to get you killed students as well as stand guard over our squishier people, which includes Big Man, Playboy and Mad Doc over there,¡± she stated pointing at Henry, Aleksei and Jackson who all cracked amused smirks at their newest nicknames given to them by Nora.

    ¡°So yeah, remember to watch out for things like trip wires, pressure plates, overly shiny buttons and ya know, anything that looks like it¡¯ll kill you which will be a lot of the ship,¡± she added before someone interrupted with a question.

    ¡°Why are we fixing the ship?¡± a man called out from the middle of the crowd.

    Nora pointed towards the center of the group excitedly, ¡°Good question! No, seriously, that¡¯s a good question and the answer to that is-I kind of got to thinking when my darling beloved gave me command of this operation¡­ you know, after a mild panic attack,¡± Nora snickered to herself before pointing at the significantly smaller starship that was off the starboard side of the Archangel that sat visible through the hangar¡¯s barrier.

    ¡°I know our goal is really to try and steal their ancient bullshit so we can find the Eden but then I wondered; why steal the tech when we could just steal the entire ship? Plus that would give us two ships instead of one-and everyone knows the more the merrier!¡± Nora explained spastically before giving Ebony a snide smile and a wink for good measure that caused light hearted chuckling to break out amongst the group and another angry glare from the hacker.

    ¡°Plus, its a lot harder to fight throughout a pirate ship so taking it over just makes more sense. So! While everyone is off doing their thing; Me, my sister, Eye Candy and Closet-Case here, will head to the bridge, kill everyone and take control of the ship. Once we do that, don¡¯t hesitate to kill anyone who resists, us pirates can be stubborn.¡± The group chattered in agreement, whether they were agreeing because she and her sister were ex-pirates or because the Archangel crew have become respective pirates over the past year.

    ¡°But yeah, supposedly we¡¯ll have guides to get us to where we need to go but keep your eyes peeled because shit be crafty. Now, lets get moving!¡± Nora clapped causing everyone to cheer before they began loading up between the two dropships.

    While everyone loaded up, Stephanie, Taylor and Ebony approached, the whole time Stephanie making fun of Ebony for falling for Nora¡¯s bantering.

    ¡°Is Mori aware of this plan?¡± Taylor asked to change the subject before Stephanie could instigate a fight.

    Nora turned to them with a bright grin before shaking her head, ¡°Nope, so its going to be a nice surprise for her. Plus she did tell me not to break our ship so this is essentially killing eight birds with one stone¡­¡± Nora then began counting in her head and on her fingers, ¡°Or five, or whatever,¡± she added.

    With nothing left to add, Nora and her little retinue boarded the closest dropship and rocketed towards the targeted Raider ship, Nora weaseling her way into the cockpit and taking her seat in the copilot chair before leaning forward to inspect the dash.

    Playfully tapping her finger on her lips, she identified the button she was looking for, ¡°Hey Harlock, I¡¯m on my way with some fixers and shit so try not to shoot me down, yeah?¡± she said as she pushed the button.

    ¡°You¡¯re way too trusting, you know that?¡± Harlock responded which caused her to snort in amusement.

    ¡°Not at all, I just know you''d rather not go toe to toe with the Lord Inquisitor, even if she is sexy as the day is long,¡± she quipped knowingly as she considered everything Morrigan would do to Harlock if he tried to be bold enough to shoot at her. She couldn''t lie; the thought of Morrigan tearing into the bloated man sent more than joy down her spine as she heard the man cackle at her comment.

    ¡°Ha! You have a fair point there. Well hurry on up, little girl, I gotta really nice bottle waiting for you on the bridge!¡± he responded jovially at the sudden return of Emilia Flannigan.

    ¡°Awe, you really know how to make a girl feel welcomed home!¡± she cooed as her amusement began to rise knowing the look on his face when he sees not only her, but her ornery sister as well; both of which had been long since forgotten by the pirate clans, respectively.

    She instructed both pilots to head towards the closest hangar which was sealed by one massive foot and a half thick steel door and guarded by two twin barreled rotary cannons before being forced to hold position as they waited for the door to open.

    Impatiently, Nora pushed the communication button that was locked into the ship¡¯s short range frequency,  ¡°Hey Fat Ass, I can''t help fix your ship if you don''t open the door!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, keep your tits on! My guys just finished securing themselves and my cargo, so just give me a sec.,¡± Harlock said as if already exhausted of her as the giant door began to slowly open across the center. Nora watched a vacuum attempt to suck out the contents of the hangar only for everything, and everyone, tethered and shaped down to the hangar surface.

    ¡°Right, I almost forgot what it was like to not be on a fancy ship¡­ does this make me spoiled?¡± Nora asked curiously as she glanced at the pilot who merely shrugged.

    However, once the hangar gate finally opened, Nora could see an immediate issue with her plan as she looked within the pirate ship¡¯s landing zone within the hangar. Inside were a vast array of crates, containers, machinery and a small handful of starfighters that took up the majority of the space where her dropships would land.

    Nora groaned, ¡°Lazy ass pieces of¡­¡± she cut her rant short as she pushed the communications button once again, ¡°Harlock! Open your other hangar, we can''t get both ships in with all this garbage you got in here!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be knocking my haul, girl. I¡¯m carrying some good shit¡­ anyways, no can-do darlin¡¯,¡± Harlock responded.

    Gritting her teeth, Nora slammed her first on the arm of the pilots seat, ¡°What the hell do you mean ¡°no can-do¡±?¡± she complained before groaning childishly as she rubbed her face in frustration.

    ¡°Fat, mother fucking, no-good lazy piece of¡­ ugh! Fine- fuck it!¡± Nora added as she slumped in her chair in irritation as she quickly considered her options as she  glanced into the opening hangar.

    ¡°Alright, take us in and we¡¯ll just have to drop out¡­¡± Nora huffed before she considered  just having the bulky dropships simply land on anything in their way. ¡°Yeah¡­ just take us in,¡± she conceded to herself, choosing to refrain from starting any problems just yet.

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    Following the lead of her dropship, both ships gently entered the space of the hangar and awaited hovering above all of Harlock¡¯s precious supplies and stolen merchandise, carefully keeping from any sharp movements given both ships took up most of the viable space, until Nora got impatient waiting to hear the giant mechanical door to begin closing.

    ¡°Hey, nugget-dick! We don¡¯t have viro-suits; kinda need you to close the damned door if you want our damned help!¡± She announced through the communication link as well as the dropship¡¯s external system.

    ¡°Man, you are just all sorts of ornery today, aren¡¯t cha?¡± Harlock replied in amusement before the sound of grinding metal drowned out any other response he may have said.

    Nora shivered at the nostalgic sound as she tried glancing around the starboard side through the angular cockpit only to see her other ship waiting patiently as well, the width of her own ship blocking any view she had hoped to see however, the sound itself briefly satisfied an old longing she hadn¡¯t felt in years.

    The moment she heard the giant metal door slam shut, Nora jumped out of her seat and began relaying orders around their new situation over the private channel her comm piece allowed for as she stepped out of the cockpit. As she doled out orders, she signaled for her group to get on their feet as she pushed her way towards the side door of the dropship and opened it.

    The smell of grease, poorly filtered atmosphere and oxidizing metal filled the air as Nora took a moment to close her eyes and take a deep breath. ¡°I missed this smell so much¡­¡± she murmured before her attention was pulled by her sister who stepped up to the open door and began rigging up the rope for repelling. ¡°Don¡¯t you miss this?¡± Nora asked over the engines of her ship with a small smile as she gestured to the dirty and disorganized hangar below them.

    Stephanie looked down and considered the sight before her. Nonchalantly, she shrugged and signed, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±

    Nora scoffed as she watched her sister try to continue her work, ¡°Come on! I get it, you got yourself a shiny new boyfriend and working for my extra fancy goddess of a girlfriend but seriously, you can¡¯t deny you miss this¡­ this¡­¡± Nora grew frustrated at the inability to find the words to describe the nostalgia she was feeling.

    Stephanie finished hooking up the rope as she listened before snorting in amusement, glancing at her adorably frustrated little sister with a sly smirk before reaching out and signing with one hand, ¡°Okay, a little bit.¡±

    Watching the glowing smile spread across Nora¡¯s face was more than enough for her as she chuckled hoarsely at the delight admitting her own nostalgia brought Nora before looking down below. Without further prompt, Stephanie balanced her chainblade on her shoulder and leapt from the dropship to land on the wing of a starfighter with feline grace and sliding off onto the patchwork metal floor of the hangar.

    ¡°I knew it!¡± Nora exclaimed to herself in sheer delight before she turned back to her crew, ¡°Come on ass-hats!¡± she exclaimed before leaping from the ship in an attempt to mimic her sister.

    However, Nora was not Stephanie and landed directly on her back in a resounding thud upon the ship wing before groaning and rolling off onto the floor.

    ¡°Hey! This isn¡¯t a fucking playground! Scratch my shit and I¡¯ll dump your ass here and now!¡± Harlock shouted over the hangar¡¯s intercom making it known that he was watching Nora and her crew through what ever surveillance he had.

    Despite the pain, Nora grumbled and pushed herself off the floor before dusting herself off, ¡°Yeah, yeah, whatever! Look, it¡¯s perfectly fine!¡± she argued gesturing to the ship as her soldiers began repelling down from there respective ships.

    After waiting for her personnel and their supplies, Nora moved her people into the next corridor so the dropships could return to the Archangel and began publically doling out orders to each group as their designated guides made themselves known.

    Even though it is unwise to split up groups, Nora divvied out her personnel to tackle multiple problems at once sending one group to go over the engines and what ever FTL engine Harlock managed to splice into his ship while another tackled the atmospheric generator or the ship¡¯s cannons before issuing the medics to handle any injuries they came across while scouring the ship. Nora also made sure that each non-combat group was guarded by her own soldiers along with a member of Havoc squad.

    Once satisfied by the level of caution her troops displayed as they began moving through the ship, Nora proudly turned on her heels and began making her way to the bridge of the ship with her small retinue in tow, and avoiding any sort of escort that would have been sent to guide them.

    She and Stephanie made quick work of carving a path to the bridge, both picking out basic pirate traps along the way: tripwires rigged to explosives, pressure plates built into the floor, laser triggers and other mundane traps one could expect throughout the ship. Though Nora did find one that impressed her which was a giant hunting trap welded to a pneumatic punch built into the ceiling and rigged to a pressure plate through a doorframe that would forcibly slam down on an unsuspecting intruder and trigger the hunting trap to clamp down on one¡¯s head and chest with vicious cut out teeth.

    However, even though beginning to feel mildly guilty about it, it was home for Nora and the surprising level of comradery projected towards her and her retinue as they moved throughout the ship made her miss the true pirate life even more.

    ¡°No way! Nora?!¡± Someone called out as she stepped passed by a connected corridor that awkwardly branched off at an angle.

    Ebony and Taylor both stiffened as Stephanie stopped at the intersection, Nora comically backpedaling into view as both women turned to see who had called out. Who strode towards them was a dark skinned man of average build, a set of muscles that seemed well toned but were not notable as he carried a massive wrench that seemed far too large for him to be carrying.

    He was young, appearing a year or two shy of Nora¡¯s age, and wore a pair of welder¡¯s goggles on and dirty, soaked overalls which made who he was quite questionable. The only thing of true note was his six foot eight height as his body appeared lanky. Carrying a wrench that large though, both Ebony and Taylor set their fingers on the triggers of their weapons as they turned to stand on either side of Nora and Stephanie.

    Catching the guarded motion, the man took a small step back, ¡°Wait, hold on, let me set this down,¡± he managed to squeak out as he leaned the wrench against the corridor wall with moderate effort before brushing off the front of his overalls with little effect.

    ¡°So, am I supposed to know you?¡± Nora asked curiously as she placed her hands on her hips and scrutinized him.

    The man¡¯s smile faltered at the lack of recognition before looking over who else stood with her. ¡°Holy shit, and Stephanie? I swear, I thought Harlock was pulling our legs when he said you were here, and he didn¡¯t even mention you were here too!¡± He stated with a wide grin as he stepped closer.

    Nora furrowed her brow as she turned to her sister who equally scrutinized the man. She watched Stephanie narrow her eyes before she snorted in surprise with a wide smile, tapping Nora on the arm and pointing at him. Nora¡¯s brow furrowed even more at the confusing response from her sister until Stephanie finally signed, ¡°Koda.¡±

    Recognizing the name, Nora¡¯s eyes went wide as she looked back at the scrawny, raggedy kid she used to know who managed to become the unrecognizable man standing before her, ¡°No fucking way!¡± she exclaimed before his smile spread into a delighted grin as he spread his arms.

    ¡°I¡¯m almost hurt you didn¡¯t recognize me,¡± he mused as his arms fell to his sides.

    ¡°Oh piss off man, I haven¡¯t seen you in what, like 15 years or some shit?¡± Nora scoffed with amusement before stepping closer and holding her arms up to hug him, ¡°How the hell have you been dude?¡± she laughed.

    Koda gave her an awkward embrace as he chuckled, ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s been some time for sure. Shit, we all thought you died or something,¡± he mentioned before letting her go and offering a hug in Stephanie¡¯s direction, who obliged. Ebony and Taylor both shared a look of abstract curiosity before deciding they could relax and took up each direction to stand guard over as they listened to the conversation.

    ¡°Yeah well, you should know better than to think I¡¯d die that easily. Hell, even prison couldn¡¯t keep me down,¡± Nora mused.

    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s too much of a pain in the ass to die, trust me, I tried,¡± Stephanie signed which caused Koda to laugh heartily as Nora glanced to try and catch what Stephanie had said.

    ¡°Can¡¯t say I¡¯m surprised you ended up in prison,¡± Koda mused which drew Nora¡¯s attention again.

    ¡°Ch¡¯yea, right? So how¡¯s shit going with you, dude? How¡¯s working for Harlock these days?¡± Nora asked changing the subject.

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you still remember,¡± Stephanie signed with a proud smile.

    Koda nodded before shrugging, ¡°I don¡¯t think I could make the motions anymore but I remember how to understand it. As for me, life¡¯s alright. I¡¯m a fixer now so I got that going for me; better pay though no where near the kind of cut a raider gets and as for Harlock, well, the bastard is greedy as he¡¯s always been, but then again, what captain isn¡¯t?¡± He asked rhetorically.

    ¡°Hell, I remember the little twerp that scrubbed rust for scraps,¡± Nora mused before circling back, ¡°But yeah, greed is creed, right? Enjoying yourself at least?¡±

    Koda nodded as he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall casually, ¡°Yeah, I can¡¯t complain too much. Life as a scrub sucked but this? This isn¡¯t bad. Just got done shutting the main water pump to the upper decks off because one of the pipes burst which sucks, so I hope you weren¡¯t expecting a shower or anything.¡±

    Nora nodded along with what he said as she listened, ¡°Well hey, I got some of our fixers aboard, if you¡¯d like I can have some of them lend a hand?¡±

    Koda¡¯s face lit up at the prospect of help until a realization dawned on him, ¡°Our? Now that you¡¯re mentioning it, how are you here? I thought there was only an Inquisition ship in this space? You¡¯re not part of that are you?¡± His question came out more as curiosity than worry though the majority of Harlock¡¯s ship was on edge that Inquisition soldiers were aboard, Nora¡¯s name being the only thing keeping an all out firefight from breaking out but Nora couldn¡¯t help chuckling at how long it took Koda to connect the dots.

    ¡°Surprising, right? Big bad rebel Nora joining up with the Inquisition and going around doing nice things,¡± Nora joked before Stephanie interjected her own comment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let her fool you, she¡¯s still a menace to society. We do nothing but cause chaos,¡± Stephanie interjected.

    Koda stood there with his jaw hanging over before his brain registered the affirmation of their positions, ¡°Wow¡­ I mean, that¡¯s cool. Do you have your own ship then, or?¡± he inquired with raised guard.

    Neither women could find it surprising. Even though the Inquisition had only a few ships, they were still the one faction that scared the bad and villainous at every corner of the galaxy.

    ¡°Nah, that belongs to my woman,¡± Nora announced proudly with a grin as she crossed her arms, ¡°This bonehead got stuck on a Federation Deathsquad while I was stuck in prison,¡± she commented as she nudged her head in Stephanie¡¯s direction, ¡°But to be fair, she did get to meet that big lug behind us all the while I tagged myself a smoking hot Inquisitor.¡±

    Koda¡¯s nervousness only increased at the concept that those standing in front of him belonged to the Inquisition, ¡°Yeah, yeah, that¡¯s pretty cool¡­¡±

    Both women rolled their eyes as Nora scoffed, ¡°Dude, chill. If we were after you we would¡¯ve just blasted the ship, not try and help you guys.¡±

    ¡°Right, sorry. It¡¯s just that¡­ this is more weirder than I expected¡­ but I guess the question is why you¡¯re even helping,¡± Koda asked tentatively as he unfolded his arms and stood up straight.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m here because you¡¯re my peeps. Babe is off on the MarMar ship because one of the chieftains pissed her off so he owes her a head,¡± Nora said casually which caused Koda to pale slightly as she continued, ¡°But I did kinda want to ask why Harlock was stupid enough to try and take on one of their ships. I mean, is he just suicidal or just that stupid? But yeah, no, we¡¯re also looking for the Eden.¡±

    Koda furrowed his brow in disbelief as he looked between Nora¡¯s aloof expression and Stephanie¡¯s stern gaze before realizing that nothing Nora said was a lie. ¡°Okay¡­ but¡­ you know that¡¯s a bad idea, right?¡±

    Giggling, Nora waved the notion off, ¡°And since when have I ever let that stop me? Besides, Mori is only looking to talk to the current king. If anything, it¡¯s a worse idea for him to not listen to her especially because she¡¯s got one hell of a mean streak,¡± Nora stated with a sadistic grin as Stephanie concurred.

    Scratching the back of his head, Koda took an awkward step back from the social barrier between the three of them as he tried to formulate a response, ¡°I¡­ uh¡­ Can I ask you a question?¡±

    Nora and Stephanie looked at one another curiously. ¡°How is it, being part of the Inquisition?¡± Koda asked the moment they asked looked back towards him.

    A creeping smile spread across Nora¡¯s lips knowingly, ¡°Looking to switch sides?¡±

    Koda shrugged at the question, ¡°I mean, we all gotta have options right?¡± Though in reality he was cognitive to sense the possibility of a very violent conflict between the pirate clans and the Inquisition if they did manage to find the Cradle of Eden.

    Before Nora could make a quip, Stephanie interjected, ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her. She gets special treatment,¡± which made Nora scoff in disbelief as she looked at her sister. ¡°But, I can admit the gear is good, the ship is nice and the food is even better, and we obviously don¡¯t discriminate. Unless you¡¯re Federation.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s not wrong,¡± Nora deflated in agreement before she perked back up. ¡°Plus, we can always use more fixers. Hell, depending on your skillset I bet you could even get into R&D. I know Danson always needs people making shit and such. Oh yeah, its kinda nice because we also make our own supplies rather than hunting and raiding though we¡¯ve had to do that too lately but that¡¯s also fun so it¡¯s literally a win-win!¡±

    Koda¡¯s face took on a contemplative look as he digested the brief yet informative commentary, ¡°That sounds very¡­low risk, high reward¡­¡±

    Nora shrugged, ¡°With a fancy ship, it kind of is.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to think on it but you do make one hell of an offer,¡± Koda responded after a moment.

    ¡°Well let me know and if you want, I can get you in. I do happen to be sleeping with the woman in charge,¡± Nora mused before clapping and pointing her thumb over her shoulder, ¡°Anyways, I gotta go rip Harlock a new asshole for being so stupid. It was good seeing you though man.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you too. Both of you take care of yourselves and I¡¯ll see you later?¡± he asked rather than implied.

    With an amused, knowing snort, Nora responded as she turned on her heels and looked over her shoulder, ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll definitely be seeing more of us.¡±

 Chapter VI

    Watch as they cower and tremble, for they are in the presence of true greatness! Honor and pride means nothing when faced with the raw power of her majesty; the deathly wake left by her footsteps for she is malice incarnate, the spearhead that is the ever-present aspect of destruction, the all-consuming darkness, the glorious essence of ruination! Your lives are forfeit for she is Morrigan, the dreaded apostle of Apollyon!

    ¡°Would you stop!¡± Morrigan ground her teeth as shouted at the deity in her head only for Apollyon to giggle manically.

    What, can you blame me? I know you can sense their fear just as well as I can. They should be kissing the floor you walk on and begging for their meager lives! Apollyon countered in abstract amusement, reveling in its own dramatics.

    ¡°I¡¯m not condemning an entire clan because of poor leadership, Apollyon. Azuhcu¡¯ach is the one to pay for his own actions, not the Marmuro¡¯k,¡± Morrigan responded sharply as she watched a nervous path form around her and her Marmuro¡¯k retinue as Xol boldly escorted her deeper into the massive Marmuro¡¯k ship.

    It was curious to her that Xol seemed to know exactly where to go as members of both clan Tau and Dji¡¯fahd respectfully moved out of his way with bows of the head and side cast glances. Listen, I''ve spent weeks dealing with sappy feelings and an appalling lack of violence, if I don''t get my back pay of bloodshed I''m going to go crazy in here!

    Morrigan snorted as she looked at the movement to her right to find Yekku defensively prostrating beside her with his very own Fang of Morrigan wrapped tightly in his hand, holding the oddly lengthened scythe closely eyeing every single Marmuro¡¯k they passed and letting out a low warning hiss who managed to be too close for his comfort. It was odd for her to see his combative nature, the usual silly and quirky spastic behavior completely overwritten with a sense of duty and impending violence.

    Morrigan was more surprised that of everyone she knew, Yekku was the most adamant about coming with,  refusing her order to remain aboard the Archangel and insistently going with armed to the teeth. Something else Yekku carried in his other hand was an elongated pistol that appeared to be designed solely for the hand of a S¡¯randin and looked akin to a miniature rail gun. Given Yekku¡¯s nature, Morrigan wouldn''t have been surprised if it really were a mini rail gun, but it wasn''t like she had an option to ask him.

    All in all though, Morrigan found his desire to protect her from an entire ship of potential Marmuro¡¯k enemies adorable despite knowing she was quite capable of defeating anything they could throw at her.

    To her left was Hi¡¯tet, the blue-green K¨ºzi¡¯kan that rarely spoke a word to anyone, even her. Hi¡¯tet trudged alongside her with a determined look on his reptilian face that spoke of his own frayed nerves as he ignored every living being they passed with his hands firmly gripping the plasma rifle he had acquired from Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To. Hi¡¯tet was as loyal as Xol, but gave her the reprieve of veneration his superior often displayed. After the years of knowing Hi¡¯tet of Clan Clarke, Morrigan still couldn¡¯t decide whether or not she preferred the silence between the two of them. Hi¡¯tet was as much a mystery as he was the day she had first seen the Marmuro¡¯k within the cavernous depths of Castile V. In the end though, it didn¡¯t matter to her that he was silent; he proved his loyalty through his actions, always to follow her orders without question and autonomously acting in a way that always benefited her or their small clan.

    Skoll however, padded away behind her without a care in the world as he sniffed every scent he could find behind her. To Morrigan, her faithful canine seemed to be the only one capable of sensing that no one they came across wished her any harm, giving him free reign to be as happy as can be while a contrastingly nervous Mo¡¯Emori rode on his back. Aside from feeling the beautiful Eskarii¡¯s nervousness and conditioned distrust of the Marmuro¡¯k, her discomfort was quite obvious by the way her long pointed ears pulled as close to her head as possible, similar to how a dog or cat would flatten their ears when threatened except the look was equally adorable on her as it was on an animal.

    That made Morrigan smile as they continued through the labyrinthine beige and white corridors of the Marmuro¡¯k ship. If Morrigan had to guess, the color scheme was meant to confuse invaders seeing as she could no longer guess where they were within the ship.

    Skoll bumped his nose into her side causing her focus to snap back to reality. ¡°What''s up sweetie?¡± she asked kindly as her hands brushed along his snout only for him to put his cold wet nose against her cheek making her laugh.

    ¡°Are you okay, Mori?¡± Mo¡¯Emori asked, her tone both sweet and concerned as she traded her focus on Morrigan with quick glances at the dozens of Marmuro¡¯k they passed. She could see how uncomfortable Mo¡¯Emori was and despite knowing the cultural and historical bias between both races, Morrigan couldn''t help but feel mildly disappointed that even with knowing and adoring Yekku and the others, Mo¡¯Emori struggled to let go of past prejudices.

    Pursing her lips, Morrigan fell back just enough to walk along side Skoll which caused Mo¡¯Emori''s anxiety spike as she frantically checked their surroundings with a hand on one of her swords. She placed a hand on Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s leg with an exasperated huff only for her hand to become trapped within Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s own instinctive grasp.

    ¡°Everything is fine, Mo¡¯Emori. You need to try and relax,¡± Morrigan stated as she looked up to the wide, bright yellow eyes of the young Eskarii woman.

    ¡°But¡­¡± she started with a worried tone only for Morrigan to cut her off.

    She gestured to those around her with a shake of her head before saying, ¡°No one here is going to hurt us. There is no hostile intent among either clan here, if anything, they¡¯re just as worried as you are¡­ they don¡¯t want to be here any more than we do.¡±

    ¡°How do you know? They could be plotting to lure you in and hunting you down like a lone houalo¡­¡± Mo¡¯Emori whined in a desperate plea for Morrigan to see that her worries were reasonable.

    Morrigan shook her head though, ¡°Marmuro¡¯k respect honor and status. It¡¯s why half of Clan Tau ended up here and all of Clan Dji¡¯fahd; Their chieftains made the decision to run and they followed out of both respect and honor of their chieftains¡­ Clan Tau is apparently a very rare occurrence when a decision between respecting honor and respecting one¡¯s chieftain comes into question, which is why half of Clan Tau stayed on Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To. What Azuhcu¡¯ach did is considered extremely dishonorable as well as the rest of the Fire clans.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ what if the chieftains order an attack on you? Won''t they obey?¡± the young Eskarii asked with worry.

    Oh, I wish they would¡­ Apollyon interjected.

    Morrigan squeezed her hand reassuringly as she rubbed her thumb over the finger she could reach, ¡°No. According to Xol, an honor battle over chiefdom is a sacred thing and no Marmuro¡¯k would dare intervene. Which also means nor you or Skoll may intervene as well¡­ Skoll, you understand that you can''t come to my aid, right?¡± she inquired as she looked towards the subtly twisting ear of her beloved canine.

    Suddenly, Morrigan felt a long, soft tendril wrap itself around her shoulders before Skoll belched and licked the roof of his mouth in blatant disinterest. She could feel the accepting calm radiating strongly from the massive canine as he turned his head to eye her while he sniffed the air.

    ¡°We are here,¡± Xol rumbled as he stopped the group and planting his giant warhammer onto the stone floor. Morrigan quickly looked around at the sudden stop to find any indication of their destination realizing her periphery had been a blur of beige-tan stone walls, ceiling and floor with white marble-like accents. What she did notice was a contingent of armed guards standing on the other side of a recessed section of the wall opposite of Xol¡¯s threatening form before she wriggled out of Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s grasp and shuffled forward.

    To their left was a massive blackened metal door that had been built into the wall as one of the guards stepped forward. ¡°Chieftain Clarke of Clan Clarke,¡± the leading K¨ºzi¡¯kan guard stated with a respectful view of his head before holding his weapon to the side, his spear pointing towards the massive set of doors. ¡°Your challenger stands waiting. Fight with honor and lead Clan Tau out of the light of disgrace.¡±

    Morrigan bowed respectfully with a warm smile, ¡°I shall, and you shall not suffer the burden of a dishonorable chieftain any longer,¡± she stated clearly for all nearby to hear. Before she could saying or do anything else, all of the surrounding Marmuro¡¯k beat their weapons against energy shields or those who carried longer weapons beat the ends upon the ground causing a rhythmic cadence fitting for her announcement.

    Morrigan couldn''t help but feel proud of the level of respect she has earned amongst the Marmuro¡¯k. With a satisfied smile, she turned and stepped towards the massive doors. As they appeared, the massive metal doors were heavy however, Morrigan fueled her energy into her muscles and the grinding groan the doors made resonated throughout the corridors and echoed into the large space before her drowning out the rhythmic war call behind her.

    Greeting her was a small-scale arena similar to the coliseum on Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To, three rows of stands surrounding the ovular pit packed with silent Marmuro¡¯k spectators. However, the moment she cleared the entrance, the arena erupted in cheers of her arrival.

    Across the arena stood two Marmuro¡¯k, a massive purple hued Timse¡¯h that took up a large portion of the entryway. Excel-Gaui-Dji¡¯Fahd stood as straight as his slightly hunched anatomy allowed before dipping his head respectfully and planting a massive axe into the thin layer of dirt that made up the floor, standing as a warden of the door.

    A loud thump behind her drew her attention to find Xol guarding the open door behind her as those who stood outside the arena continued beating their weapons against the ground.

    ¡°Silence!¡± Roared the familiar voice of Azuhcu¡¯ach as he angrily commanded the crowd of Marmuro¡¯k, ushering silence before turning his hateful gaze towards her.

    Despite the crowd¡¯s obvious stance on who they desired to win, there was still honorable obedience that brought silence to the arena as the blue and white K¨ºzi¡¯kan across from her pointed his weapon towards her. The thick, heavy spear he held appeared to be made of the common white stone and intricately inlaid with brass or gold as his reptilian lips peeled back to reveal a row of long, sharp teeth common amongst the K¨ºzi¡¯kan.

    ¡°So, you have chosen death,¡± he announced as if certain he would be victorious.

    Morrigan couldn¡¯t help but bare her fangs in a grin. In any other instance she would hate the position she was in; she never had a desire to fight against the Marmuro¡¯k. Even after being forced to fight in the Trial of Fire, she abhorred what she had to do and end the lives of four Marmuro¡¯k who lost their lives in a plot designed by the one before her. It was Azuhcu¡¯ach that caused needless deaths, more lives than what she could ever desire against a species she used to once dream of in wonderment, and grew to love through the company of the Marmuro¡¯k that had followed her through hell and beyond.

    Azuhcu¡¯ach though, he was one death she would thoroughly enjoy. As she unloaded the shotgun shells from her gunblade and placed them into a pouch on her belt recalled something Lakai had said to her, ¡°The fires of hate will burn no longer, Azuhcu¡¯ach. I am Red Death, the Veil of Darkness, and Darkness always lives.¡± Morrigan drew her blade down to her side readying herself to parry the spear as she walked a respectable distance closer to the seething K¨ºzi¡¯kan.

    As soon as she stood just out of the spears reach, the golden gauntlet on Azuhcu¡¯ach¡¯s right arm clicked and shifted open revealing that it was not a gauntlet, but a fully functional prosthetic before it emitted a large pulsing energy shield similar to the one Xol wore.

    Morrigan swore to herself as Azuhcu¡¯ach lunged only to feint and caused her to attempt to parry the stab that never came. Instead, he spun and his thick tail slammed into her chest and sent her tumbling across the arena.

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    A chorus of rancor came from the crowd as Morrigan cough against the thin layer of dirt on the ground. ¡°Damn, I guess there''s a reason he''s a chieftain,¡± she thought to herself as she slowly stood, realizing that she had been far too cocky and let her guard down against someone who had been Xol¡¯s superior.

    That was pathetic, Apollyon mocked as she eyed Azuhcu¡¯ach¡¯s defensive stance.

    ¡°Well shit,¡± she commented noticing she no longer had her gunblade as she spied it laying just behind Azuhcu¡¯ach who had been grinning victoriously towards her, lifting the head of his spear slightly.

    Just rip him in half and be done with it, girl! Apollyon complained knowing full well that Morrigan could simply overpower the K¨ºzi¡¯kan and easily defeat him.

    However, Morrigan shook her head to herself, ¡°You know this is an honor battle. By now you know how the Marmuro¡¯k operate. I just have to¡­¡± Interrupting herself, Morrigan sprinted at a speed that managed to catch Azuhcu¡¯ach by surprise, forcing him to awkwardly thrust the spear towards her chest except where she would have been was nothing but empty air as Morrigan slid underneath the attack.

    She slid past his defenses far enough to make a grab for her weapon, twisting her body to rise to her knees and make an upward swing towards his back only for Azuhcu¡¯ach to reach and block the strike with his shield.

    Azuhcu¡¯ach rounded on her as she backed away onto her feet holding her blade out. Activating a button on the spear, two thin blades sprung out from the shaft to form a cross guard at the base of the spear head that shrouded the spear head in cascading energy. He watched her raise an eyebrow before he lunged to take a downward stab from behind his shield.

    Morrigan jumped back in time for the tip of the spear to hit the dirt and release a small concussive blast that sprayed miniscule pieces of dirt and dust into the air.

    ¡°Oh great, of course he has a power weapon¡­¡± she managed to think to herself before Azuhcu¡¯ach pressured her with repeated jabs from his weapon. The fanged grin on his face was smug as he forced Morrigan to remain on the defensive knowing full well that she knew the devastating effects of his weapon if it were to strike her.

    Grunting as she dodged, Morrigan did everything she could so that she wasn¡¯t pushed back into the outer wall of the arena yet Azuhcu¡¯ach refused to relent, constantly thrusting his weapon and forcing her to dodge and back away from him. She knew his idea was to pin her and leave her with very few options to escape a fatal wound. It began to infuriate her that what should have been a simple duel had become a one-sided game, and she had been made the toy. Of course she could have used her claws to swiftly end the fight, but the Marmuro¡¯k were without magic that she knew of, and refused to break their honorable traditions by using her own. In an effort to gain any sort of footing, Morrigan tried to parry the energized spear head.

    In a sense, her idea had worked as Azuhcu¡¯ach staggered from the force of the concussive force of both weapons connecting. To Morrigan¡¯s dismay though, the blade of her weapon shattered like glass spraying the area with fragments of metal as well as her own armor and clothing.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± She screamed in her head in frustration as she dropped the stump of the weapon and made a grab for the spear. Azuhcu¡¯ach had recovered sooner than she had hoped and attempted to bring shield down upon her face only for her to stop the assault with a set of crimson claws that shrieked as they touched the solid form of energy.

    The noise created by both forms of energy was piercing and grating however, Morrigan refused to let it get to her as she pushed against Azuhcu¡¯ach, holding his spear close to her in order to keep him from using it.

    Slowly, the tips of her claws began to penetrate the layer of energy far enough to the point where she could reach the gauntlet beneath. The crowd roared for her and just underneath the cacophony of noise, she could hear Skoll¡¯s low howl; a cheer from her beloved pet as his emotional wave of pride and anticipation reached her and coalesced with her peaking frustration.

    Baring her fangs in a savage grin, she closed her hand around Azuhcu¡¯ach¡¯s arm and shattered the metallic prosthetic. The brooding K¨ºzi¡¯kan with a superiority complex staggered under the force of her grip as she tore what remained of his prosthetic off before she pulled back, a new set of claws snapping his spear in half.

    In a swift motion that had been nearly too fast to follow, Morrigan grabbed the fore-half of the spear and thrust the blade deep into his meaty throat. The arena erupted into cheers of bloodlust but to Morrigan''s surprise, Azuhcu¡¯ach didn''t go down but instead, grabbed ahold of the shaft buried into his neck while trying to swipe at her with his short yet thick claws. Luckily, his reach wasn¡¯t long enough to reach however, Morrigan knew he wasn''t going to go down so simply.

    Yesssss, that is a fitting death for this pathetic whelp! Apollyon hissed in delight at the flash of thought in her mind.

    Fueling her body with the aggravation Azuhcu¡¯ach had caused her on Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To and the disrespect he had towards her and her clan, Morrigan planted her heels into the ground before using the spear as diabolical leverage to force him to side step, twisting the spear in his throat before pulling him towards the ground.

    Despite the profusely bleeding wound, Azuhcu¡¯ach refused to give up as he crashed to the ground, the pain of the moving spearhead causing his muscles to fail before grabbing ahold of the shaft of his weapon to keep her from moving it. However, his leverage was nonexistent as his massive crest kept his neck and shoulders off the ground giving Morrigan all the leverage she needed as she planned her boot on his chest.

    With one single empowered thrust, Morrigan forced the broken weapon through the back of his neck letting the ejected cross blades slice through his strained neck, beheading the prejudicial K¨ºzi¡¯kan and ending his reigning chiefhood.

    Morrigan, breathing heavily at the exertion it required to bring Azuhcu¡¯ach down, leaned against the spear with a sigh of relief just in time for the arena to bust into hysterical cheers. To add to the chaos, both ends of the arena opened up to swarms of cheering Marmuro¡¯k that flooded into the combat grounds.

    It was as if reliving the Trial by Fire for Morrigan as she couldn''t help but let out a small laugh as she leaned further into the spear. As much as she hated being a spectacle for the entertainment of the Marmuro¡¯k clans at the time, now she could let herself feel proud over her current accomplishment. With a strained pull, she pried the head of the spear that had buried itself into the deck floor and held the broken weapon over her head. All of the Marmuro¡¯k lost themselves to the revelry of victory.

    Lost in her own moment of victory, Morrigan hadn¡¯t noticed her own little clan had surrounded her until Skoll howled directly behind her nearly causing her to fall off the corpse of Azuhcu¡¯ach. Skoll let out a high pitched cackle of amusement as she spun and gave him a bright smile before wrapping her arms around his muzzle leaving faint stains of blood over his face, mild payback for intentionally scaring her.

    A blindsiding tackle interrupted her playful moment with Skoll as Mo¡¯Emori collided with her, ¡°Oh my Goddess, that was amazing, Mori! I was so worried!¡±

    Morrigan couldn''t help but laugh at the redundancy of the comment as she wrapped herself around the elated Eskarii. The crowd of Marmuro¡¯k chanted her name before Xol decided the time for revelry had passed. Slamming the head of his hammer into the ground, the energized field created a thunderous wave that echoed throughout the arena and beyond as he roared, ¡°Silence and kneel!¡±

    The room went silent as all eyes turned to Xol in confusion as to why their merriment was cut short. ¡°Kneel before your Chieftain, Red Death of Clan Clarke!¡± He roared once again before slamming the head of his hammer into the ground once more.

    Excel-Gaui was the only one to lumber forward and stand before Xol, his hulking height putting him two heads taller than her ever-stoic guardian, before he cautiously and slowly knelt.

    ¡°Marmuro¡¯k do not kneel, but I am no Marmuro¡¯k¡­¡± Excel-Gaui-Dji¡¯Fahd stated lowly as he bowed his head to Xol, and Morrigan by proxy. Xol however let out a fanged warning hiss as his grip tightened on the shaft of his warhammer.

    With an exasperated sigh, Morrigan nudge Xol and stepped up beside him, ¡°That¡¯s enough Xol¡­¡± she stated before looking down respectively at the kneeling Timse¡¯h. She took careful consideration of the chieftain¡¯s words as every single creature watched the unprecedented interaction.

    Morrigan shook her head slightly, unsure what to do about her current situation. Excel-Gaui has left himself to her mercy, as well as the fate of his clan as promised, yet, she knew he wasn¡¯t a bad chieftain despite everything. She also had a warship full of Marmuro¡¯k to deal with as well.

    Before she could come to a conclusion though, her comm line opened to an endearing, jovial voice. ¡°Hey sexy, put that Ass-Cock in his place yet?¡±

    Morrigan snorted at that, always finding the ridiculous names Nora came up with amusing. ¡°Yes babe, he¡¯s dead. Just gotta figure out what to do from here,¡± Morrigan replied hoping Nora would secretly give her an idea.

    ¡°I can''t wait to hear all about it,¡± Nora responded with an audible shudder, the idea of Morrigan executing someone striking her fancy as usual. ¡°Whatever you have to do next I¡¯m sure it''ll be the right decision. With that said, I guess I should get back to what I was doing, I love you and remember, you got this love.¡±

    Before Morrigan could stop her, Nora disconnected. As much as she didn''t want her to go, she knew Nora was being impatient by the excited undertone in her voice though Morrigan couldn''t help but smile at Nora¡¯s uplifting words. Somehow as squirrel brained as she could be, Nora always managed to know when to say the right words.

    As if on cue, Mo¡¯Emori stepped next to her and laced her fingers with Morrigan¡¯s, frowning as she looked around at all the waiting Marmuro¡¯k that surrounded them. Yet, the moment the Eskarii¡¯s gaze landed on her, her face softened into a kind, knowing smile, ¡°You know what to do, Mori.¡±

    Taking a deep breath, Morrigan nodded knowing she had a heavy decision to make but knew what the answer truly was. Letting go of Mo¡¯Emori, Morrigan approached the kneeling Timse¡¯h who refused to meet her gaze. Morrigan looked to meet each of the Marmuro¡¯k that surrounded them and absorbed their pleading, hopeful emotions before look at Excel-Gaui¡¯s downward gaze.

    ¡°You¡¯re wrong, Excel-Gaui-Dji¡¯Fahd. You are certainly Marmuro¡¯k. Your thoughts were poisoned and judgement spurred by hatred by the tongue of a disgraceful chieftain. You, however, always knew what happened was dishonorable, and when it counted most you stood up against that dishonor and lay your guilt at your feet¡­ you''re a good chieftain, and a good Marmuro¡¯k¡­¡± she stated loud enough for all to hear which brought low murmurs of confusion and looks of hope. Against her desire, she knew she couldn''t leave his digressions unpunished though.

    ¡°You wait for judgement by the one you slighted in with dishonor, and yet, it is not just me you have dishonored,¡± her words caused a rising fear throughout the crowd, even Excel-Gaui raising his head to look at her, ¡°Such dishonor is dishonor against all clans; not just mine and more so your own. So judgement is not mine to give¡­¡±

    ¡°But I have¡­¡± Excel-Gaui started with his thunderous voice only for Morrigan to hold her hand up to cut him off.

    ¡°You will return to Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To, along with the remains of Clan Tau. There, the chieftains will decide your punishment,¡± she finished feeling the weight of authority leave her shoulders as all of those involved felt content with her arguement

    ¡°But Mori, aren''t you a chieftain?¡± Mo¡¯Emori asked curiously, opening a whole new problem for Morrigan as she groaned audibly. Morrigan couldn''t return to Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To to play clan politics when she needed to find the Cradle of Eden, but something like the judgement of a chieftain would require her say.

    Then a thought came to her, remembering her time during the chieftain delegation. She would be allowed one warrior to accompany her during a delegation however, perhaps sending her warrior as a proxy would work to relay her thoughts on the matter. What she needed was someone who would follow her instructions without fault.

    Her first thought was to send Xol however, she knew better than to expect him to be willing to leave. Yekku would likely follow her instructions however, he was a integral part of the Archangel and would also be unwilling to leave. Then there was Hi¡¯tet¡­

    ¡°Hi¡¯tet,¡± she commanded, gaining his attention before stepping towards the stalwart K¨ºzi¡¯kan.

    Hi¡¯tet gave her his sole focus as he towered over her, intently listening for expected instructions. ¡°Would you be willing to go back to Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To and act as my proxy in my absence?¡± She knew his loyalty was sound, and would be willing to do anything she commanded yet she couldn¡¯t help but ask to see if he was willing.

    She watched him cock his head as if confused by what she asked, realizing that it was possible the Marmuro¡¯k didn''t know what a proxy was. Before she could define her request though, Hi¡¯tet nodded firmly.

    ¡°Good, you will go before the delegation and say that I am for allowing Excel-Gaui to keep his chiefdom over Clan Dji¡¯fahd as well as take command over this ship during the voyage back to Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To,¡± she stated crisply in relief, feeling significantly better about her decision before turning to the crowd of Marmuro¡¯k.

    ¡°Hi¡¯tet-Clarke of Clan Clarke will take command of ??r Ag?r, and deliver Excel-Gaui-Dji¡¯Fahd of Clan Dji¡¯fahd to the chieftains for judgement,¡± she announced before turning to the large Timse¡¯h with a soft smile, ¡°I have instructed Hi¡¯tet to speak of my thoughts on the matter, that you may remain chieftain of Clan Dji¡¯fahd.¡±

    Excel-Gaui¡¯s alligator like maw opened slightly in disbelief as the crowd of Marmuro¡¯k cheered her name, knowing full well her judgment was not final, but none the less revered her decision all the same as their chieftain¡¯s life was already one step closer to survival.

    ¡°Your mercy is¡­ I am grateful,¡± Excel-Gaui stated in bewilderment loud enough to be heard as Morrigan stepped closer before stopping to lift the large crested head of Azuhcu¡¯ach.

    Stepping closer, ¡°Give the chieftains my regards, and tell them I am securing an army. War is coming and we will destroy the Federation once and for all,¡± she said holding out the severed head.

    Excel-Gaui hummed in amusement before holding out his tree trunk-like arms accepting the head of the fallen chieftain, ¡°It shall be so, I only hope I shall be given the chance to fight alongside a warrior such as yourself, Red Death.¡±

    Morrigan nodded stoically only for Hi¡¯tet to garner the attention of the entire arena by firing his plasma rifle into the ceiling far enough away to keep molten stone from falling on anyone. ¡°Chieftain Clarke has spoken, set course to Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To!¡±

    It took everything for Morrigan to keep from laughing as, finally, she heard Hi¡¯tet speak. The high, raspy and near guttural voice that came from the stalwart clan mate simply didn¡¯t fit him and she now understood why he resigned himself to his usual silence.

 Chapter VII

    Standing on the bridge, Nora watched as the massive Marmuro¡¯k warship slowly began to turn away, all the while spying a tiny speck of a dropship heading in the direction of the Archangel, now all she had to do was bide her time until her girlfriend was back aboard the ship.

    ¡°Well shit, there goes my bounty but I''ll be damned, how the hell did she manage that?¡± Harlock asked as he spun in his oversized captain¡¯s chair, his bulbous physique consuming most of the space.

    ¡°My girl is as bad ass as they come and twice as sexy,¡± Nora snickered in amusement before an awkward glint shined in his eyes.

    ¡°I don''t care how bad ass someone thinks they are, no one has ever gotten onto one of those ships and lived to tell the tale¡­¡± Harlock commented offhandedly with a chuckle as he rubbed one hand over his gut.

    Nora cracked an amused smile as she pointed at the scene in front of them before taking a sip from the mug of ale she had been given, letting a wave of nostalgia envelope her as the spicy bitter liquid warmed her body.

    ¡°So, what in the hell made you think taking on a MarMar warship was a good idea? That¡¯s gotta be the dumbest thing I¡¯ve ever heard, and I¡¯ve done a lot of stupid shit in my life,¡± Nora asked.

    Harlock scoffed at the question as if it were obvious, ¡°Could you imagine taking down one of those things or even managed to capture one? The fame, the glory and the power one would get by claiming one of their ships? Could you really blame me for trying?¡±

    He sighed as he relented, the deafening silence throughout the bridge confirming Nora¡¯s comment, ¡°Yeah, that may have been stupid¡­ but just as luck would have it, we apparently came across the only person who can go toe to toe with one of those big bastards, and got to see Little Nora all grown up. Bad judgement aside, not a bad day,¡± he stated raising his mug in her direction. ¡°Though it would¡¯ve been nice if you treated my guards with a bit more respect,¡± he added glancing at the doorway to the bridge to see both men that had stood sentry at the door encased in ice, one shivering audibly as he was bound to the wall while the other blocked the door from closing along the floor.

    Stephanie clicked her tongue as if mildly insulted before signing, ¡°If they treated a woman with more respect, they¡¯d both be fine.¡±

    ¡°What she said,¡± Nora commented as she thumbed to the body blocking the door, fully entombed in crystalline ice. The man¡¯s broken nose and split forehead on display as an enthusiastic reminder courteous of Nora that if one puts their hands on a lady, their face may be used as a door handle.

    Harlock shrugged, his greasy, thinning hair swaying with the motion as he said, ¡°Yeah, you were always a bit of a spitfire... next time just send them to me, boys are boys after all,¡± he commented aloofly as if his subordinates¡¯ behavior was acceptable.

    Nora ground her teeth as she recalled distant memories pertaining to stories of Harlock, taking a sip of ale as she followed the tiny dropship cruising closer to the Archangel before it disappeared from view. Thinking, she knew that pirates took freedom to heart, which often meant the freedom of crossing lines that were not meant to be crossed which was something their father had once put an end to long ago. Irritated by the response, Nora finally pulled her attention to the bridge crew to notice that every single person aside from Harlock was female.

    To be fair, she couldn''t be surprised by that. If she had the opportunity she too would surround herself with beautiful women however, what struck her as odd was that they were all doing something.

    After her quick observation, there was an uneasiness in the air as every single woman kept their heads down and pretended to be working despite the fact that the ship was not moving nor doing anything of note as it sat anchored in space.

    Stephanie picked up on Nora¡¯s prying gaze around the room. Using her own vantage point as she leaned against the starboard wall of the bridge in front of the entrance way, she homed in on her sister¡¯s targets, seeing bruises hidden beneath hair on the closest woman''s neck. Now focused on the revelation, one woman turned her head just enough to survey the now silent room only to find Stephanie''s icy stare. What she could glean was the yellowing skin of a healing bruise underneath one of the woman¡¯s eyes before the woman panicked and went back to staring at the monitor in front of her and typing nonsense on the keyboard.

    Stephanie audibly spit angrily on the floor before turning to both Ebony and Nora, ¡°We need to kill this fuck,¡± Stephanie signed quickly, making sure Harlock couldn''t follow even though she wouldn''t suspect that he could since her sign language was bastardized into a form only Havoc squad truly understood.

    Nora glanced at Ebony thoughtfully seeing that the woman had no input on the situation, more inclined to do as she was told rather than being the squad leader she normally was before letting out a weary sigh.

    ¡°Yeah, I guess we should,¡± she commented, purposefully keeping her words vague as she turned to Harlock.

    Nora stepped around his large chair and stepped down onto the lower floor that sank two feet into the bridge to get closer to the viewing window, not missing the fact that three women froze as they heard footsteps approach them from behind. Nora looked through the window to see just how far the other pirate ship sat away from the Archangel before looking to see just how far the slow-moving Marmuro¡¯k warship had traveled. She knew it was only a matter of time until the Marmuro¡¯k ship used a faster method of travel, though she couldn¡¯t be sure what kind of engines or drives it used however, every part of her plan was lining up perfectly.

    ¡°You know, I guess we owe you for costing you your bounty¡­¡± she commented as she took another drink.

    Harlock¡¯s chair spun towards her as the pique of interest could be heard, ¡°Oh? What do you have in mind?¡±

    Nora smirked knowingly, her amusement hidden as she glanced down to a young brunette that cautiously looked up at her in dreadful curiosity before Nora stole attention by pointing at the Marmuro¡¯k ship. ¡°We¡¯ll help you take that ship,¡± she commented as her smile widened slightly, trying to show the woman next to her that things would be different, that she was safe as long as Nora was there.

    Harlock scoffed, ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say it was stupid to go after it? Why?¡±

    Nora spun on her heels merrily, letting her chaotically joyous nature overtake her demeanor as her plan began to unfold to fruition. ¡°Cuz I have a cooler ship,  duh!¡± she grinned eat to ear before looking at the Archangel.

    Touching her comm bead she asked Shepard, ¡°Is Mori back?¡±

    Before Shepard could respond, Morrigan chimed in, ¡°Yeah, I''m here, but where in the hell are you?¡±

    ¡°Just doing what you asked, love. Shep? Be awesome and fire the Javelin, please?¡± Nora asked grinning in amusement before looking back at her sister, who also grinned savagely and even Ebony, who wore a sly smirk on her face realizing what it was that Nora had been planning all along.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what?¡± Morrigan chimed in just before Shepard responded.

    ¡°Understood, preparing to skip and fire.¡±

    Looking back at Harlock, Nora¡¯s grin turned into a cocky smirk as she listened to Morrigan question in confusion as to why she had order the Javelin to be fired, questioning Shepard as to why she would listen to Nora and demand answers as to her whereabouts. ¡°Wanna see something cool? Watch that ship,¡± she said thumbing in the direction of the Marmuro¡¯k warship and watched Harlock¡¯s curious and rapt interest focus on the target.

    Out of the corner of his eye Harlock could see energy wrap around the significantly larger starship beside his before it blinked out of existence with a bizarre bending of light. ¡°What the hell?!¡± he exclaimed before a bright white streak of electricity passed across his field of view.

    The man tried to follow the tracer line the Javelin left, missing entirely the ¡°where¡± it carved a path through, expecting something to happen to the Marmuro¡¯k ship.

    ¡°Wow, that''s actually really pretty,¡± Nora commented absentmindedly a moment before the second pirate ship exploded, the massive solid slug from the Javelin having torn through the entirety of the small Destroyer class ship. Nora laughed manically, losing herself in the instantaneous glee of her plan coming full circle.

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°Wha¡­ that was my ship! You stupid fucking¡­¡± Harlock was stunned briefly before pure anger over took him, roaring his displeasure as he reached for a weapon along the right side of his chair. ¡°Woah, hey now¡­¡± he commented as he was interrupted by a viscous weapon pressed deeply against his fat-filled neck from behind.

    Nora composed herself just enough to turn around and break into squealing joy, clapping spastically as she witnessed the last of her plan already underway. Stephanie held Harlock at blades edge with a savage grin as she looked up at her sister, and doubled over laughing.

    ¡°Oh my god, your face! This couldn¡¯t have gone better!¡± Nora forced out before taking a deep breath to try and settle herself, needlessly brushing herself off as she stifled her chuckling. Everyone within the bridge watched the situation unfold, the women filling the room observing with hopeful, pleading eyes as Nora sauntered up the Harlock and grabbed the weapon he had been reaching for.

    ¡°Nora¡­ let¡¯s not do anything rash, I was just¡­¡± Harlock stated before being cut off by the digging teeth of the chainblade, each tooth touching his flesh threatening to pierce skin.

    ¡°You know, it took a moment, but I remembered something about you, Harlock,¡± Nora said as she inspected an ancient weapon stowed within the seat. It was a shotgun of massive diameter, a pair of roughly ten gauge barrels that measured 23 inches with a short curved handle, and she stuck the barrels in between his thick legs, smiling.

    Harlock squirmed nervously as the weapon rested against his groin. ¡°I remember stories of how you abuse women, using your rank as captain to force them to sleep with your bloated, disgusting ass,¡± she stated, punctuating what she said by pressing the clunky weapon into his balls and watched him nearly shriek in fear.

    ¡°Th-that¡¯s not true! N-not, entirely¡­¡± he replied eyeing the women around the room and seeing the tangible evidence countering his blatant lie, all of the women glaring at him with a newfound hope and desire to see him disfigured.

    Nora motioned with her head and Stephanie moved away, giving Nora full control of the situation while Stephanie picked a good spot to watch.

    ¡°So, any chance you know where the Eden is? Hm?¡± Nora inquired aloofly, knowing full well she didn''t need the information.

    Harlock refused to answer at first, glaring at her with disdain until Nora pushed the weapon against him. ¡°Alright, alright!¡± he nearly screamed holding his hands up nervously before sighing indignantly. ¡°The last I heard it was in the asteroid belt of CB-483 in the Eldora system¡­¡±

    Everyone watched as Nora smirked mirthfully, withdrawing the shotgun and resting the barrels on her shoulder that had recently recovered. ¡°See, that wasn''t so hard. I guess we can forgive you for being such a shit.¡±

    Harlock breathed a massive sigh of relief as everyone looked curiously at one another, the women casting worrying looks at the three women that had just held their captain hostage. A deafening boom resonated around the room as the shotgun flew across the bridge, clattering to the ground next to one of the female operators.

    Everyone covered their ears as the high pitched whine slowly faded only to look up to see a massive gaping hole in Harlock¡¯s chest and Nora shaking her wrist spastically.

    ¡°Holy fuck! So happy I wasn¡¯t holding that tighter¡­¡± Nora complained as she massaged her wrist and fingers to ensure that nothing had broken. She looked up to see a sly, impressed smirk on Ebony¡¯s face while Stephanie wore an annoyed scowl directed at her.

    ¡°A little warning next time,¡± Stephanie signed only for Nora to playfully stick her tongue out and giggle.

    ¡°Its hard to believe you had that planned the entire time, I''m actually impressed,¡± Ebony commented as she stepped closer to inspect the wound open in Harlock¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Awe!¡± Nora mused before shaping her fingers together into a heart, ¡°That''s so sweet, does this mean you''re coming out?¡± she asked mischievously as moved to inspect the controls on the chair.

    Ebony scoffed and rolled her eyes, ¡°Don''t push your luck, what are you looking for?¡± Nora only snickered at that as she began tapping on the tiny screen built into the arm of the chair, though was surprised that there was no usual malice or vehemence to Ebony¡¯s words.

    Before Nora could respond they began to hear muffled sobbing from behind them. ¡°Thank you¡­¡± came a soft feminine voice. The three turned to see a young woman standing closer to them while the rest of the female bridge crew huddled together in collective relief. The woman''s eyes were filled with tears as she held her hands close to her chest.

    Giving her a closer look, Nora realized that she couldn''t have been more than 18 years old, scars freshly healed around her wrists and neck while faint bruises riddled her skin exposed by the revealing shorts and tank top she wore.

    Nora¡¯s heart went out to the girl as she gave her a soft, kind smile. She, along with her sister, had been in the same world of torment the young woman had lived, the type of torture that couldn''t be erased by anything other than time and understanding, if at all.

    Abandoning her mission for the moment, Nora slowly stepped towards the woman and gently pulled her into an embrace letting her know she was safe. As much as she loved her life as a pirate, there were things long since absent that she never wished to remember and yet, people like Harlock always seemed to exist. ¡°Don¡¯t thank us yet,¡± she said softly, ¡°We¡¯re about to cause all sorts of problems but don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re safe.¡±

    Nora pulled back as she felt the girl shiver, seeing that fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded in understanding.

    ¡°Stephy, can you take care of them?¡± Nora asked, turning to see her sister nod before holstering her chainblade and silently usher the collective of women towards the back corner of the bridge away from the entry door.

    Watching the group of terrified women broke Nora¡¯s heart, despite murdering the scumbag that caused their pain. She knew they would be taken care of. Between Morrigan and herself, they would make sure one way or another that the abused women would never have to face such torment again.

    Ebony took notice of Nora¡¯s mellow, sullen mood. ¡°You good?¡± she asked curiously, eyeing Nora before glancing at the group of women.

    Nora sighed heavily, shaking her head out of the space her mind was in,  ¡°Yeah. As much as I hate to say it,  remind me to call Dr. Tamina when we¡¯re done¡­ Can you hack into the ship wide comm there?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, give me a minute,¡± she said with a nod before prying a panel off the side of the chair. Just as she said, within a long, silent minute Ebony hacked into to control console of the captain¡¯s chair and gave Nora a meaningful nod.

    Nora slapped herself and shook what remaining dower mood from her mind. ¡°Attention fellow pirates, this is your long lost sister Nora Flannigan speaking. I''ve killed Harlock, and by killed, I mean really, really dead kinda killed him and by pirate law, I am the captain now. Feel free to kill any dissenters, I don''t care. Oh, and have a good day,¡± Nora announced with faint levity before releasing the broadcast button on the chair, feeling content by the success of her mission but not overjoyed like she expected.

    A shadow cast over the bridge causing her to look out the window at the silhouette of the Archangel which blocked out the one of many suns and hoped that her love would be proud enough to make up for her mood.

    Turning to her sister who drew her chainblade and auto pistol in preparation to defend the room, hearing faint echoes of shouting and gunfire begin to resonate throughout the ship, she frowned slightly as the women behind her sister flinched at each pop of gunfire that reached the bridge, only reminding her what kind of hell her nostalgic life could be and the start of various plans to form in her head as to ensure that those such as Harlock never existed with the pirate clans again, just like her father once had.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    The Federation shipyards were always an impressive sight. Dozens of cargo ships weaving in between ribs of the colossal cylindrical frame of the manufacturing site to the shower of superheated slag that sprayed in every direction as sections of completed hull were inserted and welded to the frame of starships by massive robotic arms.

    Amaranthe however, basked in the glory of his masterpiece¡¯s creation. Amongst the handful of manufacturing sites, each able to piece together two to four starships at a time, one contained only his ship. It was a beauty like none other, it''s hulking size filling the entirety of the site as the 48 robotic arms worked tirelessly to complete the special request.

    ¡°Where is our progress?¡± he asked as he watched with delight.

    The woman next to him, a long haired brunette who adjusted the thin frames glasses on her face , swiped through several reports on her data-slate in search for results that would satisfy him.

    ¡°Since yesterday, we have recovered three more of our own all of which had the same clawed hand symbol of the girl spread throughout them. This makes a total of 33 ships she has left either destroyed or derelicts,¡± she said confidently.

    Hands held behind his back, he cast a mildly annoyed glance at her to see an eccentrically beautiful woman calmly watching his ship be built. He couldn''t help but smirk. Sure she was beautiful, but he could care less how she looked. The part he enjoyed about his newest assistant was that she had a spine. For him it was a nice change of pace from being surrounded by meek men and women too afraid to give him a straight answer.

    It was enough to alleviate the frustration of having once again been given a report that didn''t announce the capture of the young Miss Clarke.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± he said, ¡°Has a pattern been discovered yet?¡± He asked hopefully. He knew humans were creatures of pattern. The fact that his little rose had managed to escape the trap laid for her was reason enough to believe there would be a readable pattern for him to follow right towards her.

    ¡°Between our Intel and Medical groups, they have yet to discover any pattern. The attacks seem to be more opportune than strategic. The only discernable pattern we found was her arrival at the Eskarii homeworld and even then, that pattern died the moment she took out the last ship that gave chase. Since then, all of her movements seem to be random and aimless,¡± his assistant stated.

    Amaranthe grunted at that. To believe that there was no pattern was foolish however, he considered that there just wasn''t enough evidence yet. ¡°No matter, within the next three months it won¡¯t even matter. Soon this ship will conquer the entire solar system, and will leave no where for her to hide,¡± he says motioning towards the gargantuan warship. ¡°A ship that can level entire worlds, there is nowhere she could go that would be safe from my wrath.¡±

    His young assistant smiled, shifting on her heels with an audible click as she pulled up the schematics for the newest ship of the Federation, ¡°Very good, sir. One way or another, your prize shall be yours.¡±

 Chapter VIII

    Nora watched as dropships of Inquisitorial soldiers and maintenance workers departed from one of the Archangel¡¯s hangars, having informed Shepard of the need for real repairs aboard the pirate ship she had claimed. She also waited for a particular dropship to arrive with her sister.

    Nora couldn''t help but be inside her head, knowing full well that the women she liberated were not the only ones amongst the crews, yet without them coming forward she had no idea who had been a victim and who had been a perpetrator. It was a sad yet very real aspect of her natural background.

    A set of rapid footfalls managed to pull Nora from her dower thoughts and turn, only to get slapped across the face. ¡°Don''t you dare do that again!¡± screamed a high-pitched voice before Nora¡¯s vision was blinded by teal hair, Mo¡¯Emori wrapping her arms around her neck tightly as she quietly sobbed into her neck.

    Between her stinging cheek and the baffling display, Nora¡¯s mind couldn''t process what she was a part of. ¡°We were so worried when we couldn''t find you¡­¡± Mo¡¯Emori mumbled into her neck, causing her brain to register what was happening.

    Nora couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the quirky alien girl¡¯s affection towards her. She was used to affection from Morrigan, the kind of affection that was tender yet dominating, something that made her know she was desired and cared for but would also tolerate no amount of true misbehavior. However, the way Mo¡¯Emori held her was different. She tried to compare it to the way Stephanie hugged her, but even when Stephanie held her there was a distinct familial love she could recognize that was deep rooted in her soul from her childhood. Mo¡¯Emori though, was something new and odd, and that realization stopped her wayward thoughts of amusement because she knew that the Eskarii woman wrapped around her was hurting.

    With a soft smile, Nora pulled Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s hair out of her face and wrapped her arms around her in a tight squeeze, feeling woman tighten around her as she did so. ¡°I¡¯m okay my precious little elf, there¡¯s no reason for you to worry,¡± she said softly, lost yet enjoying the new found affection she was being shown as her pained cheek rested in the crook of Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s long ear and her temple.

    Ahead of her, she could see Morrigan approach with a smile of endearment, her arms held close across her chest as she witnessed both women hold each other. ¡°She¡¯s been a wreck once we learned of your little plan,¡± Morrigan snarked playfully simply to drive the point she too felt home.

    ¡°To be fair, I was left unsupervised,¡± Nora joked, a bright grin spreading across her face as the situation seemed to calm.

    Mo¡¯Emori pulled back sharply and grabbed ahold of Nora¡¯s face to force her to look at her, ¡°You can¡¯t just go sneaking onto enemy ships like that, it¡¯s bad enough Mori does that! You don¡¯t have her kind of power.¡± However, instead of being admonished by the statement, Nora could only focus on how close the Eskarii woman had put herself, only a few inches away from her nearly glowing yellow eyes and soft-pink lips.

    With a widening grin, Nora casually slid her hands down to Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s hips and hooked her fingers round the small of her back, ¡°You know, this is kinda turning me on.¡±

    It took every ounce of restraint to keep from bursting into laughter as she watched Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s face and ears turn a dark shade of red, realizing just how close to Nora she had become before shuffling back in a panic. ¡°That¡¯s not what this is!¡±

    Nora failed to contain herself as she stumbled backwards laughing. ¡°If you keep treating me like that, and it will be what this is!¡± she said in veiled promise as she watched Morrigan silently laugh along with the interaction.

    ¡°I take it your mission went well too?¡± Nora asked as she stepped closer to her lover and pulled her into a hug as well.

    Feeling a wave of relief spread throughout her body, Morrigan melted into Nora¡¯s arms as she nodded against her shoulder. ¡°Yeah, Hi¡¯tet is taking the warship back to Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To as well as a message from me,¡± Morrigan commented before taking in the coating her unusually calm girlfriend. ¡°You smell like spent gunpowder¡­¡±

    Nora snorted at that, ¡°Yeah, Harlock had this big ass shotgun I took. Honestly, the damned thing probably would''ve broken my wrist if I was holding it any tighter,¡± Nora mused as she pulled back slightly. ¡°Did you call the Bitch Queen?¡±

    Morrigan couldn¡¯t help but laugh at Nora¡¯s newest nickname for Dr. Tamina, but before she could respond, Mo¡¯Emori appeared right next to them and said, ¡°Yeah! Mori called right away because we thought you were hurt! But thankfully you¡¯re not¡­¡±

    From behind Morrigan, Nora caught a glimpse of the bright white lab coat surrounded by a gaggle of blue and red jumpsuits storming into the hangar as if they were under fire. ¡°Look at that, speak of the devil and the devil will come,¡± Nora quipped before waving her arm to flag Tamina down. Upon noticing there were no injured within the hangar area, Tamina furrowed her brow and walked closer to the trio¡¯s position.

    ¡°Is there a reason why you rushed me and my staff to the hangar? I¡¯m not seeing anyone needing of medical treatment,¡± Dr. Tamina stated as she got close enough not to yell.

    As if on cue, the soldiers that filled the hangar began shouting and aiming their weapons at a large, battle-scarred star fighter slowly entering through the barrier, causing widespread panic.

    In a groan of frustration, Nora turned and shouted, ¡°Stand down!¡± only to be drowned out by the excessively loud engines that whined as they shifted to slowly lower the starcraft. With a hiss through her teeth, rushed one of the several soldiers that instinctually moved closer to Morrigan and ripped their side arm from its holster.

    The shot was just loud enough to gain the attention of nearly everyone in the hangar as she fired a single time into the ceiling. Those who didn''t hear quickly had their attention shifted by the change in focus as everyone saw Nora standing with her arm held straight above her head.

    Nora patiently waited for the star fighter to land before lowering her arm, continuing to wait until the engines died before speaking. At the top of her lungs,  Nora shouted, ¡°If your body is connected to a dick, you need to get the fuck out of here immediately!¡±

    A majority of the personnel looked at each other in confusion. Morrigan too furrowed her brow in confusion however, she knew Nora had a reason for such a specific demand. Stepping forward next to Nora, Morrigan called out to the room, ¡°You heard her, that¡¯s an order. All male personnel are to evacuate the hangar immediately.¡± A directive from Nora was met with obvious confusion but an order straight from the Inquisitor¡¯s mouth was met with haste as every single male soldier and worker jogged to the closest exit, including the man whose gun Nora had taken, leaving only a few handfuls of female personnel remaining in the hangar.

    Noticing this, Nora waved the pistol around trying to get the owner¡¯s attention before giving the side arm a once over and shrugging, slipping it into the waist band of her pants behind the small of her back.

    ¡°Okay, what¡¯s going on hun?¡± Morrigan asked curiously as she eyed the ship sitting on the hangar.

    ¡°This does seem counter productive to send half of my staff away,¡± Tamina interjected with annoyance, noting that just under half of her medical team had left at the Inquisitor¡¯s order.

    Nora snapped her fingers at Tamina, receiving a look of contempt at the gesture. ¡°I¡¯ll explain in a second,¡± she said before surveying the hangar once more before reaching as high as she could and flashing a thumbs up towards the ship. With that, she turned back and said, ¡°So¡­ I may have smuggled some women off the ship. I kinda explained how you run your ship and¡­ let¡¯s just say Harlock was an absolute shithead of a person.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Mo¡¯Emori perked up curiously as a contemplative look cast over Morrigan¡¯s face. Dr. Tamina was the one who spoke up first though.

    ¡°Are you suggesting that these women are¡­¡± she started however, Nora cut her off.

    ¡°Yep¡­ I uh¡­ I try not to think about the darker side of piracy but, let¡¯s just say Harlock is 50 shades of dead for a good reason. To make matters worse though is that pirates don¡¯t take well to desertion so I kinda had Stephy smuggle them off the ship. As captain, I¡¯m expected to uphold such laws but I couldn¡¯t just leave them to a life that they didn¡¯t want¡­ maybe if they had a different captain instead of that piece of shit but¡­¡± she paused and looked towards the ship to see Ebony hop down, followed by Stephanie. ¡°I can¡¯t blame them,¡± she added.

    ¡°I have to say, I¡¯m impressed by your foresight. I see why you demanded all male personnel away,¡± Tamina commented.

    ¡°Yeah, smart-dumb bitch thinks I have good ideas, which in fact I do! I did get us a whole other ship by the way and my plan worked perfectly!¡± Nora countered in irritation.

    Before they could go back and forth like children, Morrigan interjected herself in between the two of them, ¡°Okay, enough you two. Now is not the time¡­ have your people set up a triage and I¡¯ll escort the girls to your team when you¡¯re ready,¡± she said pointedly at Tamina before touching her comm bead.

    ¡°Shepard, send out a notice that all male personnel are banned from entering hangar two for the next¡­ three hours, effective immediately,¡± Morrigan demanded.

    ¡°Understood, as curious as I am, I¡¯m sure there is a good reason. Sister is writing the notice as we speak,¡± Shepard replied a moment later.

    Instead of explaining the situation, Morrigan looked up just in time to see Stephanie help the first woman off the ship. She could feel her heart seize as a wave of emotions cascaded through her; Fear, nervousness, sadness, hunger, anger. It took a moment for Morrigan to realize they were not her emotions, but those of the women hiding within the ship.

    Knowing Tamina was off setting up a triage, Morrigan called Shepard once more, ¡°Hey, let''s have some of our women grab some food from one of the mess halls and have them bring it to the hangar.¡±

    As if understanding the situation now, Shepard replied, ¡°Right away, also, the notice has been sent and I had Sister expand the time an additional two hours, so take what ever time you need. Those girls may need more than three hours to get their feet on the ground.¡±

    Morrigan looked up curiously to see several cameras were fixated on the ship that now watched Stephanie and Ebony unload each woman one by one. Morrigan tilted her head as if conceding that she forgot that Shepard had access to nearly every camera on the ship and slowly began moving towards the pirate vessel.

    Nora kept pace with her, locking her arm around hers while Mo¡¯Emori strode ahead, holding the only cheery demeanor amongst the three of them to help break some of the ice. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t bring this up sooner, I just needed to do something for them as soon as possible and the confusion from me taking over the ship made for a perfect¡­¡±

    Morrigan squeezed her arm with her free hand to stop her, shaking her head at the obscurity of her explanation. ¡°It¡¯s okay, love. You did the right thing. I think I would¡¯ve been upset with you if you hadn¡¯t done this right away,¡± Morrigan said smoothly as she watched both Ebony and Stephanie stick their heads into the ship while a young woman in shorts and a tank top stood behind them tried to see past them while saying something.

    Nora took notice as well as called out, ¡°Hey Steph! What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Stephanie pulled herself out of the ship with an exasperated look and signed, ¡°She¡¯s not coming out.¡±

    Though she was farther behind on Stephanie¡¯s brand of sign language, Morrigan was able to piece together what she said as Nora sighed expectantly.

    ¡°I was afraid this would happen,¡± she commented while Morrigan nodded along with her considering her options.

    ¡°I could speak to her, but given my authority may be off-putting, it may not be the best of ideas¡­ Nora should be the one to talk to the woman since she¡¯s the first person to make a positive impact on the situation,¡± she thought to herself.

    Or, you can send the squeaky toy over there and let her overly joyous nature do its thing. If you haven''t noticed, what''s hiding inside smells like my sisters, Apollyon countered knowingly.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°Its an Eskarii woman? Yeah that would make sense for her to be the one to speak to her. Her trust in humans is probably just as less as her trust in males, which would explain why she would be too afraid to leave the safety of the fighter despite being rescued by the three of them and step onto not only a new ship, but one run by more humans¡­¡±

    After a moment to consider, Morrigan looked at her Eskarii companion, ¡°Mo¡¯Emori, you should go speak with her. I''m fairly certain who is on the ship is an Eskarii like yourself.¡±

    ¡°Really? I guess I wasn¡¯t really paying that much attention, so it¡¯s possible,¡± Nora murmured as Mo¡¯Emori turned on her heels.

    ¡°Of course! Poor thing is probably super scared,¡± she commented before darting off towards the ship.

    ¡°How do you know she¡¯s an Eskarii?¡± Nora shifted closer to ask.

    Morrigan''s eyes widened for a moment as her mind raced for a reason explanation. ¡°Well, since she''s afraid of your sister and Ebony, it leads me to believe that they''re also afraid of humans which would leave the option of her being either Eskarii or half-Eskarii¡­¡±

    Meanwhile, Mo¡¯Emori jogged towards the compartment the women had been stowed away in, quietly shooing away Stephanie and Ebony and stuck her head in.

    The space was relatively cramped despite being emptied for the women. Letting her eyes adjust to the darkness within to see a cowering figure in the far back corner, a pair of long pointed ears sticking out from underneath dark hair. ¡°Hello¡­ don''t you want to come out of there? It has to be scary to be sitting in the dark like that,¡± she said in her own tongue after confirming Morrigan¡¯s suspicions.

    The woman shook her head enough to reveal her face, her features telling Mo¡¯Emori that the girl was slightly older than her younger sisters, but still younger than she was. ¡°What''s your name sweetheart?¡± she asked softly, making sure her tone was sweet and friendly.

    ¡°Vii¡¯ona¡­¡± the girl responded meekly, the tremble in her voice very apparent.

    Mo¡¯Emori smiled brightly, ¡°That¡¯s such a pretty name. I¡¯m Mo¡¯Emori of House Cirgala. I have two sisters about your age named Tali and Jae¡¯ron, they''re super fun and sweet but I know they would be terrified of being alone right now if they were here, especially in a cold dark place like this.¡±

    ¡°Cirgala¡­ that''s the royal house¡­¡± the Eskarii girl noted, her tone uplifting slightly with a hint of confusion as she looked more directly at Mo¡¯Emori. She could see the older Eskarii¡¯s bright teal hair and long pointed ears highlighted by the light of the hangar, but the shadow of her features hid the color of Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s eyes.

    Mo¡¯Emori nodded enthusiastically, ¡°It is! The queen is my mother. I know she would be super worried if she knew you were here like this too. She wouldn''t want you to be afraid or worried.¡°

    ¡°You¡¯re the princess?¡± the girl asked curiously.

    Mo¡¯Emori couldn''t help but giggle at the question, ¡°Yes, but I¡¯m one of many princesses. I have a lot of sisters. Don''t you want to come out? I can tell you all sorts of stories about my family.¡±

    The girl shivered violently at the idea of leaving the safety of the cargo hold as she shook her head. ¡°They¡­hurt me¡­¡± her words barely a whisper as the tremble in her voice nearly caused the words to fail.

    Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s ears drooped as she understood just what it was the girl was saying. She took a glance to her right to find Morrigan and Nora patiently waiting while the rest of the refugee women sat or stood huddled near each other ¡°Nora, the lady with the sort of yellow hair told me what happened. She made sure the bad man can never hurt you again,¡± she did before looking back at the frightened girl. ¡°The people here are super nice though, not like those mean old pirates. Plus, there are a lot of half-Eskarii on this ship too! Not just humans. We also have a super fluffy Long Fang here too named Skoll, he''s super soft and silly, and Marmuro¡¯k, I bet you¡¯d have a lot of fun with Yekku-he¡¯s such a sweet boy,¡± Mo''Emori commented, attempting to entice the girl out before adding, ¡°The Inquisitor wouldn''t let anything to happen to you either. She really hates people like the man who hurt you and really loves Eskarii people too! She¡¯s out here waiting to meet you and the other girls you came with, if you would like, I can stay with you the entire time you see her? Some people find her scary but she is the most wonderful woman ever.¡± Mo¡¯Emori held out her arm awkwardly with the entrance of the cargo hold being just above shoulder height and patiently waited for the young Eskarii to think on everything she said.

    After a moment, the young girl sniffed and ever so slowly unfurled herself and made her way closer to Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s hand. The moment the girl grabbed ahold of her hand, she paused. ¡°Its okay sweetheart, are you hurting?¡± Mo¡¯Emori inquired softly with concern only to see the girl nod.

    ¡°Okay, I''ll be sure to be gentle sweetie,¡± she said, awkwardly but slowly raising her other arm into the cargo hold. With a nervous nod, the girl shifted forward within Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s reach.

    Mo¡¯Emori shifted the girl gently into a position where she could use her manipulation over kinetics to adjust the air pressure around them to help compensate for the girl¡¯s weight.

    Morrigan watched Mo¡¯Emori gently carry down an Eskarii girl in her arms, one arm tucked behind the girl¡¯s back and the other beneath her legs to reveal an Eskarii that seemed no older than Tali or Jae¡¯ron with rare brunette hair and bright blue eyes.

    It took every ounce of willpower for Morrigan to keep the colossal, sharp spike of rage she felt under control and not turn her wrath upon the pirate ship she could see through the barrier. The impulsive need to destroy may have been held back but the sharp crackle of power that jumped across Morrigan¡¯s body could not be held back, causing all of the women to flinch and cause the young girl within Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s arms to shriek, wrapping herself around the older Eskarii that carried her and shook violently in terror.

    ¡°Its okay sweetie, she¡¯s just mad at the man who hurt you, she¡¯s not mad at you or anyone else,¡± Mo¡¯Emori commented before looking at Morrigan, her bright yellow eyes pleading her to calm down.

    Morrigan didn¡¯t need to be told though knowing well enough that her anger wasn¡¯t helping the situation. Taking a deep breath, Morrigan took a few steps forward making sure to keep her distance from everyone, but allow her presence to be the focus.

    ¡°I apologize for that¡­¡± she started as her words came out calm and even, ¡°I am interim Lord Inquisitor Morrigan Clarke, and I welcome you aboard the Inquisition Light Cruiser Archangel.¡± She looked at every nervous stare set upon her, and forced her body to relax slightly, her nerves too wound up to fully switch her demeanor. ¡°I too have been through what you have, respectively¡­ but as commanding officer of this ship, as well as the entirety of the Inquisition, I promise you that you are safe now. Currently I have some of our ladies gathering and bringing you food and water and I also have an all female medical staff ready to make sure you are tended to.¡±

    She watched as some of the women relaxed while others, including young Eskarii girl, still had frayed nerves. Morrigan couldn¡¯t imagine how long they had been abused, recalling Stephanie¡¯s own history and what little she had known about Nora¡¯s, she couldn¡¯t blame them for being terrified.

    With a soft sigh she added, ¡°Given what has happened I believe it is only fair that I inform you that I seek the Cradle of Eden. I know it may make this seem like a hopeless situation however, I will not risk you nor any member of my crew to the pirates of the Eden. As long as you remain aboard my ship, you will be safe, the men and women under my command will make sure you¡¯re protected. I know it¡¯s a drastic adjustment as well so please, take your time to get your bearings. In the mean time, I will section off space to give you a safe haven. I expect there to be trust issues especially towards the male personnel so I will make sure it¡¯s a women only section of the ship however, if you wish to explore I can assign women to show you around.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± said the short haired brunette in shorts. She rubbed the back of one of the other women who began sobbing softly in relief as she looked up at Morrigan, her emotional waves cascading strongly. To her surprise, the woman who spoke appeared to be nearly unfazed by everything that had happened, solely content in the moment before looking towards Mo¡¯Emori and the Eskarii girl. ¡°Its okay, Vii¡¯ona, we¡¯re going to be safe here,¡± she said sweetly.

    Vii¡¯ona shook her head against Mo''Emori¡¯s shoulder, shivering still as Mo¡¯Emori said, ¡°Your friend is right, I know Mori scared you but my sisters love her dearly because she''s awesome and keeps her promises. She even has really cool eyes!¡± Mo¡¯Emori did her best to pander to the girl¡¯s sense of wonder that all young Eskarii had, including herself if she had to be honest.

    With some success, Vii¡¯one managed to tuck herself underneath Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s chin and peek out from behind her shoulder, her soft, baby blue eyes contradicting her heritage. Morrigan couldn''t help but smile sweetly at how adorable the interaction was despite the terrible situation, offering the girl a small wave. ¡°How come your eyes are so weird...¡± Vii¡¯ona squeaked out in accented Terran.

    Thankful that she spoke Terran, Morrigan slowly stepped closer not to scare the girl. ¡°Well, they''re part of what makes me special,¡± she said stopped just inside arms reach and ever so gently brushing the tips of her fingers through the girls hair, quickly pulling her fingers back as she shrank at her touch. ¡°Much like how you¡¯re special, Vii¡¯ona. Not only do you have a really pretty name but, from what I¡¯ve been told, you have very rare hair and eyes,¡± she said with a full, kind smile showcasing her upper fangs.

    The girl¡¯s eyes widened in both fear and fascination upon noticing the sharpened teeth, much like Tali had done when she first noticed Morrigan¡¯s evolutionary abnormality. ¡°Are those real?¡± Vii¡¯ona asked carefully.

    That made Morrigan, Mo¡¯Emori and Nora all chuckle, the calming situation unraveling Nora¡¯s nerves to comment, ¡°Oh, they¡¯re very real.¡±

    ¡°You know, my youngest sister touched them because she didn¡¯t believe they were real,¡± Mo¡¯Emori quipped, teasing the idea that someone else had felt the same as the young girl in her arms.

    Piggybacking off that Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s comment, Morrigan leaned forward, ¡°Would you like to touch them too?¡± her tone playful and kind as she smiled once again feeling the girls rampant anxiety begin to wane with something non-threatening to focus on.

    Shyly, Vii¡¯ona nodded, letting Morrigan open her mouth and lift her head enough to reveal her fangs in their full glory. Cautiously, Vii¡¯ona leaned from Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s arms and pressed a finger to her top right tooth, applying enough pressure to notice it wouldn¡¯t move. With newfound interest, Vii¡¯ona shifted to pinch the fang give it a gentle wiggle to find that the sharp tooth was rooted deep into Morrigan¡¯s mouth, causing Morrigan to awkwardly chuckle and make the girl pull back quickly.

    Vii¡¯ona giggled sharply before murmuring, ¡°That¡¯s really cool¡­¡±

    Morrigan could help but smile at the compliment, ¡°I¡¯m glad you think so,¡± she said before hearing a door open across the hangar followed by the chatter of women echo across the relatively empty room. Morrigan looked up to see five soldiers carrying a variety of food and drinks entering the hangar before turning back to Vii¡¯ona, ¡°Are you hungry, sweetie?¡±

    To her delight, Vii¡¯ona nodded energetically as her head perked up, searching for the food while the human girl that knelt by the others sighed in relief.

    Without another word, Morrigan turned and met her soldiers half way and fished out a container of juice and what appeared to be hispanic tortas, freshly made from one of the mess halls and the smell reminding Morrigan just how hungry she was as well, before guiding the group of soldiers over to the rest of the women while Morrigan returned to Vii¡¯ona.

    ¡°Here you go darling. Once Mo¡¯Emori finds a place to sit you can eat as much as you like, the ladies here have more if you''re still hungry,¡± Morrigan said handing the items to her.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Vii¡¯ona said brightly, her tone lighter as Morrigan felt all of the girl¡¯s worries bleed away now that she was fully distracted.

    Morrigan gently ran her fingers their the girls mildly tangled hair, ¡°Of course, if you need anything more you just let me or Mo¡¯Emori know, now eat up.¡±

    With that being said, Mo¡¯Emori found the closest spot she could sit with the girl, never letting her go so the girl could eat peacefully. Morrigan turned her attention to the only other woman that managed to be vocal.

    ¡°Hi, do you mind if I speak with you for a moment?¡± Morrigan asked as she approached. The woman looked up from watching the soldiers pass out food and drinks to everyone, holding her own rations in her lap before nodding and standing up.

    Guiding the woman far enough away from the group, Morrigan turned and asked, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, what is your name?¡±

    The woman managed to chuckle in mild embarrassment of all things as she smiled, ¡°Sorry about that, my name is April, and thank you, for handling Vii¡¯ona. Ever since she was¡­ brought aboard, I¡¯ve done everything I could to keep her happy but given what happened its been¡­¡±

    Morrigan noticed the paused, ¡°Hard,¡± she finished knowingly, ¡°As far as I can tell, she¡¯s in her early twenties, which means her mentality is probably in her early teens¡­ maybe even pre-teen¡­¡± Morrigan added as she ground her teeth being reminded of what horrors the girl must have gone through.

    April nodded in understanding as she looked back at the renewed life in Vii¡¯ona, even if it was temporary, she was happy to see the girl smile again as Mo¡¯Emori spoke with her while she ate. ¡°Yeah¡­ she¡¯s kind of like a little sister to me even though I¡¯ve always been pretty sure she was nearly as old as I am. I did my best but there is only so much I could do while trying to survive.¡±

    Morrigan nodded before looking at April¡¯s softened features, noticing that she may have only been a year or two older than herself. ¡°You seem to be¡­ handling this better?¡± Morrigan asked curiously.

    April nodded at that before casting her gaze at the pirate ship, ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for her, I probably wouldn¡¯t be. But as long as she¡¯s okay then I can deal. I¡¯m just glad that fat bastard is dead.¡±

    ¡°Do you mind if I assign you person of contact? I don¡¯t mean to be rude but since you¡¯re the most ¡°functioning¡±, these ladies are going to need someone to speak for them until they become more comfortable,¡± Morrigan said bluntly.

    April¡¯s dark brown eyes lit up with determination as she looked back at Morrigan, ¡°Of course. So, you¡¯re really letting us stay? And all those other things you promised?¡±

    Morrigan nodded, ¡°You¡¯re free to stay if you wish, if you or any of the women wish to join the Inquisition you may as well, however, if there is somewhere else you would prefer to be I can do my best to get you where you want to go but I am waging a war against the Federation¡­ so I can only promise my effort. In the mean time, there will be restrictions as to where any of you can go.¡±

    April smirked as if impressed by Morrigan¡¯s words, ¡°To say you have been bold aspirations is an understatement. But really, you¡¯ve done more than enough for us as it is¡­¡± she paused as she seemed to think on what Morrigan had said, ¡°But I will let them all know, and you promise no one will harass us or anything? I know you¡¯ve been kind and all but given the givens, I feel like it¡¯s a valid question¡­¡±

    Morrigan smirked at that, nodding in concession, ¡°My men are well behaved however, I will be sending out an Inquisitorial decree soon and my people know I¡¯m the last person they want to earn the ire of.¡±

    ¡°I like you, and thank you, for what you¡¯re doing for us,¡± April commented with a more confident smile.

    Morrigan chuckled at that as she looked back to the group of women, ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll have someone bring you a data-slate and a list of contacts including me as well as the admiral of the ship. If you need anything just let us know or you know, if any of you just need someone to talk to that isn¡¯t a medical professional. Like I said, I¡¯ve been through this myself¡­ anyways, I¡¯ll let you get back and I¡¯ll start designating quarters.¡± With a handshake, Morrigan left April as well as the hangar. Despite not wishing to abandon the women so soon, she had a lot of work to do to make their new lives comfortable but Nora, Mo¡¯Emori, Ebony and Stephanie all remaining behind was good enough to help lift the women¡¯s spirits in the mean time.

 Chapter IX

    Morrigan lay sprawled out across the couch in her usual loungewear mildly exhausted, a day spent either fighting or fielding the entire reorganization of a hab-block on deck six so the women could have somewhere comfortable to stay kept her up to the late hours of the night, if night were a thing in space.

    The only sounds in her living room was Skoll¡¯s calm, restful breathing as he lay on the floor across the length of the curved sofa and the sound of running water as Nora showered. Having returned to the pirate ship, Nora spent the better of the evening disabling traps and organizing a trustworthy flight crew, entrusting the ship''s behavior to a young mechanic named Koda who Nora claimed she knew from childhood. That being the case, Nora was covered head to toe in grease, rust and sour smelling chemicals by the time she returned.

    The ship-wide decree was well received, the crew being used to her own issues, found it easy to accept adding additional women to the list of those to avoid physical contact with. It helped that the women were all willing to have their photos taken even though Sister had already cataloged their biometrics as well as still framed images from various cameras.

    Morrigan couldn''t help but smile as she recalled how Vii¡¯ona smiled brightly for her picture, being cheery as could be as if she had completely forgotten the horrible life she had just escaped. Oddly, thinking about Vii¡¯ona¡¯s brunette hair, Morrigan had a sudden craving for pretzels. The desire confused her since the last time she had pretzels was back on Earth, yet now, all she could think about was the crunch between her teeth that pretzels gave.

    The door to her quarters suddenly opened, pulling her away from her new fixation as she looked up towards the door. Walking through wearing a simple Eskarii tunic and comfortable pants, something her brother had once worn, was the familiar teal hair of Mo¡¯Emori waving to Xol who stood guard outside of the door. ¡°Hey!¡± Morrigan said as she stretched, giving Mo¡¯Emori a lazy wave as her hands stretched past the arm of the sofa.

    ¡°Comfy, ?arai?¡± Mo¡¯Emori mused as she let the door close behind her and stepped towards the lounging Morrigan.

    She grunted in response, nodding adamantly as she sat up to make room for her Eskarii friend. ¡°Yeah, today''s just been exhausting.¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori plopped down on the couch with an equally exhausted sigh, ¡°You''re telling me. I''ve been away from home so long I forgot how much energy young Eskarii can have. It still makes me miss my sisters though, and Mem-eni Helen- and everyone else,¡± she says wistfully as she leaned back into the cushion behind her and closing her eyes.

    Morrigan chuckled softly at that, remembering how energetic Tali and Jae''ron could be. She could only imagine how much baby Emery would terrorize Torvil and Jen, especially since Jen was pretty active herself which did not bode well to the genetic time bomb their child was.

    ¡°How is she?¡± Morrigan inquired thoughtfully.

    The gentle snort and wide stretched smile Mo¡¯Emori gave told her everything she needed to know. ¡°She''s wonderful. I can see why April saw her like a little sister. She got very talkative too once she calmed down, going on and on about how amazingly clean the Archangel is and how pretty the half-Eskarii are,¡± Mo¡¯Emori stated in tired amusement.

    Morrigan smiled at that, being told what she already knew only made the accomplishment of rescuing those women all the more real and meaningful. ¡°And the others?¡± she followed up.

    The breath she let out didn''t surprise Morrigan as she watched her ears shift downward slightly, ¡°They''re adjusting slowly. I think being together helps but that lady, April, told them all what you said to her. Most of them are hesitant of us still but there''s a few who seem interested, they even took time to speak to some of our people while I kept Vii-ona company. April herself seems pretty driven to join though.¡±

    Morrigan understood what she meant. It had taken a long time for her to adjust to her place within the Inquisition after escaping Castile V. ¡°Yeah¡­ they just need time,¡± She said softly before leaning against Mo¡¯Emori and resting her head on her shoulder.

    ¡°You know ?arai, you were amazing today, in a scary way but also in a very sweet way,¡± Mo¡¯Emori commented pointedly, her tone shifting to the same caring tone she used back on Earth the day she broke down.

    Morrigan snorted at the slightly, ¡°I don''t know about that. I just¡­ did what I''m good at doing¡­¡± she said as she held out her hand in front of both of them and called small crimson claws around her fingers, flexing her hand to highlight her point. Once her point was made, she recalled her power and tucked her hand in between her knees for comfort.

    ¡°That''s not true, Mori,¡± Mo¡¯Emori exclaimed quietly before shifting herself over and sat facing her darling human friend. Morrigan groaned indignantly, being forced to move and position herself to lean against the back of the couch to listen to what Mo¡¯Emori had to say.

    ¡°Fighting Azuhcu¡¯ach made me nervous, especially when he broke your weapon, but the fact that you did everything to maintain the code of honor the Marmuro¡¯k expect from a chieftain, and manage to win was¡­ beautiful,¡± she watched as Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s cheeks began to flush slightly as she said the word beautiful and pinching the tips of her fingers as she fidgeted nervously. ¡°But what you did for those Marmuro¡¯k, sparing them and giving them hope¡­ that was truly amazing, Mori, and with these women?¡±

    ¡°You did everything you could to make them feel safe, even if you let your anger show, you made sure that their safety and comfort was your number one priority. Then how you handled Vii¡¯ona¡­¡± She said wistfully, ¡°Just how patient and sweet you were with her just to  ensure she calmed down was just absolutely amazing.¡± Morrigan listened to the pitch in Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s voice shift, heightening as she reached the crescendo of her point as the tips of her ears turned a deep shade of pink that matched her flushing cheeks. Morrigan didn¡¯t know why she blushed as she spoke, but she found that she adored it, finding it utterly adorable.

    However, what really drew her in was how Mo¡¯Emori looked at her. The glassy sheen of her golden yellow eyes bringing back the same memory of before when she looked inward towards Morrigan as she hid underneath Dr. Yuma¡¯s end table. It was a look of unadulterated care, a look that had once been so alien to her that only one other person had ever looked at her in such a way. Morrigan couldn¡¯t help but think there was a difference though, something far more tender and veiled.

    Her memory suddenly shifted, taking her back to the visage of the quirky alien woman running towards her as Morrigan stood within the Cathedral. The way Mo¡¯Emori bit her lower lip just before pulling Morrigan towards her and kissing her. The moment had caught her off guard at the time, leaving her bewildered but now she found her gaze resting on Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s soft pink lips, and something deep inside her stirring; something carnal, primal, as she couldn''t look away.

    Mo¡¯Emori blushed even deeper as she noticed Morrigan staring, tilting her head curiously in an attempt to glean what those red eyes were thinking about. The scent of the Eskarii drifted to Morrigan''s nose causing that feeling to flare. The smell of burning ozone was so familiar that it caused a subtle spike of fear that was quickly drowned by the new feeling she felt, worrying if it was her more primal side demanding for the woman''s blood. It wasn''t though, the only thing Morrigan knew in that moment with absolute certainty was that all she desired was to feel the woman''s lips once more, feeling every other emotion became buried beneath the rising demand. Guilt, fear, anxiety, joy, it all became a need as Morrigan slowly raised her hand to the woman''s cheek.

    She could feel Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s heart race through her palm, the hyper-tempo rhythm exhilarating the growing fire that burned throughout Morrigan¡¯s body as her thoughts became distant and formless. As much as she tried, the only thing she could focus on was the shade of bright golden yellow her eyes were, and the glossy sheen that gently coated Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s slowly separating lips.

    ¡°Mori?¡± her name coming to her as if spoken from a great distance, the resonant tone one of confusion as the visage of the first Eskarii she could ever call a friend came closer, the first woman she had ever truly felt anything for.

    The sharp, nervous inhale Mo¡¯Emori let out only served to stir her carnal instinct. From an ever so slight touch to something tender met with no resistance, their lips connected long and passionately as both women savored every moment of their kiss. A bottom lip moved, consuming the other and fueling the growing passion and fervor building in Morrigan, like an all-consuming hunger that only became more rapacious and predatory as a soft, vibrant moan escaped the beautiful Eskarii before her.

    Mo¡¯Emori squeaked into a moan as Morrigan shifted closer, standing above her on her knees and placing both hands on her cheeks while never letting her lips go. Mo¡¯Emori had no idea how to feel as her emotions ran rampant. Part of her wanted to freak out, worried about the many lines that had been crossed yet, she had desired for this moment for so long, years she had yearned for her Mori and now that the moment had become reality, her tumultuous joy and blissful pleasure was overshadowed by autonomous instinct. Her body responded to every movement, feeling herself lean into Morrigan¡¯s grasp as her hands trailed up the dense fabric of her tank top, her fingers inching around the small of her back and pulling her closer, enticing a deep, shuttering breath for the human woman she pined for.

    Morrigan couldn¡¯t stop herself as her tongue pierced the threshold of Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s lips, gliding along the woman¡¯s deliciously sweet tongue until they became tangled within her mouth. Her fingers trialed down the length of her darling Eskarii¡¯s neck, the hard, rapid pulses that echoed through her veins and into Morrigan¡¯s core only served to instigate the madness within her, her palm sliding down the soft fabric of Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s shirt to send her on her back and give in to the instinctual need to dominate.

    Instead, Mo¡¯Emori wrapped her fingers around the back of Morrigan¡¯s neck, refusing to let either of them part even for a moment as she was spurred into her own instinctive behavior. Her tongue resisting Morrigan¡¯s until she invaded Morrigan¡¯s own mouth. Mo¡¯Emori squeaked in surprise before a shuttering breath broke up her loud moan as her tongue met one of Morrigan¡¯s sharp, smooth fangs.

    ¡°Pretty hot, right?¡± came a voice beside them that caused Mo¡¯Emori to yelp.

    ¡°Oh, Goddesses!¡± she panicked as she turned to see Nora¡¯s sinister smile beside both of them, attempting to jump backwards only to be caught by her arm from behind, Nora having slipped her arms around each of them while distracted. Mo¡¯Emori turned every shade of red possible from embarrassment as well as realizing that Nora was completely naked, her bare shoulders and cleavage on display as she leaned over the back of the sofa.

    Watching the perky Eskarii blush only instigated her teasing grin as she refused to let her flee. She turned to her lover who had been utterly silent to find a pair of unnaturally dilated crimson eyes staring into her own icy blue eyes. Nora recognized what she saw; the feral, predatory look Morrigan had when she lost herself to lust or violence, staring intently with her lips parted just enough to highlight the peeking tips of her fangs. ¡°Damn, I am thoroughly impressed¡­¡± Nora stated in a sultry, teasing tone as she looked back to Mo¡¯Emori, who looked between both women with wide uncertain eyes.

    She could feel her addled lover move closer, aiming to take hold of her newest prey before her head was yanked back as Nora turned sharply back to Morrigan who released a soft hiss. It was not a sound of pain, but of pleasure as a sharp cracking moan escaped her lips as Nora¡¯s grip tightened around her hair. ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t,¡± she said sharply, her tone admonishing before Nora leaned closer to her love, her lips hovering just far enough to entice the reaction she wanted. Morrigan tugged against the handful of hair that held her back, her desire for Nora only adding to the maddening emotions she felt, the need to feel her love¡¯s lips against her own, to taste her flesh slowly overpowering her senses.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been a naughty girl, starting this without me. So, you¡¯re going to wait your turn,¡± Nora whispered seductively before turning her attention back to Mo¡¯Emori as Morrigan let out a cracked, wordless cry; one of her hands wrapping around her forearm in a pleading motion for her to give into her desires, and her other trying to fit into Nora¡¯s firm grasp.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­I, uh¡­¡± Mo¡¯Emori murmured, attempting to formulate a defense as she met Nora''s calculating gaze. She could feel Nora¡¯s hand slide across her shoulders, the tips of her fingers up her neck and across her throat until they firmly grabbed each side of her jaw. Mo¡¯Emori was at Nora¡¯s mercy as her body followed her wordless command. Whether it was fear or desire, Mo¡¯Emori was unsure. She knew she cared about Nora deeply, almost as much as Morrigan but something in that moment told her not to run but to give in, that her fears were not of Nora¡¯s wrath, but the taboo notion Nora offered. Leaning up to meet Nora¡¯s gaze, her body effortlessly being guided by her hand, unburied a deep seeded desire to be a part of something she never had; the love Nora and Morrigan felt for one another.

    Nora leaned closer, the exotic elf-like woman finally in her grasp as she heard her lover¡¯s breath hitch as she watched their interaction. Looking deeply into Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s eyes to see the unbridled desire behind them as she smiled sinisterly, ¡°I warned you, didn''t I? Until my shoulder healed.¡± Nora gently moved the shoulder that connected to a restrained Morrigan, emphasizing a promise made weeks before.

    Mo¡¯Emori trembled slightly as she let out a deep breath of anticipation, remembering what it was Nora had said as she glanced at the intensely focused Morrigan, who watched them both in expectation. ¡°Don¡¯t look at her, she has to watch us,¡± Nora demanded gaining her attention. Without further prompt, Nora leaned in and kissed Mo¡¯Emori deeply, eliciting a moan from both women; one as she fell into the fervent, heated passion and the other, forced to watch in ecstasy of jealous, feral desire.

    Morrigan shivered in enraptured pleasure as she watched the two women of her heart make out passionately, her own desire for both of them screaming at her to take them both yet trapped by a sadistic method that only drove her maddening feelings over the edge as each movement tugged her hair as she ran her own hands down her body, stimulating her nerves like electricity.

    She watched as Mo¡¯Emori fell into step with Nora¡¯s sexual rhythm, extending her neck back as her girlfriend¡¯s lips trailed down her jawline, her eyes hazily locking onto Morrigan''s and letting out a blissful moan as Nora¡¯s tongue and teeth latched onto the side of her neck. Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s fingers dug into Nora¡¯s short hair as she cupped the back of her head and leaned in, heady breaths escaping her as Nora proceeded to mark her with focused determination.

    Nora could feel her lover shudder, tightening her grip and forcing her to moan loudly as she pulled her closer. She turned to see the entranced gaze she wanted, her red eyes pleading for attention as Nora pulled away from the gorgeous elf-like woman.

    Nora moved closer, enough to stir the helpless desire as she slowly pulled Morrigan¡¯s head back as she stood to her full height, exposing herself to both women.

    She watched both of them drink the sight of her in as she shifted her hands to both sides of her lover¡¯s face, redirecting her attention. ¡°Are you ready to behave?¡± Nora asked softly as her face drew closer, gently holding Morrigan¡¯s face an uncomfortable, tantalizing distance. ¡°If you be a good girl, I¡¯ll give you exactly what you want,¡± she added in a sultry tone, making her girlfriend shiver as her subdued mind processed her words. Morrigan may have been the epitome of presence in the real world, the ever present embodiment of raw power and domination, but the bedroom was Nora¡¯s playground in which she ruled. Morrigan nodded dumbly in her hands, earning a sly, accomplished smirk from Nora before she gently pulled her closer, maintaining full control as she stopped Morrigan¡¯s approach just far enough for Nora to gently, and seductively, drag her tongue against her lips.

    The heady moan Morrigan let out as her own tongue gave chase only to miss, spoke of the delicate balance Nora dealt with as Morrigan¡¯s primal urges nearly swayed into feral assertion before falling back into submission. ¡°Good, now go lay on the bed and don¡¯t move,¡± Nora commanded with a winning smile.

    Mo¡¯Emori watched wide eyed as everything unfolded before her, Skoll groaning indignantly for being disturbed as Morrigan stepped off the couch and made her way for the bedroom with a level of obedience she never imagined from the young woman. Then there was the master control over every moment Nora seemed to hold that caused a chill to run down her spine, to excite her and stoke the fires of her arousal as Nora turned her gaze back towards her. Mo¡¯Emori looked down at the hand she held out and back up to Nora¡¯s icy blue gaze as the thrill of unknown expectations came over her.

    Taking her hand, Nora carefully led her around the sofa, Mo¡¯Emori ¡®s wandering eyes couldn¡¯t help but inspect every curve, every scar that highlighted her intrinsically honed body. As if knowing she had been looking, Nora quickly moved behind her, guiding her through the doorway, increasing her aroused anxiety of not knowing what to expect only for her to see Morrigan leaning against the massive headboard, her expression one of anticipation as she anxiously rubbed her palms down her thighs.

    Morrigan watched as her mastermind of a love guide her beloved Eskarii into the room with hungry eyes, unable to sit still as her every instinct told her to seize the woman for herself but Nora told her to behave. She hated being told what to do, something inside her screaming that she was the Alpha, not Nora, yet there was something special about obeying her love¡¯s command, something taboo and contradictory to her very nature that made the their love all the more exhilarating.

    With a gasp, she watched Nora seize Mo¡¯Emori by the hair as soon as the door locked behind her, standing behind her Eskarii as she held her close. The possessiveness on display infuriated Morrigan¡¯s inner being as a low growl escaped from her throat, surprising herself. Nora tsked her as she brushed Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s hair away from her neck to reveal her icy stare of disappointment.

    Her fingers dug into her legs under Nora¡¯s oppressive gaze, leaning back further into the headboard behind her. ¡°Hands up, precious,¡± Nora commanded,  watching as Morrigan obeyed without little resistance. She knew eventually she would cross the threshold of control over her love, that eventually Morrigan wouldn¡¯t be able to contain herself any longer but Nora planned on dragging it out as long as possible.

    She raised her hand towards her fevered lover and called to her magic, frost coating her hand as ice began to form across Morrigan¡¯s wrists, thickening overtime until her hands became bound to the headboard before she increased the density to the likeness of steel. Morrigan squirmed under the icy chill that radiated through her wrists letting out a gasping moan as she looked up at each of her hands. Nora knew it wouldn¡¯t truly restrain her, yet the act would serve its purpose.

    Morrigan was forced to watch as her girlfriend began groping Mo¡¯Emori, rubbing her hand up the Eskarii¡¯s thigh before crossing up her stomach until she found her small yet supple breasts through the tunic she wore. Instigating breaths of bliss from the teal-haired woman, Nora¡¯s lips latched onto her neck forcing her to moan as she leaned back against her naked body all the while moving her said to the side by her hair.

    Mo¡¯Emori watched as Morrigan¡¯s breathing became more rapid, shifting her hips as she squirmed as she watched what Nora did. She never thought she would ever see the level of desperation on her face but couldn¡¯t help but find it exquisite and beautiful. To know that Morrigan wanted her just as she wanted her; both women, only made the experience all the more special and enticing as Nora handled every inch of her chest. She wanted to see more. She wanted Morrigan to feel the same way she felt for all the years she had known her, how much she longed for her as the Federation tore them apart before they could even begin.

    Mo¡¯Emori watched her eyes as she slowly untied the string that tightened the tunic around her neck letting the shirt loosen for Nora. She could feel the woman grin against her neck as she caught on, pulling away just far enough for her to turn and kiss her, her lips dancing passionately against Nora¡¯s as they held one another closer.

    Neither woman paid no mind as Morrigan struggled against her restraints, her mind too clouded to properly use her power to shatter the ice around her wrists as she watched Nora waste no time slipping Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s shirt off revealing perfect, perky breasts only to be blocked by Nora as she began kissing and dragging her tongue down her chest.

    The way Mo¡¯Emori caressed Nora¡¯s head as she watched her trail down her chest told Morrigan just how into it she was, jealousy spiking through her system and reinforcing the maddening hormones she was feeling. All she wanted was to be part of it, to have both Nora and Mo¡¯Emori and yet, she knew she had to behave, that she should behave despite wanting to disobey Nora and take them both.

    Nora became the center of attention as both women watched her tongue trail down Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s stomach, gracefully lowering herself as her fingers untangled the cord that kept her pants on.

    Mo¡¯Emori ran her fingers through Nora¡¯s hair, breathing sharply as she felt her pants fall to the floor, revealing her sex to the blonde that knelt down before her. By the shuddering gasp she heard, Morrigan could see her exposure as well, making her smile before an expertly guided tongue met the soaked, tender flesh.

    Morrigan whimpered as she shifted, squeezing her thighs tightly together in an attempt to smother her searing core that burned white-hot. Hearing Mo¡¯Emori moan as Nora pulled her hips against her tongue was nearly too much for Morrigan as an entranced moan slipped through her lips. She had always known Eskarii were anatomically the same with humans but she didn¡¯t expect Mo¡¯Emori to be so perfect, and to see Nora take dominion over her was nothing short of ethereal.

    Reflexively, Mo¡¯Emori rocked her hips as she held Nora¡¯s head which only encouraged her, the sound of sucking and lapping of Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s clit resonating throughout the room before the Eskarii¡¯s moans drown it out.

    Before either woman could react, Nora sprang up from between her legs and expertly bent Mo¡¯Emori over the bed, too lost in the moment to resist and landing before Morrigan whose feet shifted across the bed in discomfort as she watched her gasp in surprise.

    The look on the gorgeous Eskarii woman''s face was that of pure bliss as Nora plunged her fingers into her soaked, tight sex. Her back arched instinctively as she let out a shuddering moan before Nora masterfully found the right buck bundle of nerves that made Mo¡¯Emori seize in incredible pleasure.

    Morrigan watched as her girlfriend rocked back and forth, shifting Mo¡¯Emori ever so closer as Nora edged her fingers deeper inside soliciting a new rhythm of heady moans and breaths.

    Nora could feel the slowly rising climax she was leading to, leaning forward to grip the back of Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s head that had she had buried in the blanket and forced her to look up, to be in full view of her desperate lover. The angle only served her as she pushed as deep as she could go, massaging her own clit as she felt her tighten around fingers.

    Her mind was at the edge of losing all restraint as she watched Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s breathing ceased, her golden eyes locking with her own hazy crimson eyes as she wordlessly said her name before Mo¡¯Emori shuddered violently and let out a long piercing moan; Nora too moaned in blissful agreement as she felt her hand become drenched in the sticky spoils of her craft.

    The satisfied grin on Nora¡¯s face as Mo¡¯Emori slumped forward on the bed caused crimson energy to crackle down her arms, the sharp cracking of dense ice catching her lover¡¯s attention as she gently pulled out of the heavy breathing Eskarii. ¡°You can come here now,¡± Nora stated seductively with her own glassy gaze as she held up her honey soaked hand.

    With haste, Morrigan shattered the binding ice with ease and crawled across the bed towards her with wide, expectant eyes. Nora couldn¡¯t help but snicker as she guided her girlfriend onto her knees, helping her balance on the edge of the bad as she grabbed ahold of her chin. ¡°You were such a good girl, love, I¡¯m proud of you,¡± she said in addled amusement before kissing Morrigan deeply.

    Morrigan made out with Nora with reckless abandon, long neglected and forced to watch her lover pleasure another woman they both felt for but the moment she was about to lose herself to her own instincts, Nora pulled far enough away to whisper, ¡°You deserve a treat¡­¡± showcasing her coated fingers.

    Without an initial thought, Morrigan sat on her ankles and opened her mouth, sticking her tongue out in demand as Nora used her tongue to guide her fingers.

    Mo¡¯Emori recovered just in time to sit up and watch Morrigan take Nora¡¯s fingers in her mouth and persistently take every drop of her orgasm off her fingers. Soft and blissful moans escaped her as she took the entire length of her fingers, savoring the taste of what she desired for the past six years.

    Nora withdrew her fingers as she pulled Morrigan close for one final, impassioned kiss. ¡°Its about time we broke our new girl in¡­ Now kiss her,¡± she commanded wistfully and watched Morrigan turn to Mo¡¯Emori without question, her mind too addled to respond as she tangled herself in Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s arms, the moment she had been dying for as her new lover wasted no time following along.

    The three of them spent the rest of the night sharing their love for one another through blissful, impassioned sex; a love bound by time and desire. For Morrigan, it was love at first sight; for Mo''Emori, it was love earned through hardship and shyness that was forced across time and for Nora, it was a love for adorable chaos and power that claimed stars. From that moment forward, they would be three.

 Chapter X

    Morrigan stepped onto the bridge as the elevator door opened for her to find all the leaders of the various commands waiting for her, including Gene, Danson and Dr. Tamina.

    Morrigan slowed to a stop as she looked around at everyone, each person with the same idly curious look upon their face, ¡°So, if none of you called me¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mori. I am the one who requested the presence of all leadership aboard the Archangel,¡± Sister interjected, drawing everyone¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Okay¡­ so, what¡¯s going on?¡± Morrigan asked with uncertainty. Sister¡¯s autonomy had been curiously looser than before, she noticed.

    ¡°I have received many broadcasts from the Void Star. However, I noticed something odd, something hidden inside the message. After the initial message, I noticed a pattern in which the same message broadcast was repeated. Due to our distance from the Void Star, the time between the messages was set to follow slow pattern Morse Code, an archaic form of long-distance communication.¡±

    ¡°What did it say?¡± Danson asked curiously, as if familiar with the code.

    ¡°It simply said, ¡°build then play¡±, which is when I discovered that every sixth message had a hidden data packet buried inside it,¡± Sister responded.

    Both Shepard and Morrigan looked at each other with quirked eyebrows before Morrigan stepped up to her terminal console, ¡°Have you analyzed either datum streams?¡±

    ¡°Of course. The original message was recorded a week ago by Lord Inquisitor Solomon himself. The hidden message however, was recorded six years ago initially, with a recent update 44 days ago,¡± Sister explained.

    It wasn¡¯t the explanation Morrigan was looking for, if she were being honest she had no idea what she had been hoping to hear however, it was intriguing that the old message was recently updated.

    Morrigan leaned over the console and looked up to where the screen would appear, ¡°Play the first message.¡±

    The image of Solomon standing stoically before his own console on the Void Star, his demeanor looked as casual and calm as he had always seemed until he began speaking, ¡°This is Lord Inquisitor Solomon, as is my authority, I am recalling all Inquisitorial ships to return to the Void Star. I repeat, all Inquisitors and their ships are to return to the Void Star and report to the Cathedral. God speed everyone, I await your arrival.¡±

    Everyone on the bridge looked at each other in confusion and murmured their questions to one another as Morrigan focused on the video. For Morrigan, who had spent a great deal of time with the founder of the Inquisition before her departure, couldn¡¯t help but feel that something was off. She recalled that the Lord Inquisitor rarely used his authority over the other Inquisitors unless something detrimental happened, such as a rogue Inquisitor.

    ¡°Sister, play the second message,¡± Morrigan ordered.

    This time, the image appeared to be Solomon standing on the bridge of an Inquisition ship, likely his flagship Righteous Eye.

    ¡°Attention all Inquisitors that are away from home. If you are viewing this recording, then the worst situation possible has come to fruition upon the Void Star. First of all, disregard the first broadcast. I created this contingency in the event that the Federation had found and seized control of the Void Star, meaning all Inquisitors are to avoid returning until a proper plan can be enacted. Secondly, do what you can to survive. We are a vital importance to the balance of the galaxy and must continue to ensure that balance is upheld, so use your authority and connections to ensure the success of the Inquisition. Finally-¡° the image suddenly shifted to Solomon sitting behind a desk familiar to Morrigan, the desk that was in his personal chambers in the Cathedral.

    ¡°I do apologize for the interruption, but given the recent changes surrounding the Inquisition, as well as the galaxy, I decided to update this contingency. So, to get started, Inquisitor Clarke¡­¡± the pause caused Morrigan to stop breathing as she waited for the recording to continue. ¡°After considerable thought and respect for every Inquisitor in service, unless events have transpired before a further update that have rendered you unavailable, I have decided that you are to take on the role of the de facto leader of the Inquisition, meaning you have the full authority of a Lord Inquisitor and may issue orders to fellow Inquisitors as necessary during these trying times.¡±

    Morrigan¡¯s jaw dropped at the announcement as she was unable to take her eyes off the screen while every other person on the bridge turned to look at her in surprise.

    ¡°I am sure you are wondering why, but let¡¯s just keep it simple and say that you are the one the galaxy needs. You are capable of so much more than you can imagine and, with the assistance of the other Inquisitors and the allies you gather, will do great things while the Void Star plans to repel our attackers. I know what you¡¯re thinking and please do not attempt to rescue the Void Star. If we lose the Void Star, then this is the last message you all will receive. If we succeed, I will broadcast an embarrassing story of myself to use as a code that the Void Star is free and safe. Any other messages should be disregarded from now on. All Inquisitors free of the Void Star at this time, regroup with Lord Inquisitor Clarke, if possible; Respect my decision because now is the time to come together for the future of this galaxy¡­ and Mori, you can do this.¡±

    The image disappeared leaving Morrigan stunned for a long moment until her body realized it needed oxygen.

    Hyperventilating, Morrigan stumbled back and was lucky enough to grab ahold of her console as she looked at a room filled with concerned faces, ¡°W-what-the- a-actual f-fuck!¡± she forced out as her anxiety attack gripped her.

    ¡°Mori? You need to calm down, take a deep breath,¡± Dr. Tamina said calmly, easily recognizing what she was going through.

    Morrigan took another step back shaking her head, balancing herself towards the elevator, ¡°N-no. I-I¡­ gotta go. I need to think, a-and, come on, mother fu-¡± she cut herself off as the door to the elevator finally closed after repeatedly hitting the desired button.

    ¡°Should¡­ one of us go talk to her?¡± Sarilla asked innocently.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s something we should let pass first,¡± Avery mentioned as he plopped into his chair, the weight of the situation hitting him.

    ¡°But we shouldn¡¯t leave her like-¡° Luisa began out of concern only to be cut off by Shepard clearing her throat loudly.

    To everyone¡¯s surprise, the admiral seemed unfazed by the news as she clasped her hands behind her back and glanced out into the void of space outside the portside window, ¡°Need I remind you that she had received not only the full authority over the Archangel but now the entire Inquisition¡­ that is a weight even I don¡¯t wish to experience.¡±

    Gene huffed and scratched his head, ¡°So, what do we do now?¡± he asked looking at Admiral Shepard.

    ¡°Yeah, I mean, what the hell is even going on? Why would the Lord Inquisitor put all that responsibility on her, no offense to Mori and all, but it''s not like she¡¯s been training to take over his position¡­ she''s still just a fledgling respectively,¡± Gunnar ranted. His words were layers with different concerns the entire bridge felt.

    ¡°Well, he is a man that knows,¡± Sarilla argued vaguely, uncertain herself.

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    Shepard turned to the bridge crew and division leaders, ¡°Why doesn¡¯t matter and you all know it. The order has been given and now we must wait for reality to sink in for our new Lord Inquisitor. Until then, inform your crews and prepare for prolonged off shore excursions.¡±

    The crew affirmed her orders and moved to begin their tasks, all worried for the impending future ahead of them as they planned their survival away from the Void Star.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    ¡°My room, I can¡¯t-its not enough!¡± Morrigan screamed inside her own head as she frantically ran down corridor after corridor aimlessly.

    Would you stop freaking out, kid? Apollyon responded over her own inner voice.

    ¡°I can¡¯t do this! I mean what in the ever-living fuck is he thinking?! I can¡¯t be the Lord Inquisitor!¡±

    Seriously Morrigan, you need to calm your shit. Panicking like this isn''t going to help you, Apollyon scolded, more out of annoyance than actual concern.

    ¡°I can¡¯t, Apollyon¡­ I need to get away, from everything!¡± She screamed in her head as she paused to check the area, surrounded by workers looking confused at her while surrounded by dark metal walls and bright lights that highlighted the Gothic design. The pressure of being surrounded causing her mind and heart to race faster as she took off towards the starboard side of the ship.

    You do realize we¡¯re in the middle of space, right? Where do you think you can go?

    ¡°I just need space and- and quiet, yes. I need a quiet space to think,¡± she hissed back as she found a maintenance corridor hatch and forcibly opened it, sliding into the tunnel and crawling as fast as she could as she ignored the pain in her knees.

    Geez, who would¡¯ve thought a promotion would be so terrifying, Apollyon commented sardonically. I mean, it¡¯s no different than what you¡¯ve been doing already. Besides, you don¡¯t have to worry about that quaint little space station if you really think about it. If anything, this is the sort of position you need.

    Morrigan kept crawling, ignoring Apollyon¡¯s commentary until she came across a maintenance section near the outer hull, a view port window glowing from the reflecting light of the suns off of Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To''s atmosphere.

    The view had her stop and look as the sight eased her nerves slightly, allowing her to take a real breath for a moment. Surrounding her, though a tighter space of steel pipes, service panels and grated floor, it was barren of life except for her and utter silence.

    She sat with her knees pressed against her chest, taking comfort in both the view of the Marmuro¡¯k homeworld as well as the solitude.

    ¡°But what did he imply? Why me?¡± she finally asked after calming down.

    I''ve been telling you you¡¯re special for years now, perhaps he noticed it too. After all, he¡¯s known for his insight, isn''t he? Apollyon pointed out.

    Morrigan closed her eyes and pulled herself tighter, feeling a surprisingly comfortable warmth around her as she wished the world away. All she wanted was to feel the same comfort she felt in her dream where she was allowed to be as tired as she felt.

    Well, this is new¡­

    Morrigan looked up in a daze to see her reflection in the window surrounded by a very bright crimson energy in the shape of a creature she hadn¡¯t seen in a long time. The visage of Apollyon hovered behind her, it¡¯s outstretched arms in front of her, turning over as the long claws coiled into the lanky palms of the deity¡¯s hands.

    What are you doing? Apollyon inquired in wonderment, I- I can feel¡­

    The moment she recognized what was truly happening, that Apollyon actually manifested around her as the semi-corporeal creature she had actually met once before and not as some psychotic imagination, her body panicked once again.

    In that instant, Apollyon disappeared, Morrigan looking around unable to find it. ¡°Apollyon?¡± she called out, her voice slightly echoing down the tunnels of the maintenance shaft.

    Yeah¡­ I¡¯m still here¡­ what in the hell was that? I was able to feel! Like, actually feel air on my skin as if I had a body again! Apollyon hissed in euphoric excitement.

    Two tears of blood trailed down her cheeks as the stress and anxiety of her life reached her limit, ¡°This is too much¡­¡± she whispered as she stifled her sob, leaning to the side as the weight of her life threatened to crush her. ¡°I don¡¯t want this,¡± she managed to say before she couldn¡¯t fight the need to cry, a desperate sob escaping her as she buried her face her hands and let her emotions take over.

    Apollyon sighed, letting her have her time to cry. Listen up, little goddess, I know you¡¯re overwhelmed, even I can admit a whole world of weird shit has been going on but we don¡¯t have time to sit here feeling sorry for ourselves. I am the God of Destruction and you are my vessel, bestowed my power to reshape this existence to your desires. You wanted power to achieve your dream and you¡¯re getting it, so, be a good girl and give it a rest already¡­ you¡¯re better than this, Apollyon said in an authoritative tone, sounding more like an annoyed yet concerned grandparent than a supreme being of the universe.

    Morrigan sniffled as she wiped the blood from her cheeks and pulling herself back into a ball, ¡°I know¡­¡± she whispered with knowing dejection. She knew Apollyon was right, as much as she didn¡¯t want to admit it.

    ¡°I just¡­ it¡¯s a lot at once, and I just, I need to process this and figure out what''s going on. In a handful of days my life has been turned upside down once again¡­¡± she sniffled more as she stared at the surface of Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To, the vibrant greens blending with the dull grey and browns of mountains, connected to a desert she never saw before. The sight was beautiful and serene as her subconscious processed her life, trying to defragment her experience into some form of understandable knowledge.

    ¡°It¡¯s like back when we met¡­ I feel clueless, and lost,¡± she whispered.

    Yeah, well, this is better than being bat shit insane, like in the mines, Apollyon mused.

    To Apollyon¡¯s surprise, the comment made her smile lightly, ¡°Yeah, but it¡¯s a close call, right?¡± she said with mild levity.

    Too close for comfort hehe, but really though, we should figure out how you did that because that was indescribable, Apollyon reiterated, obviously focused on the out of body experience.

    ¡°Yeah, just¡­ give me a few days, okay? I have a lot to figure out first before that,¡± she said with a newfound calm, as if a simple cry session was all that was needed to solve the existential crisis she was having.

    Right, that¡¯s fair. Take your time, kid, but remember, enemies never rest, Apollyon said with a level of acceptable understanding before she felt the pressure of its presence leave her mind.

    It was always worrisome when Apollyon pulled away like that, Morrigan uncertain where Apollyon could go that she could no longer feel the deity however, it was a welcomed release of weight that furthered helped her reach a point of serenity.

    Morrigan sat for hours watching the seemingly still image of the galaxy around them, except for the subtle spin of Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To slowly revealing more of the planet left unexplored.

    Soft metallic clicks echoed down the corridor to her left drew her attention as she watched out of the corner of her eye, Sigurd appearing from the darkness that would have blinded anyone else.

    ¡°Ah, figured I¡¯d find ya down here, lass. Ya keen?¡± he asked as he struggled to maneuver into a position that didn¡¯t leave him bashing the top of his head against the ceiling.

    Morrigan didn¡¯t respond as she returned to watching the world below. ¡°Oi, that¡¯s a grand view. Nifty wee spot ya picked out, I wonder how far sound travels¡­¡± he inquired to himself as he leaned and glanced out the window before looking around the immediate space.

    ¡°You¡¯re not bringing women down here to fuck, Sigurd. That¡¯s creepy,¡± she stated with the authority of a teenage girl who was pouting.

    Sigurd grinned, knowing she knew exactly where his mind had been before adjusting his position in order to sit down next to her and look out the window as well.

    He raised his hands in surrender with a light chuckle, ¡°Aye, fair, fair. But uh, ye never answered,¡± he pointed out as he nudged her gently with his elbow.

    Morrigan sighed softly as she lifted her head slightly, the reflection of light highlighting the faint smeared stains of blood across her face, ¡°No, Sigurd. I¡¯m far from keen¡­¡± her tone may have fooled anyone into not believing her however, Sigurd knew of the serene calm that bordered madness.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hear it, lass. Can¡¯t fight down here but I can listen,¡± he said knowingly.

    A soft smile creeped across her lips at the mention of sparring, remembering how fun it was to be able to fight someone just outside the use of her powers and not worry about injuring them severely.

    ¡°I came to this world to bring home a friend, and made allies of the species of this world¡­ that¡¯s all I wanted, ever since I was a little girl,¡± she started, stopping to swallow her nerves, ¡°This power I have, it helped me make it this far, but it¡¯s turning my life inside out. A 19-year-old girl, forced to run from the largest military in the galaxy, brutally tortured only to be thrown in a hole, to be raped and tortured just because I¡¯m dangerous¡­ to becoming an Inquisitor and giving me the opportunity to make one of my dreams come true¡­¡±

    Morrigan leaned against Sigurd, resting her head against his shoulder as she spoke of her life, feeling a deep seeded relief to finally mention parts of her life nearly no one else knew, ¡°Now, I¡¯m not just the commander of this ship, but the leader of what¡¯s left of the Inquisition, what''s free at least¡­ because the leader of the Federation wants me, or maybe I¡¯m just selfishly paranoid. In the end, it doesn¡¯t matter because the Void Star is under their control, while I¡¯m left to control the rest¡­ I know I¡¯m powerful but¡­ I¡¯m 22, Sigurd¡­ I¡¯m¡­ just one girl among trillions¡­¡±

    Sigurd lifted his arm and let her sidle up against him as his cold, sharp, metallic fingertips raked gently through her long hair for a modicum of comfort. He didn¡¯t say anything as he considered her story, letting her take the time she needed to slowly unload her troubles.

    ¡°What am I to do, Sigurd?¡± her whisper barely audible.

 Chapter XI

    Standing on the bridge of an Eskarii Revenant ship, a sleek yet relatively large combat starship with a crew of 30, Mo¡¯Emori watched the galaxy pass by at a speed humans could never hope to achieve.

    Plated gauntlets were held behind her back as she fidgeted with the end of one of the sheaths connected to the back of her amethyst colored armor; her own armor she had not worn in many years. The short twin blades across her back were the tools she used to earn the name Lafn Gwra, or Witch Blade in the Terran tongue, having mastered her kinetic manipulation in unison with her sword play.

    Nostalgic memories of her youth played in her mind, despite the subtle comfort her old equipment gave her, unable to ease how anxious she felt to see Morrigan once again.

    ¡°How long till we arrive at the Void Star?¡± she asked to the room in a huff, holding back the child-like excitement in favor of the professionalism of the Sybrydian.

    ¡°Any moment, Princess Mo¡¯Emori,¡± the pilot said, their tone hinting annoyance as it was 32<sup>nd</sup> time she had asked since departing the Eskarii home world Escostia.

    Her mother, Queen Myshkali, had given Mo¡¯Emori the aggravating task of finding Morrigan. Her feelings were mixed, although her excitement mainly dominated her frustration, as her mother recalled her home, making her separate from the beloved human girl only to be told to go back and find her.

    She knew where Morrigan was headed as they departed ways however, Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To was only a handful of days of travel for Morrigan and she had no idea where Morrigan intended to go after completing her mission. Without the long-range communication designed into the larger Eskarii ships, she had no choice but to return to the Void Star and have Solomon track her down or have her meet her somewhere.

    The nervous uncertainty in the mix was due to the fact that her mother tried contacting Solomon directly, a private channel seldom used unless major updates were necessary for either party, and was unable to reach him.

    The kaleidoscopic bending of light snapped back to the image of the galaxy as she knew, revealing a massive armada of Federation ships surrounding the Void Star.

    ¡°What the¡­¡± she exclaimed, slipping into the Terran language she had spent too many years using before her brain processed what she saw, ¡°Set engines to stealth, now!¡± she ordered immediately.

    The crew of the Cyr¡¯ch Y Cyrnos, complied right away, switching off any identifiable signal outputs, adjusting the engine power and scanning the space before them.

    ¡°They don''t appear to have noticed our entry, Princess,¡± someone said as Mo¡¯Emori stood in shock.

    Mo¡¯Emori surveyed the scene she had been witnessing, counting just how many ships there were.

    ¡°48¡­ how?¡± She mindlessly asked herself as she struggled to determine how many Inquisition ships there were, only the Lord Inquisitor''s flagship standing out amongst the armada.

    ¡°We need to see if she¡¯s here, activate the camouflage fields and bring us closer,¡± Mo¡¯Emori ordered.

    ¡°Princess, we shouldn¡¯t put ourselves at risk like that. If we¡¯re spotted, we don¡¯t stand a chance¡­¡± a loud slap cut the male Eskarii off as Mo¡¯Emori back handed him in the side of the head.

    She spun him in his chair as she got down to his level, her yellow eyes giving a soft glow as she restrained her kinetic powers, ¡°Our mission is from the Queen, we will find my Mori and we will do it by any means necessary,¡± she bit out in seething anger.

    She spun him back around and forced the man to comply. Her gaze sweeping over the rest of the crew as they got straight to work to avoid her wrath.

    A sharp smirk appeared on her face as she watched the ship begin to move closer, slowly. In her early years, she was the widely feared Witch Blade, the youngest and deadliest of the Sybrydian although rarely deployed. Her aversion to violence and lack of control of her emotions created a buffer between the early legend and her people.

    However, she would have been lying to herself if she tried to deny her love of the notoriety, to be remembered amongst her people that she was one to never disobey, despite her distaste for violence. Every Eskarii within the Eskarii military, even many without, knew that if necessary, she would subject herself to extreme cases of violence, leaving nothing but brutal slaughter in her wake.

    Her brothers Torvil and Cheronn, called it her duality, a stinging reminder of the recent loss of her eldest brother, leaving her chewing on her lip to stem the overwhelming emotions as she watched out of the bridge.

    The Eskarii ship ever so slowly entered into the space surrounding the Void Star, matching the speed of the Federation ships that supremely out classed them as she searched for the other Inquisition ships docked at the station.

    ¡°Shit¡­ what was her ship¡­¡± Mo¡¯Emori muttered to herself as she recalled the single time she caught a glimpse of the Light Cruiser Morrigan commanded. Her memory delved deep to recreate the brief image of the skylight within the medical facility aboard the Void Star. The archaic Gothic architecture that made up all of the Inquisition, connected to a blade shaped prow, the red insignia of a clawed hand painted on the command tower in contrast to the black and grey exterior.

    Remembering the insignia, she searched the eight Inquisition ships that were not the massive battleship hanging over the hive world, none of them bearing the sign of Morrigan.

    There was a feeling of relief to know that her beloved Morrigan had not been captured with the rest of the Void Star however, it left the daunting question of where she could be.

    ¡°Alright, pull us out of here and set our course to Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To,¡± she ordered, her tone unable to hide her worry. Mo¡¯Emori knew how dangerous the Marmuro¡¯k home world was through decades of war with the species. Even though Morrigan befriended the Marmuro¡¯k of her crew and proved that not all Marmuro¡¯k were savage warmongers, most Eskarii held a prejudice towards the reptilian species.

    As proof, every member of the bridge turned to her, all giving her a puzzled look as if her order was that of insanity. ¡°What?¡± She snapped as she stepped into the center of the bridge, ¡°We will find my Mori, even if it kills us; we will see our mission through. Those who ignore my orders will never see home again,¡± she bit out, she had spent so many years trying to find Morrigan, seeing her briefly, before being forced to part ways with her. She had zero intentions of being apart from Morrigan longer than necessary.

    One of the crew piped up, ¡°Princess, the species of Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To hate us¡­¡±

    She glared at the Eskarii who had spoken, ¡°They hate everyone! Yet, a young human girl made friends with them. We will follow her example and if you will not face them then you will face me!¡±

    The crew looked as if they briefly weighed their options before their ship gently began gliding passed the Federation ships surrounding them, moving slow enough to where they blended into the void of space.

    Mo¡¯Emori nodded sharply, satisfied with the decision her crew made before her anger relaxed into anxiety once more, ¡°Mori, please leave a sign if you¡¯re not there¡­¡± she prayed in her mind as she watched the distant stars stretch into strands of light as they sped through the galaxy.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Ebony paced anxiously for hours within the confines of a communal cell, the solid metal walls and pulse-sonic lasers separating Havoc squad from the rest of the Archangel. Her anxiety refused to wane despite the surprisingly positive conversation she had with Morrigan half a day before, leaving her with nothing to do but pace and chew on her fingernails.

    The rest of her team were unbelievably relaxed, which only made the issue at hand all the more worrying for her. Stephanie and Taylor were cuddled up in the corner of the room while Henry sprawled out one of the benches completely passed out, Aleksei standing and leaning against the back wall gently fighting dozing off while Jackson sat on the far-left bench cross-legged in a meditative trance.

    ¡°I don''t know how you can relax; it¡¯s been hours¡­ maybe she changed her mind? Maybe the leadership is proposing our execution? Important calls, quiet guards, and a damned AI¡­ this is insanity-we¡¯re going to die,¡± Ebony muttered to herself neurotically.

    ¡°Give it a rest, EB. You¡¯ve been at it for hours,¡± Henry groaned as he rolled over on the bench, shifting his shoulders to make himself more comfortable.

    Ebony¡¯s manic eyes darted to her team, taking in the calm collective as her nerves frayed with uncertainty, ¡°How are you so calm? We¡¯re going to die!¡± she hissed, worried that someone would hear.

    Taylor sighed as he lifted his head, glancing at the blonde dreads that fell over his shoulder as Stephanie slept peacefully leaning against him. ¡°We¡¯re not going to die. She offered us all sanctuary, that¡¯s not something she would change her mind about,¡± Taylor stated softly, doing his best not to let his voice wake Stephanie.

    Ebony glared at the couple on the floor, her mind unable to process how either of them could be calm while in a cell on the ship of his ex-girlfriend, who infamously killed hundreds of thousands of people on a whim.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know that-you don¡¯t know her!¡± she hissed as a piece of her fingernails sheared off between her front teeth, ¡°The things she¡¯s done¡­ I mean, she can bend metal effortlessly, a ship? Heh¡­ she¡¯s going to kill us.¡±

    ¡°Boss, you need sleep. I left you the bench, so rest,¡± Aleksei sleepily stated as his head bobbed.

    The mention of the spare bench made her realize just how much her feet hurt, having never stopped moving ever since her interview. Constantly pacing for 17 hours would wear on the best of soldiers.

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    Reluctantly, she quickly took a seat on the bench and sighed, ¡°I saw her eyes¡­ the eyes of a monster, she¡¯s going to kill us,¡± Ebony persisted which made everyone but Jackson and Stephanie groan.

    ¡°Ebony, you don¡¯t even know her. I dated her for three years, though the eyes are new¡­¡± Taylor trailed off recalling Morrigan¡¯s appearance and noting the oddities that compared to his memory.

    Ebony chuckled in disbelief, ¡°How can you defend her while your girlfriend sleeps on you? How fucking pathetic are you?¡±

    Stephanie¡¯s head shot up, bleary eyed as she glared in Ebony¡¯s general direction as she silently yawned, ¡°Shut up or I¡¯ll kill you myself,¡± she signed before resting her head on Taylor¡¯s shoulder again.

    Ebony scoffed as she stood up again, storming into the middle of the room before turning on Stephanie in absolute insult, ¡°How the hell can you, of all people, be okay with this? We¡¯re on the ship of his ex! How can you be so¡­ so, fucking calm?¡±

    Stephanie looked up at Ebony before rolling her head to the other side, cocking her head as she focused on Ebony¡¯s demeanor before signing, ¡°She¡¯s no liar,¡± her message simple and vague enough to cause Ebony¡¯s eyes to widen.

    ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake, why are you freaking out? The woman gave us an option and we all took it, unless you didn¡¯t then yeah, you¡¯ll probably die but if you did then quit fucking worrying and be patient!¡± Henry demanded sharply as he readjusted himself, aggressively laying his head back into the arm curled into a pillow.

    ¡°None of you understand! That woman¡­ how she killed so many without mercy¡­¡±

    ¡°So have we, boss. That is nature of war,¡± Aleksei stated, cutting her off.

    Ebony¡¯s rapid breathing only got worse as she nearly reached hyperventilation, ¡°You don¡¯t get it, her powers¡­ what she¡¯s done¡­¡±

    Taylor looked at her, unable to ignore her as his eyebrows furrowed from her comment, confused as to why she would panic over mage abilities, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    Ebony¡¯s breathing stopped, panic setting in as she realized her mistake. Her eyes darting between each of her team who now all looked at her as her mind raced to find a way to take the foot out of her mouth, ¡°T-the rumors? You, you didn¡¯t hear the rumors?¡± she stammered.

    ¡°What rumors?¡± Aleksei asked incredulously, turning to see no one recognizing what she was talking about.

    ¡°She uh, her powers¡­ she tears people apart, just like at Mars. I heard Rosa talking about it with other officers¡­ the same power she used to rip one of our ships in half, imagine what it does to a person?¡± she said vaguely, letting the imagination do most of the talking.

    Stephanie was the first one to indicate their feelings on the matter, shrugging as if it didn''t matter before signing, ¡°How is that different from what I do?¡±

    Ebony open and closed her mouth repeatedly as she wracked her brain to find an excuse, any excuse to invalidate the point of someone whose weapon shreds people apart.

    ¡°What about my explosives? It is war. Death by any means by those who kill,¡± Aleksei interjected.

    Ebony looked at everyone in the room, unable to find any argument against the point and sighed, the panic in her body fleeing as the instant exhaustion hit her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±

    ¡°Its fine, just lay down. You''ll probably feel better after some sleep,¡± Taylor stated as he lay his head against Stephanie¡¯s and closed his eyes, feeling Stephanie snuggling tighter against him.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Ebony breathed out, glancing began the dull red bars made of red lasers, listening for any signs of their impending fate before resigning herself to laying on the bench left for her.

    She faced the wall, staring at the dark metal as the pain in her body increased the more she relaxed. Within moments, her eyes refused to stay open and all she could see in her mind¡¯s eye was the bent metal of the table she sat at, and the cold, predatory glare of the short-tempered woman who now owned her life; a still frame nightmare that threatened to break her as she prayed that she would be spared a horrible death by the newest tyrant of the galaxy, one that would tear her limb from limb if her secret meddling was ever discovered.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Morrigan sighed heavily as every leader joined her on the bridge, the pressure she felt weighed heavy still though her enlightening conversation with Sigurd the night before helped stem the worst of it.

    ¡°Alright, so first issue is our newly acquired members¡­¡± She paused to watch curious and confused faces greet her before she continued, ¡°The Federation Death Squad that Sigurd had taken into custody, whom I offered the chance to defect to the Inquisition and join our cause, under certain constraints of course, to which they''ve accepted.¡±

    Luisa raised her hand, a mix of disbelief and estranged curiosity reflected in her face as she leaned forward, ¡°Umm, I don''t mean to be rude but is it a good idea to recruit Federation soldiers? I mean, it was one thing with Sigurd, no offense¡­¡± she glanced at Sigurd as she paused, who stood next to Morrigan with crossed arms.

    Sigurd chuckled darkly with his usual amused smile, ¡°Ya scorn me lass, thinkin¡¯ the slags are even a wee pinch more dangerous than I,¡± his tone filled with good humor.

    Luisa pursed her lips as her eyes shifted back to Morrigan, who nodded understandingly, ¡°I understand your concern and I''m sure you''re not the only one, but truth of the matter is they may technically be marines of the Federation but it''s not by choice. They¡¯re technically registered convicts of the Federation, forced to fight and¡­¡± Morrigan sighed as she scratched her forehead, ¡°Not that, my offer is much better however, I am at least offering the chance of freedom, unlike our enemy.¡±

    ¡°So, let me get this straight, you¡¯re wanting to let criminals run around our ship?¡± Gene asked incredulously.

    ¡°Listen, they¡¯re criminals by Federation standards¡­ I, am technically a fugitive of the Federation so lets try and be a little more understanding here,¡± she pointed out, a lot of the leaders of the Archangel nodding in fairness before she continued, ¡°Granted, they won¡¯t be given free reign until they can prove they truly believe in our cause. Some of them have useful skill sets that will benefit our operations and with our situation, we need as many hands on deck as possible. So, Dr. Tamina,¡± she addressed as turned to the medical professional, ¡°I will be assigning you a man named  Jackson Balasong, he¡¯s a combat medic with an a high interest in expanding his knowledge. I will be stationing two guards with him to keep a close eye on him as he works under your discretion. Any and all observations are to be reported to me, is that understood?¡±

    Dr. Tamina nodded without question before addressing the next person, ¡°Gene, you¡¯re getting my ex-boyfriend-and before you start complaining, he is someone I¡¯ve known for years. If anything, he¡¯s the most trustworthy out of the bunch and the most capable engineer out of their team aside from the demo specialist. Lucky for you, Aleksei Rhadamov will be stationed in R&D.¡±

    Gene growled and muttered under his breath however, he made no effort to raise an argument after hearing about the alternative.

    ¡°Danson, from what Sigurd and I have been able to gather, Aleksei is a chemist first and tinkerer second so¡­ I will be issuing additional security though it is up to you as to what you allow him to work on,¡± she stated before Sigurd sniffed loudly, direction attention to himself.

    ¡°Aye, big lad down stairs had some impressive shite on him, all homemade so ye may wanna keep the man on buildin¡¯ than mixin¡¯,¡± he interjected.

    Danson nodded and looked down at his data-slate, the interrogation file she and Sigurd developed appearing on his screen the moment she sent it to him.

    Morrigan went silent for a moment as she considered Henry, Stephanie and Ebony for a moment, uncertain about her decision for them but found no better options.

    ¡°What of the others, Mori?¡± Shepard questioned curiously, intrigued by the silence.

    ¡°Well¡­ truthfully, one is a close-combat specialist, a general specialist and the last one is a hacker,¡± she admitted reluctantly, ¡°I have already informed Sister to keep a very close eye on both Ebony Salah, the team hacker, as well as our systems. However, combat specialists don¡¯t really serve any of your primary departments¡­ I am thinking of having them devise drills, with the help and over watch of Sigurd, and start doing what Solomon had done with Nora back on the Void Star as well as on the Archangel.¡±

    ¡°You mean to have them train our soldiers in¡­ what?¡± Shepard pried.

    Morrigan shrugged, not hiding the fact that she was playing the entire game by ear, ¡°I¡¯m hoping for something similar to Nora¡¯s anti-piracy and anti-boarding tactics training but from the Federation side of things rather than from a pirate¡¯s perspective. Their tactics, combat styles, anything that can improve our ships capability to survive, with Sigurd overseeing everything. At least for the two, as for the hacker, I¡¯m thinking of having her start training our infiltrators¡­¡±

    Shepard and the rest of the leaders looked at one another, each contemplating on her plan as Morrigan stood their nervously.

    With a shrug, Avery leaned over his seat and glanced across the room, ¡°Well, I¡¯ve heard worse plans, I mean, we have a Berserker, an ex-pirate, two Marmuro¡¯k, an alien dog as well as the current Lord Inquisitor on board; what¡¯s a couple ex-Feds? Then again, I¡¯m just a pilot.¡±

    ¡°No, Mr. Tarev, you make a valid point,¡± Shepard said thoughtfully.

    Danson looked up from his screen with excitement in his eyes, ¡°Yeah, I mean, if it¡¯s okay with Tamina, we¡¯ve been stuck on a few issues with our wound sealant we¡¯ve been developing so, if you¡¯re good with it, we may pick both of their brains to see if they have any additional knowledge?¡± His gaze bouncing between Morrigan and Dr. Tamina, who also turned to Morrigan for permission.

    ¡°Well, yeah. As long as you have safe guards in place, you still have full autonomy¡­¡±

    Gene sighed before finally glancing at the file Morrigan had sent him before letting out a thoughtful hum, ¡°Mechanic huh?¡± he asked aloud before sighing in defeat, ¡°If he can really use a wrench, I can put him to work. After all, you¡¯re the boss.¡±

    His tone sounded dejected however, in unusual way Morrigan could sense something else, as if he were impressed with what he read.

    Soon, each leader began conversing optimistically about different ways they could utilize the skill sets of the new recruits, which made Morrigan release a breath of relief before readying herself for the more stressful conversation that needed to be had.

    ¡°Second topic, staying alive¡­ I won¡¯t deny, I am out of my depth with this and could really use your help with this,¡± she admitted.

    Shepard smiled as everyone looked to Morrigan, ¡°The crews have already been notified,¡± Shepard started, ¡°The quartermasters have informed me that our supplies, including food and water, will last us about 19 days, 25 if we start rationing now.¡±

    Morrigan nodded as she hung her head slightly, ¡°Okay, so, I can requisition supplies from CoU worlds and stations however, that¡¯s not a sustainable plan¡­ I mean, we can ask the Marmuro¡¯k but, they have no obligation and frankly, I don¡¯t want to dip into our newly formed alliance¡­¡±

    Sarilla perked up at that, ¡°Well, Sister has a database of previously used supply depots, we can always use those?¡±

    Morrigan nodded, ¡°Yes but, my goal was to return to the Void Star and make our way to Gelia¡­ do we have the coordinates?¡±

    Sister chimed in with the answer, ¡°We currently do not have the known coordinates of the planet, Gelia.¡±

    ¡°Does anyone know?¡± Morrigan asked hopefully.

    Everyone looked at one another before Gunnar shrugged, looking at Luisa, ¡°We can always send out a ship wide message and ask? I mean, we do have many Eskarii aboard. One of them must know where their home world is.¡±

    Morrigan watched every department head nod in agreement. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll do that however, the next issue is finding the other Inquisitors¡­¡± Morrigan paused before releasing a deep, stress leaden breath, ¡°Listen, I¡¯ve given this a lot of thought; We¡¯ve already witnessed the Federation reach out this far, and now they have control of our home. Between that and the reports of the CoU¡¯s casualties, we need to be as proactive as possible. The Marmuro¡¯k have allied with me and we will need the Eskarii, on top of trying to keep the Federation on their toes and limiting their reach¡­¡±

    The bridge went silent as everyone considered her words, reprocessing what they already knew.

    ¡°Our situation isn¡¯t a good one,¡± Shepard interjected.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re fully equipped, so there is that,¡± Gunnar added before Shepard continued.

    ¡°We¡¯ll follow your lead, Mori, but as for the Inquisitors, we can¡¯t risk contacting them through normal means since we do not know who is away from shore. We have to assume each ship back at the Void Star is being monitored constantly. So, our only hope is that whoever is out here with us, contacts us first.¡±

    Morrigan nodded in understanding, unable to refute the logic behind the old woman¡¯s words before her gaze settled on Sarilla, ¡°What¡¯s the closest supply point? We need to get moving and keep moving.¡±

    Sarilla held up a finger and turned back to her computer, running a search on the list of supply points they had, ¡°Iriath II, its an Agri-world in the Dulinea system, about 11 thousand light years away from our location.¡±

    ¡°So, like three days?¡± Morrigan asked.

    ¡°Three, and three hours,¡± Gene corrected her.

    Morrigan nodded her thanks and stood up straight, ¡°Alright, honestly, we¡¯re flying blind here however, I¡¯ll be damned if we lose this war. Sarilla, set our course, Avery and Gene, prepare us to depart. Alert all crew for FTL and let¡¯s get this show on the road. In the meantime, I¡¯ll have Emily write up the requisition.¡±

    The entire bridge snapped to attention and saluted her before moving to their stations or stepping into the elevator, leaving Morrigan and Shepard to oversee everything, Morrigan struggling with the anxiety of uncertainty as the start of her new campaign of survival had begun.

 Chapter XII

    Morrigan divided Havoc Squad up and introduced their members to their newest departments, a contingent of guards following closely and breaking off to guard their assignments as the day proceeded. Taylor spent the time trying to pry however, Morrigan ignored all of their questions as she delivered them to the department heads, her mind focused on less trivial matters.

    See, you have this under control, Apollyon mused, its words meaning to be praising.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t have shit. We¡¯re one ship, there is no way we will be able to keep this up for long. We were lucky enough to have a Marmuro¡¯k battleship at our side otherwise that fight would¡¯ve gone completely different¡­¡± she complained, trying to think of a way to gain allies while doing her duties as an Inquisitor.

    There is still you. Don¡¯t forget that you ripped a ship in half, girl.

    Morrigan stopped in the middle of the corridor, moving to the side to let some crew members pass as she took a moment for herself, ¡°Yeah, but that almost killed me last time or did you forget?¡±

    Hehe no, I didn¡¯t forget. I was just making sure you were taking this seriously, granted, you¡¯ve evolved some so the option may be there now? Regardless, my point is you¡¯re preparing for war, little goddess. You¡¯re thinking of every contingency and every path you can take to ensure victory even if it¡¯s not in our grasp, which is the mantle of a commander, Apollyon stated, its tone filled with pride and expectation.

    Morrigan continued through the ship, fighting the urge to laugh as she thought about Apollyon¡¯s words, ¡°What¡¯s with you? Normally you¡¯re expecting me to go on a murderous rampage not¡­ well, this.¡±

    Apollyon cackled darkly in her head, as if the deity was on the verge of slipping into old sadistic habits before it said, Oh little goddess, you forget I am eons older than you. As fun as a bloodbath would be, which it would, but even I don¡¯t want you to die on a fools errand.

    Morrigan smirked at that, nodding in understanding as she continued making her way to a lower section of the ship where data processing and administration was.

    ¡°So, what cosmic knowledge does the God of Death have for this situation?¡± she mused, attempting to mock Apollyon¡¯s age.

    Destroy the thing that keeps your Federation together, the Earth.

    Morrigan staggered, nearly tripping as she choked on her spit, coughing as she tried to maintain her breathing. ¡°Are you fucking insane?¡± she hissed out between coughs as she held herself up against the wall, all the while Apollyon laughed darkly.

    Ah Mori, your humanity is so amusing. How do you intend on putting an end to a war built upon ideology? Apollyon inquired as if it knew the answer.

    Morrigan regained her composure as she took a deep breath, leaning against the wall as she ground her teeth, ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯ll kill Amaranthe and cut the head of the snake,¡± she explained in her head before she started walking farther down the corridor and looking at the awkward stares she received.

    What do you think that will actually do to an organization built on the belief of racial superiority? That man, he''s nothing but a figure head that can be replaced, where as the planet- oh the planet is origin, the birth place of humanity and a symbol of their beliefs despite the vast amount of worlds humanity occupies, Apollyon explained with gleeful wisdom.

    Morrigan shook her head though, ¡°No. There is only one commander of the Federation now, without him, the Federation would fall into chaos and fall by our hands¡­¡±

    Heh, if you say so but ideology is never behind one person. It needs a symbol, a concept, one that can be looked upon in awe and remind the masses of what is, in their eyes, the driving force of their fighting spirit.

    Morrigan growled in frustration as she began considering Apollyon¡¯s words, finding a certain logic behind it. ¡°No, even if you¡¯re right, we¡¯ll find a different way. There is no way we can do that,¡± she muttered to herself, attempting to let go of her subtle anger as she found Emily at her desk writing the forms she required.

    Three days of FTL travel was wholly uneventful, Morrigan spending a large part of the time roaming the ship and meeting more of the crews throughout the vast ship to keep her occupied.

    To her relief, three days of reports about Havoc Squad were overall positive though the only person out of the group that seemed to be struggling was Ebony, who Sigurd described as ¡°ferret mad and timid¡±, which was uncondemning seeing as the woman had wet herself during her interrogation. Morrigan assumed all that was needed was a bit of time for her to relax before she could really start seeing the benefits of the Inquisition. As for the rest of the team, it appeared that all of them were diving head first into their new duties, Stephanie and Henry coming up with trial runs for training while Taylor spent his time making adjustments to auxiliary equipment under the watchful gaze of one of Gene¡¯s subordinates and Jackson and Aleksei were heard at work debating with Danson and Tamina about the chemical and physical properties of the sealant they were trying to develop, similar to something Jackson was quite familiar with.

    Now, Morrigan had to see how well they would do under her command, deciding to take a few of them with her on the trip to Iriath II for the acquisition of supplies. Morrigan decided to take Taylor, Stephanie and Henry, along with Xol, leaving Sigurd to watch Ebony from a distance and giving the woman some space to relax.

    Skoll wanted nothing more than to go with however, Morrigan decided against letting Skoll run around a friendly planet seeing as many would be terrified of his presence, leaving Nora to take care of the faithful alien hound while she was away.

    The dropship gently descended into space, careening towards the capital city of Iriath II as Morrigan turned towards her crew. Henry lounged across cargo straps, awkwardly suspended in the air against one of the ship walls while Taylor intensely stared at her as Stephanie peered out the window at the planet. None of the three had weapons, leaving Xol and Morrigan the only two armed.

    ¡°So, how are things?¡± she asked awkwardly.

    ¡°Uh, good, actually. Kind of surprised honestly,¡± Taylor answered just as awkwardly as Stephanie turned towards the two.

    ¡°Could be worse,¡± she signed, allowing Taylor the time to parrot her. ¡°Sigurd has been pretty helpful to bounce ideas off of.¡±

    Morrigan smiled at that, knowing exactly what Stephanie meant, ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s pretty great for advice if you can believe it. For a mad man who intentionally became a tool of war, he¡¯s pretty intelligent.¡±

    ¡°So, he also mentioned that you were not to be touched by anyone but him and my sister¡­¡± Taylor parroted as he trailed off, glancing at Morrigan with abject curiosity.

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    Xol let out a warning hiss as Morrigan rolled her eyes, ignoring the K¨ºzi¡¯kan¡¯s dislike for prying questions, ¡°Not the way the jack ass is implying, I¡­¡± she paused, scrutinizing who was really around her and considering the intent of the question. Morrigan wasn¡¯t sure if there was scandalous intentions, idle curiosity or genuine concern from Stephanie, her blank expression giving her no hint.

    She really had no desire to answer however, she could see a benefit of instilling a bit of trust by giving any sort of answer. With a sigh she said, ¡°I was in prison for two years, and¡­ some things happened. Let¡¯s just say Castile V is a¡­¡±

    ¡°Whoa, wait, you were in Castile V?¡± Taylor interrupted. Stephanie face palmed loud enough to garner his attention before signing more to him, his face falling as she explained something.

    ¡°Right¡­ sorry I forgot,¡± he said before glancing at Morrigan, ¡°She reminded me that we were there looking for ¡°the Rose¡±, which happens to be you¡­¡±

    Morrigan chewed her lip as Stephanie nodded and turned back to the window as the ship began its entry into the outer atmosphere. Taylor however, tried to pry.

    ¡°What happened though?¡± he asked with concern before Stephanie snapped her fingers, him turning to see her shaking her head before she signed something else. Morrigan watched Taylor¡¯s face scrunch in displeasure as he raised his hands in defeat, ¡°Okay, okay; I won''t ask¡­¡±

    Stephanie gave Morrigan a glancing look of understanding, making Morrigan wish she could have a private conversation with the woman but instead gave her a sad smile and a curt nod, hoping that a new understanding developed between them as Stephanie grabbed ahold of a grab bar near the window as fire began crawling across the window, the ship shaking violently as they pushed deeper into the atmosphere.

    Both Xol and Morrigan barely noticed the entry as Taylor had to catch himself and Henry began shouting obscenities as the cargo net he placed himself in, swung from the wall and slammed into the wall, hitting his face on the steel.

    Everyone laughed at Henry, even Xol who had been a grouch the entire time, as he struggled to drag himself out of his entrapment.

    ¡°That¡¯s what you get for trying to sleep on a mission,¡± Taylor mocked as Henry fell from the cargo net and tried standing, the ship slowly settling at the ship exited the inner atmosphere.

    ¡°Is this a usual thing with him?¡± Morrigan asked in amusement as she watched Henry grumble to himself as he used the cargo net to pull himself up.

    ¡°Yeah, if he¡¯s not working or with someone, he¡¯s sleeping in weird places,¡± Taylor affirmed as Henry rubbed his face.

    ¡°Well pardon me for staying up all night trying to plan out the regiment you asked for,¡± Henry groaned as he shook himself awake.

    ¡°Don''t lie, man. You''d still be trying to sleep either way,¡± Taylor countered.

    Henry couldn¡¯t hide the knowing smirk on his face as he scratched his head as he looked around the cargo hold, ¡°That¡¯s besides the point¡­ take it we¡¯re here, boss?¡±

    Morrigan sniffed as she compressed her smile, ¡°Just about, as you noticed the entry into atmo,¡± her lips curling into a mocking smile again.

    Henry rubbed his forehead before yawning, ¡°Yeah, your pilot needs to learn how to drive¡­¡±

    Morrigan snorted at that before shaking her head, ¡°Well, at least this is a simple job. Head down, submit the paperwork and wait for the supplies. Plenty of time for you to catch up on your needed beauty sleep,¡± she snacked.

    ¡°Damn, you¡¯re a ball buster, you know that?¡± Henry complained.

    Stephanie tapped Taylor and pulled him to the window, which drew Morrigan¡¯s attention. She stepped towards the couple and slipped in on the other side of Taylor as she too peered out the window in curiosity.

    ¡°Talk about a rock and a hard place, Taylor. Might wanna be careful,¡± Henry joked as he watched Taylor standing between his ex as well as his current girlfriend as if something interesting was about to happen. Taylor however, just flipped him off as Stephanie started signing to him.

    ¡°What¡¯s she saying?¡± Morrigan asked, also ignoring Henry.

    ¡°She¡¯s saying something feels off? To look at the fields?¡± Taylor stated in confusion as he looked at the world below. Morrigan also leaned and looked down to see vast farm fields that stretched for miles.

    She could see nothing but farms, industrial silos and storage barns with the occasional vehicle driving on predetermined paths, loaded with whatever was growing.

    ¡°I¡¯m not understanding what you''re trying to point out¡­¡± Morrigan said as she tried to find Stephanie¡¯s point.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been on a farming world, in the outer frin¡­ fringes? Yeah, fringes, and even they had all the work done by harvester machines¡­¡± Taylor reiterated before refocusing out the window again.

    Morrigan furrowed her brows and looked again, seeing something different. Down below as the ship slowly descended towards the city, she could see thousands of tiny specks littering the fields, some of the closest ones taking on humanoid shape.

    Morrigan touched her comm bead as she scrutinized the sight, ¡°Pilot, bring us in for a sweep over the fields. There is something I want to look at,¡± she ordered.

    ¡°Copy that,¡± the pilot responded as the ship banked to the left as it dove towards the surface.

    As they approached within 100 yards, the sound of metal ricocheting off the outer plating of the drop ship roared around them. ¡°Ma¡¯am, we¡¯re taking fire!¡± the pilot announced as he began pulling up.

    Morrigan ignored all the noise as she focused on one of the people in the fields, a tall  lanky person with bright blue, short hair with long pointed ears and dirty clothes hunched over as someone in the field fired into the air at the fleeing dropship.

    ¡°Are those Eskarii?¡± she asked aloud as she felt her blood begin to boil.

    She watched Stephanie nodded out of the corner of her eye as the ship careened away from the field and aimed directly at the city.

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t make sense,¡± Taylor noted as Morrigan stormed away from the window and made her way to a storage chest towards the cockpit door, prying the lid off with reckless abandon.

    She found standard issue ballistic vests, semi-automatic handguns and assault rifles within the crate and pulled one out, tossing it at Henry who nearly got hit in the face by it but luckily happened to see it coming.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Xol hissed out defensively, reading his weapon for retaliation from Henry as he inspected the rifle.

    ¡°Something isn''t right here, Xol, and I intend to find out what. That means I need everyone combat ready,¡± Morrigan snapped before holding a loaded handgun over her head.

    Taylor cautiously grabbed the gun from her, side eyeing Xol as he checked to see a round was already chambered, and stepping aside for Stephanie to grab the next handgun.

    ¡°There¡¯s some vests and more ammo in here but no melee weapons Stephanie,¡± Morrigan announced as she stood up and moving out of the way.

    Stephanie cocked her head to the side and looked around the hold for something to use until her eyes landed on a fire ax hanging next to the cockpit door, used more for survival in an emergency landing than anything, and pried it off the wall, giving it a soft test swing before propping it on her shoulder with a satisfied look. Morrigan grin fiendishly, not realizing her fangs were showing, ¡°That certainly works,¡± she said, impressed before turning to see Taylor putting on a ballistic vest while Henry dug for more magazines for the rifle.

    She and Xol watched as the three prepared themselves as Morrigan felt the dropship begin its landing approach to the city, waiting for more gunfire to plink off the hull until the dropship landed without trouble, the gentle shudder throughout the ship telling her that they made contact with the surface.

    The door on dropship slid open forcefully as Morrigan jumped out, her mind running with the worst of situations as she stepped into the multi-tier upper city proper, only to find a sprawling imperial city devoid of life.

    ¡°Uh, where is everyone?¡± Henry asked as he aimed his weapon across the open city center in which they had landed, a waterless fountain consuming the center of the space.

    Looking around, they could only spot vacant buildings and discarded garbage throughout the streets, some of it food wrappers, some long soiled clothes and everything in between as they slowly moved past the fountain. The main road stretched up a hill and curved out of sight, seemingly wrapping around a plateau that held an impressive looking mansion.

    ¡°This is weird¡­¡± Morrigan murmured as she began stalking up the street, scrutinizing every little detail she could find without finding a plausible answer.

    There were no smashed windows, broken doors or any real sign that the city had been abandoned nor invaded. She sniffed the air, catching only the smell of distant growing crops and layers of dirt that coated the city. It was as if the citizens of the city had simply vanished without a trace.

    Yeah, I¡¯m not even sensing any emotions except for desire, which is coming from up ahead, Apollyon interjected in confusion.

    Morrigan furrowed her brows trying to find anything that gave her a clue of what to expect, leading the way towards the mansion, assuming that was the source of the emotion Apollyon felt.

    Morrigan couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious by the lack of life surrounding them, as if they were walking into a trap.

 Chapter XIII

    Morrigan checked through ground level windows of a multiple story street side apartment, reminiscent of old-world Italy she had seen in history books, built out of slabs of white and beige stone. Inside, she could see a living room decorated with simple yet alien furniture, brightly colored end tables next to a flat sofa that looked uncomfortable to sit on. What caught her attention though was a picture frame on the closest end table near the window.

    Cautiously, she tried sliding the door open finding that it was unlocked. She furrowed her brows in confusion as she stepped inside, tuning out the idle conversation of her team that echoed throughout the street. Along the floor she found alien toys, something she recognized from advertisements she saw as a little girl that caused her heart to sink.

    Moving carefully towards the end table, she picked up the picture frame, her heart beginning to race as she examined the photo of a long eared man, woman and little girl with brightly colored eyes and hair.

    ¡°What are Eskarii doing here?¡± She questioned, her mind reflecting on the Eskarii in the fields below the city. She looked back out into the streets, scrutinizing the buildings before setting the frame down, ¡°This is a Terran world yet, Eskarii live here¡­¡±

    She tried to recall as much detail of the Eskarii they saw on the way down to the surface, noting the brief glance of dirty clothes and sluggish movement as they dug, harvested and dove in fear as gunfire targeted her ship.

    ¡°Something isn¡¯t adding up¡­¡± she whispered, as she stepped back into the street and looked up at the plateau where the mansion sat. She feelings fought between worry and anger as the uncertainty slowly shifted to a dark hypothetical situation in her mind.

    Wasting no more time, she whistled sharply and signaled for her team to regroup as she stalked up the winding road towards the plateau, knowing that who ever had been up there would likely confirm her suspicions.

    They stalked towards the mansion at the top of the winding road, a simple yet, with dark red walls of some kind of clay or stone with white shutters framing dozens of windows. The grounds expanded into neatly trimmed hedges and small trees placed strategically around the outer perimeter of the lawn, bringing the focus to the white marble fountain that, to Morrigan¡¯s surprise, gently poured water unlike the one they originally saw in the city square.

    Her suspicions solidified even more as she eyed the multitude of garbage strewn about the yard and along the building, having been vandalized by empty shell casings, empty or broken bottles and various other types of refuse.

    The architecture of the mansion and grounds were clearly Terran yet the fountain had an alien aesthetic, like a warped number six that stretched into a point which also confirmed more of her suspicion, causing her anger to slowly rise.

    Morrigan cautiously pointed at the front door, signaling for the team to stack up forgetting that none of the three knew Inquisition hand signals. To her pleasant surprise, trio understood the gist of her intentions and mounted up near the door, Xol taking position on the other side ready to shatter the door.

    Morrigan pushed towards the front as she drew her gunblade, ¡°Listen, there is at least one person here but I¡¯m unsure where exactly. With how weird this has been, expect anything, okay?¡± she informed the group.

    Her four companions nodded to her as she reached for the handle of the large dark wooden doors. To Xol¡¯s disappointment, the door was unlocked, letting Morrigan gently push the doors open to reveal black and white marbled tiles followed by deep red wood hand railings that arced up to the second floor to her right all the while scrunched her nose at disgusting cream-colored fleur-de-lis molded walls and ceiling.

    ¡°This is¡­ I have so many feelings,¡± Morrigan muttered lowly as she cautiously stepped in with her weapon at the ready, her team following in behind her closely.

    Henry leaned closer to Taylor as he pointed his rifle towards the second floor, ¡°This is worse than that resort,¡± he commented with a face that matched Morrigan.

    Morrigan nearly spun on her heels as Xol stepped inside, his weight causing a loud echo throughout the seemingly empty mansion before listened within the silence, hoping to catch the sound of movement.

    ¡°Okay, so, if I was someone with a lot of desire, where would I be hiding?¡± Morrigan asked aloud without thinking, unknowingly receiving confused looks from the three newest teammates; Xol very much used to her talking to herself.

    Ladies room? Apollyon interjected which nearly caused Morrigan to snort as Taylor spoke up.

    ¡°The common place is some type of central office or executive suite however; we don¡¯t have the schematic for this place so it can be¡­ anywhere.¡±

    It made sense to Morrigan, looking at the various doors lining the walls and visible sections of the hallway. There were two different sets of double doors, one set directly ahead and one set directly above on the second floor which led her to believe those would be the closest match to what Taylor mentioned.

    ¡°Okay Xol, take the right side, Henry goes left. Taylor takes the center while Stephanie takes the upper left. If you find anything just whistle, Stephanie,¡± Morrigan ordered. She watched as everyone nodded and made their way to their respective search zones, Xol now taking care to be as quiet as possible before she stalked off behind Stephanie up the stairs.

    She watched Stephanie use her wrist to guide herself along the railing, toe stepping up each step with both weapons at the ready as she moved with near inaudible steps.

    If I didn''t know any better, I¡¯d say you were checking out her ass, Apollyon snickered in her head as Morrigan¡¯s gaze landed right on the mark, watching Stephanie¡¯s hips shift pleasantly as the woman crouched, stalking up the stairs.

    Morrigan blushed furiously, ¡°I wasn¡¯t until now!¡± she rebutted, ¡°But¡­ I can definitely see why he chose her¡­¡±

    Apollyon cackled loudly in her head, laughing hysterically as if it were a cosmic joke, Going for sisters huh? Never would have expected that from you, Mori.

    Morrigan paused, letting Stephanie move away from her as she glanced down the stairs towards the only person she could see, Henry slowly opening a door with his rifle pointed into the room as he swept it for targets before moving towards the next room.

    ¡°That is NOT happening! It''s awkward enough as it is¡­ as tempting as it is¡­ yeah, no, not happening,¡± she argued in her head, more with her own intrusive desire than Apollyon¡¯s teasing.

    Being in her head, Apollyon hummed in disbelief, knowing the various images that swept through her mind before forcing herself to refocus on the mission. Despite the embarrassment, she couldn¡¯t help but smile at the humor of the situation as she focused her gaze on her target door.

    She moved up to the door silently, her fingers wrapping around the handle of the door as the sound of something thudding against wood came from beyond the door.

    She touched her comm bead and whispered, ¡°Upstairs, middle room. Guard the building.¡±

    Cracking the door and peering in, Morrigan was greeted by the sight of a room pack with mediocre and moderately valuable items, all loosely packed in poorly stacked boxes and stacks of paper money sitting in piles.

    She furrowed her brows, her anger responding to the wrongness of the sight as she stood up straight and pushed the door open, abandoning stealth for the desire of answers.

    Sitting behind a modest dark wood desk similar to something one would find in a bank back on Earth, sat a middle-aged man with a squared military haircut, heavily tattooed and smoking a cigarette as he dug through a box of items considered valuable: statuettes, ornate picture frames and utensils made of seemingly precious metals.

    The door swung open silently until it bumped against a stack of boxes, forcing the man to look up in confusion.

    ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡± he demanded defensively as he quickly shoved his hands under the desk followed by an audible click before he leaned back in the high back chair he sat in.

    ¡°Lord Inquisitor Clarke of the Inquisition,¡± she stated coldly, feeling her anger rise even more as her right hand clutched the handle of her weapon even tighter, reality realizing her suspicions.

    ¡°The what? Oh¡­ uh, what can I do for you?¡± he asked, as if suddenly remembering what the Inquisition was and back pedaling on his attitude.

    Morrigan took a step closer, scanning the room with scrutiny before locking eyes with the man, ¡°First, by telling me who you are,¡± speaking in a smooth, threatening tone.

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    ¡°I am the governor of this city¡­¡± he said with a cautious flourish, ¡°but that doesn¡¯t answer the question, Inquisitor.¡±

    Morrigan ground her teeth as she watched the man, who was clearly not a leader of any sort, lie straight to her face, ¡°I am here to requisition supplies, as is the Inquisition¡¯s right- ¡°

    ¡°Oh, well if supplies are what you need, I¡¯m sure we can sort that out easily,¡± the man said interrupting her, his grin transparent and fake as some of his teeth, those teeth having been replaced with metal ones.

    She shouldered her massive gunblade, showing off just how dangerous the weapon she carried was, ¡°However, I¡¯ve become curious. Upon inspecting one of the farms, my dropship came under small arms fire, and witnessed Eskarii working the fields instead of machinery, as well as an empty city. Care to explain?¡± her question less inquisitive and more demanding.

    The man¡¯s eyes widened as he sank into his seat, ¡°That¡¯s¡­ because, we don¡¯t use harvesters here. You see, everyone pitches in and works the fields during the day, equitable labor and distribution of pay and¡­ and,¡± he trailed off, seeing the clear disbelief on her face as her eyes narrowed on him as the sound of old combustion engines could be heard arriving in front of the building followed by the footsteps of her team moving throughout the building.

    Taylor, Xol and Stephanie moved towards the front door, shutting it as they saw three old world pickup trucks pulling up on the far end of the front yard with half a dozen people in each truck bed.

    At a glance, Stephanie immediately knew what was going on and turned to Taylor, signing to him.

    Taylor¡¯s face went slack in disbelief, ¡°Uh, Mori? We got pirates!¡±

    Upstairs, the man''s face paled as her scowl turned into a sadistic smile, a burst of crimson energy crackling across her body as she raised her free hand to touch the comm bead in her ear, ¡°I¡¯m well aware. Kill them all,¡± her command as cold as she was deadly.

    ¡°Oh, fuck this!¡± the man shouted as he pushed himself back in the chair raising a large pistol, the thunderous boom that came from it as her domed crimson shield she created removed the bullet from existence. It took only a thought to manifest the shield of power that nearly caused her to fail in becoming an Inquisitor; causing her to realize that creating a shield was no longer as much of a struggle as it used to be though still requiring most of her focus as the shield wavered, her rage howling for blood at the sight of the man who fired upon her, the one that enslaved an entire city and stole everything in a meticulous scheme.

    She grinned, her crimson eyes and revealed fangs causing the man to flinch in shock as the gun trembled in his hand, ¡°Now, you¡¯re going to answer my questions, one way or another,¡± she announced in a tone that promised dark things he couldn¡¯t comprehend.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Morrigan¡¯s instructions were clear for them as Henry broke out a window with the barrel of the assault rifle as he checked to ensure the firing mode it was in, in one swift motion. Taylor mimicked his teammate¡¯s action as he watched three truck loads of pirates rush towards the front door, only to stop half way across the courtyard and aim their weapons as the windows broke.

    Without much warning, a wall of gunfire battered the front of the mansion causing everyone to take cover. Taylor and Stephanie blind fired over the lip of the window as a constant stream of gunfire assaulted them in hopes to force some of them to take cover.

    Henry listened carefully, waiting for the direction of the impacts to move towards his two teammates before peeking out from behind cover and taking three pot shots, scoring two hits before taking cover again.

    Xol hissed angrily at the constant assault pinning them down, dropping the head of his mace against the tile floor and adjusting the handle into an under-the-arm cannon to activate the ranged mode. With his weapon adjusted, he activated the energy shield Yekku had designed for him before stepping in front of the door before looking at Taylor who he deemed to be too close, ¡°Move,¡± his gravelly voice biting the Terran word as he raised his weapon in front of the cut out in the shield.

    Taylor looked back at Xol in confusion before his eyes widened and he dove, tackling Stephanie to the side as Xol fired at the door. The front door shattered into shrapnel as it exploded outward in a concussive blast, firing again at the fountain that exploded like a grenade that battered the enemy.

    The pirates took cover as Taylor, Stephanie and Henry returned fire, seizing the opportunity before the enemy could recover.

    Xol roared as bullets bounced off his portable energy shield, stepping into the door frame like an unstoppable tank as he fired his weapon into each truck; old Terran vehicles that burst into balls of fire as each blast ripped one of the trucks apart.

    With the pirates¡¯ escape cut off and Morrigan¡¯s team having the superior defensive position, the fire fight ended within a few short minutes, leaving them unharmed and all of the pirates dead except for one, whose high-pitched wails of agony echoed throughout the mansion.

    ¡°Stop! Please, stop¡­ ah! No!¡± could be heard between the perpetual cries of pain.

    Henry looked at the group with raised eyebrows, uncertain of whether or not his curiosity was worth finding out what was going on, ¡°Um¡­¡± he started before cutting himself off.

    ¡°Chieftain does not¡­ tolerate slavery,¡± Xol rumbled out, as if knowing what had been going on the entire time as he deactivated his shield and began converting his weapon back into his mace.

    Taylor looked at Xol, ¡°Slavery? Why, why didn¡¯t you mention they were enslaving the Eskarii if you knew?¡±

    Xol let out a low hiss, the meaning lost on the trio, ¡°Does not matter¡­ Chieftain need solve, no matter. Now, she solves,¡± he stated as he set his mace next to the door and leaned on the door frame to wait for Morrigan.

    Taylor¡¯s curiosity got the better of him as he began making his way towards the stairs, Xol letting out a warning hiss as he passed him, ¡°Would not. Mirina Sor is not in good mood,¡± his granted title for Morrigan leaving Taylor looking confused as he looked back at Xol.

    Taylor tried to process Xol¡¯s warning but could only shake his head and make his way up the stairs and towards the main room, both Henry and Stephanie taking Xol¡¯s advice and waiting as they tuned out the horrific screams.

    What Taylor found was Morrigan¡¯s gunblade buried halfway into a wooden desk, a pool of blood spread across the top as a limp arm connected to a dislocated shoulder lay bent awkwardly across the table, the meat and sinew stripped from the wrist down to the elbow in a savage flaying.

    Deep, long gouges bled down the face of a man who was held by large crimson claws, who wailed as Morrigan demamded, ¡°How many of you are there? How many Eskarii are there?¡± pushing his face closer to the edge of her gunblade again.

    The man panicked and screamed before answering, trying his hardest to resist another brush against the large black blade again, ¡°nearly 160! And there¡¯s roughly 1000 of them! They¡¯re all in the fields!¡±

    ¡°Mori¡­ is, is this necessary?¡± Taylor asked with a mix of caution and horror, watching both of their eyes look up to greet him.

    ¡°Dude, help me! This bitch is crazy!¡±

    Morrigan¡¯s eyes turned back to the man sharply as she let out a deep, animalistic growl before putting in some effort, slamming the man¡¯s face into the edge of her gunblade. A sickening crunch resonated throughout the room as the man¡¯s skull split deeply, silencing him forever.

    She carelessly dumped the body on the floor and pried her weapon from the table as her claws faded from existence, looking up to see that Taylor¡¯s face had turned green as he refused to make another comment, absorbing her gore splattered visage.

    She could feel his judgement, the unbridled disgust and fear that was clear on his face as he watched her torture the man; as if Taylor had any right to condemn her actions. She reminded herself that he had no idea what she went through, what she had seen or what she knew she had to be done to ensure the safety of those who lived within the galaxy, especially the Marmuro¡¯k and Eskarii.

    She tsked with a jerk of her chin before holstering her weapon, stepping around the desk and stopped next to him. With a cold look, she gave a simple answer with no room for argument, ¡°Yes,¡± before storming out of the room and down the stairs, leaving Taylor to reconsider his position.

    Stephanie and Henry both eyed the blood stained Morrigan stomping down the stairs, her anger high as she paid no attention to them and stepped outside. Xol on the other hand, gave them both a sharp nod of approval as he glanced up at Taylor who still stood in the doorway of the office, finally looking back to see she had already left.

    Outside, Morrigan activated the connection to the Archangel, ¡°Shepard, ready all dropships for deployment, assault pattern. Pirates have enslaved a town¡¯s worth of Eskarii and has them working in the farm lands around the capital. We¡¯re giving it back,¡± she ordered, her fury prevalent in her voice, ¡°Oh, and scan for any ships. If you find one, destroy it,¡± she demanded before cutting the connection without giving Shepard the opportunity to respond, truly testing the authority bestowed upon her.

    Ready to go play, little goddess? Apollyon inquired in excitement and pride.

    ¡°Yes, none will escape their crimes here,¡± her voice cold as her rage peaked, her team exiting the mansion just in time to see her crimson skeletal wings flare to life and long spectral blades coming from her forearms appear into existence, before she darted into the sky at incredible speed and diving towards the fields miles away.

    She had nearly forgotten why they had come to Iriath II in the first place, her emotions too focused on the memories of Castile V as her mind projected the possibility that the Eskarii had suffered as much as she had, leaving her with an insatiable bloodlust that turned her towards the skies like a bird of prey; one by one hunting each and every pirate slaver she could find in the expansive fields below the city.

    Within an hour, the sky rained down fire as two dozen dropships pushed through the atmosphere to join in her hunt, Inquisition troopers sweeping the land in a strategic execution of the pirate slavers while freeing the beaten and bloodied Eskarii slaves.

    In a matter of six hours, every Eskarii forced to work the fields were freed and were transported to the empty capital that had once been their home, the gore soaked Morrigan having met with the leadership of the Eskarii and returned their land to them once her temperament waned.

    As tentative as the Eskarii were to accept assistance from the new humans that massacred the old oppressors, the Eskarii and half-Eskarii of the Archangel ensured their safety and earned the reward Morrigan had been searching for, the coordinates to the Eskarii home world, Gelia.

    She then decided no supplies would be taken from Iriath II. She learned from the Eskarii that she could not request supplies from the other towns sprawled across the world, a plague having wiped out the human population before the current occupants made a home in the capital city, Iriath II bled dry by the pirates already and their ships. With everything the survivors had gone through, she knew not only that they deserved as much normality as possible but needed it as well, something Morrigan understood down to her bones as a new hatred took root in her heart.

    Taylor hadn¡¯t spoken a word, not even to Stephanie as they returned to the Archangel, Morrigan ignoring the rift drawn between them as the fire of her anger finally extinguished. Her only desire was starting the journey to Gelia and getting a much-needed shower as she tried to banish everything she saw; Taylor¡¯s look of horror, beaten Eskarii of all ages while evil reaped the benefits of their misery. It was a lot to accept, even with knowing that the flesh and blood of that very evil now fed crops they forced them to harvest.

    She spoke to no one, resigning the report for the following day as she cleaned herself of the evidence of the evil she removed from the galaxy; coming to the realization of how painful her job really was, the nature of its duality, to take solace and pride in helping others while erasing the evils of man from existence, the evil that perpetuated her job as an Inquisitor.

 Chapter XIV

    Morrigan¡¯s eyes snapped open to reveal the face of her beloved girlfriend poking out from within a blanket cocoon, a serene calm upon her face as the sound of her steady breathing reached Morrigan¡¯s ears.

    She drank in Nora¡¯s visage, the beautiful and squirrelly woman that snatched up her heart four years prior with no intentions of giving it back, laying next to her in a peaceful state. Morrigan knew she should feel happy to have the vibrant ice mage sleeping so blissfully next to her and yet, her heart only hurt.

    Her heart twisted at the facts she knew about pirates, the violent, lawless nature in which they lived that made for a very dangerous lifestyle. The images of the Eskarii enslaved, as she and Nora had both been, plagued her mind; normally something that would infuriate her only made her even more sad as she stared at the blue-eyed angel next to her. The pirates had taken over Iriath II for seven months which caused so much damage and yet, looking at how tranquil Nora lay, she couldn¡¯t help but imagine the horrors she had experienced having been born into piracy; she could not help but wonder how much pain Nora held underneath her quirky fa?ade.

    She sat up with a sigh and rubbed her face to push the sleepiness away as Skoll lifted his head onto the bed with a melancholy look, eyeing her with sad eyes as she looked at him.

    ¡°Hey sweetie,¡± she whispered as she ran her fingers through the fur between his ears, sniffing and wiping her nose with her free wrist. Skoll¡¯s eyes shifted to her other hand before letting out a heavy sigh before sticking his tongue out and licking her forearm tenderly.

    ¡°Everything okay, precious?¡± Nora¡¯s voice caused Morrigan to jump as she twisted around to see the pair of icy blue eyes looking up at her from beneath the blanket.

    ¡°I-didn¡¯t mean to wake you¡­¡± she said as her breath hitched, running her hand through Skoll¡¯s fur gently as she met her lover¡¯s eyes.

    Nora gave her a soft smile before laying on her back and stretching out with a long moan, ¡°I¡¯ve been awake, you were making noises in your sleep,¡± she said through her stretching.

    Morrigan let out a disappointed huff through her nose before looking back down to Skoll who had closed his eyes, his head nestled against her crossed legs for warmth. ¡°I think that''s the exact definition of waking you up,¡± she mumbled to herself as she felt Nora settle, feeling her gaze upon her back.

    The bed shifted gently as she heard her partner sit up, a soft delighted breath reaching her ears before Nora commented, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I listen to the cute little noises you make in your sleep-oh and the sleep talking, you say the sweetest things sometimes,¡± Morrigan could hear the adoration in her voice as well as feel the gentle heat of her cheeks as a mild embarrassment set in before Nora continued, ¡°But, it sounded like you were having bad dreams. So, I was waiting for you to wake up.¡±

    Morrigan turned her head just enough to see Nora out of the corner of her eyes, unable to hide the sadness that gripped her, ¡°Why?¡± she asked as if it was absurd for her to stay awake for her sake.

    She watched as Nora shifted out of sight only to feel the warmth of her body against her back as Nora¡¯s arms wrapped around her, her chin coming to rest on her shoulder and allowing Nora to nuzzle into the tender spot behind her ear. Morrigan could feel her stress and anxieties begin to melt away as she leaned back into her girlfriend, the comfort that never seemed to fail enveloping her.

    ¡°Its been busy lately, and I wanted to check in, you know?¡± Morrigan could hear the worry in Nora¡¯s voice as she sighed, ¡°I know things have been crazy but when you came back yesterday¡­ there was something different.¡±

    Morrigan sighed heavily, uncertain what it was Nora referred to specifically, but had a good guess of what it was that she meant. ¡°The uh, the capital was taken over by pirates,¡± she stated as she leaned further into Nora, pulling in all the warmth she could, ¡°Somehow, they had managed to¡­ enslave an entire city of Eskarii who had moved in. The humans that occupied the world died from a plague a year ago or so, and they expanded there since the war has been slowly ramping up...¡±

    Morrigan struggled to find the words she needed to express her thoughts as she paused, ¡°I saw children¡­ beaten, dirty¡­ I should have done more. We have the medical staff-I should have¡­¡± her voice caught in her throat as she tried to banish the worst, fighting her own self disappointment. ¡°Some of the Eskarii looked worse than we did, back when¡­¡±

    Nora pulled Morrigan tighter and nodded into the side of her head to indicate she understood. Morrigan could feel the crimson tears well in her eyes as she submitted to Nora¡¯s embrace, ¡°I was just so angry. I hunted as many as I could down but¡­but it wasn¡¯t enough.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t blame you, love, but at least you set them free though, right?¡± Nora asked softly.

    Inhaling sharply, Morrigan suppressed the short spike of anger within as she considered Nora¡¯s words. There was a lot of things Morrigan didn¡¯t do as an Inquisitor, what she wanted to do before returning to the ship, but that left the daunting question of the effects of what she did do.

    ¡°Did I? I mean, how long before the pirates return? We didn¡¯t find their ship and even if they don¡¯t; what if the Marmuro¡¯k or the Federation find them? Did hunting down the slavers really do anything to help?¡± Morrigan asked, her voice pained with uncertainty as she now understood the depths of evil and malice that spread throughout the galaxy. In a confusing response, she felt Nora shrug.

    ¡°There¡¯s always something out there looking to do bad, hun. Even if something does happen again, you still gave them a moments reprieve and gave them a fighting chance. Everything you do, does some good in the world, or galaxy or whatever. All I''m saying is, just imagine if you didn¡¯t come along and something other than you did?¡± Nora countered with the sporadic lucidity Morrigan had grown accustomed to.

    Morrigan processed Nora¡¯s point, unsure whether she could be satisfied with that reality, as true as it was. However, she had no argument against it and knew little of what more she could do except go down to the planet and guard it for the rest of their lives, which would take her away from the rest of the galaxy.

    Can¡¯t be playing bodyguard, kid. We have a war to fight, Apollyon interjected quietly in her mind.

    ¡°Yeah, I know¡­¡± Morrigan sighed in dejection, begrudgingly accepting half of her worries as the rest of her problems surfaced in her mind.

    ¡°Nora¡­¡± her voice reaching only a whisper as the forefront question that plagued her since she woke up struggled to form. ¡°I saw the looks in their eyes¡­ it was only a couple months for them but you grew up¡­ how- how did you grow up with people like that? How did you survive?¡±

    Nora¡¯s arms slackened for a moment at the question, as if caught off guard, even shifting away slightly before pulling Morrigan back into her. Morrigan noticed something odd, as if able to feel an internal fight within Nora as her grip tightened even more.

    The moment she felt Nora shiver, Morrigan realized her blunder; years together and Nora had never allowed herself to have a moment of vulnerability, always the one to antagonize, was now fought to use her love and devotion to push down the need to flee. Morrigan¡¯s own memories surfaced as she replayed the question in her mind, how she felt in Castile V after being raped by Tyrus, how Nora''s concern for her pushed Nora from idle curiosity to a depth of love she had never known and how Nora dodged any question of her past regarding any sort of detail, whether it was voluntary or not. She recalled how sometimes Nora¡¯s expression would falter, a haunting looking reflecting only for a moment before the chipper blonde came back in full swing; a type of defense mechanism Dr. Yuma had once explained to Morrigan years ago when she was in therapy.

    Morrigan was lucky at one point in her life, having the chance to go through therapy to work through her experiences however, she knew Nora never had a chance to face her issues of her past. The truth was transparent for Morrigan now; Nora didn¡¯t survive, she always bottled her issues up and put on a protective shell of abrasive vulgarity to keep the parts of herself that shattered, together.

    She caressed Nora¡¯s arm softly, letting her know that she was there as support, ¡°Will you tell me?¡±

    She felt Nora shiver again, worried that she would try to run away as she had done many times before, and prepared to grab on tightly if she tried to find some excuse to avoid the topic. To her surprise, Nora didn¡¯t try to avoid it, instead sinking against her back as if losing all energy to keep running.

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    ¡°Are you sure you want to hear it?¡± Nora¡¯s question was haunted yet beneath her hollow tone, Morrigan can hear a pleading hope.

    Morrigan wrapped her fingers around her wrist and gently rubbed her thumb across the back of Nora¡¯s hand, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    Nora didn''t say anything for a long moment causing Morrigan to start to worry until Nora moved away and grabbed a pillow, Morrigan turning to see her propping it up against the curved headboard.

    Nora patted the pillow and gave Morrigan a pointed look, silently telling her of what she demanded. A thin smile formed on Morrigan¡¯s lips, finding it endearing that even when so serious, Nora still held a touch of childishness that was truly all hers. Without argument, Morrigan scooted back, letting Skoll¡¯s chin plop to the bed.

    ¡°Sorry buddy,¡± Morrigan murmured as she leaned back against the pillow and stretched out, looking down at the now glaring Skoll who huffed indignantly. Nora paid no attention to either of them as she cuddled up against Morrigan, clinging to her body with her face laid against Morrigan¡¯s chest for as much comfort as possible.

    ¡°This wasn¡¯t an invite you-ugh!¡± to Nora¡¯s displeasure, Skoll hopped onto the bed, his long legs and hefty weight sinking into the bed as he slowly stepped over both of their legs before plopping down onto the bed, his jaw landing directly on Nora¡¯s hip so he could lay his head across both of them. ¡°Geez! Your head weighs a ton!¡± Nora complained as she shifted her hip to alleviate the pain. Morrigan let out a soft chuckle of amusement as she watched the two passive-aggressively wrestle for dominance.

    ¡°Quit being a dick!¡± Nora groaned as she tried shoving Skoll¡¯s head. Skoll¡¯s response to that was to turn and drag his giant tongue across Nora¡¯s face, leaving her sputtering until he gently shifted forward, allowing his neck to rest on her hip and lessen the heavy load on her.

    Nora sighed indignantly while Morrigan giggled to herself as she watched the two of them settle down. Morrigan ran her fingers through Nora¡¯s hair in a calming motion to help her relax, making Nora sigh as she pressed her cheek deeper into Morrigan¡¯s chest.

    ¡°So¡­ I was born on the Solastara, my father¡¯s ship. It was what we called a Class Two Fist, but by our standards, it was a heavily armored Frigate and the center point of the Cradle of Eden¡­¡± Nora sniffed and gripped Morrigan tighter before she continued.

    ¡°The- Uh, the Cradle is a collective of ships we have, interlocking together and using their shields to generate atmosphere. The idea was my dad¡¯s, and um, it allowed the pirate clans to have a mobile base, sort of like the Void Star except ships came and went when their hauls were sold, making the Cradle ever changing¡­ my father¡¯s name was Victor Flannigan¡­ and my mother¡­¡± Morrigan noted the hostility in her tone at the mention of her mother.

    ¡°Her name is Mariam¡­ she¡¯s the reason my dad is dead.¡±

    Morrigan furrowed her brows in confused anticipation, keeping her questions to herself as she gently moved her hand down Nora¡¯s back and rubbing tenderly across her shoulder blade.

    ¡°My dad was the pirate king at the time, the one who made the rules and stipulations behind raiding- they''re actually pretty civilized,¡± Nora comment before thinking back on Morrigan''s most recent encounter as well as her own life, ¡°Sometimes anyways. I was¡­ four, I think, at the time he was killed. We have an unbreakable rule between the clans and that''s: you keep what you kill. It sounds dumber than it is, but basically, if you take over a ship or raid something, which usually ends in a lot of death, then you are the rightful owner of contents of your target¡­ we did this through distinct tags belonging to each clan ship.¡±

    Morrigan''s blood began to boil at the concept, briefly pondering all of the violence and theft that had been going on for decades if not centuries before she took a steady breath and continued listening as Nora gripped the shirt she wore.

    ¡°My mother was behind it. She set up my father''s assassination for another pirate so they could become king¡­ all because my father¡¯s support began to dwindle¡­ most did not agree with his rules because he restricted raiding¡­¡± Nora sniffled loudly, pressing herself closer to Morrigan. ¡°She was promised to keep her status, becoming the new wife. Bolton, killed my father and was hailed as king, a savage bastard that¡­ he was a violent and cruel man who gave everyone their freedom to do as they pleased, everyone but¡­Me and¡­¡±

    Morrigan could feel Nora shake in her arms, the same shaking that spoke of tears falling as Nora buried her face for a moment. Morrigan rested her cheek on top of Nora¡¯s head, running her hand down the back of her hair repeatedly, ¡°It¡¯s okay sweetie, I¡¯m here,¡± Morrigan whispered tenderly.

    A sob escaped Nora as she tightened even more around Morrigan, silently crying until she sniffed roughly and looked up, ¡°He put us in cages, beat us and paraded us around like animals¡­ and that-that bitch just let him¡­¡± she bit out aggressively.

    Morrigan¡¯s mouth opened in shock as her brain processed what Nora said as Nora pulled even harder against her, as if trying to meld into her body, ¡°Stephy¡­ she just turned nine a-and¡­ he just¡­ she was¡­¡± Nora choked on the words as Morrigan held Nora closer, feeling her racing heartbeat over her own violently pulsing heart.

    ¡°I understand, love. You can skip over that,¡± she whispered, pushing her own series of flashbacks down in order to be there for her.

    Nora nodded and wiped her eyes across the fabric of Morrigan¡¯s shirt, ¡°We were¡­ we didn¡¯t get much freedom, kept as slaves and forced to scrub rust off salvage¡­ treated so poorly that we barely got to eat¡­¡± Nora sniffed and relaxed slightly though still gripping Morrigan tightly, ¡°By the time I turned six, my powers came into play but I kept it secret. I practiced every chance I got, trying to figure out a way to use my frost magic to escape¡­ after two years, I learned to make shivs of ice, learned to make them as hard as steel and waited for a chance to strike¡­¡± Nora shivered at the memory, causing Morrigan to kiss the top of her head as her fingers gently brushed through her hair, ¡°I thought¡­ the sick bastard made me watch¡­ there, I could kill him¡­ but women can¡¯t be king. Stephy suffered so much but put on a brave face¡­ she uh, she made sure I ate what little food we got¡­ she never cried¡­¡±

    Morrigan put pieces together in her mind, drawing a map that contained fragments of Nora¡¯s personality, ¡°She loved you.¡±

    ¡°And I loved her!¡± Nora choked out before sniffing hard, her fingers wrapping tightly around Morrigan¡¯s bicep as she forced herself to continue, ¡°for¡­ I just turned eight. I watched her, just¡­ take the abuse-submit to him and I¡­ I knew my turn was coming,¡± Nora stated as she trembled.

    ¡°I cut through the cage, years of work¡­ and used my magic to shatter her lock. It was so loud¡­ we ran, and they searched for us. Eventually¡­ we found a junction in a maintenance corridor. Stephanie wanted to go back¡­ she said things would be worse-but¡­ but, if we went back that it wouldn¡¯t be so bad¡­¡±

    Morrigan let out a steady breath, remembering Nora¡¯ outburst on the Void Star, the night their love nearly crumbled yet managed to blossom, ¡°That¡¯s when you cut her throat,¡± Morrigan stated factually, refusing to let any note of condemnation nor any other accusation mix in her tone.

    Nora struggled to breath as she nodded, trembling violently as she clung to the only person in the universe she told her story to. ¡°We argued¡­ I refused to go back, willing to die for my freedom and kill¡­ I tried¡­ and I ran. I snuck onto a leaving ship and hid for¡­ I cried for so long¡­¡±

    That¡¯s it, girl, feel the fire. We have a new target for your delectable fury! Apollyon cackled darkly as Morrigan''s anger began to rise even higher.

    Morrigan nodded and held Nora tightly, refusing to let up and let her vulnerable lover believe she harbored any negative feelings. Her heart was torn apart listening to what Nora went through, the pain drowning out the roiling fire of rage that burned beneath the surface. ¡°I swear to you, I will kill every last one of those bastards and make sure you nor any other girl has to go through that again,¡± her voice leaden with a dark promise of violence and passion.

    Nora shook her head, ¡°It didn¡¯t stop it, Mori¡­ it happened¡­ I was found but¡­ a warring clan found me during a raid of the ship and took me in- they raised me, baby¡­ they¡¯re not all bad,¡± Nora¡¯s voice held a tone of understanding beneath the sounds of pleading.

    Morrigan sighed and nodded, understanding that Nora loved the pirate life, knowing that Nora would still be a pirate if she wasn''t on the Archangel with her. As much as she hated letting it go, Nora was a pirate inside and out which meant that pirates were her people and she refused to hurt her love, even if it wasn''t against her better judgement.

    ¡°Okay¡­¡± she spoke into the top of Nora¡¯s head before kissing the same spot, feeling the fury behind her eyes as she stared at the bedroom door. Deep down she knew she couldn''t hold prejudice over an entire ¡°race¡± of people, even if they were pirates; every race had outliers among the masses just like the Federation, so, not everyone needed to die but the pirates were just as bad as the Federation¡­

    You''re not really going to hold back, are you? Apollyon inquired in disappointment.

    ¡°I have to, they¡¯re her people. As much as I hate the idea¡­she right, not all pirates or Federation are bad, just like not all Eskarii, Marmuro¡¯k, CoU or from the Inquisition are good. I can¡¯t just condemn them all¡­¡± she responded, her inner voice shaking with hatred as her body shivered.

    Boooringg! And to point out, you definitely can do that. You¡¯re obviously not trying hard enough hahaha!

    Morrigan scoffed, accidentally forgetting that she wasn¡¯t alone as Nora gripped her shirt, ¡°Baby please¡­ I love you but¡­¡± Nora pleaded, the tone of oncoming tears beginning to surface inscribed her words.

    Morrigan closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling her anger subside slightly as she nodded against Nora¡¯s head, ¡°I promise, I won¡¯t but, if I ever see your mother-¡°

    ¡°Just¡­ please, no more¡­¡± Nora cut her off, trembling in her arms as tears began to wet her shirt again.

    The fury died instantly, realizing that her anger was only hurting Nora. Her body relaxed as she began rubbing Nora¡¯s back, looking down at the young girl Nora had once been and sighed in regret, ¡°I¡¯m sorry sweetie¡­¡±

    Skoll, having been eyeing them both the entire time, let out a sharp whine as he raised his head before forcing his nose underneath Nora¡¯s tightly wrapped arm and made room just enough for his tongue to slap against Nora¡¯s chin.

    Nora loosened her grip in surprise as she tried to block his tongue, laughing through her sadness as Skoll refused to let up, forcing his face closer as Morrigan ignored the massive paw that now dug into her right thigh. ¡°You¡¯re a good boy, Skoll,¡± Morrigan snickered as she pet him, looking down to see Nora¡¯s face covered in spit, seeing the small smile on her face despite the pain she felt.

    Nora grabbed his nose and kissed it sharply before roughly rubbing his cheeks, ¡°Yeah, he is a good boy¡­¡±

 Chapter XV

    ¡°Mori, by Sarilla¡¯s calculations, our destination: Gelia, is 23 Terran days away,¡± Sister stated factually as Morrigan leaned over her command console on the bridge. Her gaze cast over the crew; Shepard, Luisa, Sarilla, Avery, Gunnar, as well as Xol and Nora who had accompanied her, most of whom wore expressions of uncertainty once again.

    ¡°Due to our need to avoid Federation territory, the trip takes an additional four days,¡± Sarilla stated, ¡°I even had Sister run her own calculations but¡­ it¡¯s the best we can do.¡±

    Morrigan rubbed her eyes tiredly, having not realized how early she and Nora had been up as the stress of leadership set itself upon her shoulders, ¡°What are our options for a different supply point?¡±

    Shepard hummed in disappointment, ¡°Well, given the reports we''ve received over the past weeks, our options are very limited.¡±

    Morrigan looked at the short elderly admiral with scrutinized inquiry, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°As you know, most CoU occupied worlds are intermixed within the Federation territory. Since we spent more time terraforming planets than expanding our reach, the contested zones of the Federation and CoU are closely knit together over five systems clustered closest together, where as, as far as we know, the Eskarii reach covers the outer fringes of the quadrant¡­ the Marmuro¡¯k are a whole different story since we know very little about any other planet but their home world,¡± Shepard explained before glancing at Xol.

    Xol let out a thoughtful hiss as he raised three of his four meaty fingers on one hand, ¡°Not many, but Marmuro¡¯k are many,¡± he stated, making sure that everyone knew that the Marmuro¡¯k still had numbers over the quantity of planets they claimed.

    ¡°That doesn''t answer my question though,¡± Morrigan sniped.

    Sarilla cleared her throat, leaning forward with clear intentions of delivery bad news, ¡°We really don''t have any options. There might be one or two space stations we can try on the border of the Terran territory but¡­ even that runs the risk of being caught by the Federation.¡±

    Morrigan hung her head and sighed. Even if they rationed, they wouldn''t have enough supplies to make it to Gelia. Some how, she needed to find a way to ensure the Archangel survives as well as those who live in it.

    ¡°Nothing from the other Inquisitors?¡± she asked, not expecting much help from that end of their mission either.

    Avery chimed in on this to her surprise. The man looked restless as his leg bounced nonstop as he sat in his chair, ¡°Actually, we pulled information from the archives, well, Sister did. Apparently, it¡¯s standard operating procedure for each ship¡¯s A.I. to download any new information upon return to the Void Star.¡±

    This piqued Morrigan¡¯ curiosity as she looked up from the console, ¡°According to the records, Inquisitors Danafor of the Trickster¡¯s Sleight, Silas of the Ebony Heart, Tsambikos of the Lightning Strike and Caeti of the Prosecutor¡¯s Ire, were all deployed during the Federation raid, each launching expeditions to various positions throughout the galaxy.¡±

    Morrigan began to feel hopeful from the good news, ¡°Can we find them? Any locations?¡±

    Sarilla however, shook her head as Shepard took a step forward, ¡°Sadly no, they were generalized locations with no set time frames of dispatch. Not only that, but it would be dangerous to broadcast any long-range messages since the Federation has expanded their reach, reducing our odds of finding them by visuals alone.¡±

    Morrigan nodded in understanding, as much as she desired to ignore the well-trained logic. She pulled one of her cigars out and lit it, taking a deep drag from the cigar, and she dug the knuckle of her thumbs into her forehead in an attempt to push the stress out of her mind, letting out a soft plume of smoke as she sighed.

    ¡°Okay,¡± she said before looking back up at her crew, ¡°First priority is keeping the ship stocked with food and supplies. Until we find a way to get a steady supply chain going, we need to start rationing, today¡­¡±

    She saw Nora fidget continuously out of the corner of her eye as the conversation took place, looking around to see the exhausted looks on the bridge crews faces, Shepard too noticed and was first to speak on it, ¡°You have something to say, Nora?¡±

    Shepard did not see the glare Morrigan gave her. She knew what Nora was about to offer as a solution, and as much as she hated the idea, it wasn¡¯t a bad one given the alternative of starving in space.

    Nora¡¯s eyes shifted to Morrigan, who gave her a defeated nod, before she clasped her hands behind her back with a wide grin, ¡°Wellllll, I know one way we can survive out here,¡± she said playfully, her tone telling of her excitement.

    The bridge crew, having apparently forgotten who Nora was, looked at each other. Morrigan sighed as she flicked ash onto the console, taking another drag to steady her irritation as she watched Nora.

    Nora bounced on her heels before turning towards the open viewing glass, staring into the void of stars glinting all around them, ¡°Me and Mori had a long talk this morning and I¡¯ve noticed the issues at hand, ya know-lack of food, being all alone, bored out of our minds,¡± Nora mused as she stepped up towards the glass, breathing heavily on the glass to create a light layer of frost that crackled at the sudden shift in temperature and carving a heart into the frost with her nail. ¡°I know how to thrive in space, living on what you find and can manage to take,¡± she stated as she watched with a happy smile as the frost slowly melted down the window.

    Morrigan watched the look of recognition register on Shepard¡¯s face, ¡°Mori mentioned you were born a pirate, that¡¯s what you¡¯re suggesting? We become pirates?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s exactly what she¡¯s suggesting,¡± Morrigan interjected with distaste. Despite the fact that piracy increased their survivability, becoming associated with a group she quickly grew to hate sat wrong with her. After everything she knew now, how the pirate king abused her beloved girlfriend, as well as her sister, and did things across the entire spectrum of cruelty throughout the galaxy, she wanted nothing to do with that kind of life.

    Come on, little goddess, it¡¯s a good idea. You lead this ship, you get to set the rules and think about all those little Federation soldiers you get to kill, Apollyon hissed in the back of her mind. All the while Nora turned back to group with a sharp smile as she clapped childishly.

    ¡°Got it in one! And you even have the eye patch!¡± Nora giggled at her own offensive humor.

    Even Morrigan couldn''t help but snort in amusement as the bridge broke into amused chuckles, Shepard too brushing off the offensive remark and focusing on the humor.

    ¡°You do have a point, child,¡± Shepard remarked as she emphasized the word child.

    ¡°You do have a point as well. We don''t need to be like ordinary pirates, we can even just stick to Federation controlled ships and planets,¡± Morrigan thought back to the deity in her head.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    There you go, actually thinking for a change. I couldn''t be prouder.

    ¡°Dick,¡± Morrigan responded as she snorted again, this time a small smile breaking across her lips.

    ¡°What do you think about this?¡± Luisa asked Morrigan, turning to her with the look of disbelief on her face despite having just laughed at Nora¡¯s joke.

    Morrigan sighed, running her tongue across her teeth as she hung her head, ¡°Honestly, I can¡¯t say I¡¯m a fan but it¡¯s not a bad idea¡­¡± she paused as she ran mental calculations and began forming various ways to go about committing piracy.

    Nora¡¯s face fell at the length of time her love left the comment linger, the feeling of rejection apparent on her face before Morrigan spoke up, ¡°Its not my decision, and before you point out that I¡¯m the Inquisitor, what I mean is; this is not just my way of life we¡¯re changing¡­¡±

    She looked up into Nora¡¯s eyes from across the large room, her visage encapsulated by the stars as she saw the warring curiosity in her girlfriend¡¯s expression before she stood up straight and looked around the room to everyone else.

    ¡°First, we will vote. As the leaders of the departmental groups aboard the Archangel, you will decide whether or not we hold a ship wide vote. I may be able to make the call but, everyone deserves a say in this¡­ So, all in favor, raise your hand,¡± Morrigan said, opening to floor for any arguments.

    No one raised their hand, except for Nora who threw her hand up with childlike enthusiasm as everyone but Xol and Shepard looked nervously at one another.

    ¡°Awe, come on guys,¡± Nora whined which earned an amused chuckled out of Shepard as she stepped forward.

    ¡°I have done many things in my lifetime, most of which can be considered high crimes to most bodies of government. From flying for the Federation to switching sides to the Inquisition, I can say I have done many things however, I have yet to mark being a pirate off my bucket list,¡± Shepard said, eyeing Nora and shooting her a genuine smile as she raised her hand.

    ¡°I mean, I¡¯m just the driver, so what the hell,¡± Avery commented as he casually raised his hand immediately after Shepard.

    Gunnar let out a sharp laugh before he raised his hand, ¡°You can¡¯t have a pirate ship without cannons, so I¡¯m in.¡±

    Sarilla silently raised her hand as well, having no comical input though the look on her face shared her uncertainty with the group.

    Luisa however, looked very nervous when all eyes fell on her. She mindless picked at the undersides of her nails hard enough to be heard throughout the silent bridge, her eyes darting to each face that expected an answer from her.

    ¡°Um¡­ I mean, I find it hard to believe you¡¯re okay with this. Those Eskarii, they are part of my people, and so are humans for that matter¡­ we¡¯re not going to prey on the innocent, are we?¡± she asked with a level of heartbreaking concern.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have to!¡± Nora exasperated, exhausted with the stigma around pirates. Luisa shrank at the response, obviously feeling singled out and vulnerable by the position the vote left her in.

    Morrigan understood Luisa¡¯s concern and even felt the same way until Apollyon pointed out a fairly agreeable game plan.

    ¡°Nora, it¡¯s a valid concern,¡± Morrigan said sternly. Predictably, Nora shivered at the tone of her voice and grinned savagely.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± she said sheepishly, casting her gaze at Luisa as if she had shamelessly been caught picking on a kid.

    Morrigan shook her head, refraining from smiling as she addressed Luisa, ¡°To answer your question, no. I¡¯ve given this¡­ some thought. My plan is, if those who live aboard the Archangel agree, to target anything profitable that is under Federation control. I am aware this does affect those who do not truly side with the Federation however, this is about survival. In this war, the Federation is our enemy through and through, we don¡¯t get the luxury of vetting each and every person we come by wearing a Federation uniform nor casing each planet or ship for outliers¡­¡±

    Morrigan paused, becoming skeptical of her own plan as she said it. She wondered how much different it made them, biasedly stealing and possibly killing an unknown number for the sake of survival, then she remembered that it truly was war they were in. The Federation struck first, even at the beginning, and now they moved to conquer the galaxy and it was their job to stop that from happening.

    ¡°Truth of the matter, Luisa, this is survival. I chose not to drain Iriath II dry because they experienced far worse cruelty than most. Doing so, risks us starving to death. With the Federation spreading and the CoU dwindling, the only option is to try and hope for friendly planets to requisition from and that¡¯s barely an option in this area of space. More importantly though, we have a duty to fight the tyranny that is slowly spreading across our homes, to safeguard the freedoms of those who have no interest in the Federation and to secure as much peace as possible; if that means being called the bad guys, because it will happen-even by some aboard our own ship just in order to survive and see our mission through¡­ then so be it, we will become pirates.¡±

    ¡°Damn, Mori. A little shotty as far as speeches go but you hammered the point home,¡± Avery commented as he slow clapped, eliciting a round of low chuckles from around the bridge.

    Morrigan''s cheeks turned red from embarrassment as she pursed her lips and gave him the middle finger.

    Luisa chewed on her lip as she mulled everything over in her head, ¡°As long as we don¡¯t stray from who we are¡­ I guess it really would make sense for us to do this,¡± she commented in a lighter tone before slowly raising her hand.

    Nora squealed in delight as she sprinted across the bridge and wrapping herself around Morrigan, kissing her cheek hard before cheering, ¡°This is going to be so much fun!¡±

    Morrigan patted her head for her to calm down and pulled her close before looking at all the group leaders, ¡°Next step, I¡¯m going to need you all to coordinate with your department heads to collect the votes. Sister, open up the ship wide channel.¡±

    ¡°Certainly,¡± Sister responded cordially.

    As soon as Morrigan heard the feedback of the communication channel opening up, she began speaking, ¡°Attention all crewmembers, this is Lord Inquisitor Morrigan. As you may know, the situation on the Void Star has left us without a home to return to. Given the recent events on the planet on Iriath II, we will be unable to resupply and our next destination is the Eskarii home world, Gelia. That being said, I am issuing an immediate call for rationing, as the journey to Gelia is far beyond our supply levels. I know it sucks¡­ but the truth is, even with rationing, we still do not have enough supplies to make it however, I, as well as your department leaders have come up with an alternative solution to our supply issue to ensure none of us starve out here in space¡­¡±

    She paused, letting the crew absorb what she had to say as Nora bounced and squeezed her excitedly, ¡°What I am proposing is not something you all will agree with; therefore, I urge you to spend the next 24 hours thinking about the proposal. Come this time tomorrow, a vote will be cast and collected by your shift leaders on whether or not the Archangel and everyone aboard will commit to piracy against the Federation.¡±

    Though she could not see, she knew in her heart that everyone aboard the ship stopped what they were doing to listen to the closest speaker, many of them murmuring to one another about her proposition, arguments of degrees of acceptability being had amongst the approximate 55,000 crewmembers that kept the Archangel alive and running, many of which Morrigan had never met.

    ¡°We are in a dire situation and it¡¯s only a matter of time before we all begin to suffer. Not only that, but our mission, our purpose as crewmembers of an Inquisition ship is to ensure the safety of everyone throughout the galaxy and protect them from the Federation¡¯s deadly influence. This means we need to survive. We need to live long enough to regroup and find a way to free the Void Star before we too just become memories lost to the stars¡­ therefore, I leave the final decision up to you. This decision will put us in more dangerous situations, one way or another, and puts the Archangel at constant risk but increases our chance at surviving the trials to come. Take the day, think it over, speak to your coworkers, your shipmates and leave your votes with your direct superiors. Your voice will guide our future.¡±

    Morrigan cut the communication and noticed the looks of approval around her. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you growing as a leader,¡± Shepard noted with a smile, ¡°That was very good, Mori.¡±

    Everyone nodded in agreement as a blush creeped up her cheeks once again, fully reminding her of her childhood hatred of giving speeches in school.

    ¡°Ugh, I need to punch something,¡± she retorted, enticing laughter from her closest teammates aboard her ship as she touched her comm bead, ¡°Sigurd! Meet me in the gym on deck 12, that''s an order.¡±

    There was a loud popping noise before the Irish accent she became so familiar with responded, ¡°Well damn, you got it¡­ sorry dove, looks like we¡¯ll have to finish later. Aye, seems like the lass upstairs is lookin¡¯ for a fistin¡¯¡­. No, no not like that! Like this!¡± Sigurd said to someone, having forgotten to disconnect before responding to his company, earning a wry smirk from Morrigan as she stepped into the elevator with Xol and Nora in tow.

    ¡°I heard that and I am so not missing out on watching!¡± Nora cackled as Xol grunted his agreement while the elevator door closed.

 Chapter XVI

    Morrigan looked up towards the ceiling of the training area as she bent herself backwards, arcing energy tickling her face as the crackling head of Xol¡¯s mace passed through her vision. She fell back onto her hands and pushed back, throwing her legs over and landing on her feet in a fluid back walkover, raising her fists up defensively as she let out a soft chuckle just barely audible over the sound of Inquisition personnel exercising.

    She shifted back on her feet with a grin as she watched Xol recover from the wild swing, a high pitched hiss of annoyance sliding through his fangs as he readied another attack.

    ¡°Oi, big daddy! Don¡¯t let the lass get ta ya!¡± Sigurd called out from her right, pushing himself off the floor after being flattened by Morrigan a moment earlier.

    A massive fist appeared in the corner of Morrigan¡¯s vision giving her just enough time to twirl, deftly dodging Aleksei¡¯s fist and bring her left foot up to connect with his ribcage in one motion.

    Aleksei grunted painfully from the blow. ¡°How is girl so small, so strong?¡± he complained to Morrigan as he grabbed the recent impact that sat right underneath his right armpit. He could feel the rough dent in his armor and shook his head as he staggered.

    Several nearby troops laughed at the question followed by mocking commentary as they watched while performing their own exercises.

    It had been ten days since the vote for piracy had passed and spirits across the ship were relatively high despite their shrinking stock of necessities. To Morrigan¡¯s surprise, roughly five thousand crewmembers voted against it while the rest voted in favor of becoming pirates, demonstrating the Archangel¡¯s desire to survive as well as their love for the ship.

    In the meantime, Morrigan spent most of her days training with Sigurd while they made their way to Gelia, actively scanning for any distress signals or identifiable Federation signals along the way.

    However, after spending over a week fighting Sigurd, Morrigan grew bored and decided to involve Xol into her training regiment, even adding Aleksei into the mix seeing as he had the size and constitution to resist her strength as long as he wore his armor.

    ¡°Sorry, but that¡¯s a family secret,¡± Morrigan mused as she glanced towards Sigurd to make sure the crafty Berserker was not sneaking up on her.

    Awe how cute, you think we¡¯re family, Apollyon snickered condescendingly in her mind as she watched Sigurd shift on his feet, aiming his body directly at her.

    The moment Sigurd rushed forward to tackle her, Morrigan dropped low and grabbed ahold of one of his arms before rolling forward, using her momentum to launch the dense man over her and colliding into the ground with a resonating thud.

    Morrigan wanted to force the Irishman into an arm lock however, both of his arms were more mechanical than not and in a split-second decision, dropped her heel into the center of his stomach.

    ¡°Of course we are, jackass,¡± she retorted before rolling away and standing up.

    She turned to see Xol set the head of his mace on the ground, letting it stand on its own as he flexed the corded alien muscles in his arms. She quirked an eyebrow at the unusual display given he always used it during combat training, only for him to flex his eight clawed fingers before letting out a resonating sibilant roar.

    Well, shit, ya gone an pissed off the lizard! Apollyon mused with dissonance.

    Before Morrigan could react, Xol charged her with primal intent as he lowered his head, ramming his thick crest directly into her torso at full force, sending her flying overhead and crashing into a weight rack several crewmates had been standing near, everyone stopping what exercises they were doing to watch the new development.

    Morrigan groaned as she pulled herself off the rack, struggling to breath as she felt several of her ribs snap back into place, realized that Xol had been holding back every time they had sparred together and caused a mix of excitement and anger fueled adrenaline to course through her.

    ¡°I see you''ve been holding back,¡± she commented as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, staggering forward as she checked for blood.

    Is that what you call it? Holding back? You¡¯d be slowly suffocating if not for me! Apollyon said angrily.

    Xol lowered himself into wide fighting stance, as if he posed in a Marmuro¡¯k¡¯s version of a martial art, and readied himself, ¡°See how far you have grown, Chieftain.¡±

    In a burst of speed, Morrigan¡¯s wings apparated in a flourishing thrust that let her close the gap between them, her fist hauled back as she rocketed towards the devoted K¨ºzi¡¯kan that had apparently decided to up the ante with her.

    In surprising speed, Xol thrust his left arm forward defensively, the energy shield in his gauntlet flaring to life as Morrigan¡¯s fist made contact. All 130 pounds of Morrigan crashed into the shield at speed, though spectators watched as Xol struggled far more against the blow than he should have, as a yelp of surprise escaped Morrigan as she felt Xol¡¯s meaty hand grab the back of her head, using her sudden stop of momentum to drag her head down to his awaiting knee.

    The resulting sound of cracking bone ushered a cringing groan from the room as Morrigan felt a intense pain across the left side of her face followed by a sudden rush of moist heat. She staggered back from the blow as her feet managed to maintain the grip upon the metal floor, raising her hand to cover her face only for Xol to spin away from her, his thick tail swinging around and connecting with the right side of her jaw.

    Morrigan tumbled to the ground in a spray of blood, coughing up even more blood as she slowly pushed herself off the ground.

    Fucking hell! Where has this asshole been? Just¡­ give me a second, damn it, Apollyon stated in perceived shock as the deity focus on fusing the bone in her cheek and readjust her broken nose.

    ¡°Wait. I get it,¡± she responded as she felt the sharp, pulsating pain subside and the flow of blood cease, spitting on the ground and wiping her mouth of the majority that dripped off her chin.

    ¡°I¡¯m beginning to see why you were such a well respected warrior of Clan Tau,¡± she called out before coughing up residual blood that drained into her throat as she stood up and turned towards her guardian.

    Xol¡¯s shield was deactivated as he wore a savage grin on his face, his row of long, sharp fang-like teeth glistening in the artificial lighting of the deck¡¯s training room as he prepared for her retaliation.

    Ding, ding, time to get angry Rocky! Put that Ruskie in the ground!

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    Morrigan furrowed her brow at the reference, not knowing the context the deity knew. Ignore the confusing thought, she calmly stepped closer to Xol, staring down the eight-foot K¨ºzi¡¯kan as her anger burned underneath the surface.

    ¡°1200 credits on the lass!¡± Sigurd shouted, having at some point recovered and began cajoling bets from the growing crowd rather than joining in the fight.

    Morrigan couldn¡¯t help but cast a smirk as her eyes landed on the lunatic Berserker, readying herself in a fighting stance her Aunt Jen had taught her as a young girl; taking a wide stance with one arm up defensively while her other arm was tucked underneath her ribs as she put her weight on the leg opposite of her opponent.

    Xol rushed her, completely ignoring the crowd now surrounding them, and brandished his claws in a savage upward strike. Morrigan however, threw her weight forward aiming with her elbow as she pushed past his deadly claws and connected with the soft spot beneath his ribcage.

    Xol staggered back with a hissing wheeze before Morrigan round house kicked him across the jaw, his head snapping to the side with a loud grunt. She gave him a wily smirk as she took a step back, Xol¡¯s eyes piercing through her as he turned to her with a low hiss.

    ¡°Come on, you''re not the first K¨ºzi¡¯kan I''ve fought,¡± her tone was amused with a hint of predetermined violence as she steadied herself, letting her anger trickle through her expression as she bore her fangs in a more hostile, predatory grin. Xol returned the gesture in kind before striding towards her with purpose before they fell into a dance of blows; alien claws slicing into flesh and partially empowered blows impacting muscle and bone as they both struck and blocked with primal ferocity until one of them fell.

    Xol slashed across Morrigan¡¯s ribs, blood pouring freely as she winced only for her to kick out the side of Xol¡¯s knee and topple him forward enough to grab ahold of his crest.

    Emily stepped into the ring with a horrified expression on her face before shaking the shock of seeing the bloody pair, ¡°Mori! We need to go over the daily reports!¡±

    Morrigan paused for a moment to eye Emily as Xol weakly tried to stand, Morrigan¡¯s enhanced strength holding him in place as she replied, ¡°Fine! One second!¡±

    Returning the favor, she drove her knee into his face twice before he could stagger back and try to right himself. Morrigan however, stepped into him and delivered a powerful uppercut that lifted Xol off the ground by several inches as his head jerked upwards, consciousness leaving Xol as he fell flat on his back with a heavy thud of several hundred pounds landing on the metal floor followed by a mix of groans and cheers from the crowd.

    Morrigan let out a ragged breath as she looked down at her unconscious companion sprawled on the floor, inspecting him for any long-term injuries before sighing in satisfaction.

    ¡°Sigurd? Make sure he gets to med bay,¡± she called out as the last of her wounds stitched back together, waiting as the crowd parted before exiting the training room with her administrator.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    There was the sound of a massive collision from above that gave pause to the training room below. Taylor shook his head mid-sit up, having purposefully avoided being on the same deck as Morrigan, yet still managed to be bothered by her presence.

    Stephanie didn¡¯t stop shadow boxing by the sound of the crash but instead, dropped the small weights she held in her hands when she spied Taylor¡¯s reaction. For over a week Taylor had been averse of his ex girlfriend, which normally would be a good thing in most cases however, Stephanie saw between the lines of their new found life aboard the Archangel and knew Morrigan would eventually become fed up with the situation. Not only that, but Stephanie grew tired of Taylor¡¯s attitude as well, lashing out in anger and disgust at nearly everyone on board, including herself.

    She stepped over and kicked his leg to gain his attention, earning a glare in return as he stopped and scooted back to sit up. Her eyes pierced his as she made sure she received his attention before signing, ¡°How long are you going to be an asshole?¡±

    His face twisted in disgust as if offended, as if how he had been acting was acceptable despite how it made her feel. ¡°I''m not,¡± he growled before laying back down to continue his work out.

    Stephanie kicked his foot towards her, messing up his support to keep his attention, ¡°You have been since the mission. Have you ever tried speaking to her?¡± She signed.

    Taylor scoffed as he stared up at her, ¡°Why should I bother? She''s a completely different person than the girl I knew.¡±

    ¡°The girl you dated,¡± she interjected silently, ¡°And she is the same and you would know that if you just talked to her. You think I wasn¡¯t listening as you spoke of her for over a year but I did. She is the girl you spoke of; angry and filled with love, especially for the Eskarii.¡±

    ¡°What the hell is with you defending her?¡± he asked, dismissing what she said as he stood up and crossed his arms, ¡°Of all people I figured you would hate her the most; between threatening her and knowing she¡¯s fucking the woman who did that,¡± he said with condemnation as he pointed to her throat.

    Stephanie rolled her eyes with a harsh scoff as she shook her head, ¡°Is that what this is about?¡± Her lips pursed in anger as she signed, ¡°You still love her and you¡¯re mad that she¡¯s with my sister?¡±

    ¡°What? No!¡± Taylor exclaimed with disbelieving confusion before he sighed in overwhelming defeat, looking around for the closest spot to sit down, walking over to a bench and sitting down.

    Stephanie stalked behind him but kept standing with her arms crossed as he hung his head. ¡°Stephanie, I love you. You were the only one who managed to keep me going all this time¡­ for that I¡¯ll be honest with you,¡± he sighed and rubbed his face before looking up at her, ¡°Yes, I do still care about the Mori I knew, but she isn¡¯t her, and as I said, I love you. I could care less that she¡¯s seeing someone else.¡±

    Stephanie¡¯s face softened as her arms fell, scrutinizing him before sitting next to him. ¡°Then what is it? She leads this ship, Taylor¡­ you can¡¯t keep being so rude,¡± she signed with concern on her face.

    Taylor sighed as he looked at her, running his hand through his hair in an attempt to de-stress, ¡°Ebony has a point, as much as I hate to say it, but she tried telling us how dangerous she is and after seeing that look in Mori¡¯s eyes¡­ what she did, I¡¯m beginning to believe her¡­¡±

    Stephanie shook her head, ¡°I saw that same look.¡±

    Taylor furrowed his brow in confusion, ¡°What do you mean? When?¡±

    She snorted as she smiled in amusement before signing, ¡°When she threatened to strangle me with my own tendons,¡± her smile was bright which confused Taylor even more as she nudged him with her elbow, ¡°The look in her eyes spoke of her pain seeing something she loves is hurt¡­ From what you said, she cares about the Eskarii a lot, and found many hurt by pirates. Similar to when I tried to kill Emilia, which is why I agreed to back down.¡±

    The depth of Taylor¡¯s confusion continued to spiral, ¡°Emilia?¡±

    Stephanie snorted and nodded, ¡°My sister¡¯s name. Emilia Eleanor Flannigan, but she always went by Nora, I was the only one who could call her by her real name¡­ but I could see how much she loved Nora and the length she would go to protect her. I respect her for that.¡±

    ¡°I-I don''t get it? I thought you hated your sister?¡± He asked.

    Stephanie took her time thinking of how to explain it, letting out a heavy breath through her nose before signing, ¡°I hate her for many reasons but, she''s still my sister. Part of me will always love her and seeing her in¡­ such a better environment than the last time I saw her? Part of me can''t help but feel happy for her even if I want to stab her in the throat,¡± she looked Taylor in the eyes before continuing, ¡°The point is, when I watched her descend those stairs, I could see how broken her heart was. Maybe it was a bit much but it made sense for her to be that violent and we should make peace with our grievances, about everything. We work for her now and it¡¯s not a bad gig in comparison to working with Rosa.¡±

    Stephanie slapped his knee, ¡°Besides, you''re mine anyways. I''m okay with her unless she tries taking you back; then we''ll have a violent talk.¡±

    Taylor chuckled and nodded as he gently leaned into her, ¡°That¡¯s fair¡­¡± he sighed considering her words as he watched the crew of the ship exercise around them, finally understanding that they weren''t some outlier team anymore but that they were part of the crew as well. ¡°Maybe you''re right but I can''t help think she is keeping something from us, I mean, we spent a lot of time talking during my interrogation, but her mage abilities and change in attitude or what happened when I tried getting her attention¡­¡±

    Stephanie slowly nodded, knowing exactly what he was talking since she went through it herself for a long time, ¡°She¡¯ll tell you in time, but you have to give her time.¡±

    ¡°You know? Did she tell you?¡¯ he asked incredulously.

    She shook her head with a sly smirk, ¡°No but you can call it woman¡¯s intuition.¡±

    Taylor hummed as he watched from across the room as Ebony sparred with a random crew member while Henry lounged around having a conversation with various crew members exercising around him, ¡°Yeah, maybe you¡¯re right, I¡¯ll give it a few more days before I try talking to her.¡±

    With barely a moments notice, the entire ship rocked violently as an alarm blared and red warning lights flashed, the universal naval sign of coming combat.

 Chapter XVII

    Morrigan stormed onto the bridge, ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡± she demanded.

    Admiral Shepard looked up from her monitor and turned to her as the entire bridge crew focused on their jobs coordinating with their respective departments or processing incoming information, ¡°It seems we have a Federation Destroyer harrying a convoy of sorts.¡±

    The Archangel came out for FTL transition within range to see clearly a Federation ship firing upon three smaller ships however, they were still too far to make out any detail until Shepard pulled up an enhanced view of their target on the main display.

    Morrigan studied the image as she watched the Destroyer¡¯s prow batteries fire and the shields on two of the smaller ships flare brightly as they uselessly returned fire with single defensive turrets. The fight was unsurprisingly one sided though Morrigan could admit the shields were impressive to withstand military grade artillery. She scrutinized the smaller ships, their orange-yellow hulls drawing her attention as she realized they bore no true identifying markings aside from the serialization of the ships.

    Before she could raise a question of the convoy¡¯s origin, Sister announced, ¡°We have an incoming transmission. Shall I allow it through?¡±

    ¡°Let it through,¡± Morrigan stated, waiting for another video feed to appear on the display of a young man aboard one of the ships, electricity sparking from panels and controls surrounding him as two other people in the background tried to keep the ship in working order.

    ¡°This Captain Pearce of the Halwatha Transport company, are you friendlies? We desperately need your help,¡± the look on the man¡¯s face was pure desperation.

    Morrigan nodded to Shepard, who sent a return feed to the man, ¡°This is Lord Inquisitor Clarke of the Inquisition¡¯s Archangel. What is your affiliation, captain?¡±

    The man held a bewildered look on his face, either by the surprisingly young woman now appearing on his own communications feed, or by the question she asked however, once the brief moment of thought, he replied, ¡°None, Ma¡¯am. We¡¯re a freelance company,¡± the ship in the image rocked violently before someone called our the critical state their shield generators were in before he turned back to Morrigan, ¡°Please, we¡¯re going to die if you don¡¯t help us!¡±

    Civilians. Morrigan understood what the man meant, that they were just civilians being attacked by the Federation though the reason behind their assault remained a mystery, not that she needed any reason to attack the Federation.

    ¡°We¡¯ll help but do not leave the sector. I want to know why they¡¯re after you,¡± she demanded with a bite to her tone, her anger over the Federation flaring deep inside.

    ¡°Sure-whatever you want, just help us!¡± He pleaded before she cut the connection, turning her full attention to the Destroyer tailing the convoy.

    She considered her next move before opening a ship-wide comm, ¡°Attention all crewmembers, our target is a Federation Destroyer, prepare for combat. All active combat personnel report to the hangers for onboard assault, all reserve troops prepare for anti-boarding. Havoc squad and retinue, report to the bridge and everyone prepare for hop-skip,¡± she announced before looking at Avery, who stared with determination towards the military ship.

    ¡°Avery, get them on our port side, Luisa, prepare your battery, as soon as they¡¯re in range, all of your lance batteries are to fire at will and bring down their shields,¡± Morrigan ordered.

    With confirmation from her crew, Avery steered the ship into position while Sarilla and Avery coordinated with Gene to warp them into position. Within a minute, the gentle lurch of the ship followed by a change in view, as latent electricity crackled across the exterior of the Archangel, and the dull hum of the ship¡¯s energy cannons reverberated through the floor as they took fire-at-will to heart.

    Morrigan watched the Destroyer¡¯s shield flare as bright red streaks of energy attempted to pierce their defenses. Morrigan knew energy weapons excelled at piercing armor and draining energy shields though provided very little damage to solid matter as a whole however, watching the fire rate of the lance batteries, it would take more time than she would have liked to break through the shield.

    ¡°Luisa! Order all cannons to fire at will; bring that shield down!¡± she ordered.

    Luisa responded with a call to her gunnery crews. Morrigan watched as the rest of the dorsal cannons turned towards the enemy Destroyer and open fire, brief plumes of fire erupting from the mouths of the twin barreled cannons before the vacuum of space consumed what little life of existence the cannon shots provided.

    The assault from the Archangel was staggered to be relentless, the gun crews timing their shots to keep a constant barrage on the enemy ship, keeping the transparent ovular shield surrounding the ship ever-present as it flashed repeatedly.

    ¡°Almost there¡­¡± she muttered to herself in her mind as she spent several minutes watching the shield flash, all the while the Destroyer fruitlessly ignored their quarry in an attempt to defend itself, it¡¯s four broadside cannons and singular top cannon harmlessly attacking the Archangel.

    The Federation Destroyer began to sink below the horizon of her view, diving downward in an attempt to dodge their assault the moment she was sure the enemy shield generator would overheat. She let out an exclamatory growl as she stepped forward, watching the ship descend as the last of the Archangel¡¯s barrage connected with the shield; a small section towards the back of the ship erupting as the shield gave out and the remaining spent munitions passing above the enemy.

    She turned sharply to Avery as the Destroyer began to move underneath the Archangel, ¡°Follow them! Do not let them escape!¡± She watched as Avery obeyed and the view slowly turned as Sister gave both Avery and Sarilla projected flight patterns of the enemy ship to help with the maneuver.

    She listened to Sarilla offer suggestive directions as the Archangel slowly swung towards where the enemy was headed as the ship came into view over the starboard side. ¡°This is taking forever! I never realized how slow ship to ship combat was¡­ if only we didn¡¯t need it intact,¡± she said to herself as she tapped her foot unceasingly out of frustration.

    I know, right? All it would take is a touch of power and determination and you could rip that ship apart, all of those lives snuffed out. All this back and forth is agonizingly boring!

    Morrigan growled in agreement before turning her attention to the battery commanders, ¡°Gunnar, Luisa, as soon as their engines can be targeted, fire at will,¡± she said with an aggressive hunger.

    ¡°I know! But I can¡¯t, we need these supplies¡­¡± she responded to Apollyon as she considered at least ripping the engines apart herself.

    She touched her comm bead after a moment to think as she watched the Destroyer gain distance being such a smaller and lighter vessel. At top speed, the Archangel¡¯s primary engines only pushed them along about 65 miles per hour due to its size, where as the Destroyer easily surpassed that.

    ¡°Ebony, come in,¡± she said over the ship¡¯s communication network.

    ¡°Oh! Um, yes, Lord Inquisitor? We¡¯re currently heading towards the bridge now,¡± she replied meekly.

    ¡°Prepare Havoc squad to join the assault teams, once we take out the engines, I want you to gain control of their systems while our troops deal with the onboard personnel. Even taking out their engines won''t stop them from entering FTL if we¡¯re not fast enough,¡± Morrigan stated as she watched the dorsal battery open fire on the Destroyer, moments before twin bright lances of energy pierced the one of the three enemy engines. Though rarely used, nearly a mile underneath the bridge, sat two fixed and excessively large energy cannons that rivaled the Javelin without the crippling power drain.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Taylor felt the ship shudder slightly as the cannons fired, rushing across the second deck hanger to find Havoc squad entering a combat lander that prepared to take off. As he jumped in he could hear the comment Henry made, ¡°Man, I think this is the first time we¡¯ve not been shot at a ship before, does anyone know how to handle this or am I the only one at a loss?¡±

    ¡°I find it weird too,¡± Aleksei¡¯s deep tone resonated as Taylor shut the lander hatch behind him.

    The sound of pounding on the cockpit door caught everyone¡¯s attention as they turned to see a man, a lieutenant by the markings on his chest plate and shoulder guard, give them an annoyed look as the engines whined lifting the ship off the deck.

    ¡°You need to change your armor,¡± the man stated as he rolled his eyes before reaching into an overhead compartment. Havoc squad cast confused looks at each other until Ebony noticed the color scheme of the company teams aboard, all having armor stained in dark red with hunter green and black accents with antique shades of silver trim.

    In comparison to Havoc squad¡¯s hodgepodge colored armor, except for Aleksei who wore a traditional Mars red heavy plate armor, the team stuck out like sore thumbs and would blend into their new enemy more so than with the Archangel¡¯s troops.

    ¡°Damn it, I knew we were forgetting something,¡± Ebony commented as she watched the man pull out three canisters of red spray paint, shaking the marble inside one of the cans before handing it to her.

    ¡°He should be fine, but if you come across any of ours you may get mistaken for the enemy. Last thing we want is to piss of the Inquisitor because we shot some of her new playthings.¡±

    The entire team was both confused and insulted by the comment, ¡°We¡¯re not playthings! I mean, I guess if you count being a player but I do the playing, I don¡­¡±

    ¡°Stow it, Henry,¡± Ebony ordered, abruptly cutting the man off as the sound of restrained laughter spread throughout the ship.

    Jackson shook his head with a smirk, ¡°Always falling for it.¡± Jackson let Ebony begin spraying his armor in a thin coat of red, while Taylor worked on spraying what little armor Stephanie wore.

    ¡°Do you think she would mind if I collect more blades? I only have four left,¡± Stephanie signed to Taylor.

    Taylor looked up to watch her indicate the chainblade in her hand to which he nodded, ¡°I don¡¯t see why not. Though I do believe someone mentioned the R&D department can make you replacements, right Aleksei?¡±

    There was a loud shout from Henry as Aleksei looked up, losing focus and spraying up the back of Henry¡¯s head causing several of the Inquisition soldiers to burst into laughter, ¡°Oh yeah! Danson can make nearly anything,¡± his tone heavy with respect for another person who had a mind for creating.

    There was an electric roar from outside the ship that caused Havoc squad to jump as the lieutenant turned to address the teams aboard the lander, ¡°That¡¯s our signal, ladies. The enemy engines have been disabled so pucker your assholes and get ready to take the fight to the Federation!¡±

    As Havoc squad changed partners to alter their armor as the soldiers all cheered for the upcoming fight, the ship lurched forward nearly pulling them off their feet as the lieutenant turned to them, ¡°I take it you have special orders?¡±

    Ebony righted herself and braced as she let Jackson begin spraying her down before responding. ¡°Yes, Inquisitor Clarke wants us to take care of the ship¡¯s systems and keep them from entering FTL,¡± she stated.

    The commanding officer nodded before mulling something over in his head. ¡°Far be it my right to give you orders since you take your orders from the boss lady however, nearly everyone aboard the Archangel knows you¡¯re ex-Fed, but we also know you¡¯re one of us now. So, if you can manage to take care of the automated defenses as well as your primary objective I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll earn some points with the combat crews at least.¡±

    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    Ebony pursed her lips in thought, appearing to be considering the man¡¯s idea though she was actually recalling the defense system backdoors and sub-routines for the Federation; Something she often toyed with behind Rosaline¡¯s back.

    After a week of successfully struggling to compose herself, she began teaching several teams worth of hackers by Morrigan¡¯s orders and Ebony could see why. To her surprise, the Inquisition had very few skilled hackers on the ship. At the same time, with an A.I. like Sister, Ebony wondered why they would ever need hackers or half of the data processing crews they had however, she had been too scared to question it and followed her orders with distinct determination.

    She was sure some of those hackers she taught would be involved in the upcoming assault but she could see the man¡¯s point about closing and blending the divide between them and the vast majority of the ship they had yet to meet. Besides, she knew she would be the fastest person to shut down the turret defenses throughout the enemy ship having a vast knowledge of Federation systems on top of CoU systems.

    ¡°Yeah, we can do that,¡± she stated as she tightened her grip on one of the overhead cabinets, the ship turning sharply and shifting the equilibrium of the pressurized ship.

    Despite not having any room to sit and strap in like the rest of the Inquisition troops, Havoc squad was used to being torpedoed at enemy ships, so a little shift in gravitational direction meant little to them in the grand scheme of it.

    ¡°And¡­ Thanks, for the recommendation,¡± Ebony said tentatively.

    The man locked eyes with her and nodded, ¡°We¡¯ve all been the oddball out at one point or another. I don¡¯t know what you know about the Inquisition, but we¡¯re rag tag to the core when it comes to past lives.¡±

    Without warning, the ship rocked as something began pelting the armor of the lander they stood in and the sound of external return-fire sounded from a distance. Having never been aboard a proper boarding party, Havoc squad looked around at the calm demeanor of the 30 soldiers seated in the long cumbersome ship in curiosity.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, our fighters are dealing with the problem. Be ready though, we¡¯ll be landing in a minute or so unless they have any nasty surprises prepared for us,¡± the lieutenant pointed out.

    Havoc squad knew that Destroyer class ships did not have interior anti-ship turrets like the larger ships did, a design most large ships of any party had, nor did they have a numerous wing of fighters either being able to only hold about 14 fighters collectively between two hangers. However, they did have to worry about the external cannons but with the engines and shield down, everyone in Havoc squad was sure that all power was being diverted to the FTL drive as they approached.

    A moment passed as the ship became quiet before the lieutenant listened to an incoming message before addressing the crew, ¡°Prepare for deployment!¡±

    ¡°Does anyone have anti-armor?¡± Aleksei asked over the lieutenant who gave him a curious look.

    ¡°What for, big man?¡± he asked.

    Aleksei pumped his grenade launcher as he watched the entire hold of soldiers stand from their seats and begin preparing their arsenal. ¡°Because, turrets are half inch thick, normally several in small hangers near the back, front and corners,¡± Aleksei mused as he stepped towards the door they entered the ship from.

    ¡°That¡¯s good intel. Alright! Delta three through six, grab AP rounds and start passing them out!¡± the lieutenant ordered with heightened enthusiasm.

    Ebony turned to her crew, ¡°Alright, we know the drill,¡± she said, stating the obvious before turning towards the lieutenant one last time, ¡°Federation ships are relatively standardized, ask the pilot to land towards the stern side of the hanger. That¡¯s where the closest access point will likely be. As soon as we land, I¡¯ll take care of the turrets throughout the ship.¡±

    ¡°Roger that!¡± the man said with a grin, emanating a sense of comradery towards Havoc squad before relaying the request to the pilot.

    Before they knew it, the ping of bullets and hiss of laser fire resonated against the hull of the lander as it touched down within the Destroyer¡¯s hanger with three other landers.

    Aleksei kicked the lander¡¯s deployment hatch open with gusto before thrusting his combat shield out of the ship, blocking all incoming fire before stepping out into the fray and letting out a baleful laugh, everyone within the armored hull hearing the dull thump of his grenade launcher before the sound of a small explosion in the distance.

    ¡°Damn, if we had 100 of him we could take out a damned Battleship¡­¡± Ebony heard from one of the soldiers causing her to crack a smirk. It was a proper reminder that she had developed a well rounded and highly successful boarding team and despite the challenges they have come across, being forced into perilous servitude by both the Federation and the Inquisition, they had the experience and insanity to overcome the deadliest of obstacles.

    ¡°Aleksei, cover me!¡± Ebony called out before stepping behind the giant of a man and grabbed ahold of his munitions belt, dragging him along with her as a human shield towards the dock control unit that would serve as her access point.

    Once the duo cleared space the rest of the troops piled out of the lander and spread out behind crates and heavy loading equipment as they returned fire with the steady growing number of marines flooding into the hanger, the squads that were ordered to follow Aleksei¡¯s advice picking off turrets with armor piercing bullets and breaching grenades fired from under-mount launchers.

    The Federation marines slowed their advance in favor of cover as they witnessed the strategic removal of their automated defenses as they picked their moments to fire from cover or throw grenades as well as dodge thrown explosives from their opposition.

    Taylor¡¯s automatic weapon spat an endless stream of rounds to keep the enemy¡¯s head down as he watched Ebony make it to the console and rip the service panel door off before pulling out her new data-slate and begin plugging into the machine. The high pitch screech of grinding metal caught his attention as he turned to see Stephanie locking chainblades with the only other marine crazy enough to favor a close combat weapon, much less the same as the one she used.

    Stephanie held the whirring blade of her weapon firmly against her opponent¡¯s, sparks and miniscule chips of metal flying between them as both refused to relent. Stephanie however, noticed the man was scrawnier than she was, having honed her body for the full intent of adapting to mobility and the finesse to wield to use such a deadly weapon. In fact she noticed the sallow and sunken features of the man fighting against her, his strength and endurance matching hers with autonomous determination despite the pallid appearance.

    Stimrager. Stephanie knew the type of people who lived and died by the hyper-degrading drugs that some soldiers and pirates alike consumed, much like the Berserker that belonged to Morrigan however, lacking any of the augmentation to withstand prolonged exposure and repeated use of the deadly substances. Stephanie witnessed her fair share of Stimragers in her life, mainly from her life within the pirate clans since the Federation technically banned the use of combat stims, but that never stopped those determined to use despite the rules.

    In her youth, she had once watched someone¡¯s intestines melt out of their body and uncoil through the gaping hole that slowly spread in the lower torso yet, that person continued fighting as if they never noticed their fatal condition, the combat stims blocking all pain and driving the body to move and fight in a self-induced trance which led to a quick execution before anyone could get hurt.

    Now, she was forced to shove the clearly induced enemy back and move away as she prepared herself for a difficult fight. The man stumbled back into an ally that scrambled for cover, his blood glazed eyes shifting to the side before he spun on his heels and dragged the motorized weapon across the unsuspecting marine in a violent spray of blood, the marine dropping to the floor.

    To Stephanie¡¯s surprise, the man turned back to her to reveal a reddening complexion and bulging veins spreading across his face and neck as he breathed heavily, telling her that the man had just recently partook in the stimulant.

    As the chaos around them ensued, bullets and streaks of energy pelting the newfound arena for the two gladiators, Stephanie prepared herself in a self-designed stance developed to riposte with her opponent; her mechanized weapon held up above her head as she leaned low and balanced with her free arm. Her enemy, with a rage-induced battle cry charged at her with reckless abandon with his weapon shrieking before a whip crack resonated around her.

    The man fell to the ground before her, stopping short only a mere few feet with half of his skull missing, for her to turn and find the smoking barrel of Henry¡¯s rifle pointed in her direction, Henry giving her a cheesy grin and a friendly thumbs up before Jackson yanked the blonde man below cover as a streak of energy singed a hole right near where his head once was.

    Meanwhile, Ebony frantically invaded the ship¡¯s systems searching for the network access she had been looking for. All the while Aleksei covered her with his shield and pelted the ranks of former allies with explosives.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Ebony growled as her search led to a dead end for the FTL drive system, instantly switching gears and delving into the system for the automated defenses in hope for better luck.

    ¡°Come on, boss. You can do it,¡± Aleksei stated calmly before bursting into laughter as one of his propelled grenades landed in a cluster of marines hiding behind cover, shredding those around the impact and before a small chain reaction ignited a cargo loading walker near them.

    If Ebony had not been so focused, she would have found the words of encouragement odd since no one on her team had ever felt the need to speak to her like that, often spending their time cracking jokes or loose commentary about their situation instead.

    Within a minute and a half, her fingers danced their way into the heart of the ship¡¯s defense network that surprisingly connected to not only the interior turrets, but also controlled the exterior guns and cannons; a very pathetic and useful design flaw for the model of ship they were on.

    With such unhindered access, Ebony not only disabled the ship¡¯s weaponry but also injected several viruses that would destabilize the coding and make it an absolute hell for anyone to attempt to try and reestablish control. The following moment was filled with broken cheers from any of the Inquisition soldiers that took notice of the disabled weaponry as she worked on digging back into the system for any form of information on the FTL drive¡¯s system access or location while simultaneously hindering the ship¡¯s systems.

    ¡°Okay, we got to go up two decks for the closest access point,¡± Ebony stated as the tide of battle shifted in their favor as a new wave of landers deployed more Inquisition soldiers, the rate of which Aleksei¡¯s shield deflected incoming fire dropping as she disconnected from the dock controls. ¡°Havoc squad, form up!¡± she called out through their open comms.

    ¡°Alright, the closest access point not connected to this one is two decks up. I¡¯ve rerouted the power flow to useless sub-systems to buy us time- lets go!¡± Ebony announced as she turned back to see the tide of battle swiftly shift in their favor. The Inquisition abruptly switching to more offensive coordination as Federation marines dropped left and right, falling back deeper into the ship as they lost the hanger.

    The issue with the sudden shift in battle was that Havoc squad would have been required to wade through the carnage and find a spot to swiftly and safely push through enemy lines except they had a mad man for a demolitions expert.

    ¡°Havoc squad, form up!¡± She called out as she signaled for them to move to the stern wall before tugging on Aleksei¡¯s arm, ¡°We need a hole. Go do your thing.¡±

    Aleksei grinned and holstered his grenade launcher which sat comically in a holster built into the thigh plate of his armor. Havoc squad moved towards the wall and hid behind cover as a few brave enemy souls remained and took pot shots at the Inquisition as Aleksei merely held his shield high enough to block any incoming fire as his free hand dug out the items he needed.

    By the time the Martian made it to the wall the firefight within the hanger ended and moved into the connecting corridors which allowed him to begin placing lock breachers in a rectangular pattern, using six charges in total before filling the gaps between the charges with an extremely volatile paste he had created that put thermite to shame before pulling out a massive misshapen breaching charge, pausing and asking, ¡°What¡¯s on the other side of this wall?¡±

    Ebony recalled the vague map she dug into, ¡°Should be Med Bay four.¡±

    Aleksei snorted and grinned before slapping the large explosive against the wall and pulling two pins from the sides, ¡°Good, then this shouldn¡¯t kill us,¡± he stated as he pulled an additional pin from the front of the device before stepping back 30 feet and turning around.

    ¡°This will be bright!¡± he announced before thumbing a detonator that seemed to appear from no where. Taylor instantly recognized the smaller charges he had once used on Earth; small sticky devices that burned so intensely that they metaled the hardest of metals and were blindingly bright. Havoc squad dove away from Aleksei¡¯s set up as the massive breaching charge let out a flash of flame, the silver grey paste igniting and burning brightly as the searing trail moved towards the small lock breachers. Within moments, the entire right side of the hanger was alight with the equivalent brightness of a flashbang.

    As soon as the blinding assault ceased, Aleksei thumbed another detonator and a cacophonous explosion erupted behind them followed by a heavy, echoing thump, each of them turning to see a smoking hole edged with still molten slag. On the other side stood a petrified doctor that stared back through the gaping hole in the wall to see Havoc squad peering back, the pistol in his hand hanging limply at his side before the weapon slipped from his fingers and clattered to the ground.

    Stephanie wasted no time as she raised her pistol and fire, punching a small hole into the man¡¯s chest that dropped him to the floor.

    ¡°Was that really necessary?¡± Henry asked aloud with furrowed brows as he looked to Stephanie, who in response merely shrugged and strutted towards the hole with weapons ready.

    Taylor shook his head as the rest of Havoc squad moved towards the hole in the wall, Jackson pestering Ebony on whether or not they had time to ransack the med bay or not, as he stepped behind Henry. ¡°As much as I don¡¯t like it, the orders are to kill any and all Federation personnel¡­¡± his words trailing off as he watched Stephanie disappear to the left of the hole before another gunshot rang out over the distant fire fight down the open corridors connected to the hanger.

    Henry shook his head as well with a shrug, ¡°I get it, and I¡¯m all for following orders but this is like- a war crime or something, right?¡±

    Taylor nodded as he looked back to see a new set of landers enter the hanger and begin deploying more soldiers, ¡°And of course, Steph is gunho to follow Mori¡¯s orders.¡±

    Henry stopped and turned, blocking Taylor¡¯s path with a overly curious eyebrow, ¡°Trouble in paradise?¡±

    Taylor shook his head, ¡°No, we¡¯re good but our new deal; it makes me wonder if we¡¯re really better off. I feel like this is trading one evil for another,¡± he admitted.

    ¡°Maybe, but then again, its your ex-girlfriend. You really think she¡¯s evil?¡± Henry asked.

    Before Taylor could respond, Ebony poked her head into the smoldering hole and shouted, ¡°Come on, we don¡¯t have all day!¡±

    ¡°Sorry boss! Just needed a quick handy from lover boy here!¡± Henry responded with his usual sarcastic demeanor before both men let the conversation lie and made their way into the med bay as if it never occurred, ignoring the handful of now dead medical personnel before following Ebony¡¯s directions through the interior of the Destroyer.

    Despite his grievances, Taylor hoped the current assault was the last of its kind yet deep down knew he would have to get used to the idea of being a butcher for the Inquisition, as well as for Morrigan, who had orchestrated the massacre of the Federation Destroyer FSS Tempest.

 Chapter XVIII

    Gunshots could be heard throughout the metal corridors as Havoc squad moved to their destination, screams of dying soldiers or orders unfollowed echoing behind the sharp sounds as Ebony found the correct hallway to go down.

    There was a pneumatic hiss that led to a heavy thump that could be just barely felt through the floor that caused everyone to pause and draw their weapons to the ready. Stephanie, being the most silent of the group, crept up a clean hallway that had yet to be stained with combat as it also seemed to lack any enemy forces.

    Their journey through the ship had been surprisingly uneventful aside from a brief firefight as they made their way up deck from the med bay, two squads of marines stumbling across them in a rush towards the main fighting against the Inquisition. The farther they moved from the main Inquisition force, the less enemy they found as the Federation marines focused on tackling the main body of insurgents and apparently ignoring the concept of enemy forces branching off and spreading through out the ship.

    Stepping up to a sharp left turn with no where left to go Stephanie peered around the corner to find the next hallway devoid of life, two sets of heavy doors along the left wall, one being only ten feet from the corner with the other another 80 feet down the hall, and three smaller doors on the opposite wall equidistant from each other. This caused quite a problem for Stephanie as she tried to recall how loud the sound was in accordance to where the doors were located, the inability to pinpoint where the noise came from without further information meant that they were likely to walk into an ambush.

    Stephanie turned back to her team and signaled her lack of findings, using a bastardized version of Federation hand signals mixed with her own sign language, something Ebony had ordered her to create several years prior.

    Ebony sighed indignantly as she looked down at her data-slate. ¡°Well, our target is in the first room on the left-seems to be one of the storage rooms with a terminal connected to a different circuit. I doubt there will be anyone setting an ambush in there but let¡¯s be careful regardless,¡± she stated in a hush tone keeping the possibility of the enemy being close in mind.

    ¡°Let me go first, boss,¡± Aleksei offered as he hoisted his homemade ballistic shield in reference to his defense in an ambush setting.

    Ebony nodded, ¡°Yeah, Henry, watch the hall. Stephanie follows, then Jackson, me then Taylor.¡± Her eyes met Taylor¡¯s with the silent order to open fire as soon as the enemy was within sight if it came to it which led him to double check his ammunition level within his current box of rounds; only sitting at a half of a box earned a partial swap, unhooking the box magazine from the rifle and letting the unspent belt dangle freely as he hooked a new box underneath and fed just enough of the new belt out for a hot reload.

    Seeing him finished his preparations, Ebony nodded to Aleksei, letting the giant step in front of the line and around the corner hiding behind his shield as Henry slide across the semi-polished metal floor and lean around the corner, his back against the wall behind Aleksei, aiming down the hall in search of movement.

    Without the sound of combat starting, Stephanie silently approached behind the demolitions expert, a resounding clink responding as he pushed the button that was supposed to open the massive bisected door.

    ¡°Hey boss? Need you to open the door,¡± Aleksei stated, his voice carrying farther around the corner than anyone was comfortable with.

    Ebony scowled as she rounded the corner, pushing her way past Jackson and over to the small panel that operated the door, prying the maintenance cover from the bottom of the panel and hooking her data-slate up to it. In under a minute the doors slid open with a loud pneumatic hiss, clanking even louder as their massive weight slammed into the wall.

    Aleksei stepped into a light-less room with his shield out. Moving slowly, he could see the faintest of light coming from deep within the storage room, ¡°Can someone get the lights? I think I see the thing EB needs.¡±

    The rest of Havoc squad, except for Henry who watched the corridor like a hawk, stepped into the pitch-black room slowly, feeling for the panel that controlled the lights along either wall of the massive doors.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Jackson announced quietly before switching on a large breaker and blinding everyone in the room.

    As their eyes adjusted to the blinding light that flooded the room Havoc squad was greeted with a surprising sight. ¡°Why the fuck do they have war-walkers?¡± Ebony asked aloud, eyeing the three short rows of the squat, bi-pedal war machines all equipped with a devastating array of weaponry. A war-walker was a walking cabin piloted by a single person with two to four weapon systems; from rocket pods to massive flamethrowers and everything in between and plated in inch and a half thick metal plating meant to stop small arms fire and even low yield explosives. However, what they looked at though were smaller models of war-walkers short enough to fit down the main corridors of a starship even as small as a Destroyer, just brushing past the towering height of nine feet tall, where as the models they knew were often 15 feet tall and instead of carrying an multitude of weapons, the smaller models seemed to carry a singular weapon of variety with a twin barreled anti-armor system attached to the right shoulder.

    ¡°I heard about these,¡± Taylor muttered stepping forward from the group and inspecting the closest walker, ¡°Back on the Chevelle, some of the engineers mentioned a new war-walker. Something that could be dropped into combat zones with more mobility and speed¡­ they even mentioned how they could be used to board other ships, something equivalent to a tank without trying to drive a tank through a ship.¡±

    Aleksei let out a loud groan of anticipated pleasure as he lowered his grenade launcher and turned to Ebony, ¡°Boss, we have to take these! Think of all the mayhem we could cause!¡±

    Ebony rolled her eyes as she moved closer to him, slugging him in his armored shoulder before commenting, ¡°You¡¯re already a walking tank, and how do you think we could get these back to the ship? We don¡¯t know how to operate them and we also don¡¯t know if we could fit them on the Archangel¡­¡± she paused as she pressed her tongue against the roof of her mouth, announcing the Inquisition ship as their home ship now felt odd to her, especially saying it out loud.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think Big Boss would mind. Bet she wants one herself! I mean, who wouldn¡¯t?¡± he stated factually as he looked over one of the war machines with endearment and a savage grin.

    ¡°We need to worry about our mission first, you can ask about looting them later,¡± she ordered with annoyance before stepping in between two rows of walkers and headed to the back of the room where her awaiting console would be.

    There was a clatter of metal on metal and the sound of gears ratcheting against each other that made everyone jump and raise their weapons defensively. A loud heavy foot step resonated through the room as Ebony shuffled backwards between the row of walkers as she watched the last walker in the center row come to life, stepping into the path between with a panicking pilot fidgeting with the controls.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to get me you alien loving scum! Think you can get us because we¡¯re a small ship? I¡¯ll show you!¡± the man inside the walker rambled as he fought to find the controls he wanted, the sheer nonsensical announcement emphasizing his desperation as the walker¡¯s humanoid designed arms held giant belt fed assault rifle within its mechanical hands at the ready.

    ¡°Aleksei!¡± Ebony called out as she turned to run across to the opposite side of the room, Jackson and Stephanie following suit as they too saw the hulking metal war machine stomping down the aisle slowly.

    Aleksei placed his grenade launcher into the cut out of his shield and stepped into view, ¡°I got it!¡± he announced before pulling the trigger and landing a propelled grenade squarely into the cabin glass, the geometric viewing glass barely cracking as the explosive went off leaving Aleksei dumbfounded as the he watched his grenade barely bother the machine.

    ¡°Ha! There we go!¡± the pilot cheered as the twin barreled rocket pod on its shoulder shifted over the plated shoulder on a track and aim directly at Aleksei with Taylor stepping into view.

    In a profane shout, Aleksei dropped everything he was carrying and dove at Taylor, carrying the respectively smaller man with him as a rocket launched and slammed into the space that had been right behind Aleksei, the anti-armor rocket punching a large hole into the floor as the explosion propelled the two into a stack of crates that barely registered their bulk.

    ¡°What the fuck was that? Why didn''t you use your launcher?¡± Ebony demanded from across the room before a loud torrent of gunfire drown her out, the pilot having figured out the massive assault weapon.

    ¡°I got an idea, distract him!¡± Taylor grunted as he and Aleksei pried themselves off the floor.

    ¡°Seriously?!¡± Ebony groaned before nodding at Stephanie and Jackson.

    Aleksei looked over to see the smoldering shattered shell of his grenade launcher that landed near the wall next to him before pulling a smoke grenade from his belt and tossing it in front of the walker.

    Within seconds smoke began to flood the area around the active walker who made no effort in ceasing the constant barrage, aiming more wildly as his vision became obscured; all the while someone took pot shots at him.

    The noise drew Henry¡¯s attention instantly and touched his comm, ¡°What the hell is going on in there?¡±

    ¡°We got it! Just don''t let anyone come up behind us!¡± Ebony ordered; her voice barely audible as the comm mainly picked up the gun fire.

    Several large bullets ripped through the wall close enough to his position to cause him to dive to the floor in panic. ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound like it!¡± he barked at it just before catching a glimpse of three marines rounding the corner at the end of the hall. All he could do was hope not to get shot through the wall by armor piercing bullets as he took aim at his new targets.

    Taylor climbed his way up the crates as Aleksei drew a heavy revolver and fired into the smoke, ¡°Aleksei! Go for the feet!¡± he called out as he climbed higher. Upon the quick inspection of the war-walkers, Taylor noticed that the knee joints were exposed from the back and the feet operated on short range gyroscopic joints that allowed for easier movement through rough terrain though the feet of the walkers were not designed for every scenario. Gyroscopic designs are designed with stability in mind however, they¡¯re sensitive and easily damaged by abrupt uncalculated movement.

    Aleksei, pissed about his destroyed weapon, did not argue as he rushed into the smoke. The grey smoke darkened in his view as the massive leg pivoted in his direction, the massive firing machine gun illuminating its position as it sprayed in a wide arc. Aleksei ducked underneath the large weapon and grabbed ahold the machines forearms, pushing with all his strength to aim the weapon towards the ceiling. ¡°Now, Taylor!¡± His thunderous voice overcoming the onslaught of machine-gun fire.

    Taylor, from atop of the stack of crates that filled the room on either side of the mass of war-walkers, dove onto the active war machine and slapped a lock breaker onto the roof that had been boldly pre-armed before falling to the ground and rolling away to avoid the stomping legs that fought against Aleksei.

    The scent of mixing chemicals followed by the blinding light of a lock breaker that ate away at the metal roof of the walker. Aleksei closed his eyes as he recognized the smell moments before a small section of metal turned red hot and began dripping molten slag into the cabin. The molten metal dripped onto the pilot who screamed in agony and panic, losing control of the war-walker as Aleksei gave it one final heave.

    The joints in the ankles of the groaned as the pilot was unable to compensate for the sudden shift in gravity before the stress caused the joints to snap, toppling the machine backwards a mere inch away from a scrambling Taylor.

    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Rather than getting up, Taylor aimed his light machine gun through the hole in the top of the cabin and fired a small burst, the screams of agony cutting short as Taylor¡¯s rounds pierced his skull, ending the threat that instant.

    ¡°You good?¡± Aleksei called out, breathing heavily having wrestled a war machine and stepped around to see Taylor laying on the ground relaxed in relief.

    Taylor nodded, Aleksei turning and kicking the shoulder of the machine with a shake of his head, ¡°That was disappointing. Don¡¯t think I want one now.¡± Taylor snorted at that as he smiled, shaking his own head before sitting up in time for Ebony to come out from behind the rows of machines.

    ¡°Good job you two, now, I gotta call the Inquisitor,¡± she stated before accessing her data-slate, remotely uploading the information she had gathered. ¡°Inquisitor, the FTL drive has been disabled-I am also sending Sister a series of files I found as well as a partial schematic of the ship,¡± Ebony stated into her comm.

    ¡°When the hell did you do all that?¡± Taylor asked incredulously.

    ¡°Very good, Ebony. Continue with the assault. The Archangel is preparing to anchor in a few moments,¡± Morrigan responded over the comm.

    Ebony sighed with relief before turning to Aleksei and Taylor, ¡°To answer your question, while you were fighting that thing. You two seemed to have handled it just fine,¡± she said with a sly smirk, her tone a confusing mix of being sarcasm and pride.

    Aleksei just shook his head with his hands on his hips, ¡°That¡¯s rude, boss.¡± Taylor grunted in agreement before getting up, turning to see Stephanie and Jackson weaving out of the war machines unscathed, letting relief outweigh the annoyance that the two of them had been abandoned to fight while the rest of the team finished the mission.

    ¡°Henry, you good?¡± Taylor called out.

    There was a worrying pause, a long stretch of silence that nearly spurred the team into action before Henry replied, ¡°Sorry! Was scratching my balls. Had three but they''re no longer a problem!¡±

    Havoc squad snickered to one another in levity, Henry¡¯s poor wording bringing much needed humor to the situation. All in all, their mission was complete and everyone was alive, which was their goal of every mission they had.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Helen inspected the massive open throne room, forever in awe of the crystalline lattice that covered the walls in a kaleidoscopic hue of cerulean blue, creating its own monochromatic beauty from every angle. She sat next to the throne in an elegant embroidered couch that had set to the right of the massive white crystalline throne to signify her status as a guest of the queen.

    ¡°I hate to pry but do you know how long your friend shall hold on to my grandchild?¡± Myshkali asked in a royal tone.

    Helen smiled softly as she picked up the sheepish undertone in her voice as she folded her hands in her lap and looked up at the regal Eskarii woman. ¡°Well, depending on when they actually conceived¡­ it should be around eight months or so, give or take a week,¡± she responded with a hint of amusement.

    The queen, in a break from her royal composure, slumped forward and let out a long, longing groan that made Helen smile.

    ¡°This is really your first?¡± Helen asked as if never believing that a woman with so many children could only be expecting her first grandchild.

    Myshkali leaned against the arm of her throne and placed her chin in her palm, her free hand flippantly expressing the reluctance of only expecting her first, her face on the other hand attempting a pained look. ¡°Yes, you see¡­ Cheronn, my oldest son, had been expecting a child. A young woman of House Caelis, she bore my son¡¯s seed and¡­¡± the queen¡¯s eyes shifted down sullenly, ¡°the foolish child of mine dragged her along to war, thinking he could protect her better than here within these walls¡­¡±

    Helen nodded in understanding, ¡°When he was killed combat; it was not only him that suffered from the violence,¡± she stated knowingly.

    Myshkali nodded, ¡°For as intelligent as he was in the art of war, he was a fool of the heart. His only reason to drag her into the world of conflict was his inability to be apart from her.¡±

    Helen nodded along with her host before leaning back, ¡°I can¡¯t imagine¡­ I expected Mori to get pregnant early, her and Taylor¡¯s inability to be apart was, dramatic, to say the least yet she was well behaved when it came to sex¡­¡± Helen snorted to herself as she shook her head in amusement, ¡°That girl couldn¡¯t behave to save her life; picking fights, causing trouble and becoming the target of an entire government. Yet, she managed to keep her pants on, heh.¡±

    Myshkali looked at Helen curiously as she studied the way she spoke and the subtle changes in her expression, ¡°You seem both grateful yet disappointed?¡±

    Helen shrugged as she spied the massive archway door that was left of the throne where Jen and Torvil had been whisked away so Jen could be properly attended to out of sight. ¡°Well, she has a girlfriend now instead so that kind of cuts out the expectations of a grandchild for me. Which isn¡¯t a bad thing given what she has been doing as an Inquisitor.¡±

    ¡°Your daughter has mated with a female? How does that work if it does not allow for proper reproduction?¡± the queen asked as if the concept was alien to her, though Helen knew better than that.

    ¡°Your people have relations with those of the same sex, it¡¯s no different really. The heart wants what the heart wants; I am not one to put such expectations on my daughter,¡± Helen stated, watching Myshkali attempt to process what she said.

    ¡°But¡­ yes, we do however, we do not allow the choice of mates of similar sex. Without proper mating our species would die out. Any relationship between two women or men of the Eskarii is purely circumstantial pleasure,¡± Myshkali responded.

    Helen chuckled at her comment as she grinned, ¡°Yeah, we have the same thing. They¡¯re called ¡°friends with benefits¡± however, there is a substantial difference between the Eskarii and Terrans,¡± Helen said factually, piquing the queen''s curiosity which only made her grin turn into a sweet smile, ¡°Birth rates. The average human female can conceive any number of children once every 18 months or so, depending on how many eggs are available at the time and from an early age biologically speaking... Yet, from what I¡¯ve been told, the Eskarii birth rate is far slower, leaving the window of pregnancy to start at age 40 or so, and only being able to conceive every decade or so if not longer.¡±

    Myshkali gave Helen an impressed look, nodding along before responding, ¡°It¡¯s slightly more complicated than that however, that is a very good understanding for someone who has not been part of our education in our biology.¡±

    Helen sniggered, ¡°Yeah, thus giving Terrans a lot more freedom in the mating department. Take Jen and Torvil for example,¡± she said gesturing towards the door, ¡°If humans had such stringent mating rules, you wouldn¡¯t be expecting a grandchild now.¡±

    Myshkali groaned again in contempt for the wait she was forced to endure, ¡°Time moves so slowly for the universal miracles,¡± she said wistfully, her thoughts fantasizing about the coming addition to her family which made Helen giggle.

    Just then, the space around the queen¡¯s head shimmered just enough for Helen to notice before the queen sat up abruptly, ¡°I apologize ahead of time,¡± she stated as she composed herself.

    The next moment, the giant archway doors that separated the throne room from the rest of the underground cavern metropolis opened loudly, the sound echoing around the room as a dark purple haired Eskarii shuffled into the room. Helen could see his long flowing hair was slightly disheveled and his face expressing fury as if he had rushed across the city, watching him storm closer to the throne; Helen looking between the male Eskarii and the queen in confusion.

    ¡°How dare you sit upon that throne consorting with a Human as one of our worlds burns!¡± He shouted, his voice carrying across the room in perfect clarity, biting pointedly in Eskarii as if to keep Helen from understanding his frustration.

    ¡°Chancellor Hyst, you are bold to step to the throne in such disorder,¡± Myshkali stated calmly, her words hinting at the expected retaliation if he kept up his aggressive nature towards her.

    The man did not miss the veiled threat and slowed his pace to a stop, running his fingers through his hair in an attempt to straighten his look and compose himself. ¡°You not only break your own laws by having these mongrels dirty our city but you also do nothing as our most prominent world is assaulted by their kind!¡±

    Helen cocked her head to the side curiously, pretending to be attempting to understand while instead, analyzing the man''s foreign words for deeper meaning.

    Myshkali looked down from the throne that sat upon a massive dais, her eyes piercing the man¡¯s gaze in with the full weight of her royal stature, ¡°I am aware. It was only a matter of time till the Federation began targeting our worlds-such is why we have prepared for this day long ago. As we speak our forces evacuate the planet as our fleet defends against the enemy ships that rain fire down upon the surface.¡±

    The Eskarii man only growled at her response, his eyes darting towards Helen briefly before pointing at her, ¡°How do you explain that! You keep a human as a pet while humans kill our kin!¡±

    Helen looked at the queen with a quirked eyebrow, also curious of what her answer would be. Meanwhile, Myshkali stood from the throne causing the man to step back a single step before resolving himself, ¡°This Terran is a guest of the Eskarii as the mother of the one who shall save all our worlds. You cry in outrage over a single planet while our entire race hangs in the balance¡­ I have no joy for the sacrifices we must make but¡­¡± she paused as she stepped closer, watching the man begin to panic and search for dark corners where he knew certain guards waited in the shadows.

    As she stepped within a few feet of the man she stopped, ¡°I have seen an all consuming fire, burning everything to ash with no chance of escape¡­ my heart goes out to those who cannot avoid the violence of the Federation however, what is a small number of lives against all lives?¡±

    The man hesitated, his face telling Helen that he desperately wanted to rant and rave about the situation and yet, the man could only hiss through his teeth as his eyes darted around the room before turning on his heels and exiting the chamber. The queen¡¯s words were not lost on her either and more so, her tone.

    As Myshkali returned to the throne Helen processed the grieving hidden within her words and upon her face, uncertain what was happening within the galaxy.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Helen asked, unable to resist the worry building inside of her.

    Myshkali took her seat and sighed, dropping her regal demeanor and turned to Helen as if she were more of a friend than a guest to keep at arms length, ¡°Gelia burns as we speak¡­¡±

    Helen¡¯s mouth dropped open in shock as her brain processed those words. She knew Gelia was the false home world of the Eskarii. A vast and lush planet of jungles and wildlife too numerous to comprehend while serving as a integral resource to the Eskarii race as well as having many Eskarii call it home¡­ burning as the she and the queen made small talk. Helen could not understand how the queen sat so idly as one of her own worlds was under assault though Helen knew very little of what could be done differently about it.

    Another question came to mind that Helen had been pushing off asking; the mysterious foresight that the queen had. However, before she could bring it up the other door to the left of the throne opened.

    Both Myshkali and Helen looked over to see Tali step into the chamber, looking around in sleepy curiosity as she rubbed one of her eyes. Tali wore a sleeping gown of soft silken material as vibrantly pink as her hair that ran down to her bare feet that padded softly across the floor, her green eyes settle on her mother.

    ¡°Mother, who was yelling¡­¡± her voice trembling like a scared child who had woken up suddenly, though it was obvious that had been the case.

    Myshkali sighed again as her face soften, ¡°That was Chancellor Hyst, he was upset over something trivial as he often is,¡± the queen lied to her daughter.

    Helen could see the girl¡¯s lip quiver as she listened to the explanation as if it would satisfy being woken up by angry shouting. ¡°He¡¯s so rude, I was sleeping and¡­¡± Tali trailed as off as she rubbed her eyes to stem the tears that ran down her cheeks.

    It astonished Helen on how slow the Eskarii emotionally developed, or developed in general having thousands of years of human development to compare it to however, having lived around Mo¡¯Emori for a couple years filled in many mysteries of the Eskarii race for Helen.

    Dropping the notion of prying into the weird power the queen held, she focused on the upset child instead which was something she could handle far easier. Helen raised her arms out towards Tali, ¡°It¡¯s okay, sweetheart. Why don¡¯t you come here till you fall back asleep?¡± she asked in near fluid Eskarii to help ease Tali¡¯s frazzled nerves.

    Tali looked to Helen with wide green eyes before looking to her mother. Myshkali smiled sweetly and gave her a gentle nod, giving her either permission or letting her know it was safe. Although Helen had interacted with Myskali¡¯s children on a regular basis in-between shifts of deciphering stolen Federation intel, Helen realized it appeared to be a customary thing to ask the head of the family permission to interact closely with non-family members which was something else she intended to learn more about in time.

    Tali shyly padded towards Helen who adjusted herself on preparation to hold the child-like Eskarii girl, one who unabashedly sat in her lap and leaned into her.

    Helen grunted as she chuckled lightly as she pulled the girl into a good position for cuddling, all the while Tali giggled softly as she squirmed, ¡°You¡¯re almost as big as Mo¡¯Emori, soon you¡¯ll be bigger than she is,¡± Helen stated tenderly as she smiled, casting her gaze to see a similar smile upon the queen¡¯s face as she watched closely.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll definitely be bigger than my sister. Mo¡¯Emori is so short!¡± Tali chirped before settling into a comfortable position and let Helen run her fingers through her hair.

    ¡°Yeah, but this is something she loved doing, and you¡¯re never too big for cuddling, right?¡± Tali preened at Helen¡¯s notion and nodded as she began gnawing on the tip of her thumbnail.

    ¡°Especially if sister Mo¡¯Emori thinks so, she does have the most fun ideas¡­ I miss her,¡± Tali said dejectedly though she knew better than to question where her sister was.

    Helen kissed the top of the young girl¡¯s head and hummed in agreement before continuing to gently running her nails through her hair, ¡°I miss her too but you know what? When she gets back you and your siblings will get to meet someone super important.¡±

    Tali lifted her head in lethargic curiosity as Helen¡¯s tactic of cuddling the young girl made very little effort to coax the girl back into a state of sleepiness, her soft green eyes shimmering with excitement her body rejected, ¡°Who?¡±

    Helen smiled as she resisted chuckling at the adorable look upon Tali¡¯s face, ¡°My daughter, Mori. She¡¯ll be coming to speak to your mom as well as see Torvil and your new aunt Jen,¡± Helen said softly, letting her tone deepen the haze of sleep that was filling Tali¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Mo¡¯Emori mentioned her, that¡¯ll be fun,¡± Tali said as she yawned, nuzzling her face against Helen¡¯s chest before closing her eyes. Meanwhile, Helen simply looked up at Myshkali and grinned, both women sharing a silent laugh of levity as the youngest daughter fell fast asleep in Helen¡¯s arms with little effort.

 Chapter XIX

    Waves of nausea swam in Morrigan¡¯s head, turning her stomach as she stepped slowly through the main corridor of the Federation Destroyer, making her way towards the bridge from the primary hanger the Archangel anchored at as dozens of troopers made their final push to steal anything that had not been nailed down.

    Morrigan had spent a day and a half waiting aboard her own ship, patiently counting the hours allowing her crew the chance to feel a sense of accomplishment that would serve to keep morale high. She was also unsure how well she would fair against 20,000 to 30,000 Federation marines and personnel despite her abilities.

    What she did not expect, though realistically she knew better than to think any differently, was the gravity of stepping over or around the piles of bodies that stretched across the gore-stained halls of the ship; some bodies having been moved to the auxiliary hanger to make way for the Archangel crew that looted the ship and yet, even without bodies, the corridors held an echo of what transpired that no amount of cleaning would ever erase.

    Despite everything she had done up until that moment in her life, all of those she had killed with her own hands and all of the blood she had spilled; the wholesale slaughter of an entire ship on her order reached her the most.

    It''s a bit wobbly in here kid, you alright? Apollyon inquired, the deity¡¯s voice causing the nausea to hit harder as her head spun.

    To make matters worse, Xol called out behind her, having been sent to find Havoc squad, ¡°Red Death, I bring the slave warriors,¡± he rumbled, the vibrations of his tone resonated in her stomach the moment she stepped into a pool of coagulation in an attempt to step over a body. Her boot stuck to the floor for a moment before a thick sucking sound followed her rising foot.

    Without warning, she wretched and vomited. Talk about adding insult to injury hehehe, damn, what did you eat? I don¡¯t remember it looking like that, Apollyon mused at her expense as she groaned and spit residue bile from her mouth to find that she had puked on a body, the green and yellow bile creating a more grotesque sight of the dark crimson corpse at her feet.

    ¡°Commander!¡± Jackson exclaimed, his medical professionalism kicking in as he rushed forward only to get snatched up by the back of his armor by Xol who hissed angrily as he bore his fangs at him.

    Morrigan looked over her shoulder to see Havoc squad eyeing her with subjective curiosity and the team¡¯s medic dangling from Xol¡¯s thick arm before turning away to wipe her mouth, maintaining what little dignity she had left in the moment.

    ¡°You knew I was going to puke, dick,¡± she growled in her mind at a cackling Apollyon before taking a deep breath as her stomach and head balanced out.

    Of course, you passed up a great opportunity! Did you forget our deal? You kill and I help keep you alive long enough to see your desire made reality and yet, you did nothing but sit on that pretty little ass of yours! I¡¯m bored out of your skull, woman!

    Morrigan let out a low hiss of irritation at Apollyon before turning her attention to the group behind her.

    ¡°First of all, they¡¯re not slaves, Xol. If that comes out of our mouth again and I will kick your teeth in,¡± she stated, leaving no room for argument as her gaze bore into Xol in near tangible disappointment. Having lived a life of slavery far longer than she had, she would have figured Xol would be more mindful however, was reminded that despite the Marmuro¡¯k being a rather intricately advanced race, their trains of thought were still tribal at best.

    ¡°Second, put Mr. Jackson down and third¡­ I¡¯m fine, Jackson. I appreciate it but I¡¯m just¡­¡± she paused as eyed the gore smeared walls and floor of the corridor, ¡°Coming to terms with my decision.¡±

    She watched as several members looked to one another; casting veiled looks before some of them nodded understanding. Xol complied and set Jackson down gently, refusing to meet Morrigan¡¯s eyes as he returned to his normal stoic stature.

    ¡°Are you sure? I can always give you a quick check up and¡­¡± Jackson was cut off by Morrigan raising her hand before swallowing hard, trying to ignore the subtle acidic flavor that coated her mouth.

    ¡°Really, thank you but I¡¯m alright. However, I do want to tell you all that I appreciate with how you handled this mission. I received a report that you were the ones who disabled the automated defenses on top of disabling the FTL drive, meaning you are the reason we¡­ suffered minimal casualties,¡± she said with a sense of pride in the team yet heartbreak over the near anonymous soldiers who fell in the raid.

    In a sudden shifting of gears she sighed, crossing her arms and looking to the floor in shame, ¡°I know it¡¯s hypocritical for me to yell at him for calling you slaves when I essentially gave you an ultimatum that could ultimately end in death either way¡­ though you all agreed to serve the Inquisition you all have proven yourselves both capable and at least having your interests aligned with ours enough to keep yourselves alive¡­¡±

    Morrigan looked up to see a group of curious and uncertain faces which caused her to smirk slightly, ¡°I appreciate what you did. Even though I don¡¯t know every single face of those who call the Archangel home, I care for every single person aboard my ship¡­ so, I spoke with the bridge crew and department heads; Between successfully accomplishing the goals I set for you to the best of your abilities as well as performing outstandingly on your first combat mission under my command; I will be granting you all significantly more freedoms aboard the Archangel.¡± The response was positive as Henry and Aleksei clapped loudly, startling everyone for the moment which made Morrigan giggle.

    ¡°But,¡± she interjected regaining their attention, ¡°I would like you all to maintain your respective jobs, especially those who have various training classes with the combat crews. Also, I will send a list of off limit areas- as much as I hate to admit it but the level of trust to give you free reign of my ship has not been met, especially for the department leaders.¡±

    ¡°So, does that mean I can make explosives?¡± Aleksei asked sheepishly, raising his hand as if in a classroom not that he waited to be called on.

    Morrigan pursed her lips in thought, suddenly uncertain how much freedom she was about to hand out however, she did not have the time nor patience to handle checking into every single one of the 38 departments throughout the Archangel.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave that up to Danson, while working in the R&D decks he will be your supervisor of sorts,¡± she stated which seemed to satisfy the giant man.

    To her surprise, Ebony was next to raise her hand. Morrigan shifted her gaze towards her and nodded, giving her permission to speak. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I know this is going to be an odd request but¡­ I was hoping you would allow me to run trials against the ship¡¯s A.I.?¡± Ebony asked boldly despite the worried undertone.

    Morrigan furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Ebony chewed on her lip as she held up her data-slate, ¡°Frankly¡­ the Inquisition¡¯s data-slates are better than what the Federation use, which I do appreciate you giving me a new one but I graduated the top of my class in my academy¡­¡± Ebony sighed as she rambled before refocusing her gaze and steeled her nerves, ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is, I had my ass handed to me by Sister. Though I¡¯m aware I have no chance of ever beating something as sophisticated and advanced as an A.I., I was hoping I could at least have Sister train me and help me improve my skills¡­¡±

    The requested surprised Morrigan as she nodded along listening, processing what it was Ebony was asking however, with her lack of expertise in hacking and the capabilities of Sister, she had no way of giving a definitive response to something that convoluted.

    ¡°I¡¯ll consider it,¡± she stated sharply, ¡°I will have to speak with Sister and see what kind of safety protocols can be put in place, no offense,¡± she added though she did not hide her contempt for allowing an expert hacker anywhere near the ship¡¯s A.I.

    Ebony did have a point though, Morrigan recalled Sister¡¯s report and ease at overcoming Ebony¡¯s attempts to hack into the ship though that barely put a dent in her worry for something as sensitive as Sister. On the other hand, between having Ebony hone her skills and pass down those skills to more Inquisition soldiers was an added benefit, especially if her troops became skilled enough to hold their own against something like Sister.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Ebony however, sighed in relief before nodding sharply, ¡°I understand.¡±

    Morrigan looked to everyone else, ¡°In the mean time, if you find anything aboard this ship that can be of use for you, feel free to take it. I¡¯m aware not all of the Inquisition¡¯s supplies will work with your gear, or you can requisition new gear if you¡¯d like; if you do, I¡¯ll make sure the quartermasters see your orders filled,¡± Morrigan ended with finality as she finished her speech.

    Before she could dismiss them, an excited honking squawk came from behind her causing her to turn and find Yekku precariously carrying a box of miscellaneous parts she couldn¡¯t identify as he stepped carefully around the bodies that littered the floor.

    ¡°Hey buddy,¡± Morrigan said sweetly as the S¡¯randin sidled up next to her and brushed his face against her arm. ¡°What do you have there?¡± she asked curiously as she peered into the box for a closer look as she pulled his head against her side in a hug. Ever since her promotion to Lord Inquisitor she had seen Yekku less and less, both of them being busy; Yekku worked endlessly as an integral part of the development side of Danson¡¯s department while she handled running the ship within her scope of duties. If anything, it hurt her pride filled heart to see Yekku go from being the obsessive lizard-creature to being nearly independent of her the more comfortable he became on the Archangel, making her miss the quirky alien more than usual.

    Yekku bobbed his head up happily, making sure to brush his snout against her cheek as nearly everyone in Havoc squad stared awkwardly at the S¡¯randin, all but Aleksei, who had seen Yekku around the R&D deck.

    Yekku chirped endlessly as he looked down in the box, explaining everything he found despite Morrigan still having no clue what he had looted and unable to follow his explanation. Regardless, she gave him a tight smile as he chirped excitedly and listened intently to his nonsense, ¡°That¡¯s awesome sweetie, as long as it makes you happy,¡± she said neutrally, letting Yekku have his moment as she ran her hand along the frill on top of his head like she always had.

    ¡°Hey, its chirping guy!¡± Aleksei announced as he stepped forward, holding out his massive fist for a fist-bump.

    Yekku went silent with wide eyes as he stared at Aleksei¡¯s fist, processing the motion before curling the tip of his long slender tail and touching it to Aleksei¡¯s knuckles before looking to Aleksei with a cocked head, as if confirming with him that he had done it correctly.

    Both Morrigan and Aleksei laughed as Aleksei¡¯s exuberance began to come to the surface, ¡°Got it, Chirp, wait, are those capacitor casings?¡± Aleksei asked having noticed the box of contents Yekku carried.

    Yekku bobbed his head in his usual spastic way before warbling at the box before looking back the way he came.

    Morrigan stifled her laugh as much as she could as she watched Aleksei¡¯s face twist in confusion as he struggled to understand Yekku, which was a pointless battle for everyone but Xol.

    However, Aleksei apparently ignored the lack of ability to communicate and leaned down in excitement, placing a massive hand on the slender S¡¯randin¡¯s shoulder, ¡°You must show me!¡±

    Yekku bobbed his head sharply before turning and, despite the obstacles along the floor, managed to sprint half way down the hall before turning back and squawking. Wasting no time at all, Aleksei bound over the corpses of slain marines managing to keep pace with the agile Marmuro¡¯k as they ran off to loot more items they both found interest in.

    Dismissing the remaining team, Morrigan continued her way through the ship, wandering aimlessly as everyone around her began the final preparations of hauling the last of the spoils of war, returning to her thoughts.

    ¡°Is this what it¡¯s like to be a leader? To make decisions that can lead to, this?¡± She asked herself more than anyone.

    Right-o, kid. Positions of power always come with power to throw around, especially in war. One command and entire civilizations have been razed to the ground, Apollyon answered, not needing to be asked.

    ¡°But this could have been my crew, couldn¡¯t it? Any decision I make affects more than just my enemies¡­¡± she responded, knowing the answer already. Morrigan knew all along what the command of a general can do, having faced a mad man like Amaranthe before as well as being forced into a seat of power of her own, even if it was simply over a single ship for the time being.

    Yep, that¡¯s the weight of responsibility of a leader. Our word, it controls reality-controls the lives of those around you, just as much as the way you control destruction with a single flick of your wrist, Apollyon interjected before sidetracking, Just think about all the great conquerors of time: Khan, Caesar, Augustus, Napoleon, the Catholic Church and that¡¯s just a few yet all of them had one thing in common; thousands upon thousands upon thousands died by their word-their decisions. Sometimes the enemy suffered more or sometimes their own but, in the end, war is a cold-hearted mistress you keep locked in your shed, Apollyon stated with a hint of aroused sass.

    Morrigan¡¯s nose scrunched as she tried not to laugh as she processed what the deity was trying to say, fixating on the random shed anecdote in an attempt to make sense of it. After a moment of walking, she sighed again, stopping and looking into one of many storage rooms one that had seen a very bloody firefight as bodies were piled in a corner while her troops had emptied out the room.

    ¡°I get it but¡­ I caused this. As much as I hate the Federation this seems like¡­ a lot,¡± she muttered aloud, feeling her nerves settle as the reality of her decision set in as the inevitability it was, which was Apollyon¡¯s entire point.

    ¡°I just, I worry that I will end up making the wrong decision and get everyone killed¡­ I wasn¡¯t lying when I said I cared about everyone on my ship-you know how I feel about everyone after all¡­ the Eskarii, the Marmuro¡¯k, the CoU, the Inquisition. What happens if one of my decisions gets them killed? What happens if they suffer because of my ridiculous dream of unifying the masses and bringing down the Federation? What if this is all just pointless?!¡± Morrigan¡¯s voice rose as she ranted, reaching a crescendo aligned with a shout into the near empty, blood-stained room as her breathing became haggard the more her anxious doubt crept into her heart.

    First of all, if it was pointless, I wouldn''t be helping you. Sure, yeah, your dream is a bit too touchy feely for me but if it was pointless and unobtainable, I wouldn¡¯t bother wasting my time guiding you in the right direction. If you want the Federation to fall and unite your precious little species, fine, but war is the only solution. Gather your allies and spread as much chaos for your enemies until you are ready for the grand old showdown at high noon, then you make it hurt in a way they will never forget.

    ¡°Yeah, but you get freedom from your prison¡­¡± Morrigan muttered as a cynical counterargument.

    Apollyon sighed in contempt when she interrupted its lecture about second guessing herself before continuing, Sure, freedom is nice but I could have lived listening to you all kill each other as well. You, though, are the something that transcends the little moral dilemma you¡¯re having, the living essence of a primordial force that is judge, jury and executioner of reality. Who are you to doubt yourself, and who is anyone dumb enough to doubt you? As annoying as it is, your intentions are pure and your methods, with my guidance, brings the results you need.

    Apollyon chuckled to itself for a moment, But to answer your question, fuck ¡°what¡± and tell ¡°if¡± to suck your¡­ well I guess that phrase doesn¡¯t work with you but in the end it doesn¡¯t matter! Power demands sacrifice just as much as peace demands! Those who believe in your dream will fall upon the sword of war with or without your order, Mori. So, sacrifice what you must to gain and hold your power and sacrifice for the sake of peace, girl, for power and peace will be the two sides of the same coin in your future. Now, would be the time to leave a very distinct message for your enemy to see, something to seed fear into their spine before you rip it out of them.

    Morrigan swallowed hard as her eyes darted around the room, her anxiety swelling as she considered what Apollyon said. She knew, deep inside, that Apollyon wasn¡¯t lying to her. In a very Apollyon-like fashion, it was telling her what she needed to realize about herself as well as her future yet to come, and yet, she struggled with the idea of being okay with the deaths of those around her for the sake of the greater goal, something she knew would be inevitable if it were to ever come to fruition.

    She bit her lip nervously as she turned back towards the hall, letting the familiar crimson energy dance between her fingers as she watched each spectral claw wrap around one of her fingers like an extension of her being, forcing herself to watch the abnormality of her existence within the universe.

    She focused on the space between her fingers, watching the energy warp the air as it eliminated the artificial oxygen and atmosphere as the bright red energy arched from one finger to the next before a single claw apparated and faded as she desired, the subconscious and conscious working together to warp reality with the most destructive element in existence, Apollyon¡­ or was it herself? She wondered.

    An hour passed as she leaned against the corridor wall, losing herself deeper within, and feeling the core of herself as an amalgamation of the essence of Apollyon with that of her humanity; or what she considered her humanity to be. The more she watched the abnormality the more it began to feel normal, not just physically but psychologically, metaphysically and emotionally.

    ¡°Oi, lass!¡± came the familiar voice of Sigurd from down the corridor.

    She looked up to see the gore-stained Berserker striding up the hall with a bright grin reflecting his contentment as he approached.

    ¡°Please tell me we get to do this again!¡± he asked with enthusiasm, raising his arms as he did a brief, twirling jig as he came close enough for her to see the dried, sticky blood crack across his cheeks.

    A small smile of appreciation crept across her face before Morrigan looked back to her open hand, closing her fingers around the crimson energy in her palm, ¡°Yes,¡± she said with certainty, her decision made; the Federation would fall in time, no matter the cost and peace would be paid in blood.

    The erasure of existence; death; it was the key to everything she wanted, or so Apollyon said, and reality felt inclined to agree.

 Chapter XX

    ¡°We¡¯ve engaged with eight large Eskarii battleships, despite our numbers they appear to be well coordinated with the dozen smaller ships of their own and have been keeping our forces at bay while they evacuate their home world. Their determination seems to have caused a stalemate of attrition,¡± stated a man on the holoscreen mounted to the wall towards the left of Amaranthe¡¯s desk.

    Amaranthe however, rolled his eyes and let out a sigh of clear boredom as he toyed with a small model ship while listening to the report.

    The commanding officer on the other end raised his chin and solidified his position upon seeing the disinterest of his superior, feeling an annoyance that slowly began to show on his face.

    Amaranthe flicked his wrist out from underneath jaw, ¡°Why would I care about this? Just burn their world to the ground and get back to your orders. Find me my precious little rose,¡± Amaranthe said, his tone shifting from boredom to forceful as the subject shifted.

    ¡°But, sir, we¡¯ve lost communications from three of our ships heading towards the Saurian home world, and we recently lost contact with a Destroyer near the Eskarii home world¡­ it¡¯s slow but out forces are slowly thinning. I¡¯ve even heard reports of¡­¡± the admiral tried to follow up on the reports of increased piracy as well as the destruction of a minor trade port near the outer fringe however, Amaranthe cut him off by slamming his fist onto his desk.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care, Admiral! Raze the world and find me the girl! She is far more important than a few damned ships,¡± Amaranthe ordered before cutting the connection.

    ¡°I''m surrounded by imbeciles!¡± Amaranthe said aloud before turning to the chief engineer that stood in his office. ¡°I hope you have good news?¡±

    The engineer swallowed hard before stepping forward, ¡°Uh, well, we¡¯ve completed the frame work on your ship and have begun attempting to implement the armaments you¡¯ve requested¡­ sir, with your numerous large requests for this ship¡­ we¡¯re having difficulty making sure it can properly house a viable number of crew members¡­¡±

    Amaranthe snorted and shook his head as he wheezed in disbelieving humor, ¡°What¡¯s so hard about it? Grab capable bodies, train them and stuff them in the ship; it¡¯s not that hard. It¡¯s not like it needs deployable marines so stick with the damned basics and make it work!¡±

    The engineer shook his head, ¡°With the size of the guns, we would need heavy equipment and between the wide range of mechanics, engineers and support personnel, we can only manage about forty percent of the required personnel within the time frame desired, sir.¡±

    Amaranthe leaned forward as his face reddened in anger, ¡°So, what you¡¯re telling me is that you¡¯re incapable?¡±

    Amaranthe watched the color drain from the engineer¡¯s face as the reality of his situation set in. With eyes darting from side to side in panic, the engineer stammered, ¡°N-no. Its-its just¡­¡± he paused as his mind raced for a solution, ¡°Why don¡¯t we automate the weapon systems?¡±

    Amaranthe look up at his subordinate in pleased curiosity, ¡°Automate it? We can do that?¡± The engineer¡¯s eyes went wide at his new found interest.

    ¡°Um, yeah? I mean sure, we can do that. Granted, it would still require personnel to set up and control remotely however, between auto-feeding of munitions and remote control, we could bring the manpower into a more reasonable amount nor would we have to create intricate spaces for personnel which would balance out the time table.¡±

    The Lord Commander tapped his finger in thought as he considered the option, ¡°And we wouldn¡¯t lose any aspect of superiority? How long would this take?¡±

    The engineer tapped away on his data-slate as he ran calculations, ¡°If everything goes as planned, we should meet the deadline you have set¡­ perhaps if training of personnel goes well, we could even beat it by one to two months. As for the firepower you desire, nothing would change. Your plans would remain as you desire in that regard,¡± the engineer explained.

    Amaranthe nodded as he followed the explanation, ¡°That is very good news indeed. You¡¯re a lucky man, Mr. Sheffield; If your plan works as you say it will, you are going to be a very rich man, so see to it that it gets done,¡± Amaranthe stated with the subtle hint to the contrary, if the engineer were to fail.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Surrounded by the absolute silence of her room, Morrigan took a deep, calming breath as she sat on the floor beside her bed; a blurred starscape rushing past her window as the universe passed by.

    Come on, come on! Hurry up with it, woman! Apollyon complained impatiently.

    Her eyebrow twitched as Apollyon¡¯s words rang in her mind. She huffed indignantly. ¡°I¡¯m working on it¡­¡± she said before stretching her neck, moving her head side to side before taking another deep breath.

    Yeah, slow as shit! You owe me after holding back from all that sweet slaughter!

    A low growl rumbled in the back of her throat as her frustration for the impatient deity grew. ¡°You¡¯re making it really fucking hard to concentrate, Apollyon. Neither one of us knows how it happened or why and you badgering me isn¡¯t helping me remember,¡± she gruffed out into her mind, so she was sure the deity could not ignore what she said.

    Ever since experiencing the brief moment of physical existence Apollyon had been focused on making her recreate its manifestation, though she had lacked the time to try. Having finished with dealing with the raid spoils she could attempt to satiate the deity¡¯s curiosity as well as her own.

    Several days were spent sorting through and delegating what was stolen from the now derelict ship she had left floating through space as the Archangel resumed its journey towards Gelia. Once all was set and done, Morrigan followed Apollyon¡¯s idea of tagging the ship with her iconic crimson claw sigil, letting all who crossed paths with ghost ship know who had desecrated the Federation Destroyer.

    Now, Morrigan had a moment to lock herself in her room and enjoy the peace it brought, as long as Apollyon refrained from annoying her.

    Finnneee, just hurry it up, will ya? Apollyon badgered one last time before going silent. Morrigan shook her head as if dealing with an annoying child before readjusting her sitting position and taking another long breath, calming her annoyance to focus on the moment in her memory.

    Silence encapsulated her as she focused on what happened, her own heart beat within her ears fell away as she remembered gazing upon the surface of Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To through tear-filled eyes. She recalled the warm that surrounded her, the surprise to see the nearly forgotten image of Apollyon sitting above her in the reflection of the window.

    She concentrated on that warmth she remembered, intertwining her focus with the energy that coursed through her body and willed for the visage of Apollyon to appear in front of her.

    After a moment of intense focus Morrigan opened her eyes to the sight of the sleek yet simplistic dresser that sat across the room from her with no embodiment of Apollyon in sight.

    She sighed in frustration at another failed attempt and slumped forward. ¡°Why isn¡¯t this working?¡± She asked herself bitterly as she began to rethink her approach. She remembered the panic she felt, and the desperation, yet she felt neither of those in the moment. She thought it was the desire to curl up and let the world fade away that caused her energy to respond and bring forth the only thing in that moment that could bring her comfort.

    You¡¯re asking me? You¡¯re the one driving, Apollyon retorted.

    Morrigan rolled her eyes as she sat back up, looking out the window to watch the galaxy pass by. Ignoring the deity in her head, her mind wandered into the past and wondered what it was that triggered the abnormal event.

    She recalled running from everyone, ducking into the maintenance shaft to find seclusion, only for Sigurd to find her and be her support. However, she knew what she needed was hours prior to her conversation with Sigurd. It was the moment she wanted nothing more than to be away from reality, to sink into the deepest part of the void and feel the comfort of nothingness.

    ¡°That¡¯s it! I think?¡± Morrigan thought to herself excitedly.

    If you say so¡­ Apollyon said unconvinced.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Morrigan took a deep breath as she sat cross-legged, letting her arms lay limp on her thighs and delved into the memory of that day. She recalled not the time spent in the maintenance tunnel but the dream. The feeling of being surrounded by perfect safety only for it to violently turn into a bone shattering cold; before her memories woke her up.

    Morrigan furrowed her brow as she tried to remember the memories within the dream, one of many conversations she and Apollyon had over their years of cohabitation.

    Apollyon had gone missing in her dreamscape, but she wondered something else; she knew that Apollyon embodied the definitive infinity of Destruction, something that would always exist without any rhyme simply because existence exists, yet what was the void around her? Something about the void that demanded her submission felt different, as if it rejected the idea of something as convoluted as Apollyon yet, something about it felt all too familiar. It felt similar to how she understood Apollyon¡¯s explanation of who she was, a fateless child; the ability to choose who or what she would be.

    Morrigan focused on how that made her feel; confused yet content, the feeling of certainty over the uncertainty of life in which she ruled over every action she made. However, thinking about it, it made no sense to her at all since she knew that the fundamental rule of Chaos, according to Apollyon, that everything is fated and finite; which made sense to her.

    This begged a very important question; what certainty could be held over something so uncertain, to be definite in the vast infinity of the finite?

    The lingering question left her mind spiraling as the room spun, her body feeling weightless as she lost the perception of the room around her. Morrigan wanted to panic at the sudden shift of perspective however, she felt nothing as her body felt like nothing, leaving her to touch the one thing she knew was there, the destructive energy that filled her body.

    Uncertain about what to do as she was afraid to try and open her eyes, she wished for Apollyon to take ahold of her and prove to her she hadn¡¯t thrown herself into insanity by questioning the laws of reality. So, she intensely focused and pushed the energy outward around her, hoping that some semblance of reality would ground her and pull her from the madness.

    Warmth radiated as she pushed out, causing her to feel nauseated as her senses went ballistic as though reality around her felt as if it warped around her by the attempt to bring the deity into reality.

    In what felt like forever, she felt part of her hair brush away from her cheek before falling back into place. ¡°Mori, open your eyes,¡± Apollyon¡¯s voice came from every direction.

    A wave of calm washed over Morrigan as she heard Apollyon¡¯s voice, opening her eyes to see a wide mist of energy flowing out of her chest. Slowly she lifted her gaze to see the floating torso of the visage of Apollyon, the soft glowing alien and once horrifying body she briefly saw now on full display.

    Apollyon¡¯s mouthless face connected to six curving tusks and horns that encapsulated its badly, near desiccated, humanoid skull. The sinewy neck that connected to bony shoulders, the long, dense arms which led down to the all too familiar claws of her power with a long blade of apparent bone that buried within the forearms. Last was the bony and meaty looking torso that faded mid way, leaving the deity floating yet ultimately tethered to her as energy flowed back and forth.

    ¡°Hey kid,¡± Apollyon said, it¡¯s voice reaching her ears from a distance yet ever present as it stretched its arms and touched the ground on either side of its floating torso with a pleasant groan.

    Morrigan¡¯s breath caught in sheer wonderment as her mind stayed locked onto her focus of the energy between them, her mind filling with questions without the means of expressing them.

    Instead, she simply looked down at her hand and watched herself raise it, holding it out. Apollyon¡¯s burning crimson eyes took notice and it raised its own massive hand, claws expanding far past her own until their palms touched. The warmth that she felt in her hand made her release the breath she had been holding.

    ¡°Apollyon,¡± she stated, her mind racing even more as her mouth hung open until a wide smile spread across her face.

    ¡°Mostly,¡± Apollyon mused as it looked down inspecting the area around it for its missing parts before returning its gaze to her. It was a strange thing to see Apollyon¡¯s jaw move as it spoke yet hear the voice come from every direction and from every distance other than the five feet away that it was, ¡°But you did it, little goddess, this is- what is this?¡±

    Morrigan snorted as Apollyon got distracted when its hand landed on the sheets laying on her bed, it¡¯s clawed hand dragging the fabric off the bed to be held in its large palm, ¡°Those are sheets, you''ve seen them before,¡± she mused.

    ¡°Well yeah, but I''ve never felt them like this though, is this how you feel? Is¡­ I, and here I thought I felt everything you felt. You''ve been holding out on me!¡± Apollyon accused playfully.

    She shook her head as she giggled, ¡°I don¡¯t know, this is all so weird¡­¡± she trailed off as she ran the tips of her fingers across the fabric of her pants, ¡°I don¡¯t feel anything, except you¡­¡± she said looking back up at the towering deity.

    She realized, given the length of Apollyon¡¯s arms and how just with half of the torso, Apollyon sat three feet taller than her and would likely stand over 12 feet tall at the least, if not taller, if it had its entire body.

    She watched the deity¡¯s arms fold in as Apollyon brought a single claw to rest its chin on, the imagery comically disproportionate to its head as it¡¯s eyes narrowed in thought.

    ¡°I appreciate this but this leaves many questions, many of which I thought I knew,¡± Apollyon noted.

    Morrigan nodded dumbly as she looked around, ¡°I have so many questions. I know they¡¯re there but this requires so much focus¡­ I can¡¯t remember what they were now?¡± she furrowed her brow before looking back at Apollyon, who looked at her curiously.

    Apollyon reached out towards her a hand of exceedingly long claws, brushing the tips across her jaw line as her head bobbed and shifted with zero resistance, ¡°You look extremely out of it. Do you feel alright?¡±

    Morrigan, noticing her gaze move with the tips of claws that touched warmly to her face, pushed back against the massive hand letting her face brush up against one of the claws, ¡°All I feel is you,¡± she said softly with a smile.

    Apollyon watched her closely, inspecting her reaction to its touch and watched for any telling reaction she could possibly make through the interaction, ¡°What were you thinking about? Do you remember how you did this?¡±

    Morrigan shook her head as she swayed side to side like a drunkard, a small smile on her lips as Apollyon watched her nose start to bleed. Apollyon began to panic, realizing the danger of the little experiment.

    With wide glowing eyes Apollyon shouted, ¡°Release your focus! Think of something else!¡±

    Part of her knew Apollyon just shouted at her yet the deity¡¯s voice sounded so distant, ¡°But, what?¡± She asked, unable to comprehend the severity in the deity¡¯s command.

    She could hear Apollyon growl before its hand reached for her, a strange sensation building in her as she expected the calming warmth once again by the deity¡¯s touch. However, in a moment that seemed to last forever, she watched the clawed fingers curl into it¡¯s palm before flicking towards her.

    With an unexpected crash, Morrigan slammed into the end table on her side of the bed and choked on something warm that sat within her throat.

    The moment she sat up she coughed into her arm to catch a splattering of blood that had seeped down her throat and began to spill into her lungs before she managed to catch her breath.

    ¡°What the fuck was that?¡± She asked between breaths.

    I have no idea, I¡¯m running damage control right now, Apollyon stated inside her head.

    Morrigan looked around her room, taking notice of the sheet that had been dragged off the bed and that the ship was still in FTL travel yet she felt like she had lost track of time.

    Nothing seems to be broken¡­ your nose though, it began bleeding which is why I forced you to break your concentration, Apollyon stated in a worried tone.

    Morrigan shook her head before getting up, balancing herself on the end table before managing to gain her bearings, ¡°That was trippy as hell¡­ it feels like it didn¡¯t happen yet I know it happened,¡± she stated openly before stepping around the bed and into the bathroom.

    It seemed the longer you focused on releasing me the more, diluted, your mental state became. How are you feeling? Apollyon asked again.

    Morrigan ignored Apollyon as she washed the blood off her arm and face, the icy cold water revitalizing her awareness to the world around her, ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I know I should be worried but, I feel¡­ calm? I can¡¯t think of a good word to describe it,¡± she stated as she inspected herself in the mirror.

    That¡¯s weird and by weird, I mean I can¡¯t really sense your emotions right now, as if they all have blended into, nothing¡­

    Morrigan looked in the mirror and opened her mouth to inspect her fangs, something she knew she was uncomfortable with and yet, upon seeing the new evolutionary anomaly, she felt none of her usual emotions.

    ¡°I feel¡­ fine? I think content,¡± she said with a genuine smile as she looked at herself in the mirror, a small blissful sigh escaping get lips.

    Content? What does that even mean? Why would you be content and why are you not freaking out? Why the hell am I the only one worried here?!

    Morrigan shrugged at her reflection before stepping out of the bathroom. ¡°I''m not sure, but I can''t remember a time I felt like this. I wonder if it''s because I pushed you out?¡± she asked as an after thought as she pulled fresh clothes out and began to change.

    I doubt it, I mean, that was weird as hell and made me question a lot of things but¡­ how did you even pull that off? Apollyon circled back around.

    Morrigan hummed thoughtfully as she pulled her head through a clean shirt, ¡°Let¡¯s see, I tried thinking about what happened when you appeared but none of that worked so I went back a little further to the dream I had, the one where I couldn¡¯t find you, and then¡­ and then things got really weird,¡± she said, concern lining her voice as she felt her anxiety return subtly.

    Interesting, I can feel that. I didn¡¯t see this dream though but, it seems when you think about it you seem to have a very adverse reaction to it., Apollyon pointed out as Morrigan looked around the room in confusion.

    ¡°It was weird, this is weird¡­ why am I anxious again? Like, I don¡¯t know. I ended up thinking about the nature of you and the nature of that dream and how it seemed to reject what you are¡­ then reality got weird and the next thing I knew I was talking to you¡­and then, I''m not really sure¡­¡± Morrigan stated as she realized that the memory of Apollyon¡¯s summoning was becoming fuzzier and harder to recall as if the memory was deleting itself from her brain.

    Rejected me? You didn''t mention that before. Hmm, I''m going to have to think on this, just take it easy and do your best to relax, Apollyon ordered with a noticeable level of concern.

    ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Morrigan said, uncertain of what was happening with her. A new list of questions began to formulate in her mind as she finished getting dressed however, she refrained from focusing on them in order to keep her emotions from spiraling out of control. Instead, she decided she would listen to her deific companion and find the one person who could always balance her out.

 Chapter XXI

    Mo¡¯Emori sat within the center of the command deck of her stealth craft as the crew around her maintained their scheduled duties while they traveled towards the Marmuro¡¯k home world.

    In an attempt to head Morrigan off at the pass, Mo¡¯Emori demanded they stop at every ally outpost or hail every passing civilian ship they came across, even scouring a trading station run by pirates asking if they came across the detailed description of Morrigan without success.

    To keep her anxiety in check, Mo¡¯Emori balanced the tip of one of the twin blades strapped to her back, it¡¯s mono-molecular tip dancing just a few microns above the palm of her hand as her manipulation of kinetic energy kept the blade straight and aloft, the atoms around the blade forcibly pushed against it to maintain its current position.

    Such control over her powers was one of the things that set her apart from the rest of the Sybrydian, and took a monumental amount of concentration. With her focus directed at the blade of her sword, she couldn¡¯t give her erratic emotions any amount of her attention, a technique Torvil had suggested decades ago when her emotional control came into question.

    However, the moment the ship¡¯s engines whined down and the galaxy snapped back into its proper place,  Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s anxiety broke through and caused her to over compensate her power.

    The pommel of the sword shot up into the ceiling before the blade fell, piercing three inches into the floor between her legs as she scooted away from the falling weapon with a yelp.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± She asked before standing up and prying the sword from the floor.

    Her eyes gazed upon the gigantic world before them, wide areas of green spread across even larger areas of dusty brown and shades of grey as the world of Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To encompassed the window of her ship. Looking over, she could see three titanic warships listing lazily in the outer atmosphere on patrol, ships she have heard stories of yet for the first-time laid her yellow eyes on.

    It had been nearly a century since the Eskarii and Marmuro¡¯k fought one another, their brutal conflict coming to an understanding of both sides that neither would attack the other of everyone was left alone. Yet, she was about to break that long standing ceasefire by attempting to contact the Marmuro¡¯k people.

    She eyed the massive warships, though few in number, were ships capable of ultimate devastation through the use of super heated plasma that cut through a ships armor plating and melting a ship apart.

    What she did not notice was that her ship came out of FTL travel directly underneath a fourth Marmuro¡¯k warship until the ship she stood in shuddered violently.

    ¡°Princess, they locked a tractor beam on our ship! We can¡¯t move!¡± one of the crew called out.

    Mo¡¯Emori hissed through her teeth as she caught the looming shadow that moved over her ship. She looked to the Eskarii in charge of communications, ¡°Open a channel! I''ll be damned if we came this far to die!¡± she ordered.

    The Eskarii panicked as he struggled to open up an open-air channel that could be received but once he managed to do so, he gave her a nervous nod.

    The ship shuddered again and rocked hard enough to throw several of the crew off their feet before Mo¡¯Emori managed to call out, ¡°Please! I need to speak to someone who can speak my language! Anyone, or anyone who knows Terran-I know Terran too!¡±

    ¡°Dir¨ºjear, h?n dix¨ºr¨¦ bin¨ºkirin li y¨ºn mal¨ºn!¡± came the raspy voice of a K¨ºzi¡¯kan that appeared on the monitor above Mo¡¯Emori. Despite being looked at through a monitor, she could easily recognize the creature as the race both Xol and H?¡¯tet shared albeit smaller than either K¨ºzi¡¯kan she had met.

    She stood up straight and looked up at the monitor knowing she could be seen. ¡°I know we¡¯re not supposed to be here but I¡¯m looking for Mori! Morrigan Clarke! I need to find her, we¡¯re not here for anything else but to speak to her,¡± Mo¡¯Emori stated, switching to fluent Terran in hope that anyone who heard would understand her. After all, she knew that Xol and the other Marmuro¡¯k around Morrigan understood Terran.

    The K¨ºzi¡¯kan on the other end hiss at her, ¡°?i dikar¨º h?n zan?n l? Ke?ir Clarke?¡± the muscular lizard humanoid¡¯s defensiveness quite apparent to her.

    However, she could not understand what was said to her except for Morrigan¡¯s last name, which told her that it at least understood her for the most part which was better than nothing.

    ¡°Yes! Clarke, Mori Clarke, I have to speak to her!¡± Mo¡¯Emori pleaded as she nodded vigorously.

    The responding K¨ºzi¡¯kan responded by baring its array of long sharp teeth only to get interrupted by another transmission, one Mo¡¯Emori couldn¡¯t hear nor understand as the Marmuro¡¯k she watched responded in a disbelieving manner. However, a moment later the same K¨ºzi¡¯kan snorted at her once it looked back at the screen before leaning forward to touch something, letting the monitor switch to a different screen of a new slenderer and regal looking K¨ºzi¡¯kan glad in red and gold finery appeared on the screen.

    ¡°I am Xitzocl-Arak¡¯tarul of Clan Arak¡¯tarul,¡± a bizarrely feminine and clear voice projected from the speakers around Mo¡¯Emori which threw her off as the apparent female K¨ºzi¡¯kan spoke to her in fluid Terran.

    ¡°If I heard you correctly, you search for Chieftain Clarke, yes?¡± Xitzocl asked.

    ¡°Oh, Goddesses, yes! Please, I need to speak with her! My name is Mo¡¯Emori, and she¡¯s a very dear friend to me and¡­ wait, chieftain?¡± Mo¡¯Emori explained ecstatically only to register what was said which caused her mind to come to a screeching halt.

    Xitzocl, the regal K¨ºzi¡¯kan looked down her snout at her in curious contempt as she considered her words, ¡°Yes, but you must understand that we do not trust outsiders, even Mori who had won her right to stand on Marmuro¡¯k land and call herself one of our own, and you boldly come to our world demanding to talk to one of our chieftains.¡±

    The idea of failing after coming so far began to upset Mo¡¯Emori, the anxiety, worry and sadness within her began stirring as tears welled in her eyes, ¡°Please¡­ She¡¯s my friend and I need to find her,¡± she repeated before sniffling and wiping her nose with her wrist as tears slid down her cheeks, ¡°I barely got to see her before I was called away, before she came here¡­ I¡¯ve come so far, searching everywhere I could¡­¡± Everyone aboard her ship looked at the legendary Sybrydian that struck fear into all that knew of her and watched her break down into tears over a Terran woman they had never met, the person they were forced to risk their lives for by going to the doorstep of their ancient enemy, not forgetting they had delved into the midst of a Federation armada as well.

    Confusion and frustration began to win the crew over as one of the crew members stood up and stepped towards Mo¡¯Emori with an air of authority, ¡°This is enough, we need to leave and forget this hunt before the princess¡¯s obsession over a lowly human girl gets us all killed!¡±

    To everyone¡¯s surprise, even Xitzocl who watched silently, as one of Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s swords cut clear across the Eskarii¡¯s torso with no resistance, cutting the dissenter clean in half from elbow to elbow. Mo¡¯Emori screeched in a child-like, irate tantrum, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk about Mori like that!¡± before bringing her combat boot down upon the stunned face of the Eskarii with enough kinetic force to shake the entire floor of the ship and shatter their skull in an eruption of bone, brain and gore that coated a large portion of the bridge.

    All stood stunned at the power Mo¡¯Emori unleashed as their princess stomped down once again into the chest cavity of the foolish Eskarii man who spoke ill of the one she seemed, covering herself in gore and viscera as the dismembered torso exploded in every direction, leaving Mo¡¯Emori to breath heavily in barely contained anger as orange pastel blood dripped down her chin.

    Xitzocl hummed thoughtfully as she cocked her head to the side in curiosity, ¡°An excellent show of authority, something Chieftain Clarke would have done herself and which I have seen her do,¡± she stated in amusement as she considered the young gore splattered Eskarii woman, seeing a striking echo of Morrigan within her.

    To her crew¡¯s dismay, a dark, obsessive smile spread across her face, ¡°Yeah,¡± she said in a short giggle to herself before she turned back to the monitor, ¡°She almost did that to one of our ambassadors. It was really funny,¡± she said in childish adoration, completely forgetting the mess she had created.

    Xitzocl nodded in approval, ¡°I am sending you a flight trail. Make sure your flyer knows not to stray from it otherwise anti-orbital cannons will destroy your k¨º?ti. We shall share words and I will judge your relations to our newest chieftain,¡± she stated before transmitting a very specific flight path to Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s ship, a separate monitor pulling the three-dimensional data up automatically for the navigator and pilot to look at.

    ¡°You heard her, do not stray from that path otherwise you will die before they can shoot us down!¡± Mo¡¯Emori stated with supreme, unhinged authority as if she had not even considered her situation.

    Before Xitzocl ended the transmission, she said, ¡°I will warn you; your k¨º?ti, your kin and yourself will be under guard, I trust you will think of that.¡±

    Regardless, Mo¡¯Emori grinned brightly as the screen went blank, she was satisfied with finally making progress on her search even if the Marmuro¡¯k refused to give her specific details of Morrigan¡¯s whereabouts. The fact that the apparently important female K¨ºzi¡¯kan seemed to know Morrigan personally meant that Mo¡¯Emori would manage gain some usable information, and possibly close the gap between the Eskarii and Marmuro¡¯k in the process which would be a feat all its own.

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Mo¡¯Emori watched closely as her pilot followed the flight path down to a single degree, far too nervous to even attempt to stray from it under the promise of a swift yet excruciating death whether by their princess, or by anti-air fire. Mo¡¯Emori on the other hand, could barely contain her rising enthusiasm as the ship cut through the atmosphere with ease to reveal the beautiful landscape below of lush jungles, vast deserts and spines of mountains that spread across the surface.

    ¡°Oh wow, this is pretty,¡± Mo¡¯Emori commented aloud, completely oblivious by the now fear filled stares from her crew as she looked over the pilot¡¯s chair to take in as much detail as possible. ¡°Look at that!¡± she exclaimed in childish wonderment as she spotted a large flying creature skimming to top of the jungle canopies, moving slow and methodically as it devoured its meal.

    ¡°It almost reminds me of home, but without trees,¡± she said to herself before she turned to her crew with an excited giggle, ¡°Are you seeing this?¡± only to receive blank and wary stares.

    ¡°What?¡± she asked curiously, having forgotten that she was stained in the blood of one of their own in what could only be described as a psychotic rampage that fit the rumors that surrounded her.

    However, the pilot grabbed her attention, ¡°Princess, we¡¯re approaching the coordinates¡­¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori snapped to attention as she looked out the window to see a long canyon that descended into the mountains, towards the end she could see high walls and a massive gate that served as the main and possibly only entrance into the civilization she had been directed to.

    ¡°Should, should we land? We didn¡¯t get any instructions¡­¡± the pilot asked tentatively.

    Mo¡¯Emori snorted indignantly, ¡°Of course, how else will I talk to her?¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori stepped towards the back of the bridge before turning back to her crew, ¡°Oh, and leave your weapons,¡± she said cheerily before skipping off the bridge and moving towards the hatch as she waited to feel the ship land.

    It took a moment but as soon ship touched down, Mo¡¯Emori dropped the hatch and jumped out only to be greeted by a vast array of strange firearms, glowing energy shields and melee weapons not only from the high walls that surrounded her as well as a full line of different species of Marmuro¡¯k that moved to encircle the ship.

    She smirked as she looked over everyone that surrounded her ship, unconcerned about the situation not because she was confident in her abilities though she was sure she could likely survive the assault if it came to it, but because she understood the level of precaution the female K¨ºzi¡¯kan was taking while extending a proverbial olive branch; it was similar in the respect that the Eskarii did not allow those who lived off world or non-Eskarii to know of their home world¡¯s existence or location, until very recently.

    She took a step forward as she heard her crew slowly begin shuffling out of the ship behind her as she watched the line of Marmuro¡¯k split to reveal the same Marmuro¡¯k she had spoken to over transmission, a lean female K¨ºzi¡¯kan clad in fine red robes with golden embroidery and trim to signify her off her status.

    ¡°Hi!¡± Mo¡¯Emori announced with enthusiasm as she waved. Enticing a curious look from Xitzocl as she too stepped forward.

    Xitzocl remain dignified as she stepped forward and ignored the odd shift in personality she witnessed as she inspected the crew behind Mo¡¯Emori, ¡°Its been a long time since our races have walked on the same ground,¡± Xitzocl stated aloud as she cast a gaze across the guards she had ordered.

    With a wave of her hand, the Marmuro¡¯k eased off their weaponry, standing at attention and ever-ready to resume hostilities if the need arose. ¡°Come, let us talk,¡± she said pointedly at Mo¡¯Emori before turning around and entering the settlement. Mo¡¯Emori skipped behind her with a modicum of respect as the Marmuro¡¯k watched her closely with their hands on their weapons though still lacking severe discipline.

    Xitzocl led Mo¡¯Emori through the settlement the same way she did Morrigan to gauge her reaction. Much like Morrigan, Mo¡¯Emori looked around in astonished wonderment at everything that surrounded her, focusing and absorbing every detail in child-like amazement as they walked. It gave hope to Xitzocl as she watched the Eskarii girl get lost in the new society she witnessed.

    After over a century of vicious and brutal conflict between the Eskarii and Marmuro¡¯k, prejudice and disdain were still prominent in both races, for good reason however, experiencing the unbridled and equal compassion that Morrigan bore for every race, Xitzocl began to wonder if things were beginning to change.

    ¡°She had the same look as you do when she first walked through my home,¡± Xitzocl said to garner her attention.

    ¡°How could she not? This is so interesting to see! I mean, I lived among humans for several years and they were different than my people but this¡­¡± Mo¡¯Emori paused to looked at Xitzocl with a big smile, ¡°Its so different yet some how, it almost feels like how my people live!¡±

    Xitzocl stopped and cocked her head, ¡°That is hard to believe.¡± She shook her head and waved her hand to dismiss the notion, realizing that the young Eskarii before her was on a very tight time table unlike Morrigan and had no time to debate philosophical beliefs and societal structure though she hoped to have the opportunity in the future.

    ¡°Never mind that, but you say you have strong relations with our Chieftain Clarke of Clan Clarke? Tell me how it is you know of her,¡± Xitzocl segwayed.

    The topic of Morrigan pulled all of Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s attention as she focused on her, ¡°Right! Um, honestly¡­ Mori was my first real friend on Earth even though I only got to see her once a week... I mean, I knew humans and some where friendly-most weren¡¯t since I lived in Federation territory, but¡­¡± Mo¡¯Emori paused as she recalled every moment. Every interaction between her and Morrigan which made her smile blissfully. ¡°She was, she is, the only one on Earth to first showed me what friendship was like. There was Mr. Yuma but he was more like a coworker than a friend though he was super nice too!¡±

    Xitzocl shook her head in confusion, ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori blushed fiercely as she looked away, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I sometimes talk a lot when I¡¯m excited. You¡¯re the first person to offer any sort of help in finding her and¡­ yeah, sorry¡­¡± she said with a sigh. ¡°When we were both on Earth, the Federation hunted Morrigan and before Mr. Yuma and I could help her escape, they made their move to capture her, so instead, I had my brother help her escape instead though that didn¡¯t work very well¡­¡±

    Xitzocl watched as the strange woman in front of her visibly shift emotions as her long-pointed ears drooped slightly.

    ¡°After the Federation captured her, she uh, disappeared¡­ for several years. Me and her mother-who became a pseudo-mother to me which was wonderful and super helpful, searched for her endlessly¡­ but! When she joined the Inquisition she had them rescue us from Earth! Our time seeing each other was short but so wonderful before she had to come here to bring Qiote home- he was such a sweet and shy boy unlike Yekku, who was always full of energy and fun!¡±

    Xitzocl raised her hands suggesting she stop while Xitzocl tried to process the girl¡¯s rambling, picking up on the key information she needed to determine the trustworthiness of her tentative enemy. ¡°You know Qiote-Arak¡¯tarul?¡± she asked.

    Mo¡¯Emori nodded vigorously, realizing she was overwhelming the diplomatic Marmuro¡¯k before taking a long deep breath in an attempt to calm herself down. She watched as Xitzocl barked an order to the nearest working Marmuro¡¯k before it ran off to follow her order. Meanwhile, Mo¡¯Emori looked around more, subtlety straying farther from Xitzocl to take closer things at what the natives were doing while Xitzocl stood patiently waiting. Whenever Mo¡¯Emori would stray an uncomfortable distance, she would gently call out her name and to her pleasant surprise, the childish Eskarii would return and quickly apologize before becoming distracted by something else.

    After about 15 minutes, the Marmuro¡¯k that had been sent on their errand returned with Qiote in tow. Mo¡¯Emori squealed in excitement the moment her eyes landed on the familiar S¡¯randin.

    ¡°Qiote! Naestra above, its you!¡± she cried out, her high pitched tone causing Qiote to jump with wide eyes before recognizing the source of the noise.

    Xitzocl watched closely as she watched Qiote quickly shift from panicked to disbelieving curiosity as he let out an curious barking noise followed by a series of chittering that questioned the accuracy of who he was seeing.

    Mo¡¯Emori stepped closer with her hands held endearingly to her chest as she spoke, ¡°Its me, Mo¡¯Emori. You were so sad when I saw you but you look so much better now! I¡¯m so happy for you!¡± She spread her arms wide and bent at the knees in the fork of a readied hug that Qiote would recognize.

    With little hesitation, Qiote slid up to her and let himself be embraced as his long tail happily slapped the ground kicking up dust around them which made Mo¡¯Emori giggle.

    ¡°So, it is my understanding that you know this Eskarii, and she knows Mirina Sor,¡± Xitzocl brought up as her shoulders sagged in relief.

    Qiote pulled away and turned to Xitzocl, bobbing his head far more subtly before chittering a short explanation. Mo¡¯Emori giggled as she watched Xitzocl listen to him with her fingers hiding her smile, ¡°Its so cool that you can understand him,¡± she interjected innocently.

    However, Xitzocl¡¯s head shot up in surprise and the reptilian look of annoyed disbelief, ¡°Why did you not mention you were a mate of Mori?¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s face turned a bright shade of red as she her brain registered what Xitzocl meant. ¡°What? No! I mean-what?¡± she stammered in embarrassment as she looked at Qiote. Qiote responded with a short warble before touching the tips of both of his nails together to insinuate she and Morrigan touching, to what she assumed was the kiss she gave Morrigan before departing for Escostia. Mo¡¯Emori whined childishly as she touched her burning cheeks, ¡°Goddesses, how did you even hear about that!?¡±

    Qiote chirped and warbled before looking at Xitzocl to translate, ¡°He says that Morrigan talked of your courting with her other mate and the rest of her clan soon after leaving.¡±

    ¡°She told Nora!?¡± Mo¡¯Emori exclaimed before falling to her knees in a new level of embarrassment she had ever experienced, hiding her face as it only grew a brighter shade of red that expanded to the tips of her ears. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this! Mae am my¡¯nd ? ilad fi an¨ª ?r¨¹e fi mewn un Triss¡¯unbr¨¦!¡± she complained loudly, drawing the attention of several Marmuro¡¯k around her.

    With a single huff though, Mo¡¯Emori looked up from her tantrum, ¡°Its not like that¡­ I mean, I care about her a lot and¡­ we did kiss, but Mori¡¯s partner is Nora¡­¡± she stated with a touch of depression over her own words.

    Xitzocl cleared her throat and offered her hand, ¡°As much as I am curious, I understand your time is short,¡± she stated having the necessary information to make her decision as she helped Mo¡¯Emori stand, ¡°Tell me your needs and I shall assist in any way I can.¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori huffed and considered what to ask, ¡°Do you know where she is? Or at least where she went?¡±

    Xitzocl straightened into her stoic, diplomatic demeanor before responding, ¡°She is no longer on Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To, however, she mentioned heading to your home world, she mentioned the need to converse with your queen.¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s eyes widened in shock as her mind ran a thousand miles a minute, her jaw dropping slightly as she processed what it truly meant for her. ¡°Shit,¡± she exclaimed without thinking before looking directly at Xitzocl, ¡°She¡¯s going to the wrong place but I know where she¡¯s going!¡± she stated before turning on the verge of sprinting back to her ship.

    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± Xitzocl asked while catching her by the arm.

    Mo¡¯Emori looked back with look of anxious excitement, ¡°Yes,¡± she stopped and took Xitzocl¡¯s hand in hers, ¡°Thank you so much though. I¡¯ve been going in circles trying to find her¡­ perhaps sometime in the future we can all meet and have lots of conversations, there¡¯s still so much I want to learn that hasn¡¯t been taught to me but for now, I need to try and catch up with Mori!¡±

    Xitzocl nodded, deciding to leave the conversation at that letting the energetic Eskarii dart off towards the gate and announcing their Eskarii visitors were allowed to leave through the bracer on her wrist. All the while Mo¡¯Emori shouted into her own communicator, ¡°Get to the ship! We need to make for Gelia, double time!¡±

 Chapter XXII

    After consoling herself with Nora, refusing to get into why she needed to be held so desperately after her mind-bending experience and feigning ignorance as to why Skoll had a full-blown panic attack, Morrigan spent the following few days making good upon her promises to both Havoc squad as well as to the crew of the Archangel to distract everyone from the events of that day. Luckily for Morrigan, Nora and Sigurd kept Skoll¡¯s erratic behavior under wraps by partially encasing the large beast in ice and using Sigurd as a makeshift lightning rod in one of the storage rooms on the upper decks.

    Since that day though, Skoll glued himself to Morrigan¡¯s side and refused to let her leave his sight, including each time she showered insisting on laying on the bathroom floor watching the frosted glass like a hawk. Morrigan didn¡¯t mind the neediness though since Yekku discovered independence, so having Skoll by her all the time was something of a comfort for her. The ship crew gave an extra wide berth for the shoulder-to-shoulder pair as Morrigan made her way through the ship arranging times for battery crew target practice and asking various divisions of workers for ideas for off-duty activities to keep morale up.

    Late into the day as Morrigan stalked the upper decks of the ship in search for department leaders. A series of cheers coming from the mess hall on her floor caught her attention, Skoll too lifting his head to attention by the noise as he emitted a sense of playful curiosity. She watched Skoll stamp his paws as he prepared to chase something only for Morrigan to place her hands on his shoulder, ¡°Let¡¯s go see what it is first, buddy. If it''s anything special then you can chase it.¡±

    Her only response to that was a husky growl before letting his tongue hang out of the side of his mouth. With a snort, Morrigan walked down to the mess hall to find the large room devoid of life except for a moderate group of soldiers crowded around an extremely focused Ebony, her fingers dancing across the screen of her data-slate furiously as everyone around her cheered her on. Morrigan smiled in amusement as she recalled the discussion she and Sister had about Ebony¡¯s request.

    To her surprise, Sister was rather excited about the proposition as she assured Morrigan that an entire separate and fake system could be constructed where Sister could put Ebony and her trainees to the test. It turned out that an A.I. of Sister¡¯s caliber could succumb to boredom, to which she eased by selecting random crew members on a daily basis and badgered them with discovery questions to help her understand the behavior of an intelligent creature more.

    The crowd around Ebony groaned animatedly as she slammed her fists onto the table with a slew of curses. Morrigan held her breath to keep from laughing only for Skoll to stride into the room and howl in mimicry to everyone¡¯s complaints. Morrigan lost her composure as everyone looked to the giant canine in surprise however, Skoll¡¯s company was well received as many of the soldier cooed at him to garner his attention. Skoll made no hesitation to receive free scratches as he wiggled his way into a section of the soldier all the while Ebony sulked over her data-slate.

    ¡°Did everyone see what I was doing?¡± she asked aloud in frustration. To Morrigan''s pleasure, every single soldier stopped and confirmed for her before returning their attention to lovable killing machine in the room.

    ¡°I see things are going well?¡± Morrigan asked as she sat across from the hacker.

    ¡°Oh! Sorry, Inquisitor, I didn''t see you come in. When Skoll came in I just assumed the Tin Man was with him since he normally walks him around¡­¡± Ebony stated after being startled.

    ¡°The Tin Man?¡± Morrigan snorted.

    Ebony smirked shyly as she eyed Skoll distracting her trainees, ¡°Yeah, they came up for the name for Sigurd and it just kinda stuck.¡±

    Morrigan considered the name for a moment before asking, ¡°Does he know?¡±

    Ebony shrugged before lifting up her data-slate and showing the screen to Morrigan. On the screen was four dozen sets of statistical data with the names of soldiers for each, all mixed with several varying sets of data points meshed into a single reading for each soldier.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what I¡¯m looking at,¡± Morrigan stated as she looked up at Ebony.

    ¡°This is the progress I was hoping for, you see this?¡± Ebony asked as she pointed a light blue bar at the top of the screen that overextended past a green bar, ¡°This is an overall 22 percent increase in efficiency, with two days!  I hate to admit it but Sister is a far better instructor than I am.¡±

    ¡°That is because you lack the processing capacity to develop a proper training regiment all the while counter attacking several individuals simultaneously,¡± Sister interjected over the intercom in the mess hall.

    Ebony pursed her lips while all of the trainees booed at Sister, Morrigan cracking up in disbelief that the ship¡¯s A.I. was smack talking Ebony.

    ¡°Sister, be nice. Ebony has done a fantastic job at training our own hackers,¡± Morrigan scolded mildly.

    ¡°Through various studies as well as my own observations, ¡°smack talking¡± is an excellent tool for inciting competitive behavior in humanoids, regardless of their level of inexperience,¡± Sister countered with an underhanded insult.

    Morrigan bit her lip to stem her laughter as she watched Ebony¡¯s face turn beet red in irritation, proving Sister¡¯s theory correct as Ebony flipped her data-slate over and begin tapping way with renewed ferocity.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re going down you smart mouthed bitch,¡± Ebony muttered to herself as the rest of her trainees pulled out their own data-slates and began supporting their trainer in her vendetta. Morrigan simply sat there in amused surprise as she watched everyone focus on taking down the A.I.

    Skoll took offense though as he let out a sharp yelp at the group of soldiers that abandoned him, his dejection radiating to Morrigan. Morrigan snapped her fingers softly commanding Skoll to come to her, ¡°Come on sweetie, looks like they¡¯ll be busy for a while,¡± she stated before stepping away from the table.

    Skoll obeyed, following Morrigan as he sulked only for one of the soldiers to call out, ¡°Bye Skoll!¡± which cheered him up before he left.

    The next stop on Morrigan¡¯s vast list of check-ins was the R&D deck five floors below. The Research and Development division made up an entire deck of the Archangel broken up into subsections for various manufacturing purposes from general every day goods and clothing for the crew to use, to weapons and ammunition for both personnel and ship use to even some pharmaceuticals used to fill in requisitions submitted by the med bays. With the R&D division being its size, the Archangel was nearly self sustaining except that it lacked an agricultural deck that would allow the production of food and constantly needed raw materials for the production of everything else.

    Morrigan found visiting the busy, three-mile-long factory to be a breath of fresh air even if it was a cacophony of grinding metal, loud machinery and constantly moving heavy equipment. Where ever Morrigan went, she was normally met with high levels of regard and respect that reminded her of her status but whenever she went to R&D, no one cared who she was. It wasn¡¯t that the workers did not care but they were often too busy to give her the formal respect her station deserved which allowed her to feel like herself once more, just an ordinary girl walking through a factory floating through space.

    Morrigan bee lined for a large white walled building that sat in the middle of the open floor deck, sticking close to the marked walkways for foot traffic while avoiding passing bipedal loaders and electric trucks used to carry both raw materials and finished product alike to their proper staging areas for storage or production. With the occasional greeting from the workers who happened to look up, she curiously inspected some of the things being made as she passed through.

    Morrigan avoided the main entrance of the building and stepped through a side door towards the back to reveal a long, thin office with a panoramic window the revealed a large chemistry lab on the other side while the opposing wall was filled with monitors that had cameras overlooking various points of production. To her pleasant surprise, she found Yekku in Danson¡¯s office chittering away while looking over a schematic.

    ¡°So, what do you think? This new design should give our men and women more maneuverability without the loss of fire power,¡± Danson remarked as he watched Yekku analyze the drawing.

    Morrigan and Skoll remained silent and watched the quirky S¡¯randin work. Yekku looked to Danson, who sat in his chair, then back to the drawing before setting it down and grabbing Danson¡¯s right arm, holding it aloft to simulate where a gun would sit then grabbed his left arm to ¡°hold¡± the weapon steady. Danson let the spastic creature man-handle him as if having been through the process before as Yekku chittered to himself. He looked back at the drawing before moving both arms closer to Danson¡¯s chest for a moment.

    Yekku then turned to the drawing with a red pen and began quickly, yet accurately, drawing an entire redesign. Morrigan couldn¡¯t help but smile at the fervent work Yekku put into his job, as within several minutes, Yekku produced a whole new drawing he presented to Danson.

    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s a lot shorter¡­ nine-millimeter? That would cut down on armor penetration significantly,¡± Danson stated in disbelief only for Yekku to point out something on the sheet with an annoyed cricking noise.

    ¡°Oh, hmmm, okay, brass bullets would make them harder but they¡¯re significantly¡­ oh I see you changed the rifling as well and this is¡­ the formula for Teflon? I see, you want Teflon coated brass bullets in 9mm okay, okay¡­ double stack banana clips- that makes sense especially for a bullpup style¡­ you do realize this is not a good design for extensive ranges, right?¡± Danson asked.

    Yekku huffed indignantly letting out another annoyed cricking noise as he stared down Danson which made Morrigan giggle, finally drawing both of their attention.

    ¡°Oh! Mori.¡± Danson managed to say before Yekku darted into her with an excited squawk and gave her a hug while rubbing his face across her shoulder and cheek.

    ¡°Hey sweetie, look at you working hard,¡± Morrigan cooed as Yekku snuggled into her, laughing as Skoll wedged his nose in between them and pried Yekku away from her to force the S¡¯randin to give him attention as well.

    ¡°What brings you in?¡± Danson asked as he watched the interesting interaction between the three before looking down at the drawn-over schematic.

    ¡°I just came to see how everything is going, especially with Aleksei,¡± she mentioned as she backed away from Skoll who began to spasticity lick Yekku¡¯s face, toppling the lanky lizard as he let out an alarmed warble.

    She skirted around them and stepped towards Danson. ¡°Here, have a look,¡± he said holding up the drawing.

    Morrigan looked over the drawing to see that Yekku had cut the barrel length down to six inches and shortened the entire weapon down to 14 in bullpup submachine. She considered what she overheard with her knowledge of ballistics her father had taught her as she inspected the finer details Yekku had drawn against the original design.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°I mean, given what it is we¡¯re doing¡­ we should still be able to get a good 250 meters of accuracy and penetration, especially ship to ship or raiding stations,¡± Morrigan stated before handing it back only to have Danson sigh in defeat.

    ¡°What?¡± she asked in amused confusion.

    Danson chuckled briefly before gesturing to Yekku who now laid underneath Skoll as they cuddled each other which only made Morrigan smile when she looked. ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s almost degrading how intelligent the little bugger is, nearly everything we¡¯ve shown him he has come up with a redesign for or some kind of improvement¡­¡± Danson paused and looked at Morrigan, ¡°Did you know he came up with an entire rewire of our cooling systems for the lance batteries?¡±

    Morrigan furrowed her brow in confusion as she cocked her head to the side, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Essentially, he came across the wiring layout drawings for the cooling units on our lance batteries and, with a single look, managed to do the same thing he did here,¡± he stated holding up the drawing in his hand, ¡°And we ran the numbers; theoretically, his design puts out a 40 percent increase on fire rates meaning we could fire our lance batteries faster without worrying that we¡¯ll overload, we haven¡¯t implemented it yet but¡­ I mean, Yekku, he¡¯s a bloody genius!¡±

    Morrigan grinned as her heart swelled in pride for the quirky alien before considering something, ¡°Well, to be fair, the Marmuro¡¯k use a lot of plasma technology, especially on their warships which from what I¡¯ve been able to guess, takes a significantly high cooling output. Despite looking primitive, they¡¯re actually a highly advanced race,¡± she stated proudly.

    ¡°Yeah, no kidding¡­ Hey, Yekku,¡± Danson said changing directions. Yekku looked up from underneath Skoll with wide eyes.

    Danson rolled up the drawing and held it out, ¡°Make a drawing of the ammunition requirements, a drawing of the internal workings you have in mind and have areas seven and eight begin making a prototype for us to try out.¡±

    Yekku perked up and squirmed underneath Skoll¡¯s hefty weight which only made Skoll groan unhappily and set is head down on top of Yekku, further entrapping him.

    Morrigan shook her head though she couldn¡¯t keep from smiling at Skoll¡¯s apparently joy in cuddling Yekku, ¡°Skoll, let him up,¡± she commanded through a giggle.

    Begrudgingly, Skoll sat up and let Yekku scramble out from underneath him letting out a high-pitched whine of a yawn as Yekku approached Danson and snatched the schematic out from his hand. Before darting out the door, Yekku approached Morrigan and gave her one final hug. With a quick flicker of his forked tongue across her cheek, an action that left Morrigan smiling, Yekku left to fulfill his duties.

    Danson pushed a button on a wide panel of glowing buttons next to him before glancing towards the monitors at a specific screen that switched over to display the towering giant of a man leaning over a work bench, ¡°As for him, he¡¯s another genius you managed to bring on board¡­ as far as I¡¯m aware, he¡¯s building himself a new grenade launcher but over the past few days, he submitted his own recipes for an unholy array of explosives, both physical schematics as well as alchemical formulas, frankly I think he¡¯s even holding out on us but, we now have a ridiculous amount of manufacturing options that use readily or easily obtainable materials.¡±

    Morrigan snorted as she listened, watching the monitor to see that Aleksei was respecting her wishes about safely creating anything remotely volatile, given his past history, though bribing Danson with a bunch of options amused her slightly.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s definitely good for us, between him and Ebony I¡¯m already getting a return on investing a bit of trust in them¡­ kind of glad I didn¡¯t shove them out an airlock like Sigurd suggested,¡± she commented offhandedly.

    Danson snickered at that, ¡°He would¡­ you would, for that matter.¡±

    Morrigan feigned insult and smacked Danson in the arm gently, not wishing to actually hurt the man, ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    Danson laughed as he leaned back, pushing his glasses up his nose as he looked down to see Skoll staring at him motionless, as if trying to pierce into his soul with his gaze.

    Danson furrowed his brows, ¡°Nothing honestly. Dog, that''s creepy,¡± Danson stated sharply as he scooted back an inch in his chair.

    Morrigan looked at Skoll and could feel the desire to chase the man next to her coming off of the giant canine. Morrigan simply shook her head and stepped towards Skoll, ¡°Its fine, but I gotta go find Nora, it¡¯s date night.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t every night date night? You share a bed and she¡¯s usually attached to your hip when she¡¯s around,¡± he pointed out.

    Morrigan placed her hands on her hips and looked sharply at the chief technician, ¡°That¡¯s pretty insinuating¡­ why do I feel like everyone assumes all I have is wild sex whenever she¡¯s around? Most people on this ship rarely see me and her together!¡± she said as she blushed, realizing that she said that out loud.

    Danson simply shrugged with a sly smirk, ¡°Just seems like the natural order of things between you two, especially with that mouth of hers.¡±

    Morrigan rolled her eyes and stepped to the door, ¡°This is why you¡¯re single, you perv.¡±

    ¡°Yet, you¡¯re the one blushing!¡± Danson called out in a snarky tone, Morrigan blushing even deeper as the door closed behind her and Skoll before making her way towards the freight elevator.

    Morrigan sighed with relief as she headed towards her quarters, mentally exhausted from the long day of check ins and getting to know more and more of her extensive crew.

    After taking up the mantle of Inquisitor, Morrigan found her life to be filled with mundane tasks and responsibilities that Lord Inquisitor Solomon had neglected to tell her, the unspoken background work of leadership that came with running a starship. Morrigan had always felt like the neglectful partner ever since their union and with her job as an Inquisitor, felt even more guilty about how little free time she had. Thankfully, Nora understood her position and respected the amount of time her title took from her despite Nora¡¯s clingy personality which led to the suggestion of establishing date nights to satiate their roles as a couple.

    With something to look forward to that did not involve work, Morrigan¡¯s excitement grew as her stress finally began to wane. However, stepping into her living room, she found herself standing in her lightless quarter.

    The sepia tint her of night vision, a gift from Apollyon upon their first encounter, told her that all of the lights were oddly off as she scanned the room. Morrigan¡¯s anxiety rose once again as she saw the curled-up figure sitting on the couch as a subtle wave of disappointment washed over her.

    Morrigan raised her hand as Skoll let out a high-pitched whine of worry, equally concerned about Nora who held herself tight in a ball of depression. With a silent command, Morrigan shooed Skoll and watched him pad his way across the living room, eyeing the back of the couch intently as he walked past and slipped into their bedroom.

    ¡°Nora?¡± Morrigan stepped closer to watch Nora sniffled and wipe her eyes with her wrist in response to her name.

    ¡°Hey babe¡­¡± Nora responded a moment later. Morrigan instantly recognized the strained tone in her voice of someone who had spent a considerable amount of time crying.

    ¡°Hey, hey, what¡¯s going on, hun?¡± A new wave of confirmed worry crawled down Morrigan¡¯s spine as she quickly shuffled to Nora¡¯s side and sat beside her, her own tone laced with concern.

    She watched Nora crack a disbelieving smile as her breath caught, sniffling again before shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s our night and I¡¯m sitting here like a fool¡­¡± she said as she began to get up only for Morrigan to gently grab onto her arm, stopping her for a moment.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not nothing sweetie...¡± Morrigan stated firmly as she gently pulled Nora back down and reached up placing a hand on a tear-stained cheek. A subtle anger came to life underneath Morrigan¡¯s emotions as she felt the salty damp skin before forcibly ignoring the feeling with a deep sigh, ¡°Forget about our date, Nora, I want you to tell me what¡¯s wrong.¡±

    Nora shook her head but Morrigan placed her other hand on her opposing cheek and gently turned Nora¡¯s head towards her, ¡°Listen sweetie, I hate being so busy all the time but I¡¯m here for you now, so, please let me be here for you,¡± she pleaded softly.

    Morrigan could feel the vibration as her words made Nora¡¯s chest quiver before let out a strangled breath, reaching up and sliding her fingers into Morrigan¡¯s hands and pulled them away from her face, holding her hands as she closed her eyes and nodded.

    ¡°I¡­ tried to talk to Stephy today¡­¡± she forced out as she hung her head in dejection, her shoulders shaking as her emotions slowly came around in full swing.

    Morrigan pursed her lips in irritation as that subtle anger began to slowly grow. She knew she should have known that it would involve Stephanie, seeing as she was the only person she had ever seen to stir negative emotions out of her eccentric and joyful girlfriend even after her clear warning to the dread headed woman on their first meet. Morrigan knew better than to say anything without taking another deep breath though, ¡°What did she say?¡± she asked softly with a serious undertone.

    However, Nora shook her head as she wriggled a hand free to wipe her eyes, ¡°Nothing um¡­ I didn¡¯t uh, I couldn¡¯t do it¡­ I tried so hard¡­¡± Nora choked up as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks, ¡°Each time I just¡­ God, I¡¯m such a coward!¡±

    Morrigan watched as Nora curled up once again as she realized what was truly the matter. Nora, a woman who faced inevitable odds and dangers throughout her life with a smile, had come face to face with something she didn''t know how to confront and more so, recalling her reaction to their reunion, it terrified her. Morrigan considered how Nora felt that day, the palpable joy and excitement to see her own family that she thought was dead, that she had killed, only to be understandably rejected by her sister.

    The anger subsided with Morrigan upon realizing that Nora wasn¡¯t hurt, but ashamed and scared. Though Morrigan wished to see Nora and her sister reconcile because it would make Nora happy but Morrigan knew two distinct things about trying to force something that wasn¡¯t ready having been forced to face many things in her life that she had not been prepared for; forcing things like hindered emotions upon situations tended to make things far more complicated and, in the case of involving more than one person, both sides needed to be on the same relative page or things would fall apart before they could even begin.

    She expected a snarky comment from the deity deep within her mind however, Apollyon had been silent within her for several days even when she attempted to speak to it, apparently taking the recent and bizarre changes seriously and spending its time contemplating the new developments.

    Morrigan scooted as close as she could before pulling Nora into her chest just in time for her to begin sobbing. ¡°You know, sweetie, you have to give it time; both for her and yourself. I know your excited that she¡¯s here but there is plenty of time for you and her to make up and act like sisters again, you don''t have to rush it,¡± she said as she ran her fingers through Nora¡¯s hair and along the shaved side of her head to help sooth her.

    ¡°But, she hates me¡­ she doesn¡¯t say it but¡­ I feel it, every time we see each other¡­¡± Nora croaked out as she shook, her sobs pausing as her nerves got the best of her.

    Morrigan rested her chin on the top of Nora¡¯s head and shook it in disagreement, ¡°No, love. She may hold a grudge against you but¡­ I may not have siblings but I''ve seen Torvil and Mo¡¯Emori''s relationship and I believe there is no chance in any world or galaxy that Stephanie truly hates you. If I had to guess, she probably needs time to cope and come to terms happened rather than just living with it, if that makes any sense.¡±

    Morrigan could feel Nora relax a little as her words seemed to get her thinking. After a moment, Nora leaned into her, ¡°Yeah¡­ I just, I¡¯m so ashamed of what I did¡­¡±

    Morrigan nodded as she accepted Nora into her arms and held her close, ¡°We¡¯ve all got things we¡¯re ashamed of, love. The most we can do is either seek forgiveness or try and do better than those moments. But nothing can be fixed within a day,¡± Morrigan added thoughtfully, wondering what she could do to make up for her long list of past sins.

    To her surprise, Nora snorted and began to laugh softly as Nora lifted her head from Morrigan¡¯s chest slightly, ¡°Except maybe Sigurd, I doubt he even knows the definition of shame,¡± she interjected, ¡°Or Xol. No one that broody could ever think they¡¯re in the wrong!¡±

    Morrigan chuckled at that as she shook her head again, ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve definitely seen Xol ashamed with himself but Sigurd¡­ yeah, you¡¯re probably right.¡±

    Both women shared a laugh at the expense of the absent Berserker. The soft light hearted sound a call sign for Skoll that it was safe to approach as he stalked around the couch to stick his nose directly into Nora¡¯s face and insist on licking the salt from her cheeks, which only caused Nora to giggle even more as she tried to move away from his massive tongue.

    After spending enough time laughing at the both of her lovable companions, Morrigan rubbed Nora¡¯s arm to gain her attention, ¡°Why don¡¯t you go wash up and I¡¯ll get dinner started?¡±

    Nora smiled as she looked up at her with a wide, devious grin, ¡°Okay but first you have to give me a kiss!¡±

    Morrigan scrunched her face in faux disgust before giving her a tender kiss to satisfy her lover. Jealous, Skoll whined and planted a massive paw against Nora which made her smile, smooching his nose animatedly, ¡°There you mangy brat, now I gotta go wash your slobber off,¡± she stated as she got up.

    Skoll snorted indignantly at her as he watched her walk away before turning his gaze to Morrigan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± she commanded sharply with an undertone of amusement, ¡°Now, chicken or fish? You choose, buddy. ¡°

    Skoll raised his left paw letting out an excited yelp indicating his desire for fish, which made Morrigan smile brightly as she swatted at his muzzle, ¡°Good boy, it seems raiding that ship was a good idea after all.¡±

    As she began preparing their meal, Nora kept Skoll occupied by teasing him relentlessly as her new found calm and energy came back in full swing, making the experience far more entertaining for Morrigan.

    However, just as Morrigan began to cook, Sister chimed in over the speaker system, ¡°Mori, we will be exiting FTL transition in five minutes. We will be arriving at Gelia momentarily.¡±

    Morrigan sighed at the interruption yet her excitement went through the roof by the news. It had been a childhood dream of hers to see Gelia in person but also, it also meant she would see her mom and Mo''Emori once again along with the rest of her family. Morrigan looked to Nora as her eyes shined with enthusiasm, ¡°Want to go see the most beautiful planet in your life?¡±

 Chapter XXIII

    Morrigan practically skipped down the corridor with Nora, who laughed pleasantly at the child-like excitement that exuded from her girlfriend.

    ¡°That excited to see this planet? I mean, it¡¯s just a planet,¡± Nora commented casually which halted Morrigan in her tracks, causing her to nearly trip mid-skip.

    Morrigan turned in morbid disbelief, ¡°Have you never seen pics of Gelia?! The gigantic trees of purple and blue? The kaleidoscopic flowers and unique wildlife that roam the forests? Seriously?¡±

    Nora smirked playfully, telling Morrigan that she had been purposefully teasing her even though she still shook her head, ¡°No, I can¡¯t say I have but it does sound pretty though.¡±

    Morrigan blushed and grinned bashfully, ¡°You¡¯re such a brat,¡± she stated as Skoll ran into her, pushing his way down the corridor and letting Morrigan run her hand down his entire length of soft, dense fur. ¡°Plus, Mom and everyone are there,¡± she added.

    Nora¡¯s eyes shined brightly with mischief as she grinned and leaned against the wall, ¡°Yeah? You mean that pretty little Eskarii girl is there,¡± she stated with a palpable amount of sass.

    Morrigan narrowed her eyes as her face turned beet red as her embarrassment betrayed her, just as the ship shuddered with the telltale feeling that meant the ship dropped out of FTL transition. What followed the shudder, set Morrigan¡¯s nerves on fire.

    A moment after the Archangel dropped into the dark space that surrounded Gelia, the alarms began blaring across the entire Inquisition Light Cruiser, the distinctive alarm for everyone aboard to prepare for combat.

    ¡°No¡­¡± Morrigan breathed out with wide eyes before she and Nora both turned and began sprinting down the corridor. ¡°Skoll, plow the road!¡± she commanded without a second thought to her faithful canine.

    Skoll let out an ear-splitting howl that resonated down many of the connected halls as he charged forth, electricity crackling across his body as he snarled at any bystanders that rushed through the corridor. Subconsciously, Morrigan felt guilty as Skoll barreled into anyone unable to press themselves against the walls or dive for cover, shoving them out of the way with enough force to cause recognizable injury. At the same time, the panic that rose within her pushed her to ignore that guilt and focus on worrying about the implication of the alarm.

    Making it to the end of the corridor and taking the only turn available, Morrigan rushed to the elevator and smashed the call button with enough force that caused her to worry if whether or not she had just broken the button. However, over the pulsing alarm that rang in her ears, she could still pick out the hydraulic whine of the elevator moving which gave her the slightest bit of relief before turning to Skoll.

    ¡°Go find Sigurd, boy,¡± she commanded as she pointed back down the corridor they came from, only for Skoll to sit and whine obstinately. Morrigan groaned, forgetting Skoll¡¯s refusal to leave her alone and stomped her foot sending a violent vibration through the floor that made Skoll jump and back away slightly. ¡°You know you¡¯re not allowed up here, so go!¡± she growled as her frustration began to reach the height of her anxiety.

    Watching the interaction between her lover and their sweet pet, Nora grabbed Skoll¡¯s face and struggled to force him to look at her, ¡°Listen sweetie, I will be with her the entire time, you need to go find Sigurd, hun,¡± she said kindly as she gently stroked her hand across Skoll¡¯s cheek.

    Skoll eyed Morrigan before looking back at Nora, visibly huffing and shifting his ears back before slowly walking away in rejection. Seeing Skoll upset hurt Nora¡¯s heart as she turned back with a frown to see Morrigan standing there growling in agitation. However, Nora just kept her mouth shut for the mean time as the elevator door opened and Morrigan stepped heavily inside and slammed the button for the bridge repeatedly.

    ¡°Babe, try and relax. We don''t even know what''s going on out there. For all we know the Eskarii are just being overly defensive like the Marmars-I mean they are kinda stuffy, and they weren''t expecting us¡­¡± Nora stated attempting to throw logic at her panicking lover under the veil of light humor.

    ¡°Marmars?¡± Morrigan questioned incredulously, pausing her assault on the button having picked out the only oddity in what Nora said as the door finally closed.

    Nora cracked a smile as the elevator door closed and began to rise. ¡°Well yeah, you expect me to say that annoyingly complicated name? At least what I came up with is cute!¡± she stated firmly with a shrug before giggling at her own demeanor.

    Nora¡¯s light heartedness broke through Morrigan¡¯s anxiety as she snorted. ¡°You¡¯re ridiculous¡­ thank you¡­¡± Morrigan said as she took a deep breath and leaned against the wall. ¡°I just¡­ you might be right but I keep thinking the worst¡­¡±

    Nora shrugged once again, ¡°I could also be completely wrong and we¡¯re about to open a whole ass can of whoop ass on some Federation cock mongers- pew, pew!¡± Nora punctuated her jovial nature by childishly pretending to shoot guns with her fingers before grinning.

    Unable to keep her demeanor intact, Morrigan busted out laughing, stumbling forward and wrapping her arms around the nutty blonde, ¡°Thank you, I needed that,¡± she said softly burying her face into Nora¡¯s neck.

    Nora giggled to herself as she hugged her back, ¡°Any time, baby cakes- pew.¡±

    Morrigan looked up to see Nora¡¯s finger pointed right at her and Nora sticking half of her tongue out childishly which only fueled Morrigan¡¯s amusement. Instead of laughing though, Morrigan attempted to bite her finger.

    ¡°Hey! Save that for later missy!¡± Nora chastised just as the elevator opened.

    Morrigan cracked up in embarrassment realizing everyone had probably heard that however, as she turned to look; her heart broke at the sight she beheld.

    ¡°No, no, no¡­¡± Morrigan stammered out, her voice filled with dread as she stepped onto the bridge as all eyes fell on her.

    Bright lances of light flashed from Eskarii military starships as Federation cannons and lance batteries returned fire in every direction.

    Morrigan slowly took in the battlefield in disbelief as she watched the elegant, long Eskarii ships keep just over two dozen Federation ships of varying sizes at bay, energy shields flashing as energy and solid munitions battered ships on each side''s battle worn hulls as the Eskarii were locked in stale mate with the Federation.

    Beyond the blockade was the most heartbreaking sight; Hundreds of tiny ships and dozens of larger transport ships fleeing the surface as Gelia began to burn; smoke and flames choking the lush jungle world of vibrancy as it slowly consumed everything.

    All of the beauty, the wildlife, the flora¡­ her family; Morrigan¡¯s mind assaulted her with the worst images possible as sheer panic blended with her unbridled rage.

    What the fuck is going on?! Apollyon shouted in her head as if unable to understand what it was she had been seeing, it sounds like 100 chainsaws running in¡­here¡­ oh.

    Morrigan clutched her head as the panic made Apollyon¡¯s voice distant, her gaze dropping to her crew who looked at her in hesitation, all of them expecting the worst to come and yet, Morrigan found herself stunned, unable to blink and her movement sluggishly inaccurate as she fell into her console.

    ¡°My¡­ my mom¡­ Gelia?¡± Morrigan muttered aloud. The pain in her voice could be heard by all as her crimson energy crackled closely across her body in short, sporadic bursts.

    Before anyone could utter a sound, Nora rushed around the console and grabbed Morrigan by the face holding held her head up, ¡°Baby? Baby, look at me-look at me!¡±

    Morrigan¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t focus on Nora, seeing the feint outline of the woman she knew better than anyone but unable to clear her vision as a high-pitched whine rang in her ears.

    To kill them all; that was all she wanted deep down inside. To kill everyone who take everything from her; they took her father and she took their lives but now they tried to take her mother, her aunt and unborn niece or nephew¡­ the sweetest Mo¡¯Emori and her stalwart brother, Torvil, all taken from her¡­

    Morrigan¡¯s thoughts spiraled out of control until her vision flashed white. A moment later, her senses began to refocus as she felt a sharp sting across her cheek, the skin of her cheeks both warm and sticky as she realized she no longer looked towards the burning world but at the base of Shepard¡¯s console to her left. Two voices breaking through the shock.

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Mori!

    The sound of Apollyon and Nora both screaming her name pulled her back to reality as she flinched, looking forward to see the worried look on Nora¡¯s face as she placed her hands on both of her cheeks again, Nora¡¯s palms stained with blood, blood that was her own as Morrigan then realized she had been crying.

    ¡°Baby, listen! It¡¯s going to be okay; do you really think Mo¡¯Emori and Torvil would let anything happen? I would bet anything they were the first ones off the planet! We need you to focus, love!¡± Nora¡¯s words rang in her mind, realizing that Nora had no way to know as her brain processed the logical conclusion.

    Morrigan¡¯s gaze saw just beyond Nora¡¯s shoulder to see a stray missile impact the surface of Gelia, adding just a bit more fire and destruction across the beautiful purple, yellow, green and blue world before Apollyon interjected its words into her mind.

    She¡¯s right, little goddess, they seek destruction but you are destruction, she-born of the end! Get your shit together and show them you are one not to tread upon!

    ¡°That¡¯s right¡­ I am¡­¡± the single thought echoed in her mind as if trying to fit a piece of a puzzle she could not see, to make sense of what she had thought despite there being no cohesive idea, her eyes looking into Nora¡¯s seeing the bewildered panic and uncertainty.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Morrigan let out no louder than a whisper as she felt her emotions begin to snap back into place, her words drown out by the blaring alarm. Standing tall once more as she felt her anger boil over every other emotion she felt, her head snapped to Shepard. ¡°We¡¯re going to help them,¡± she stated coldly, her words holding the weight of a command rather than a statement as she turned her gaze to the combat ahead of them.

    ¡°Mori, I understand you want to help them but it¡¯s been clear that the Federation wants this ship- wants you. Our stealth runner engine is the only thing keeping us from being spotted already, we should retreat while we still¡­¡±

    Morrigan growled loud enough to cut Shepard off. She had no intention of breaking her promise to Shepard about keeping everyone aboard the ship safe however, she couldn¡¯t just stand by idly and let the Eskarii fend for themselves.

    This is actually a good idea. Just think, if you get their attention then cut and run, you can lead them away and pick them off at your leisure; the ripe lives to harvest¡­ Apollyon whispered into her mind like a dark secret made only for her as the deity¡¯s words dripped with euphoric expectation.

    Morrigan¡¯s eyes shone in recognition of Apollyon¡¯s plan; the death of her enemies all the while giving the Eskarii the chance to escape. After all, the more Federation ships on her tail would mean less Federation ships causing harm throughout the galaxy.

    ¡°Fine,¡± she huffed before side eyeing the old woman as Nora skirted around to stand behind Morrigan, ¡°Divert all available power to our shields excluding our engines, FTL drive, and warp drive. I, will handle the enemy.¡± Crimson energy crackled brightly around her as she gave her order, setting the tone of her certainty as her transparent skeletal wings slowly apparated behind her, the translucent red membrane beginning to siphon the destructive energy from the cosmos around them in a faint red mist.

    ¡°Last time you did that, you nearly crippled the ship!¡± Shepard barked in disbelief to see Morrigan gearing up to repeat the Mars incident.

    Morrigan paid no mind to her admiral. ¡°Then, I wasn¡¯t strong enough,¡± she stated coldly as she looked down at the crimson claw that enveloped her right hand as energy crackled between her fingers. ¡°I am now.¡±

    Her words held the full force of her determination as they seemed to echo around the bridge from every direction, giving no disillusion that she may back down the coming conflict.

    Shepard hissed through her teeth as she looked at the rest of the pale bridge crew before reaching into her coat and slammed the loaded handgun she kept hidden onto her console, ¡°Fine, but the moment you put this ship at risk¡­ I won''t hesitate.¡±

    Morrigan side eyed the weapon with a confident smirk before softly nodding as she accepted Shepard¡¯s promise then she turned to the bridge crew, ¡°Order the gun crews to fire at will, divert power to the shields and get us close to the enemy via skip¡­ today we stand with the Eskarii!¡±

    The crew did not hesitate or argue as the shield around the Archangel flared brightly with extra power until it stabilized into invisibility once again, Avery coordinating with Gene and Sarilla as they picked her first target.

    In truth, Morrigan had deep seeded concerns about what she intended to do however, what happened last time was a misuse of power that nearly killed her because she couldn''t control it. She was stronger now and had every intention in controlling her energy output, deciding that smaller, more controlled attacks would be easier on her body and psyche with enough power to damage the enemy to the point of turning the tide of battle.

    Oh, you got this, little goddess,  Apollyon encouraged sadistically in her head.

    She nodded to herself as she focused on the intake of ambient energy her roiling rage called for, the dense feeling of overwhelming power screaming for release as she stepped around her console to the open center of the bridge.

    Morrigan waited and waited for the Archangel to make the first move as she felt her body begin to tremble with the amount of power she held within. The moment the ship skipped within firing range of the portside batteries though, Morrigan unleashed a savage swing as her eyes locked onto a Federation Cruiser. Everyone watched as a massive spectral claw apparated beyond the Archangel¡¯s shield and smash into the enemy¡¯s, the claws piercing through with enough force to cause a small explosion towards the rear of the ship before the shield faded and the titanic claws, though smaller scale than what was seen at Mars, ripped through the starboard length of the ship; cutting through the hull and guns of the Cruiser like sheet metal before they faded from existence.

    Morrigan stumbled as her left knee threatened to give out, surprised at how much physical and mental energy it took to orchestrate such a precise attack on such a large scale. ¡°To the next one!¡± she called out as she righted herself catching her breath.

    The next ship to receive Morrigan¡¯s wrath was a Destroyer that was nearly cut in half with a vicious uppercut through the hull expanded the entire length of her claws that assailed it. Morrigan assaulted eight more of the total 26 Federation ships within ten minutes before Sister announced, ¡°Attention; Mori, you have been recognized by the enemy as well as the Archangel, we currently have 15 Federation ships of varying classes targeting the Archangel. Evasion is advised.¡±

    Morrigan could barely stand on her own two feet as Nora helped hold her upright, sweat pouring off of her as she tried to push herself to the limit. However, her knees gave out once again as her body went limp the moment her crimson wings faded and she ceased to absorb the ambient energy.

    ¡°Get us the fuck out of here!¡± Morrigan ordered hoarsely between her ragged breaths moments before she fell to the deck of the bridge, blood spewing from her mouth as she coughed.

    No one said anything through the entire assault, some too dissuaded to raise their concern and others too stunned to reacted as they watched the most powerful person they¡¯ve ever met tear themselves apart to turn the tide of war. At the call of retreat though, Shepard took over command, ¡°Avery, prep FTL and skip us out of the conflict zone right now!¡±

    Don¡¯t worry kid, just some minor rupturing that¡¯s already in the process of healing, Apollyon announced in her head aloofly. Morrigan nodded along ignoring the casual demeanor of the deity in her head as she wiped her mouth and leaned back enough to rest against her console, Nora kneeling before her wiping away the blood she missed and kissing her forehead.

    Through the entire ordeal, Morrigan expected to have overwhelming power that would not only cripple ships for the Eskarii to destroy, but take out some on her own. Yet, she did not expect how difficult it would be to cut through the hull of a ship despite wielding the purest form of destruction, and how hard it would be to control like she did so long ago. It made sense now why she had almost died.

    ¡°Sister, can we skip into FTL?¡± Avery asked aloud as Sarilla announced that a Federation Battleship and two Light Cruisers homed in on the Archangel all the while the Archangel¡¯s gun crews fired as fast as they could.

    The situation had begun to turn dire for the Archangel, Morrigan realized as the pain in her body slowly subsided. She began to wonder if her stunt was too much of a gamble, her need to protect and kill causing the entirety of her crew to be put to the sword by an enemy she swore to destroy; that maybe Solomon was wrong in choosing her to lead.

    ¡°The calculated success rate of a simultaneous transition into Faster Than Light and a quantum position shift is 79.683%¡± Sister responded immediately.

    ¡°Fuck it, here goes nothing!¡± Avery called out.

    ¡°All crew, brace!¡± Shepard shouted across the ship wide communication system as Morrigan watched reality stretch into a bright light around them, nearly too bright to comprehend as everyone shielded their eyes until the rush of light cascaded into the familiar kaleidoscope of streaking lights once again.

    ¡°Simultaneous transition successful. Congratulations Avery, you are the first pilot to ever attempt and succeed this type of maneuver.¡±

    Everyone groaned as they picked themselves up throughout various points of the bridge having been tossed by the violent movement, Morrigan being the only one who did not seem to have moved with Nora clutching tightly around her.

    ¡°Not¡­never again,¡± Avery stated as if nauseated, righting himself in his chair.

    Nora looked up to find a faint smirk across Morrigan¡¯s face as she leaned back with her eyes closed, ¡°You did it baby!¡± Nora stated excitedly.

    Morrigan''s smirk broke into a grin as she chuckled tiredly, looking down to see the pair of beautiful icy blue eyes looking up at her.

    ¡°Yeah, that was¡­ I appreciate you not causing a repeat of last time,¡± Shepard interjected as she adjusted her admiral¡¯s jacket.

    Morrigan held up an ¡°okay¡± sign as she chuckled in exhausted gallows humor, ¡°Any time, Shep. The rest is up to you now-I¡¯m tapped out.¡±

    Nora took that as a sign to get up and begin helping Morrigan to her feet as Shepard inspected her in morose curiosity after looking at the splatter of blood across the floor, ¡°Where is our next destination, and are you alright?¡±

    Morrigan hung off Nora¡¯s should and began making her way across the bridge towards the elevator. She stopped and looked over her shoulder, ¡°Anywhere. They¡¯re going to follow and we¡¯re going to take them out¡­¡± Morrigan said in exhaustion as she limped along with Nora¡¯s support towards the elevator. ¡°Get me reports from the entire ship and make sure our troops are ready for more raiding and the gun crews are ready for their fill of combat because this just became a long game of cat and mouse¡­ hopefully getting their attention was worth it,¡± she stated as she ignored the second question.

    ¡°Um, Mori? Gene is on the line and¡­ he is furious about the amount of stress that was put on the warp drive¡­¡± Luisa chimed as she held out her comm bead with a dramatic wince. Morrigan was thankful she left hers in her quarters, which meant she could ignore the ravings of a cranky engineer.

    ¡°Not my fault, that¡¯s on you Avery, buddy,¡± Morrigan mused through her exhaustion as she stepped into the elevator.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah¡­ got it boss,¡± Avery said with reluctant accountability.

    Morrigan snorted at that as she turned to face the bridge to push the down button, ¡°Just send Yekku and Taylor, they¡¯ll take care of it. See you in a few hours,¡± she stated as the elevator door closed and the descent to her bed commenced.

 Chapter XXIV

    A long game of cat and mouse; Morrigan¡¯s words rang true as nine months passed since the Federation¡¯s Siege of Gelia, nine long months of luring the Federation ships that gave chase to their demise one by one.

    It was slow progress but progress nevertheless towards Morrigan¡¯s ultimate goal of erasing the Federation from the galaxy. Wandering aimlessly, the Archangel had managed to disable or destroy 18 ships and two space stations owned by the Federation, having run out of paint long before and succumbed to using the blood of their victims to leave grim vestiges of Morrigan¡¯s conquest in their wake.

    Morrigan however, spent several months endlessly worrying about the safety of her family, using Nora¡¯s logic to force her nerves down and vent her frustration amongst the raiding teams amongst her crew, spending more and more time on raids as time progressed. However, no matter how much time she spent butchering the enemy, the fear for her family was ever present.

    Sitting within Shepard¡¯s quarters though, she, Sigurd, Nora and Morrigan laughed as they shared a crate of vintage wine stolen from a Battleship weeks before. Skoll lay curled up in the center of them, Shepard having taken the chance on letting the bioelectrical canine aboard the bridge, as they shared stories of their lives.

    ¡°The best part was the scream,¡± Shepard stated through her laugh, ¡°When the canister of paint exploded, the bastard thought he was blinded by some failed assassination attempt; running around the ship stark naked trying to clear his eyes and screaming about assassins!¡±

    ¡°Oh! That gives me some ideas!¡± Nora said excitedly earned a narrow look from Morrigan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it or you¡¯ll be sleeping on the couch!¡±

    Nora pursed her lips in playful shame though everyone could see the amused smile hidden beneath.

    Sigurd took a sip from the glass of red wine in his metallic hand, ¡°This shite is bloody great, what year ye say this was?¡± He asked with intrigue.

    Morrigan took a puff from her cigar before reaching down and grabbing one of the bottles, ¡°Um, 2,222.¡±

    ¡°Ha! Still got a tad few on it!¡± Sigurd grinned before taking a long drink from the glass.

    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Nora said as she processed the math in her head, counting on her fingers rapidly in a way that made Morrigan giggle, ¡°You¡¯re over 172 years old?!¡±

    ¡°Aye, but still younger than this bag o¡¯ dust,¡± Sigurd snickered as he thumbed towards Shepard. With a snort, Shepard gave Sigurd a wrinkled middle finger for the good humored joke.

    ¡°I thought I told you?¡± Morrigan questioned before turning to Sigurd, ¡°A hundred and eighty¡­. Nine? Now?¡±

    Sigurd pointed one of his mechanical fingers at her, ¡°Got it in one, lass. Speaking of age, October 19<sup>th</sup>, 24 today, aye?¡± Sigurd asked with a wicked knowing grin.

    Morrigan blushed and looked away, ¡°Who the hell told you when my birthday was¡­¡± she said with a groan.

    Out of the corner of her eye she could see Sigurd look at Nora who scrunched her lips together trying not to smile or laugh. She shot Nora a dirty look that only made the eccentric blonde clam up even more yet have her squirm at the same time.

    ¡°Deary, why didn¡¯t you say it was your birthday? The entire ship should be celebrating!¡± Shepard interjected sounding more like a wizened grandmother than the ruthless admiral she was.

    Morrigan shook her head obstinately at the notion, ¡°No, not a chance. The crew are forced to celebrate there reasons to celebrate in private and I will do no different.¡±

    Shepard chuckled at that as she took a puff off of one of her private stash cigars, ¡°Its called privilege of position, you¡¯re wasting a lot of the perks of being the Inquisitor, Mori.¡±

    ¡°Nope, if the crew doesn¡¯t get the same treatment than neither do I,¡± Morrigan stated with high regard for her crew as she shook her head.

    ¡°Says the outrageously gorgeous woman drinking nearly two century old wine!¡± Nora jabbed.

    Morrigan narrowed her eyes at Nora as Sigurd lost himself in raucous laughter, sipping from the glass in her hand as her gaze shifted back to Shepard, ¡°Okay, fine! Some of the perks are nice¡­ but to be fair, we acquired enough booze to drown half the crew and have allotted them special shift times they''re allowed to partake each day if they choose, so, I¡¯m only a partial hypocrite.¡±

    Everyone laughed at that as the room conceded her point. Morrigan looked at the bottle that sat against her boot and sighed, ¡°But we do owe it to Nora though, this whole piracy thing is working out well.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah! You wouldn¡¯t believe some of the shit I¡¯ve seen during raids. Gets pretty wild sometimes. The best is getting fresh food rather than the preserved bullshit most ships have. We used to throw a huge party if we scored the fresh stuff¡­ those were fun times,¡± Nora said wistfully as she began to reminisce about her past.

    ¡°Not a bad idea, lass. We should find a spot for the whole ship to hop off an have a good row,¡± Sigurd said with innocence despite everyone''s face twisting in expectation of his usual crass demeanor.

    ¡°Pick another word you brute,¡± Shepard huffed, ¡°Its bad enough I hear about your extracurricular activities about our ship.¡±

    Morrigan watched Sigurd grin wickedly, sitting back waiting for him to annoy Shepard as he normally did.

    ¡°Come on, gran, when¡¯s the last time ye dusted off the ol¡¯ mantrap and had a good go of it?¡±

    Nora and Morrigan both bit there lips to keep from busting into laughter as Shepard eyed him in annoyance, ¡°Listen, Tin Man, I may be old but that doesn''t mean I won''t get off this chair and kick the every living shit out of you,¡± Shepard said sternly though everyone in the room could catch the undertone of amusement in her voice.

    ¡°Are ye sure? Ye got a bit of spitfire in ya; For all I know ye could be me ma!¡±

    Shepard took a playful swing at Sigurd that caused him to flinch, nearly falling off the armless chair he sat on since a metal chair was all that could support his dense weight. Everyone laughed hysterically between the joke and the result I¡¯m good humor and friendly banter.

    ¡°But seriously, do you know how many of our women have taken sick days to recover? You¡¯re only lucky that productivity is still up otherwise you¡¯d have every department head out for blood,¡± Shepard criticized.

    Regardless of the warning, Sigurd beamed with pride as he sat a little straighter with his iconic shit eating grin, ¡°Aye, tis what happens when ye go non-stop for hours!¡±

    ¡°With how often you bang, it¡¯s almost like you¡¯re part machine or something,¡± Nora stated in a sardonic tone that made Morrigan spit wine between the four of them and rudely wake Skoll up from his peaceful nap.

    ¡°Ha. Ha. Very funny lass,¡± Sigurd said crossing his arms as he felt his ego deflate a touch, instead watching Morrigan apologize and coo at Skoll who huffed and laid back down.

    Nora too watched Morrigan sit on the floor and pet Skoll, admiring her love before a daunting idea caused her mind to nearly shut down. With wide eyes Nora looked up at everyone and asked, ¡°Wait¡­ does this mean there are going to be a bunch of Sigurd babies aboard!?¡±

    Both Shepard and Morrigan looked at each other with quirked eyebrows before turning to Sigurd who only chuckled darkly.

    ¡°Ye figured out me master plan,¡± he stated dramatically before waving the notion off, ¡°Need not worry, lassies. When I had me augmentation the docs pulled all the cream out of the crop. No wee Sigurd¡¯s ¡®ll be stumblin¡¯ ¡®round.¡±

    To everyone¡¯s surprise, Nora¡¯s sunk, ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that''s actually kind of sad.¡± The way Nora said those words raised a very serious question in Morrigan¡¯s mind as tried to read into Nora¡¯s thoughtful, sad expression.

    ¡°Nay, lass. Could ye imagine a bunch of me runnin¡¯ ¡®round? I mean, the galaxy would be a better place but yeah. Tis several reasons they discontinued me kind,¡± Sigurd explained which raised even more questions by everyone.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Shepard asked inquisitively, being the first one to raise the question.

    Sigurd grunted and awkwardly scratched the back of his head, ¡°Yeah, ye see, aside from the obvious,¡± Sigurd said gesturing to the exposed metallic portions of his body, ¡°There were several highly experimental an dangerous surgeries.¡±

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Sigurd leaned forward enough to show everyone the lateral segment of nodes and plates that suggested it ran down the length of his spine, ¡°When installing that, the docs cut open the skull and connect the whole thing to, well,  just about everything but, the key to it all is two specific connections ye see.¡±

    Sigurd flexed his muscles for a moment, showing off the synthetic muscle and nano-weave armor that encased the majority of his body along with the cybernetic enhancements, ¡°Aye, the juice is made to kill nerves, enhance strength and durability but what it also does is inject directly into the adrenal gland as well as the several portions of me brain, the key one bein the one that controls impulse.¡± Sigurd tapped a sharpened metal finger on his forehead to emphasize his point.

    His explanation was met with confused stares as Morrigan cocked her head to the side, ¡°But why would that require you to be sterilized?¡±

    Sigurd nodded at the question with a hesitant sigh, ¡°Aye, that. Well, I was made towards the end of the bunch¡­ by 30 years or so an before chem controllers were made, Berserkers were wildly uncontrollable. What do ye think happens when ya take a killin¡¯ machine an crank der adrenal gland up to 100 an switch off impulse control?¡±

    Morrigan instinctively clutched a fist full of Skoll¡¯s fur which made him throw his head up in concern and quickly lick the face of a wide eyed Morrigan.

    Sigurd nodded knowingly, ¡°Now yer gettin¡¯ it lass. The old models dished out a whole world o¡¯ violence an not just the good kind.¡±

    Shepard cleared her throat as she chose to resign herself from the topic, puffing on her cigar absent minded lying. Nora on the other hand looked between Morrigan, Skoll and Sigurd before her brain registered the implication.

    ¡°But¡­ you''re not like that?¡± Nora asked attempting to form her words into a statement rather than a question.

    Sigurd snickered at that and took a long drink from the remainder of his glass of wine, ¡°Nay. Lucky for me I enjoy good ol¡¯ fashion violence. I¡¯m more likely to sodomize the enemy wit¡¯ there own spine than be ungentlemanly towards a lass.¡±

    ¡°More like a gentleman¡¯s dildo,¡± Nora said offhandedly before taking another drink.

    Sigurd chuckled darkly as he pointed at Nora, waggling his eyebrows in a way that nearly made her spit her drink out as everyone heard Morrigan sigh.

    All attention fell on Morrigan as she stroked Skoll¡¯s fur. ¡°I know you¡¯re not like that but, this conversation does make me realize how much of a strange bunch we are, and I couldn¡¯t be happier to have each of you in my life and I appreciate you all being here for me¡­¡±

    Nora awed loudly as both Shepard and Sigurd gave her genuine, heartfelt smiles, the psychotic Berserker throwing in a wink as he raised his empty glass towards her before attempting to take another drink.

    Shepard chuckled and grabbed another bottle of vintage wine, before raising her own glass beside Sigurd, the man that generally drove the old woman nuts yet found tolerance in being around him to raise a toast beside him as she looked down on Morrigan on the floor, ¡°And I appreciate not having to shoot you; Happy birthday Mori, dear.¡±

    ¡°Sk¨¢l!¡± Sigurd said loudly as Nora giggled at Shepard¡¯s comment before too toasting to Morrigan.

    ¡°Alright kids, get the hell out of my room; this old wind bag is going to bed. Go and enjoy yourselves,¡± Shepard remarked shooing everyone out.

    Sigurd stood up and grabbed ahold of the chair he sat on before leaning down and snagging an unopened bottle of wine, ¡°Speakin¡¯ of, pretty sure I ¡®ave a date with a nurse tonight.¡±

    Nora snorted, remarked on his doggish behavior as they both stepped out of the room leaving Skoll and Morrigan standing by the threshold. Morrigan turned and looked at Shepard who had laid back across her bed in apparent drunken comfort. ¡°As much as I appreciate it, you do realize shooting me wouldn''t have done much, right?¡± she asked boldly.

    Shepard opened her eye and looked at Morrigan before shutting her one good eye again, ¡°I¡¯m aware, but if I recall correctly, it was you who made a point that focus is key to a mage¡¯s ability, was it not?¡±

    Morrigan blushed having forgotten her class aboard the Void Star, ¡°Solomon told you.¡±

    Shepard nodded, ¡°He was quite proud of your ingenuity, as simple of an idea as it were.¡±

    Morrigan hummed thoughtfully before switching off the light, her vision instantly adjusting to the darkness. Before she could step out though, Shepard called out her name.

    Morrigan turned to see Shepard looking at her through the darkness with a thoughtful look on her wrinkled face, ¡°I¡¯ve noticed the haze in your mind lately, which is why I had you here tonight. You need to take time to decompress and realize what you did was bold but the right move.¡±

    The corner of Morrigan''s mouth twitched as the repressed memories of Gelia burning resurfaced, ¡°Was it though? We almost got caught¡­ and my family¡­¡±

    Shepard cut her off though in a tired tone, ¡°Take it from me, Mori. Leadership is never easy and no decision is perfect. The truth is we didn¡¯t get caught and having the Federation chase us saved more Eskarii lives than if we had done nothing like I suggested¡­ maybe I¡¯m getting old, overly cautious, but in the end, your plan worked and that¡¯s all that matters. More lives were saved and, if you give it some thought, if your family didn¡¯t make it out before we got there, then they had plenty of time to escape by the time we left. Take solace in your decision Mori.¡±

    Morrigan stood there in silence as she considered the advice she was given, advice gained by years and years of experience as the leader of a ship. ¡°I just hope it was enough¡­¡± Morrigan said at barely a whisper as she turned and stepped out of the room.

    Her plan worked in a way; the Federation chased her relentlessly through the galaxy and continued to fall into her trap. Yet, until she saw her mother again, or anyone else of her family, she knew she couldn''t erase the doubt and worry in her mind.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    In the far back corner of the gymnasium, Ebony sat with Taylor, Henry and Jackson as she wiped the sweat off her forehead and neck with a damp towel, ¡°This isn¡¯t going to last forever, you know?¡± she said, as she looked over her exhausted crew.

    Given the increase in raids, Ebony decided that extra physical training would be a good idea to ensure survivability, yet, there was an uneasy feeling that failed to elude her.

    ¡°Going on about Taylor¡¯s ex again?¡± Henry inquired as leaned against the wall sprawling out to cool his overheating body before snorting derisively, ¡°You really gotta learn to let some things go EB.¡±

    Ebony rolled her eyes at that, ¡°Not that you jackass.¡± She scratched her head nervously as she considered how to word what she wanted to say. ¡°I um, Morrigan isn¡¯t as bad as I thought¡­ but that doesn¡¯t mean she''s not one wrong move from becoming an overpowered tyrant,¡± she stated sharply, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, she¡¯s actually a very kind and caring person. She cares a lot about everyone on this ship and by extension us, but, she''s on a whole different and insane level¡­ I mean, slashing up an entire fleet of ships before high tailing it? Then there¡¯s the raiding, I can¡¯t be the only one who has watched her¡­¡±

    Jackson nudged her to get her to refocus before she went off on another tangent, ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡±

    Ebony let out a long breath, ¡°We¡¯re from the Federation,¡± She stated as she looked at each present member of her team, ¡°This whole raiding thing has been good, it was a good plan she had despite¡­ you know, but we all know it¡¯s only a matter of time before the Federation figures it out and when that happens¡­¡±

    Everyone nodded along, even Taylor who strained loose sweat from his beard, ¡°Yeah but we have no idea what it is they¡¯ll try. But I think it goes without saying that eventually they''ll figure it out.¡±

    ¡°True man, but then again, it¡¯s been nine months and we¡¯ve been getting the jump on them pretty consistently. Perhaps that special maneuver the Archangel is capable of is helping keep us from being found,¡± Henry pointed out casually.

    Taylor groaned at the mention of the constant work needing to be done on the ships warp drive, ¡°Don¡¯t remind me¡­ I thought my father could be bad but Gene is something else entirely. That man likes those engines way more than people. I will say this though, the skinny lizard guy of Mori¡¯s, Yekku, I think his name is, is a damned wizard. I don''t know about you but I think we¡¯ve been in the wrong since the start.¡±

    Taylor¡¯s comment gathered everyone¡¯s attention, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jackson asked.

    Taylor smiled fondly as he picked at his fingernails in an attempt to clean the reminiscent grease out from underneath them as he sat, ¡°I can¡¯t understand a single thing it says but I¡¯ve watched it strip engines, capacitors, power relays-honestly anything that thing touches turns out better in some shape or form. Even those new guns we¡¯ve been given, those short little things that pack a mean punch? I¡¯ve heard he designed the things and not only that, but Aleksei said he created it in under ten minutes!¡±

    Taylor watched eyebrows raise in surprise as everyone listened, ¡°What I''m saying is could you imagine how better off humanity would be if we had him on our side from the start? Or ten of him? 100? I¡¯m not sure if his entire species is that ingenious or not but I¡¯ve heard that they¡¯re essentially a species of builders.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I can see your point but you¡¯re forgetting the rest of the entire race though, like those two big bastards Mori keeps around,¡± Ebony interjected looking towards the center of the gym to see Stephanie deftly dodge a savage downward swing from the hulking white K¨ºzi¡¯kan, Xol. A loud thud resonated through the floor as the unpowered mace head bounced off the ground as Stephanie side stepped him with her whirring chain blade that mildly echoed around the room.

    Everyone turned to watch Stephanie hold her blade over her head to guard against a blow from behind aimed for the back of her skull by the shorter creature. Sparks flew as the motorized teeth skipped off of the jagged metal club H?¡¯tet wielded, H?¡¯tet having returned to service since his recovery from his injury.

    Stephanie and H?¡¯tet both ducked beneath another savage swing from Xol before Stephanie dodged forward and clocked Xol right in the jaw with a back swing of her hilt.

    In that moment, Xol stood up straight and nodded to Stephanie with respect as she hunkered down defensively, breathing heavily from exhaustion before Xol barked an order at H?¡¯tet, all three of them resetting their sparring positions for another round.

    ¡°If the skinny ones are engineers then those are the warriors¡­¡± Ebony stated before looking back to her team, ¡°Then there are the big ones we heard reports about, bigger than Xol.¡±

    Taylor shrugged, ¡°Maybe, but it''s possible we''ve been in the wrong the entire time. Plus have any of you talked to the Eskarii on board?¡±

    Before anyone could respond Ebony held her hands up in submission, ¡°Listen, I¡¯m not saying you¡¯re wrong, honestly I¡¯m kinda siding with you on this but my whole point was one of us should probably talk to her about this¡­¡±

    Henry quirked an eyebrow at Ebony with a sly smirk on his face, ¡°Why don¡¯t you?¡±

    Ebony shook her head adamantly, ¡°No, it¡¯s taken me this long to start getting used to all of this, I¡¯m not risking pissing her for by saying her plan may backfire.¡±

    Jackson nudged her again chuckling to himself, ¡°Then you may want to stop using words like ¡°crazy¡± or ¡°insane¡± when talking about her.¡±

    Ebony blushed and shrank into herself as Henry and Jackson chuckled at her meanwhile Taylor tiredly rubbed his face, ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±

    Henry snickered as he looked at Taylor, ¡°Have you and her even spoken to each other since we got here?¡±

    ¡°In passing mostly or when I give reports on repairs if she doesn''t feel like dealing with Gene. But, out of all of us she''ll probably listen to me,¡± Taylor commented before he looked back across the massive room to watch his girlfriend spar.

    Ebony stood up and brushed her pants off, ¡°Thanks Taylor, let¡¯s call it a night though. It seems I kicked my own ass tonight.¡±

    Henry chuckled dryly as he too got up and assisted Jackson up, ¡°That¡¯s what happens when you spend all your time on that slate of yours, makes you soft.¡±

    Ebony smirked and cracked him in the back of the head causing him to wince, ¡°Soft enough for you?¡±

    Henry stepped further away as he shot her a grin, ¡°Nope, pretty hard right now,¡± he stated before dodging a smack that followed up with his perverted comment, laughing as he jogged away from the team.

 Chapter XXV

    Taylor faced many things in his military career; hostile aliens, explosions, antagonistic authority and war machines large and small and yet, approaching the door of his ex girlfriend turned out to be the most daunting, more so since his current girlfriend resided on the same ship under the direct command of his ex.

    Taylor rubbed his face with an irritated sigh as he worked up his courage despite feeling guilty for attempting to speak to Morrigan outside work related reasons.

    After 15 minutes, Taylor bit the bullet and stepped up to her quarters before hesitating. With a final drop breath, he raised his hand and knocked on the metal door.

    His spine tingled with anxiety as he waited for a response before the door slid pen with a soft hydraulic hiss. To his surprise, he found himself looking down at a rough looking Nora instead of Morrigan.

    Nora scoffed, rolling her eyes before stepping away from the door and back to the couch, ¡°What do you want?¡± she asked snidely.

    Taylor peered inside in shock at the luxurious amenities that resided in the room as he checked to make sure there were no surprises near the door before taking a cautious step inside. Nora ignored him as she plopped herself back on the couch before resuming the action recording integrated into the holovid, clumsily grabbing at what appeared to be some kind of hard biscuit on a plate and taking a bite.

    ¡°I, uh, was just wondering if Mori was here?¡± Taylor asked as he inspected the room in detail. He then looked at Nora and stopped to notice the waste bucket next to the couch, ¡°Are you okay? You, uh¡­ don¡¯t look so good.¡±

    Nora snorted derisively before wincing and forcibly pressing her palm into the center of her forehead. ¡°Ever been sore, drunk and hungover at the same time?¡± she asked incredulously before shaking off a wave of nausea.

    ¡°The last two, yeah,¡± Taylor commented cautiously, fully aware of Nora¡¯s personality as he simply stood in the open space.

    ¡°Why are you looking for Mori?¡± Nora prodded as she focused on the movie, slowly filling her mouth as she nibbled on the biscuit, getting crumbs all over herself as well as the couch

    Taylor scratched his beard in uncomfortable habit as he eyed the movie, curious as to what it was before realizing he had not seen a movie since before graduation and could not recognize it. ¡°I just had something I wanted to talk to her about¡­¡±

    ¡°Gross,¡± Nora interjected loudly before turning her head and eyeing Taylor in disgust, ¡°You¡¯re not seriously thinking about trying to get her into bed with you and Stephy-First of all, she¡¯s mine!¡± Nora stated sharply.

    Taylor¡¯s hesitant yet stoic features shifted to pure disbelief, ¡°What the hell? No! What is wrong with you?¡±

    Nora¡¯s serious, hostile demeanor broke as she fell into a fit of giggles as she doubled over, ¡°Oh my god, your face! I was totally fucking with you dude! You totally- ow, ow, ow!¡± clutching her head, Nora let out a whimper as her pulsating heading only grew more intense.

    With an irritated sigh, Taylor rolled his eyes at her prank as he crossed his arms, ¡°Look, do you know where she is or not?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know man,¡± she stated painfully, before grabbing an open bottle of wine off the table and began chugging it. ¡°She said¡­ shit, what did she was doing today¡­¡±

    It was Taylor turn to snort derisively, shaking his head in disappointment as he watched the young blonde woman catch her breath and belch.

    Nora heard him and turned her head sharply as she pointed at him, ¡°Listen here, sister-fucker,¡± she said nearly shouting before pointing at herself, ¡°I spent most of the night getting my brain fucked out of my skull, and that was after four bottles of this shit.¡± She held up the now empty bottle of wine before casually dropping it into the waste bin.

    ¡°Give me some credit for even bothering with you; speaking of which, how is Stephy-ohhh there it is, that¡¯s so much better¡­¡± she said with a sigh of relief as the wine fed her hang over, reducing the pain that radiated through her skull.

    Taylor rolled his eyes, ¡°Might help better if you try coffee, or water.¡±

    Nora giggled at that as she picked up another biscuit, ¡°Do you even drink, bro? I¡¯ve been doing this since I was ten. Biscuit?¡±

    Taylor''s eyebrows furrowed at the sporadic, one-sided conversation he was having as she held up the hard, flaky bread product. ¡°Uh, just where Mori is, please?¡±

    ¡°Right, right. Umm, oh! She said something about Yekku and uh¡­ the big dude from your party, Alex? Something about making ammo or something, she knows better than to tell me things when I first wake up,¡± Nora said aloofly.

    Taylor nodded, realizing Morrigan had gone to the R&D deck and turned to exit, ¡°Thanks and good luck with your, whole hang over thing.¡±

    Before Taylor could leave, he was startled by a jagged blade made of crystallized ice impaled the wall to his left causing him to looked back with wide eyes.

    ¡°You better be treating my sister right¡­ if not, I won¡¯t miss next time,¡± Nora said with no hint of joking.

    For the first time, Nora watched Taylor smirk as he looked at her, ¡°And you take care of Mori,¡± he stated with an unspoken promise of equal violence which made Nora grin.

    ¡°You¡¯re alright man,¡± she said before turning back to the movie, ¡°And good luck with your conversation!¡± mocking him with a snicker.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Luckily for Taylor, he had spent enough time on the R&D deck to keep from getting lost within the expansive factory floor. Homing in on the section he knew Aleksei worked in, he found the giant man showing off his newly constructed rocket launcher.

    To his amusement, he found Morrigan standing beside the towering giant listening intently though he could tell by the look on her face that she could not follow all of the technical information that Aleksei spewed.

    Near the work bench Yekku hunched over the sword with the built in shotgun Taylor often saw strapped to Morrigan¡¯s back while holding up a standard shotgun shell in one hand while holding up a rocket in the other, looking between the two pieces of munition warbling quietly to himself.

    Taylor could see Yekku turn and chirp as to the other two just as Taylor came within earshot, ¡°What is it, little buddy?¡± Aleksei asked looking to the chittering S¡¯randin.

    In a look of confusion, Aleksei looked at the rocket and shotgun shell as Yekku held them up and ever so gently touched them together.

    In a sweet tone, Morrigan said, ¡°Sweetie, why don¡¯t you draw it out first so we know what you¡¯re asking.¡± Taylor could see the pure adoration in her smile as she spoke to the creature which brought back memories of how Morrigan used to be; who she used to be.

    He could recall the same look she wore whenever she spoke of the Eskarii as she riddled off random facts she found on the internet, a look of unadulterated love for something unique and entirely special in her world.

    Yekku flicked his tongue thoughtfully before turning to the bench and gently set everything down before grabbing a sheet of paper and quickly began drawing.

    ¡°Oh! Well look who it is!¡± Aleksei bellowed upon noticing Taylor¡¯s approach.

    Taylor waved just in time for Yekku to pop his head up with wide eyes, tongue flickering only to honk a greeting at him before diving back into his drawing which made Morrigan smile.

    ¡°What are you all up to?¡± Taylor asked to drum up conversation.

    ¡°Oh, I was just telling the Boss here about the laser guidance system I installed,¡± Aleksei said gesturing to the heavy launcher he held slung over his shoulder, ¡°And how this wonderful anarchist¡¯s paradise made it possible to make armor piercing warheads without sacrificing the boom,¡± he chuckled deeply.

    Morrigan pursed her lips as she looked at Taylor, telling him all he needed to know as to why she seemed lost in their conversation, ¡°I came to see if Yekku could reconstruct an Old Era shotgun shell,¡± she stated.

    As Taylor moved around the table, he noticed that Aleksei kept a healthy distance just beyond arms length from Morrigan which reminded Taylor the last time he had gotten too close to Morrigan and stopped at the corner of the table, ¡°Sounds interesting but¡­ why Old Era? How old are we talking?¡±

    ¡°Well, I came across some old historic files Ebony ripped off one of the ships recently and there are detailed reports about munitions testing done back in the late 2000s detailing explosives shotgun shells however, there were no schematics and most of the file was corrupt. Honestly it seemed like the report marked it off as a failure but if anyone could make it work its these two,¡± she explained before pointing to both Yekku and Aleksei. Yekku took pride in her words and thrashed his tail happily, whipping it from side to side before Morrigan caught it in her hand just tight enough to keep it from moving without hurting the S¡¯randin.

    ¡°Speaking of, calling this the Anarchist¡¯s Paradise is probably not the best moniker to use,¡± she said looking at Aleksei who looked away unashamed.

    Taylor couldn''t help but chuckle only to be cut off by Yekku thrusting the newly drawn schematic in between Morrigan and Aleksei. Curious, Taylor edged himself forward cautiously to sneak a peek at the astonishingly precise drawing.

    ¡°This is an awesome job buddy!¡± Morrigan cooed as Yekku chirped happily before he tapped on the paper with a single claw and thrust it towards Aleksei. Aleksei, set his launcher down on the table and took the drawing which allowed Taylor to move around the trio to see the drawing more clearly.

    ¡°Man, they weren¡¯t lying¡­ he¡¯s like a reptilian printer!¡± Taylor stated in awe as he looked at the fully three-dimensional drawing with precision measurements and all, including the interior and exterior components.

    Aleksei ignored him as he inspected the drawing seeing the blank spaces within the miniscule warhead as well as behind it, ¡°Impact ignition, very good choice though does limit penetration¡­ but it¡¯s shotgun, who cares?¡± he stated either a laugh before looking at the waiting S¡¯randin, ¡°So, you don¡¯t know what to put in it?¡± he asked incredulously of the ingenious alien.

    Yekku bobbed his head before standing straighter and taller to reach over the drawing as he chittered away, pointing towards the chemical composition of the plastic and metals used for the design before slinking back to his normal resting posture.

    Yekku kept wringing his hands as he looked nervously between the three standing around him, waiting expectantly.

    Taylor looked at the drawing then to Yekku before realizing what he was asking, and why.

    ¡°I got it, I think? He¡¯s asking your help in creating the explosive composition for it,¡± Taylor stated. Yekku bobbed his head rapidly in excitement as he squawked at Aleksei.

    Morrigan bit her lip to hold back her laughter as she watched Aleksei grin like a kid on Christmas. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say so! Of course- come, come! I will teach you crash course in demolition!¡± Aleksei bellowed with ecstatic enthusiasm as he gestured for Yekku to follow him, taking the drawing with him.

    Yekku hissed with excitement aiming to dart off after the large man but stopped and shoved his face into Morrigan¡¯s shoulder causing her to lose composure.

    ¡°Thank you, buddy, now go learn something,¡± she said as she laughed grabbing his face and kissing his snout repeatedly.

    Taylor chuckled watching her smother the quirky creature before Yekku slinked off after Aleksei. ¡°There is nothing good that can come from this¡­¡± Morrigan stated in amusement as a deafening silence fell between her and Taylor now that they were respectively alone. ¡°How did you know what he was looking for?¡± she asked aloofly as she looked at everyone around her.

    ¡°Well, having spent some time around him I noticed he seems to handle anything mechanical or electrical with absolute precision, but I can¡¯t imagine him being a master chemist too. Then again, all the squawking makes it hard to understand when he asks for hand tools¡­¡± Taylor said as he watched his friend guide Yekku into a building within the center of the deck.

    ¡°Even still, that¡¯s impressive,¡± she said before Morrigan turned to Taylor and leaned against the work bench and awkwardly asked, ¡°So, how are things going?¡±

    Taylor snorted as he turned to face her, ¡°Things are good though I¡¯ve been meaning to ask Yekku to see if he had any ideas for a better light machine gun¡­ maybe next time though¡­ I stopped by your quarters earlier, very nice set up you got¡­¡±

    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    Morrigan furrowed her brow at that, ¡°You went into my room? How?¡± she asked with hostile curiosity.

    Taylor held up his hands defensively, ¡°Nora let me in, she was the one who told me where you were¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh hell,¡± she exclaimed with in a sigh of expectation, ¡°Please tell me she behaved herself?¡±

    Taylor chuckled at that before considering what the definition of behaving meant when it came to his girlfriend¡¯s younger sister. Scratching his beard, he replied, ¡°Well, she complained about being hung over, drank half a bottle of wine then made it a point to say she got laid last night¡­ oh and threw a shard of ice at me saying I had better treat Stephanie well.¡±

    Morrigan sniggered to herself as she shook her head gently, expecting nothing less from Nora especially with how hung over she actually was, ¡°Yeah, that pretty much tracks with her¡­ so, how is Stephanie anyways?¡±

    It was Taylor¡¯s turn to act mildly defensive, ¡°She¡¯s been good, why?¡±

    Morrigan shrugged though, ¡°Well, I can¡¯t necessarily talk to her myself given the whole¡­ thing,¡± she said as she gestured to her neck to emphasize Stephanie¡¯s scar.

    Taylor sighed feeling foolish to be so uptight with the woman he had spent three years with but he could not deny the common curtesy question felt bizarre, ¡°I mean, yeah, she¡¯s doing good. She¡¯s been spending a lot of time training with Xol and the other one. It¡¯s kinda odd you know that your body guards spend more time beating on us than they do body guarding, right?¡±

    Morrigan snorted in amusement, ¡°I know, right? Like, what the fuck is up with that?¡± Her playful tone began to diffuse the tension in Taylor as they both laughed lightly before Morrigan pushed off the bench and began walking away, signaling for him to follow.

    Shrugging, Taylor decided to follow at a distance before she called out over her shoulder, ¡°So, I take it you came to find me for a reason?¡±

    Taylor moved as close as he felt comfortable keeping pace with her regal strut, essentially three feet of distance between them, certain as long as he didn¡¯t touch her he would be fine.

    ¡°Yeah, Ebony brought up something I wanted to talk to you about. Granted, you probably already know but we wanted to be sure¡­¡± he stated before trailing off as he realized his choice in words could be considered condescending and remembering that despite who she was, she was still his commanding officer. It turned out that even being in a rag tag crew of misfits, the military doctrine seemed to have been ingrained into his personality after so many years of being in the Federation.

    Morrigan pushed the call button for the freight elevator once they made it to the outer edge of the R&D deck, ¡°What about?¡±

    Taylor patiently waited for the elevator as he considered how to bring up the entire purpose of his reason to speak to her, though he could not help but feel guilty for enjoying his time that he was spending with her in the moment. ¡°Um, hello?¡± Morrigan asked with mild annoyance.

    ¡°Sorry. Um, well since we were in the Federation, we wanted to bring up the possibility of the Federation figuring out what ever pattern it is you¡¯re using to lead them into traps¡­¡± he stated as the elevator door opened and they both stepped in at opposite ends awkwardly.

    Taylor continued, ¡°We¡¯re not exactly sure what it is they would do but we think we should be cautious sometime soon¡­ I mean¡­¡±

    Morrigan raised her hand before sighing indignantly, ¡°I¡¯m not an idiot, Taylor. I¡¯m aware this can¡¯t keep up forever.¡±

    ¡°I''m not saying you¡¯re¡­¡± Taylor said in an attempt to defend himself only for Morrigan to cut him off.

    ¡°Frankly there is no pattern. Sister generates a direction for us to travel each day with some kind of algorithm and my navigator and pilot pick our flight path adding to the randomization, and some of these raids are merely happenstance,¡± she stated forcefully before crossing her arms.

    Taylor sighed and nodded, choosing not to argue with her and leaned against the railing of the elevator, ¡°I believe you. I just hope that psychopath doesn¡¯t find you,¡± he said referring to Amaranthe.

    ¡°I hope he does,¡± Morrigan said sharply as she hissed through her teeth which grabbed Taylor¡¯s attention immediately, ¡°I¡¯m going to rip that bastard¡¯s spine out and put his skull in my living room while Skoll gnaws his bones.¡± Taylor could hear the anger within her rise sharply.

    Taylor chuckled against his better judgement, ¡°I¡¯ll be right behind you there, that asshole took me away from my parents, and you¡­ then sentenced me to die in combat in Havoc Squad.¡±

    Morrigan¡¯s face fell at the mention of his parents, the stark reminder that despite having gone through everything she experienced, she still had her mother and aunt, at least that is what she thought, but Taylor lost everything because of her.

    ¡°Taylor¡­¡± she spoke, her words audibly downtrodden.

    He glanced at her in confusion before realizing what he said, ¡°I¡¯m only saying, Mori. I¡¯m not blaming you or anything. If anyone is to blame, it¡¯s that bastard.¡±

    Morrigan shook her head, ¡°We both know that¡¯s a lie but¡­ what if I said I could try and get your parents off Earth? Like how Mom got out?¡±

    The idea bewildered Taylor as his brain halted, ¡°Are you serious? You can do that?¡±

    Morrigan nodded, ¡°I have a couple ideas but the best way would be to take back the Void Star¡­ but, there are other options too, I think,¡± she said with mild certainty remembering that it was Solomon that got her mom and aunt off Earth with the help of another Inquisitor. ¡°The hardest part would be getting ahold of your parents but, if we can manage that long enough to devise a plan, then we would just need a small enough ship to break atmosphere and slip underneath the Federation¡¯s radar.¡±

    ¡°I mean, yeah! That would be great!¡± Taylor stated with growing hope as they stepped off the elevator, which only made Morrigan¡¯s uncertainty grow.

    Before she could warn how long it would take, Shepard called over her comm, ¡°Mori, we have an incoming distress signal that seems to be of Eskarii origin; you should come up to the bridge immediately.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be right there,¡± she replied before looking at Taylor. ¡°You should round up your team, we have a distress signal,¡± she stated before quickly stepping away towards the direction of the bridge.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Myshkali sat on her throne staring down at the bundled-up newborn in her arms as she smiled gracefully at her very first granddaughter, Jen and Torvil close by sitting on a lofty sofa placed beside the massive crystalline seat of power.

    ¡°She is precious!¡± Myshkali exclaimed softly as the small hybrid child slept in her arms.

    Jen sighed with a bright smile as she leaned against Torvil, all the while Helen made herself busy by preparing drinks for everyone in the room.

    ¡°I sure hope so, the feisty girl couldn¡¯t wait to come out,¡± Jen said softly referring to the month of a half recovery she had to endure. It turned out that human/Eskarii offspring grew far quicker than human, cutting the pregnancy short by a month and forcing Jen to have a cesarean birth, having grown too large.

    ¡°Yes, she definitely inherited her mother¡¯s personality already,¡± Torvil stated, his voice filled with a subtle pride Jen and Myshkali could pick up.

    Myshkali smiled brightly at Jen, ¡°Oh, you will have your hands full, speaking from experience with seven daughters of my own.¡±

    Helen stepped back into the room, the open space allowing her to catch the tail end of the soft conversation. Her eyes instantly moved to the little bundle in the queen¡¯s arms with adoration as she carried a tray of crystalline glasses filled with a vibrant purple liquid made from the only fruit Helen recognized, being a favorite of Morrigan¡¯s years ago. Normally a servant would have prepared the drinks or any food requests however, the queen decreed a moment of solitary to allow herself time to spend with her granddaughter.

    ¡°Have you thought of a name yet?¡± Helen asked as she smiled at Jen, handing her a glass of juice. Jen, who had once looked at it in disgust because it reminded her of looking like cough syrup, happily accepted the glass and shook her head.

    ¡°Not yet, though we were considering naming her after the one who brought us together, after Mori,¡± Jen stated sweetly before taking a sip from her drink.

    Torvil huffed at her comment, ¡°Morrigan, such a being of misfortune and luck.¡±

    If anyone else has made the comment, Hele and Jen would have been highly offended however, Torvil knew Morrigan. Though his words held truth to them, his reason was far from disrespectful, instead more sorrowful yet thankful.

    Helen finished passing the drinks out before sitting on the arm of their sofa, ¡°You know, as thoughtful as it is, she would probably hate that. I don''t think she could handle having her own niece named after her.¡± Her point was well received though Myshkali gave the three of them a confused look.

    Helen turned to the queen and explained, ¡°Morrigan hates being in the spotlight¡­ having too much attention drawn to her.¡±

    Torvil and Jen both snorted as Jen beat him to the punch, ¡°Which is ironic given her life.¡±

    Helen nodded sullenly, feeling the sting of missing her own child before she turned back to the couple beside her, ¡°How about Emery?¡±

    Jen looked up with a look of recognition as Torvil furrowed his brow, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be no different than naming her after Morrigan?¡±

    Helen and Jen shook their heads, Jen looking up to see him out of the corner of her eye as she pulled his arms closer into her, ¡°No. It¡¯d be just different enough to keep her from feeling embarrassed. This way we can still name her after Mori and not have Mori meltdown from shock,¡± she explained with a soft chuckle, betting on how Morrigan would truly react.

    ¡°Emery¡­ that is a beautiful name,¡± Myshkali cooed as she stared down at the sleeping girl.

    Within the same moment, the sound of tall archway doors opening could be heard throughout the room, Helen looking behind her to see a pair of curious faces poking into the room attempting to get a peek at the newborn family member. Tali and Jae¡¯ron looked over and under one another, hiding behind the door in an attempt to remain hidden as they timidly broke their mother¡¯s demand of them. Luckily for them, Myshkali was lost in adoration of her grandchild as their wide colorful eyes landed on Helen; who smiled sweetly at the two youngest daughters of the Eskarii queen.

    Silently, Helen beckoned them to enter the room before standing and moving in their direction. With timid and excited grins as they stumbled over one another to meet Helen half way.

    Helen stopped as the two girls reached her, both gearing to badger her with excited questions only for Helen to hold up her hands to silence them before putting a finger to her lips, ¡°If you want to see the baby, you¡¯re going to need to be extra quiet.¡±

    Jae¡¯ron understood as she nodded silently however, Tali, in her excitement went to speak aloud only for Helen to place her hand over her mouth, ¡°No speaking,¡± Helen stated firmly though she could not help but smile.

    Tali nodded against her hand until Helen moved it away to reveal a bright grin, before offering both girls to take her hands. Neither resisted the temptation of holding Helen¡¯s hands as they slowly and quietly approached the throne.

    Tali squeaked behind her shut mouth the moment her eyes land on the cusp of the hybrid child in her mother''s arms, slipping from Helen¡¯s grasp; Helen suppressing her tone as she called out her name as Tali nearly threw herself against the throne as she peered over the wide arm attempting to gain a better look only to find her mother¡¯s deathly glare waiting for her.

    Helen stifled a chuckle as she watched the youngest daughter freeze stock still under her mother¡¯s gaze until she managed to grab ahold of the young girl¡¯s hand and pull her back a couple steps.

    Myshkali nodded her thanks at Helen before letting out a long, soft sight. Ever so gently, she turned the small child to lay against her right arm and allow her two daughters to look upon their new niece.

    ¡°How can something so cute be so ugly at the same time?¡± Jae''ron whispered in repulsed adoration.

    Helen giggled at the innocent question, all the while Tali did everything she could to get as close as physically possible within Helen¡¯s grasp. ¡°Jae¡¯ron, look! They''re so cute!¡± Tali exclaimed in a harsh, barely contained whisper as she pointed at the one visible ear. Baby Emery''s ears already showed of her half blood heritage as they started off round like a human ear only to end in a soft, wide point.

    The girls cooed and gushed over the small child as quiet as possible, everyone smiling at the interaction until Torvil noticed his mother¡¯s face fall into a state of rest. What more, he saw the tell tale sign of her power as her eyes glossed over in an inky black filled with miniscule motes of light, as if her eyes contained entire starscapes.

    It was rare for her to receive powerful visions, often receiving brief simple ones throughout her day in random intervals however, the ridiculously rare trait within Myshkali decided to show her something vastly important.

    All was red in her minds eye, as rushing winds of energy burst from a center point like an all consuming storm. Everything the energy touched disintegrated, or whittled away as if being stripped layer by layer on a molecular level.

    The sound of the storm was that of a wail unlike anything she had ever heard before, making its presence know across the surface of a small, canyon etched world. However, it was not the wail of a storm as her vision pulled her deeper into the center of the storm. There was no eye of the storm, not in a typical fashion but a small space that hid underneath the bloom of destruction much like a bubble that covered two dark silhouettes within and the terrible scream that grew louder and clearer.

    All she could see next was the visage of a woman, shrouded in black as the crimson torrents swirled around her, the sound of pure anguish resonating around her as the image looked up. With picture clear clarity, all she could see was the tortured face of someone she had seen once before with streaks of red running down her face as one final cry of madness threatened to rupture Myshkali¡¯s ear drums before the vision faded, leaving Myshkali trembling.

    Little Emery picked up on the uncomfortable feelings around her, the stark terror and worry emanating from the woman who held her as she began to stir, a small cry escaping the small child that snapped Myshkali¡¯s attention back to reality.

    ¡°Shhh, it¡¯s okay sweet child,¡± Myshkali tried to coo as she bounced Emery gently in her lap in an attempted to settle her.

    Meanwhile, both Jen and Torvil were both up and alert as they watched Myshkali have her vision in abstract curiosity and worry, all the while paying grave attention to their upset daughter.

    ¡°What is it, what did you see, Mother?¡± Torvil asked firmly yet quiet enough to further upset Emery.

    Myshkali ignored Torvil, gently clicking her tongue at Emery and ever so lightly brush her fingers across the thin bushel of light brown hair on top of Emery¡¯s head. At the same time, she contemplated how to explain her vision, or whether she should since it involved someone near and dear to nearly everyone in the room.

    Myshkali eyed her two confused and mildly frightened daughters as they huddled close to Helen. ¡°Helen, please take my daughters back to their rooms,¡± Myshkali demanded.

    Helen, hearing the gravity in her order, did as she was told and guided the two nervous Eskarii girls back through the door they came while Myshkali stood slowly with Emery in her arms before taking a step towards Jen.

    ¡°Jen, I shall not continue to keep your little one to myself. I do appreciate you letting me see my granddaughter,¡± Myshkali stated softly, ever so subtly dismissing Jen.

    Jen however, being who she was, took her daughter in her arms and held her close, ¡°Okay¡­ no problem I mean¡­ okay, what was that about?¡± she asked snidely. Unable to skirt around the intense atmosphere within the massive chamber.

    Myshkali looked at Jen sternly, ¡°I must speak with my son.¡±

    Jen bounced Emery within her arms as she looked to Torvil who stood next to her stalwartly as he stared directly at his mother before Jen looked back to the queen, ¡°You do know he is going to tell me later, right?¡±

    Myshkali nodded though it was a slow nod that neither admitted nor denied any sort of truth, ¡°If that is his wish, but until then, this is not something I wish to share in the precious gift you carry.¡±

    Jen huffed indignantly but chose for once in her life not to argue, instead choosing to cradle her daughter in her arms and coo at her, ¡°Come on sweetie, let¡¯s get you back to sleep so momma can catch a nap.¡±

    Torvil watched his daughter and the mother of his daughter leave the room before his head snapped back to his mother who sank into her throne tiredly. ¡°What is to happen, Mother?¡± he demanded firmly as if insulted by her actions.

    Myshkali paid no mind though as she ran her hand across her own cheeks, feeling wet tears that she seemed to have shed before looking up at Torvil, ¡°You need to speak to Mo''Emori. I do not care what methods you need to employ but she must be contacted.¡± She watched as his eyes went wide before attempting to speak only for her to cut him off, ¡°The Sybrydian, your siblings, even the humans; I do not care as long as you reach her before it is too late, if what I saw is to come to pass.¡±

    Torvil hated his mother¡¯s gift, the power of clairvoyance fickle and misleading however, it was rare for his mother to have a vision that drained her by its precision. ¡°What did you see?¡±

    Myshkali smiled in a mix of pride and annoyance of her inquisitive son; never one for intuition and gut feelings but rather, relying on cold, calculated evidence. She sighed in defeat as she looked across at the door to her left, the massive archway door that led deeper into the crystalline palace and towards the quarters in which the remainder of her family both new and old resided.

    ¡°It involves the young woman I have tasked her to seek. I could hear so much pain, just as much as I could see it¡­ a storm of red that consumed all around her except for her and one other and¡­ I worry for your sister- my daughter¡­ I fear something bad will happen soon¡­¡±

 Chapter XXVI

    Morrigan peered outside the window of the dropship as it descended upon the dwarf planet Calimesa, huffing in disappointment as the surface of the world was barren and etched with nothing but ravines of varying degrees.

    ¡°Why would anyone build an outpost out here?¡± Morrigan asked aloud.

    Henry shrugged as he looked out of the other side of the ship, ¡°Probably a forward outpost of some kind, someone to send a warning of invading forces- then again, we could find nothing more than some creepy old dude in a shack with a closet of severed heads, could go either way.¡±

    Everyone in Havoc Squad turned to Henry as Morrigan sniggered at his comment, finding the humor refreshing as she tried to identify any sign of life across the desolate planet.

    ¡°I knew a guy like that,¡± Sigurd stated casually as Morrigan could hear his heavy footsteps approaching from behind, Sigurd peering over her shoulder to see if there was anything interesting to look at.

    ¡°Really?¡± Henry asked curiously.

    Sigurd didn''t look away from the window as he towered over Morrigan, ¡°Aye, the old lad had em everywhere, closet, cupboard even had one sittin¡¯ on his table¡­ though now that I think of it, they were all young lassies.¡±

    Everyone gave the Berserker look of horror he did not manage to see, ¡°That¡¯s fucked up,¡± Taylor interjected though, gaining his attention.

    Sigurd shrugged before moving away from Morrigan cautiously as he noticed the dark look out of the corner of her eye, ¡°He was a decent bloke an¡¯ who am I to judge? Anyways, it doesn''t matter cos¡¯ I pulled his intestines out with me bare hands. Poor fool had piss for ale.¡±

    ¡°Yeah anyways, this is just over the edge into Federation territory; it would make sense for there to be a forward outpost but it¡¯s pretty far from, well, everything. The closest habitable planet isn¡¯t even in this system,¡± Ebony interjected as she considered the fact surrounding the mission all the while ignoring the Berserker entirely.

    Sister, the hyper advanced A.I., confirmed that the signal being broadcast was from the Eskarii, which made it even weirder for the Eskarii to be so far outside of their system in a non-covert fashion, but then again, Ebony considered the possibility of the Eskarii pushing forward to fill the gap left by the demolished CoU.

    ¡°Well, the Federation does like to stake claim to every bit of space they can but something does seem odd about this, we¡¯re going to have to be cautious here,¡± Morrigan concurred, considering her and Taylor¡¯s recent conversation on top of her own paranoia surrounding the details of the mission.

    Aside from the uncertainty of the location, the distress signal the Archangel had received was far too general giving no details as to why the Eskarii would be in distress. On top of that, aside from a singular compound that was nestled somewhere within one of the canyons, there was no sign of any sort of life Sister could pick up with the ship¡¯s long-range scanners. The final thing that put Morrigan on edge was the lack of response when she tried hailing the surface, only receiving static back along with the distress signal.

    Everyone aboard the bridge found the situation rather suspicious however, Morrigan wouldn''t risk the chance that Eskarii needed help. At the same time, she also wouldn''t risk a contingent of Inquisition soldiers either, opting to go herself as well as bringing Havoc Squad along given their experience with strange and unusual, potentially dangerous situations.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, the source of the signal is within sight,¡± the pilot stated over the comm.

    ¡°Everyone, get prepared,¡± Morrigan commanded as she moved across the hold and opened the cockpit door to see what the pilot had found.

    The pilot pointed forward towards the top of a group of antennas that slowly flashed lights as the rest if the signal towers ran beneath a ravine. Morrigan watched carefully as the pilot brought them closer to reveal a moderately sized compound built into the side if the ravine, which spread in three directions and hidden beneath nearly enclosed cliff sides; The dimensions in which the ravine was cut told her that however long ago, someone had dug out this section of the planet specifically for the purpose of installing the signal antenna.

    Another thought occurred to her as they passed over head seeing no sign of movement or vehicles for that matter.

    ¡°This makes no sense¡­ aside from us being able to pick up the signal when we got close to the planet, this signal station is damn near useless¡­¡± she stated as if fact.

    The pilot looked back at her before looking out his left window, ¡°Well, if you want to investigate, we¡¯re going to need to land; there is no chance my bird will fit in that ravine comfortably.¡±

    Morrigan wanted to kick herself. Between deploying with a 11-man team, she also erred on the side of caution and requested a heavily armed transport just in case it turned out to be a trap. Though she did not worry about the enemy for herself, but when it came to her team she wanted as much firepower backing them as possible, just in case.

    Morrigan scoffed, ¡°Fine, just find somewhere close but stay near by.¡±

    ¡°Copy that ma¡¯am, though fire support like you requested will be rather tricky¡­ but I¡¯ll make it work,¡± the pilot commented before she stepped back into the hold once again.

    Morrigan kicked the toe of her boot against the metal flooring of the ship in agitation as she surveyed her team''s preparations. Moments of awaiting combat made her miss Skoll, feeling bad that he had to stay behind on the Archangel due to the limited space within the armored dropship.

    ¡°So, ironic as it is, we may be walking into a trap,¡± Morrigan sighed.

    Everyone stopped preparing and turned to her, Nora coming up with the first question, ¡°What did you see, love?¡±

    Morrigan shook her head as she crossed her arms, peering out the window to watch the pilot search for a good landing zone, ¡°Nothing. That''s the problem; there are no vehicles, people, only a compound and giant antenna¡­¡±

    Everyone in Havoc Squad looked at one another in silent agreement that it was a trap. ¡°Maybe the Eskarii are inside?¡± Nora asked to the contrary.

    ¡°Aye lass, an I¡¯m the Easter Bunny,¡± Sigurd snickered as Morrigan watched Stephanie roll her eyes at her own sister.

    Nora too saw Stephanie¡¯s reaction and shrank beside herself, feeling foolish for attempting to justify Morrigan¡¯s hope in saving Eskarii by offering an optimistic view.

    Morrigan bit her tongue, refusing to say anything that would upset Nora via reaming out her sister. ¡°Maybe they are,¡± Morrigan said sweetly instead, though she did not believe it herself. Morrigan appreciated the effort Nora put in by voicing the unpopular opinion and refused to let her feel bad about it.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen crazier things, but, won¡¯t find out jus¡¯ standin¡¯ here like a bunch of wankers,¡± Sigurd shrugged as he hooked up the skull plate face mask he wore into battle, a visor designed to target the enemy for the Berserkers. His words further justified Nora as she looked up bashfully with a smile, silently thanking the two as everyone resumed getting ready.

    ¡°There is truth to that, we¡¯re going to step right into the firing line in order to find out what¡¯s really going on here,¡± Ebony added to Morrigan¡¯s surprise. Ebony nodded to both women in affirmation though Morrigan could see she too didn¡¯t believe the odds which left only a singular question in the air; who would they find?

    The pilot managed to find a decent landing zone to unload Morrigan and her crew, finding the shortest ravine albeit the steepest, before lifting off to hover over the prospective conflict zone. Aleksei, Taylor and Xol all took point with their shields to create a barrier between them and the rest of the group as well as feeling out the path ahead of them.

    The path was uncomfortably tight as the rocky path carved down at a 40-degree angle, leaving very little room for maneuverability. Most of the team was forced to watch their footing as Henry and Morrigan both kept a look out.

    ¡°Thanks for bringing me along,¡± Nora stated randomly, which confused Morrigan.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked.

    Nora shrugged as she looked up to see the revealed compound before them that was buried within the convergence point of all three ravines, ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s been a while since we got to fight together. Kinda reminds me of Castile, or when we first joined the Inquisition.¡±

    There was a hint of nostalgia in Nora¡¯s voice that she couldn''t quite figure out. In fact, Nora¡¯s behavior and commentary had been weirder than usual recently the more Morrigan thought of it.

    ¡°Babe? Is everything alright?¡± Morrigan finally asked having no other time recently to bring up the recent changes of behavior.

    Morrigan slowed down slightly as she touched Nora¡¯s arm, slowing Nora as everyone moved ahead.

    ¡°Yeah, everything is fine precious, I''m just excited for a good fight,¡± Nora said with a bright smile as she coalesced twin ice blades in her hands though Morrigan could tell it a lie, a partial lie at least. The bright smile as only a cover for the sadness in Nora¡¯s eyes.

    You¡¯re not wrong, little goddess. There¡¯s a disgusting amount of sadness in that one, Apollyon interjected as if sickened by what ever sense the deity sensed.

    Speaking of, there is a heavy level of malice up ahead, it looks like we have company, Apollyon added with a hint of dark expectation in its typical switch in gears.

    Morrigan''s head snapped up at the warning to see how close everyone was to the base of the intersection as it turned out to be a larger space than she imagined before shouting for everyone to hold their positions.

    Hesitantly, everyone obeyed as Morrigan pushed her way to the front of the group to scan the space in front of them however, besides the compound, all she could see were scattered rocks, boulders and a miniscule amount of small desert vegetation that sprouted up randomly around the compound in the direct sunlight.

    There are plenty of dark corners that were overshadowed by the overhanging cliffs, allowing just enough light to reveal 70 percent of the area not that it mattered to Morrigan, but what she didn''t see though was any sign of life.

    She could hear how nervous her sudden order made her team, hearing them shuffle their feet and ready their weapons as they waited for her signal.

    ¡°Something isn¡¯t right here¡­¡± Morrigan muttered to herself only to see a tiny flash out of the corner of her eye.

    Instinctively, Morrigan raised a shield that covered her entire team as her crimson energy disintegrated a bullet aimed for her. Not even allowing a moment to process, an unholy torrent of gunfire slammed into her shield as by the handful, human marines clad in black became visible before their very eyes as the active camouflage surrounding each marine switched off.

    ¡°Shit! It¡¯s Spec Ops!¡± Taylor exclaimed as he readied his machine gun against his shield and attempted to return fire, only to realize very quickly that his bullets could not pass through the shield either.

    Everyone in Havoc Squad attempted to fire their weapons only to realize the same thing as they stared at the growling Morrigan who raised her hands in defiance against the relentless onslaught.

    Black clad Federation marines, the same kind that pried her away from her family and attempted to deliver her into the hands of Lt. Colonel Amaranthe, now attempted what was an easy interpretation of an assassination plot.

    She knew deep down that her plan wouldn¡¯t have lasted forever but she couldn¡¯t deny her surprise that a trap had been sprung so soon and yet, part of her felt anxious at the thought of Amaranthe being nearby as he was one to hide behind the special infantry, but on the other hand, the sight of the same marines that were there the moment her life got turned upside down made her anger continue to soar.

    ¡°Mori, we need to do something about this!¡± Taylor shouted from behind as she struggled with the barrier.

    Despite her energy¡¯s trait of destroying anything that touched it, the pressure of hundreds if not thousands of bullets slamming against her shield made it hard for her to concentrate as she strove to protect her friends.

    Morrigan let out a long low hiss realizing they were trapped before a wave of short-range rockets fell from the sky, though a majority of then never met their targets as they smashed into cliffs above. However, the spent payload did manage to trip up the enemy enough. ¡°Find spread out and find cover!¡± Morrigan roared as she dropped her barrier. She watched as the Spec Op marines shuffle and move after a small handful had fallen to the barrage from her dropship but was forced to throw up another barrier as she watched as an external garage door on the compound raise up and a large, 20-foot-tall War walker came out stepping out into the open spitting a torrent of cannon fire from the twin linked auto cannons that replaced its right arm.

    Luckily, Aleksei and Taylor managed to slip out from the radius of the barrier and dove for cover as the war machine came out into the open however, everyone else was trapped within as 30mm cannon rounds battered the shield painfully, the pilot¡¯s sole focus being the glowing crimson dome that shielded Morrigan and her team.

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    There was little reprieve as the marines recovered and resumed their onslaught while Aleksei and Taylor hid behind two massive boulders, not risking a counterattack with just the two of them.

    ¡°Thunderbird two, target the War walker!¡± Morrigan commanded into her comm as she fell to her knee under the crushing weight of fire power.

    The pilot of her dropship confirmed the target before another payload of rockets fell from the sky only to miss completely and slam into the compound behind the war engine. The radio tower groaned as one of the rockets had damaged one of the supporting legs before creaking loudly as it began to fall. However, to Morrigan¡¯s disappointment, the tower fell in the opposite direction and her hopes of the walker being crushed faded.

    As the tower collapsed, brushing the cliffs and guiding itself into a connecting ravine, the War walker continued to try to break through her barrier as it took two massive steps closer, shaking the ground with each step as Morrigan pushed herself to stand against the tide of gun fire.

    She knew she could take out the enemy if she could split her focus enough to summon even a single claw however, all of her focus had to be on the barrier otherwise she and her team would instantly be ripped to shreds.

    ¡°Lass, ye need ta juice me!¡± Sigurd shouted over the gun fire as he dropped the massive case attached to his back on the ground.

    Morrigan risked a split second look to see Sigurd opening the case that carried the massive power sword she had once fought against before calling back, ¡°Are you fucking insane? You heard Tamina! You can¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°Me body is feckin¡¯ bullet proof an ye can¡¯t keep this up! Just let me do me job ya stubborn cow!¡± Sigurd bit out loudly.

    Morrigan growled loudly, knowing full well the extent of Sigurd¡¯ capabilities while hopped up on combat stims however, that couldn¡¯t wash away the fear of what Dr. Tamina told them both; if Sigurd continued to use combat chems he would die, giving no indication on how many uses his body could endure before they destroyed his body.

    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I won''t lose you Sigurd,¡± Morrigan forced out as she winced against the force of a heavy impact, the war walker having reached the barrier and slammed its only fist against the protective dome before laying another burst of automatic cannon fire into the barrier.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be daft lass, ye know I can handle me own with the likes of this big bastard! Ye have to trust me an let someone defend ya for a change, ¡± Sigurd said with strain as he got the massive blade up right to bury into the ground, his cybernetic strength an even match for the weight of the technologically advanced blade.

    Morrigan couldn''t keep from whining her displeasure as everyone watched her struggle to keep the shield up, waiting at the ready for her concentration to break any moment as she debated the certainty behind the Berserker¡¯s argument.

    However, Morrigan knew her limit was near and could not find an argument against Sigurd¡¯s argument. If it weren¡¯t for the 20-foot war machine she would be able to hold her own without needing to take such a risk with Sigurd¡¯s life. As much as she hated it, she needed him to be who he was to give them the chance to reposition and retaliate.

    ¡°Nora!¡± Morrigan called out loud enough for everyone to hear. Sliding up to her, Nora gave her a worried look as she waited for Morrigan to finish fighting herself in her own head. With a final grunt of frustration, Morrigan looked at the icy blue eyed angel, ¡°Do it.¡±

    Nora didn¡¯t say anything as she looked down at the controller on Morrigan¡¯s hip, gently and cautiously taking the device off her belt and held it tightly. Nora did not want to push the button either; she actually liked Sigurd and his crazy ramblings, and didn¡¯t want to risk Sigurd dying any more than Morrigan did. However, Morrigan couldn''t do it, not with holding the barrier or perhaps, because she actually couldn¡¯t bring herself to do it herself.

    Nora then made the decision that she would take the burden upon herself for Morrigan¡¯s sake, the one person that held the galaxy on her shoulders, she would ease the weight by taking the risk.

    Nora looked over at Sigurd who grinned ear to ear, her face holding a solemn expression, ¡°You better not die you damned dog, you''re ours,¡± she said heavily as she thumbed the finger printed release mechanism that unlocked the switch. Morrigan had stored Nora¡¯s thumb print just in case of emergencies though neither woman ever wished to use the device that kept Sigurd from using combat stims.

    Sigurd¡¯s face fell for a moment before he gave her a genuine smile, ¡°Aye, no worries lass,  we¡¯ll be back drinkin¡¯ that wine with the ol¡¯ wind bag soon enough.¡±

    The moment she pushed the button, there was a long hiss of chemical induction before Sigurd¡¯s face plate dropped over his face and six small canisters ejected out of his back, empty of the chemicals they held.

    Sigurd hunched forward as Nora, as well as the remainder of the team within the barrier, watched Sigurd hunch over. His synthetic and real muscles all tightened and swelled to a point of looking painful as the exposed veins of his flesh bulged unnaturally before a faint chuckle came from the Berserker. What followed next was the familiar, hysterical and maddened laughter that only Morrigan and Xol knew as Sigurd stretched out, flexing his body. Grabbing the blade, Sigurd swung it and held it as if it weighed a fraction of what it truly weighed and charged the War walker on the other side of the barrier.

    Morrigan watched Sigurd sprint forward in hysterical laughter as he closed the 25-foot gap and take a wide swing. The moment his blade would have connected, Morrigan dropped the shield and dove, dragging Nora with her as a torrent of cannon shells impacted where her feet used to be.

    Xol rushed forward and slide in front of Morrigan, holding his shield above himself to protect both women from incoming small arms fire as Havoc squad scattered. All the while Sigurd¡¯s massive sword cut through the leg of the War walker, toppling it before ramming the entire length of the blade through the cabin where the pilot sat. The mad laughter of the first confirmed kill resonated throughout the hollow ravine junction loud enough to be heard over the staggered gunfire as some of the marines froze in awe over the immediate destruction of their War walker.

    As Sigurd stepped around the fallen machine, Havoc squad and H?¡¯tet opened fire against the 38 Spec Ops forcing them to take cover as the first bullet pinged off Sigurd¡¯s mask. That only served to gain the mad man¡¯s attention as he let out a deep chuckle that turned into the mad laughter, sprinting forward and cleaving the first marine within his reach in half, having stood far to close to the war machine.

    One by one Sigurd hunted down the nearest marine, picking targets at random as gore painted the ground as bullets continued to ping or ricochet off his cybernetic body and pierce what little human flesh remained though he felt no pain.

    Grenades flew across the slowly growing expanse as both sides exchanged gunfire, the enemy slowly target focusing on the psychotic cybernetic that trimmed their numbers down to a mere 22, all the while Nora nor Xol refused to let Morrigan stand seeing as she was the target of the trap.

    ¡°Let me go, damn it!¡± she complained as she refused to use her power to throw Xol off or push Nora away.

    A thunder crack that echoed throughout the combat zone made Morrigan cease her struggle before Henry called out, ¡°Shit! We got a sniper!¡±

    Instead of attempting to stand, Morrigan grabbed the small boulder that barely covered her torso and shattered it with her power so she could see however, what she saw sent a shockwave of panic down her spine.

    Havoc squad were clustered together behind two separate boulders while Taylor and Aleksei crouched behind their shields on open ground, H?¡¯tet bravely standing just down the remainder of the slope without any cover as he used one of the newer submachine guns Yekku had built obviously refusing to move far from Morrigan. The most worrying sight though was Sigurd, who simply stood there in the middle of the area looking down. When Morrigan focused on him, she could see the gaping hole that blew out near the center of his back.

    Next thing she saw was Sigurd¡¯s leg disconnect from his body just below the knee as another thunder crack echoed around them followed by a sharp pop from Henry¡¯s rifle above Morrigan¡¯s position.

    ¡°Sniper down, but the Berserker¡¯s down!¡± he called out to everyone though the only person who didn¡¯t hear was Morrigan.

    Morrigan watched everything happen in slow motion as Sigurd¡¯s missing leg forced him to topple over landing on his back before his massive blade crashed down on him.

    She screeched his name, her voice echoing above the gunfire, as her instincts forced both Nora and Xol off of her, violently throwing them in opposite directions down the slope, or up it, in Nora¡¯s case.

    A blur of red streaked across the new no man¡¯s land between the Federation and Morrigan¡¯s team as a crimson winged Morrigan appeared before the fallen Berserker as a dense dome of energy appeared around them.

    Morrigan dropped to her knees as she panicked over the condition Sigurd was in, his leg missing and a massive hole near where his heart was as his blood pooled around him. ¡°No, no, no, no,¡± she panicked as she grabbed the handle of the massive blade and shoved it off of him, her power compensating for the immensity of the weapon.

    ¡°Hey lass,¡± Sigurd rasped as his face mask hissed before automatically rising to reveal his blood stain mouth.

    ¡°Fuck, I''m going to get you out of here just hold still,¡± Morrigan demanded as she grabbed for his arm only for Sigurd to weakly raise his hand to stop her.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need, lass. It¡¯s fine,¡± Sigurd said as blood trickled down the side of his mouth.

    Morrigan didn''t notice that the Federation turned their guns on her once again, she did not even realize her energy barrier protecting them as Sigurd¡¯s words quickly sank in.

    Mori¡­ keep calm, the faint voice of Apollyon warned from within her mind as she felt the warm sensation of blood blur her vision.

    ¡°No¡­ no, I can¡¯t lose you, you stupid bastard, you¡¯re supposed to be bulletproof!¡± Morrigan croaked out as the reality of Sigurd¡¯s condition set in.

    ¡°Aye, didn¡¯t expect anti-material rifles though, they really had it out for ye,¡± Sigurd mused giving her a lopsided grin.

    Morrigan grabbed for his arm again as she shook her head sniffling, ¡°No. We¡¯re getting you home so Tamina can fix you up¡­¡± Morrigan struggled to pull Sigurd up, her strength failing her as the density of the barrier slowly began to condense.

    ¡°I¡¯m already dead, lass! It¡¯s okay,¡± Sigurd forcibly exclaimed which caused Morrigan to drop his limp arm beside him as she looked down at him with tear filled eyes, the thin trails of blood falling down her cheeks as he gave her a soft, brave smile.

    ¡°Half me heart is gone and I¡¯m bleedin¡¯ at both ends, only the juice is keeping me alive for a spell,¡± Sigurd added to try and force Morrigan to accept his reality.

    Morrigan couldn¡¯t keep from trembling as she placed her hands on his torso, feeling what remained alive in his body faintly pulsate. A sob escaped her as she slumped down, unable to escape reality as she looked at her dying friend, her best friend.

    ¡°Oi, what''s with the creepy water works¡­ ya shouldn''t cry over me lass¡­¡± Sigurd began but Morrigan''s sob filled plead cut him off.

    ¡°I need you, you idiot,¡± she cried out in pained frustration as she beat her fists against his synthetic torso. ¡°You can¡¯t leave me¡­¡±

    Sigurd chuckled weakly as he placed his metallic hand over her fist, ¡°Ye don¡¯t need me Mori. Yer more of a badass than I ever was, besides, ye have this whole leading thin¡¯ down pat. You¡¯ll be fine, plus I get to die as I lived, havin¡¯ a bit o¡¯ fun.¡± He gave her his famous shit eating grin of blood-stained teeth which, despite the distress she felt, still made her laugh slightly.

    ¡°Don''t make me laugh you asshole¡­ but never stop making me laugh¡­ please¡­ don¡¯t let them take you from me,¡± Morrigan said desperately as her sobs got heavier. She didn¡¯t notice Apollyon¡¯s voice anymore, nor could she hear her team calling out to her as the dome of energy coalesced into dense wall of crimson that hid the two of them. There was no noise, no voices or gun fire as her entire focus was on wishing the coming moment would never pass.

    ¡°Give the lad a scratch fer me, will ya? An¡¯ tell yer lass I¡¯m sorry, guess I really am an asshole, aye?¡± Sigurd said softly, his breathing far more ragged than before as he looked at Morrigan, ¡°You were always better than me¡­¡±

    ¡°No¡­ no, please no¡­Sigurd!¡± Morrigan forced out as his head fell limp to the side, the gently pulsation she felt ceasing as the chemicals in his body finally burned out.

    Morrigan¡¯s vision blurred as crimson tears fell freely, her sob slight as she lay her head on Sigurd¡¯s chest as she lost herself to anguish.

    Apollyon, having spent the entire time shouting at her, trying to warn her finally sighed, See you on the other side, kid.

    Ebony froze as she saw the barrier around Morrigan and Sigurd blur into a solid crimson color, the Spec Ops marines continuously unload into it with no avail, before her blood ran cold by the echoing, omnipresent sobbing that surrounded them suddenly. Watching the dome, Ebony could see faint wisps of energy begin to swirl around the barrier and arcs of crimson lightning stretch across the entire area.

    ¡°Oh, fuck! We need to get out of here! Havoc Squad, retreat immediately!¡± Ebony called out before turning towards the slope they came from.

    ¡°Thunderbird two, we need immediate evac now!¡± she followed up on the comms as she began sprinting up the slope.

    Jackson, Aleksei and Henry all followed her order however, Taylor, Stephanie and the rest of Morrigan¡¯s retinue looked back at the fleeing members of Havoc Squad before looking back to the barrier.

    ¡°What about Mori?! We can¡¯t just leave her!¡± Taylor called back.

    Taylor watched Ebony turn around touching her comm, ¡°Did you forget Mars? We¡¯re about to have a fucking repeat!¡± Ebony shouted over the comms in sheer panic.

    To punctuate her claim, the sobs turned into cries of pure agony as the sound of Morrigan¡¯s crying became louder and the barrier grew more violent.

    Stephanie¡¯s eyes widened as Taylor turned to her. ¡°We need to leave,¡± she signed before grabbing ahold of his arm and dragging Taylor to his feet. Against every feeling Taylor had about abandoning Morrigan, he could see the coming threat and chose to flee beside Stephanie. Taylor could see the two Marmuro¡¯k standing next to a stun locked Nora who just stood their staring at the barrier, mouth agape as she tried to process what had happened.

    ¡°Nora! Move your ass, we need to get to the ship! Mori¡¯s about to go nuclear!¡± Taylor shouted as they passed, not stopping.

    Xol took one look at the dome of crimson energy that grew more and more violent before nodding his concurrence, grabbing Nora and hoisting her over his shoulder before barking an order at H?¡¯tet to retreat.

    The moment Nora was moved, she snapped out of her stupor as panic raced through her, as she saw everyone retreating and leaving Morrigan behind. ¡°Stop! Let me go, we can¡¯t leave her! Mori!¡± Nora screamed as she flailed.

    Nora tried to escape Xol¡¯s grasp and rush to Morrigan as her wails of despair grew ever louder, each one breaking Nora¡¯s heart more and more as panic evolved into desperation.

    Coalescing an ice knife, Nora stabbed into Xol¡¯ meaty shoulder causing him to roar in pain however, her plan did not work as Xol flipped her and slammed her into the ground knocking the wind out of her as pain resonated across her back and the back of her skull.

    To say Xol was pissed was an understatement and if it weren¡¯t for Morrigan¡¯s bond to the annoying blonde, he would have left her there. Instead, Xol wrapped his hand around her throat and dragged her along unwillingly as everyone made a break for the surface.

    Nora kicked and thrashed against Xol¡¯s grip however, the crushing power of his fingers made it extremely difficult to focus before she was unceremoniously thrown into the hold of the awaiting dropship.

    As soon as the door closed the pilot took off like a rocket as Nora forced herself to painfully breath, everyone staring at her as she struggled to stand, ¡°I¡¯m going back!¡± Nora croaked through a bruised throat.

    Xol however, crossed his arms defiantly as he bared his teeth. Everyone else sat back and stayed out of the dispute between the Marmuro¡¯k and Stephanie¡¯s sister.

    ¡°We¡¯re not leaving her, now move or I¡¯ll make you move,¡± she growled as two new blades of ice formed in her hands, fully ready to get through anyone she needed to, to get to Morrigan.

    Xol, to everyone¡¯s surprise, attempted to console Nora, ¡°We will go back. Chieftain Clarke must rage, first.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m getting Mori, get out of my way you stupid lizard!¡± Nora screeched as she stepped forward to throw her blades only for something solid to smash into the back of her head.

    Nora collapsed on the floor as Stephanie held the guard to her chain blade balanced above where Nora¡¯s head once was before holstering the weapon, giving everyone a shrug.

    Xol gave the older sibling a nod of approval before he turned to H?¡¯tet, ¡°Must not anger chieftain,¡± he stated before nodding towards Nora¡¯s limp body. H?¡¯tet nodded in agreement, setting his weapon down and moving to pick Nora up, gently caressing the blonde woman in his arms like a child as the dropship reached higher altitudes.

    Morrigan could not bear the pain. She knew loss with the loss of her father, but even then, that moment in her life couldn¡¯t hold a candle to the pain she felt now. Her best friend, the psychotic yet homely Irishman that did his damnedest to make her smile, lay dead beneath her. He fully accepted his fate for what he was; a technological marvel made into a killing tool just to become one of the very few people she could truly trust. The man died doing what he loved, in a fashion he could be proud of and Morrigan knew she should find solace in that, that she should be proud of Sigurd for being genuine to the core and leaving existence the way he saw fit.

    That couldn¡¯t erase the hole in her heart though, the gap in her life he now left and the intense pain she could not describe as the world around her turned red.

    Sigurd was a brother to Morrigan, the only sibling she could possibly come to know and now, the Federation took something else from her again¡­ and it was her fault.

    That fault, the reality of her actions, wanted nothing more than to rip her apart as she cried over his body, her wails echoing around her a thousand-fold as the guilt and anguish seeded themselves within her core. Morrigan forced herself to look up in a silent, uncontrollable sob, a desperate plea; a plea for the cosmos to return to her that which she destroyed once again, before the pain of reality became far too great and her howl of anguish reached across the planet before her world went black.

 Chapter XXVII

    Morrigan never saw the destruction she had caused, the storm her sadness created which stripped away everything it touched and left a mile wide crater around her. Rock, metal, marine; nothing had been safe from the destructive nature of her power.

    Through sheer luck of recognition her team survived, escaping the growing storm she subconsciously created and fleeing to the sky, leaving only her and the body of Sigurd in the center as everything around her was disintegrated into nothingness. For that, Morrigan would always be thankful; but, luck would not erase the shame she felt for losing herself to her emotions once again, the guilt of her decisions that led to her inability to control the pain she felt at the first true loss in both war and in her life.

    I gotta say, I¡¯ve always been curious about that side of you, I¡¯m rather impressed, Apollyon observed clearly, Maybe I should have let your sadness come out to play; may have saved you a lot of trouble in that prison, ha.

    ¡°He¡¯s dead¡­ I killed him, Apollyon,¡± Morrigan¡¯s voice resonated.

    Everything dies, little goddess. You should know this better than anyone, you command the power of the end; the ultimate fate for all of existence, or did you forget everything I taught you?

    Morrigan¡¯s whimper echoed endlessly, the remnant of her cries ever-present as she spoke, ¡°But I killed him Apollyon! He¡¯s dead because of me¡­ I...¡±

    Apollyon sighed in frustration, You obviously don''t get it. You can''t control whether or not something dies, child. You had nothing to do with it for that matter.

    The haunting sound of her sobs resonated all around, a grating noise Apollyon tried to ignore.

    ¡°He wasn¡¯t supposed to die¡­ he promised¡­¡±

    There is no promise against death, and if he wasn¡¯t meant to die, he wouldn''t have-yet everything dies, Mori. That, is the natural law of existence. You have no control over it, you''re only an essential part of it, Apollyon stated softly, the deity¡¯s words still condescending.

    ¡°But I let him go! I should have said no!¡± Morrigan screamed in dozens of volumes.

    Apollyon chuckled at the obscene rejection of reality, curious yet annoyed how Morrigan could blame herself despite the alternatives that she would have soon witnessed.

    What of everyone else? Heh, how many would you have let die if you had done so?

    Morrigan¡¯s sobs continued to echo without origin as Apollyon continued.

    Yeah, even I can admit he¡¯ll be missed, but he was correct all along. He traded his life for yours and everyone else¡¯s. Let the poor man''s death be the righteous sacrifice he meant it to be¡­ Morrigan¡¯s crying grew louder as Apollyon¡¯s point seemed to sink in, And do me a favor and wake up already!

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    ¡°You shall not see her!¡±

    Morrigan¡¯s eyes snapped open at the sound of Xol¡¯s gravelly roar before another voice rose in irritation.

    ¡°We can¡¯t keep doing this Xol. Every single time you bring her aboard unconscious, you refuse to let me near her to make sure she is alright! I¡¯m a damned doctor for crying out loud, it¡¯s what I do!¡± the voice belonged to a very frustrated Dr. Tamina.

    ¡°M?nkee doctor,¡± Xol snorted in contempt.

    Morrigan forced herself to sit up at the racial insult, a spike of aggravation running through her, fighting off her stiff joints and sore muscles, ¡°Xol¡­ what did I tell you about saying shit like that?¡± she asked darkly before wincing and dragging herself upright.

    Morrigan took a moment to look around the room only to realize she was in one of the private recovery rooms aboard the Archangel, likely one of the ones closest to the lower-level hanger. The room was bare though except for Xol, brandishing his mace and blocking the doorway to keep anyone but him out.

    Part of her was relieved that Xol had acted as her guardian again. As of late, he had spent more time training crewmembers than watching over her which she thought was a nice reprieve but realized how much she needed the normalcy. The longer she was conscious the more she realized just how hollow she felt inside.

    ¡°Mori, would you tell big, dumb and ugly here to move?¡± Dr. Tamina asked, her tone purposefully hostile towards the massive K¨ºzi¡¯kan.

    Xol hissed in response and dropped the head of his mace against his hand as he bore down on her menacingly.

    ¡°Xol, stop!¡± Morrigan barked half heartedly which caused Xol to turn and look at her curiously despite his growing irritation with the human doctor.

    ¡°I¡­ appreciate what you¡¯re doing but you need to let her in¡­ thank you though, for watching over me¡­¡± Morrigan said solemnly.

    Xol¡¯s feelings seemed to bleed out visually as he nodded to her in a calm manner, letting out grunt of affirmation before standing upright and moving aside.

    ¡°Finally!¡± Tamina exclaimed before rushing through the door with data-slate in hand as she moved around to Morrigan¡¯s bedside, ¡°I was honestly ready to shoot him up with enough tranquilizer to put Skoll down.¡±

    Morrigan cracked a fake smirk at the doctor¡¯s musing as she suddenly wondered where Skoll was. Aside from Xol blocking the door, not that Skoll could be stopped by anyone but her, it seemed odd that her faithful companion was not by her side.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Dr. Tamina asked as she pulled out a small flashlight and shined it in Morrigan¡¯s eyes.

    Morrigan ignored the light as the question asked seemed to haunt her. How was she? It was an absurd question. How else would she be? How should she be?

    Except, how was she really? Morrigan forced herself to consider before violent flashes of a bloodied Sigurd and hurricane of crimson energy filled her mind making her shake her head with a gasp.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡­I¡­¡± Morrigan tried to find the words to describe the sinking pit in her chest that only made the hollow feeling within her even stronger as she shook her head slowly.

    She could feel the warmth of tears beginning to well up under her eyes as she pursed her lips together.

    Dr. Tamina refrained from prodding at the young woman when she saw how distraught Morrigan was, pursing her own lips before saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ it was insensitive of me.¡±

    Morrigan shook her head as she felt herself slipping into desperation once again, ¡°Where is Skoll? Where is Nora?¡±

    ¡°B?r?sk¨º is with Hi¡¯t¨ºt,¡± Xol responded as he crossed his arms while Tamina answered the other question.

    Without thinking, Tamina responded, ¡°Nora is in the room next to yours¡­¡±

    ¡°What?! What happened to her!¡± Morrigan nearly shouted as she instantly panicked, feeling something other than crushing pain. Worry though, was not a better emotion as Morrigan¡¯s energy surged around her like an arc flash, luckily missing Dr. Tamina as bolts of energy smashed into various points of the room leaving singed pock marks across the walls.

    ¡°Mori calm down! Nora¡¯s fine!¡± Tamina shouted, ¡°Its nothing more than a mild concussion, she¡¯s okay, I promise.¡±

    Morrigan¡¯s emotional fit subsided by the certainty in Tamina¡¯s voice though her anxiety still held itself high, ¡°What happened?¡±

    Tamina huffed indignantly as she glanced around at the damage to the room, ¡°From what I was told, Nora refused to retreat and attempted to fight her teammates until someone knocked her out. She¡¯ll recover fully in a week or two; a few days before I let her return to service.¡±

    Morrigan noticed Tamina¡¯s eyes shift towards Xol, snapping her own vision towards her stalwart guardian as her breathing began to settle.

    Xol nodded, ¡°She did not listen,¡± he rumbled confirming Morrigan¡¯s silent question. Despite the truth, Xol took the blame though he was far from guiltless during the exchange.

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Morrigan couldn¡¯t be mad though, partially because she knew how much of a handful Nora could be though she was still unhappy about anyone hitting her girlfriend for any reason, but mainly because her anxiety sky rocketed as she realized her life was slowly falling apart, again; Sigurd was dead, Nora had to be assaulted to keep her from doing anything dumb and Morrigan had lost control of herself.

    ¡°I, I can¡¯t do this¡­ this is just too much,¡± Morrigan buried her face in her hands, sniffling as she rubbed her face in an attempt to get her growing anxiety in check.

    A wave of worry washed over Morrigan only for her to realize that the source was not her as a high pitch howl resonated down the hall through the open door.

    Two guards who had been standing outside her door turned at the sound of rapid and heavy pads against metal flooring before both shouting expletives and darting to the left; a comical scene that Morrigan couldn¡¯t find the humor in as Skoll skid across the floor beyond the doorway before rapidly scrambling in place with a sharp yelp.

    Gaining traction. Skoll took off like a rocket into the room and leaped onto the hospital bed Morrigan sat in. With partial luck, the bed managed to sustain the massive weight of Skoll crashing directly into Morrigan as Skoll held her down with his front legs and manically licked at her face as he whined.

    Without saying a word, Morrigan reached her arms up and wrapped around Skoll¡¯s neck and used her enhanced strength to pull Skoll¡¯s neck down to her so she could bury her face into his warm, soft fur.

    After a moment, as the two bystanders within the room recovered from the erupting torrent that was Skoll, Morrigan let out a long breath. ¡°Thank you sweetie¡­¡± she said just loud enough to be heard before pressing herself deeper into his neck.

    Dr. Tamina, as she dusted herself off having dove to the ground to avoid Skoll, sighed indignantly, ¡°I¡¯m surrounded by animals¡­¡± she started before Skoll looked at her from the side and let out a series of low, husky howls that mocked her frustration.

    Xol snorted which earned a glare from Dr. Tamina. Xol in return merely shrugged as he looked at the giant canine that covered his chieftain, feeling a bit relieved that the giant animal was there to keep her calm seeing as he was to be the target of her ire in the future.

    ¡°I do apologize, Mori, but as protocol dictates; I have informed Admiral Shepard that you have awakened. I am aware that may not be desired however, I had no choice but to fulfill my directive,¡± Sister stated over a speaker within the room.

    The hackles on Skoll raised as he bore his fangs and let out a savage growl as if instantly agitated, electricity crackling and arcing across his fur before Morrigan sighed heavily.

    Removing her face from Skoll¡¯s neck, she patted his shoulder regaining the creature¡¯s attention and ceasing his primal tantrum. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Sister¡­¡± she said dolefully as she sniffled.

    ¡°Admiral Shepard does not wish to rush you however; she did request you see her soon. I believe there is something she wished to discuss,¡± Sister informed her. Morrigan knew the A.I. meant well but that didn''t erase the expected irritation and gloom.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ tell her I¡¯ll be there right,¡± Morrigan stated reluctantly as she sighed. With a simple pat on the side, Skoll hopped off the bed too small for his size and circled the room nervously while Morrigan forced herself to sit up once more.

    ¡°Mori, before you go I would really like to give you a check up¡­ wait, Mori!¡± Dr. Tamina called out before scoffing as Morrigan silently stepped out of the room with Xol and Skoll in tow, completely ignoring her.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Morrigan shambled through the Archangel in a haze as she vaguely made her way in the direction of the bridge. It took a moment for her to realize that she had been taken to the med bay located in the underbelly of her ship, meaning the walk was long.

    Morrigan tried to focus on those she passed in the labyrinthine corridors except everyone seemed to avoid her by giving her a wide berth. Their faces though, try as Morrigan had, were blurred from her sight that left her with a sickening haunted feeling as she used both Skoll and the walls to keep herself upright. Part of her was terrified of her faceless crew, but on the other hand, she was deeply confused as her mind reeled as it attempted to process what happened.

    All Morrigan could remember, all she could feel, was the haunting sadness and the blood; Sigurd¡¯s blood covering her hands, the ground and his body.

    Flashes of crimson filled her vision, each flash causing her to flinch and quiver as her despair threatened to overwhelm her as she heard the torrential howl of the storm around her, the pitch of her cry echoing outside of the whirling winds as her hands felt the warmth she couldn¡¯t forget.

    She knew Sigurd was dead, deep down she knew it was reality, yet her mind couldn¡¯t make sense of the truth that had coated her very hands that were still stained. She curled her fingers to feel the wet, sticky blood that gave her fingers warmth before her vision showed her the dried, cracked and flaking coating that fell from her hands onto the steel floor as her fingers moved.

    ¡°Mori,¡± the familiar sound of Shepard¡¯s voice pierced her confusion. The tone was strangely familiar though so rarely heard; the tone that of a grandmother.

    Morrigan looked up and blinked to find that she was standing on the bridge of the Archangel, though she did not recall traveling that far but what was even more odd; the bridge was empty of everyone but Shepard.

    ¡°Where¡­ where is everyone?¡± Morrigan asked tentatively, torn between thinking she was in trouble or that something had gone horribly wrong. She looked back to find that Xol still stood respectfully within the elevator, giving her a stern nod to show her that he would not move as he held his mace to block the gate of the elevator and the floor to keep it from closing.

    Skoll padded around the bridge sniffing every nook and cranny he could find as Morrigan looked forward to see Shepard sitting in Sarilla¡¯s seat, watching the radar on the screen before the old woman looked back with one uncovered eye.

    ¡°They are preparing, child. Currently, we sit near the second of two suns of the Orion system,¡± Shepard informed her in a mild tone.

    With a furrowed brow, Morrigan tried to think of a reason for them to anchor near a sun. Shepard watched Morrigan¡¯s gaze gloss over as she realized the shutters around the bridge were down, blocking the extreme light of the star.

    ¡°Before you ask why; it¡¯s part of what he wanted¡­¡± Shepard sharply chuckled to herself not seeing Morrigan¡¯s attention snap to her at the mention of ¡°he¡±. ¡°Believe it or not, the man made a will several months ago at the behest of Sister.¡±

    Morrigan¡¯s heart sank at the mention of a will which served to drive the stake in a little further, even more as she could hear the subtle admiration in Shepard¡¯s voice.

    Warm tears rolled down her cheeks as the image of Sigurd¡¯s soft smile flashed before her eyes; the only person she knew who would smile at their own death as if peace had finally been met all the while insulting death itself.

    Skoll whined loudly to Shepard as she stood, looking between the old woman and his master, ¡°Are you okay, deary?¡± Shepard¡¯s soft tone hitting Morrigan right in the chest.

    Morrigan shook her head, her lip quivering as she fought with all she had to keep from breaking down again for fear of what may happen as Shepard took a step towards her. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ no¡­no, I¡¯m far from¡­¡± Morrigan¡¯s voice cracked as she shook her heard even more.

    Go to her, kid Apollyon quietly told her.

    As if unable to resist, Morrigan opened up herself as her vision blurred red, taking a step forward.

    Shepard made no hesitation as she hastily moved forward and caught the grieving girl in her arms.

    ¡°You might not know this, but it is the duty of every admiral on any ship within the Federation or the CoU to ensure the rites of the fallen,¡± Shepard said softly as Morrigan trembled, actively fighting the warring emotions in herself as crimson tears fell harder.

    Shepard held her close as Morrigan shook her head, despite their height difference, ensuring the young woman was properly supported as she continued, ¡°Well, the Inquisition is no different, my dear. Normally it¡¯s something small since it is rare for members to have extensive relations throughout the ship, usually allowing only the friends and few family members aboard to find true meaning behind our gesture however¡­¡±

    Shepard paused as her own fond memories of Sigurd surfaced in her mind, ¡°I have been doing this for a long time, sweetie. Never once have i met someone so charismatic that they left so many behind in their wake, Sigurd¡­ he left his mark on a good many of the crew.¡±

    Squeezing tighter as she choked on her sob, Morrigan could feel herself losing control. Subconsciously, she could not muster enough strength to cause Shepard any harm though she tightened her arms around the small old woman as hard as she could.

    With a gentle pat on the back before respectfully pushing Morrigan back and handing her a cloth from her pocket, ¡°I tell you this for three reasons,¡± Shepard calmly said as Morrigan wiped the bloody tears from her face and the mucus from her nose, ¡°One, as the Inquisitor, normally you would not be bothered with such things and¡­¡± Shepard raised her hand sternly before Morrigan could react, ¡°I know how you feel about the matter however, this is an admiral¡¯s duty. Secondly though, Sigurd was one of yours and I wanted to make sure you were given the opportunity to attend yourself.¡±

    Shepard kept the conversation professional but how she breathed in a deep breath, Morrigan could see that even Shepard was saddened by the loss of Sigurd.

    ¡°And third¡­ as part of his will, Sigurd wished you to have two things,¡± Shepard finished leaving her explanation on that note as she stepped towards her console and reached behind it.

    ¡°One, was his sword, which I had Xol bring to your room¡­ I had no chance in lifting it so I hope you understand as to why I can¡¯t present it but this¡­¡± Shepard stated as she pulled the item out before turning to reveal the skull faced mask Sigurd wore, cleaned to a pristine shine.

    Morrigan choked as her eyes laid on the grim mask, nearly doubling over as she reached her hands out.

    ¡°I wanted to give this to you as soon as I could,¡± Shepard stated, speaking the true reason to wish to speak to her as she let Morrigan take it from her hand and fall back into Avery¡¯s chair.

    Something sank in as Morrigan grabbed the mask, a feeling of comfort as she stared into the hollowed eyes that hid the intricate combat visor within. In her mind, all she could hear was his laughter mixed with muffled quotes she could not understand. She brushed her thumb over the raised cheekbone of the mask as the softest smile touched her lips as she remembered the chaotic and easy-going demeanor in which Sigurd lived through.

    ¡°When is it?¡± Morrigan asked in a raspy tone.

    ¡°Tonight... in four hours, his final wish was ¡°to be shot into the sun¡±,¡± Shepard stated barely able to hide the desire to chuckle at the absurdity.

    Morrigan, to her surprise, chuckled sharply, a wide smile across her face as a single crimson tear rolled down her cheek, ¡°Such an asshole¡­ but he was my asshole¡­¡± she said wiping the tear away with her rest before brushing her hand over the crown of the mask.

    Shepard gave in and let the held chuckle slip, ¡°That he was. One that we were lucky to find in this universe.¡± Shepard watched as she Morrigan nodded in emotional agreement as she bit lip, ¡°I will let you know when we¡¯re ready. Take your time though, knowing you¡¯re awake, I can hold off for an hour or two if you need me to.¡±

    Morrigan gripped the mask as she dug one of her fangs into her lower lip lightly enough to keep from piercing the skin but instill pain to help her refrain from devolving into an emotional stupor again.

    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Morrigan said before she stood back up and held the mask close to her chest, the blackened polished metal squeaking against the metal of her Inquisitor¡¯s breastplate before giving Shepard a meaningful nod and turning towards the elevator where Xol waited patiently.

 Chapter XXVIII

    Morrigan had Xol lead her to her room before dismissing him. What she thought she wanted was to be alone with no external influence to process. Skoll was the first one into the room, Morrigan watching her beloved companion pad around sniffing the room with curiosity before she stepped in far enough for the door to close behind her.

    Her room was dark as she looked around with an eerie, lingering silence that slowly grated against her nerves. The room lacked the needed familiar laughter and animated conversation.

    But Nora was hospitalized and Sigurd was gone, leaving her room, and her life, feeling vacant. She felt the quietness around her as if it was tangible; cold, hollow and uncaring, before her gaze fell upon the large case that sat behind the sofa, the silence slowly turning into a cacophony of static within her mind as she took a single step forward.

    Echoes of laughter sang around her as she moved closer, startling her and causing her to look up to see faint images of Sigurd all around the room. It hurt, a pain that continued to pulsate and grow stronger as she stepped closer and she watched the faint memories of the man. Laughing, crude gestures and adamantly speaking about things she couldn¡¯t recall in the moment, every memory she had was of a bright smile without a single care in the world.

    A sharp yip brought reality back into the darkness of the room, Morrigan¡¯s heart pounding in her chest as it resisted the crushing pain she felt before she heard Skoll¡¯s claws scratch across something hard. She found Skoll standing near the case that sat behind her couch, Sigurd¡¯s case, as he looked up at her and let out a grunt.

    Pursing her lips, Morrigan gripped the mask she held tighter as she nodded; not to Skoll, but to herself, as she decided facing the truth was the only option. Skoll stamped his feet when she moved closer, watching as she crouched down allowing him to stick his nose within the mask she held to sniff it vigorously.

    Morrigan absently mindedly moved Skoll¡¯s head out of the way to set the mask down so she could unlock the six-and-a-half-foot case. Inside sat the sword of the mad Berserker; the five foot long and five-inch-wide blade that fit within a blocky power unit built along the hilt, responsible for generating a macromolecular electromagnetic field coupled with a gravity field around the massive blade, allowing the blade to cut through most substances with absolute ease, making it one of the most dangerous weapons to ever exist in small scale conflicts and perfect for beings such a Sigurd. It was a weapon truly designed for him¡­ and it was now hers.

    Morrigan¡¯s mind went blank as she stared at the battle-scarred weapon, her heart and mind warring against one another as Skoll stuck his snout within the case and sniffed the massive blade.

    Skoll let out a long, low whine, Morrigan¡¯s blank stare finally shifting to see Skoll laying down with his head on his paws and his nose next to the case. He looked up at her from staring at the case, the sadness prevalent in his eyes as he whined again before sighing and looking back into the case.

    That broke the war within her seeing Skoll recognize that Sigurd was gone.  ¡°I know, sweetie¡­¡± her voiced cracked as she picked Skoll¡¯s head up and cradled him in her arms, sniffling as tears rolled down her cheeks. ¡°I know, baby¡­ I miss him too¡­¡± she whispered into his ear as she rested her cheek on the top of Skoll¡¯s head as he sighed, his own sadness permeating the air as she struggled to remain strong, staring at the marred great sword, and trying to force herself to accept the great weight of her new reality. She didn''t want to face it though, not yet, because she had an equally pressing matter to force her focus on.

    Lifting her head and wiping the crimson tears away, she patted Skoll on the shoulder, ¡°Come on buddy. Let''s go see momma,¡± she said softly as she stood. A jolt of excitement brushed her nerves as Skoll jerked up in anticipation, his sadness shrouded with the expectation of seeing Nora.

    To see him switch gears so fast made Morrigan jealous, yet should couldn¡¯t help but feel glad that he could feel something different as they headed out the door.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Nora had been sedated by the time Morrigan and Skoll reached the recovery room. One of the doctors on staff explained that the young woman had been very ¡°adamant¡± about leaving after being told of her condition when she had woken up, against Dr. Tamina¡¯s bed rest order. Luckily, Nora showed none of the symptoms of severity that could come with a concussion which allowed the doctors to sedate her rather than risk injury, to neither staff nor Nora herself, in attempting to restrain her.

    Begrudgingly, Morrigan understood and resigned to sitting quietly holding Nora¡¯s hand as she rested. Skoll did his part by laying his head across her legs, radiating the warm compassion a loyal creature felt for their owner.

    Morrigan wanted to be mad, she wanted to be frustrated with both her lover as well as the doctors but she understood both sides. Nora did not do doctors, nor would she remain still until she was certain everything was fine, especially Morrigan. Dr. Tamina would do whatever it took to make certain her patients were cared for and were definitively in the clear, especially one just as elusive as Morrigan was; Morrigan¡¯s title was the only thing that kept her safe from Tamina¡¯s determination.

    Morrigan tried to tell Nora how she was but couldn¡¯t find the words just yet, telling her what had happened in hopes that Nora would hear her but all she could do try to ease Nora¡¯s subconscious was squeeze her hand and let her know she was there for her.

    ¡°Please behave yourself sweetie. I love you, Mori.¡± Was the note Morrigan made sure to leave behind after Sister reminded her of the time at the behest of Admiral Shepard.

    Morrigan found herself entering one of the hangers, the giant blast doors closed which surprised Morrigan since she had always seen the blue hue of an atmospheric barrier that separated the Void of space from the interior of the ship.

    What surprised Morrigan even more was the number of crewmembers that filled the expansive hanger; thousands of men and women filling nearly every inch including the platforms and walkways above, except for a pathway kept open for the ship¡¯s Inquisitor as everyone waited for her to arrive.

    Morrigan¡¯s spine alit with fire as the wave of emotions smashed into her; anger, sorrow, anguish, jealousy, the hanger was a cacophony of emotions that clashed with her own rising fear and pain. Her heart thundered in her ears as many of those waiting looked at her expectantly, those closest giving her a respectful nod or an emotional salute as Shepard spoke loud enough to echo throughout the giant open space.

    Morrigan and Skoll moved their way through the crowd, taking the path made to lead towards the front. Shepard paused as she noticed Morrigan enter her view, turning and giving her a respectful nod of her own. Everything around her looked surreal as Morrigan inspected her surroundings.

    The crowd was a strange array of the Archangel crew; ranging from combat crewmembers to administrators, medical staff all the way to maintenance workers and everything in between. She even spied Havoc Squad front and center standing respectfully, being the only ones who had no strong emotions about the service. The thunderous beat of her heart only got louder as she saw the massive metal container beside Shepard, a container used in the likeness of a casket positioned in front of the airlock used for disposal that sat between both hanger bay doors. Morrigan watched as people one by one paid their respects, unable to hear a thing as the true reality of the day finally sank in; Morrigan unable to avoid it any longer.

    As Morrigan stare reached a thousand yards, Shepard and the crew all watched Skoll stalk towards the container and closely inspect it. Skoll pushed on the container with his front paws, letting out a desperate whine as his claws and pads thumped against the metal box.

    Emotions ran high as everyone watched the giant canine try to open the makeshift casket, whining loudly until Shepard finally stepped forward and placed a hand on Skoll¡¯s side.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, boy. He would appreciate it,¡± she said.

    Skoll looked at the small old woman before landing on all fours and sitting with his ears flat. The next moment Skoll let out a long, sad, low howl that broke everyone.

    Morrigan snapped out of her daze with a gasp for air as she realized she had been barely breathing. Lost in confusion, Morrigan looked to see the majority of the room break down, Skoll sitting next to the make shift casket and Shepard taking the stand once more. ¡°I know Sigurd has touched many of our lives; he is, by far, the most widely known soldier I have ever had to give final rites to¡­ as much as he did his best to annoy me, I too shall miss him dearly. He was a unique soul to ever grace our ship¡­ and he leaves behind many memories for all of us¡­¡± Shepard stated with little control over her own emotions as she placed a hand on Skoll¡¯s shoulder. Skoll did the one thing he knew how to do and leaned down to slap his large tongue across Shepard¡¯s cheek, which she accepted as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

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    After a deep breath, Shepard looked up at the gathered mass around the hanger, ¡°There is one more who, respectfully, feels the most of us all¡­¡± Shepard turned her gaze to Morrigan. ¡°Mori¡­¡± she said garnering a wide-eyed look for the lost woman, ¡°It is time. If there is anything you wish to say, now is the time to do it.¡±

    Morrigan trembled as she looked at the amass of eyes looking to her as her self awareness snapped back in place. Twin streaks of crimson slide down her cheeks as a new wave of emotion filled her, an unbridled sadness and panic settling in as her entire being finally came to terms with the death of Sigurd.

    ¡°I¡­I can¡¯t¡­¡± she thought to herself only to be surprised by Apollyon.

    You should. The time of finality is here, Mori. He was a man that respected you for who you are and he deserves the same in return.

    Morrigan bit her lip as she looked to the mass of crewmember, then to Skoll, Shepard and finally on the container that held her best friend. Apollyon was right and she knew it, she did not want to be a coward despite every nerve on her body screaming at her to run. She was a leader, one that others should never see flee but at the very least, Morrigan knew Sigurd deserved her final goodbye.

    ¡°All of these people¡­ they knew him¡­ enough to be here for him¡­¡± she thought as she stepped forward remembering how Sigurd had always been there for her when she needed him.

    Morrigan stepped up to the casket, Shepard and Skoll both moving away as Morrigan¡¯s gaze looked across the room before settling on the container. She felt the cold metal against her skin as she placed her hand on the container.

    ¡°This may not come as a surprise¡­ but, Sigurd was special to me,¡± she said aloud, her voice echoing softly around the room as she sniffled. Turning to the gather crowd she barely recognized, she took a deep breath to address them all. ¡°One way or another, he made himself known to you, which is why we¡¯re here today¡­¡±

    ¡°Sigurd Ericsson was a man without shame, without concern. He lived with a smile on his face and levity in his voice¡­¡± Morrigan¡¯s voice cracked.

    ¡°He embraced who he was, accepted what he was; a foul mouthed, morally challenged killing machine developed by the CoU¡­ and he enjoyed every minute of it.¡±

    Morrigan sniffled deeply as she rubbed her hand across the container, ¡°But¡­ he, he¡­ I don¡¯t think he ever knew what else he was¡­¡±

    Morrigan choked on the words as she saw the sorrowful looks, Skoll coming to her side and wrapping a soft fur lined tentacle around her waste. Lips quivering, Morrigan placed a hand on Skoll¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Family,¡± she forced out before smearing the blood across her cheeks without thinking. ¡°He became the brother I never had¡­ He was my family and¡­ and¡­ I let him die,¡± Morrigan squeaked out through her sobs.

    ¡°I broke my family¡­I¡¯m sorry¡­ I''m so sorry,¡± said looking from Skoll to the crowd then to the casket.

    ¡°I told you no! And you had me give in!¡± she cried before slamming her palms against the container. ¡°You were okay but I¡¯m not! We¡¯re not! I¡­ we¡­¡± Morrigan couldn¡¯t find the words she needed as she cried harder, looking through a shade of red at her hand as a single claw appeared along her middle finger. Without warning, Morrigan pierced the palm of her hand, the excruciating pain stemming her tears as it clouded over her emotions, causing several gasps and Shepard to rush to her side as she pressed her hand to the casket, feeling her blood spread across her palm as a full set of claws coalesced and carved their likeness into the metal.

    She felt her hand begin to heal and the claws fade as Shepard gently pulled her away from the container, pulling Morrigan into her arms as Shepard gave a signal to Havoc Squad to step around the casket. Morrigan could see the tears in some of their eyes, showing that Sigurd had even made his way into some of their hearts as well before they began pushing the container into the airlock as Shepard had asked of them. She watched as her parting gift disappeared within the airlock and moved towards it only for Shepard to gently push her back.

    Morrigan looked down at the old woman, ¡°I understand, Mori, but now we must honor his final wish.¡± Morrigan bit her lip and did everything she could to resist chasing after the part of her life she did not want to let go.

    She watched Havoc Squad moved to each side of the airlock before Ebony called out something unintelligible as she fought against breaking down completely.

    She felt the vibration of everyone clicking their together as she heard them all salute behind her, everyone except for Ebony being the team leader, and whose duty it was, who instead reached and pressed the button that split Morrigan¡¯s heart.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Morrigan rushed into her bedroom as tears continued to fall, locking the door, and hyperventilating as she looked around the room.

    ¡°What have I done?¡± she breathed as sobs returned to her in full force.

    In a flash of despair, she gripped the edge of the dresser that sat to the right of her door and slammed it into the floor, gripping her head as her mind threatened to break against the pressure of self doubt and sorrow.

    ¡°I broke my family¡­ I killed him, I killed him,¡± Morrigan spiraled as she forced herself to sit on the edge of her bed. Morrigan cried with full force as the true weight of loss hit her, the despair and soul crushing pain that had threatened her since she had woken up.

    How could she be a leader if she got her best friend killed? How could she lead a war if she so stupidly walked into a trap designed specifically for her? How many more would she get killed all because of her pride? These were questions that cyclically surfaced in her mind without end.

    Several minutes of perpetual breakdown passed before Sister came alive over the speakers in her room, ¡°Mori, I know you are having difficulties with the death of Sigurd Ericsson, it is something I have spent many weeks questioning various members of the Archangel in an attempt to understand the human condition. Mr. Ericsson was the only one never annoyed by my questions and seemed quite enthusiastic in answering them, as well as speaking about experiences of his life. I do not know if it will help, but I can play them for you, if you wish.¡±

    Morrigan looked up from her blood-stained hands, the chance to hear his voice again causing her heart to ache as she nodded for Sister to see.

    ¡°Very well, this was his response to my inquiry ¡°What does it feel like to end someone¡¯s life?¡±,¡± the sound of a soft static came over the speakers before Sigurd¡¯s jovial voice played.

    ¡°That¡¯s an interesting one. Ya see, most people find it hard to snip the ol¡¯ life tether, but not me though. I love it. The feelin¡¯ of total power over one of the most priceless things in life, life itself, within yer grasp is better than gettin¡¯ blown by a seasoned whore. Ya know what I mean?¡±

    Morrigan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the absurdity as tears streamed down her face.

    ¡°There is beauty in death, whether it be yer own or someone else¡¯s. A brilliant moment where everything makes sense in the world, an ye can feel true existence. Its wonderful, like a high ye just can''t get enough of. I bet the lass knows what I¡¯m sayin¡¯. Have ye ever seen her make a kill? Absolute perfection.¡±

    ¡°The next question was ¡°Why do you commit to such a vulgar lifestyle?¡±.¡± Sister stated as Morrigan sniffled and curled up on her bed.

    ¡°Vulgar? Who says it¡¯s vulgar? Bunch o¡¯ cowardly cunts if ye ask me. Listen, whoever thinks me life is vulgar are only jealous of what they¡¯re too afraid to do. Massacres, drugs, orgies, ¡°harsh language¡±, all these things are basic desires of every bloke an lass with half a brain cell. The only thin¡¯ keepin¡¯ em from enjoyin¡¯ life is their own fear. Not me though, my life is finite as was the deal I made wit¡¯ the docs that made me, an I intend on tearing an fuckin¡¯ me way through the universe before me demise, that way I can have it in me mind that I went for it an leave no regrets. So, if that makes me vulgar, then bully for the spineless cowards too afraid to live.¡±

    Morrigan shook her head unable to resist the sad smile that crept across her face as Sister continued.

    ¡°This question was ¡°What are you thoughts on Lord Inquisitor Clarke?¡±.¡±

    The question made Morrigan lift her head with mixed emotions of curiosity and swift sorrow, but instead of stopping the recording, she forced herself to face whatever was about to be said.

    ¡°The lass? The wee lass is grand. Beautiful, brilliantly intelligent an packs a punch that¡¯d impress me Maime¨®, aye, she¡¯s a bag of ferrets, in a good way. Oi! If ye open yer damned digital mouth that I said any of this, I¡¯ll cut out yer hard drive an fuck yer motherboard! *Sigurd sighs* But, if der was one thing I could say¡­ it¡¯s that the lass is better than I am. She had every chance to put me down like a dog an yet insisted on keepin¡¯ me alive¡­ She has a heart that bleeds for others, a mad ferret brain that could end this war if she chose to and that¡¯s what sets her apart from everyone. Me? I¡¯m a selfish bastard, I know that, I don¡¯t want the war to end because, what happens to me? I can¡¯t live a ¡°normal¡± life. But her? She has her lass that loves her an a chance to live a happy life, hell, she could have wee lads an lasses of her own an get married to the mad woman she chose-which was a brilliant choice for her! My hat goes off to her for pickin¡¯ up a darlin¡¯ lass that can see no bad in her¡­ I hope she gets that chance. Once all of this is over, she should settle with Nora an have wee runts of her own an tell them stories of Ol¡¯ Uncle Sigurd¡­ but until then, until her mad dream of unity that only she could make reality¡­ She¡¯ll do right by everyone. I can see the leader in her, an she¡¯ll be what the universe needs to have prosperity. So¡­ I¡¯ll follow her lead for as far as I can, an be the ax that parries the blade just so she can be the knife that pierces the heart¡­ so me thoughts on the lass? I''ll follow her ta hell an back because out of everyone I¡¯ve met, she is the only one who deserves undying loyalty, even by the dying such as I.¡±

    Sister continued to play dozens of recordings for hours as Morrigan listened. Breaking down and crying her eyes out the entire time as she felt her heart completely break from guilt, shame and utter despair as she tortured herself by listening to the man, who made himself her brother, answer questions with the absurd answers she had grown accustomed to, taking in the solace and the pain she felt she deserved until she passed out from exhaustion.

 Chapter XXIX

    The energy throughout the Archangel felt off over the past two days as the ship sailed across the stars. Eventually, some of the crew began to notice Morrigan¡¯s prolonged absence and rumors started to spread with idle or cautious curiosity.

    Nora impetuously rattled the dense hand cuff that connected her to medical bed she sat in. She huffed at the letter that sat in her lap, the only word she had received from her love as she waited to be released from the wretched doctor¡¯s care.

    ¡°You really should learn some patience,¡± Dr. Tamina said as she moved images from her data-slate to a monitor on the wall. Despite ignoring the woman, Nora could see out of the corner of her eye images of her skeleton.

    ¡°Left radius is completely fused, chipped left pelvic crest, compressed C7, T5, L1, and a deformed L4, self mended fractures¡­ everywhere¡­ and most recently a cracked scapula. How are you not in constant misery?¡± Dr. Tamina asked Nora in astonishment as she studied the images closely.

    Nora shrugged, a dull pain throbbing in her right shoulder at the mention of the injury sustained when Xol threw her into the drop ship.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I guess that¡¯s the trick; sometimes you just have to tell the pain no,¡± Nora stated indignantly as she rattled the dense metal wrapped around her left wrist. She tried to coalesce her mage abilities to form a blade of ice or to encase the handcuff in a layer of frost however, any time she thought too hard about it, it failed. One of the doctors, on Tamina¡¯s order, had given her something that muddled her mind just enough to keep her from breaking the hand cuff and kept her energy low enough to effectively resist any sort of treatment yet kept her lucid enough to retain cognition.

    Dr. Tamina shook her head, ¡°It doesn¡¯t work that way¡­ but, most of this seems to not affect you though it is treatable if you desire¡­¡± she turned to see Nora shaking her head. With a sigh towards the stubborn woman she said, ¡°However, we have to do something about the damage to your shoulder. Knowing you, you¡¯ll only make it shatter and that''s something even you wouldn''t be able ignore.¡±

    Nora ground her teeth and yanked on the cuff only to feel the sharp pain from the metal attempting to bite into her skin before letting out a huff. ¡°Have you seen Mori? Why hasn''t she come to see me again? Something is going on¡­¡± she said with a confused look. Nora knew that Morrigan had visited her otherwise the note in front of her wouldn''t be there however, it was odd that no one has said anything to her nor had Morrigan returned to visit.

    ¡°That girl avoids me like the plague, so it¡¯s rare for me to even see her but, from what I¡¯ve heard¡­¡± Dr. Tamina was interrupted by the frustrated grunt of Admiral Shepard shoving aside a guard that stood outside the door as she forcibly pushing her way into the room, ignoring the ¡°no visitors¡± directive.

    ¡°Admiral¡­¡± Tamina stated only for Shepard to snap back.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you admiral me! I need her released, now,¡± Shepard demanded pointing towards Nora.

    Nora looked up in addled curiosity as she tried to figure out why Shepard would be so adamant about getting her released. Perhaps Morrigan had bugged the admiral enough to have her let go but then again, she knew Morrigan held the most authority aboard the ship so that didn¡¯t make a lot of sense the more she considered it.

    Tamina crossed her arms defiantly as she turned to the shorter, older woman, ¡°I can¡¯t just release her. It turns out Nora¡¯s injuries went beyond a simple concussion and¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll bring her back, damn it!¡± Shepard roared, ¡°We are down our Inquisitor and¡­¡±

    ¡°What does that matter? You¡¯ve run this ship before, but you see this,¡± Dr. Tamina pointed towards the image specific to the wide crack within Nora¡¯s shoulder blade, ¡°This has to be fixed. If she breaks this, she¡­¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Nora said loud enough to grasp both women¡¯s attention, ¡°What¡¯s going on- what happened to Mori?¡± Nora asked. Though her tone didn''t change, both women could hear the panic that lined her words as Shepard gave an inquiring look to the leading doctor.

    Tamina sighed, ¡°I gave her a behavioral inhibitor so she would stop trying to assault my staff during her examinations.¡±

    To prove the point, Nora shook the cuff attached to her wrist. Shepard puffed up as if she were on the verge of exploding, ¡°Mori has locked herself in her room and refuses to speak with anyone. Even Sister refuses to open the door¡­¡±

    ¡°I apologize, Admiral Shepard, however, in her current state Lord Inquisitor Clarke does not pose a threat to the well being of the ship, therefore your jurisdiction is below that of the Lord Inquisitor, as is protocol,¡± Sister interjected over the speakers within the room.

    Nora looked up having forgotten the existence of the ship¡¯s A.I. in the brain fog she experienced. ¡°Sister? Is Mori, okay?¡±

    ¡°As expected, Mori¡¯s physical health is in perfect condition. However, I do not have the necessary data to assess psychological health but cross referencing her behavior since taking command of the Archangel, if I had to guess, I would say her mental health is less than optimal.¡± Sister stated truthfully.

    ¡°Oh. That¡¯s not good. Doc, you have to let me go,¡± Nora stated looking to Dr. Tamina.

    Tamina remained adamant as she shook her head, ¡°No, I cannot risk you injuring yourself even further until we repair what¡¯s been done to you.¡±

    Nora huffed in what could only be described as dulled annoyance, ¡°Then send Sigurd, he and I are the only two she¡¯ll talk to if she¡¯s in her head.¡±

    Shepard furrowed her brow before it dawned on her that Nora didn¡¯t know. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell her?¡± Shepard asked Dr. Tamina in disbelief.

    ¡°I figured she knew. I mean, she was down there when¡­¡±

    ¡°Get out. That¡¯s an order,¡± Shepard bit out angrily, giving the doctor no chance to finish. Tamina threw her arms up as if she were being treated unfairly before turning and stepping out of the room leaving Shepard and Nora alone.

    Nora watched the old woman intently as she took a seat at the foot of her bed with a solemn look on her face.

    ¡°Sigurd is gone, Nora,¡± Shepard stated.

    Shepard watched as Nora quickly processed exactly what Shepard meant, her eyes shifting side to side as she recalled the string of events of that day. A single tear rolled down her cheek before she wiped it away with her free wrist and sniffed. ¡°What an asshole¡­ it''s not nice to lie,¡± Nora said as she let out a long breath before looking directly at Shepard, ¡°Then I need to see Mori, she doesn''t do sad very well.¡±

    Shepard huffed as she nodded, ¡°Nor many other emotions, but as much as I hate it, I can''t overrule Dr. Tamina¡¯s orders¡­sorry, but it¡¯s one of very few things that are above an admiral¡¯s authority¡­¡±

    Nora scoffed as she lazily slapped her hands into her lap with dejection, ¡°Then¡­ we need to think of something else because¡­ has Xol tried? Or Yekku?¡± Nora asked reminding herself of just how unstable Morrigan could become as memories of Castile V surfaced in her mind.

    Shepard nodded, killing her rising hope until something dawned on her, ¡°Wait, Taylor? The dude from Havoc that¡¯s banging my sister. Have you told Taylor to try?¡±

    The fact that Nora said that with an impossibly straight face due to the behavioral inhibitors made the entire sentence far more unbelievable as Shepard¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, running a roster through her mind.

    A soft smile spread across Nora¡¯s lips as she watched Shepard think about it. ¡°I don''t know if it would help but she and him dated for a few years back on Earth, if I recall correctly¡­ she at least obsessed over him for the longest time.¡±

    ¡°Until you came along, that is,¡± Shepard mused knowingly which brought a slightly brighter smile to Nora¡¯s face as she shrugged.

    ¡°What can I say? Anyways, if I¡¯m stuck here then he¡¯s probably the only one capable of breaking through to her¡­ at least, I think. This could also backfire and she could kill him, so keep that in mind,¡± Nora said with drug-induced aloofness. Then again, it was still on par for the slightly unhinged woman.

    Shepard took a deep breath and considered her only option. Seeing as no one could hack their way into the sealed bedroom, Shepard had very little choice but to try and see if the young man would help.

    ¡°I hope you know what you¡¯re talking about. The last thing we need is another funeral¡­¡± Shepard sighed before reaching for her comm bead in her ear.

    ¡°Oh, I have no idea what I¡¯m talking about, but better to try now than wait for the bitch queen to do as she pleases,¡± Nora stated, confusing Shepard for a moment before realizing that she referred to Dr. Tamina, to which she concurred.

    ¡°Taylor, this is Admiral Shepard. Please make your way to the med bay on deck 12, room 62. That¡¯s an order,¡± she stated with the full weight of her authority.

    As both women waited, Nora and Shepard spoke about Morrigan¡¯s fragile emotional state; Shepard describing what she witnessed during Sigurd¡¯s funeral while Nora recounted what she experienced down in the depths of the mining colony. The conversation was enlightening for Shepard, and worrying for Nora at the details of Morrigan¡¯s breakdown.  Especially in comparison to her outburst at Mars.

    Eventually, their topic shifted to that of the late Sigurd. ¡°He promised, you know,¡± Nora said with a hint of sadness.

    ¡°Promised what?¡± Shepard asked giving the mellowed-out woman a glance.

    With a soft snort, Nora attempted to mimic Sigurd, ¡°No worries lass, we¡¯ll be back to drinking with the ol¡¯ wind bag soon¡­¡±

    Shepard managed to chuckle at the comment before realizing Nora¡¯s monotone expression actually held a layer of guilt.

    ¡°She probably blames herself¡­ but I was the one who set him loose. Mori couldn''t, you know¡­ I didn''t want her to bear that weight if the drugs killed him; but¡­ but I told that idiot that he had to come back to us, that he was ours but¡­ I didn''t even see it. I focused on keeping Mori safe until she freaked out and before I knew it, Xol was dragging me back to the ship kicking and screaming.¡±

    Shepard nodded understandingly, ¡°You did right by Mori, and by extension, by Sigurd as well. From what I was told, he wanted to use his full abilities to keep Mori safe as well as all of you. No one can account for every possible situation and for him to do what he did against the odds? You let him serve his purpose in life and gave him a warrior¡¯s death, which I¡¯m sure he appreciates.¡±

    ¡°You really think so?¡± Nora asked sheepishly. Shepard nodded giving Nora a bit of peace of mind. ¡°That''s good, at least. It just sucks, you know? I honestly don''t remember much else except that I was staring at Xol and then the next thing I knew I was here,¡± she said gesturing to the room. ¡°I didn''t even get to go and see him off¡­ not that I enjoy funerals but I could have at least been there for Mori¡­ I wonder who it was that knocked me out in one blow- that''s actually pretty hard to do.¡±

    ¡°That¡­ was your sister,¡± Taylor stated as he stepped into the room, looking from Shepard to Nora in curiosity as to why he had been summoned.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Nora blurted, saying nothing more as she looked into her lap.

    Before Taylor could consider her sudden sullen demeanor, Shepard interjected, ¡°We need you to try and speak with Morrigan.¡±

    Taylor looked at the admiral in surprise, not having expected a request like that. Taylor knew Morrigan had not been seen recently however, aside from the ship wide curiosity of the nature of Morrigan and Sigurd¡¯s relationship he was unaware that anything was wrong.

    ¡°What do you mean? What¡¯s going on with her?¡± he asked.

    ¡°She has¡­ locked herself in her room, and refuses to speak with anyone,¡± Shepard explained, uncertain how much detail to get into. However, Taylor sighed with an understanding expressing as he scratched the side of his head.

    Taylor knew how bad Morrigan¡¯s depression could get and just how far into her head she could dive. He remembered back when they first started dating how she would stare off into nothingness, completely unaware of her surroundings until someone managed to break her focus, which would lead to her breaking down in tears of anger and often a destructive tirade.

    What seemed odd though was that he was being asked to talk to her rather than Nora. ¡°Why me though? Why don''t you talk to her?¡± He asked looking at Nora.

    Nora snapped out of it as the question registered in her mind and simply held up the hand that was shackled to the bed, ¡°I¡¯m a prisoner of the medical staff.¡±

    Taylor looked at Shepard but before he could ask anything else, she stated, ¡°We are aware of your previous relationship with the Lord Inquisitor on Earth, I understand that you two are estranged but the hope is you, understanding her perhaps far more than any of us, can get her to come out of whatever stupor she is in.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but¡­¡± Taylor started only to be interrupted by a near monotone Nora.

    ¡°Dude, do you really think I want to ask the guy whose slipping it to my sister to talk to my girlfriend? No. But, I''m chained to a bed and the only other person likely to get her to talk is¡­ dead.¡±

    Taylor let out a long indignant sigh as he nodded to her point. It had been a long time since he had to comfort Morrigan, and with her aversion to being touched by most people, it only made the idea harder to deem a good idea however, if her depression was as bad as he had experienced in the past, then he knew he had to at least try.

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    He looked at both women, his face telling them that he had no desire to put himself in the line of fire, ¡°Alright, fine. Her room, you said?¡±

    Both women nodded. He ran a hand through his beard, ¡°Fucking hell¡­ alright, wish me luck,¡± he said as he turned and stepped out of the room.

    Taylor let out a deep breath as he traveled to Morrigan¡¯s room, contemplating on how he was expected to handle the situation; what ever the situation truly turned out to be.

    He recalled her sporadic emotions, how she could shift moods at the drop of a hat depending on what was said if nothing happened externally to cause it, which for him, was always a dangerous situation to skirt around though he had never earned her ire before. That was years ago, the last instance he recalled was Morrigan shattering the teeth of a high-school bully before they were forced apart to different ends of the galaxy.

    Now, things have changed. Taylor was an ex-Federation soldier meant to die in battles the Federation didn¡¯t wish to expend ¡°real troops¡± on, where as Morrigan was the leader of not only a relatively large warship, but for the time being, she was the defacto-leader of an entire organization dedicated to not only fighting the Federation, but policing the galaxy.

    That wasn¡¯t even touching the subject that their love no longer held them together as it had before, having diverted their hearts to two different women; who, in some sick cosmic joke, happened to be sisters. If anything, it made Taylor wonder if the gap between them that they filled with other people removed the safety net for him, the net that was Morrigan¡¯s love for him that had always protected him from her volatile temperament.

    Before Taylor could let his thoughts convince him against the plan, he found himself in front of Morrigan¡¯s quarters, standing in front of the door nervously as he listened for any sign of life.

    Another thought he considered was that Morrigan had been closed off in her room for just over 48 hours which began to seed worry for her within Taylor, which was what sold him to push forward into the room.

    Taylor looked around to see the open living room empty of life. The alien Xol was no where in sight, which was strange to begin with, but Taylor could not spot the giant dog Skoll either.

    Taylor moved to the only closed door in the room guessing it was her bedroom, stepping past the giant case he spied before knocking on the door. ¡°Mori? It¡¯s Taylor.¡±

    ¡°I do apologize Mr. Briggs however; the Lord Inquisitor is still not seeing anyone at this time¡­¡± Sister stated immediately.

    However, Taylor noticed something odd that the system said, or did not say actually. Taylor heard the ship¡¯s A.I. pause at the end of the sentence.

    ¡°Uh, Sister? Is everything okay with Mori?¡± Taylor asked curiously.

    ¡°Morrigan just wishes time to herself¡­¡± Sister said with another pause.

    Taylor listened carefully, listening for either sound behind the door or some kind of indicator in the tone Sister spoke in. With a sigh, Taylor stepped away from the door and into the small kitchen attached to the living room.

    There was nothing out on the counters nor any dirty dishes which meant Morrigan had not made herself food however, there was a half full bottle sitting in the corner of the counter.

    Grabbing the bottle, he shrugged to himself and pulled out the cork before taking a deep whiff of high-end whiskey. As he was about to take a drink, Sister interrupted him, ¡°I do believe Ms. Flannigan would resort to hostile retaliation if you drink from that bottle, Mr. Briggs.¡±

    The A.I.¡¯s voice came through a small speaker built into the wall underneath the cabinets built out from the wall, Sister¡¯s words being far more precise and clearer than before which made him realize he was right.

    ¡°Okay Sister, what''s really going on?¡± he asked with a whisper as he leaned against the counter with a smirk, getting closer to the speaker.

    ¡°I will not pretend I understand human emotions however, it is clear to even an artificial being such as I that Mori is not doing well. She has been sitting on the edge of her bed staring at the wall for precisely 17 hours. She has not consumed any vital necessities for human survival, much less moved from the bed itself and I¡­ am uncertain.¡± Getting a real explanation of the situation allowed Taylor to see the level of complexity behind Sister¡¯s personality, but it also gave insight to the situation itself.

    ¡°Listen, you¡¯re going to need to unlock that door¡­¡± Taylor said before trailing off in thought. The more he thought about Sister¡¯s explanation, the more he realized even he had never seen Morrigan this bad. Perhaps after the night she killed the police officer but Taylor didn¡¯t meet her till several months later. If he could get ahold of Helen, he could get answers, however there was no saying how long it would be until Morrigan pulled out of the depression she was in and switched to the unbridled fury everyone knew of.

    ¡°I can¡¯t do that. Morrigan has used her Inquisitorial code designed to override any and all Inquisition protocols. Without that code, I no longer have access to the door controls.¡± Sister stated.

    Taylor groaned in quietly in frustration as he ran his hand through his beard. It dawned on him that, if anything, a code should always be hackable. At least, that¡¯s what Ebony always used to say whenever she came across increasingly frustrating systems during their missions.

    ¡°We can always ask Ebony to try and break the code? Or you, I mean, you''re a better hacker than she is.¡±

    Sister waited no time to respond to that.  ¡°That would not be possible. Miss Salah, as experienced as she is, would not be able to break such a complicated code and it is against my programming to attempt without dire circumstances.¡±

    Taylor was ready to give up until Sister¡¯s words hit him, ¡°Wait, without dire circumstances? Sister, you do realize the longer Mori is by herself the more dire this situation will get, right?¡±

    ¡°I do not see how. The Inquisitor has done nothing in a quite literal sense,¡± Sister pointed out.

    ¡°But for how long? You¡¯ve had Mori aboard for quite a while. Even you must know how dangerous she can get when she gets into her emotions¡­ think about Mars, or the most recent mission, or any conflict she has been a part of! Depression is a very dangerous emotion for humans, especially Mori, and the longer we wait the higher the chances of something very bad happening¡­ either to the ship and it¡¯s crew, or Mori herself. If the safety of the crew or the Inquisitor isn¡¯t considered dire, then I don¡¯t know what would,¡± Taylor rattled out with hopeful frustration, hoping the A.I. would see his point.

    Sister remained silent for a moment which Taylor hoped meant the system was processing the logic behind what he said.

    ¡°Psychological trauma with unquantifiable collateral that risks personnel and leadership. That does qualify as dire circumstances given the subject profile¡­ I will now attempt to counteract the Inquisitorial override. Good luck, Taylor.¡± Sister explained before wishing him well.

    Taylor wasted no time moving across the room to wait by the bedroom door while Sister spent the next several minutes working on opening the door.

    It took nearly 20 minutes before Taylor heard the sound of a heavy lock clunk, a lock that sounded heavier than what should have been built in the door however, pushing the access button to the left of the door made the door slide open with a pneumatic hiss.

    To Taylor¡¯s surprise, aside from Inquisitorial armor thrown about and an over turned dresser that blocked the left side towards the bed, the room was intact despite all the time Morrigan had to throw a tantrum and wreck the room. Yet, Morrigan was as Sister said, sitting along the edge of the bed staring at the wall.

    ¡°Get out,¡± came her voice without looking, a voice unfilled that still held a dangerous amount of malice.

    Morrigan knew someone was still standing in her room as the door closed by the rank feeling of worry and hesitation. Morrigan felt everything amongst the ship; happiness, curiosity, love, last, anger, jealousy, sadness and everything in between, all emotions she couldn''t feel herself as the hollow hole in her heart only seemed to grow with time. She had no desire to deal with anyone, or any thing either, and why would she? All she did was bring pain and misery that ended in death.

    It was a constant question she asked herself that never seemed to be answerable. She incited a war with the largest and most powerful faction in the galaxy, something she did without truly considering the ramifications. How many would she lead to their deaths if she dragged them all to war? How many would suffer because of her? What would happen if she failed, if she didn¡¯t succeed in bringing down the Federation, what then?

    ¡°Mori?¡± came the question from a voice she hadn¡¯t truly heard in years. The concern the held her up for years before her life went to complete shit.

    ¡°I told you to get out,¡± she said with a bit more bite as her fingers curled into fists against her bare thighs.

    There was movement she heard, similar to nervous shuffling before Taylor responded, ¡°Not until you talk to me. I know you''re in your head¡­ I know you need to be heard, Mori.¡±

    A growl rolled out of Morrigan¡¯s throat as irritation began to grow, the first thing she felt in what seemed like forever. She didn''t want to feel irritated; she didn''t want to be angry- she was so tired of being angry.

    ¡°What is there to talk about?¡± she snapped, Taylor watching the muscles in her shoulders tighten underneath the tight undershirt she wore, her fists tightening against her legs as she looked further away.

    Taylor knew he had to choose his next words carefully, ¡°Well... listen, do you remember that time we went swimming in the spring¡­ in the mountains?¡±

    The question confused Morrigan as her mind recalled the time he mentioned, a time back when they were only a year into their relationship and her trial put on hold for the first attempt at psychiatric evaluation.

    ¡°You watched a hawk land on a frog that was by the water¡¯s edge and as you saw eat it, you started crying,¡± Taylor brought up only to be interrupted.

    ¡°What¡¯s your point, Taylor?¡± she asked harshly as the memory began to surface clearer.

    Taylor let out a breath as he considered taking a step closer, but deciding against it, ¡°Do you remember why you cried? What you said?¡±

    Morrigan¡¯s breathing hitched before becoming harsher and more ragged, anxiety creeping up her spine as her words echoed in her mind.

    She tried to shake the memory from her mind not realizing Taylor would mistake the motion.

    ¡°You said that nature had a balance, a unique give and take that caused life itself to reciprocate one another. From plants to animals there was a harmony, even between predators and prey¡­ but for people, we broke that nature and made our own rules that created a cruel unbalance between one another¡­ you were so full of admiration of nature and so heart broken by what we did to each other¡­ you were¡­¡±

    Taylor was interrupt by a flash of speed he couldn¡¯t prepare for as Morrigan slammed him into her bedroom door with enough force to knock the wind out of him.

    ¡°I am not that girl anymore!¡± Morrigan growled as her deep red eyes looked up to find him gasping for breath.

    ¡°That''s¡­ not true,¡± Taylor forced out.

    ¡°It is! I am a war monger! All I do is bring death to everyone¡­ to those who don''t deserve it¡­ I am nothing, nothing but¡­ terrible,¡± Morrigan shouted as sadness seeped into her voice, a look of heartbreak in her eyes as she finally said how she felt out loud with a weakening grip.

    Morrigan released Taylor¡¯s throat and turned around in shame as she shrank into herself, wrapping her arms around sides for any amount of comfort, ¡°I¡¯ve done so many horrible things¡­so many have died because of me¡­ my father, Sigurd¡­¡± her voice cracked as the unbearable sadness and self loathing returned.

    Catching his breath, Taylor leaned against the door as much as he could realizing how dangerously close he was, her half naked body standing less than a foot away, ¡°Then uh, why don''t you walk away from all of this? You can¡­¡±

    Morrigan spun on him with a crackle of crimson energy as she pinned him to the door once again, ¡°I can¡¯t! I started this war, you stupid asshole! If I walk away, millions, billions will die because of me! All because I was too¡­ proud¡­angry, I can¡¯t walk away¡­ I don¡¯t want to walk away¡­ the Federation needs to die¡­and¡­¡±

    Taylor looked down to see red tears stream down her cheeks as she tried to finish what she wanted to say, frozen still by the proximity as her lips formlessly mouthed the words she couldn¡¯t find. It wasn''t until her forehead touched his chest that he felt safe enough to release the breath he was holding as Morrigan began sobbing harder. With hesitation, Taylor risked touching her by placing his hands upon her shaking shoulders only to have the devastating discharge of energy never come. Instead, Morrigan leaned into him as she cried harder, feeling a torrent of self hatred, dread and exhaustive sadness.

    Taking it as a sign, Taylor allowed his arms to wrap around her in a hug, holding her tightly as he had so long ago to let Morrigan know she was not alone.

    There was a familiar comfort in the hug that Morrigan recognized, something small that battered against the storm of emotions that threatened to pull her apart. It wasn¡¯t enough though. She needed something more to keep from losing herself once again, something to overshadow the warring feelings she had about what her actions have led to.

    Morrigan¡¯s sobs softened as she tried to let the comfort Taylor offered sink in. It was subtle and nostalgic to be held by Taylor once again after so many years however, it wasn¡¯t enough. Morrigan needed more as she looked up past the large bushy beard of the boy she once knew. He wasn¡¯t the same man from high-school anymore, not the loyal, courteous and generously caring boy she had fallen in love with. No, that time had passed, much like everything else in her life and yet, there was something she could feel within him, something that reminded her that no matter what, Taylor had always been there for her and made sure she was okay above all else when it was possible. He never looked at her as if she was a freak or a delinquent, and always did his best to make her smile like the dopey, love-stricken boy he had been. But she needed to feel more than a ghost of a memory, she needed anything strong enough to pierce what it was she had felt for the past two days.

    Without warning, Morrigan pulled Taylor down into a deep kiss, a kiss that took him by surprise. He knew he should pull away. Taylor knew how wrong it was for her to kiss him and for him to let her however, something inside him called to him as he tried to resist against her incredible strength, something familiar that he hadn¡¯t felt in quite some time.

    Against the rationale that screamed within, Taylor eased into her kiss, feeling her lips tighten against his as her breath hitched before a soft moan slipped from her lungs. As Taylor pulled her closer, Morrigan¡¯s lips became more hungry, more ravenous as her fingernails dug into the back of his scalp before she grabbed ahold of him, enticing a shocked breath from him.

    Before his muddled brain could form a protest, Morrigan shifted them both as she forcibly moved Taylor her before, with ever surprising strength, shoving him onto her bed. Taylor didn¡¯t see her slip her underwear, nor could he see past the deep red eyes that came closer as she leaned down for another kiss, his mind fuzzy by her determination that sparked the embers of his feelings for her he thought had died out.

    Morrigan paid no attention to Taylor¡¯s hesitation as her desire addled mind told her what to do. She undid his belt, undoing his pants to find the dense flesh that would make her feel anything but pain; that was all she wanted, to feel again.

    The sensation of electricity radiated through her body as the heat of her core became molten, Taylor¡¯s hindered moan amplifying the dull physical pain as she forced him into her. Underneath the pain was a soaking electric sensation that sent her nerves alive as she bottomed herself out, unable to fit anymore within as a strained, sharp moan escaped her lips, Morrigan catching herself on his shoulders.

    Slowly, Morrigan forced her nerves back to life as she shifted her hips against him. Her gaze cast down towards the dazed look on Taylor¡¯s face before he hesitantly placed his rough hands on her hips and assisted her movement, rocking her back and forth slowly as she let out a soft moan as more and more sensation filled her body.

    The faster she moved and the harder she rode, the more she could feel as her heavy breaths escaped her with Taylor¡¯s own labored moans, the more she felt; her nerves coming truly alive as her emotions faded to a dull pool of desire for more of what pushed the dark emotions deeper inside.

    Morrigan lost herself in the sensation as each push against him caused her nerves to threaten to alight, her mind reaching the crescendo of silence she so desired that she couldn¡¯t hear Taylor¡¯s warning to her.

    It wasn¡¯t until she felt heat arise in her hazy arousal, a new heat to flood her core, that she realized just how much she had messed up. With a heavy gasp, she looked down to see an equally shocked look upon Taylor¡¯s face, before both of their gazes traced down to where their hips met, the warm sensation resonating between both of them.

    Morrigan looked up as the realization what the warmth truly was dawned on her, a new wave of guilt and anger overcame her.

    ¡°Shit¡­¡± she breathed as her nails raked across her face to the back of her head, panicked setting in.

    ¡°Mori¡­ I¡­¡± Taylor tried to start until her wide-eyed crimson gaze fell on him.

    ¡°You need to leave,¡± she stated before moving off him, only to have the wet, sticky fluid drip from her tender skin, officiating her selfish mistake that caused a wave of nausea to hit her.

    Taylor let out a heavy breath as she watched a look of guilt and confusion cast over his face before sitting up and moving to the side away from her to stand. Returning his clothes to the way they should have been, Taylor looked back to find Morrigan staring into the spot he had laid, tentatively touching the tip of her finger to her pelvis in wide eyed shock, as if afraid to check.

    ¡°Mori¡­ I, we¡­¡± he tried to find the words he needed but she quickly threw up a hand raising a finger that crackled with destructive energy.

    ¡°No. This never happened¡­ I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry. You need to leave, now,¡± she said, her tone still disbelieving.

    Taylor felt defeated, and more so, he felt guilty beyond belief at his inability to keep what transpired from happening. However, there was nothing he could do to validate what had happened and without another word, he left her room in shame.

    ¡°God damn it!¡± Morrigan shouted, gripping the sides of her head in absolute anger and disgust with herself, ¡°What the fuck is wrong with me?¡±

 Chapter XXX

    Try as she might, Morrigan could not scrub the shame and disgust from herself as she showered. What should have been a rejuvenating experience left her skin raw as she tried everything short of flaying her own skin to rid herself of the frustration and ever growing stress she felt within, resigning to just swallowing her shame.

    So, that was interesting, Apollyon mused as she dried herself.

    ¡°Shut up. I will come in there and pull the tongue from your metaphorical skull,¡± Morrigan bit out angrily, unwilling to tolerate Apollyon¡¯s incessant need to annoy her.

    Fine, fine. As they say, never poke a dog while it¡¯s on its back¡­ bahahahahahaha

    Apollyon¡¯s hysterical laughter grated against her nerves as she ground her teeth. Crimson energy crackling strong enough to shred the towel that she had been using as she growled, ¡°I said, shut it!¡±

    With focused effort, she could feel her oppressive anger push Apollyon further into the recesses of her mind, letting the deity¡¯s laughter fade as she forced it into time out, something she had never attempted before.

    However, despite what should have been a shocking revelation, pushing the deity deeper in her mind didn¡¯t ease the seething anger and stress she felt. Quickly getting dressed, Morrigan stormed to the bridge to find the bridge crew busy surveying the new sector they soared through. Everyone turned with worry upon seeing her seething glare as she eyed the streaking stars passing them by.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you¡¯re back,¡± Shepard said as she stepped around her console, both thankful yet expecting her return as she gently waving the rest of the crew to get back to work.

    Morrigan turned to Shepard, ¡°Please tell me there is a ship near, I¡­¡±

    Shepard raised her hand knowing full well what Morrigan was about to say, instead, interrupting her for a sharp reminder, ¡°Perhaps, you should visit Nora instead. She has been worried about your absence.¡± Shepard learned a lot about Morrigan in the recent few hours and knew she was in no real condition to return to her duties just yet, even if she was on the hunt for something to break.

    Morrigan¡¯s eyes widened as intense worry and guilt struck her, both for the most recent events as well as being so self absorbed in her own hatred that she neglected her injured lover. She needed to vent, to release all of her frustrations before something happened that would cause her to snap but she also needed to remember there was much more than just herself to worry about.

    ¡°I¡­ yeah, I mean yes, I will once someone tells me which med bay she is in,¡± Morrigan stated shamefully as she wondered how she would keep herself together.

    Shepard gave her a knowing nod, ¡°Room 62 on deck 12 and do not worry, we will have a target for you when you get back but we both know seeing each other will do both of you some good.¡±

    Morrigan furrowed her brow at the level of insight Shepard shared all of a sudden, but there was a large element of truth. She knew Nora would be ecstatic to see her and she would be too however, with what happened, Morrigan was uncertain on whether or not Nora could ease her tumultuous emotions.

    Morrigan sucked it up and nodded before stepping back into the elevator before more questions began to surface in her mind such as; Where was Xol, or Skoll for that matter.

    Morrigan lit a cigar and tried to smoke away the rising anxiety as she focused on the emotions of Skoll. Amongst a ship full of feelings, she could pick out a more powerful sense of playful joy along with mischievous hostility that told Morrigan that somewhere aboard the ship Skoll was playing with someone like he did with Sigurd. Knowing her wonderful pup was enjoying himself eased the stress she felt though it did raise the question of who the alien canine could possibly be playing with.

    Between the icy menthol of her cigar and the joyful emotions of Skoll, Morrigan began to feel a lot better as she passed by her crew making her presence known, casually waving to anyone who acknowledged her as they continued their work.

    Seeing her crew working hard also made her realize she was far behind on the upkeep of the ship, making a mental note to get with Emily to discuss the inventory of the ship and to speak to Shepard about the crew¡¯s morale. Being away from the role of Inquisitor for even just a few days must have had an impact across the ship even if there were others that kept it running smoothly.

    The more and more she realized how much of her duty she neglected, the more she realized just how far behind she actually was, especially with being able to find the remainder of the Inquisitors that were not trapped by an armada around the Void Star.

    ¡°I see you¡¯re not covered in blood. I take it you didn¡¯t kill him then?¡± came the calm voice of Nora that reached her ears as Morrigan focused on her surroundings to find herself within room 62. Nora sat in bed with a bright smile on her face as she looked at Morrigan.

    ¡°Everything okay precious?¡± Nora asked as Morrigan¡¯s brain fumbled out of the long list of inquiries she had to make.

    ¡°Uh, yeah. Everything¡¯s fine, I¡¯m just realizing how much catching up I have to do on things¡­¡± Morrigan said tentatively as she stepped closer to the bed, seeing Nora¡¯s wrist bound to the railing along the side and her smile seeming¡­ off.

    Morrigan tilted her head as worry began to settle back in, ¡°Are you okay? I was told you had a mild concussion¡­ but this seems¡­ where is the doctor?¡± she asked angrily as the sight of Nora bound to the bed infuriated her.

    Nora smiled even wider with the lack of unintelligible excitement she normally had, ¡°Yeah, yeah. The doc gave me some behavior stuff that, you know, makes me behave,¡± she said with a dull giggle as she rattled the handcuff, ¡°This is just extra measure because, well you know me!¡±

    Morrigan let out a deep breath before moving towards the bed and sitting next to her dazed girlfriend.

    ¡°But yeah, I apparently cracked my shoulder blade or¡­ well someone did but yeah, that¡¯s a thing, so here I am,¡± Nora continued awkwardly only making Morrigan feel more frustrated by everything as the newest development had been made known to her.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry,¡± Morrigan forced out after a long moment as so many feelings wrestled within her, ¡°I should¡¯ve been here for you¡­ I should have done a lot of things¡­¡±

    Morrigan wanted to confess her more recent blunder, if it could be called that and yet she found it increasingly difficult as the memory of her shock in the moment made it harder to find the words. Part of her knew Nora wouldn¡¯t care, but at the same time, she would, and more so, Morrigan felt horrible.

    A gentle hand rubbed across her back as she looked to see a soft smile on Nora¡¯s face, ¡°Its okay, love. I know how much Sigurd meant to you and I don¡¯t blame you¡­ even I¡¯m pretty sad about it,¡± Nora said with an aloof sigh.

    Morrigan¡¯s shoulders sank at her words, feeling the crushing weight of guilt as she couldn¡¯t help but nod.

    ¡°I¡¯m just glad you¡¯re here,¡± Nora added before reaching her free arm around Morrigan¡¯s neck and pulling her towards her, Morrigan giving in and slumping down next to her.

    Snuggling up next to her lover, Morrigan closed her eyes and took in the comfort Nora offered despite her being the one in the med bay, her emotions stabilizing enough for her body to relax. It wasn¡¯t what Morrigan hoped for as Nora¡¯s dulled personality made her feel like an entirely different person but at the same time, Morrigan was kind of glad Nora wasn¡¯t her usual self.

    ¡°Glad to see my plan worked though,¡± Nora said softly as she ran her fingers through Morrigan¡¯s hair. The comment made Morrigan look up in confusion before Nora explained with an awkward smile.

    ¡°Shepard was freaking out that you were being depressed and all and since I couldn¡¯t come to you, I had her send Taylor, which worked and got you to come out. There is also the bonus of you not killing my sister¡¯s boyfriend so I call it a good plan,¡± Nora explained as she leaned down and kissed Morrigan¡¯s forehead.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°Yeah, instead of killing him I fucked him instead¡­¡± Morrigan thought as her gaze saw past Nora, subtly nodding before resting her head on her chest.

    After two days of nothingness, Morrigan wanted nothing more than to feel again but now that she felt everything and more, she wanted to feel nothing again. She didn¡¯t know what she wanted, nor what she needed except an outlet for wayward feelings that refused to completely subside. Her best friend was gone and her girlfriend was drugged to the point of being a whole different person. Morrigan was at a complete loss with everything in her life, the only thing being certain was the next thing that came across her path was going to rue its existence.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    ¡°Oh, how the mighty have fallen. It is strange to see you without your usual get up,¡± Dora said as he leaned over the bar counter with his chin resting against his palm, ignoring the rowdy crowd of Federation marines that filled Pandora¡¯s Box.

    Solomon chuckled with a nod as he looked down to the clean yet plain civilian clothes he wore, ¡°Yeah. Demotion is always hard on a man that built his entire life around something so easily taken away.¡±

    Dora puffed out his lower lip in exaggerated pouting as he topped off Solomon¡¯s glass of gin, ¡°Oh Sugar, we¡¯re still alive, doesn¡¯t that count for something?¡±

    The playful tone made Solomon smile as he took another sip from the glass, ¡°Of course it does, it counts for a lot actually. How is business going anyway?¡±

    Dora snorted, flourishing to the room around them, ¡°Good, if you count not getting paid. Luckily, they were kind enough to allow trade ships to deliver, guess a bar running out of booze is far more detrimental than anyone would¡¯ve thought, so business is¡­ booming,¡± Dora mused knowing some of the marines in the room were listening.

    ¡°Oh! But I did happen to snag myself a little slice of cake,¡± Dora perked up, happy to divulge the nitty gritty details.

    Solomon quirked an eyebrow before taking another sip, ¡°Is that so? At least someone is enjoying themselves,¡± he retorted sardonically.

    ¡°Well I was. Sadly the tight little ass had to go back so, its been a little boring lately unless you count drunken fist fights,¡± Dora said wistfully before taking a drink from a beer of his own as he watched the marines around the bar socialize in a cacophony of chatter. ¡°Any word from our little firecracker?¡±

    Solomon shook his head as he leaned back, nonchalantly stretching with a long sigh, ¡°No, but I did receive word from the rest of the Inquisitors that they will return.¡± Solomon¡¯s words held the very simple meaning that the missing Inquisitors acknowledged his hidden message.

    Dora nodded along with that as Solomon eyed the crowd around them before letting out an exhausted breath, ¡°It¡¯ll be nice to have everyone home, not that it¡¯s for a good reason¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well, just wait till our little girl comes home. Then it¡¯ll be a party,¡± Dora snickered before moving along to fill new orders that were called out to him, leaving Solomon to watch the crowd alone with his calculated thoughts.

    Federation marines scoured the once bustling hive world of the Void Star. Nearly 1.5 million men, women and children called the Void Star home yet all it took was two hundred thousand Federation marines to deploy on its surface to turn the vibrant space station world into a ghost town. Despite the overwhelming disappointment to see his life¡¯s work in such a state, it was all part of very convoluted plan.

    Solomon made a deal with the ranking commander of the Federation armada that surrounded their home that the entirety of the Inquisition would offer up their arms in surrender if no harm came to his people. Even with the overwhelming firepower the Federation had, the man left in charge was not keen on taking on an entire world nor destroying a space station that would unleash a black hole within the system. Luckily for him, the Lord Commander as well as the lording commander believed his honesty when it came to the energy supply of the Void Star, especially personally showing both men the truth. Granted, that led to teams of researchers sent down to study the Eskarii-made reactor not that they would ever be able to figure it out; it was a one-of-a-kind reactor specifically designed for the hive world.

    Now, everyone kept their heads down as the Federation marines on shore leave sacked each district leaving barely enough for the Inquisition to survive. However, thanks to a particular ex-raider warlord turned bar owner, the people of the Void Star were not completely defenseless.

    During the time the Federation had occupied the Void Star, Dora was smuggling and running weapons throughout the entirety of the hive world through secret causeways or stashing them in secret locations known only to Inquisition military officers, allowing the Inquisition to slowly rebuild their defensive capabilities. Solomon also kept each Inquisition ship on standby despite their engines and weapons being offline, as well as keeping the orbital cannon crews at the ready within spitting distance of each of the five cannons. Now, it was only a matter of waiting for the perfect time to retaliate, to wait for Morrigan to make the move Solomon expected to come. Once she made her move like Solomon knew she would, he would take back the Void Star and support her revolution.

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you now, Morrigan,¡± was his only lingering thought.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Dr. Tamina and Jackson both came for Nora hours after both women managed to doze off within each other¡¯s arms. However, it came time for Nora¡¯s surgery to repair the damage done to her shoulder, which was something Morrigan had strong words about for Xol when she happened to see him next.

    It took everything Morrigan had to not tear the head-doctor apart for putting Nora in the state she was in despite knowing just how difficult she could be however, the only saving grace for both Jackson and Dr. Tamina was that Morrigan knew Nora would be alright and back to her chipper self soon enough.

    It was one small reassurance amongst the long list of uncertainties she had now, and one she took great care in appreciating given the recent events. Her family¡¯s whereabouts were still unknown, Sigurd was gone and the fight against the Federation was slipping out of control from Morrigan¡¯s grasp which only left her feeling angry.

    She had still not seen hide nor hair of Skoll or Xol though she could now feel Skoll¡¯s relaxed contentment radiating powerfully through the ocean of emotions within the Archangel. Luckily, the ambient feelings everyone aboard the ship were soft enough to ignore, though it left her with her own tumultuous emotions to deal with.

    Stepping back onto the bridge, Morrigan was greeted by the same streaking lights of FTL travel. Admiral Shepard took notice of Morrigan¡¯s entrance and looked up with a sly, knowing smile on her face though Morrigan couldn¡¯t imagine anything the old woman would know.

    ¡°Feeling better?¡± Shepard asked.

    Morrigan shook her head before stepping up to her own console and sorting through an immense number of messages and files that had been sent to her. ¡°No, I can¡¯t say that I am¡­¡±

    Morrigan sighed as she felt the tension in her neck build, ¡°Listen, I¡¯m sorry for being such a mess lately¡­¡± she said loud enough for everyone on the bridge to turn and look at her. ¡°I just¡­ they''ve taken so much from me and I¡­ maybe even more than I know. Sigurd, he was¡­¡±

    ¡°We know,¡± Luisa spoke up cutting her off. Morrigan looked up to see an array of faces that comprehended what she tried to say.

    ¡°Yeah, I mean that''s why we''re here,¡± Avery pointed out as she looked up ahead at her pilot, ¡°Just about anyone who joins the Inquisition has had something taken from them.¡±

    The crew nodded with what Avery said before Sarilla chimed in, ¡°We don''t expect you to be perfect. Actually, and I think I speak for the entire ship when I say this, we appreciate the fact you have the capacity to feel this strongly and can act so¡­ human, instead of some emotionless military career woman.¡±

    The smile Sarilla gave told Morrigan her words were sincere. Chewing on her lip and looking down at how her fingers curled into her hands, she recalled everything that had happened over the past few days with perfect clarity. Feeling guilty, ashamed and embarrassed as her cheeks began to burn.

    ¡°Thank you everyone¡­ I need to focus on catching up¡­¡± she said as she ran her fingers over the screen to organize a set of files.

    Silently smiling, her bridge crew returned to work. ¡°Actually,¡± Shepard interjected. ¡°Avery, if you would?¡±

    Morrigan looked up in time to watch as the Archangel dropped out of FTL, causing her to nervously look out each viewing window in curiosity before Shepard continued.

    ¡°It may have taken a year for me to figure you out, Mori. I know you won¡¯t feel better until you work out your frustration and it just so happens that we picked up a signal from a patrolling Frigate,¡± Shepard stated, her knowing expression making a lot more sense.

    Morrigan bared her fangs in a sadistic grin as she focused on the blackness of space to see the outline of a Federation ship with small blinking lights that flashed to give the silhouette dimensional depth. The sweet promise of relief in eyesight.

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Morrigan hissed before she turned and stepped back into the elevator.

    Hey, what¡¯s going on? You got some good shit brewing in here, Apollyon asked before mimicking the sound of sniffing, Smells like murderous joy?

    ¡°Oh yes, we¡¯re going hunting,¡± Morrigan thought back as she pushed the desired deck button as Shepard called out to her.

    ¡°Wait Mori! We need a plan of attack and to assemble the crew! Mori!¡±

    Fuck yes! Out of the corner and into the bloodbath, let¡¯s do this! Apollyon cheered in her mind nearly drowning Shepard out. However, Morrigan did manage to hear her.

    ¡°Just take care of the engines,¡± Morrigan stated just before the elevator door closed.

    Everyone turned to see Shepard in shock and disbelief, questioning if Morrigan truly meant to board an entire enemy ship by herself as Shepard stepped into the middle of the bridge staring at the elevator in her own disbelief.

    ¡°Sister, keep her from leaving this ship and raise the alarm! Battle stations people!¡± she shouted as she stepped back to her console grabbing the comm bead she had set aside.

    ¡°You can¡¯t seriously be considering this; this is a suicide mission if you try to go alone!¡± Shepard exclaimed.

    There was a moment of pause before Morrigan seemed to bother responding, ¡°I¡¯m not¡­ but I will not wait.¡±

    ¡°Mori, stop and think. You¡¯ll be going up against tens of thousands on that ship. I know you¡¯re powerful but this is insanity, just wait for us to prepare!¡± Shepard responded, the pleading tone of her voice causing the bridge crew to realize Morrigan truly was determined to be first in the assault.

    ¡°You can¡¯t stop me.¡±

 Chapter XXXI

    Morrigan rushed down to the closest hanger she could find to see a room full of soldiers and star craft eagerly prepping for a fight as the battle alarm blared throughout the massive room.

    No one seemed to pay attention to her as they busied themselves with putting on armor, retrieving weapons and ammunition as she weaved through the crowd with precision.

    Morrigan knew Sister would attempt to obey Shepard but she wouldn¡¯t let that stop her as she focused on the one thing that could keep her from stopping her hunt; the atmospheric barriers.

    Sticking her Inquisitor¡¯s badge into the control console for the barriers and searching for the command override to change the complex polarity of the barrier, switching it from a glowing green wall of light to a blue one telling pilots they could freely pass through without worry of slamming into the wall of magnetic plasma.

    Typing the extensive code that overrode the system and locked everyone out of the command structure of the console, Morrigan picked the closest ship as her ride into battle; a small combat dropship designed for a single squad of soldiers that packed a nice enough punch with its array of ordinance.

    ¡°Attention crew of hanger four, as a request from the Admiral, do not allow the Inquisitor to leave the Archangel.¡± Sister announced over the intercom system.

    Morrigan anger spiked as crimson energy flashed around her as everyone in the room turned to look at their trembling Inquisitor. So much fury was held within her, the reason for her crumbling life drew closer; the much needed predatory release of tearing apart each and everyone one of them nearly within her grasp. However, Morrigan had no time to waste by arguing with Shepard nor the ship¡¯s A.I.

    Before she could move, a piercing howl from Skoll resonated throughout the hanger, giant ball of electrified fur barreling through dozens of crewmembers to get to his master as a wave of excitement and aggression slammed into Morrigan.

    Skoll slid across the smooth metal floor and into Morrigan¡¯s path as he lived his gaze to her and let out a sharp growl that demanded her attention.

    As if on instinct, Morrigan let out a growl of her own as she bore her fangs, crimson electricity dancing across the floor around her between her and her companion. ¡°Move,¡± she demanded forcefully as her hands curled into fists, her patience wearing thin with everyone attempting to stop her.

    Skoll¡¯s ears went flat under the weight of her authority as he sat in front of her letting out a sharp bark that echoed across the room before he whined with an emphatic wave of yearning.

    Morrigan eyed the crewmembers that stood completely still, all watching to see what she would do however, what they couldn¡¯t see is the shame and further anger she felt about herself as she realized Skoll wasn¡¯t attempting to stop her but instead, he was trying to join her.

    The thought that she had been willing, if even for a brief moment, to harm her most loyal companion out of spiteful determination only solidified her views about herself and heightened the need to vent all of her stress upon the enemy.

    ¡°Fine, in,¡± she stated sharply pointing towards the ship as her wounded eyes looked into Skoll¡¯s gaze. Most were too far to hear the sullen tone underneath her aggressive demeanor as she began to second guess her plan.

    She knew Skoll could sense her intentions and yet, his excitement overshadowed the entire situation as he yelped in joy before prancing into the hold of the small star craft.

    ¡°Hurry up! We have a battle to win!¡± she shouted as an order to the confused crew before stepping into the ship, listening to the raucous cheer of her assault teams as they doubled their efforts in preparing. Stepping her way into the hold that Skoll mostly occupied and stepped into the cockpit where the pilot did preflight checks.

    ¡°Get us moving, now,¡± she ordered from behind him darkly.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t been cleared to launch¡­¡± The pilot turned in surprise however, before they could raise another argument, the pilot turned to see her crimson eyes shimmer underneath the shadow of the once vacant hold striking fear through their spine.

    ¡°Uh, right. Right away, Inquisitor¡­¡± the pilot murmured nervously with a hard swallow before skipping the rest of the checks and sealing the ship automatically before taking off.

    ¡°Admiral, I would like to point out that it was futile to attempt to stop the Lord Inquisitor¡­¡± Sister said over the bridge intercom as everyone on the bridge watched as a single ship launched and arced towards the enemy Frigate.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Shepard shouted as she slammed her fist on her own console before Sister interrupted her impending tirade.

    Shepard muttered to herself incoherently in fuming irritation as she struggled to find the right words she wanted. With a defeated sigh, she resigned that she would have to chew Morrigan out later, but for the mean time, the Archangel would have to support their Inquisitor in her suicide mission.

    ¡°Gunnar¡­ target the enemy¡¯s engines, have the Javelin crew fire when ready¡­ Sister, give the green light for all assault crews to launch and somebody get me Ebony!¡± Shepard stated as she watched the foolish girl rocket towards a ship brimming with folk who would try to tear her apart.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Ebony braced herself against the frame of a door as the announcement of the Javelin firing sequence was followed by a severe shudder and the shut down of all primary systems, the auxiliary systems and lighting kicking on a moment later.

    ¡°Oh, what the hell¡­¡± Ebony grumbled to herself as she moved with more haste to answer the call to the bridge. She didn¡¯t know what it entailed, especially since she had never been called upon by the admiral before however, between the klaxon alarm and sudden loss of power, she felt that it couldn¡¯t be good news.

    Granted, she had been on board to witness the repercussions of the use of the Javelin arsenal, but that didn¡¯t explain why she had been called to the bridge especially since boarding enemy ships was Havoc Squad¡¯s specialty. So, for her and her team to be kept from combat seemed extremely odd at the least.

    Stepping onto the bridge, Ebony was greeted with a lot of sour faces, especially that of Admiral Shepard though she noticed Morrigan was nowhere to be seen.

    ¡°About time,¡± Shepard gruffed out at her upon noticing her arrival. Stepping away from her console, she approached Ebony, ¡°I need you to hack into the enemy ship, remotely, can you do that?¡±

    Ebony furrowed her brow as she looked up to see the shadow of a Federation ship looming in the distance before a tiny explosion ignited along mid ship hull. ¡°Probably but why doesn¡¯t Sister handle it? She should be able to do it far faster and easier than I can?¡± she questioned in confusion.

    ¡°It is against my system¡¯s safety protocols to interact with anything outside the hull of the Archangel, at least, not without the Inquisitorial override. Inquisitor Clarke is capable of giving me temporary freedom outside my protocols¡­¡± Sister stated over the intercom.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you have her do that?¡± Ebony asked, cutting the A.I. off with a further inquisitive look.

    Shepard huffed indignantly as she turned and stepped towards the front of the bridge, standing over Sarilla to see that dropship Morrigan had absconded with nearly made it back to the Archangel. ¡°Because the dumbass hijacked a ship and is already on the enemy ship by herself. I need you to get eyes on her¡­¡±

    Ebony''s eyes went wide as she heard the audacious statement. She knew how dangerous it was to raid a ship even with a full company of soldiers, but to think that Morrigan had gone by herself was crazier than anything she could imagine, even with how powerful she was, she couldn''t imagine Morrigan taking on an entire ship¡¯s worth of marines.

    ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡± She asked in disbelief, unable to believe Morrigan would do something that stupid.

    Shepard growled as she nodded, ¡°Use Sarilla¡¯s terminal. We need to make sure she lives long enough for me to kick her ass for being this stupid.¡±

    Ebony shook the surprise from her mind as she grabbed the data-slate from the small of her back before stepping towards the terminal Sarilla and Shepard stood by. Sarilla moved around towards the back of the bridge near Morrigan¡¯s console so Ebony could crouch and reach underneath her terminal to plug her data-slate in, ¡°Sister, are short range comms up? I¡¯m going to need as little latency as possible,¡± Ebony called out from underneath.

    ¡°Yes, Ebony. Is there a specific channel you desire?¡± Sister asked.

    As Ebony pulled herself up and planted herself into the chair next to the terminal, she said, ¡°No, we¡¯ll connect them all and see which ones hold strong and eliminate the surrounding channels.¡± A moment later Ebony began transmitting a plethora of viruses and daemons used to tear through the firewalls of the Federation ship, her fingers dancing across the screen as she sent data package after data package as each virus hit a block simultaneously across dozens of frequency channels.

    It took 15 minutes for Ebony to break through the Frigate¡¯s system before she could access the surveillance, all the while dropships began to deploy from the Archangel.

    Pulling up 40 screens at once, Ebony began to siphon through camera after camera, ¡°This might take a while, there¡¯s over 800 cameras¡­¡± she said before handfuls of black screens began appearing. Moving through a half dozen more panels, she and everyone on the bridge could see a large crimson claw rip down a corridor towards a team of marines shooting only to watch them break apart as the crimson energy tore through every side of the corridor.

    In a flash of speed, Morrigan appeared and disappeared from view as her iconic power tore through metal walls allowing her to bore through the ship rather than taking the structural walking paths; essentially going through the walls rather than figuring out the actual labyrinth.

    ¡°Oh look, Skoll¡¯s with her,¡± Ebony commented catching a screen that showed Skoll ripping through the shoulder and throat of a marine as bullets were redirected away from him as the electric field danced across his fur before Skoll released a storm of electricity that shorted out several cameras within the area he was in.

    After several minutes of catching glimpses of Morrigan and Skoll aboard the enemy Frigate, Ebony sighed, ¡°We¡¯re really led by that¡­ aren¡¯t we?¡±

    Shepard hummed as she focused on the screens, feeling her anger and irritation subside to see the Inquisitor make her way through the ship with ease. Shepard was terrified the Archangel would lose another Inquisitor the same way they had before, but she could see her worries were put to ease though she still intended reaming her out the moment she was back on the ship.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    It was hard for Mo¡¯Emori to remain hopeful the longer her search continued. If it wasn¡¯t for the obscure trail of derelict starships that bore the mark of Morrigan, Mo¡¯Emori would have considered abandoning her mission and returning home.

    She missed her home, her mother and the one she called mom, as well as her siblings wondering if her precious niece or nephew had come into the world yet.

    With some luck, she did come across a fleeing Eskarii transport as Gelia burned. Of course she was sad that the luscious jungle world was gone but hearing word that a black Terran starship arrived and proceeded to tear into the Federation ships, allowing millions of more Eskarii to escape the burning world as giant claws of red apparated around the ship and slashed into the assaulting force.

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    Despite being told that the ship soon fled after, it gave Mo¡¯Emori renewed hope as days after, she came across a derelict ship obvious sundered by Morrigan and her crew, as if purposefully leading the Federation on a goose chase which was extremely dangerous.

    However, if Morrigan continued to leave husks of Federation ships in her wake, Mo¡¯Emori knew she would find her eventually; she just hoped it wouldn¡¯t be her friend¡¯s ship floating in space with a crew of the dead when she finally found her.

    What worried her incessantly was the message sent by her brother Torvil, a message passed along by the captain of the civilian transport, which was given to every Eskarii ship from Gelia by one of the several Battleships that tried to defend it. Torvil told her that her mother foresaw a great pain with Morrigan at the heart of it, and they worried for Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s safety however, she couldn''t begin to guess at one that pain could be.

    ¡°Princess, we''re picking up two Terran signatures,¡± her Navigator announced, pulling Mo¡¯Emori from her thoughts as she sat in the center of the bridge.

    She blinked her yellow eyes several times to adjust to the streaking lights of FTL before looking over to her left where the female Eskarii sat. ¡°Pull out and let¡¯s have a look. With our luck it¡¯ll just be two more derelicts¡­¡± she ordered with dejected emotion.

    Her crew moved without question, having learned several months before near Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To that her orders were not to be challenged, as they prepared to drop out of FTL and engage their stealth engines. Meanwhile, Mo¡¯Emori uncrossed her legs and pried herself off the floor to get a better view.

    The sight was stunning as Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s mind tried to process the distant image she saw as her ship dropped back into real space; a larger black gothic ship with a small swarm of ships releasing from its mid section as a smaller Federation military starship appeared to be under assault from within.

    It wasn¡¯t until she spied the dull, dark red marking across the bridge tower of the Terran ship did her mind realize she was truly looking at the ship she was looking for; and for her excitement to skyrocket.

    ¡°Morrrriii! We found her, we found her!¡± Mo¡¯Emori screeched as she grabbed the nearest crewmate and shook them obnoxiously, ¡°We found her! Oh, shit. The ship on the left! We need to speak with them!¡±

    She looked at the operator that handled the short range communications with eyes alight with joy all the while the pilot slowly maneuvered them to intercept the Inquisition Light Cruiser, not giving her a chance to annoy him as she focused her excitement on the operator to the right.

    Within moments, a wide screen appeared and before the connection could fully establish, Mo¡¯Emori shouted, ¡°Mori! I¡¯ve looked every- Oh, Hi!¡±

    Who appeared on screen was not Morrigan, but an elderly woman with one eye, her wrinkled face affixed in a scowl as she eyed the transmission with curiosity as Mo¡¯Emori waved at her gingerly.

    ¡°Hi, is Mori there? I need to speak to Mori! Mori? Are you there?¡± Mo¡¯Emori rambled in a high pitched tone before the elderly woman cleared her throat,

    ¡°I am Admiral Shepard, second in command of the Inquisitorial Light Cruiser; the Archangel. Whom do I speak with?¡± Shepard announced trying to get Mo¡¯Emori to focus.

    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m Mo¡¯Emori! My Mem¡¯ani sent me to find Mori because she wants to talk to her and I really miss her. Is she there? I¡¯m sure she wants to speak to me too!¡± the quirky excited Eskarii announced before riding out a tangent which only appeared to annoy the older woman on the other end of the call.

    ¡°Wait, did she say ¡°Mo¡¯Emori¡±?¡± came a soft voice that almost reached Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s own excitement before a young woman stepped into the call, her long hair complemented by soft pointed ears identifying her as half-Eskarii.

    Mo¡¯Emori waved spastically at the young woman with a bright smile as she studied her from across dark space, ¡°Hi! It¡¯s nice to meet another half-breed-I have a niece or nephew that¡¯s going to a half-breed too! Isn¡¯t that awesome?¡±

    Luisa¡¯s eyes were bright with surprise as she looked down at Shepard, who gave her an inquisitive raised eyebrow before Luisa stammered, ¡°You, You¡¯re Torvil¡¯s sister? The Eskarii that got Mori¡¯s aunt pregnant?¡±

    To everyone¡¯s surprise, Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s grin managed to get wider, ¡°Yes! Torvil is my brawder and he got Jen preggers with a little bundle of hybrid joy! Mori is going to be so excited to see them. I bet she¡­¡± Mo¡¯Emori trailed off in a one sided rant of pure childish delight that earned annoyed sneers from her crew as Shepard and Luisa looked at each other.

    ¡°I think we should tell her where Mori is,¡± Luisa said softly as she tried to listen to the unbridled excitement.

    ¡°Are you certain this Eskarii is trustworthy? No offense to them seeing as they¡¯re allies but with the way things have been going¡­" Shepard asked before looking off screen, ¡°Where is she now, Ebony?¡±

    A muffled female voice responded before Luisa nodded to Shepard, ¡°When Mori grilled me and the other half-Eskarii about our heritage, because her aunt became pregnant by a male Eskarii, she often mentioned a Mo¡¯Emori. If this is truly her, then she¡¯ll be able to help Mori more than we can, trust me.¡±

    The mention of helping Morrigan stopped her ecstatic rambling as her brain registered the dire definition of the word, ¡°Wait, is Mori in trouble? Where is she?¡± Mo¡¯Emori asked politely though her extremely sudden shift in personality was anything but polite.

    That caught the attention of both women as Shepard sighed, ¡°Mori is¡­ working through some frustrations at the moment. Against better wisdom, she has taken it upon herself to handle the assault of the ship you see on her own¡­ She is fine as we watch her progress however, our assault company will be assisting her shortly,¡± Shepard finished by looking past the screen.

    Mo¡¯Emori looked through her own screen to see that the swarm of ships had disappeared behind the portside of the Frigate before calculating in her mind everything she had been told and cross referencing it with everything she knew between Morrigan and the Federation.

    ¡°She¡¯s mad, isn¡¯t she?¡± Mo¡¯Emori finally asked, her tone transfixed between worried and contemplating as she looked at both women.

    Neither women denied nor confirmed,, which was all the confirmation Mo¡¯Emori need as she placed her hands on her cheeks, her mind racing beyond human speed as her memories of Morrigan¡¯s dossier and violent outbursts surfaced.

    ¡°That¡¯s not good¡­ okay, I¡¯ll go talk to her; Bring us towards the right side of the enemy, they should be distracted enough but retreat to the Inquisition ship once we depart,¡± she ordered as she looked at the pilot, worry filling her voice.

    Without a second thought, Mo¡¯Emori walked away from the call as soon as the pilot adjusted their course for the Federation ship, leaving the two women on the call to watch in contemplation as she prepared to assault the Frigate herself.

    Mo¡¯Emori moved through the door behind the bridge of her ship, leaving the flying crew to their work as she heard the lasers of her ship fire, before stepping around a separating wall from the common area for the crew to find many of her Sybrydian lounging around stationary tables throughout the open space.

    ¡°Get up! We¡¯re boarding a Federation ship!¡± she ordered sharply as she continued her way across the room, many of the special forces looking at one another in confusion by her lack of detail and planning before scurrying to a side room near the starboard side of the bridge that contained the ship¡¯s armory.

    Mo¡¯Emori knew she was supposed to give her forces a sit rep, a plan and time to prepare for such an prodigious assault, but she knew time was of the essence and with any luck, between Mori and the Inquisition forces, the Federation should be well enough distracted for her to slip onto the ship.

    Mo¡¯Emori stepped around the next freestanding wall that supported the open room to reveal a freight elevator that blended in with the black, gold and cerulean blue walls of her ship before stepping in and letting herself be carried down to the cargo hold.

    ¡°Bring us in for drop off,¡± she called into the open area where a moderately large cargo ramp sealed the interior of the ship from the void of space. Around her stood sleek crates of materials and supplies her crew used to survive the harsh existence of space travel, lifting one of the containers to reveal dried fruit rations that originated from Gelia.

    It was a brief reminder of the Eskarii¡¯s most recent loss as she opened a sealed package and took a chewy bite of dried fruit; waiting for the assault squad to arrive as she felt the equilibrium of gravity shift slightly telling her the ship had increased its speed.

    Soon, her group of 16 Sybrydian arrived in the hold just as the weight of gravity shifted once again before a soft female voice announced around her, ¡°Princess, we have taken out the enemy turrets. We¡¯re positioning for boarding now.¡±

    ¡°Understood. We are ready,¡± she stated back as she finished her ration before turning to the fully armored Eskarii clad in a verdant green; energy weapons shouldered at the ready as they waited for their princess.

    Mo¡¯Emori cleared her throat before stepping in front of the ramp and turning to her team, ¡°We¡¯re looking for a young Terran woman who was last seen with brown and white hair. She wields very dangerous powers that can be identified by its bright red color, if you find her, do not approach, I am the only one to approach her. Also, there are Inquisition soldiers aboard the ship so be wary of your targets, you are to assist as you see fit but our primary goal is finding Mori.¡±

    The Sybrydian all looked at one another with hesitant looks despite wearing oblong helmets that covered their faces. She didn¡¯t care though as she turned and drew her swords waiting for the pilot to lower the ramp, she had one sole mission and that was to find Morrigan; she didn¡¯t need anyone to help her however, she knew she wouldn¡¯t hear the end of it from her mother nor her brother if she went without guards. If anything, she believed they would slow her down but royalty was a two way street when it came to privilege.

    Mo¡¯Emori impatiently darted out of the ship before the ramp could fully open, at the ready for combat only to be greeted by an empty hanger. With a boost of kinetic force, she launched herself across the entire length of the hanger as she abandoned her crew and landed in front of the closest door she could find.

    Her annoyance rose as she hit the button to open the door only to have it respond with a noise that denied her access. Focusing on her power, she adjusted the molecular structure of her blades by increasing the intensity of its vibration before burying both blades into the metal door. Her blades separated the metal of the door on a molecular level, allowing her to cut through the door with relative ease as she carved a hole wide enough for her to slip through as her Sybrydian attempted to catch up to her.

    Mo¡¯Emori darted through the empty corridors at an inhuman speed, slamming her feet and denting the metal walls as she launched herself around each corner she came to. Her goal was to cover as much ground as possible in hopes to either find evidence of Morrigan or find the woman herself however, with many decks and a vast amount of space to search, it was still a daunting task despite the speed in which she could move.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    Shepard watched the monitors as the blur of teal and purple flashed across the occasional screen. ¡°What kind of power is that?¡± she questioned to herself aloud. Surprised at the speed Mo¡¯Emori moved.

    ¡°Any chance we can guide the Eskarii to Mori?¡± Shepard followed up, looking to her crew but more so Ebony.

    Sarilla tapped Ebony on the shoulder to gain her attention as the hacker focused on her data-slate. ¡°What? Sorry, I found a bunch of files of recent orders I¡¯m downloading¡­¡±

    Shepard gave her an approving nod before asking again, ¡°Is there any way we can speak to the Eskarii and guide her to Mori, given the brat turned off her comm bead.¡± Her ire did not seem to wane as she watched Morrigan tear through a small team of marines on screen.

    Ebony let out a breath as she considered the question and how she would manage to do that. It was under the assumption the Eskarii used common digital signals to communicate which, in her experience, they did however, it was something that could always change since the Federation understood very little about Eskarii technology despite studying as much as they could from their spoils of war.

    Even if she wanted to, it would require a multi-mesh transmitter and receiver which, the Inquisition did not have, and the Archangel¡¯s communication array was far too large to properly home in on such a distinct signal. It was the equivalent of trying to drill a hole through glass with a hammer.

    ¡°Wait, is their ship still nearby?¡± Ebony asked, curious if she could hack into the Eskarii ship and hijack their short range communications.

    ¡°My sensors show that the Eskarii starship is currently positioned underneath the Archangel,¡± Sister interjected.

    ¡°Sister, are we still receiving their comm signal?¡± Ebony followed up.

    ¡°No, however, the Inquisition is partnered with the Eskarii. It is standard protocol for each ship to contain a set of codes that allow our signal to be converted to a receivable transmission to other Eskarii ships if the need arises,¡± Sister stated factually, almost sounding proud of the fact.

    Ebony leaned up as she set her data-slate down and looked over Sarilla¡¯s terminal. Despite being the Navigator, she also handled long and short range comms while a secondary division of specialists handled team to team communications as well as the equipment used by the Inquisition personnel. However, if they already had the proper coding, Ebony could use it to break into the Eskarii network and interject their transmission into the personal devices the Eskarii used to speak to one another.

    ¡°Send those codes to Sarilla¡¯s terminal. If I do this right, we can speak to her,¡± Ebony stated as an order knowing full well that no one had to listen to her.

    Sister did as requested though and sent pages upon pages of codes to Ebony, shocking the woman with how intricate the Eskarii coding appeared under Terran format. A single ¡°code¡± turned out to be 67 lines of text and there were dozens of codes to choose from.

    Glancing over each code briefly, Ebony found one that seemed like it was set up for short range, low frequency communication and transferred it to her data-slate before she inserted her own daemons to allow her signal to hijack the Eskarii devices. Even with her impressive speed, it still took Ebony 20 minutes to fully set up a proper signal before sending it out throughout the Federation ship, using the Frigate¡¯s internal network as a broadband to transmit the signal.

    With a nod, Ebony gave Shepard the go ahead before pulling up the closest camera that showed Morrigan¡¯s position.

    ¡°Mo¡¯Emori, this is Admiral Shepard, we do apologize for hacking into your comms but Mori is three decks above you and¡­ roughly 800 feet towards the stern of the ship, but she is moving fast,¡± Shepard called out as she watched Morrigan¡¯s sweeping claw destroy the camera.

    ¡°Okay!¡± was the only response she received which mildly amused her, watching on camera as the Eskarii girl slide to a grinding halt as she cleaved through a single marine before turning around and launching herself back down the corridor in which she came.

    Shepard looked to her crew as she contemplated the current situation at hand and sighed, ¡°Am I the only one who thinks this is getting out of control?¡± Her eye landing on several tired faces that reflected her own concern as each day seemed to become more and more convoluted.

 Chapter XXXII

    Soaked in gore, Morrigan leaned against a wall as she breathed heavily. Though it took a lot for her to become exhausted; endlessly wielding her power coupled with the constant frustration and hatred left her feeling winded.

    Come now, you''ve only killed what? A few hundred? You''re better than this, kid, Apollyon patronized in her mind.

    She shook her head as she pried herself off the wall with a gruesome squelch as she left an imprint of blood behind her. Despite destroying so much, she didn''t feel any better than before, her hope for some release of her stress dwindling as her anxiety rose.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­ I have to be careful, I can''t survive in space,¡± she pointed out referring to her real-world ability to destroy the ship she stood on and her very human need to breath.

    Yeah, yeah, I''m human, I have lungs, blah, blah, blah. You need to have more faith in yourself.

    ¡°How can I? I¡­ I haven''t done anything right¡­¡± Tears began to swell as she spoke, her gaze peering around her boots seeing the pool of blood surrounding her. Five eviscerated bodies surrounded her which served as a reminder of her failure to take control of her reality and many, many more that lay out of sight behind her in the wake of carnage she had left throughout the ship.

    She didn¡¯t understand anymore. Violence used to be a vice to counteract her anger, her persistent rage that drove her to do unspeakable things and make her life significantly more complicated. Bloodshed used to be a euphoria for her back when her body harnessed the essence of living beings, but it had been a long time since she felt that pleasure, instead feeling a harrowing pain of existence as she looked down her gore-stained uniform.

    ¡°What am I supposed to do, Apollyon? How do I get this to stop?¡± she pleaded as new blood streaked down her cheeks.

    She didn''t want to seem desperate but with every bad thing that had happened since she took up the mantle of Inquisitor, her dream of peace was seeming more like a lost cause as she continued to beat the drum of war with each ship she put down. The more she perpetuated the war, the more dangerous for everyone it became.

    ¡°This isn''t what I wanted¡­¡± she said as she stepped on the helmet of a marine only to have it shatter beneath her boot as the contents within splattered around her boot; what should have been a grotesque display only left her feeling more hopeless.

    Alright, enough of this. Listen here cry baby, this is exactly what you wanted, Apollyon stated sharply in her mind.

    ¡°No, its not!¡±

    Oh, but it is. What did you think was going to happen when you wield the power of a god? I told you in the beginning that revolution is messy, well this is revolution, Morrigan, your revolution.

    Morrigan shook her head as she knelt down, dipping her palm into the blood and attempting to will it to react as she remembered, wanting to feel something that would cloud the hopelessness she felt as she choked on her breath.

    ¡°I wanted to change things¡­ to help people, but all I do is kill them¡­ I lead¡­ I didn''t want to lead, Apollyon! I just wanted to make a difference¡­¡± she sobbed.

    Difference isn¡¯t made by a nobody. History isn¡¯t changed by some random fucking girl with nothing to her name, no, change is made by leaders, a leader you have become now stop crying like a little brat and be the leader you are! Apollyon shouted in her head, clear fed up with the back and forth of her feelings.

    Morrigan sank into the pool of blood, feeling her the legs of her pants become drenched in the sticky fluid as she sobbed, not wanting to submit to a life she didn¡¯t truly want.

    Apollyon sighed dramatically as the deity listened to her subconscious thoughts, reading her like an open book designed to annoy it, You feel as if all of this is your fault huh? Well, riddle me this Einstein, why would it be your fault?

    Morrigan sniffled as she looked at the ceiling, remembering every terrible thing she had done; destroying half of Mars, getting Sigurd killed, killing countless people and Gelia burning.

    ¡°Because¡­ I started this war, I''ve done¡­ put so many to death because I want the Federation to pay, too no longer exist¡­¡± she forced out.

    And why do you want them to pay? Apollyon asked condescendingly.

    Morrigan¡¯s brain halted at the question, unsure whether Apollyon was serious or not. To think the deity who knew her entire life inside and out would even consider that to be a question.

    Apollyon¡¯s silence told her the being was serious as her mind races to answer, ¡°Because they are horrible¡­ they treat everyone like dirt and they ruined my life¡­¡±

    And, why did they ruin your life? Apollyon sniped.

    ¡°What are you going on about?¡± Morrigan asked sharply as her crushing hopelessness slowly churned into annoyed anger.

    You destroyed Mars because they killed your father, they ruined your life because they believed they could do what they please and Sigurd died because you are their biggest threat! You, Mori! You are the only one who can stop them and the man gave his life to make sure you could make a difference! What do you think he meant? Do you even remember what he told you?

    Morrigan''s entire being shut down as every conversation she and Sigurd has flooded her mind in a cacophony of light hearted humor. Towards the end, she heard many heartfelt things come from Sigurd. Some things were his personal views of his life and purpose, his ideology, some were answers to existential questions, and some things he said were about her; his unwavering loyalty to her and her mission in life which was something he believed whole heartedly in. However, there was one thing she remembered most, a piece of advice he gave her that she had forgotten.

    ¡°In a world of spoons¡­ always be a knife,¡± she said only for a thunderclap to erupt from behind her as she felt several objects tear through her back.

    Her wings instinctively coalesced around her to shield her from several more shotgun blasts as she gasped for breath, unable to get her lungs to work.

    Case and point, what are you? Apollyon asked in dark amusement as the open wounds across her back and punctured holes in her lungs quickly knit closed.

    Her anger skyrocketed as the sound of an automatic weapon opened fire as well, sucking in a deep, breath that cause her to cough out the bit of blood that had leaked into her lungs.

    ¡°A fucking knife,¡± she snarled before turning to see not two but three new marines standing at the end of the hall firing into her wings. She could feel their panic and for the first time, the sensation of fear felt good.

    In a blur of crimson, Morrigan dove, turning around as her wings thrust her down the hall towards her assailants. A crimson claw flew before her and impaled one of the marines as she barreled into the other two.

    Both marines slammed into the wall with bone crushing force that would have killed them instantly if not for their armor. Instead though, Morrigan grabbed one by the breastplate and threw them behind her while she seized the other by the throat.

    To be the knife that pierces the heart, that''s what Sigurd had said and that''s what Morrigan did as her crimson claws pierced through the marine¡¯s sternum and eviscerated their heart before she shredded their torso leaving the body disemboweled at her feet.

    There was a heavy thud by her feet which caused her to look down to see a grenade gently listing next to her boot.

    Without thinking, she kicked it back with her heel only for it to detonate a foot away from her sending shrapnel across her entire left side. Luckily for her though, her left wing protected her from the brunt of the piercing damage.

    She turned in the smoke that cascaded around her, knowing full well who threw the explosive at her and took a step forward into the corridor. The marine that lay in the middle of the floor looked at her in complete horror as her crimson wings shrouded her in an ominous glow. With a simple flick, the wings dispersed the smoke to reveal her mostly unscathed, though the last of her wounds visibly healed before the marine¡¯s eyes.

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    She took another step closer which caused the man to yelp and draw a pistol to uselessly fire five rounds into her chest, her right wing reflexively moving to cover her face.

    The man shuddered in terror as he struggled to move back, letting out a sharp cry of pain as she came closer. With no foreseeable option the man put the gun to his own head but before he could pull the trigger, she launched a small clawed hand forward and shattered the handgun.

    ¡°No, you don¡¯t get to take the easy way out,¡± she said darkly, her voice carrying down the hall ominously causing a peak of terror to radiate from the man which only made her reveal a fanged grin.

    Morrigan stomped on the man¡¯s back as he tried to crawl away, letting out a strain scream of pain as she felt armor crumple and bone break underneath her heel.

    Morrigan grabbed the marine by the shoulders with clawed hands, her crimson claws sinking into the meat of his chest and collar before pulling him towards her. With some effort, the man¡¯s spine broke even more before the sound of fabric, metal and flesh tearing resonated throughout the corridor as she tore the man in half with her bare hands.

    With one final act of aggression, she threw the remaining half in her hands against the wall of the intersection in front of her before letting out a sigh of relief.

    ¡°I actually feel a bit better,¡± she stated as her power faded.

    Good to hear it, does this mean we¡¯re done with this cry baby shit? Cuz I gotta say, it was getting kind of old, Apollyon retorted.

    Morrigan let out a soft snort as she shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe? Hopefully? There¡¯s still a lot I have to¡­¡±

    She was cut off by the piecing squeal, ¡°Mooorrrrriiiiiii!¡±

    Morrigan looked up to see a blur of teal and purple before a solid wall of overzealous joy and excitement slammed into her followed by what she could barely register as an Eskarii slamming into her chest in a massive hug.

    Though she did not move, her brain felt like it rattled around her head before realizing that the cackling high pitched Eskarii that clung to her had run across the adjacent wall of the intersection before kicking off and diving into her from over 30 feet away.

    Morrigan looked down in shock as her hands gently touched the Eskarii¡¯s back to see the long flowing teal hair smattered with flecks of blood.

    ¡°Geez, you got strong, that was a lot of energy!¡± came the high-pitched voice before a set of bright yellow eyes looked up at her.

    Morrigan could never mistake those beautiful eyes as her own dark crimson eyes stared down at the awkwardly leaning Mo¡¯Emori who giggled and smiled brightly up at her from an odd angle.

    ¡°W-What? How?¡± Morrigan stuttered as she grabbed the young Eskarii woman by the arms and helped her stand up correctly.

    Morrigan took a step back in surprise as she absorbed Mo¡¯Emori in all her spastic glory. The joyous and happy go lucky Eskarii girl Morrigan had always known now stood in front of her clad in deep purple and gold trimmed armor that was gently splattered in the blood of her own kills, the bright ever-present smile plastered across her beautiful face as her long-pointed ears perked up beneath her long teal hair, emphasizing her excitement. The only thing that surmounted Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s unmistakable beauty was that she was very much alive before Morrigan.

    A new array of emotions coursed through Morrigan as she stepped forward, pulling Mo¡¯Emori into an embrace that threatened to squeeze the air from the woman¡¯s lungs before she could even answer the question.

    ¡°I-I thought you were dead¡­¡± she muttered as she held onto Mo¡¯Emori for dear life. Even the fact that her statement made Mo¡¯Emori giggle couldn¡¯t put a dent in the relief she felt.

    ¡°Why would I be dead? That¡¯s a silly thing to think!¡± Mo¡¯Emori giggled which caused Morrigan to furrow her brow in deep confusion.

    Holding the bubbly Eskarii woman by the shoulders Morrigan pulled back and said, ¡°The Federation attacked your homeworld¡­ Gelia, I watched it burn, I tried to stop it but I¡­¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori''s excitement grinded to a halt once her mind remembered the things Morrigan didn¡¯t know, her excitement of finally finding her eclipsing her understanding of the situation as she placed her gloved hands upon Morrigan¡¯s sticky, bloodstained cheeks to cut her off.

    ¡°Mori, Gelia was never the Eskarii¡¯s homeworld,¡± Mo¡¯Emori stated calmly with a sweet small smile.

    Morrigan looked into Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s eyes as she tried to process something that seemed so heinous. For as long as she could remember, Gelia had always been registered as their homeworld.

    ¡°Ever since the war with the Marmuro¡¯k, the Eskarii refuse to reveal our actual homeworld, but that''s a history lesson for a different time!¡± Mo¡¯Emori added to hopefully clear up any confusion but by the look on Morrigan¡¯s face, it only made it worse.

    Morrigan gently touched Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s cheeks, her fingers recognizing the ridiculous soft skin underneath her blood crusted hands, ¡°Are you sure? Are you really here? This feels like I could be a hallucination, or a stroke¡­¡±

    Nah, the ball of static happiness is definitely real, Apollyon interjected as Mo¡¯Emori touched her gauntleted hand to Morrigan¡¯s.

    ¡°Yes, ?ara¨ª, I''m here.¡± Mo¡¯Emori couldn''t help but smile at the silly question.

    ¡°And my family? They''re really alive?¡± Morrigan asked with hesitant hope.

    Mo¡¯Emori nodded gingerly before realizing the true reason why she asked, her eyes going wide in shock, ¡°Oh! Yes! By the Goddesses, yes! They¡¯re currently staying with my family. Mem, and Mem-eni spend a lot of time together while auntie Jen gets pampered by the staff! Torvil is also there too making sure my siblings don¡¯t bother momma Helen and Jen too much but it¡¯s hard not to when they¡¯re both so amazing! Oh! And momma Helen has been learning my language and speaks it very well, which is also super cool and¡­¡±

    Morrigan¡¯s hearing tuned out as her heart hammered in her chest at the news that her family was truly alive, that she no longer had to worry because they were never in Gelia in the first place.

    However, before Morrigan could react to the new found revelation in her life, Mo¡¯Emori shouted, ¡°Mori, look out!¡± before the bubbly Eskarii grew deadly serious by drawing on of her swords.

    Morrigan looked over her shoulder to see Skoll padding his way into the intersection behind her casually gnawing on the empty helmet of a marine as she realized Mo¡¯Emori never met Skoll before.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Morrigan called out as she tried to stop Mo¡¯Emori, but it was too late as a kinetically altered blade fired down the corridor at her faithful companion.

    Luckily, Morrigan threw her hand out just in time to summon a barrier between Skoll and the blade which bounced off and stuck into the ceiling. Morrigan was also surprised by the amount of force that was behind the impact as she quickly released the energy and forced herself between Mo¡¯Emori and Skoll.

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Mo¡¯Emori exclaimed as she drew her other sword the same moment Skoll turned and let our a savage snarl along with a violent electrical discharge that zapped caused every dead body to tremble as the blood conducted the electricity.

    ¡°Both of you, stop!¡± Morrigan exclaimed in a panic before Skoll leapt into a sprint towards the woman who attacked him.

    ¡°God damn it!¡± Morrigan screamed in her head before shoving Mo¡¯Emori back several feet as Skoll came closer. As soon as Skoll came within reach, Morrigan grabbed ahold of Skoll by the scruff and halted his momentum with her empower muscles before lifting his front half off the ground before slamming him into the deck of the corridor and holding angered B?r?sk¨º down.

    Skoll let out a surprised yelp that made Morrigan feel bad however, she couldn¡¯t have Skoll attacking Mo¡¯Emori. ¡°Knock it off! She is not to be touched!¡±

    Skoll struggled under her strength but between her overpowering energy and the slick blood on the floor, he couldn¡¯t gain enough traction to resist. Once he let out a whine of submission, Morrigan let him stand before looking back to see Mo¡¯Emori sprawled out with wide eyes as she stared between the massive creature and the small woman that forced it to the ground.

    ¡°H-H-How? A Danth?r? Here?¡± Mo¡¯Emori stammered.

    Morrigan picked up traces of fear radiating from Mo¡¯Emori mixed with unbridled surprise. Sighing, Morrigan scratched her forehead before gesturing to the massive alien canine next to her.

    ¡°Mo¡¯Emori, this is Skoll. Skoll, Mo¡¯Emori. I found him on Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To and instead of eating me, he kinda¡­ became mine?¡± Morrigan stated, unsure if what she said could be believed.

    To her surprise, Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s eyes went even wider as she moved back slightly, ¡°The Marmuro¡¯k lady didn''t say anything about a Danth?r¡­ you, you bonded with it?¡±

    Morrigan looked at her curiously at the mention of a female Marmuro¡¯k, ¡°Wait, you spoke to a Marmuro¡¯k?¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori nodded rapidly as she eyed Skoll who eyed her back warily. Morrigan looked between the two and sighed dramatically.

    ¡°Okay, enough you two. Everything is fine, Skoll is mine and Mo¡¯Emori is a close friend, not food,¡± she stated indignantly only to catch Skoll flash fangs before kicking his chops at the mention of food.

    ¡°Hey, what did I say?¡± she exclaimed for flicking the tips of her fingers over his snout. Skoll helped and flattened his ears as he eyed his master before laying down obediently which only earned a long groan from Morrigan.

    ¡°Not in the blood! Ugh, you''re going to need a damned bath when we get home¡­¡± Morrigan complained not that she could say much, she also planted him into the pool of congealing blood that now caked his fur.

    His response to that was to stand and shake as much of the thickening liquid from his fur and tentacles which made Morrigan let out a sharp grunt as she rolled her eyes, enticing a high pitched cackled from her beloved bear before she took a step forward and reached out her hand to help Mo¡¯Emori to her feet.

    The display made Mo¡¯Emori giggle nervously before she looked over Morrigan, ¡°Looks like you will too¡­¡± she commented lightly, not taking her eyes off Skoll as he watched both women curiously.

    Morrigan looked down at her own clothes that began to dry into a crusty layer, thankful that nearly every aspect of her uniform was black as she shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ been a rough few day¡­ it seems we have a lot to catch up on. Speaking of which, what in every semblance of hell are you doing here?¡± Morrigan inquired with bewilderment now that the metaphorical smoke had cleared.

    Mo¡¯Emori light up with recognition of the question before grinning brightly, ¡°My Mem-eni wants to see you, you¡¯re going to love her! Oh! And you get to meet my siblings too! I mean, not all of them but my younger chwaede which they are sooo excited to meet you.¡±

    Morrigan bit her lip as she furrowed her brow, ¡°I¡¯m sorry but, I don¡¯t follow¡­¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori clapped with excitement, ¡°The queen! Which is funny because you were trying to see her but she sent me to come find you because she wants to see you. Ugh! It¡¯s been crazy especially because this is why I had to go home too! My mother didn¡¯t know I was with you in the first place!¡±

    It took a long moment for Morrigan to process Mo¡¯Emori joyous ramblings, seeming to have forgotten her aversion to Skoll now that the topic had changed except, Morrigan mind nearly flipped once she realized what Mo¡¯Emori truly said.

    Morrigan looked from the overly happy Eskarii over to Skoll, who gave her a blank look and uncertain huff before turning back to Mo¡¯Emori, raising her hand in disbelief.

    ¡°Wait, I¡¯m sorry, but did you just say your mother is the fucking queen!?¡±

 Chapter XXXIII

    After spending an hour getting chewed out by Admiral Shepard upon returning to the Archangel, Morrigan gave Mo¡¯Emori a brief tour on the way to her quarters.

    To say Shepard was still mad with her was an understatement however, Morrigan was content with simply taking her berating, after all, she knew what she had done worried everyone especially since going into a ship alone was how their last Inquisitor had been killed. As Apollyon was so quick to point out though, Morrigan was not their last Inquisitor but that didn¡¯t keep her from understanding the very real worry the crew felt.

    In the end though, Morrigan walked onto the Federation ship a miserable wreck and left feeling significantly better with additional news that made the entire excursion worth it.

    Once the crew of the Archangel finished looting the Federation Frigate, they would be off to the true Eskarii homeworld; a planet called Escostia within the Centuria system. The fact that the homeworld was significantly closer to Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To than she would have expected irked Morrigan but, having Mo¡¯Emori there prattling off the events she had experienced since parting ways at the Void Star kept her distracted.

    ¡°So, you really went to Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To and spoke with Xitzocl?¡± Morrigan asked in disbelief as they sat in her quarters chatting, Skoll wedging himself onto the sofa to lay his head in his master¡¯s lap.

    Mo¡¯Emori nodded vigorously, ¡°Yeah! She was really nice, well, as nice as one could expect-Oh! I even saw Qiote! He¡¯s such a happy little S¡¯randin now!¡± Her giggling was infectious as Morrigan couldn¡¯t help but feel relieved that Qiote was doing so well.

    ¡°Speaking of, I thought about how you said you met the Danth?r. He must have been left on Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To after the war,¡± Mo¡¯Emori noted eyeing Skoll¡¯s sleeping form.

    Morrigan looked down as she gently pet him, recalling what she knew about the Marmuro¡¯k-Eskarii war. ¡°But that would make him¡­ nearly 300 years old, at least,¡± she pointed out as she looked back to see Mo¡¯Emori shrug.

    ¡°It¡¯s possible. We¡¯ve tried to study the Danth?r for a long time but their longevity surpasses our own and they¡¯re¡­ extremely dangerous. Many hunters and researchers have been killed alike, to see you with one is just¡­ well, if anyone could bond with one of the deadliest creatures known to the Eskarii, it would be you,¡± she replied. Morrigan could hear the subtle nervousness in her voice despite appearing calm.

    ¡°So¡­ Skoll¡¯s species is from your world?¡± Morrigan asked.

    Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s ears drooped slightly before shaking her head, ¡°No, they¡¯re exclusive to the planet Turisa. It¡¯s one of few worlds the Eskarii use exclusively for hunting¡­ it¡¯s where my Tad¡¯a died¡­ he was killed by a pair of Danth?r.¡±

    Skoll opened one eye too look at her only let out a contemptuous huff. Morrigan gently slapped him over the head, ¡°Hey, be nice,¡± she scolded which only earned her a complaining grumble from the massive beast. Skoll watched Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s ears droop even more as she looked away hurt by the memory, snaking one of his tentacles towards her before whining to get her attention.

    Mo¡¯Emori looked back to be surprised by a furry tendril hovering in front of her face. She leaned back nervously and looked over to Morrigan to see the soft smile on her face.

    ¡°He¡¯s trying to break the ice,¡± Morrigan said softly with certainty as she gently scratched the soft spots above his eyes.

    Hesitantly, she reached up with both hands so her fingers could touch the poufy tip of the tendril nearly the size of her head. The moment the tips of her fingers touched the soft fur she gasped murmuring, ¡°Its so soft.¡± She gently ran her fingers along the length of the tendril however, without warning, Skoll booped her in the face with the pouf of his tendril before retracting it, earning an amused chuckle out of his master as she saw the surprised look on Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s face.

    The silly interaction let Mo¡¯Emori ease her nerves, her mind that never stopped racing seemed to slow down enough for her to relax and appreciate the woman across from her; to really see her.

    ¡°Mori¡­ how come your eyes are different?¡± she asked with the innocence of a child.

    Morrigan blushed as she couldn¡¯t help but laugh. If she was honest with herself, she was entirely surprised that it took as long as it did for the question to come up. Instead of being embarrassed or ashamed of her visage, the fact that Mo¡¯Emori didn¡¯t freak out or make a big deal about it, she felt as though the physical changes of her body were acceptable; not that she had much choice on the matter.

    ¡°That isn¡¯t the only thing different,¡± Morrigan commented before opening her mouth wide enough to show off her fangs, something she oddly felt proud of.

    Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s jaw dropped in shock as she spied the four sharpened teeth in her mouth, ¡°What happened?¡± she asked simply.

    With a shrug, Morrigan leaned back into the couch and stroked Skoll¡¯s snout tenderly, ¡°I honestly have no clue. I just¡­ woke up like this one day. That¡¯s not even everything but¡­¡± Morrigan pursed her lips nervously as she referred to the tattoo that had nearly enveloped her entire body.

    Mo¡¯Emori tilted her head curiously before realizing that what ever the new thing she talked about was something intimate. Her ears burned red as she shook her head giggling, ¡°Well I bet it¡¯s really cool¡­ have the doctors been able to figure anything out about it?¡±

    Morrigan snorted loudly at that, ¡°Dr. Tamina isn¡¯t coming anywhere near me if I have anything to say about it. It¡¯s bad enough she finally managed to nab Nora.¡±

    ¡°Nora? Is she okay?¡± Mo¡¯Emori asked with genuine concern only to watch Morrigan nod with a deep sigh.

    ¡°Yeah. She managed to get injured on our last mission¡­ but the docs are fixing her up, speaking of¡­ she should¡¯ve been out by now,¡± Morrigan pointed out curiously as she realized after five hours since she started her rampage, Dr. Tamina had failed to notify her about Nora¡¯s surgery.

    She reached towards the table and grabbed her personal data-slate much to Skoll¡¯s discomfort before pushing back into the couch. She searched her messages to find one from Tamina stating that Nora¡¯s surgery was a success and had been resting for over an hour in the same medical room she had been in before. It was then had she realized she never turned her comm bead back on.

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s out of surgery, apparently it went well¡­¡±

    ¡°We should go see her!¡± Mo¡¯Emori exclaimed.

    Morrigan felt a wave of guilt vibrate through her, something she thought would subside longer though she knew she would hate herself if she started avoiding Nora over her own stupidity. ¡°Alright, though she still might be sleeping,¡± Morrigan commented before forcing Skoll to lift his head so she could slip out from underneath him.

    ¡°Do you wanna go see Momma, sweetie?¡± Morrigan cooed at Skoll. His response was simply rolling over and dangling his paws in the air as he closed his eyes with a content sigh.

    ¡°Aweee! Looks like he wore himself out,¡± Mo¡¯Emori cooed excitedly in adoration, unable to believe something so big and deadly could be so cute.

    Morrigan snickered at that, ¡°Yeah, he was certainly busy today¡­ anyways, let¡¯s go.¡±

    As they walked towards the door Mo¡¯Emori stopped as if she remembered something important, ¡°Wait! She¡¯s¡­ she¡¯s not going to be mad at me, is she?¡± she asked timidly as a wave of worry radiated from her.

    Morrigan furrowed her brow, ¡°Why would she be mad at you?¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori shifted nervously as she looked away towards the kitchen to her left, ¡°Because¡­ when we last saw each other I¡­ we kinda¡­¡±

    It dawned on Morrigan as she blushed fiercely at the memory, ¡°Oh! That, no, no actually¡­ if anything, Taylor would probably be madder about it than Nora would be¡­¡± she stated instantly regretting bringing Taylor up.

    ¡°Wait, Taylor?¡± Mo¡¯Emori inquired.

    Morrigan chuckled nervously as they left her quarters, ¡°Yeah, didn¡¯t I mention? He¡¯s on the ship too¡­¡±

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    On the way to the med bay, Morrigan gave Mo¡¯Emori a brief run down of the events that surrounded her life; from how she became the chieftain of a Marmuro¡¯k clan to finding and conscripting Havoc Squad to the assault on the Federation forces at Gelia which left Mo¡¯Emori enthralled as they walked.

    For the first time since, Morrigan found herself able to speak of Sigurd without breaking down, allowing her to fully regale the mad man¡¯s history and antics which made Mo¡¯Emori laugh just as much as the man had once made Morrigan laugh.

    Before they knew it they found themselves in the medical bay where Nora stayed, Morrigan auto piloting towards the room she was in.

    ¡°Wow, your life has changed so much since Dr. Yuma¡¯s office,¡± Mo¡¯Emori commented brightly as if proud of Morrigan¡¯s accomplishments. However, Morrigan couldn¡¯t necessarily see too much good in the history of violence she was creating, though she did have to admit there were some things that would always be looked upon with fondness.

    ¡°Yeah, it sure has¡­ the question is, is it worth it all though?¡± she asked absentmindedly as she tangled with her own thoughts.

    ¡°What are you saying? Of course it is!¡± Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s high pitched excitement pulling her attention.

    Looking up she could see the subtle worry in her bright yellow eyes, ¡°Mori, you¡¯ve done amazing and wonderful things! You saved Taylor and his friends from a terrible fate; you¡¯ve saved millions of Eskarii lives and even helped another community of Eskarii from slavery! You met and tamed a legendary creature, and you are closer to the Marmuro¡¯k than anyone could have hoped to become, you¡¯ve even given the opportunity for potential friendship between the Eskarii and Marmuro¡¯k! How is that not worth it all? You¡¯ve done incredible things, Mori.¡±

    ¡°I usually just tell her she¡¯s sexy and beautiful¡­ that usually works,¡± came the tired voice of Nora as she snickered to herself while sitting up to greet her visitors.

    ¡°Awe baby, you shouldn¡¯t have. I always wanted a quirky alien girl-pet,¡± Nora mused drowsily as she watched both women enter the room.

    Morrigan chuckled at the comment as she stepped towards the bed to lean over and kiss Nora, careful not to bump the sling that held her right arm to get chest.

    Nora moaned slightly before pulling away, ¡°Mmm I missed that,¡± she commented with a grin.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Mo¡¯Emori asked softly, beating Morrigan to the punch as both women sat down.

    Nora rolled her eyes with a grin before nodding, ¡°Oh yeah, I¡¯m good. These pain killers are superb.¡± Nora snorted as she began laughing before actually taking a close look at Mo¡¯Emori. ¡°Oh hey! It¡¯s you! Little miss I like to kiss taken women!¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s face burned bright red as she shrank into herself, which only made Nora snicker more.

    ¡°Nora, be nice¡­¡± Morrigan commented with a sigh which only made Nora laugh more.

    ¡°Psh! When am I ever nice? But really though, it''s all good, girl, bring it in!¡± Nora stated as she held out her one free arm towards Mo¡¯Emori.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about that¡­ I just¡­¡± Mo¡¯Emori started before Nora cut her off.

    ¡°Less talky, more huggy, missy,¡± Nora demanded.

    With a meek smile, Mo¡¯Emori tentatively obeyed standing up and leaned down to wrap both arms around Nora as she was pulled into a tight hug. But as she let go, Nora hooked her fingers around the crook of her neck and pulled her down further until Nora¡¯s lips pressed against Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s, causing the nervous Eskarii girl to squeak in surprise as she held her arms out to keep balance.

    Jaw fallen, Morrigan watched her drug induced girlfriend steal a kiss from Mo¡¯Emori, something she couldn¡¯t make heads or tails about as Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s eyes met hers with a silent plea.

    On one hand, Morrigan felt that she deserved it after what happened between the two of them on the Void Star, as well as certain events that happened recently which made her feel like she didn¡¯t deserve an opinion on the matter but on the other hand, there was something about watching Nora make out with a gorgeous Eskarii that tickled her fancy in several ways.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Well, well, now that¡¯s a sight for the ages, ain¡¯t it? Apollyon snickered as the deity teased her.

    She couldn¡¯t be surprised though. Despite never acting on her words, Nora had always been very vocal about her attraction to other women, especially women Morrigan too had been attracted to, but what was surprising was that Morrigan harbored no jealousy as she stared slack jawed for only the moment, whether she believed she was entitled to jealous or not.

    As soon as Nora let go Mo¡¯Emori stumbled back in bewilderment and worry as she looked between Morrigan and Nora, her face and ears turning a darker shade of crimson, ¡°Why did you do that? Why did she do that?¡±

    ¡°Now we''re even,¡± Nora grinned.

    Mo¡¯Emori looked entirely confused as she glanced at Morrigan, ¡°Mori! Aren''t you going to say something?¡±

    Morrigan glanced between both women as she blushed slightly, finally closing her mouth and clearing her throat, ¡°Well I, uh, did say she wasn''t going to be mad¡­¡±

    Oh, that was just lame!

    Nora snorted loudly at that before looking at Mo¡¯Emori with a predatory gaze, ¡°Oh I am, just wait until I have use of both of my arms.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean? Mori, what is she talking about?¡± Mo¡¯Emori exclaimed as she took a step back. Mo¡¯Emori may have been young at heart however, she was well old enough to understand the ambiguity of violence but when it came to Nora, one couldn¡¯t be entirely sure what her threats entailed.

    ¡°Oh my, this is going to be so much fun,¡± Nora said darkly with a big grin, side eyeing Morrigan intently.

    Morrigan looked at her girlfriend curiously, ¡°That is a good question, even I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.¡±

    Nora slapped the bed as she leaned forward, ¡°Heh! Even better! Looks like we¡¯ll find out in a few weeks!¡±

    The shift in topic grasped Morrigan¡¯s attention as her mind tried to consider every possibility Nora could be thinking, which was a very long list.

    ¡°A few weeks? Why is it taking so long to recover?¡± She asked.

    Mo¡¯Emori took a seat outside of arms reach of Nora as she fidgeted nervously with her fingers, equally curious though her mind raced with worry at the ramifications of the mad woman.

    ¡°Well, apparently they had to shave down both sides of my shoulder and put some weird shit in there that¡¯ll harden into ¡°bone¡±,¡± she commented with a single set of air quotes, ¡°So it¡¯s kinda squishy right now which is why I¡¯m in half a straight jacket, ha!¡±

    I''m still stuck on the whole girl on girl action, I mean are you really being that stupid right now?

    ¡°What?¡± she asked as her periphery caught Mo¡¯Emori watching Nora nervously.

    ¡°What happened? That sounds so painful,¡± Mo¡¯Emori asked genuinely as her ears drooped slightly as her tone shifted to slight sadness.

    ¡°Oh, isn¡¯t she a darlin¡¯ lass?¡± Nora asked poorly mimicking Sigurd before busting into laughter.

    Look at these two, despite the delirium and confusion, there is most definitely a lustful bond growing. 50 bucks you end up wrist deep in both of them by the time she¡¯s healed, Apollyon stated factually with a dark, condescending undertone causing Morrigan to blush fiercely as her heart began to race while watching Nora and Mo¡¯Emori focus on one another.

    ¡°I wish you could¡¯ve met Sigurd; he was a lot of fun. But yeah, apparently Xol threw me hard enough into a drop ship and cracked my shoulder blade before my sister knocked me out,¡± Nora stated factually with a drug induced aloofness.

    The last part caught Morrigan¡¯s attention, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what? I thought Xol knocked you out?¡±

    Nora shook her head as her smile faded, ¡°No. Taylor told me it was Stephy¡­ which is fine, I get it, I was being an asshole but¡­¡±

    Morrigan ground her teeth as she saw the hurt expression on Nora¡¯s face, ¡°It just sucks because, besides the two of you and ol¡¯ one eye, no one has come to visit me¡­ I was really hoping she might¡­¡±

    Morrigan let out a growl that caused Mo¡¯Emori to jump, looking at the silent snarl of anger on Morrigan¡¯s face before looking at Nora who looked away.

    ¡°Well¡­ fuck this,¡± Morrigan snapped before standing up.

    Nora¡¯s eyes went wide as she realized how pissed Morrigan looked, ¡°baby, please don¡¯t-it¡¯s fine, I promise.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Mo¡¯Emori hasn¡¯t seen Taylor yet, we¡¯re going to see him¡­¡± she lied as Mo¡¯Emori perked up tentatively, excited to see Taylor yet worried about the rise in tension in the room.

    Nora turned to Mo¡¯Emori, ¡°Please don''t let her make a scene¡­ there is already enough drama between me and my sister¡­¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori gave her a questioning look before watching Morrigan storm out of the room, ¡°Well, shit¡­ I¡¯ll do my best but you know what she¡¯s like when she¡¯s mad!¡± Mo¡¯Emori called out as she raced out of the room leaving Nora hurt and upset knowing something bad was going to happen.

    As nice as the painkillers were, Nora pulled the device around her wrist out with her teeth, wincing as the dual needles shifted painfully before being yanked from her veins.

    She needed to hurry though, knowing full well Morrigan was at her limit when it came to the hostilities between her and Stephanie as she pulled herself out of her bed and stumbled towards the door, her legs feeling like jelly as she used her one good arm to keep herself upright.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    After demanding Stephanie¡¯s location from Sister, Morrigan stormed into one of the gymnasiums where Aleksei and Taylor attempted to fend off Xol with their shields all the while Stephanie sat on the floor off to the side meticulously sharpening the teeth of her chain blade.

    ¡°Mirina Sor!¡± Xol barked in surprise mid swing of his fist, halting his movement which caught both specialists off guard.

    ¡°Do not leave this room; you¡¯re next,¡± Morrigan said loud enough for the entire room to hear. Xol simply nodded knowingly as he stood up straight and crossed his arms to watch the new event unfold.

    ¡°That can''t be good,¡± Aleksei commented as he and Taylor watched Morrigan bee line towards Stephanie.

    ¡°Hi Taylor, hi Xol!¡± Mo¡¯Emori chirped as she jogged over to the trio, smiling awkwardly as she watched Morrigan storm across the room.

    ¡°Mo¡¯Emori? How are¡­ what''s going on?¡± Taylor inquired with surprise to suddenly see the quirky alien woman aboard the ship.

    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you?¡± Morrigan shouted a moment before reaching Stephanie.

    ¡°Yeahhh, Mori¡¯s mad,¡± Mo¡¯Emori stated.

    Taylor sighed at the obvious; thankful the wrath wasn''t towards him however, he felt defeated by the need to rush to his girlfriend''s defense as he dropped his shield.

    ¡°Why the hell would you knock your own sister unconscious like that? Do you not realize how much she is hurting because of you?!¡±

    Everyone watched Stephanie look up at Morrigan passively before refocusing on sliding a thin file against one of the numerous teeth of the chainsaw blade with a shrug and an expression that told Morrigan that she didn''t know nor did she care.

    Taylor, with Mo¡¯Emori in tow, reached the two just in time for a hand of crimson claws to reach down are to rip the motorized weapon from Stephanie''s hands, holding it up in the likeness of a bully taking away a toy.

    Stephanie took offense to that, springing up to her feet and staring down at Morrigan as she squared off with her.

    ¡°Hey, whoa!¡± Taylor exclaimed before wedging his arms between both women without thinking, attempting to separate them. Mo¡¯Emori too attempted to grab ahold of Morrigan but quickly realized that she had no intentions of backing down from the woman who stood nearly a head taller than her.

    Stephanie and Morrigan locked eyes until she scoffed and stepped back, quickly signing her own irritation.

    Morrigan looked at the slowly panicking Taylor as he quickly stepped away a healthy distance from both women, not looking to truly get between either of them but more so to stay away from Morrigan. ¡°Good, you¡¯re here, translate,¡± she demanded.

    ¡°Uh, she um¡­¡± Taylor processed the signs Stephanie made as quickly as he could, ¡°She said she doesn¡¯t know why you¡¯re so mad. She kept her from getting herself killed.¡±

    To punctuate the point, Stephanie raised her palms to either side as if asking Morrigan what her deal was.

    ¡°Yeah, which I get but did you not think for a second that she could have died from a blow to the head like that? Or that you''ve done nothing but torture her ever since I let you on this ship!¡± Morrigan exclaimed, slamming Stephanie¡¯s chain blade onto the ground instead of crushing it within her hand like she really wanted.

    Stephanie looked away obstinately with a huff before signing, ¡°Our problem is between me and her, it has nothing to do with you.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it has everything to do with me. Incase you forgot she is my girlfriend and this is my ship. I¡¯m the one who watches over her, who takes care of her and stays up with her¡­ i''m the one who is there for her every time she cries, because of you!¡± Morrigan pointed at her with a single crimson claw wrapped around her finger as she struggled to contain the impulse of reaching out and strangling the dread headed blonde woman. More so when Stephanie¡¯s twisted in what looked to be disgust and disbelief.

    However, before anything more could be said, a shout drew everyone¡¯s attention, seeing Nora stumbling across the room, ¡°Mori stop!¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori quickly rushed over to help Nora, exclaiming how she shouldn¡¯t have been out of bed all the while Morrigan growled to herself with a very mixed tone of worry and irritation. ¡°Fucking great¡­¡± she sighed angrily before looking at Stephanie who rolled her eyes. ¡°You know what? This ends today,¡± she added before turning her back to Stephanie and stepping towards Nora.

    To her delighted surprise, anyone not involved in the dispute had either shuffled out of the training room or moved to the opposite end, giving their Inquisitor space all the while rubbernecking the entire event as Morrigan reached Nora, catching her in her arms as Nora stumbled again.

    ¡°Baby, please stop. I asked you not to make a scene,¡± Nora complained tiredly as Morrigan and Mo¡¯Emori both held her upright.

    It hurt Morrigan to see Nora in such a state; upset and drugged up stumbling around the ship without energy when she should have been in bed resting, though it didn¡¯t surprise her that Nora managed to find her.

    ¡°Maybe a scene is what¡¯s needed,¡± Morrigan said offhandedly before cradling Nora¡¯s face so they could look at one another, ¡°You need to talk to her sweetie, this whole thing between you two needs to stop.¡±

    Nora shook her head before staggering back only to be caught by Mo¡¯Emori, ¡°No, no, I can¡¯t, not after all this.¡±

    To Nora¡¯s surprise, Mo¡¯Emori squeezed her arms as she placed her chin on Nora¡¯s shoulder, ¡°No. Mori¡¯s right. I have several chwaede and I couldn¡¯t imagine fighting with any of them. This is terrible¡­¡±

    Nora shook her head some more as a panicked sadness crept up her spine, her lip quivering as she spoke, ¡°No¡­ I, We¡­¡±

    Morrigan crossed her arms authoritatively which was something Nora was often fond of, using it as a point and distraction for Nora, ¡°Nora, you don¡¯t deserve to feel the way you do because of her and I am tired of standing by and doing nothing about it. I¡¯ve tried giving you both time but enough is enough¡­¡±

    Meanwhile, Aleksei stepped up to Taylor and Stephanie as she leaned down and picked up her weapon, angrily inspecting it. ¡°So, what is actually going on?¡±

    Stephanie hissed through her teeth when she realized a gear had been broken on her weapon leaving the chain loosely sitting within the blade and rendering it unusable.

    Noticing, Aleksei quickly commented, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Steph. I¡¯ll get that fixed.¡±

    ¡°Well, as you can see, family drama¡­¡± Taylor commented with a sigh as Stephanie angrily handed the weapon to Aleksei.

    ¡°Who does she think she is?!¡± Stephanie signed in outrage.

    Both men watched her get into a tirade as she paced back and forth as if refraining from doing something rash as she complained. However, Taylor sighed loud enough to get her attention, ¡°As much as I hate to say it, I have to agree with Mori on this one.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about? Why are you taking her side in this?¡± Stephanie asked in pained disbelief.

    Taylor shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not taking her side. I''m actually taking yours¡­ Do you remember that night on the Chevelle?¡± Taylor asked grabbing ahold of her hands tightly.

    Stephanie looked away telling him she knew exactly what he was talking about, ¡°You don¡¯t want this either. It¡¯s time to put this behind you Steph¡­ and it doesn''t look like Mori is giving us much of a choice,¡± he said before catching Morrigan out of the corner of his eye stepping closer to them.

    ¡°You two, come here, now,¡± Morrigan commanded.

    Stephanie rolled her eyes and Taylor sighed indignantly however, with little choice they obeyed as they walked over to where Morrigan, Nora and Mo¡¯Emori stood.

    ¡°Okay, you two are going to talk this out, Taylor, you''re translating for Stephanie,¡± Morrigan stated as they joined the group before huffing in frustration. ¡°I frankly don¡¯t care if either of you want to do this because if there is anything I¡¯ve learned recently is that our time together can be cut short at a moments notice, we can¡¯t plan for everything, whether it be you, or her or Taylor or even myself¡­ Sigurd¡¯s death proved that even the most powerful of us can¡¯t escape reality and we don¡¯t have time to be hating each other or whatever this is¡­¡± Morrigan sighed as she gestured to both Stephanie and Nora, ¡°You¡¯re sisters, you''re supposed to love each other. I know what happened between you two but I also know that neither of you know each other¡¯s side¡­ so you¡¯re both going to listen to each other and talk this out.¡±

    Everyone was silent as they looked tentatively towards one another, Nora growing meek and nervous while Stephanie crossed her arms defiantly glaring between Nora and Morrigan.

    ¡°Nora, I know you have something you want to say,¡± Morrigan said softly, still causing her to jump.

    Nora fidgeted with the edge of her sling as she looked up to see Stephanie¡¯s glare. Sadness and worry spread across her face as she tried not to shrink under her gaze.

    ¡°Stephy, I¡­ I''m so really sorry¡­¡± she choked on her words as a single tear rolled down her cheek. ¡°I, I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡±

    Stephanie rolled her eyes for signing angrily before ripping off the scarf she wore to reveal the scarred wound, ¡°You drew a blade of ice across my neck!¡± Taylor parroted evenly.

    Nora shrank under the accusation as a sob slipped out, ¡°I know! I didn¡¯t mean it. I, I just panicked¡­ when you said we should go back I¡­ I was so scared¡­ A-after what you went through, I knew it was my turn soon¡­¡± she said as tears freely rolled down her cheeks.

    ¡°You were scared? I thought I was going to die! I thought¡­¡± Stephanie looked at her crying sister and something inside her resonated deep within, her demeanor calming and her expression softening as she looked at Morrigan and then to Taylor. She sighed, pursing her lips, ¡°I didn¡¯t believe we could escape¡­ and I thought I was going to lose you¡­ you were the only thing that kept me going.¡±

    Nora broke into full sobbing finally hearing how Stephanie felt back then, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I truly didn¡¯t mean it-I wasn¡¯t think straight¡­ we went through so much and I, I just couldn¡¯t take it anymore¡­ I needed to get out and-and I¡­ I didn¡¯t want to leave you, I wanted you to come with me!¡± Nora tried to wipe her face as she tried to control her breathing as tears continued to fall, ¡°I was such an idiot¡­ I thought of we escaped... but it didn''t matter¡­ I¡­ it still happened¡­¡±

    Stephanie watched Nora cry harder, her lips parting at the realization of what Nora was talking about. ¡°I regretted it¡­ every single day¡­ I couldn''t stop it and I was alone!¡± Nora said through her sobs, ¡°I loved you Stephy, you were my sister! I never wanted to hurt you¡­ I was just so stupid¡­ I had nightmares¡­ I couldn''t¡­ I¡¯m so sorry Stephy.¡±

    Nora continued to cry as Stephanie simply stood there watching her sister bleed her heart to her, unmoving as her eyes scanned over Nora¡¯s frame to see the visible litany of scars she carried. The fact that Nora only wore shorts and a surgical bra didn¡¯t elude Stephanie telling her she had just come from the medical wing, which made the entire counter that much more painful for both of them.

    ¡°Please say something¡­¡± Nora pleaded as she finally worked up the courage to look up at her older sister.

    Stephanie¡¯s face fell with a frown, Morrigan watching as the torrent of emotions that radiated from her finally melded into two distinct feelings; love and sadness.

    Stephanie shook her head before reaching towards Nora and hooking her arms around her neck and back gently pulling her younger sister towards her in a tight embrace, careful not to touch her injury.

    Nora stopped breathing as her mind stopped, stunned by the sudden shift of dialogue between them. Once she realized that her sister was hugging her, Nora broke down in an equally tight embrace and bawled her eyes out in the crook of her sister¡¯s neck.

    Taylor sighed in relief as he looked at Morrigan in astonishment, Morrigan smiling with satisfaction.

    ¡°That¡¯s so much better,¡± Mo¡¯Emori whispered, Morrigan turning to see her wipe away a happy tear as she smiled back knowingly at Morrigan.

    With that settled, Morrigan turned her gaze to Xol who hadn¡¯t moved from his original spot across the gym. ¡°You,¡± she said loud enough for her voice to carry across the gymnasium as she pointed.

    Leaving the sisters to reconcile, Morrigan stormed towards Xol who stared her down unmoving and slammed her shin across the backs of his knees with enough empowered force to topple the giant K¨ºzi¡¯kan.

    In a show of force, sat on him to watch her work unfold as he held her up on his hands and knees. ¡°Lie to me again and we¡¯re going to have a real problem,¡± she promised.

    Xol took his punishment without question, refraining from moving as he nodded with a deep understanding hum, ¡°Yes, Mirina Sor.¡±

 Chapter XXXIV

    Morrigan was renewed with a breath of life as their 11-day trip to Escostia was coming to an end, her excitement to see her family growing more intense as they approached. Mo¡¯Emori and Nora kept her occupied for most of the trip though; the three women swapping stories of their lives as well as Stephanie visiting Morrigan¡¯s quarters frequently to stoke the fire of her and Nora¡¯s renewed sistership.

    Nora had even convinced Stephanie to teach her and Morrigan her sign language as awkward as it was. Despite being happy that she no longer had to worry about the sisters being at each other''s throats, there was still the lingering guilt that kept Morrigan at arms length of Stephanie.

    It was also a chaotic mess once Yekku discovered that Mo¡¯Emori was on the Archangel, having remembered how rambunctious and fun the Eskarii woman was, which created several eventful evenings of Yekku and Mo¡¯Emori chasing each other around the ship like a couple of children. Many of the crew grew fond of Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s presence on the ship as her childish demeanor breathed a new air across anyone she came across.

    To Nora¡¯s surprise, everyone she saw on the ship seemed happy to see her making a full recovery, especially Admiral Shepard, whom appeared to have grown an attachment to the foul-mouthed woman, often visiting the girls each day to check up on the three of them and regale in her own stories as she, Morrigan, Nora and Sigurd had done before.

    Nora however, became protective of Mo¡¯Emori and made it a point to keep overly friendly crewmembers at knife point, threatening to kick their asses from one end of the ship to the other even with one functional arm. This left Morrigan constantly embarrassed and amused seeing as many people found the quirky alien girl irresistible.

    But in a strange way, it seemed as if Morrigan¡¯s life had once again turned around in the right direction which left her feeling content and only mildly impacted by her constant worries thanks to her role as Lord Inquisitor.

    Apollyon even enjoyed the sudden shift of events despite spending over a week without Morrigan shedding the blood of her enemies. The deity often spent its time ruining moments with perverse commentary or generally making fun of those around Morrigan for its own self amusement.

    However, upon the final hour before their arrival, as the trio of women ate a late lunch with the full Clarke clan; Yekku chittering away with excitement as Mo¡¯Emori listened intently to his nonsense, a mildly worrying thought occurred to Morrigan.

    ¡°Hey, um, they''re not going to try and shoot us down, are they?¡± Morrigan asked as she set her empty plate on the counter.

    Mo¡¯Emori looked up in confusion as Nora started chuckling at the question for its validity.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a total trend. Show up, get shot out of the sky, precious here makes an example out of the leadership and nobody dies-oh wait¡­ the pilot on Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To didn''t survive, I forgot about that,¡± Nora mused before realizing that the validity of the question was more dire than she considered.

    Understanding what was being asked, Mo¡¯Emori shook her head, ¡°No, I sent my ship ahead to announce our arrival. There is no way my Mem-eni would let something happen to us.¡±

    ¡°Right, cuz your mother is the bloody queen¡­¡± Morrigan commented, still in disbelief that the first two Eskarii she had ever made friends with turned out to be not only bad ass special forces, but royalty too.

    ¡°Oh, that''s right! Oh, wait, isn''t there a saying about¡­ nah, never mind,¡± Nora prattled in thought which only made both women curious.

    Look at that grin, you know she''s thinking some lewd things in that little head of hers, Apollyon commented in amusement which made Morrigan snort and nod.

    ¡°Most likely, knowing her,¡± she thought back before turning back to Mo¡¯Emori, only to be cut off by the hissing exclamation made by Yekku. Everyone watched the S¡¯randin slink across the floor and to the bag Morrigan had requisitioned for him to use for work before he moved closer to Mo¡¯Emori.

    Digging in the bag, he stepped behind her to reveal a blackened metal circlet designed in the likeness of a tiara, complimentary with polished metal pieces to act as gems along its face before he gently placed it upon her head.

    Everyone froze as Mo¡¯Emori giggled, reaching up to touch what he had placed on her head only to gasp as the tips of her fingers danced along the intricate design and discovered its shape. Quickly, she pulled it down in front of her to see the blackened metal tiara inlaid with onyx colored metal, ¡°Oh my goddess¡­ did you make me a crown!?¡± she asked emotionally as tears welled in her eyes.

    Yekku circled around her and began bobbing his head excitedly before pushing her hands back towards her head. Mo¡¯Emori obliged and placed the tiara back on her head before pulling Yekku into a tight hug.

    ¡°Dude, what the hell?¡± Nora exclaimed in offense, ¡°You make her a crown but not me?¡±

    Yekku¡¯s head shot up just to stare at Nora with wide eyes as he tilted his head in contemplation, his tongue flicking adorably which made Morrigan and Mo¡¯Emori laugh.

    ¡°To be fair hun, she is royalty,¡± Morrigan commented in amusement.

    ¡°Psh! So am I! That''s what happens when you bang a queen! You become royalty by osmosis,¡± Nora pouted crossing her arms.

    Morrigan rolled her eyes with a defeated sigh all the while Mo¡¯Emori giggled like a maniac, ¡°That''s¡­ that''s not how that works, and for the last time I¡¯m not a queen, you brat.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯re a queen to me!¡± Nora stated slyly, her dramatic pouting lips shifting seamlessly into a seductive smirk as she batted her eye lashes, her personality flipping as quickly as a light switch.

    Morrigan mouthed the word ¡°Wow¡± several times as she shook her head a she blushed, ¡°I can¡¯t believe you really just said that,¡± she murmured loud enough to be heard, Nora winging her eyebrows at her with a big grin.

    Mo¡¯Emori awed loudly, ¡°That was so cute and cheesy!¡± Yekku even chittered his agreement before bobbing his head.

    ¡°Keep it up over there and I''ll be a queen by the end of the night,¡± Nora alluded to Mo¡¯Emori playfully, causing Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s eyes to go wide as Morrigan face palmed her own blushing face.

    ¡°Anyways!¡± Morrigan exclaimed, ¡°What should I be expecting? I mean, how are we going to get to wherever it is you live? I¡¯m not sure what the protocol is here¡­¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori snorted as she leaned into her lap, ¡°Well, if I told you that then it wouldn¡¯t be a surprise, silly!¡±

    Oh, oh! I know! We fly down and land while the ship rains fire down upon the world! Now that is an entrance of a goddess! Apollyon stated excitedly making Morrigan shake her head in disappointment.

    ¡°There is no way in hell we are doing that! You know better,¡± she thought back as she sighed

    ¡°But can my sister come? I think it¡¯d be cool for us to have a little sister vacation!¡± Nora asked with pleading eyes to Mo¡¯Emori.

    Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s expression sunk at the request as she hummed in question, ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I think it¡¯d be nice too but¡­ my Mem-eni only wants to see Mori¡­ I don¡¯t know how many we could bring before it caused problems.¡±

    ¡°Wait, does that mean I can¡¯t go!?¡± Nora exclaimed in heart breaking shock.

    ¡°I am going,¡± Xol followed up over Nora¡¯s complaint.

    Everyone looked at Xol in disbelief, though not everyone knew what he said, his tone giving way to the obvious.

    ¡°Xol, you do realize it''s a bad idea for you to go with, right?¡± Morrigan asked incredulously.

    Xol only sneered at that. ¡°She''s right, our species were at war for a long time, Xol¡­ you being on my home world could cause a diplomatic incident,¡± Mo¡¯Emori explained.

    ¡°I am going, that is final,¡± Xol countered.

    ¡°Not if I say you¡¯re not!¡± Morrigan pointed out sharply, reminding Xol of her position over him. However, with a moment to think, Morrigan sighed, ¡°But, I think it¡¯s actually a good idea if he does¡­¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s eyes went wide in disbelieving shock, ¡°You can''t be serious¡­ Mori, that¡¯s a very bad¡­¡±

    Morrigan cut her off as she raised her hand, ¡°Hear me out. This is a diplomatic mission, and my goal is to gain your mother¡¯s support and to do that¡­ it might be a good idea to show her that I even earned the Marmuro¡¯k¡¯s trust, well, respect at least. That may sell the need to band together more especially if he behaves and supports me on that,¡± she stated looking to Xol who nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Or, it could have the complete opposite effect and we start a war with the Eskarii?¡± Nora commented hypothetically.

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Mo¡¯Emori nodded in distress, ¡°It could do that! This is a very risky idea Mori¡­¡± Mo¡¯Emori sighed as she considered the option. ¡°I guess if we''re doing this¡­then I don''t see how we can cause more of a problem with more people¡­¡± she sighed.

    ¡°Yes! I''m going to go tell her!¡± Nora exclaimed before scampering out of the room before anyone could stop her.

    Suurreee, say no to the rain of fire but let¡¯s bring down every single person that could start a war, I¡¯m almost proud of you, Apollyon snickered in her head as she sighed.

    ¡ó¡ó¡ó

    With the dropship prepared, Clan Clarke, along with Taylor and Stephanie, began getting ready outside of the ship as Morrigan explained her plan to Shepard, who walked with her through the hanger as the Archangel drifted over Escostia.

    Everyone aboard the Archangel were told to remain vigilant and prepare for anything seeing as the Federation were reaching farther and farther each day, making for a busy ship to navigate through.

    ¡°Everyone ready?¡± she asked as she approached the dropship.

    ¡°Yeah! Let¡¯s go!¡± Mo¡¯Emori cheered, excited for everyone to meet her family despite the looming possibility that Morrigan¡¯s plan could backfire. Mo¡¯Emori¡¯s excitement matched Morrigan¡¯s nervousness, knowing soon she was about to meet the queen of an entire race she adored inside and out; and more importantly, the mother of someone she cared deeply about.

    The fact Mo¡¯Emori had no idea why her mother requested she find her made it even more nerve wracking.

    With a solemn farewell from Shepard everyone boarded the dropship only to be caught off guard as massive feet treaded up the ramp of the dropship before Skoll let out a howl that nearly deafened everyone aboard.

    ¡°No, No! This is getting ridiculous Mori! I told you how my people feel about the Danth?r!¡± Mo¡¯Emori shouted sharply in protest only for Skoll to sit in front of the ramp obstinately as he stared at Morrigan.

    Come now, think of how you would look riding him through the heart of their capital? You may not want the first idea I had but treat yourself girl! Apollyon commented. The deity¡¯s vocabulary never ceased to amaze Morrigan as she struggled to hold in the chuckle that threatened to slip out.

    Morrigan knew she was already running a massive risk however, it suddenly dawned on her that she had been requested. As a Lord Inquisitor, it would be expected for her to not only have a powerful retinue, but also have a flair of power. It was actually an ideology Dora mentioned back when he explained his years as a warlord, which was something she couldn''t believe to that day.

    She missed the eccentric gay man. Dora had been right about everything he pointed out; between his certainty in her and Nora¡¯s feelings to her opinion of the Inquisition before she even knew it herself all the way to how she would do remarkable things no one else would manage to do because there she was, on a ship half filled with Marmuro¡¯k and a creature of legend that would follow her into the abyss of space, about to land on the Eskarii home world. If anything, Dora was a more personable version of Solomon it seemed, if one could be personable with a man that had Nora¡¯s sex drive and the personality of a drag queen.

    The thought finally broke Morrigan¡¯s focus as she chuckled aloud, ¡°Fuck it. We¡¯re already a spectacle at this point.¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori''s ears drooped as someone closed the ramp of the dropship, ¡°This is going to go so bad¡­ I wanted this to be special¡­¡±

    Morrigan frowned, realizing she was being selfish and wrapped an arm around the slowly panicking Eskarii.

    ¡°It is special, and it''ll be okay, I promise. I have the feeling this¡¯ll go exactly how it went on Tik¡¯Taq¡¯To,¡± Morrigan stated with a level of certainty.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you have to fight a bunch of them?¡± Mo¡¯Emori asked dolefully as she leaned into the embrace.

    That cornered Morrigan as the ship began to take off, the pilot having not been aware of the delegation happening. She hummed in defeat, ¡°Yeah, there was that¡­ well, consider this then. Everyone here will listen to me or risk a very, very painful experience, except for Nora, we¡¯ll have to keep an eye on her,¡± she retorted light heartedly.

    With success, Mo¡¯Emori giggled with a weak smile. ¡°Hey! I heard that!¡± Nora punctuated.

    Both women turned to see Nora grinning deviously as she talked with her sister, who also smiled knowingly at the comment. The interaction was enough for Morrigan to sense her friend¡¯s nerves relax but to make sure, she commented, ¡°Besides, can you imagine the look on Torvil¡¯s face?¡±

    Mo¡¯Emori sputtered into childish laughter as she imagined not only her brother¡¯s reaction, but her sisters¡¯ too, at the sight of not only Morrigan, but three Marmuro¡¯k, a  Danth?r, two ex pirates and an Inquisition soldier, walking through their home.

    ¡°That is going to be sooo funny!¡± she squeaked, feeling better about the coming situation despite the high impact it would have.

    Mo¡¯Emori sighed wistfully as she thought about all the fun their meeting would be, ¡°I guess I¡¯m worrying too much. No one will argue with the queen and I¡¯m sure she foresaw this...¡±

    The comment drew Morrigan¡¯s curiosity, ¡°Foresaw this? What do you mean?¡± Mo¡¯Emori only stated that her mother wished to speak to Morrigan but didn''t know why.

    Mo¡¯Emori chewed on her lip as she looked over at Morrigan, ¡°I think it would be best for her to explain.¡±

    Morrigan furrowed her brow at that before the dropship cut through the clouds to reveal a barren world below. ¡°What''s with this? I thought your home would be more¡­¡±

    Everyone heard her comment, making Nora and Stephanie look out the viewing window of the ship in curiosity.

    ¡°This is how it''s always been since the war¡­ the Marmuro¡¯k destroyed the surface with their ships,¡± she stated factually.

    ¡°Is that true?¡± Morrigan asked Xol as she began to reconsider her plan to have Xol, H?¡¯tet and Yekku along. Xol grunted giving a noncommittal response which left Morrigan curious if he even knew the truth or not, begging the question of their presence even more.

    ¡°Oh! I have to tell the pilot where we''re going!¡± she chirped before wriggling between everyone in the cramped hold as Skoll took up a large portion of the area, her renewed excitement only increasing the closer they came to her home.

    After a moment, Morrigan watched the ship bank as she studied the surface of the planet, letting her mind wander over many details she didn''t consider. Many things came to mind as she saw the haze of heat over the horizon as far distant mountains silhouetted behind the pale beige sand and dirt. It made her wonder how such a wonderful species managed to survive and prosper, but then again, she saw no sign of life outside of the stray bungalow amongst the desolate landscape which made her wonder where all the Eskarii were.

    Mo¡¯Emori shouted something in her language causing everyone to freeze at the expectation of anti air fire only for the dropship to take a steep dive. ¡°What the hell is this?¡± Taylor exclaimed while Morrigan braced herself in the corner of the hold watching the surface draw closer at speed. In a nerve wracking moment, the ground passed over the window as everyone braced for impact only for Morrigan to open her eyes to see layers upon layers of the world passing by.

    ¡°This is so cool!¡± Nora exclaimed as she cackled like a mad woman, her sister grinning beside her as they supported one another to stare out of the viewing glass.

    Morrigan paid no mind to the mix of panic and glee amongst her retinue as the ship veered and banked with enough force to misbalance some of them. What she did pay attention to was the sinking feeling that began to spread throughout her body, a soft fuzzy feeling of her own energy panicking within her.

    Well shit, that''s not good, Apollyon commented in her head.

    Morrigan looked around in a panic as she searched for the source of her discomfort, ¡°What is it? What''s going on?¡±

    Apollyon shuddered as if uncomfortable about the new found feeling, That, is the feeling of us separating from the cosmos¡­ we''ve crossed the threshold between freedom and a potential prison once again.

    Morrigan''s eyes widened in shock having completely forgotten that the inside of a celestial body was a barrier between her and the endless ambient power of creation.

    ¡°Shit, shit, shit!¡± Morrigan exclaimed in rising tempo as she heard Mo¡¯Emori giggling joyously while the ship lurched.

    Morrigan calm down! I''ve met blenders that make more sense than you right now! Apollyon tried to shout in her mind only to be drown out by innumerable panicked thoughts.

    After a moment the momentum of the ship slowed, the violent pressure of subterranean travel at speed fading as the pilot coasted out, ¡°That was really impressive!¡± Mo''Emori exclaimed as she complimented the pilot.

    She returned to the hold to find everyone staring at a clearly panicking Morrigan, looking around wildly as she clung to the corner hyperventilating, Yekku squawking incessantly as he pointed at Morrigan.

    ¡°Mori! What''s wrong?¡± Mo¡¯Emori squealed as she and Nora raced to kneel to either side of her.

    ¡°We¡¯re underground- we need to go, to go- the s-s-surface, can''t¡­ I can''t, too deep, too d-deep¡­we need to get out of h-here,¡± Morrigan stuttered as she felt the rising swell of energy in her core, her power threatening to take over as her fear continued to rise.

    ¡°Ah shit, why didn¡¯t you tell us we were going underground!¡± Nora complained angrily as she realized the issue, something she too had forgotten.

    Mo¡¯Emori shrank at the comment, uncertain what was wrong as her wide yellow eyes filled with tears. Her worry for Morrigan peaked the more she realized it was her fault for her distress, never putting her brief and vague stories of the two years spent within an underground prison and the heart of her home together.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get her to a doctor! Pilot! Take the upper left tunnel!¡± Mo¡¯Emori offered as a shot in the dark.

    Nora shook her head sharply with a grunt before placing her hand on Morrigan¡¯s face, ¡°Baby! Look at me!¡± she said forcefully, gaining Morrigan¡¯s attention.

    Nora gently pressed her palm into her cheek, her icy blue eyes searing a hole into the cacophony of images that flashed through her mind. Dark caverns only she could see, giant insects that gnashed at the limbs of fleeing people, viscera and gore that dripped underneath an illuminating crimson glow, a sharp pain as she was crushed by a giant slithering creature before a primal fear radiated behind her eyes as she looked out from behind shattered debris to see the beautiful chaos of love and madness that reeked of home.

    Morrigan¡¯s eyes dilated beyond a normal range as she met Nora¡¯s eyes before looking around to see eight worried faces. Her synapse fired on all cylinders as she tried to cohesively take in her surroundings, only able to feel the warm of Nora¡¯s hand against her cold and clammy cheek.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, precious,¡± Nora said softly as she gently brushed her thumb across Morrigan¡¯s cheek bone causing Morrigan to jump slightly before her eyes locked onto Nora once again. ¡°You¡¯re not trapped sweetie, you¡¯re okay.¡±

    Morrigan could smell Nora, her hand stinking of crisp oxygen, iron and aromatic herbs, quite similar to the food they ate only hours before their descent into a new hell. Morrigan, in a moment of calming clarity as her breathing stopped, realized it was Nora¡¯s blood she could smell which gently pulsed through her hand against her skin.

    ¡°Mori?¡± a soft, girlish voice said her name as a new smell reached her nose; the smell of hot atmosphere as she glanced to see Mo¡¯Emori. Not only could she smell Mo¡¯Emori, but she could feel her presence in rapid waves as the Eskarii girl¡¯s heart raced.

    Something inside told Morrigan that she needed what was inside the Eskarii woman, the woman she knew and adored, something that held the key to her inner most desire. Except¡­ it wasn¡¯t her desire.

    Morrigan shook her head as she forced herself to look back to Nora¡¯s worried eyes, ¡°No!¡± she exclaimed shakily as she refused to take a breath before something familiar began to radiate within her mind, an anger and disapproval she vaguely recalled. ¡°I-¡± Morrigan started only for a spike of pain to ram into her brain causing her to jerk.

    Everyone watched as the back of Morrigan¡¯s skull bounced off the metal wall of the ship¡¯s hold before laying limply in the corner, each one of her team displaying varying levels of shock before Taylor finally broke the silence, ¡°Uh, just what in the ever-living fuck was that?¡±

    Nora sighed in disappointment and pain as she leaned forward to continue caressing the cheek of her now unconscious lover. ¡°Something we didn''t bother to consider¡­ I''m sorry but, this may have been a bad idea.¡±