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.
◇◇◇
“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.
