A personnel transport ship had just positioned itself for take off as Shepard had promised as Morrigan ran into the hanger and bee-lined towards the ship.

  “Step on it! And hail them; I am not getting shot down again!” She shouted to the pilot the moment she entered the ship and slammed the sliding door on the port side shut.

  “You got it, Ma’am. Take the second chair,” the pilot stated as the ship rocked to the side as he took off. Morrigan nearly stumbled as she clasped the back of the co-pilot chair and forced herself into it and buckled in.

  The transport rocketed away from the Archangel and shifted in the direction of Tik’Taq’To.

  “It will be a bit before we are in range, ma’am,” The pilot reminded her as she fidgeting.

  Morrigan let out a deep breath and looked out the view port to see what had remained of the battle. She could see the Federation Cruiser attached to the Marmuro’k Battleship as it slowly moved it away from the wide field of debris that littered the space.

  “Where is the Frigate?” She asked in confusion when she couldn’t find it.

  “Gone,” the pilot stated before watching her eyebrows furrow in further confusion. “Ah, well, when you got back to the Archangel a smaller Marmuro’k ship came barreling through the area. It rammed right into and punched through the Frigate we were holding at gun point, so to speak. The uh… the ship didn’t stand a chance and went critical. Now the Marmuro’k are salvaging the area now,” He explained.

  Morrigan only knew of one Marmuro’k

  Battleship in the area when she planned to assault the Cruiser, which made her question.

  “What happened with the second ship of theirs?”

  The pilot shrugged, “Not sure, just took off away from the planet. Then again, none of us speak their language besides you and your crew.”

  Morrigan bobbed her head even though it was something she would have to ask Xitzocl about. To her, it sounded like a Marmuro’k ship fleeing, which was unlike their kind to flee.

  She leaned back as she watched the beautiful world of Tik’Taq’To expand in her vision as they approached the outer atmosphere before looking at the pilot. He wore a helmet which hid his identity which may have helped her relax.

  “Thanks, by the way. For talking to me like a normal person rather than a superior,” she said.

  The pilot chuckled at that, “Listen, you may be the Inquisitor but you’re having me take you down on an alien world I may very well die on. Consider the drop of formality hazard pay.”

  Morrigan smiled at that and looked out the window again as she enjoyed the casual conversation, “Well, given my first ship got shot down. Not to mention being thrown from the ship and attacked by the wildlife? It’s a possibility. Until we’re on sacred grounds, I suggest not leaving the ship,” She mused which made the pilot chuckle along side with her as the ship rocked as they broke the first layer of atmosphere.

  The pilot checked the terminal in between them and looked at her, “We’re getting a signal from the surface so now would be a good time to start talking.”

  She nodded and let him connect to the signal. “Attention starship, who are you to descend upon the world of Tik’Taq’To. Say who you are or be destroyed,” came the raspy voice of a Kêzi’kan.

  “This is Chieftain Clarke of Clan Clarke, Red Death. I am returning to Tikal. I request to land in the sacred grounds,” she said in near fluid Marmuro’k. She could see the pilot bob his head as if impressed while they waited for a response.

  The response took longer than she expected which made her begin to worry. “You may want to prepare for evasive maneuvers,” she announced before the response finally came through.

  “Request granted, Chieftain Clarke. The clans await your arrival,” the Kêzi’kan said before the line clicked off. That let Morrigan breath a sigh of relief.

  “Seems we get the red-carpet treatment instead,” she mused as the quad engine dropship began forcing through the thicker layers of atmosphere that rocked the ship violently.

  “No one ever mentioned how choppy this was!” the pilot laughed as if he were having a blast.

  Morrigan on the other hand instinctively braced herself, glaring at the man as the ship shook, “Yeah. Probably because the only other pilot died from crashing into the surface!”

  She realized how insensitive that sounded yet the pilot paid no mind to it as he cheered. She then realized that a lot of the crew must have been bored most of the time since the Archangel wasn’t an exploratory vessel. Between the battle and the two descents to Tik’Taq’To, she couldn’t imagine any of them seeing any real action in quite a long time, at least, ever since the previous Inquisitor had died. It was something she would have to revisit sometime once her life calmed down again.

  The clouds had consumed the ship high in the planets atmosphere before they broke through the clouds into the face of a mountain peak.

  Both Morrigan and the pilot yelped as he twisted the controls and sent the ship into a sharp corkscrew turn that moved them just out of the collision course they were on before he leveled the ship out. “I hate mountains…” he stated in between haggard breaths. Morrigan sniggered at the comment as she looked up through the windshield to see the beauty of Tik’Taq’To once again.

  She didn’t think she would ever get used to the sight as the amber horizon cast over the land; bright greens reflecting off the jungle canopies as thin shadows etched the mountains and hills below. Shades of purple, blue and yellow coalesced into a watercolor picture above the horizon that took her breath away.

  “This was worth almost dying for. This is definitely top three surface drops in my book,” the pilot said, equally mesmerized.

  “Yeah, this place is amazing…” she said before looking down into a parting of the jungle to see the first crashed dropship. The sight of it caused her heart to lurch as she remembered what happened.

  “I should see if they’ll recover his body…” she murmured to herself only to see the pilot lean forward and take in the sight of the downed dropship.

  “Don’t,” he said before sitting back down.

  “What about his family? Or a proper burial or something?” she asked as she looked at him confused.

  He looked at her through his helmet visor and sighed, “Anyone with a family stays on the Void Star. It’s an unspoken rule in the Inquisition, which means those of us out here in the stars, exploring what the universe has to offer, have nothing to go back to except to the ship we call home.”

  Morrigan frowned at that, especially because, though she didn’t know everyone or even many of the crew members, but she knew some and found it impossible that none of them had families or friends they could consider home.

  “It’s a nice sentiment you’re thinking I’m sure, but we do this because we love what we do. Taking care of the Archangel, making a difference in the galaxy and exploring places many could only dream. Plus, a good pilot goes down with their ship, right? And what better place to be buried than a world like this?” he stated as he focused on flying.

  Morrigan returned to looking at the expansive landscape and watching it pass by as they headed towards the sacred grounds of Tikal. She could see what he meant as the light illuminated the approaching city, dull and antiquated colors popping in a kaleidoscopic conglomerate of blues, oranges, greens and greys; all matching the surrounding world around Tikal.

  “Yeah. It’s a better place than most,” she mumbled, still daunted by the fact that she was really the only one on the ship that had a family outside of the one she created she could go home to.

  All of her thoughts fell away as she guided the pilot to the hidden airfield on the eastern outskirts of Tikal, fully open with Marmuro’k starships loading and unloading debris collected from the battle. In the midst of the landing zone, several chieftains of the conclave stood waiting next to an open landing space.

  What she didn’t expect was for the entire airfield of Marmuro’k to cheer the moment she stepped out of the dropship, most roaring incoherently and banging objects together or beating on their chest with a singular fist. Morrigan froze and took in the sight of the surrounding Marmuro’k that celebrated her triumphant return, even hearing the distant and denser cheer from the city itself.

  Morrigan looked to Xitzocl who was the first one waiting for her, the female Kêzi’kan chieftain wearing a fanged grin as she took position in front of the chieftains. A small smile crept across her face at the familiar sight of Xitzocl before raising her hand and waving to the cheering field workers. Pride filled her chest despite still in disbelief that she was considered one of them, though her celebratory greeting dissolved much of her doubts.

  As soon as the cheering died down, the workers returning to their work with renewed vigor, Xitzocl stepped forward and spread her arms in an elegant greeting.

  “It is an honor to see you again, Chieftain Clarke. All of Tik’Taq’To celebrates the first victory of its newest clan,” Xitzocl spoke with heartfelt pride.

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  Morrigan walked towards her and hugged Xitzocl, causing the Kêzi’kan to freeze as she was unsure what was happening. Xitzocl’s reaction made Morrigan giggle before she pulled back, “Its good to see you too, Xitzocl. Though I think Izden and Yekku would be seriously disappointed by your hug,” she mused as her Kêzi’kan friend regained her composure.

  “Right. I did notice them teaching the ritual to various clan mates throughout Tikal as of late,” she said in her own amusement before scrutinizing Morrigan. “You look different,” she shamelessly pointed out.

  Morrigan pursed her lips and moved her gaze as she nodded, hating how noticeable the changes have been. “Yeah… it’s kind of why it took so long to return, I think,” she explained in the vaguest way possible. Xitzocl considered Morrigan for a moment before giving her a toothy reptilian smile.

  “It suits you, fitting of one called Mirina Sor,” she said with sincerity which only managed to surprise Morrigan as she looked up at Xitzocl and the rest of the clan chieftains who nodded along.

  Seeing most of the chieftains, including two of the Fire clan, standing before her in open arms brought the smile back to her face. “All, it is wonderful to see you again and to be back on this beautiful world,” she stated before giving the group a small nod of respect.

  Xitzocl motioned towards Tikal and as one, the entire group began walking towards the sacred city leaving Morrigan to briefly catch up. There was something playful to the act but Morrigan was simply relieved to see her good standing stuck with the masses as many more Marmuro’k cheered or greeted her kindly as they bustled about.

  “I wanted to ask; I heard a report of a second battleship pushing through the combat zone and fleeing the area, one of your ship designs. What was that about?” Morrigan asked the group, mainly directed at Xitzocl.

  The majority of the chieftains hissed in disappointed anger, the subject appearing touchy before Ude’zu-Ra’kesh’kato, one fire clan chieftain, hissed out, “Azuhcu’ach, the spineless dishonorable runt!”

  Morrigan’s eyebrows raised in surprise as Comich-Furok, one of the two Timse’h Fire clan chieftains she had met added, “We of the Fire clans were dishonorable. You spoke of guarding Tik’Taq’To from the enemy humans, and upheld your word with the highest of honor,” giant Marmuro’k chuckled deeply before continuing, “Our dishonorable actions deserve punishment though Azuhcu’ach was to face the darkness for judgement, as Lakai decreed.”

  Morrigan looked at Xitzocl for confirmation as she watched Xitzocl nod. Morrigan looked at Xitzocl for confirmation as she watched Xitzocl nod. “Yes. Lakai visit the pillar of communion. He spoke of the pride and joy of Tik’Taq’To as we accepted you, as well as the honor you fought with in the battle above. He also said you would deliver Azuhcu’ach’s punishment for his highly dishonorable and cowardly acts and that he should have dignity and accept whatever you deemed necessary alone or subject Clan Tau sd well as himself to face the clans… as you can see, he chose the most cowardly act and fled with a portion of his clan that would follow him, along with Excel-Gaui-Dji’Fahd and Clan Dji’fahd in its entirety,” she explained. A S’randin she recognized though did not remember their name, went on a long-winded tirade right after Xitzocl spoke. Though Morrigan couldn’t understand what was said, she could only assume it was aggressive given how sharp and animated the one-sided conversation was.

  Morrigan growled instinctively which caused her breath to hitch as the unnatural sound reached her own ears. The surprise didn’t sooth her frustration though, “He is lucky, I would have taken his skull for his actions…” she let out a sigh and thought for a moment, “what of his clan? The ones who did not flee?”

  Morrigan became concerned for the remainder of the wayward clan, unsure of what kind of political policy they had in place. Though she was surprised that an entire Fire clan followed Azuhcu’ach down the most taboo path out of spite.

  “They will be divided and brought into Clans Furok and Ra’Kesh’Kato. It is a shameful time for the Marmuro’k, but we have gained two stronger Fire clans and, although small, a strong and soulful clan in exchange,” the prideful and boastful words came from another male Kêzi’kan, Yektap-Varik'kara if Morrigan recalled correctly.

  Morrigan could not help but blush at the praise before clearing her throat, “That’s good. The clan should not suffer the actions of its leader.”

  Comich-Furo side eyed her as they walked, looking back far enough that his massive snout nearly clipped the head of another chieftain. “We do not apologize for our actions however, your mercy towards Clan Tau gives us pride in being proven wrong in our judgement,” the procession of the chieftains stopped in the middle of the street as each chieftain turned towards Morrigan before Comich continued, “If it is your desire, beforr they are divided, Clan Furok and Clan Dji’fahd may bestow the remains of Clan Tau upon you, for you to strengthen your own clan.”

  That caused Morrigan to take a step back as the Timse’h’s words registered in her mind. Her mind raced, plotting out each and every possible implication and consequence she could think of until she came to her conclusion, while the chieftains all waited for her expectantly.

  “No, Clan Tau should be here… for as much as I wish to stay on this beautiful world, there are more alliances and those who need protection from the Federation. War is coming, as we saw, and we all must prepare. Clan Clarke belongs in the stars until the Federation is no longer a threat to our worlds…” Morrigan explained, omitting the fact that she had no room for an entire clan on the Archangel, not that she knew the numbers, plus Shepard would likely kill her. Many of the chieftains nodded in acceptance of her response though a few held stoic expressions of disappointment.

  “I mainly came to bring Yekku-Clarke back home aboard my ship however, I also wished to say that the Federation ship is yours to do with as you please, as well as the prisoners aboard. I hope the Earth Clans can make use of it and add another ship to Tik’Taq’To’s strength,” Morrigan added which drew looks of respect all around.

  Xitzocl placed a hand on her should to draw her attention and said, “I had spoken to your mate two cycles ago. She said that was your intention but you do us honor to speak of it yourself. Many of the Earth Clans are busy with the ship as we speak.”

  Morrigan smiled, she was happy they accepted the spoils of war though she knew she shouldn’t have been worried. Though one thing worried her still, “Were there many casualties?” she asked knowing many Marmuro’k joined the battle.

  “Some injuries thought most came home healthy though, a small amount died in the glory of combat,” Xitzocl explained. Morrigan was just glad it was only a small amount though she felt her face betray her with a frown.

  After getting to know a lot of the Marmuro’k culture, dying in battle was a glory, not something to be upset about but that didn’t keep her from caring about the loss of life.

  “I wish you all well however, I have much to do aboard my ship and must find Yekku. I hope the clans prosper in our absence though if anything happens, we shall return in full force,” Morrigan said to the chieftains before the conversation dragged on for too long. Each seemed eager to speak with her however, she needed to speak with her own crew and return to the Void Star before setting out on her new task.

  All of the chieftains nodded their respect before parting ways to see to their own duties, leaving Xitzocl standing alone with Morrigan. “Come, I will take you to him,” Xitzocl spoke in Morrigan’s native tongue as she gestured for her to follow.

  Morrigan took stock of the city, seeing a newer energy to the city as the Marmuro’k carried various new supplies, most of which taken from the wreckage of the Federation ships.

  “So, has he been upset?” Morrigan asked meekly, feeling terrible about leaving him behind for so long.

  “No. Yekku and Izden have shared much time together since your call to battle, building and conversing to a great extent,” Xitzocl stated even if it had been obvious that she knew how Morrigan felt.

  Morrigan was torn. On one hand, she was happy that Yekku was not upset with her or lonely, but on the other, it made her worry that Yekku may change his mind.

  Xitzocl read her like a book and hissed in amusement. Morrigan furrowed her brows in irritation as she glanced at Xitzocl only for her to say, “Worry not. Think of it as two old clan mates catching up, sharing time and stories before going different directions once again.”

  Xitzocl had stopped in front of a cubical shaped building covered in bizarre odds and ends hanging from wire and string, the windows, walls and doorways having a hodgepodge of metal scraps put together as shutters. As if on cue, there was a shrill warble from inside before Yekku burst through the hinged bi-fold metal doors and barreled right into Morrigan with a flying hug. To both of their surprise, Morrigan didn’t budge an inch as she wrapped her arms instinctively around the hyperactive S’randin.

  Yekku chattered and warbled in a non-stop string of excitement as Morrigan simply giggled, completely relieved to see him. The moment Izden stepped out of the building. Yekku pulled away to continue his enthusiastic conversation only to stop and stare at Morrigan, pupils dilating and constricting as he looked her over.

  Yekku’s sudden stop made her frown as she watched him wring his hands with a nervous energy. Morrigan however, learned after some time that he only did that when he was deep in thought, which bode well for the situation but still worried her.

  In a flash, Yekku moved closer, inspecting her closer with a sharp turn of his head, allowing one eye to solely focus on her features before lunging and sniffing around her face, tongue flickering relentlessly as it jabbed into her face and tickling her.

  With a sudden calm, Yekku slide his head between her neck and shoulder with a soft clicking sigh, allowing her to throw her arms around his neck tightly, tears threatening to form in her eyes as relief washed over her for the second time within a minute.

  She looked up to see Izden wiping his reptilian hands off with a grease rag as he gave her a respectful yet sharp nod, common for the species.

  Morrigan smiled as she released Yekku, “It’s good to see you, Izden-Kri’ket.”

  Izden chirped as he casually tossed the rag onto a metal bar bolted to the wall, Yekku stepping aside as Morrigan stepped closer. Like old comrades, Izden and Morrigan embraced before Yekku let out a startling screech and bolted into the building.

  “What was that about?” Morrigan asked aloud before Yekku reappeared with a weapon in hand.

  He meekly stepped closer to his chieftain before presenting a three-and-a-half-foot long scythe made from darkened metal, the weapon expertly crafted. Morrigan held out her hands and let Yekku place it into her hands, surprising her as she could feel the weight of the weapon in her palms. “What’s this sweetie?” she asked softly as she marveled at the weapon.

  Yekku and Izden took turns telling her a story she couldn’t understand before Xitzocl stepped in, “This is Izden-Kri’ket’s private workshop. Izden traded for some of the larger pieces of ship hull, and with Yekku-Clarke’s help, started producing a new weapon for the Marmuro’k. One he has named, “The Fang of Morrigan”,” she translated as Morrigan inspected the weapon closer, the foot and a half hook shaped like a Fang designed not only to slice across something, but pierce something like a giant pick that bent into the long handle that curled into an enclosed knuckle guard far too large for her tiny hands. Morrigan choked on laughter before her eyes widened as she realized how on the nose the name really was. Her tongue gently running across one of her newfound fangs.

  She let out a long breath and put on a smile as she gently handed it back to Yekku before looking at the both of them, “It’s a beautiful weapon. You two have outdone yourselves,” she said hiding her feelings.

  Izden nodded sharply as he took the weapon from Yekku and hoisted it across his shoulder, looking like a lanky reptilian bandit as he stood tall, head held high and frill fully extended. Morrigan giggled as Xitzocl hissed in amusement before Morrigan looked at Yekku, “Are you ready to go buddy? We have a lot of work to do and everyone misses you, especially Skoll and Danson.”

  Yekku bobbed his head enthusiastically before shifting towards Izden, giving each other a hug before Yekku returned. Anxiously waiting for her to lead the way. Morrigan snickered and waved to Izden, “Take care of yourself, Izden-Kri’ket. I hope to see many new inventions when we return.”