The energy that tingled across
her skin sent a shiver down her spine as Morrigan stepped into the open space
of the surface once again.

She watched as eight drones
fluttered around her and the guard, transfixed on her position as they glided
through the air while Morrigan walked across the open field. She spied the
control tower rimmed with cameras, giving a sly smirk in its direction now that
she knew she was being watched.

“So, I take it someone
reported Tyrus’s death to the Warden?” Morrigan asked casually as she took in
every surrounding detail.

“Apollyon, make sure you’re
paying attention, this us our chance to learn the layout of this place,” she
told her disembodied partner though Apollyon did not reply.

The guard stiffened when he
heard her question, “uh yeah, I think it was someone for the morning guard,” he
said cautiously.

Morrigan knew the guards
rotated each day since Mine 16. She tried using their replacement as a time
table though that quickly blended into nonsense since she did not know the time
table the guards used.

One thing she did notice that
the guard who wielded the mini-gun in Mine 4 passed it off to the relieving
guard, which told her those were at least in short supply.

Morrigan snorted at the fear
the guard radiated, “you don’t have to be so worried, honestly you and your
fellow guards have been respectful to me and the others.”

The guard chuckled at the
notion giving her a cursory glance, “ma’am… with all due respect, I just watched
you crush a guardswoman as if she were a damned grape… I may get paid well
enough to stand around this shit hole and protect the company’s “interests”,
but I’m not paid enough to press my luck mouthing off to you.”

That piqued her interest at
the mention of a company. “A company you say?” she inquired.

She could hear the guard curse
under his breath at his loose mouth, “I mean this respectfully but I’ve already
said more than I should have…”

Morrigan snorted and folded
her arms as they walked, the drones chirping electronically at her sudden
movement, “I mean, the cat is already out of the bag, you might as well tell
me.”

The guard sighed loud enough
for her to hear though he kept her pace at seven feet away, “shit… I guess to
avoid having my spine ripped out… the most I can say is this mine is owned by a
mining company.”

Morrigan hummed thoughtfully
as she took in the concept and started connecting the dots, “so, the Federation
sells prisoners to this company who turns around using slave labor to mine
Viridian to sell back to the Federation and CoU…theoretically,” she said aloud
before starting to chuckle darkly.

She heard the guard hitch
his breath in panic, “I uh I don’t know ma’am, I’m just a guard I don’t know
anything about operations or…”

Morrigan waved her hand
cutting him off with a blown raspberry, “relax, I’m only curious how much Amaranthe
got for me,” she chuckled as she lied, when deep down she was pissed she was
sold as a slave.

She knew she could be wrong,
however, for a mining company to establish a prison filled with Federation
prisoners, it was the only conclusion she could come to.

The guard clammed up after
that as they walked their way towards a massive blast door on the other side.
There were two heavily armed and armored guards at each end of the gate. One
also carried a mini-gun, though she couldn't identify the other weapon, “Perhaps
a grenade launcher?” She thought though the barrel seemed significantly too
large for that.

Maybe? I mean you can always
rip his skull out and try it out? Just saying, Apollyon quipped which made her
crack a small smile.

“Please, wait right here for
a moment,” her escort asked.

She nodded respectfully and
watched the guard deflate in relief before jogging over to the guard on the far
left that held the strange weapon. After a moment of talking the guard reached
into a recess in the wall next to them and the blast door let out a shriek of
grinding metal as it slowly started to rise.

To her surprise, the other
side of the blast door was a hallway only eight feet wide, each side flanked by
20 feet of stone wall.

Her escort returned and they
walked into the hall, her escort pressing himself against the wall to give her
space.

She could also hear the hum
of drone engines fade away as they remained in the courtyard.

The hall ended in a T
intersection, her eyes homing in on the directional image on the wall. Three
arrows pointed to the left listed: Dock, Processing, Barracks. The four arrows pointing
to the right listed: Warden’s office, Infirmary, Mess, Control.

“This is it! I can escape!”
she shouted in her head.

Fucking hell girl you don’t
need to yell, I’m right here…

The guard pointed to the
right and she paused, before following his direction.

Slow down girl, as much as I
enjoy your attitude about getting the hell out of here… you might want to come
up with a plan unless you’d like a repeat of last time, Apollyon pointed out.

She cursed herself silently.
“Okay, fair point…”

Besides, you’re forgetting
something important, Apollyon noted which had her tilt her head curiously.

You got that horny kitten
and those big lizards to think about too, not that I care if you leave them behind,
I just don’t want to listen to your whining about it later.

Morrigan’s heart tugged
painfully at the realization she had just considered abandoning Nora and
Xol-Tau.

“Shit… I can’t believe I
didn’t think of that…” her reply was filled with guilt and shame.

Don’t worry about it little
goddess, excitement gets the best of us.

After turning down three
more halls they arrived to an obnoxiously well-designed dark wood door that was
out of place surrounded by the white walls and tile floor of the hall.

“Just give me one moment,”
her escort requested before knocking on the door and stepping inside.

Morrigan waited until the
door opened fully and her escort waved her in.

The Warden’s office was the
epitome of luxury which made her grind her teeth as she took in the sight.
Walls were dark hard wood panels with ornate light sconces, wall sized bookshelf
along the back filled with records, novels, knickknacks and the like. The
Warden sat in a high back leather chair behind a large mahogany desk one would
expect to find in a government official’s office.

She noted a small, basic
chair in the middle of the room that was well in view of the small automated
turrets that hung from each corner, tracking her every movement.

“Please, take a seat Miss
Clarke,” the Warden said gesturing the chair. She stepped around the chair and
took her seat, leaning back in surprised comfort.

“That'll be all for
now, Asahd. Please wait outside, I’ll send her out when we’re finished.”

The Warden casually slipped papers
away and moved things around his desk as if unconcerned by her presence. Given
the amount of fire power pointed at her, it was a moderately safe assumption she
would behave.

“I can’t say I’m surprised
to see you here when I heard of Tyrus’s death. He was a good mine leader.”

“You mean rapist,” Morrigan
spat as she ground her teeth as her anger spiked.

The Warden looked up and
regarded her for a moment, pursing his lips, “well, I don’t keep track of each
mine leaders’ personal activities are…though this makes a lot more sense…” he
said in indifferent realization.

The way he called rape a
personal activity had her seething but he did not stop there.

“Honestly, the leaders are
the liaisons between the prisoners and me. They make sure production is kept up
and on time, and I fulfill what requests they bring me as well as report any events
that happen to affect the Viridian supply. Outside of that, my knowledge of
what happens within each mine is very limited,” he said in a way of omitting
any guilt.

Morrigan did not hide the
fact she was grinding her teeth.

He watched her closely and
cleared his throat, “anyways, I hear you killed the guard I sent down into the
mine,” he said factually.

Morrigan shrugged, “maybe
next time you'll send someone more respectful.”

He hummed thoughtfully,
“quite…” he said absently in thought, “well… I am sorry for what happened to
you for what it’s worth…however, I requested you here to discuss business going
forward.”

She remained silent as her
stern demeanor became harder.

The Warden got up and
stepped around his desk and sat on the edge closest to her, “I have noticed
production has been steadily rising from Mine 4 which I believe you are responsible
for. I've also been told the other prisoners hold you with high regard and
respect. So, my question to you is what your demands are to keep productivity high?”

“I suppose getting off this
rock is out of the question?” she quipped rhetorically.

The Warden gave her an
unamused smirk knowing she knew the answer already.

Morrigan sighed, “better
food for one. The slop you give us is bullshit.”

The Warden nodded at that,
“that’s a fair demand though do you have something in mind? That's a very vague
request.”

Morrigan rolled her eyes as
she leaned back, “at least something with flavor! The shit you give us tastes
like fucking flour. Hell, maybe even some bread instead of stale ass fucking
hardtack!” she spat.

The Warden raised his
eyebrows at her small tirade, “well, the issue with the “slop” as you call it,
is that it contains all of the essential nutrients needed to keep everyone
healthy. Changing to different food may cause an adverse decline in health…” he
pointed out.

“Maybe, but there’s gotta be
a way to make it taste better,” she retorted.

He scratched his chin in
thought, “well, I suppose we can add chicken or beef broth to it. That would
give it some flavor, wouldn’t it?”

Morrigan narrowed her eyes
as she mulled the idea over, “Sure, but change it every two days. That way we
won’t get flavor lock and it’ll still appeal to my inmates. Some fresh bread
too,” she said making sure to keep that in the bargain.

“Done. I’ll have to order
more bread but that’s doable. Anything else?”

Morrigan put more thought
into what essentials the prisoners could use that wasn’t too ridiculous.

“Well, if you want higher
production that’ll mean harder work, so we will need additional water…” she
said curiously.

He nodded in agreement,
“that’s certainly reasonable. That can be easily done. What about for you
though? Being a leader means you can ask for some personal items for yourself.
It’s the perk of being in such a position. Your uh… predecessor, often asked
for liquor as well as furniture.”

Morrigan didn’t feel the
need to ask for anything now that she set up a way to track time with the food
delivery. However, she could ask for alcohol for Nora. It would be a great way
to repay the woman for all that she has done for her.

“I wish I knew what I could
get Xol or the Marmuro’k… ugh I need a smoke…” she thought to herself as the
faint scent of cherry tobacco around the room finally ate away at her nerves.

She also considered updating
the list later when she could speak with Xol, she might even get a list
together from other inmates and sneak them into her own demands.

“Well, alcohol would still
be nice though I have no need for furniture, I could use a steady supply of
cigarettes though. I ran out the other day…” she said chewing her lip.

The Warden snorted and
nodded, “yeah, it’s a terrible vice but it’s one I certainly understand,” he mused
as he reached behind him and dug into box.

He snipped the end and
presented her with a thin cigar held out by the tip of his fingers, “here, do
you need me to light it?” he asked with a smile.

She shook her head as she
cautiously reached out as took the cigar from the other end, making sure his
fingers were a healthy distance away.

When she put it in her mouth
she reached into her shirt and pulled out her matches and lit the rolled
tobacco.

“This, is amazing…” she said
as she exhaled the earthy cherry flavored smoke blissfully

The Warden chuckled, “well
they’re expensive so I can’t get you a steady supply of those, consider it a
show of good faith. I will see to it that you have cigarettes though.”

She nodded slightly and
enjoyed her smoke, “I would appreciate that.”

That made him laugh for some
reason not that she considered what she said to be funny. “Well then I guess
this is a done deal, I'll have some broth added to the food tomorrow and I’ll
even throw in some extra crackers until I can get the bread you’re asking for,”
he said as he stood straight in front of her.

“Honestly, I expected far
more complicated demands from you, I’m glad you didn’t turn out the be a
difficult negotiator,” he said as held out his hand expecting her to shake it.

She shrank back in her chair
slightly, “that’s… not the best idea…” she stated as she started at his hand
with wide eyes.

He furrowed his brow as he
looked down at his hand before making the connection. He quickly pulled his
hand back, “right, that slipped my mind,” he awkwardly cleared his throat
before walking around his desk and sitting back down.

He reached into his desk and
pulled out a small bottle of scotch and set it at the edge of his desk, “go on
and take that. Consider it an apology for Tyrus’s actions on behalf of myself…”
he said gesturing to the bottle.

She cocked her head in
confusion, not really being able to get a bead on the man. On one hand, he ran
a slave labor prison with very little regard to what happens to the lives of
the prisoners within them, but on the other hand, he seemed to be very
understanding and even humane.

“Why?” She blurted.

He leaned back and scoffed
before his expression softened, “I’m not a monster Ms. Clarke. I may run a
prison but I do have values and rape is one of those things I will always be
against. No one deserves that to happen to them. Honestly, if I would’ve known
he was committing such a vile act, I would’ve executed him myself,” he told her
with complete sincerity.

She processed what he said
and nodded tersely, “well… thank you…”

He gave her a nod
before taking out the papers he put away, “go ahead and take the bottle, Asahd
will escort you back. Just don’t move too quickly. I don’t want you to set off
the turrets.”

She eyed the automated
weapons with a thick swallow. She slowly stood and reached for the bottle even
slower, making sure to follow the instructions given.

Good job, I like what you did
with the food, clever thinking girl Apollyon mused proudly.

Morrigan left without saying
another word and headed back to the mine.

Nora was giddy when she saw
Morrigan step off the elevator. She and the Marmuro’k had been lounging around the
overview.

“See! I told you she’d be
fine!” Nora chirped loudly, she was obviously excited to rub it in Xol’s face
who ended up ignoring her and gave Morrigan a respectful bow of his head.

To see them getting along as
normal made Morrigan smile, especially with Xol having not killed Nora during
her absence.

“I got you something,” she
said as the half-consumed cigar hung between her lips.

Nora jumped up with childish
excitement before rushing over to her.

Morrigan brandished the
small bottle and Nora’s eyes lit up like a cat before letting out a girlish
squeal as she grabbed the bottle.

After giving her a quick hug
Nora unscrewed the cap and took a small sip. “Oh my God! That is heavenly!” she
exclaimed in a blissful groan.

She should be saying
“Goddess”, seeing as she’ll be on her knees before you in no time! Apollyon
cackled.

Morrigan squeezed her eyes
tightly as she chuckled, smiling strongly.

“Why! Seriously why would… bloody
hell Apollyon! Just… why!?” she sputtered in her head. Apollyon only chuckled
in the back of her head having accomplished embarrassing her.

Refocusing, Morrigan grabbed
Nora’s wrist and started dragging her to her room, “I gotta talk to you.”

Nora sputtered in giggles
and made noises that insinuated a very desirable change of pace she had not
been expecting, all the while grinning like an idiot.

“Xol, come with!” Morrigan ordered.

Nora looked between Morrigan
and Xol in confusion as he stood responsively.

“Wait what? I mean… what?”
Nora sputtered in uncertainty as they disappeared into Morrigan’s room.

Once Xol joined them Morrigan
released the blonde, “we’re escaping,” she blurted.

Even Xol stopped mid stride
to give her an awkward look as Nora looked at her as if she had lost her mind.

“I’m serious. I’ve seen
where to go, all we need to do is come up with a plan,” she stated and moved to
the far end of the room, focusing on her emotions to pull back the amount of
energy she used as her crimson claws enveloped her hand, using a clawed finger
to start etching a map into the stone floor.

Nora and Xol looked at each
other in curious surprise before moving to see what she was doing.

Morrigan explained what she
saw, her negotiation and her plan as she mapped out as much of the prison
surface as she could see.

“It will probably take a
eight to ten days to coordinate with all the inmates and figure out who to send
up with each group. When we take the barracks and kill whoever stands against
us, we can take the docks. If there are no ships then we can move to the
control center. I know two Federation corporals who will not ignore me…” she
trailed off angrily before shaking her head, “we’ll take their ship when they
come to stop us, and I’ll finally get to kill those two bastards for putting me
in here,” she added hopefully.

She looked up at her two
companions, “so, what do you think?”

Nora looked at the map in
shock, “I never really thought escaping was possible…”

Xol huffed, “baş hebûn roj karxane,”
as he nodded.

“Good, then we start
spreading the word tomorrow. We just need to be sure the guards don’t catch
wind of this otherwise we’ll never succeed.”

The amount of danger and
risk her plan brought tickled Nora pink as she spun Morrigan towards her and
planted a hard kiss on her lips.

“Violence, danger, booze and
utterly sweet acts of kindness, how did I get so lucky to meet you precious?”
she said as if she were dreaming.

Morrigan blushed as she
pulled Nora into her, resting her forehead against Nora’s, “we only have this
one chance at freedom…” avoiding the rush of emotions that flooded her, part of
those emotions being worry since plans seemed to never work out in her favor.

You’ll be fine Mori.
This plan of yours, it’s a good one. Let’s be honest, I’ve heard a lot of
battle plans over the millennia, just focus on this lovely feline in your arms,
Apollyon said encouragingly.

Morrigan sighed and looked up
into Nora’s sparkling silver eyes, feeling all her stress fading away and the
tiredness from the day settling into her muscles.

ΩΩΩ

The prisoners were filled
with high energy as Morrigan, Xol and Nora spread the word of her plan. The
Warden was true to his word as she received a package of cigarettes as well as
delivering chicken and beef broth infused slop which made the inmates even more
content.

Morrigan was happy having a
sense of time again since the Warden had followed her instructions of switching
the flavors, though she could not be certain he followed the correct time frame.
Trying to pair it with the guard rotation did not help much seeing as the
guards could be different any time the warren stirred awake.

The three of them had gone
through and found everyone combat-fit, and organized equipping them and putting
them into groups for the elevator. Even the Eskarii, who still had no desire to
interact with her, held back their disdain for humanity for the chance of
escaping, offering assistance to Yekku and Qiote, who she had fashioning
throwing knives and daggers from stone zealously.

Seeing the Eskarii and
Marmuro’k working side by side made her happy as she watched them grind stone
on stone to sharpen the edges. “You see, total queen vibes,” came the giggly voice
behind her.

Morrigan turned to see
Nora’s proud smirk as she wrapped her hands around Morrigan from behind.

She's not lying, you have a
knack for being a leader Mori, Apollyon said, supporting Nora’s claim.

Morrigan smirked as she
leaned back against the blonde woman, taking in her warmth. “I couldn't
possibly be a queen, I'm barely even a leader who just got lucky enough to do
something right…” she sighed.

“Why couldn’t you be a
queen? I mean look at all you have done to make everyone's lives slightly
better while plotting the greatest gift of all. Freedom.” Nora argued sweetly.

She’s right Mori. I’ve seen
countless leaders come and go, you inspire faith and hope amongst the masses
little reaper. That’s the whole point in leading, to give your people something
to look forward to that brings them together; such as my siblings creations
over there. As far as I understand it, they’re enemies yet you have them
working together to arm your people.

“What is with you both
trying to make me think I’m something I’m not?” She asked internally.

If the boot fits, eh?
Apollyon chuckled darkly.

Morrigan gently shook her
head and sighed. All she wanted was for the Federation to pay for their crimes.
As much as she did not want to be a leader, she could not deny the unity she
had spurred within Mine 4. She could not believe she was even considering that
Apollyon and Nora may have been right.

“We do this tonight… waiting
any longer just adds unnecessary risks,” Morrigan said wistfully trying to keep
her nerves from going into overdrive.

Nora nuzzled the side of her
head, “don’t worry precious, trust your people. We will be free soon.”

You remember what we’ve been
training on for the past few days? Apollyon asked.

“Yeah, it almost feels like
second nature now,” she thought as she lifted arm in front of her. She focused
her emotional barriers and pushed out energy that crackled into her arm.
Slowly, the energy coalesced and encased her forearm in a protective shell as a
long three-foot wrist blade apparated connected to her forearm. It was similar
to the massive forearm appendages she had seen in the brief look at Apollyon’s
spirit when she finished the ritual Apollyon had her perform.

That was something she
wished to inquire about when she had the moment.

“Let everyone know. Make
sure everyone is armed after we have eaten and rested,” she said in a cool
order.

“Of course, precious,” Nora
whispered out as she stared in awe at the newfound form of Morrigan’s powers.
She gently kissed the side of Morrigan’s head before releasing her and moving
down the tunnel to inform the S’randin and Eskarii.

She watched the blonde
sashay away with a smile as she released the energy covering her hand and
turned out of the tunnel to head back into the central warren.

The nervous, eager energy
around the warren was palpable by the time everyone had eaten and spent some
time recovering from the mining done for the day.

Morrigan watched the guards out
of the corner of her eye. Despite Xol’s misgivings about it, he stood sentry
across from the overview while Nora, and Hî’tet both fidgeted nervously as they
split their attention between Morrigan and the inmates gathered.

Morrigan took a cursory
glance across the many faces that tried to act casual as they were gathered
within the central warren. Morrigan hand selected as many ex-military and ex-mercenaries
on top of the seven Eskarii to join her and the Marmuro’k in the first two
waves up the elevator to serve as the vanguard for the surface assault.

The only thing holding them
back was Morrigan; it was up to her to give the signal. She was holding back
out of fear something would go wrong, though she did not show it in the
slightest.

What’s the matter little
reaper? Getting cold feet? Apollyon inquired.

“No, no, it’s just… if we
mess up then everyone here will die, and it’ll be my fault,” she responded as
she chewed her lip.

You can’t worry about that
girl, not when you have vengeance at your finger tips! Apollyon said icily.

“Yes, I can Apollyon. These
are my people… they’re my responsibility and if they were to die because of
me…”

That’s where you’re wrong.
Only they can get themselves killed. You may have given them the hope this
fight will bring but it’s up to each of them to survive. The Federation is what
you need to worry about! They’re the ones who stole your freedom. They stuck
you deep in the ground, the ones who caused you to lose Henry and the old man,
the ones who are responsible for Tyrus raping you instead of you being back
home with your family and that little lover boy of yours! Apollyon growled in
irritation, trying to show her when to worry about one’s followers and when not
to.

Morrigan bit her lip hard
enough to draw blood as Apollyon’s words echoed in her head. She could feel her
unbridled rage rising within her core as she considered Apollyon’s words. Remembering
that the deity had yet to steer her wrong.

She needed to make the
Federation pay, to have it fall to its knees so everyone they have ever put
down could stand on their feet and unite like they should have done so many
decades ago.

As she stood, she took one
final look at the hodgepodge group of aliens and humans that followed her near
blindly.

“Just as I’ve united them…”
she thought.

Now you’re getting it little
goddess, let the slaughter begin! Apollyon cheered with sadistic excitement.

Morrigan moved from her
chair, and gave Nora a stern nod, her expression cold.

Nora grinned and clapped
excitingly as she giggled, quickly chasing after Morrigan as she started
stalking down the slope towards the elevator.

Xol also moved closer to the
elevator as the S’randin shifted to the edge of the crowd.

Once she was within range,
Morrigan lashed out, a large spectral crimson claw bowling over most of the
guards and killing a few of them as gaping wounds were torn open.

Morrigan shifted her energy
to the crimson wrist-blades and launched herself into the midst of the guards, pirouetting
in a deadly arc.

Nora squealed excitedly as
she formed her magic into half a dozen crystalline knives and threw them with
deadly accuracy.

Xol rushed to the elevator,
homing in on his single target, the guard with the mini-gun. As the guard
regained composure by the sudden massacre of his fellow guards, he turned the
six barreled weapon upon Morrigan and Nora.

Just as the barrels of the
weapon began to spin up to speed, Xol’s stone hammer smashed into the guard
with bone crushing force, sending the man crashing into the wall next to the
elevator.

Xol followed up with another
fluid swing, the guards head shattering in gore between the proverbial, and
literal, rock and hard place.

Nora drove her icy blades
into a dying guard as one surviving guard tried scooting onto the elevator,
holding a wounded belly.

Morrigan stalked
closer with glowing crimson blades protruding from her forearms. Recognition
flashed across her face; the surviving guard had been Asahd.

He looked up at her as his
wound bled through his hand, “why?” he forced out.

No mercy girl.

Morrigan stood tall
above Asahd looking down at him with her hooded gaze, “I’m sorry, but your life
is the price of freedom. I will make it quick,” she said coldly.

She drew her arm back and
pierced his heart for a swift death, the only merciful death out of the bunch
who had been butchered by her crimson blades.

She turned back as the
central warren roared in a triumphant cheer. “First group, move forward and arm
yourselves! We are the spear as well as the shield to those behind us!”

Ten ex-military inmates
moved forward to strip the guards of their gear and weapons, including one who
Morrigan designated to wield the mini-gun.

She had the strength to
wield it given her powers, but she had no idea how to operate the gun,
therefore felt it was in better hands of someone who has used advanced military
weapons before.

Besides, she had to worry
about the courtyard tower.

“This is going to be so much
fun!” Nora cheered as she walked up and squeezed Morrigan's shoulders as they
waited on the elevator, Xol, the Marmuro’k and Eskarii joining them as they
waited.

Morrigan sniggered before
turning her attention to the warren, “group two be ready! Group three spread
the word! Today we fight for freedom!” she cried out. The prisoners roared in a
cheer as her group finished piling onto the elevator tightly despite the
platform being able to fit 30.

“We’re ready,” one of the
prisoners stated.

Xol hit the button for the
elevator and they rose into the darkness of the shaft readying themselves for
the fight of their lives.

As the mine gate rose, they
were greeted with an empty courtyard they rushed out to. Xol sent the elevator
back down as Morrigan channeled her rage, a massive spectral claw went soaring
towards the central tower.

As it crashed against the
tower with devastating force, the alarm blared throughout the courtyard before
the tower shattered.

Morrigan growled, she had
been hoping the alarm would not get off but there was nothing to do about it
now as a swarm of drones flew into the sky.

Her group responded
immediately, the mini-gunner doing his job as he released a constant stream of
bullets at the incoming drones that fired the stunning pulse rounds at the
group.

The rest of the guards
responded more quickly since her first encounter with them. Though their
expectations must have been similar to last time as they barked in surprised
shouts as they were met with 24 inmates armed to the teeth.