To say the Cathedral
wasn’t grandiose would have been a blatant lie as Morrigan set her eyes on an
actual high gothic Cathedral sitting upon a long, ever rising road.

“It’s a bit on the nose, don’t
you think?” Morrigan mused.

Emily giggled and nodded, “Oh yeah
it is, but when everyone started simply calling it the Cathedral, the
Lord Inquisitor let the name stick to it despite having no love of it himself.”

As they slowly made their way up
the street Morrigan took a look at Emily.

“You seem to hold Solomon in high
regards,” she pointed out.

Emily smiled at her, “The Lord
Inquisitor is a great man. He’s a superb strategist, excellent public speaker
and has a truly selfless vision when it comes to helping out others.”

“That sounds a bit… cult-y,”
Morrigan said warily.

Emily laughed at the comment
though, “Yes, I suppose it does now that I think about it… truth is Solomon has
an eye for things, whether it be justice, morality, fairness or even when it
comes to recruits such as yourself,” she paused before stopping, letting
Morrigan focus solely on her, “If I’m being honest, I was informed of you.
Between all the information the CoU had on you as well as Solomon’s personal
recount of finding you within that prison… if I would have been in charge I may
have never let you leave that place…” Emily admitted sullenly with a hint of
remorse in her eyes for speaking her truth.

Morrigan’s anger peaked over the
edge for a moment before she let out a heavy sigh as she pursed her lips
together.

“I..I know it sucks to hear but
that's why he’s in charge. He sees things other people would normally over
look… and my biggest mistake would've been never being able to find out just
how nice you are and how adorably wonderful your companions are,” Emily
finished with a weak, worried smile.

“I get it, everything has a
consequence,” Morrigan huffed with a heavy breath, letting her nerves calm
down, “I can't deny my past isn't the best, nor is it the worst. Honestly, I'm
just worried that this is just another government body looking to use me like
the Federation… or lock me away forever-whichever comes first. Today has been
fun with you though, it’s been a long time since I've laughed that hard or felt
so… relaxed.”

Emily looked like she was about
to start crying before giving Morrigan a tight hug. Morrigan panicked for the
split second before realizing her body wasn't going to react violently.

However, that did not stop Xol
from letting out a warning hiss as he stalked behind them. Both women
jumped,  forgetting he had been following
them since they left the apartment.

Morrigan laughed with Emily as
she returned her hug, “Ignore the big guy and let's go see the other “big guy”.”
Morrigan quipped, feeling better about the exchange already.

They finished walking to the Cathedral
in comfortable silence as they entered through the massive doors of solid
dark wood and metal. Morrigan was in awe at the plain yet elegantly detailed
dark architecture before stepping inside only to be blown away by what lay
before her.

The interior of the Cathedral was
beyond massive; gray tinted glass that let in the cosmic light of the galaxy
with low hanging chandeliers and sconces used to light the room. The walls and
pillars were a beige marble with multicolored gems impeded into them while the
stone floor was a mix of a beautiful dark brown with gold flakes mixed with
squares of amber.

Along each wall to either side
was a row of large computers with multiple monitors similar to how her mother’s
computer was set up, operators at the desks relaying information nonstop.

At the back of the room,
surrounded by stone and metal statues that even Morrigan could recognize as
being both historical and mythological figures, was a massive command console
with a enormous holo-screen hovering above it in three dimensions, Solomon
standing behind it studying whatever the screen was showing him.

Emily silently held back as
Morrigan was greeted by a smile from Solomon. “Ah Ms. Clarke! I’m so glad
you’ve made it, come, come, step into my office,” he motioned behind him

Morrigan took note that there
were no guards within the Cathedral. However, given their initial
confrontation, she deemed it unnecessary for the Lord Inquisitor to require
any.

Yeahhh, that guy… I really don’t
like that he can wield my siblings’ power that efficiently, Apollyon grumbled.

“Wait, he can use your
siblings’ energies? How?” she asked internally while following him to the
center statue.

Shhhh, one problem at a time…

 With a turn of the sword the depicted man
held, it pulled away from the wall with a grinding groan.

“Impressive…” Morrigan
scrutinized which drew an amused snort from the older man. The interior of the
room was brightly lit by ornate wall sconces and a dome ceiling light. Behind
the rosewood desk was a wall of monitors that covered multiple angles of the
docks as she could see some of the Inquisitorial starships on the screens.

Solomon raised his eyebrows
towards Morrigan as he took a seat at his desk. Looking back she saw Xol
standing just inside the door way with his arms crossed and a fanged grin on
his face, challenging the man to question his motives.

“Well, that actually helps that
your companion is here but we will get to that in a moment, please take a
seat,” he gestured to one of the chairs against the wall.

Morrigan grabbed one of the
chairs and slide it under her in front of Solomon.

He took a long look at her which
began to set her nerves on edge before he smiled, “So, tell me your thoughts on
the Inquisition thus far, do you have any questions? I know we left Castile V
in a bit of a rush before you could truly think the offer over.”

Morrigan let out a steady breath
not to show her uneasiness, “Well, it’s only been half a day… but between Dora
and Emily it doesn’t sound like the Inquisition is all that bad.”

That got an amused yet proud
smile from the man as he leaned back fidgeting with a pen in his hands.

“Yes, well, I have spent many
years building this organization from the ground up,” he noted.

Morrigan bit her lip, “Well, I
guess my first question is, in regards to the level of authority the
Inquisitors hold, how do you keep everyone from abusing their power? It sounds
so easy for anyone here to become just as terrible as the Federation…”

Solomon chuckled and clapped in
good nature, though the act set irritation into her nerves as she frowned. He
composed himself and looked her directly in the eyes with a smile, “Questions
like that are the one of many reasons I believe without a doubt, that you would
make an amazing Inquisitor.”

Morrigan cocked her head to the
side, keeping her face blank as she scrutinized the old man.

“To answer your question, given
how much authority each Inquisitor holds, which to be honest is a great amount;
each Inquisitor is expected to hold each other up to the same standard as
anyone else. If one Inquisitor suspects another of abusing power, they are free
to investigate as well as assemble a council of the Inquisition to determine
degrees of guilt, or innocence; if the crimes are committed with irrefutable
proof, the investigating Inquisitor is also allowed to take matters into their
own hands then and there if need be. This also includes myself… I may be the
founder as well as the highest ranking member however, I am subject to the same
level of scrutiny as anyone else, in fact, I expect it from the other
Inquisitors,” Solomon said with sincerity.

Morrigan nodded, “Do you have an
example of when an Inquisitor was brought to justice for their actions?”

Solomon have her a solemn nod, “We
once had an Inquisitor more or less… enslave a population,” he said with shame
in his eyes, “According to another, the Inquisitor in question saved a
biomedical plant on another world from a pirate invasion. As payment, they
demanded the planet restock their ship with everything they thought necessary.
Now it is within the right of the Inquisition to request supplies from allied
planets as long as the request is reasonable nor does it effect the local
economy detrimentally. However, this one was trading what they took from the
pirates and then continued to take more and more to the point of bleeding that
planet’s economy…”

Morrigan's eyes went wide, as
someone who had just been subjected to a form of slavery herself, her anger
spiked sharp enough to illicit a burst of crimson energy across her body as her
hands crushed divots into the arms of the chair she sat in.

Solomon have her a sullen nod, “My
exact sentiment. When it was brought to light that this had been going on, I
ordered three Inquisitors to handle the situation.”

“Handle it how?” Morrigan
growled.

Solomon gave her a weak smile, “The
three ships blockaded the rogue Inquisitor’s ship, boarded it and executed the
Inquisitor in question. After that, the world was given back what we could find
as well as the costs of the pilfered supplies.”

Huh, I suppose this man is a
stand up guy, frankly I would’ve just said tough shit after dealing with the
little rogue problem, Apollyon
noted.

Morrigan took a deep breath to
settle her nerves. Apollyon had a point which she considered; despite not
needing to, the Inquisition made an effort for their mistakes as well as
seeming to have no disillusions about comradery. If anyone did bad, they paid
for it one way or another.

“I know, given recent events,
that hearing such things isn’t the best, but I wanted to emphasize the point
that no one is outside the laws or authority of the Inquisition,” Solomon
pointed out.

She bit her lip and nodded, “It’s
okay… honestly, I feel a lot better knowing that’s how things are handled here.
If what everything I’ve heard so far is to believed whole heartedly… then I can
see myself being a part of this. Though I do have one other question.”

The older man leaned back
curiously, “Feel free to ask, Ms. Clarke.”

Morrigan crossed her arms in a
huff, “You promised to send Xol and Nora to me last night yet the Marmuro’k
were the only ones who showed up… where is Nora?” the question came out with
the underlying hint of worry and fury.

“Right, I do apologize for that. Her
absence was mostly my fault really. Initially I did not want to be presumptuous
as to your… relationship with Ms. Flannigan. Regardless, it seems that
Eleanor's past is quite extensive into the realm of piracy and sabotage, along
with various other things…” he paused to watch her intently.

Morrigan gave another lip biting
nod. Nora had told her that much while they were getting to know one another in
the mines, so to hear the extent of it again was no surprise to her.

“Well, given the full weight of
her past I personally interviewed her to determine what was fictional and which
parts of her past life were real. After a long conversation, I decided to give
her a job as an instructor to train our military personnel in the art of
sabotaging an enemy ship or anything else she finds relevant on that matter.”

The look of surprise on her face
made Solomon laugh, “That was… quick,” she noted.

“Well, I do my best to not
squander the potential I see in someone. Which is why I’m so adamant for you to
join our ranks just as Nora has,” he stated while turning on a small
holo-screen built into his desk pulling up a map before standing up, “For
familiarity purposes, I have put the new recruits from Castile V that wished to
join the military aspect of our organization here in this section of the
military district. Your room is here and the room she is staying in currently
is over here,” he said pointing at a map with two different locations highlighted
to be only a block apart.

“That was… thoughtful of you… to
put all of us together so we don’t feel displaced here,” Morrigan pointed out
with a mild frown. She couldn’t grasp just how far ahead or the level of care
the Lord Inquisitor partook in when it came to making them feel welcome or
safe.

He gave her a genuine smile before
sitting down again, “Well, I have seen many come and go. Reintegration and
adaptation is a staple point of humanity. However, it doesn’t make it any
easier. So, anything I can do to make it easier for anyone to acclimate is
something I always strive for. Speaking of, and I know it will bother you to
some degree, but I do intend on sending out an order that gives warning of
your… aversion to the male gender. I think it’s best both for you, as well as
the safety of those around you. At least, if someone does something stupid they
can not say they weren’t warned,” he finished with a casual shrug.

That left Morrigan feeling
conflicted as she squirmed in her seat uncomfortably. She did not want such a
spotlight on her, though she knew some people have been informed already, but
she knew there was truth behind the statement. It was entirely possible she
could end up reflexively hurting someone, or herself for that matter, if people
weren’t aware.

She could not bring herself to
voice her opinion so she just gave the man an embarrassed nod before picking at
her fingernails, but she did force another question through.

“Why someone as dangerous as me?”

Solomon scrutinized her for a
moment before replying, “We all have issues we cannot help. Though we do have
psychiatric personnel aboard the Void Star if you wish to seek some
guidance for the affliction you have. However, it’s not something you have
complete control over and it would be unfair of me to judge you solely based
upon that… besides, it’s something that can be mitigated by putting the word
out that you are not to be physically touched. With that rule implemented, I
believe you are no more a threat than I am to anyone else aboard this station.”

His sincerity and understanding
threw her mind into a loop of shock and disbelief. Aside from Taylor, she had
never met anyone that fully accepted her flaws and tried to work with them
rather than beat her into the ground with them.

With the lull in conversation,
Solomon shifted his attention to Xol, who stood guard by the door like a statue
ever-observing.

“This brings up another
opportunity. The Marmuro’k, were not very cooperative yesterday but seeing as we
have very little relative data to compare to their backgrounds, I figured it
was better to just let them be around you last night, to be around their… Mirina
Sor?” he said questioningly.

Morrigan deflated at that and
cast her over grown white shadow a look before sighing, “Red Death. It’s what
they call me. Xol claims it is a title of high honor though I don’t know how
true that is.”

Xol let out a low hiss as if what
she said was insulting.

Solomon smirked, “Well, another
reason for your high potential is that, for whatever the reason may be, you
have earned their respect and loyalty it would seem, as well as picked up on
their language. I don’t know if you understand the importance of that; you are
the first Terran in known existence to openly communicate with their species.
Therefore, I was hoping Xol or… Hi’tet was it? Would be willing to teach some
of our more diplomatic personnel some of their language?”

Xol let out another long hiss of
displeasure which garnered Morrigan’s attention. She spun around in her chair
and narrow her eyes at him.

“Don’t be a jerk Xol. Honestly,
Hi’tet doesn’t know any Terran and no one can understand Yekku or Qiote. If I
have to do stuff then so do you!” she stated firmly.

Xol narrowed his eyes at her and
counter argued with her in his own language. Morrigan groaned and rolled her
eyes. She turned back to the Lord Inquisitor with irritation.

“He says his job is to protect me
and that I am not safe,” she huffed out.

Solomon looked between the girl
and the towering Kêzi’kân, “Well… I can assure you, Xol, that Ms. Clarke is
under the highest level of protection, especially aboard the Void Star.
Even as an initiate Inquisitor, her ranking stands above everyone aside from
full fledged Inquisitors.”

Xol growled more of his harsh language
vehemently.

Morrigan sighed in defeat and
turned back to him, “You and the others are not slaves! You would work
like everyone else. I'm staying, and if you want to stay with me then you have
to help!” she growled back in his own language.

Solomon watched curiously at the
interaction while Xol spit back another retort. Causing Morrigan to flail her
arms up in aggravation as she turned back to Solomon.

“He feels it is just a form of
slavery of his kind when all he wants to do is protect me…” she said in a
defeated tone.

Solomon mulled it over in his
head, “We have no intentions of enslaving anyone. In fact, I do believe I just
recited a story of how we handle those that feel its is okay to enslave anyone…
if it helps we would be paying you for any work you do as well as the other
Marmuro’k…”

Xol scoffed and waved his hand to
dismiss the comment.

“How about a trade then? Is
there something you want that in exchange for helping some of the Terrans
understand your language?” Morrigan bargained.

Xol let out a deep thoughtful
hum, his narrowed eyes dancing between his charge and the older man on the
other side of the desk.

Xol barked his demand in a deep
tone.

Morrigan’s tilt of her head which
brought a quirked eyebrow from Solomon. She scratched her head a bit piecing
together and deciphering what Xol had said.

“I believe he said he wants a
weapon that fits his honor… but I don't know enough to know if that's the
actual meaning,” she stated half believing what she heard was correct.

Solomon hummed and reached into
his desk to pull out a holster and handgun putting it in front of Morrigan.

That earned a threatening hiss
from Xol as well as a snort from Morrigan.

“I don't think that will be
enough for him,” she pointed out.

The older man chuckled and shook
his head, “Of course not, that is for you. It is your standard issue side arm.
All military personnel are expected to be prepared at all times if I can
presume you're agreeing to undergo training. As for Xol, we don't have any of
his species’ weapons or ones he may be able to operate… as far as I’m aware at
least, so I will have our R and D district take his measurements as well as
record his strength, and design a weapon that suits him. If that is acceptable
to him, of course?” he asked looking to Xol.

Xol let out another thoughtful
hum before clicking his jaw in the tell-tale way of saying yes.

“He agrees,” she said with a meek
smile.

Solomon nodded at that, “I would
also like to have you translate for the other three; to see where their skills
are best put if they wish to stay. Though I'm uncertain how well we would fair
at getting them home if they chose to leave but I would give it my best
effort.”

Morrigan smiled, “I'll ask but
I'm pretty sure all of them will stay. The S’randin Yekku and Qiote are both
inquisitive by nature and love building things. Though, Qiote is a bit hesitant
around other Terrans aside from myself. As for Hi’tet… we would have to talk
with him and see.”

Solomon nodded firmly, “They
sound like they would do well in R and D, given their unique perspective and
possibly even more unique knowledge, they may even offer help with designing a
weapon Xol will approve of… Well then, I’ll begin explaining how things will
work with your training and we can go from there. Sound fair?”

◇◇◇

Morrigan stepped out of the
hidden office an hour later feeling significantly better about her agreement to
join the Inquisition.

It turned out, aside from
studying political and social rules when it pertains to the Inquisition, she
also had to spend her first two weeks taking a series of tests to determine
where her strengths and weakness lie, allowing her instructors to focus on
what’s lacking rather than trying to hammer the broad scope of information and
training into her.

Given the multitude of things her
parents had taught her since she was little, she would be able to skip over a
lot of the overarching training regiment.

Solomon did recommend she speak
to one of the psychiatrists however, despite ending up liking Dr. Yuma, she
still detested psychologists. Still, she decided she would consider it if
things got out of hand.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes, precious,”
the familiar tomboyish voice rang in her ears, bringing her focus back to the
real world.

Nora stood at the base of the
platform that held the central computer she found Solomon behind, her hand
sassily sitting upon her hip with her mischievous silver eyes glinting in the
light. What was more noticeable, was her radiant smile.

“I have to say you look damn good
in a uniform,” she said biting her lip and batting her eyelashes.

Morrigan lost all sensibility and
composure as she vaulted herself off the platform and tackled Nora into a hug
that she was barely able to brace for.

Nora laughed as she forced the
both of them to remain upright before returning the hug three-fold. Morrigan
let out a happy squeak under the crushing pressure of Nora’s arms, giggling as
she felt one of her vertebrae pop.

“I was worried about you,”
Morrigan sighed into her shoulder, feeling the warmth and joy as she held the
woman close to her.

Nora scoffed playfully, “As if
you have to worry about me, precious, but that’s super sweet of you either
way.”

Morrigan reluctantly released the
blonde woman and gave her a bright, bashful smile with a hint of blush on her
cheeks.

“Look at you though! You are just
so cute I can eat you up over and over!” Nora exclaimed while pinching
Morrigan’s cheeks. Morrigan blushed fiercely when she realized some of the
operatives relaying information to observe the display happening behind them
which only taunted Nora to be even more embarrassing.

“I mean, those legs in those
pants? Mmm-mmm! Gun on your hip? Nice shirt hugging your frame? It’s like
you’re just trying to turn me into a drooling idiot!” Nora persisted.

The second Morrigan heard Emily
giggle off to the side, she rushed and covered Nora’s mouth with her hand in an
attempt to silence her. Nora just chuckled against her hand as her eyes danced
wildly in glee.

Uhhh, kid? I don’t think that’s
helping the situation…

“It at least got her to stop
talking!” She shouted in panic in her head, only making Apollyon snicker.

I don’t know, keep it up and I’m
pretty sure she’ll try plucking a pearl right here in the middle of the room
hehehehe, Apollyon
mused.

Morrigan hung her head in defeat
before backing away from Nora, shaking her head. The joyous embarrassment pried
at the shell of her emotional stability as she began giggling uncontrollably
before she managed to force her emotions down enough to compose herself.

Nora crossed her arms and took in
the sight she saw, “So, looks like you accepted the old man’s offer too, huh?”

Morrigan stood on her heels and
held her hands behind her back biting her lip bashfully. She let out a small
giggle, “Yeah. To be an Inquisitor…” she squeaked out before looking down at
her shoes.

Hey Mori, you need to get your
happy ass back in the right lane. It’s starting to get a bit loud in here, Apollyon warned her.

“But… she just makes me so
happy…” Morrigan sighed wistfully back in her head.

“Damn, now you’re just putting
the cherry on top!” Nora said with a big grin.

Xol stomped closer and towered
over Morrigan from behind defensively.

“Awe! There’s tall, bright and
broody! Did you miss me too?” Nora snickered. Xol only gave her a fanged sneer
before looking down at Morrigan’s awkward composure.

“Yup, still a grump,” Nora sighed
before stepping closer to Morrigan pulling her into a tight hug and kissing her
cheek.

Xol hissed lowly in warning while
Morrigan closed her eyes, feeling the tingle of Nora’s lips spread across her
cheek and seep into her brain. The cracks in her emotional shell pulled tighter
together.

Morrigan sighed contently as she
leaned back, “We should go out tonight, I know a really good bar.”

Nora cracked a wide grin, “You
had me at go out and sold me at bar, where we going?”

“It’s called Pandora’s Box,”
Morrigan said as she snickered.

“It’s a date then,” Nora said
with a wink before kissing the tip of her nose.

Morrigan blushed before turning
her head, “Emily! We should probably get going.”

Emily sauntered up to both women
grinning knowingly, “Of course, Ms. Clarke.”

“Whoa, whoa! Where have you been
hiding this redheaded piece of candy?!” Nora exclaimed pulling Morrigan closer as
she eyed every inch of Emily’s form.

Morrigan’s cheeks burned with
embarrassment and jealousy as Emily laughed behind her hand and shook her head.

“I’m sorry to disappoint but… I’m
straight, ma’am,” she stated. Morrigan gave a tight-lipped smile as she felt
conflicted by that fact.

Nora scoffed and eyed Morrigan
with a sidelong glance, “You keep calling me ma’am and we’ll change that real
quick,” her tone filled with mischief.

“Oookay, time to go before my
brain breaks from all this embarrassment, I’ll see you tonight Nora,” Morrigan
exasperated as she pulled her into a hug before dragging Emily away from Nora
by the arm.

Nora laughed and waved as Xol
brushed past her, “See you tonight darling!” she exclaimed.

That girl of yours… you may wanna
put that one under lock and key before she chains you to a bed. By the levels
of lust dripping off her, it’s only a matter of time till she snaps and bleeds
you dry, ha!

“Apollyon… shut, up.” She
snapped back as she continued to tug Emily, who laughed at the ridiculousness
of the situation, towards the main door.

As she reached the door she
stopped and let out a deep breath before looking at Emily who smiled with
amusement.

“I’m sorry about that…”

Emily waved it off, “No worries,
not the first time a woman has hit on me… though it was a new one for one to be
so bold in front of her girlfriend.”

Morrigan could not escape the
oceanic assault of embarrassment as her face turned bright red. “We’re…I mean
she and I… let’s just say bold is her middle name and leave it at that.”

Ha! Even the straight girl has
you pegged!

“I need something to smoke.
Please tell me there’s somewhere I can buy some cigarettes or something?!”
Morrigan panic demanded as she pulled out the small data drive that held her
month’s salary she received from Solomon.

Emily smiled at her knowingly and
nodded, “Sure, right this way.”