notion • john murphy

32 - EXPLANATIONS

[ EXPLANATIONS ]

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   Murphy just wanted to sleep.

   But no, of course not. Because the world seemed to hate him.

   He opened his eyes, glancing around to see no Titus. But then he heard movement from behind him. Oh, great.

   Murphy's gaze fell down, and he pulled on his restraints, the chains rattling loudly. He stopped when he saw Titus' figure pass him, a deadly look in his eyes.

   "Now you've had time to think," Titus began and Murphy wanted the ground to swallow him whole. "Shall we continue our conversation about this?" He held up the chip again.

   "I already told you everything I know the first ten times you asked me." Murphy told him angrily.

   "What you told me doesn't make any sense." Titus argued. "How did a Sky Person come to be in possession of our most holy symbol?"

   "Holy?" Murphy repeated. "It's a corporate logo." He spat but he immediately regretted it when Titus shoved him back harshly against the chair he sat in, his hand tightly curled around Murphy's throat.

   "Wrong." Titus seethed. "This is the sacred symbol of the Commander to whom I've dedicated my life." He gripped Murphy's throat tighter. "Now, how did you get it?"

   "Again," Murphy breathed heavily. "Jaha gave it to me."

   Titus was silent before he released his hold on Murphy's throat harshly. "This would be Chancellor Jaha?"

   "Yes." Murphy replied as Titus began to pace around him. "He told me it was the key to the City of Light and that if I swallowed it, the woman in red would take me there."

   "The woman who's not a woman?" Titus stuttered like he was mocking the words.

   "Yeah. That's right." Murphy stated dryly. "She's a computer program, but I get that's hard for you to grasp, considering you pray to garbage," Titus turned to glare at him. "No offense, obviously." Murphy added quickly.

   "Tell me more about this computer program that ended the world." Titus demanded.

   "Come on, I—I don't have any details, okay?" Murphy spoke. "On the Ark, they just told us it was countries, politics." He scoffed. "Big surprise, they were wrong."

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   Sayah was harshly pushed forward as well as Octavia, gags in their mouth as they entered the throne room. "Octavia? Sayah?" Clarke's voice questioned as she stepped forward. Sayah's eyes darted between her and Lexa.

   "Commander, forgive me for intruding on this holy day." Semet began, as he got him from where he knelt. "I am Semet of Trikru, and I come seeking justice."

Sayah glanced over to Lexa as she spoke. "Explain yourself. Why do you hold Octavia and Sayah of Skaikru prisoner?"