Chapter Text
Dead Space - Broken Unity
Prologue
The day dawned cold, a contrast to the warmth that overpowered within a blissful couple standing inside the centre of an open chapel ornately decorated with symbols of their faith. Beloved family and friends dressed in formal attire filled many polished pews aligned in a perfect circle surrounding them. Humming symphonies of devotion from a choir echoed off the vaulted ceiling over whispered conversations and prayers. A tall structure carved from stone of two spires with enigmatic markings that twined around one another loomed behind an altar under a stained-glass window. The sharp ends at the top were close to connecting beneath a crystal sphere. It was an awe-inspiring sight for everyone present. The nave was bathed in a soft, ethereal light from the morning sun shining through the window and sphere, casting pale colours of blue, green and white.
The couple could not contain their joy. Cradled in their arms were their infant children swaddled in pristine white silk gowns. The father, a man with a strong build and kind eyes gently held their daughter. His wife gazed down at her and then towards their son with a serene smile gracing her lips. A few steps behind them was the man’s own father who watched with a keen stare. His stern demeanour gave him an air of authority, sharp and discerning that never missed anything as he observed the proceedings, his hands clasped firmly in front of him. He had long awaited this day as he had for his other grandchildren.
As the last of the congregation settled, the High Priest, clad in elaborate robes of black and gold approached the altar. His presence commanded attention as he raised his hands in a gesture of welcome. The murmurs and harmonious melodies shortly ceased into silence.
“Brothers and sisters,” he began, his voice resonating throughout the vast chamber. “We gather here today on a most momentous occasion: to sanctify two precious souls into the embrace of Unitology. As foretold over two hundred years ago by our saviour, Michael Altman, the Marker is what blesses us with the source of life. It is the giver of purpose and the beacon that guides us to Convergence. Through its divine influence, we are granted with the breath of existence and through death, we will someday return to its light in unity. As one body, one mind and one soul. And as members of Unitology, it is our responsibility to give our eternal gratitude and faith to the Marker.”
The audience gave silent motions of agreement, each one enthralled by his every word. The priest turned to the couple with a warm smile of his own, shifting his hand towards them.
“To reward their unwavering faith, the Marker has blessed William and Elizabeth Fallon with not just one child but with two children. Twins. Two distinct beings yet born together and forever connected, they embody the very essence of the Marker itself.”
Everyone observed with rapt attention and anticipation.
“May the mother and father come forward, proclaim the names chosen that their children shall be known henceforth, and recite their vows.”
Following their cue, the parents took a step closer to the altar. The babies gurgled and babbled innocently, oblivious to the event occurring before them.
“Aiden,” announced Elizabeth.
“Erin,” announced William.
Then in unison, they recited together, “We pledge to nurture them and foster their beliefs in the principles of Unitology. We vow to enlighten them with the pursuit of knowledge. We promise to teach our children the transcendental wisdom contained within the text of the scriptures. We will impart upon them the values of unity, empathy and resilience. To prepare them for what lies ahead before the day of Convergence.”
Nodding in approval, the High Priest walked around the altar and stood between the couple, raising a small replica of their holy relic dangling from a beaded necklace resembling a rosary, holding it above between the babies. He extended his other hand towards a basin set before the altar filled with consecrated water that shimmered in the light. He dipped his fingers into it and then gently touched the boy’s forehead, tracing the symbol of the Marker with the blessed liquid.
“With this symbol, in the name of the Marker, we anoint you, Aiden Fallon,” he intoned. “May you walk the path of unity and find solace in its grace.”
He then turned to the girl, repeating the ritual with the same reverence and care.
“With this symbol, in the name of the Marker, we anoint you, Erin Fallon. May you walk the path of unity and find solace in its grace.”
Centring himself between them once again, he lifted the replica again higher with both hands.
“May the Marker bless, empower and protect them in their journey. May they walk the path of ascension, untouched by the darkness of heresy, and forever immersed in the light of knowledge. May their lives be a testament to its glory until their last. May the Marker grant their deaths a passage to Convergence.”
With the vows complete, the High Priest spread his arms out wide before crossing them across his chest, bending his hands back so the fingertips almost touched, imitating the Marker’s image, and everyone followed suit. “Let us stand together as one and reaffirm our faith as we all pledge to nurture these young souls. Teach them the ways of Unitology, so that when their time of death comes, they too will join Convergence. Altman be praised.”
“Altman be praised,” they all reiterated after him.
The chamber filled with a wave of celebration by the sound of applause. William and Elizabeth beamed with pride, their hearts swelling with the love and support of their community. When the applause subsided and the ceremony drew to a close, the family gathered around the twins, marvelling at their purity and potential. In the light, a unique feature was revealed from both of the infants with a blend of their parents’ own eye colours. Their right eyes gleamed with a rich hue of deep brown, while their left eyes sparkled with a vibrant shade of green.