S2E23: Dumuzi’s Mark III

I’m still reeling after what that snake Enlil did to my dear Dumuzi. Had his lackeys slit his throat like he was nothing. A damn linen farmer! Dumuzi wouldn’t hurt a fly, he was sweet as honey-wine. But Enlil wanted to “teach me a lesson”, thought he could control me like back in the old days.

Well he’s got another think coming. I ain’t that young naive girl anymore. I got my people now, humans and Anunnaki who see the light. We’re marching on the Tower of Babel first thing on the morrow. Gonna smoke out Enlil’s cronies from their little hidey holes. Marduk’s got my back, says we’ll make it right. Maybe we’ll string up some of those snake bastards as a warning.

I won’t rest until Enlil’s been cast out for good. Him and his supremacist scum. If he wants a war, he’s got one. I’ll fight to my last breath to protect our vision. Ain’t no one taking that from me again. From any of us.

This is our Eden now. Our home. I aim to keep it that way, whatever it takes. Even if I gotta get blood on my hands. Don’t matter – they drew first blood when they killed my Dumuzi.

So watch yourself Enlil. I’m coming for you.

Sarpanitu: Sister, your armor is ready… are you sure of this? Marduk is organizing the march outside already. Oh how I wish this wasn’t the way…

Inanna: I am not doing this for Dumuzi only, Sarpanitu. I’m doing this for your child, for all human children… for the future of this whole planet!

The armor is heavier than I remember. As I strap on each piece, the weight settles on my shoulders.
First the breastplate, cold black metal that hugs my chest. Electronics that invade my energy. Feels like the clinging chill of space. Makes my breath come shorter… my heart aches!
Now the arm guards clamp down like shackles. My hands flex against the unyielding steel. These bionic gauntlets turned away blades and fire before I was born.
I cinch the greaves tight around my thighs. My steps are mechanic, stronger, enhanced… meaningful. These boots will crush rock and bone alike.
The helmet finally locks into place with a hiss. My comms blink to life, Ghostly voices echo in my ears.
My knuckles crack around the hilt of my vibroblade. I heft its satisfying weight, ready to swing. Ready to cut and cleave through all who stand in my way.
I feel like a living blade myself. Forged in the hottest fires, sharpened to a killing edge. A weapon unleashed, and woe to any who dare oppose me.
Sometimes you have to tear it all down before you can raise it up again. And I aim to raze everything Enlil holds dear straight to the bedrock.
Let them tremble. Now they will face the fury of Inanna unleashed. Dumuzi’s Mark will scar History itself!

Inanna: Marduk, what’s our position?

Marduk: We’re approximately 2 spars from the Tower entrance. The vanguard has engaged their perimeter defenses.

Inanna: Good. Any word from the infiltrators inside?

Marduk: Not yet, but they should be disabling the security grid any moment.

Inanna: Perfect. We’ll smash through while they’ve got their pants down.

Marduk: Agreed. But… Inanna, people will die today!

Inanna: Some will die, yes… but that is the way of nature. It is our crucible… it devours the weak and makes the strong stronger. Today the weak prove them wrong. Those who survive will save this planet from hell!

Inanna: Status report!

Marduk: The enemy has reinforced the main gate, but we’re pushing them back.

Inanna: Don’t let up the pressure. We punch through on my command.

Marduk: Copy that. We’ll be ready.

Inanna: All troops, on my signal, hit them with everything you’ve got! Breach that gate and don’t stop til you see daylight. For Dumuzi! For a new beginning!

Inanna: Now Marduk! Blow it wide open!

Marduk: Charges are set! Get clear!

[Explosion]

Inanna: Attack! Attack! Bring that tower down!

The gate erupted in a ball of fire, rubble raining down around us. We charged through the breach with a roar, crashing into the bewildered defenders inside. They fell swiftly before our onslaught.
We fought room by room, level by level. The clashes were brief, intense, and decisively in our favor. I cut down any who stood against me, my blade sang.

Before long, we reached the central chamber at the tower’s pinnacle. But as the dust settled, a shocking truth became clear – the throne room was empty. Enlil was nowhere to be found.

I slammed my fist against the wall in frustration. “Coward! Snake!” I cried out. He eluded us, slithered away to safety while we bled.
The bitter taste of denied vengeance fills my mouth. I thirsted to make Enlil answer for his crimes, to see the arrogance wiped from his face. But he escaped, and Dumuzi’s death remains unavenged.

I climbed to the topmost balcony and looked out over the battlefield far below. The day was won, yet felt hollow. We conquered a prize devoid of meaning.

My troops cheered below, reveling in victory. But I take no joy in this. Not while Enlil hides beyond my reach. The fight is not over. He will pay the price someday – I swear it on Dumuzi’s soul.

For now, I must be patient. I will wait and watch. And when Enlil reemerges, I will be there with blade in hand to meet him. Our reckoning is coming. This I vow.

A voice crackles over the comms. “Inanna, this is Enki. Do you read me?”

I respond hastily, “Father! What is it?”

Enki speaks urgently, “Listen closely, child. Enlil has gone too far this time. He is bringing a devastating weapon to wipe out humanity and all who stand with them. You must seek shelter immediately.”

I feel a chill down my spine. “What kind of weapon? How can we stop it?”

“There is no stopping it,” Enki says grimly. “It is a particle cannon fixed to a dreadnought, a Black Cube. It will rain indiscriminate death on the planet.”

My heart drops. Enki continues, “Evacuate all you can to the pyramids and underground outposts. Our silent allies are already working to get civilians to safety.”

“But Father…” I begin to protest.

Enki cuts me off. “There is no time, Inanna. Save who you can and take shelter. This is my final warning.”

His voice takes on a gentle tone. “Be safe, my child. Know that I am with you all, even in spirit.”

The transmission ends, leaving me reeling in dismay. But there is no time for shock or sorrow. I must act quickly if any are to survive Enlil’s madness.

I open a broadcast channel to all troops. “This is Inanna. Begin emergency evacuation protocols immediately. Get our people to shelter by any means. This is not a drill – may the gods have mercy on us all.”