Ephesians 4:22-24

**Ephesians 4:22-24** is the seventh episode of the first season of *Warrior Nun*. It is the seventh episode of the series overall.

## Synopsis

Hoping to find some answers, Ava puts her faith in science. Meanwhile, Cardinal Duretti's machinations sow seeds of dissension inside the Order.

## Plot

### A remodel

The Warrior Sisters host a memorial for Lilith at the Cat's Cradle. Camila asks Shotgun Mary if Lilith is in Heaven, saying that she could be in Hell if the Tarask took her. She asks if that's a thing, that Lilith could be dragged to Hell and Mary admits that she doesn't know. Camila says that Lilith must have been scared, but there is a sound of a cane thwacking and Mary shushes her. The conversation turns to Ava, whom Mary promises will be there sooner or later. Just then, a group known as the Reject Nuns arrives, saying they've come to pay their respects. Lilith comments that she's hoping for sooner. Meanwhile, Ava arrives at the Arq-Tech headquarters, asking to speak with Jillian Salvius. The guard at the station tells her that she's not available and Ava replies that she doesn't understand, that Jillian *wants* to see her. "Tell her it's Ava", she tells the guard, pulling out a Divinium knife. The guard demands she put it down and Ava asks if she'll take her to Jillian if she does. Ava uses the blade to shatter the guard station and is rushed by two guards, who simply phase through her. She then blasts them back. Another guard shows up. "You want some?" she asks, and he flees. "You certainly know how to make an entrance", comes the voice of Jillian. Ava apologizes and Jillian quips that it needed a remodel anyway.

Jillian asks Ava what it was that brought her there. Ava comments that Jillian was looking for her and Jillian calls her a curiosity. She calls Ava something different from anything they've seen before, saying she wants to know what she's capable of and why. Ava tells Jillian that she wants her to "science" her, that she wants to know everything to figure out for herself what to do about it. Jillian agrees they can help each other. Ava says that afterwards, they leave her alone forever. "Are you in or out?" she asks. Back at the church, the Reject Nuns conduct a sparring exercise outside. Cardinal Duretti comments that the girls are getting acquainted and Mother Superion, who has been monitoring the exercise from above, says that they don't belong there. Duretti says that she saw potential in there, but Superion says that she's dismissed them after a thorough evaluation. He tells her that she's being too hasty, that Sister Crimson is an impressive warrior. She calls her aggressive and undisciplined and he replies that's like someone he used to know. He says that when Sister Shannon died, new challenges emerged for the Order and new measures are needed to combat them. He gives her some papers to deliver, and when asked what they are says only that they're solutions to problems.

At Arq-Tech, Jillian examines Ava in a pod. She describes her abilities, including her healing. Jillian asks if she can heal others, but she says that so far it only works on her. Ava asks to get out of the pod, calling it claustrophobic and creepy and Jillian calls it a tall assessment for someone who can see demons. Ava is surprised that Jillian knows about the demons, but Jillian tells her she has a reliable source. She introduces Ava to Kristian Schaefer, though Ava is wary of him at first because his past association with the Vatican. He tells her that he left the Church in pursuit of truth, saying they're alike in that way. Hearing him describe his job, she sums it up that he's just there for show. Jillian examines Ava's results, saying that the Halo is definitely an energy source of some kind that doesn't adhere to the traditional laws of physics, perhaps even existing outside of them. Ava asks if Jillian's saying she essentially has an alien battery in her back and Jillian asks how that would be any weirder than an angel's halo. Ava asks if she can adjust it if it's a power source or even transfer it to another person. Jillian tells her she doesn't know what's possible yet and Ava tells her to run more tests.

### The compassionate solution

Mother Superion delivers the envelopes from the Cardinal. They reveal that Beatrice is being reassigned to Malaysia, even though there's no convent there and that Father Vincent is being reassigned to Florida. Mother Superion calls it a gift, saying Duretti could have had him excommunicated for insubordination, but chose "a more compassionate solution". Beatrice asks if it's compassionate to cut them off from everything and everyone they care about. Vincent asks if Superion really thinks Duretti is doing what's best for the sect, but she replies that he's spoken and she won't go against him. He tells her he's using her history against her and Beatrice begs her not to let it stand, saying that the OCS is her home too. She says only that it's best if they leave immediately to spare the other sisters the turmoil. "The sisters or you?" asks Vincent.

Back at Arq-Tech, Jillian subjects Ava to more tests, saying they have to identify the energy. Kristian says that he hopes she's right about Ava and Jillian says "It's her, it has to be". He suggests that they tell her what the test is really about, but Jillian is wary. Ava begins accessing the energy of the Halo, which seems to flow through a tube attached to her back. Down underground, a device begins humming and pulsing. Jillian calls it a quantum expression of Newtonian force, saying this kind of energy shouldn't exist. The device winks out and Jillian taps a button, saying that she's enhancing the connectivity to try to help Ava get there. There is a high-pitched ringing and Ava clutches her head and screams, but Jillian tells her to keep going. She shouts out in pain and, gasping, disconnects the tube. She demands to know what just happened and Jillian apologizes, saying she was wrong about her. She leaves, but Ava shouts that they're not done. She demands to know where the tubes lead and then phases through the floor. She realizes that the tubes were transmitting the energy to the Ark. Jillian enters and Ava comments that she wasn't being tested at all, that Jillian was using her. Jillian says that Ava isn't what she thought she was. Ava demands to know what she's talking about and Jillian beckons, telling her that she'll show her. She takes her to meet her son, Michael. There is a high-pitched ringing and Michael's hands and eyes glow.

Back at the Cat's Cradle, Camila readies to take over in the absence of the others. She admits that she secretly kind of wishes they'd kick her out too. Beatrice asks why she would wish that and Camila replies that everything is changing and she's not sure she can handle it without them. Beatrice tells her that she knows she can. Mother Superion tells Shotgun Mary that she needs to speak with her and Mary replies that she's sorry to disappoint, but Father Vincent already did. She asks if Superion would have stabbed the knife in quick and clean, or perhaps something a little more nuanced since they've known each other the longest. Superion agrees that they both appreciate the direct approach. They talk about Sister Shannon and then about Mary herself, Superion telling her that she never expected her to amount to much. She says that something clicked for Mary when she came. Mary say that Superion never allowed anyone to get close and the Sisters think it's because she doesn't care but she knows its because she cares too much. She says she's stood up to powerful forces and doesn't understand why she's betraying everything she stands for in favor of Duretti, someone who doesn't stand for anything. She says she's seen the inside of a prison and gets to walk out after each visit, but Superion is stuck there. She leaves. On the way out she encounters Sister Crimson, who says she's not supposed to be there. "That makes two us", Mary comments, knocking her to the ground.

### Bringing all Hell Down

At Arq-Tech, Jillian reveals that the Divinium particulates are keeping her son alive. She was told that she could never have a child, and tried everything, but nothing worked. She tested her own research on herself and her pregnancy was a medical marvel, but Michael has a blood disorder unlike any ever seen before. The Divinium keeps him alive and the Ark is supposed to be the next step. It will take him to somewhere that he can continue, on a parallel plane. Jillian says they can be there together with no more pain, and Ava, disturbed, comments that she's serious. She says she hasn't been able to keep the door stable, but it's very real, a dimension of no disease and no death. She thought Ava's Halo would be strong enough to power the Ark, but it isn't. Michael comments that he likes Ava because he glows when she's around. Ava apologizes for not being the one, saying she wishes she could help. Jillian apologizes in turn for not having the answers she's looking for. In a church, Mary describes a plan, of which Beatrice and Father Vincent have serious doubts. Beatrice says that there isn't any version of the plan that doesn't get them all excommunicated. Mary replies that there isn't anything more to lose and Beatrice replies that may be true for her, but she joined the Church to save her eternal soul. Mary asks if this is really the story she's telling. She says there are worse things than Hell, such as letting Duretti get away with murder. Father Vincent walks away and Beatrice says that murder is a dangerous accusation. She asks if there's any evidence and Mary tells her that she knows there is in Shannon's room at the Cat's Cradle. She continues that it's more than a hunch, that Shannon's death was an inside job. Beatrice asks what Duretti would gain from it and Mary says that Shannon may have known something about the Pope's health. She tells Beatrice she will go it alone if she has to. Beatrice tells Mary that if it was her, she would use a small door in the back of the crypt that nobody remembers. She says she'll be praying for Mary.

Kristian accompanies Ava on her way out of Arq-Tech, asking what she'll do now. She tells him that she's going to keep looking for answers and he agrees that he will too. She asks why he really left the Church and he explains that he grew up an altar boy and used to pray every day. When his mother got sick, he asked for a miracle and it never came. He thought it was his fault, that God didn't think he deserved one. He threw himself into the Church and watched people wanting their own miracles and never got them. He questioned the point of prayer, as there was no evidence it did anything. She tells him he was looking for his miracle in the wrong place. He replies that it's exactly why he came to Arq-Tech. He says that if he's realized anything, it's that we can't find clarity in the intangible and it is better to put our faith in ourselves and our trust in those who have earned it. Back at the church, Mary asks Father Vincent if they're really going to let a piece of paper destroy them. She asks why he won't trust her now, if he's afraid to stand up to Duretti. She says he's turned his back on them all and he replies that he might as well have pulled the trigger himself. She asks just what he's talking about and he tells her that Shannon came to him weeks ago, troubled, convinced that the Vatican was keeping something from them. He told her that if she wanted answers, she should talk to the Cardinal. He says that if Duretti killed her, she's dead because of him. She replies that Duretti did it and he's going to bring Hell down on him.

At the Cat's Cradle, Sister Camila confronts Sister Crimson, saying that the armory cannot be accessed without permission from Mother Superion. She replies that she takes her orders from Duretti, and hers were that if any dismissed personnel return, they're to be removed immediately. Beatrice sits on a bench, about to board an express bus to the airport, but then changes her mind. Ava returns to the Cat's Cradle, where Mary grabs her from behind. She demands to know what's going on and Mary explains the reassignment situation. Ava says that she knew she'd come back and didn't want her walking into a trap. She hands her the Divinium Sword. Ava asks if the plan is to bust through the door, kick some ass, get what they need and blow the joint. Mary replies that it definitely isn't. They head inside the crypt and into Sister Shannon's old room. Mary indicates the wall and Ava asks if she's sure there's another room on the other side. Mary describes herself as being "mostly" positive. Ava runs through the wall and, sure enough, finds herself in another room. There, she finds an unusual glowing object and a book filled with signatures of the Warrior Nuns. In the other room, Mary pleads to herself that Ava needs to get a move-on. Just then, Sister Crimson appears from behind and starts choking Mary. They fight and Mary stabs Crimson, saying that she didn't join the Church of Satan. Mary knocks her into a desk while back in the other room, Ava examines the book, which speaks of a buried secret. She closes the book and phases back through the wall, discovering the fight in progress. Crimson slaps her and prepares to whip her with a nun-chuck, but then Beatrice shows up, telling her she needs a lesson in camaraderie. She knocks her to the ground, but then Crimson grabs a gun and fires it. Ava jumps in front of her and a force field appears from the Halo, sending them both flying backwards and shattering the bullet.

### A Buried Secret

Beatrice asks Ava if she's okay and she says that something's wrong and she can't move. Beatrice tells her she likely overexerted herself and it's only temporary. Mary pulls them both up, telling them they have to get out of there. Ava, however, makes sure they get the book first. They emerge into the church, only to find a contingent waiting for them on all sides. Ava grabs the sword, saying that she's got this. She tells them that they're not their enemy, but they'll leave her no choice if they try to stop her. She shouts that she is the Warrior Nun, only to be shot by a crossbow. They pull out the arrow and Mary begins firing her guns like mad. Suddenly Camila shows up and fires into the ceiling, covering their escape. A van pulls up outside and Father Vincent loads the four of them into the back. It drives a little ways, but Beatrice tells him to pull over, saying they need to stop the bleeding. Vincent asks how Ava is doing and Beatrice comments that she's smiling, so she'll take that as a good sign. Ava tells them that Shannon's part is at the end of the diary. Mary flips to the appropriate page: "There is a secret buried at the heart of the Vatican. A power that anchors demons to our world, but they keep it a secret for their own benefit. Telling him was a mistake. He wants to use it for himself." Vincent and Mary nod at each other and she closes the book.

At Arq-Tech, Jillian sits in the pod with her son Michael. She tells him that she's sorry, that she failed him. He asks where Ava is and she tells him she can't help them. He replies that she's the key that opens the door, but Jillian tells her she isn't. She says she tried. "Not that door, Mommy", he replies. "The one on the ground." In Vatican City, Mother Superion is in a room waiting for someone. Cardinal Duretti arrives. "Pray with me", he tells her. "The Pope is dead", he announces. He says that it is strange but pleasant to see her on such a dark day and that he hopes it isn't because there is trouble in the Order. She replies that she came for guidance. He tells her that it's time to go, that the Vatican will be closed soon for the Conclave and there is much to do. He takes his leave. At the Cat's Cradle, Lilith appears in front of the church.

## Cast

* Toya Turner as Shotgun Mary
* Thekla Reuten as Jillian Salvius
* Lorena Andrea as Sister Lilith
* Kristina Tonteri-Young as Sister Beatrice
* Tristán Ulloa as Father Vincent
* Joaquim de Almeida as Cardinal Duretti
* Peter De Jersey as Kristian Schaefer
* Olivia Delcán as Sister Camila

### Co-Starring

* Sinead MacInnes as Sister Crimson
* Nikol Kollars as Female Lobby Guard
* Lope Haydn Evans as Michael
* Anna Puig as Sniper Nun

## Quotes

"*There are many ways to serve God.*"

― Mother Superion to Sister Beatrice and Father Vincent

"*A lot of people can smile when things go wrong, but it takes a special person to make everyone else smile with them.*"

― Sister Beatrice to Sister Camila

"*There is something out there. It's right here, next to us, existing on a parallel plane.*"

― Jillian Salvius to Ava

"*You're trying to create eternity.*"

"*It already exists. I'm only opening the door.*"

― Ava and Jillian Salvius

"*Is there anything real, above and beyond ourselves? If I've realized anything, it's that we can't find clarity in the intangible. It is better to put our faith in ourselves and our trust in those who've earned it.*"
― Kristian Schaefer to Ava

## Trivia

* The Bible text means in general: People can change, and once you accept god you aren’t the same person as you were before during your "deceptive" life.