Renegade Hive

Hive: To live with many others in close association.

Green ether suddenly illuminated the darkness as a hyperspace window expanded. The light was short lived, dying as soon as the ship was clear. With a lurch the Hive ship fell into normal space. The green was replaced with the faint glow from the lights on the Hive. Accustomed to the jolt, all occupants remained intent on their destination as the ship glided into orbit. Emitting a shrill whirr, twenty darts exited the Hive and made for the planet.

A young black haired female stood looking out of the illuminated window. She was impatient to get on the ground and finish the job. Her mother, the Hive Queen, wanted the Cruiser that had crashed on the planet. Ordinarily Dray would be thrilled to set boot to actual soil, anywhere but this planet. The beautiful blue ball below her was the center of a territory dispute between two other Queens. It was too risky a mission for a mere Cruiser. Receiving the unspoken message, Dray went to join the other Keepers in the dart bay.

Once the warriors determined that the area was safe, the transport ship left the relative safety of the Hive. Landing, the ship sent a shiver through the local flora and fauna. Five female Keepers strode from the ship, followed by their male helpers. Swarming like the insects they evolved from, the Keepers got to work on the downed Cruiser.

Dray lagged behind the group of Keepers, secretly enjoying being on the ground for once. It was dangerous, but she had no choice and decided to enjoy being planet side. Working in atmosphere was a pleasant change in routine. Usually she was forced to help repair ships in high orbit or in the vacuum of space.

Stirring up the exotic greens, the wind smelt of life, not recycled, filtered air. The light fabric of her pants and shirt danced along her skin, fueled by the breeze. Her long black hair snaked out behind her and she turned her face into the gust. In that single instant all was well and right in her world. She wasn't still stuck on her mother's Hive, obeying her every whim. She was not forced to do petty tasks. She didn't have to repair the battle damaged ships commanded by a blood thirsty Queen. She actually got credit for effort and energy she put into the Hive ship.

She returned her attention back to the downed ship. There it sat, the answer to her problems: one damaged Cruiser. Excitement boiled to the surface of her emotions. Quickly Dray replaced the brief smile with her usual snarl. Looking around she saw the other Keepers were already at ship, and hadn't noticed her laps of control.

Her inner elation was interrupted with an angry mental command from her mother: Go look at the hyper drives! Now child! Emotions taking a sharp turn, Dray strode off to the rear of the planet bound ship.

As promising as the Cruiser was, Dray couldn't contact the others yet. She had to see if the thing might actually fly again, and sooner then the other keepers thought it capable of. Much to her delight, Dray found both sublight engines and the hyper drive to require little repair to be functional. She could fix the problem before the end of the waking cycle and steal the Cruiser while the adults rested.

Dray sent a quick thought over the hatchling's secret mental network to Litrell: I have found us a ship. Litrell sent his delight back across the line. Dray returned to her work, leaving the male to spread the news to the others.

0.0.0

On other hive ships strewn across the galaxy:

Andray had thrown Binthol to the floor for what must have been the eighteen hundredth time that waking cycle. Looking down in contempt, he threw his hair back into place over his shoulder. Waiting for his fighting partner to pick his sorry hind section up, Andray received the message. Litrell was more excited then the other male had ever felt from him before. Dray has found a ship, she will tell us when and where to meet her. Andray confirmed and shoved his excitement to the bottom of his soul.

Binthol had regained his feet, and the fight continued. Emotions rolling, Andray put all of his excessive strength and larger build into his attack. Easily slipping under his opponents guard, Andray remembered to pull his punch a millisecond too late. All the wraith watching winced slightly at the sound of snapping ribs. Clutching his side, Binthol fell to the ground. There was an awful wheezing sound, one of the rib fragments had punctured his lung.

Horrified at what he had just done, all Andray was allowed to do was watch. Black ichor trailed out of the other male's mouth and down his side. It was the final hunger pang and the instructor snapped. Binthol was a complete moron, on the level of a human, and was a disgrace to the Hive. Drawing a serrated knife, the instructor slammed it through Binthol's heart. The fighters dispersed as the drones came in to clean up the mess.

Everyone had gotten the message. Failure was not tolerated. The Hive needed cannon fodder, but Binthol was unworthy of even that.

Watching from the side lines, Cedly was sure he had seen excitement flicker for the briefest moment across Andray's face. The young male knew it had nothing to do with throwing the idiot Binthol around. Disappointment flooding him, Cedly decided it probably had something to do with the Keeper Andray was chasing.

He contemplated Andray as the idiot male died. It was a relief to no longer be required to put up with the idiot. Absent mindedly he flipped his hair over his shoulder, he kept it at the traditional medium length because that was how Andray kept his hair.

Zeela moaned under the caress of her lover. His tall, lean figure pressed down onto hers, she absolutely loved how well muscled his psyche was. Less then pleased at being interupted, she recieved Litrell's message. She sent back a brief confirmation as europhia flooded her soul. Grabbing Gradlt by his dreads, Zeela smashed her lips against his. Excitement from the good news added new fire to their already heated act of mating.

Giggling, Ina ran after her friend Joot. The two hatchlings had found a little bug on the hive ship and were delightedly chasing it. Litrell found their happy minds and thought with a laugh: What are you two up to?

Ina responded immediately: Joot found a bug! There is never anything this fun on a hive!

With a smile in his thought, Litrell told the two innocents: We will be coming to get you soon.

Will there be bugs? Joot asked.

Humoring the young ones' current theme, Litrell answered: Yes, we can visit worlds with lots of bugs. Ina and Joot answered with a unified delighted trill.

Litrell had saved the hardest for last. The two scientists, Keetal and the younger Fenzey, had never been enthusiastic about the thought of leaving their current hive. Both were skin and bones, Litrell briefly debated trying to coax them with food, then discarded the thought.

Finding the two minds he was seeking, Litrell sent the thought: Dray has found a ship, and we invite the two of you to join us aboard it.

I like it just fine here, but you other crazies are welcome to go your separate way, came the reply from the younger Fenzey. Keetal was busy: being absorbed in his work, and busy ignoring Lutrell. This conversation was nothing new, the only thing that had changed was the ship was no longer hypathetical.

Bearing in mind he had to handle this carefully, Litrell probed: Wouldn't it be nice to research what ever you wished?

Fenzey sent a mental snort: We already can do as we please.

Keeping his irritation hidden, Litrell pointed out, You don't have freedom of research subjects. With us you could delve all you want into human genetics, as well as Wraith.

Joining the conversation while Fenzey thought the offer over, Keetal asked, We could visit any planet we want, and stay for as long as we want?

Pleased with Keetal's reluctant interest, Litrell answered: As long as the adults do not chase us off, yes. Just think Keetal, every specimen you have ever desired is waiting out there for you to collect.

After a brief, shielded bicker, Litrell received a the answer he wanted, We accept your offer.

Smiling to himself, Litrell nudged his sleeping partner. Mardal grunted and rolled away from the offending hand. Leaning over his lover, long hair spilling across the nest, Litrell whispered, "Wake up, I have good news."

"Later," came the sleepy reply from the short haired male.

"No, time to wake up. We have work to do." Litrell traced the slanted, stylized S tatoo over Mardal's left eye. He got no response from the other male. Irritated, Litrell sent him a telepathic zap. Twitching like he had just experienced a seizure, Mardal was suddenly wide awake.

"What's so important?" Mardal snarled.

Litrell smiled sweetly at his irritated partner, "Dray has found a suitable ship. We need to collect as much equipment as we are going to need. The ship will be at the rendevous point in two cycles."

Mardal absentmindedly ran a hand through his short, spiky hair, "And by we, you mean me?"

Litrell purred at his ever perceptive lover.

0.0.0

Dray held a hand out blindly, her attention on the cording in front of her. Obediently, Vlanear placed the desired tool in her palm. Efficiently, Dray sliced out the bad cording and fastened the two good ends together. Pulling back from the wall, she coaxed the two sides she had cut together. To be on the safe side, the Keeper inserted a few well placed organic staples to secure to slice and make sure everything healed properly.

Vlanear, Dray's servant, was a human. He had been given to the hive at birth and raised as a Keeper's assistant. For some reason unfathomable to Dray, the adults had put the pathetic excuse for food under her watch. Dray's mother had broken his spirit long ago and he was next to useless. Perhaps when the other wraith had forgotten about him, Dray's feeding hand would find a use for him. For the moment she was burdened with the head blind nuisance.

"Are we done?" Vlanear asked quietly as he gathered all to tools. Dray nodded. She turned and gave the little male her full attention. Vlanear squirmed under her gaze and kept his eyes firmly planted on the floor of the Cruiser.

"I have a question for you, and you will repeat this to no one. Understand?" At the male's hesitant nod, Dray asked, "Do you like your life here on the Hive ship?"

Confused as to where the Keeper was going, Vlanear didn't answer. Dray snarled and raised a hand to smack him.

The poor male flinched and stuttered out his reply, "N-n-no." He stiffened, waiting for a blow that never came. Instead the goddess was just looking at him, hand falling to her side.

"You tell this to anyone, and I will snap your neck." Not bothering to wait for a response that would never come, Dray continued, "I am going to steal this Cruiser. Truthfully the repairs after I have stolen it will require more work then I want to do on my own. Do you dislike our current Hive enough to come with me?"

The male cowered and thought the offer over. What pushed his decision was the knowledge of what she would do to him if he said no. The Keeper would probably kill him so he would not tell the others of her plan.

"Yes," Vlanear answered quietly.

"We will return to the Hive with the others. Get what you need and meet me in the dart bay later." He wasn't telepathic like the gods, but he got the meaning behind her expression, tell anyone and you will die in the most painful way that I have time for. With that Dray left the Cruiser as if nothing had happened, and nothing was going to happen.

0.0.0

Dray tapped her foot impatiently, waiting for the idiot male to show. Admittedly she had been a little vague about when they were to meet. It was still the male's fault, however, for making her wait. Before her irritation could grow any further, said male came into view. Vlanear stopped in front of the Keeper and gave a slight bow and a submissive gesture.

Without speaking, Dray jumped up onto her ship and gracefully slid into the pilot's seat. With a lot less grace, Vlanear clambered into the seat behind hers. The cockpit cover slid closed and streams of Wraithal data began flowing over the fleshy roof. Purring softly, like the whisper of the wind, Dray started her beloved creation and left the Hive's dart bay.

Vlanear knew about Dray's personal space craft, but he had only ever seen glimpses of it. The Keeper was very protective and secretive about it. For some reason, she didn't like the darts, and had designed, grown and constantly piloted her own craft. The body was about the size of the small Lantian ships, but sleeker and longer. It had graceful long wings and a twin tail. The wings folded up enough so the entire craft could fit through a Portal. The whole thing reminded Vlanear of a bird, rather then an insect like the darts.

Once mentally connected with her ship, it's wings became her own and flying was second nature. Before Dray realized they had traveled any distance, they were setting down in the Cruiser's dart bay on the planet. No one had noticed their departure. Dray was pleased that the modifications to the Hive's sensors hadn't been noticed. Or at least, she reminded herself, hadn't been fixed.

Silently the cockpit roof slid back along the sleek body and Dray leapt out. She headed swiftly for the Cruiser's control room. Long strides left Vlanear still clambering awkwardly out of the craft.

Dray slid her hands into the controls and gave a mental command to the sublight engines. They reacted and ignited. The entire Cruiser had lifted off the ground by the time Vlanear caught up with the Keeper. While the Cruiser broke atmosphere, Dray plotted her course into the hyper drive computer.

They were almost far enough to jump when the Hive realized what was happening. A furious mental yell physically rocked Dray. It was from her mother, What are you doing child! Land that ship now. So strong was her mother that Dray almost did as told. Instead she opened the jump window.

Mother, may the Lantians dance on your corps, and laugh at your bones. Dray snarled back mentally before the Cruiser jumped. Despite the break of the connection due to hyper space travel, Dray was sure she could hear her mother screaming, both mentally and verbally.

The instant before the Cruiser passed into the hyperspace window, Dray sent out a signal. All the other Hive ships in the area now knew the current location of her mother's Hive. Sincerely, she hoped the other wraith in the area found and destroyed the intruding Queen and her ship. It was like severing the final conduit cording from the generator to the propulsion engine, Dray now had no hope of ever returning to her mother's graces. She didn't want to.

0.0.0

Aboard the Hive all was silent stillness. All but a skeleton crew were in their quarters. A lucky few were in others' quarters. The Hive mind was dozing and peace reigned.

Cedly pressed his back into the fleshy wall and waited. He had taken to secretly following Andray around. Maybe one day the other warrior would notice him, but in the mean time, Cedly wanted to know what Andray did with his time. In particular, when he contacted a certain female Keeper aboard an allied Hive.

The door to Andray's quarters opened with a slight 'schlup' noise. The occupant of the room looked briefly up and down the corridor, then departed. Moving from his hiding place, Cedly followed. He watched the well built figure as he gracefully navigated the ship. No matter what Andray was doing, he did it with grace and power.

Space around him, how Cedly longed to run his hands through the medium length, white hair. It looked perfect. In fact, it couldn't be anything other than perfect. He knew the locks would be properly soft and slippery. A shudder of longing went down the younger male's spine, all the way to his clawed toes.

Andray went to the dart bay with fast, determined steps, and did not notice his pursuer. Checking that again no one was near, he approached one of the grounded darts. Tossing his bag into the open cockpit, he crawled underneath. Emerging with his prize, Andray crushed the tracking chip with his boot. About to get behind the controls, something caught his eye and he turned.

Silently Cedly cursed and dove back into his hiding place, knowing full well that he had been seen.

"Show yourself," Andray demanded quietly. Cedly could listen to that voice for eternity. Hesitantly, the younger male stood up and approached the dart and Andray.

"What are you doing here?" Andray glared at the other fighter.

"I should ask you the same question!" Cedly huffed. "Where are you going? Chasing after that Keeper?"

Andray was tempted the smack the youngling, but didn't. "I am leaving, and it has little to do with the Keeper."

"Where are you going," Cedly boldly demanded.

"Away from here and all those idiots." No more unnecessary death. No more stupid orders. And a beautiful female.

"But where?" Snarled the younger male.

"Fine, if you must know, some of the others and myself are starting our own Hive."

Cedly didn't think about that for long, all he knew was that if Andray did this, he would never see him again.

"Take me with you!" Cedly hissed, ignoring how much pleading was in his voice.

Andray hesitated. It really was a waist of potential leaving the kid here. He would be a good fighter and a good commander some day. There was no point leaving him among all the other over qualified and experienced commanders.

"Fine, I will get you with the materializer beam." Andray fervently hoped the others would not be angry if he brought another into their circle.

Cedly unconsicencely held his breath as the cockpit closed on the dart and the engine started with a whine. Why was he doing this? Why were they doing this? Cedly would follow Andray to the edge of the stars, but didn't Andray have a good life on the Hive? He had never given any indication to Cedly that he was unhappy. But then why would he? Cedly was just a hatchling of no consequence. Andray had no idea how much Cedly idolized him. He was intoxicated with everything about the older warrior. His deep voice, traditional hair, tall, strong build, they way he moved with such confidence. The grace and power he fought with. Right, that was why Cedly was abandoning his Hive, but what was Andray's reason?

He watched as the dart circled the bay and headed back towards him. The young male was terrified that Andray wouldn't take him, would simply fly on his way. Surely Andray had never noticed him, didn't care anything for him. Right as Cedly started to panic, the beam shot out. All that made him the individual that he is was stored in the dart.

0.0.0

Zeela snarled as something nudged her awake.

"My beautiful," said a familiar and quiet voice in her ear, "it is time to leave." Rolling over, the female glared into the yellow, slitted eyes of her lover. Gradlt looked cooly back at her, one dread falling to the center of his face. He brought a hand up and brushed her sleep ruffled hair out of her eyes. Returning the gesture, she moved the dread away from his lips and kissed him. Instantly the male melted, but was brought sharply back.

Zeela closed her knifelike teeth around the male's bottom lip. Leaning back, licking the blood from her teeth, Zeela gave as much as an explanation as she was inclined to. "What have I told you about waking me?"

"I am sorry, my Queen, but the others are resting and we must go." Gradlt said as the minor injury healed over. Zeela wasn't technically Queen, she was still too young to reproduce. Gradlt called her by the title in private to fluff her ego. A happy female was a libidinous female.

With a hiss, Zeela got up and began to dress.

The two made their way to the ship's hanger. Gradlt chose a small transport ship. Beaming his Queen into a dart like a common soldier or food would simply not do. The only downside to his choice is it wouldn't fit through the Portal and have to be left on the planet's surface.

Like the gentleman he pretended to be, Gradlt opened the side hatch on the ship and motioned for his Queen to enter. Zeela stepped into the craft and was followed by her lover, who shut the hatch. Gradlt went straight to the controls and slid his hands in. Regally, Zeela went to stand beside and behind him. The engines started and the craft left the bay.

"You did as the Keeper told you?" Zeela asked her lover.

"Yes, I did exactly as she told me to, the ship's sensors are experiencing a glitch and we will not be detected." Gradlt answered without looking.

"My Queen," he said, "Are you absolutely sure this is the course of action you with to take. I am sure your mother will give you your own ship to command when you come of age."

"Yes," Zeela hissed quietly. "This is what I wish. Mother would indeed give me a ship, but it would be full of those loyal to her. I would never convince them to follow me, and not her. This is the only way I am ever going to get my own ship."

"You will make a excellent Queen. Someday, perhaps, we can acquire you a real Hive."

Gradlt set the ship down a pleasant stroll from the planet's Portal. A narrow path led to the Portal, which the two Wraith followed. It was only wide enough for one, so Gradlt graciously allowed his Queen to go first. He enjoyed watching the light as it danced on his lover's body. She had beautiful and intoxicating curves, and long brown tinted hair that would be the pride of any Wraith. This was one of those times he wondered how he had managed to attract her attention out of all the eligible male Wraith. However it had happened, he intended to keep it.

Zeela stopped beside the dialing device for the Portal. Gradlt entered the desired sequence and the two stepped through the event horizon, coming out on the rendevous planet.

0.0.0

"Fenzey, we should back out." Keetal looked over the display screen at his research partner. The rest of the Hive was resting, but the two had found something interesting to pursue, or so they had told the others, and were still in the research labs.

"Nope, we are going. I don't like it here, and neither do you." The younger scientist answered. He grabbed something off the table and put it in his bag. With a pointed look from Fenzey, Keetal began to pack his bag as well.

"Did you get everything you needed from the main frame?" Keetal asked for what must have been the hundredth time that cycle.

Sighing, Fenzey answered, "Yes, did you get everything you wanted?" At the other's nod, both turned back to packing. Stealing really was what they were doing. All their research equipment belonged to the Hive they were leaving. The two scientists knew that if they wanted anything to work with on the new Cruiser, they would have to bring it themselves. Both wished they had more room, and could take the larger pieces of equipment.

Fenzey looked up, "Who is going to fly the dart?"

"I am," replied Keetal without hesitation.

"Why, you are a lousy piolet. What if something goes wrong and you can't un-beam me?" Fenzey had stopped packing and was looking intently at his research partner.

"Well, I don't trust you to fly me, so I am going to fly."

"Who says?"

"I do."

"On whose authority?"

"I'm older, therefor I am a better piolet."

"You didn't get anymore training then I did, and we had it at the same time!"

"I am still better!"

"Are not!

Both Wraith fell silent and glared at each other over the work table. "I think I have an idea," Fenzey said.

"Omph!" The air suddenly left Keetal's lungs. "Get your elbow out of my ribs!"

"I can't, do you want us to crash and die? I have to steer properly!" Fenzey replied.

"This was a bad idea!" Keetal yelped as said elbow connected with his ribs for the second time.

"Of course it is! But we can't do anything about that now! This would never have happened if one of us had actually paid attention during the dart primer. And if maybe one of us had left our research long enough to take the offered extra flying lessons! Quit wiggling, you're making it hard to steer!"

The solution that the two research partners had come up with was less then practical. Keetal was seated in the cockpit, with Fenzey, being the lighter of the two, on his lap working the controls. The theory had been that between the two of them, they would remember enough to fly the dart. Like most of their theories, it was good in the lab, and not so good in practice.

An idea entered into the older Wraith's head. He placed his hands on Fenzey's sides and ran them firmly down to the younger Wraith's hips. "You have lovely hips," Keetal purred into Fenzey's ear.

Fenzey gave a startled, distressed yelp, wriggled, and let go of the dart's control stick. That was exactly what Keetal had wanted, and he quickly took over steering. Fenzey sighed in defeat. He didn't turn around, but he knew there was a large smile plastered on the other scientist's face.

"Fine, if that's how you want me," Fenzey said with a bit of a double meaning. He leaned back against the other Wraith and just hoped they made it through the Portal in one piece.

Neither would admit it, but both enjoyed the physical contact forced on them due to their method of travel. Both knew that they were lucky they had been born on the same ship. The adults mostly ignored the two, and each would have been alone, friendless.

As the journey to the nearest planet with a Portal progressed, Keetal slid a hand around Fenzey's waist. Absentmindedly he rubbed little circles.

It turned out that Keetal was a mostly competent piolet. Combined effort got the dart to the nearest planet, a good several hours away. The two decided to rematerialize their stolen belongings, land the dart and walk through the Portal. Neither were sure of their ability to maneuver the dart accurately enough to pass safely through the Portal. With some doing, the cargo was materialized and the dart safely landed.

"Well, if we do this, there is no going back." Fenzey looked over at Keetal.

"Yes, and we are doing it!" Keetal leapt through the rippling surface of the Portal, followed by Fenzey. The older wraith would never admit it, but his curiosity was too strong to keep him on their old Hive. Litrell's offer was just what he had wanted.

0.0.0

Time to go love.

I assume that you have a plan to get the two little ones?

Yes. But we require Dray's space craft to do so.

Mardal couldn't keep his hand from sliding around Litrell's waist as they walked. What do we need her ship for?

Litrell mimicked his lover and slid his hand around the other's waist. Because there is not enough room for two in a dart. I will cover our thought presence while we sneak aboard the other Hive and retrieve the little ones.

You know that Dray will never let me fly her craft. It was a statement from Mardal, not a question.

Yes love, I will cover her mind and mine while she rescues Joot and Ina. Before Mardal could get angry about it, Litrell sent a soothing tendril into his mind. She knows the layout of every Hive ever built. She could find the two littles while hibernating. Litrell, still in Mardal's mind, soothed and reassured the weaker mind. Relaxing, Mardal was content for the moment to do as his mate wished.

The two reached the dart bay. They wound their way through the thousands of darts until they found one out of the way that would not be immediately missed. Mardal slid under the dart and removed the tracking device. When he emerged, his hair and back were covered in a fine dust. Affectionately Litrell brushed the dust out of his lover's short, spiked hair. Mardal preened under the touch.

Without further ado, Mardal started the dart, scooped up his lover, and broke ship for the space Portal orbiting a near by planet.

0.0.0

The Wraith collected around the Portal looked at each other for the first time through physical eyes. They all knew each mind, but the physical was new. The only individual to cause a stir was Mardal. Everyone was utterly shocked by his hair. How could any self respecting wraith cut it so short as to almost not be there? Mardal gave the group a snarl in response. He didn't care if they liked it or not, it was his hair.

The other member to draw the eyes of the group was Zeela. It must be bread into males of most species to be absolutely fascinated with the females. All knew she had chosen a mate, but they could still look. One never knew when she might decide to take another lover.

While waiting for the crazed Keeper to show, the group had quiet conversations about nothing. Keetal and Fenzey started arguing about their latest genetic scheme, everyone tuned them out. Andray introduced Cedly individually to the other members of the group. Mardal contentedly ran his fingers through Litrell's long hair. It was the first truely peaceful moment most of them had known in a long time.

Another mind touched Litrell's. Dray had the ship in orbit around their planet. Excitedly, those who had darts to pilot scattered to their ships. The others waited and were beamed aboard, then deposited in their new Cruiser's dart bay.

The new Hive let the excitement flow freely from mind to mind. This Cruiser was theirs to do with as they pleased. No petty adults telling them what to do and when to do it. A happy buzz was in the air, like contented bees. Everyone was in harmony, the mental network bolstered immensely from the close proximity. The Hive mind was starting to take on true power and form.

Litrell, sensing that Dray wished to look over the ship, instructed Mardal to take control of navigation. They had to get the Cruiser back in hyperspace so the adults could not give chase. Zeela sent orders around, and everyone scattered.

0.0.0

There was one thing left to do. Both Joot and Ina were not old enough to piolet a dart. They were still, after all, content chasing bugs around for fun. Grudgingly, Mardal agreed to let Litrell go with Dray to procure the two littles.

The new Hive dropped their ship out of hyper space and fell into orbit around a planet with a Portal. Dray and Litrell departed in Dray's craft, and the others were left to anxiously wait their return.

The destination Hive was seven hours from the nearest gate, so the two occupants of the ship had plenty of time to chat.

Had you asked, Litrell, I would have let Mardal fly you in my ship. Dray reached out and touched the other's mind.

Yes, but he does not know your craft. I recall it is capable of sneaking onto a Hive undetected. This announcement was followed by a lot of technical information that I don't care to know or understand, Litrell thought back.

I could have showed him what to do. He is far less than stupid. Or at least I would hope you chose a worthy lover. Dray sent a mental chuckle.

Litrell responded, Have you ever considered that I need time away from him? He is far too obsessed, jealous and clingy regarding me.

Truly? I had not noticed, Dray sent the thought dripping with sarcasm.

Litrell gave a mental laugh and continued, Dray, if I may be so bold, why have you not taken a lover? I know that Andray has quite a liking for you.

Litrell was not expecting the response he got from the female. With his comment, her mind snapped closed, painfully severing the mental connection. Litrell could have forced it back open, but saw no point in angering the Keeper further.

Snarling, Dray said, "That is absolutely none of your concern!"

Realizing just how much he had angered the female, Litrell said, "It is a long journey. I think I will doze until we get closer."

Damn straight you will, Dray thought to herself as the male settles back into his seat.

Females were always difficult. Litrell could manipulate any male mind to do anything, but the females were resistant. The most effective way to get them to do as one wished was seduction. The mental difference between the sexes intrigued him. In fact, Dray herself intrigued him. She kept all but the most basic information about herself to herself. Her mind was constantly closed, and she only allowed others the briefest and shallowest contact for communication. The female Keeper was an enigma that Litrell wanted to solve, regardless of how many millennium that took.

Litrell didn't realize he had actually drifted off until he was woken. "Were are on approach to the Hive." The female said curtly, obviously still a little touchy from their earlier conversation.

Litrell set out his mind and found the collective Hive mind. Most everyone was resting, it being the end of the cycle for the Hive. Those awake were easy enough to send into a mental loop in regards to whose minds were present. Dray and he would remain undetected. What would be harder would be to cover for the missing minds once they had the two younglings.

Dray hit a few buttons on one of her consoles and the program easily uploaded itself into the Hive's systems. The two Wraith and their craft were now as close to invisible as one could get.

Litrell, where are they? Dray sent a quiet thought to the male.

The telepath responded, Both are in the nursery, resting.

Dray landed the ship and slid off through the Hive to the nursery. She encountered no one, mostly due to Litrell. The male could tell where everyone in the Hive was due to their minds. If Dray was coming too close to someone, Litrell warned her.

The Keeper found the Wraith version of a nursery easily enough. There were only two occupants, Joot and Ina. Both were curled up on their sleeping mats, happily dozing. Dray looked down at the two littles, and briefly wondered what Litrell wanted with them.

Ina was a surprisingly round faced child. Her short white hair was cut so it resembled a bowl, framing her face. Her complection was completely white, making her look like a little spector. Joot sported slightly longer white hair, and was faintly green. He looked like any male child would, nothing special.

Gently, Dray picked up the two sleeping hatchlings. Litrell touched their minds and sent them further into sleep. Dray, with Litrell's continued help, made her way back to her craft. She jumped up onto a wing and handed Ina and Joot to Litrell. Sliding into her seat, Dray closed the cockpit and started the engine.

They escaped the dart bay without incident. Dray's program was still causing trouble with the sensors and Litrell had everyone's minds under his control. As they neared the end of telepathic range, Litrell sent out a thought program that mimicked the two hatchling's minds. The hive would notice they were gone when everyone woke, but it was sufficient cover until the escapees reached the Portal.

0.0.0

Ina stirred, and noticed something was wrong. Her bed was really, really big. And lying next to her was Joot, who always, on assistance of the adults, slept in his own bed. Ina poked her sleeping friend and trilled at him. His eyes opened and he looked as surprised as her at the change of scenery.

"Good mourning." Said a cheerful voice. Litrell looked down at the hatchlings.

Litrell! They both thought in almost unison. Their young minds filled with happiness and Litrell smiled. The two decided that they liked the way Litrell looked, and both knew instinctively that they were safe with him and his friends. His Hive.

0.0.0

Finally everything was complete. They had a ship, and enough minds to constitute a Hive. The bonds between them flourished with the physical proximity. Nothing stood in their way, and any obstacles encountered could be countered with their collective intelligence and physical force.

They were Wraith. They were Hive. They were Invincible.

Everyone stood in the control room. All eyes looked around at the others. Silently they picked the first planet to visit, and Mardal entered it into the hyper drive computer.

The renegade hive disappeared with a green flash into hyperspace.