Chapter 9

Sateda fall - part 2.

Sunblaze came out of the shower and threw a towel on wet hair. He did not have the forces wipe them. He just fell on the bed, assuming his hands behind your head. Changing the time in each new place tired him, and he had not slept for two days.

But now he could not sleep. Memories from Sateda still hovered at his head. And he did not understand why Moonlight left hive. After all she put in this place so much work, so much him has devoted. It was her house... her new Clan... her family.

Anyway, then he also did not understand why she was risking her life for a few humans...

.

"…Sneaking furtively between the trees, they finally stopped near one of the houses.

It was a small storeys, with white walls and a sloping roof... such country house... on the outskirts of the city.

They hid behind thick tree trunk. In windows still light was on. Mo watched for a moment the movement inside, and then she looked at her new companion.

- Even in this jacket you look suspicious - she scoffed, peek for clothing, which she found for him on the way...

He smiled at her from under the hood. She shook her head.

- I'll go first - she said and walked carefully on.

He watched intently her steps and the surrounding area. Someone came the side door of the house next door, but she managed to hide behind a tree. She had to wait a while, until woman lifted something from the ground and returned to the house, and then she moved on.

She stopped a few meters before the back entrance to the house, hiding in the shadows. Then Sunblaze left his hiding place, to join her soon. He was just a meter behind her, when suddenly the door opened and in the threshold stood a grew man. Light coming from the inside too blinded a young Wraith, that he was able to see something more.

He froze.

- Are you alone? - Mo said, not going out of the shadows.

- Just me and Alyana - man said.

Only then female Wraith came to light. Still hiding in the shadows, Sunblaze came closer.

- Nice to see you again - she said softly.

- You, too... It's been so many years that I began to wonder if you're still alive.

She smiled corner of her mouth.

- As you can see, they still devoured me not - snorted.

- Why did you come now? - he was worried. - The streets are full of army. It's dangerous.

- You have to run, Kervis... in the mountains - she gestured head.

The man was silent for a moment.

- So, it's time. They flow to feed - he said. - Two hundred years ago, my mother and her daughter miraculously escaped this fate... Now the circle closes.

Moonlight wanted to say something, but in the threshold of the house there was a woman. She was of medium height, relatively thin, with long blond hair pinned in a braid.

- That's why there are so many army on the street? - she asked. - Getting ready for the invasion? How do they know?

- They shot down us.

- You? - growled the man.

Young female glanced over his shoulder, and from the shadows emerged a tall figure, pulling his hood. At the sight of Wraith, woman stepped back in horror on her face. Kervis wanted took a step forward, when suddenly his attention was caught passing street armored car and staring into the darkness of the light reflector. Clearly they were looking for something... or rather someone.

Mo and Sunblaze retreated behind a tree.

- When it starts, you run away into the mountains - she said. - Where I was meting with your mother... Take only the bare essentials.

- Will you be there? - he asked, but no one answered him. - Mo?

He strained his eyes. Something loomed in the darkness, some shapes.

Two young Wraith quickly left the area buildings, coming back up the hill. This time they ran. The army was too close, so they could afford to walk. When they slowed, Sunblaze grab Mo from her arm.

- You want them move by Back Gates? - he said, although in his voice could feel the touch of reply.

- During the attack the main gate will be open all the time, so no one will influence these activation.

- It's still dangerous. Do you want to risk it because of two humans?

- He's my friend. I've known him for years - she snapped, and then became sad. - I promised his mother that in the event of an attack I pull him out - she said calmly.

He let go of her.

- Your commitment to this woman's strange - he said. - I also had a babysitter, but you treat her like your own mother.

- Because in a someone sense, she was her for me - she said and walked away. - It's me she went to my mother's hive. If not she, I'd have been dead for two hundred years... It was not long after the last air raid on Sateda...

Sunblaze step equalized with her, listening to her stories of interest. They had before them an hours back, and two more to get to the gate: practically all night fast walk.

And so it was.

They came to the place just before dawn.

Gates were hidden in a mountain cave, behind a holographic wall through which they can move only Wraith. For humans it was just a rock. It was a safeguard against possible prying eyes.

Gates was the old generation, so each time tries connect to the planet, subspace tunnel was redirected to those in the city... unless someone has sent the code. Then the output ended up here.

- I suppose that your hive is nearby. Try to select an address - she said, standing before the DHD. - I do not understand why they did not evacuate the planet? After all, they have no chance. More advanced civilizations fell.

- This is proud nation - he said, and began to select the address.

Circles on the gate began to rotate, and clip lock in place the appropriate symbols.

- This pride will lead them to destruction - she said.

He smiled, amused by her concern for the fate of the humans.

The tunnel becomes active, shooting in front of a stream of energy.

- Ladies first - he joked, pointing the way.

She only smiled and walked.

Out the other side ended up in a small gate room... with drones holding guns targeted at them. She stopped abruptly just behind the gate, so that Sunblaze fell on her. He was about to say something, when suddenly he saw the soldiers.

- Take it easy - he said, spreading his arms. - She's with me.

Drones left arms and parted, letting them go.

- I'll take you to my mother - he said, when they went out into the corridor. - Although she may not be delighted your presence.

- Gently speaking - she snorted.

- You are my guest, so they can't do anything to you - he said. - About the rest of we will be worry later.

- Why are you helping me? - she asked suddenly, with seriousness, when they stopped in front of the transporter room.

He did not answer right away. He opened the first door and chose the appropriate level. Beam moved them in the appropriate place.

- And why you helped me? - he asked, when he came out into the corridor. - You could leave me in both the fighter and the ravine. No one would even know you were there.

- Anyone with even a little bit of honor that he was doing - she said if it was an obvious thing.

He stopped a few feet in front of the door of the royal chamber.

- You have, therefore, the answer to your question - he said with a slight smile. - After one day, I know more about you and trust you more than I could say the same for many a Wraith on that hive... Honestly? I have long noticed that belong to the Clan will not make that, if necessary, they will take care of you... You helped quite a stranger Wraith risk that you can be accused of intrusion into our feeding ground. So now I have an opportunity to repay the same.

She smiled gently. She was very human, when she did, he thought. In her eyes could not see an ounce of stubbornness and pride Wraith Queens... He liked when she was just smiling.

- Thank you - she said, and nodded her head slightly, putting hand on her chest.

- The pleasure is all mine - he said with a sneer, performing the same gesture.

He wanted to add something, when the door of the room opened and in the threshold stood the Wraith

Officer. His long, thin dreadlocks were tied casually with the back of his head, and double small beard a silver ring. His right cheek was adorned with a tattoo. Instead coat he wore only a vest.

- She is waiting, Sunblaze - he snapped.

Young Wraith smiled to himself, walking over to him.

- This is my always a bit hyperactive, older half-brother: Silverblast - he said. .

Mo formally nodded his head, but he only gave her eyes and turned on his heel, walked into the room. They followed him. On the throne already sat the Queen, dressed in a black coat revealing her shoulders. Looked more like a dress, thought a young female. Her long, silver hair falling freely, and on both sides of her face at the height of eyes it showed the same small tattoo.

She looked haughtily at newcomers.

- Why do you bring her here? - she demanded answers.

- She saved my life... twice.

- Apparently, about twice too much - she growled and stood up, walking over to them to carefully look at the Mo. - Again you cause trouble? Just like your father - she said, looking at his son.

Moonlight smiled to herself - she can't hide the amusement.

- What's so funny, girl?

- My mother always repeats the same thing about me - she said, still amused.

- Apparently, having offspring with an intelligence officer is a bad idea - Queen harshly summed up, and started circling her.- So, you are a Moonlight... Faulty Nightwind daughter.

Young female growled softly at her words, which amused a little Queen. She pulled his face to hers.

- So you have a bit of character Wraith - she said sarcastically. - I heard that you're weak as a human.

- Listening to gossip is not the best way to know the truth - she hissed through his teeth.

Queen for a moment looked at her searchingly, then returned to her throne.

- You probably know who I am. Your mother and grandmother always pay a lot of importance to provide knowledge to their offspring about other Clans.

- Yes, My Lady. You are Silverlight, first daughter Silverfrost, who sat in the Grey Council. She died at the end of the war with Lanteans, during the siege of their city... You were born before the war, as the Third Generation… I shall to continue?

Queen smiled of the corner of his mouth.

- Enough... What are you doing here, Protheu? - her tone was imperious again.

- I had to meet with someone on this planet. They blew me far away from the planet and the rest of the way I made the fighter - she said.

- With someone?

- With my informer - she said reluctantly.

She lied, so she had to make the Queen believe in this lie.

- Just here? The day before harvest?

- This is strange feeding ground. No one have suspected that I choose them to the meeting... And I did not know, that you plan to feeding... My informant was just around. It was randomly selected location... Truth be told if not your son, Lady, everything would go smoothly - she added, glancing uncomfortably corner of his eye at the young Wraith.

- What is supposed to be the information? - Queen inquired.

Moonlight was silent for a moment, then shrugged her shoulders indifferently.

- Nothing in particular. Movements of other Clans.

She was not sure, whether the Queen to believe in this story, but now she had to keep her anymore. Besides, she will sooner believe in this, than the truth - that she wanted to visit a human family.

The Queen looked at her again carefully, then said:

- Because of your mother... and what have you done to my son... especially let you stay here... You will be responsible for her, Sunblaze - she looked at her son. - If she being caught beyond the level of quarters alone, you will answer for it - she almost snapped.

- Yes, mother - he nodded obediently and bowed slightly.

- Now get out. I want to talk with my son - she said dryly.

Moonlight bowed down to formally and turned on her heel to leave. Silverblast looked at her intently.

- You also get out - snapped at him a Queen.

He did not answer. He was not happy with that fact, but he had to leave. The Queen waited until the door shut behind him, and then she looked at her younger son.

- Do you believe her?

The Wraith was surprised by the question his mother, but Mo did not leave him much choice, he had to pull her farce. He doubted that his mother believed the truth.

- Yes... we even went to the city to the appointed place, but the informer was no longer there... He had to scare the military. Sated preparing to defend.

- Yes, I know. You had to go back an hour ago, so we sent two fighters to scout them... They shot down them - she said clearly wrong.

- I was shot down when I come back with a report on the development of Sateda - he explained. - If she does not... - he preferred not to finish thinking. It depressed him. - Anyway, our suspicions were confirmed. They have attained a high level of growth over the past two hundred years. And their population is very large... It will be a rich harvest - he assured.

- So get ready for them. We begin in two hours - she said.

- Yes, mother.

He wanted to go, but she still looked at him haughtily, so he remained in place.

- You like her, right? - she added with a sneer.

Sunblaze again was a bit surprised by her question.

- ...Yes - he said hesitantly. - This is bad?

- I'm just asking - she said as if casually. - She is very pretty, not you think?

- ...Yes - he still was not certain what she was going.

- If you want, I can talk to Nightwind about her transfer to this hive - she said with a strange smile.

Young Wraith embarrassed and almost blushed.

- She is Wraith female. I did not think about her in that way - he said.

- Protheu never been fully considered by the Wraith... They always were treated more like worshippers... maybe a little bit better. But never on a full rights Wraith. So, such an arrangement would not be nothing... improper - she assured him.

- But your approach to her is such...

- Watch out for words - she interrupted him angrily.

- Why? Explain it to me, mother... It not me treat her as an outcast. Someone worse... She was born Wraith, so she is Wraith. It's not her fault, that she did not pass the changes. From what I know from her about Protheu, is a case of fate. It can't be predict it... And if I were in her place?

- Do not even talk like this - she snapped, angry.

- Why not? Each could this happen. She is just a first female... And I think her for friend - he said.

- This is not your case to change findings the Grey Council - she said dryly.

- Maybe someone finally had to - he said.

- Enough! - she screamed. - Next thinker.

He did not answer. He knew that the discussion on this topic does not make sense. He once heard a saying from one of the worshippers: Head of the wall can't beat... and in this case fit perfectly.

He was silent then. He wanted to ask something but did not know how to begin. So he was just looking at her uncertainly.

- What is it? - Queen noticed his hesitation.

- In fact, I wanted to ask you something, mother.

- Say so - she said a little haughtily.

- About the transfer to another hive.

The Queen seemed to be interested.

- Which one?

- This, which is Moonlight.

- So that's it comes - she said tartly.

- No. It's not - he protested. - Her Keeper is the Commander there. He is one of the best pilots. He was a student Icestorm. I could have a lot to learn from him...

- He already not serve the Council - she interrupted him. - He resigned after her father death.

- I know, but he can teach me a lot...

- This hive is a research unit - she interrupted dryly. - You want lose your time there?

- Learning from one of the best officers of the interview I do not consider it a waste of time, mother.

She growled, angry, rising from his throne.

- Just like your father - she said, walking over to him. - You can not sit in place. Only you these... adventure in mind - she waved her hand.

Sunblaze smiled.

- Apparently, the mother Mo repeat this all the time about her - he snorted.

- As I said, apparently having offspring with an intelligence officer is a mistake - she said, annoyed. For a moment she stared at him, then she relaxed. - Do as you think... only after do not say, that I did not warn you. At this hive they are all losers - she hissed.

- I would rather say, that quite a collection of scientists.

The Queen snapped again, this time warning.

- You get out… Get ready to harvest - she ordered.

- Yes, mother - he said obediently, and bowed.

Then he left the room happy.

Mo was waiting for him in the corridor, leaning against the wall with her arms folded across her chest.

He smiled at her broadly.

- It looks like we will be working together - he said blithely.

She looked at him, frowning brows.

- What's that?

- I asked the mother to transfer to your hive.

The female seemed to be surprised.

- Why? - she snorted. - This is scientific entity. Send down to us...

- Losers? - he finished for her amusement. - How my mother has put it... I know it's scientific entity. But Skyfall is one of the best intelligence officers. I want to train with him - he added with pride.

- Oh, that's your point - she said with a slight amusement, pushing back against the wall. - Are you planning a career in an interview? - she scoffed.

- Maybe - he said with a hint of mystery. - Maybe one day you'll be able to boast that you know me.

- Rather not admit that I know you - she said with irony.

He grinned to her his sharp teeth.

- Come, I'll take you to the guest quarters. In two hours we start to harvest.

Amusement on her face suddenly disappeared. He saw it, but he said nothing, moving forward. But he slowed right away, seeing two officers standing nearby. One of them was his half-brother and the other big Wraith, whose top of bald head adorned only long silver hair bun.

- They stand there all the time and just stare - Mo told him.

Sunblaze face clouded and passed them without a word. He glanced over his shoulder only the corner of his eye, when he turns to the other corridor, and said:

- The second is Fireblast. Half-brother of my mother... They call him Lord of Wraiths. He supervises a significant amount of our feeding grounds... Unpleasant individual - he said.

- And so he looks - she said a grim voice.

- Watch out for him... From the way how he looked at you, should be able to circulate what implied in his head - he hissed.

- Take it easy. I can take care of myself - she assured.

He smiled slightly.

- I know. I've seen... But still... Circulating among female worshippers about him not very nice story.

- Have you worried about me? - she scoffed.

- You do not want to know what was offered me my mother regarding you - he talk back.

She frowned brows and snapped, which amused him. He laughed.

Moonlight suddenly stopped. She looked as she listening for something.

- What happened?

- Hive ship my grandmother - she said.

- I do not sense anything.

- It'll be here.

He focused on.

After a while, there's actually something in the range of his senses.

Another hive.

But he was not able to feel anything else. "