Chapter 35
This same blood.
Ember nodded his head slightly and smiled to Moonlight.
He was quiet, even a little shy and absorbent of knowledge... sweet for his special way, she decided a long time ago.
He was a half older than her - he had almost five hundred years. A tall, rather slim, with a partially tied behind her head hair and little double beard, between which lay a small tattoo. He was one of the technical scientists on Starburst hive... and the only child of Shadowmist.
But when a few centuries ago, his mother had planned his birth, not such was to be a role of a young Wraith. In intended to Sunbreeze, Ember was to be her Blade. The Queen decided, that the blood of her blood will be the best for her protector... and the most dedicated. She also agreed, that the best material for the father will be one of the Oldest.
Born after the Great War females, for some reason, always believed, that the Wraith born before the war, were the best carrier genes. Strong physically and mind, as well as versatile... Although they had a considerable disadvantage: their pre-war way of upbringing affect their worldview, and thus the way of perceiving the Queens and interaction, making them difficult... "subordinates". Therefore, most of them served in the hive the Oldest Queens. Only they the best understood still inherent in those males need of... "freedom". They not control their actions in the same way, as the younger Queens controlled hers crew, allowing them to maintain a sense of... self-sufficiency.
There was only one problem: The Oldest rarely resigned to become fathers Young Queens - known only to himself reasons. And they were right to do so, given to them by the Grey Council. But Sunbreeze was stubborn. So she asked the Council to allocated to the hive Shadowmist as... temporary Hive Watchmaster, under the pretext of training her new Security Chief after this, like the previous... failure to comply his obligations, has been permanently removed from the hive. Then, no one even thought, how would be looks final this story... with Sunbreeze inclusive.
Although the Mist, due to his mother, originated from the House of Twilight, however strong genes of his father from the House of Light in Darknes, made that, the fate of Ember was already announced by Vocator, in a completely different direction than the Queen wanted: he had to be Cleverman.
Moonlight can only imagine the rage Sunbreeze, which ordered Shadowmist take his "mistake" of her hive. In this way, the Wraith back on Unbroken with a scared, little boy. But thanks to this she gained a companion for long conversations, not only about technical matters...
Sheppard furrowed his eyebrows slightly on his sight. He seen him somewhere, he thought... but he could not remember now where.
- You air out? - Skyrim quipped with a grin, behaving, as if he completely not see the colonel.
- I catch breath after the recent... revelations - she said a similar tone.
- It were not the best - said Ember. - Judging by your tone - he explained.
- I would called this rather a small disaster - she almost muttered. - The Council is considering granting me the statute of the Queen.
- ...Why? - Rimy surprised.
- Because of their... deficit... They gather a fleet against the Technicians, and the more ships they have on their side, the better for them... And the other Queens not will be listen Protheu.
- But they should listen a Hive Keeper - Ember noticed, and they looked at him with some surprise. - And you are... In truth, it is a long time ago forgotten title, but still valid, since the Council is continuing to apply the principles of the Old Code.
Moonlight grinned.
- Ember... you're a genius - she said and she slapped him in both arms, delighted with the idea, then she ran.
He seemed to be happy with her praise... even though he had no clue how the idea dawned on her head.
- Where are you going? - called after her Skyrim.
- Talk with Skall! ... I have idea! - she said.
- I hate when she says like that - said Wraith. - It always foreshadow trouble - he said and growled softly under his breath, then tapped a friend on the shoulder. - Come on - he added, and he ran after her.
Ember looked only at Skywalker, shrugging his shoulders slightly, then both caught up Skyrim.
The sound of running feet were not here so loud as on most hiveships. This organic floor suppressed them relatively well, and standing in a small room a group of Wraith, did not immediately noticed upcoming young female.
- ...My father mentioned, that you have a son - say Alabaster. - How old is he?
- Three.
- My almost five... Maybe they could become acquainted? - she proposed. - Unless of course you do not mind?
Teyla wanted to answer, even though at first she hesitated, not knowing how to get out from this situation, when suddenly her attention was attracted Moonlight.
Right behind her running three Wraith, immediately taking a serious pose. Two of them bow to formally at the sight of Queens.
- I think I have a idea, how to get out of this whole... Queen - Mo threw out from the doorway and walked over to them. - In principle, this is a brilliant idea Ember - she added with a smile and patted him on the shoulder.
Young scientist smiled uneasily, and Alabaster looked at him with interest.
- So, again will be trouble - said Skyfall, and Mo gave him a grim look. - Every time when you say that, it ends up trouble - he noted calmly.
- That's what I said - put in Skyrim.
- Thanks for the support. I knew, that I could count on you - she pointed out to them.
- The all pleasure is mine - said the Commander, and he nodded his head slightly amused.
- What's the idea? - interested in Steelflower.
Moonlight looked at her, giving up of repartee, which she already had to say the Wraith officer.
- I use my statute a Hive Keeper...
- Whom? - wondered Alabaster.
- Hive Keeper - repeated Raptor. - Old honorary title before of the Great War. Among other things, he had to serve in the event, that a hive lost its Queen and could not have a new... Then, the entire crew unanimous voice, she could admit such a statute to one of them, the most well-deserved for the hive... I guess that you know about this from Clearcut? - he added with a slight smile.
- Yes - Mo said. - In this way I am for them... substitute of the Queen - she snorted, what even more amused old Wraith.
- Substitute of the Queen? - he repeated, shaking his head.
- But how has it help you? - asked Alabaster.
- Hive Keeper has the rights almost like the Queen - Mo said. - He does not have to subordinate to other Queens... Unless that he swear allegiance one of them. Then only she has power over him.
- Unfortunately this provision comes from the Old Code, and ceased to be used in times of the Great War - added Raptor. - He was a little... uncomfortable for parts of Queens.
- I guess why - said with slight amusement Steelflower.
- But it could be a problem to Queens of later generations accepted it...
- But you can work around this issue - said the unexpectedly feminine, although slightly throaty voice.
They looked toward the entrance, where the constant Sunrise.
Wraith males bowed formally, when she moved slowly toward them, and a females only nodded her heads slightly.
- I admit, that we completely forgot about this possibility - she said and looked at Skyfall. - I guess, that on this idea your crew fell into after the death of Nightwind. You still treat Mo as a child, over those entrusted you with the custody of... two hundred years ago - she pointed out the irony.
- I do not want to say anything, but you still treat him in this way... even after five thousand years - pointed out the Raptor, not even trying to hide the irony in his voice.
The Queen looked at him, slightly amused.
- Because he is my child - she said calmly, looking at her son.
Sheppard raised his eyebrow at the words.
Moonlight did not mention that the Commander is the son of one of Queens from the Grey Council... It was interesting information, he thought. Considering the fact, that he was plotting against his own mother.
But at least he confirmed his previous opinion about the Wraith: never trust them, because they stabs you in the back knife, when you least expect it..
Quite another thing, that surprised him the exchange of views, which he listened to with interest. Even when dealing with the Wraith with hiveship Moonlight grandmother noted, that the relationship between the Oldest of the Wraith are often different, than those know them so far.
Oldest Queens seemed to be much more forgiving of Oldest males. And now, when he learned from the Raptor, that in past these relationships were more similar to human behavior, he beginning to understand why. Despite ten thousand years, The Oldest Wraiths still often treated each other as equals. In contrast, later generations increasingly adopt the standard of behavior, which are known at present: The Queen is the supreme and absolute power... and Raptor utterance was been unthinkable and probably severely punished. Maybe even a death.
- Coming back to your idea of Hive Keeper... it is good, but as noted Raptor may not be enough - Sunrise said, glancing at Mo. - Even if the Council accepts it and it will protect you from the role of the Queen... against which you so defending - she pointed her slightly amused - this and so I am afraid it is not enough that the other Queens accept you as an equal. Certainly not all.
- You mentioned, that it can get around this - noted Skyfall.
- Yes. There is only one way: it would be better if your hive belonged to some of the Queen. Then, Moonlight will be something of her... representative. This should silenced Queens reluctant necessity of cooperation with... Protheu.
- So I need to give someone an oath of loyalty - Mo said.
- You and Skyfall, at the Commander of your hive - she reminded. - Remember, that in the absence of the Queen, only together you can speak in behalf of the entire crew.
- Yes, I know - almost muttered, wondering.
In truth, Mo was simply brilliant idea, whom to choose at her Queen.
Well, it was one big BUT - Skyfall will never agree, she thought. He could take part in those all masquerade, but this idea definitely would be for him not to accept. So, she must to seriously rethink the choice of another Queen, which will be as the least interfered with this, what is happening on the Invention.
She looked at the Commander and I wanted to say something, when from behind the leather cuff of his coat rang out a quiet sound.
- Excuse me - he say and bowed slightly Queens, then stepped aside, pulling behind a small device cuff links. - Yes? - he muttered.
- Commander, arrive Starscreamer - said a quiet voice. - The Queen demands the immediate meeting with you and Mo.
Wraith officer glanced over his shoulder at Moonlight, and then he snarled softly under his breath.
- What does she want now? - she grumbled.
- I'll be there - said Skyfall to communicator and hung up. - I'll see what is happened - he said and bowed again, then left.
- And you come with me. We'll talk with the rest about your idea - Sunrise said to a young female and walked off.
She even did not pay attention when the male Wraith bowed low her.
This a kind of... nonchalance towards females, was one of the next things that surprised recently colonel in the culture of the Wraith. Sometimes he felt like on royal court described in historical books. He wondered, what other revelations he finds, on the other hand, he already slowly starting to get used to it.
- I also have a few errands to do - said the Raptor and bowed other two Queens, he also came out of the small room.
- The threat of Technicians must be greater than we thought - almost Alabaster muttered, glancing toward the exit.
- Why do you think that? - asked Steelflower, asking a question that also preoccupy the Sheppard mind, but he could not ask the Queen about it as the Wraith.
- The Council is rarely so obliging ... - she said, looking at Teyla. - They like Mo, but... how to say... their willingness to help is a surprise to me. I've never seen that so try to find the best solution for all... It's Grey Council, Oldest Queens. They command, and the rest performs their orders. Regardless of whether you are female or male.
- Wraith are still divided - Starburst added. - It will be difficult to achieve unity from time of the Great War... But you're right. The threat of Technicians must be greater, than is say officially, if the Council agrees on a solution, which normally would have been immediately rejected, just only to gain additional ships.
- And how many hives already they have? - asked Steelflower.
- Only hiveships, together with our? Thirty, maybe a little more.
- So, how many ships have Technicians, since the Council is still their fears.
- It's not about quantity... My Queen... But about the quality - he said mysteriously. - According to the interview, Technicians began combined the Wraith technology with a humans, and even Lanteans. What gives them more powerful and faster ships, better weapons, and maybe even shields.
Teyla did not answer. It was not good news.
So far, they thought it was the Wraith are their biggest problem. And now it turns out that their faction, it is probably even stronger enemy.
And worst of all, that they contributed to this, bringing their actions of Civil War among the Wraith, during which from the rest of the clans split one, creating their own - Technicians, former Hivehealers... in human terms: the engineers.
.
.
Moonlight came to the dock Grey terrestrial base of the Wraith, where he was waiting for her small freighter.
Message from Stardrift was short, but meaningful. If the officer asked her to she immediately returned to the Invention, something had to happen. And she guessed what is was the reason... and precisely who: Nightflower.
Probably her half-sister decided to take the opportunity to demand that the hive was her own, thought Mo. And she had a solid foundation for doing it. She was the first daughter of Nightwind and after her death, she had all the rights take after her mother feeding grounds and fleet. And Invention was the tasty morsel which Nightflower really wanted to have... even if only in order to Moonlight became her subordinate.
Young female entered on the gangplank of the ship, but she stopped and turned, hearing in mind the call.
On the platform just came two young Queens escorted by four Wraiths.
- Alabaster believes it would be better if we fly with you - said from afar Steelflower.
- You know, that your half-sister sometimes is unpredictable - added Alabaster, when they approached closer. - And with us she will have to be careful... Besides, I will not turn this opportunity to tease her a bit.
Mo raised some eyebrows and smirked.
- Queen Alabaster, I do not recognize you - she snorted. - From where in you such a low instincts?
- There are always, when your sister is around - she said. - A Council is still considering your offer, so we are not needed them.
- Very well... If you want to go in the jaws of a lion - joked Mo and went inside.
- It's an animal? - asked Alabaster, moving behind her.
- Yes. It comes from the Earth ... Large predator.
- Do you have access to their database? - she asked curiously. - I am very curious how looks Earth... her plants and animals. Father mentioned, that living there humans can belong to many different cultures... It is fascinating, that on one planet was created so many different nations.
- I'll ask them for access available information about their planet - she said.
- I was be very grateful - she said.
Mo thought, that a long time she had not seen her so excited. She had a small child's face delighted some unusual discovery.
- Why are you so interested this planet? - Steelflower surprised when they sit down on the benches in the hold of passenger.
- You grow up among humans. Never interested you their culture? - asked Alabaster, surprised. - I think, I read all the publications available in the Watchtower of Knowledge about humans societies. Of particular interest are those, that existed before the Great War. Achieve some of them was fascinating. If not for the war, might from time these civilizations could surpass even Lanteans in their achievements.
- I did not think that the Wraith are interested in such things - Teyla said.
- Not all - she admitted. - For a large part of the humans are only a food... But some of us, and I mean here about the younger generation, still have a desire to know. As our ancestors. As the First Wraiths, who in order to survive, they had to learn as much as was possible, and to share this knowledge with each other. After the war, when we have become the dominant power, we began to fall slow in stagnation... Imagine that mother my mother's, Firerain, was before the Great War physicist. A Nightstorm specialized in bio-engineering.
- A female? - surprised Steelflower.
- As told Raptor, before the Great War, our society governed by slightly different rules, My Queen - interjected calmly Starburst. - There was no division like now... My mother tried to teach such thinking my sister, Mo mother, which at the beginning she was Commander of the cruiser. She was a very good strategist. And also she explored the science of chemistry. But later generations, although a child receive the education, more and more preferred to the current division of roles and focus only on one area. Currently, young scientists, as Ember is an immense rarity - a gesture of his head he toward the young Wraith, who seemed to be embarrassed, praised by his Commander. - The truth, he specialized in technical matters, but his knowledge is much broader and covers many fields of science. That is why he is so precious asset for us... Scientists Midsummer have comprehensively educated, so they can cope in different situations... adapt to new conditions. To this same we also should strive, if we want to beat them... otherwise they destroy us faster than New Lanteans - he added, glancing at the colonel.
Skywalker kept a neutral face.
He could not react, not betraying himself. But with great interest listened to the conversation... next, which completely disrupts his previous image about the Wraith.
Young Queen fascinated by human cultures, and the oldest of the Queens, which in ancient times specialized in the sciences, requiring large knowledge... These were not things, which he expected to find here.
In truth they knew that the Wraith are a very intelligent breed, but otherwise he had imagined it... he could not though now accurately determine: how. Just... different. It was the only word that came to his mind.
Transport ship slowly fall on the platform at the Starscreamer's dock, so, they come to the hatch, to go outside.
- It would be better if I go first - Alabaster said. - Before they want to start shooting to us... What you may expect after Nightflower - she added with a note of irony.
Starburst only nodded and opened the hatch. Plate was pushed to the side, revealing a already abandoned gangplank... and at his the end of a group of armed masked soldiers, aimed they stunners directly at her. Controlled them officer widened his eyes at the sight of the young Queen. He not expected to see her.
- Leave the gun - he ordered short and bowed formally. - Forgive me, Milady. We were expecting someone else.
- Yes, I know - she said with a regal hauteur, moving majestically down the gangplank. - Your Queen is too predictable... and crazy if she think, that such behavior in the Neutral Zone will unnoticed.
Wraith wanted to answer, when he saw coming out from the ship Steelflower, followed by the rest. Again he bowed at the sight of the Queen... next.
- My Queen has every right to demand the return of Invention, who Moonlight illegally took over after the death of their mother...
- She has not acquired anything illegally - she interrupted him firmly, but calmly. - I not will be discussed with you on this. Immediately lead us to your Queen... Personally I will speak some sense into her.
- Yes, Milady - said humbly, though reluctantly, and pointed the way.
Alabaster led the way, followed by the rest of the newcomers.
Hivemaster glanced uncomfortably on Moonlight, when a young female passed him, but he know, that in this situation capture her, it could expose all, especially his Queen, on anger the Council. In one he is agreed with Alabaster: they were in the Neutral Zone and they should not abuse the patience of the Council.
The throne room doors were already open, when they arrived.
Commander stopped and invited them into the hand gesture, but young, fiery-hair Queen paused for a moment and looked at her father.
- Wait here - she said quietly, and immediately added, seeing the frown Starburst, before he could say anything. - It's will be better, Father. It is better not to irritate her unnecessarily.
- All right... But if...
- Everything will be fine. Nightflower can and is impulsive, but she is not crazy - she assured him calmly, smiling slightly, and then she moved on.
Two other females moved behind her.
Right away, when they entered into the room, the door slid shut behind them.
They were alone.
Steelflower glanced nervously at other, then she looked toward the throne. Moonlight was very thorough, describing sitting on the throne Queen, she thought.
She was a mother's stature and with this same haughtiness look, like Nightwind. Her long, dark hair was slicked back and decorated on the border of her face slightly red band, run radially on the head. right on below was her tattoo, made up with numerous spots and surrounding the entire face, and next in down on her neck.
She was dressed in a long black coat with red lining and black pants.
She sneered corner of her mouth at the sight of them.
- Do not you think that their presence in something will help you... Protheu - she said with contempt.
- OUR presence should stop you from taking any nonsense - Alabaster said calmly, though royal pride. - Before will be too late... for you - she said ominously.
- This is our internal cases. Nothing you to them - almost growled Nightflower.
- You should THIS CASES not start on Neutral Zone.. Besides, you forget, that Moonlight was appointed by Nightwind as Commander of Invention. And even if you have a precedence for feedings ground and fleet your mother, probably you not think, that the Council has not responded earlier, if they in fully accepted your claims.
- The Council did not react because of Nightstorm... We both know, that Mo is her favorite.
- Maybe you can be treated by her better, if you had not acted so...
Alabaster paused, feeling a hand on her shoulder. She looked to the side. Mo smiled at her gently.
- It is all right - she said and looked at her sister, coming closer. - Let's settle this once and for all... What do you want?
- You know: what… This, what should be my: Invention - she hissed. - Together with the whole crew.
- And you know, that I can not give you this... I do not sent my friends on death.
- Yeees, your Commander said the same thing - she said with a mysterious smile and glanced at the side door.
Moonlight her gaze in the same direction.
A single, organic plate jumped to the side and to the room came two soldiers holding by the shoulders and almost pulling for them with difficulty persisting on his own feet Wraith officer. His head hung limply down.
- Skall - Mo whispered in horror and ran to them.
The soldiers pushed the prisoner, and he fell to the floor just before a young female.
- Skall? - she repeated, kneeling beside him and turning him on his back.
Her eyes widened at the sight of his wounded face... and the wound on his chest after preying.
That's why he was so weak, she thought.
They left him just enough life force to survive, but not enough to he was able to regenerate their wounds.
It was common practice in the case of the Wraith, which they wanted to interrogate. It make such person weak as a human... and less resistant to pain, and thus faster induce him to talk.
The Commander opened his eyes slowly, but seemed not at all to react to what is happening around.
The last time Mo see him in such a state over sixty years ago... on Hyanivis.
- His loyalty to you is amazing - said Nightflower. - Enough, that he dared to call you his Queen... You... Protheu - she snarled with contempt.
- Moonlight is Hive Keeper - Alabaster interjected. - And according the Old Code, Hive Keeper has the same rights as the Que...
- It's an old, useless now title - interrupted her coldly Nightflower.
- But what, if the Grey Council considers this title? - said calmly Steelflower, standing next to Alabaster.
Only then the Queen has passed at all notice her presence.
She looked at her, at first contemptuously at on Mo, thought Teyla, but then her expression softened.
- After what I've heard about you, I expecting, that you will be more reasonable - she said.
- After what you heard? - she asked.
- You outsmarted Solarwind and took her place, because she not appreciate you. She was thinking, that you not threat to her, because of your young age... and the past... Then I thought, that finally emerged the Queen, which will be able to create a powerful alliance... Alliance, which perhaps back unite the Wraiths... But you chose these two... losers - a gesture of her head she pointed to Mo and Alabaster. - I was wrong about you. Your shameful past will never let you be the true Queen - she said scornfully.
Arrogance Nightflower was it, what Teyla always expected by the Wraith Queens.
But a closer knowledge of other females awareness her, that not all are such... and for a moment dulled her vigilance.
But now she reminded her again what it means the Wraith Queen...
She wanted to turn her neck.
- The true Queen of the Wraith is a relative term - said calmly, but proudly Steelflower. - Varying can understand these words... But I know one thing for sure: it certainly can be said about your mother... But you away to her - she added, glancing at her slightly contemptuous and derisive smirk.
She knew she should not have done that... but she could not stop. In one Alabaster was right, she thought, perhaps arrogance Nightflower in any triggers such behavior.
Young Queen barely mastered his anger at these words, clenching his fingers on the arm of his throne.
- If not for the fact that we are in Neutral Zone, you regret those words - she hissed through the teeth.
- Leave them alone - said Moonlight, still kneeling next the Commander. - It me you wanted. Don't involve them to this.
- Yes, it's true - admitted Nightflower and stood up, walking over to her slowly. - I imagined this moment for a looong time... Protheu. A moment, where you fall on your knees and either swear allegiance to me - she grabbed her chin in her fingers - ... or you die - she hissed with satisfaction. Mo withdrew her head. - And he will die with you - she said with contempt, head gesture pointing Wraith - if he's so stubborn and insists on calling you: Queen.
- I was not talking about Mo - suddenly said tiredly Skyfall, rising with difficulty. - I said about her - he said and pointed in the direction of Steelflower.
Nightflower glared in her direction, and Emmagan eyes widened, with difficulty control her surprise.
Alabaster furrowed brow slightly, equally surprised, but said nothing.
- You both submit her a oath? - almost angry voice boomed Queen.
Mo look at Skyfall, not knowing what to say.
- Not yet... We're just waiting for the decision of the Council on Mo - Wraith said, rising with difficulty, supported by a young female. - But it's just a matter of time, when Moonlight will consist oath: as a Hivemaster or as a Hive Keeper.
From the corner of his eye he saw the puzzled look Moonlight, which amused him somewhat.
She not such words expected after him. But he knew her too well, and he knew, that when she mentioned about giving the oath of loyalty of one of the Queens, the first on her list was Steelflower.
It was a logical choice: a human posing as the Wraith, who occasionally will play his role, and thus not much interested in what is happening in the Invention. Anyway, things over which worked someone with Wraith on they hive, probably would be on hand New Lanteans, he thought.
But in his little plan, Commander forgot about one thing: lack the oath meant, that Nightflower still formally was their Queen, and thus could, in principle, even kill Mo with impunity.
When the hive lost his Queen, the crew had three choices: get a new Queen appointed by the Grey Council, join the hive her daughter or swear allegiance to any other Queen. And they should do it as soon as possible, because by that time, they formally belong to daughter previous Queen ... unless she had her.
And in this case it was a Nightflower.
And that Moonlight was generally recognized as an officer in the fleet Nightwind and after her death Nightflower formally became the Queen... she could do with her half-sister what she wanted... and Mo could not to defend herself. She can not fight with the Queen as an officer of the Wraith.
This is why in the last years they were outcasts without the Queen. Therefore, and because of fear, that any other Queen, when she finds on what Icestorm let them work, she will order kill the whole crew... Sometimes Skyfall wondered if even Nightwind was the end of the conscious this.
The officer looked at the Queen. On her face which appeared just mocking smile of satisfaction.
- So, your miserable life still belongs to me... Protheu - she hissed with satisfaction and jumped quickly to her throne, to both sides pull out with him daggers.
- Flo, stop it! - called Alabaster, moving on her side. - You quite out of your mind? After all, it's your sister... This same blood...
- Do not interfere in this - snapped the Queen. - You have no right...
"Mo, oath" - threw quickly in the meantime Skyfall.
A young female nodded her head and ran to Steelflower, falling in front of her on the knee.
- I, Moonlight, second daughter of Nightwind from Nightwatchers Clan and Hive Keeper of Invention, on behalf of myself and my crew, I swear to you my loyalty as a rightful Queen and I entrust our lives in your hands, from now until the end of our days.
Nightflower looked furiously, but could not do anything. The law forbade her to intervene at this point. And she always follow with the rules.
In addition, the presence of so many person, prevented her any reaction.
- I accept your gift, Moonlight from Nightwatchers Clan - Teyla said, and looked proudly at Nightflower. - From now on, she is my subordinate, so any your claims you have guided first to me.
- As you wish - she said through her teeth ominously. - I challenge you on DEATH DUEL, Steelflower, daughter Silverdesert from Silverdracon Clan - she pointed at her a dagger. - You're too weak to lead the Alliance.
Moonlight quickly looked reproachfully at the Commodore, but he just stood calmly.
"Calm down... I have idea" - he said.
At first, the words of the Queen, Teyla Emmagan felt like her heart coming up to her throat... and then she felt a presence in her mind. Very soothing... But it was not a Mo.
"Appoint Mo as your Blade to this duel... This is a very old custom, but Nightflower agrees on it, because she wants to fight with Mo" - explained her Skyfall. - "You can not win with her. In this one she is very good... But Mo has a bigger chance."
Bigger chance, thought fearfully Teyla, but quickly mastered her emotions. Wraith Queen should never show fear and weakness - all still repeated her it.
- I accept your challenge, Nightflower, first daughter of Nightwind from Nightwatchers Clan - she responded calmly and proudly. - ...And I appoint Moonlight as my Blade to this duel - she added.
The Queen looked at her half-sister and smiled with satisfaction, moving slowly toward her.
- You even not know how happy I am with this... Protheu - she drawled. - Council should eliminated you two hundred years ago.
Moonlight reached after her silver stick hidden in shoes, as usual, and they lengthened.
- I always wondered from where come it all hate in you - she said calmly.
- You are a disgrace to our people - said Nightflower and made rapid cutting one of the blades.
Mo leaned back again and again, avoiding successive blows her sister.
In one Skyfall was right, she thought, and she was aware of this: her half-sister always been very good at melee, better than she. But she knew the most of her fighting style and therefore she have the best chance to beat her. Teyla had not by any chance with the speed and agility with which they fought Nightflower.
Besides, another spoke in favor of the Moonlight - the presence of two other Queens will force her sister to fight fair play.
The sound of metal striking against each other, passed through the whole throne room, when a young female blocked the truncheon dagger her sister.