Chapter 4
Judge(ment).
- Almost like a Holy Inquisition - joked technician, Amelia Banks, standing next to Moonlight on the terrace of the hall gate.
Female Wraith has been there a long time, waiting for the outcome of discussions the base Commander, Richard Woolsey and his closest associates. As Colonel Sheppard thought he was not impressed with bringing Moonlight on Atlantis, although the explanation Beckett really interested him. However, they in recent times gave too many times to fall for games of Wraith, and is therefore a balding man with glasses was very careful. He understood the importance of information that can benefit from her DNA, but he was also responsible for the entire base.
Moonlight understood it perfectly - she would have done the same on their place.
So she waited peacefully at the end of talks, watching with interest on the humans bustling around.
The emergence of Banks broke her now from this reverie.
She looked at her questioningly.
- A meeting to discuss what to do with you - explained the woman. - And Holy Inquisition is such a disgraceful part of our history. Hundreds of years ago on Earth, people accused of witchcraft, tortured and finally killed. Processes were often just fiction. A parody of the show.
Moonlight smiled.
- In that case, one of those Holy Inquisition is behind me - she joked. This time, the Banks looked at her questioningly. - When I was twenty years old, discussions about my future... as misfit. The council consisted of Queens that have to decide on my fate... It was just a parody, because they have already opinion about this.
She remembered it very well. And now when she mentioned it, the memories came back.
It was only a few days after her twentieth birthday, once it was clear that the change in the "full" Wraith in her case will never happen. The research always gave the same result: a Protheu… misfit.
Her mother could not hide it any longer.
Other Queens demanded from her official position... and the court.
So they arrived, the oldest of the Queens of the Wraith, to decide about the fate of this freak of nature, as some have called Moonlight. In truth she was not the first case Protheu, but she was the first female... with the disease.
Her predecessors lived up to several hundred years, but as the male were useful in various fields. She was to be the Queen, wield their own hive, and if necessary, to produce a new drones... procreate children. It has not been seen for her a different role, and in addition, in the latter case was too great a risk that she forward "flawed" genes to her children.
To this it was not possible to prevent.
So it was decided to deliberate. Nine the Oldest, like Nine First Mothers, called the Grey Council, came to the Nightwind hive in theirs gray cloaks, hiding theirs faces under extensive hoods. The proceedings were to be closed. Allowed to participate in only her mother and father, as her immediate family.
In addition, each of the Queens brought her own Cleverman, which earlier was sent to inspect the results of all research. They had to fend off a possible thesis Sharpeye.
The Wraith was relatively young, but considered one of the top scientists in the field of medicine. Others counted with his opinion... and that's what counted Nightwind, urging him to the debate.
But Moonlight had no illusions what will be the verdict... in some way even amused her this whole show.
But she came.
She stood proudly in front of them, listening alone to all the ridicule. In truth, being the Queen has never been peak her dreams, but it would be much better than the worst version of the alternative: death.
At best, she expected that she will be classified in a hierarchy hives somewhere much lower than the other Wraith, and only slightly higher than the best worshippers... That she expected after the opinions which she heard about her... and looks the Grey Council…
.
"- ...She is not entirely useless - continued the Wraith. - Our research has shown, that she is able to create a fully healthy soldiers. And her high intelligence and comprehensive education, make her useful member of the crew.
He paused. He had exhausted all their arguments.
- Can I say something? - she suddenly asked calmly.
Seating for a table Queens, looked at her surprised... as do the other Wraith. There was almost dead silence.
- If you think, that your statement will bring something important to the case - said finally Whiteraven, the oldest of the Council… and one of the First Wraith… Last of the First Mothers.
- This case relates to my fate, so I think my opinion should be a prominent issue.
The Queen smiled. Others have adopted this statement less indulgent.
- So speak, girl.
The tone of her statements clearly suggested that she treats her almost like a human.
Moonlight took a quick glance all collected.
- From an early age I was taught, that the value of each Wraith is all the greater, the more useful he is for our community, and for his hive - she began. - Therefore, since childhood is committed to my education... in any field, even the art of war. But now it turns out, that the last twenty years there was only one big waste of time to those, who devote it to my education, because I do not have... THIS - she lifted her right hand. - All this confusion is caused by the lack of a single anatomical detail, which for you is worth more than my knowledge, and thus the usefulness of the hives...
- Do not be impudent, girl - snapped haughtily hair red Queen.
- Let her finish, Redswan - Whiteraven said calmly.
Moonlight nodded her head slightly.
- I read all the information, which I found on similar to my case, and I know, that more than half Protheu has helped in the development of our society. Their... sometimes different perspective on some things, brought a lot of good... But none of them were female, whose role is strictly determined from the beginning... I admit, that I always more interested in science and travel, but I understand the obligation that weighed heavily on me from birth. Being the Queen is a responsibility for the whole hive, and sometimes several. Queen must wisely manage what she have, constantly keep an eye on everything, to tend matters of hives and feeding grounds. It's not just giving orders, create drones and begetting several children... It primarily the ability to maintain control over everything, so that her hive could prospered... This taught me my mother - she looked at her.- Like her after her mother... I wanted to keep this tradition on my hive... I do not need to have children to be a good Queen... And I do not need to be a Queen to good serve my hive... But for you more count this one anatomical detail... That's why I easier for you task: I know that you do not want me on any hive. There was no such precedent that a female Wraith exercise the responsibilities of male... So let me just walk away. I do not constitute a threat to you. I'll live more than a few hundred years... and then you can forget about me.
Again there was silence.
- That's all? - asked finally condescendingly Nightstorm.
- Yes.
- Does anyone want to add something before we begin deliberations?
The gathered looked around the room, but no one saw the need to add anything more on this. They wanted to finish this as soon as possible and no longer bother with this... freak.
- Then, leave us - she ordered.
The officers bowed formally and one by one began to leave the room.
Moonlight looked at her mother and smiled slightly, but she just looked at her... with sadness.
The girl did not remember, that Nightwind ever showed her to such compassion. Since childhood she taught her, that the Queen should be hard... but now she do not have to do it anymore, because her little Mo never be the Queen.
- It was not too clever - Sharpeye snapped, standing in front of the girl.
She standing near the entrance to the room, leaning against the wall with one leg bent. She looked at him and smiled calmly.
- You really think that your arguments about my suitability for hive have any meaning to them? - she asked. - It would probably be a very interesting discussion for them… - a head gesture she pointed to the other males - but not for the Grey Council. They have already decided before they came here. What matters to them is only one thing: I can't feeding of humans, so I'm not Wraith... My words they pass through their ears as well as your own.
For a moment he stared at her intently and then grinned slightly.
- My father has right in saying that your... defect, it's a great waste of potential. As the Queen you really could change a lot.
- Maybe Wraith are not ready for this - she joked. - Or maybe my defect reminds them about something...
I never go into the philosophical arguments about my condition - she said and glanced at standing in the aisle in front of room a small group of Wraith. - You should go to them. I think they have a whole lot of questions to you - she influenced amused.
He looked at them over his shoulder.
- Probably... but they can wait - he said and moved back into her eyes. - Now you more need companionship.
She smiled slightly and pushed away from the wall and stand on both legs in front of him, almost touching him.
- It's kind of you - she gently patted her hand over his chest - but I think, that I will go for a run... for relaxation.
He nodded his head slightly, smiling corner of his mouth.
- I understand.
She replied the same gesture and walked away.
She no longer had a desire to be here. She expected swift conclusion of meeting, as they all anyway, but that for some reason is prolonged.
It was a tiring day, and she although had to detach the mind from the moment of it all.
After nearly two hours, the chamber doors were still closed. This did not expect anybody. They did not know what to think.
- I do not like this - said Icestorm, wandering from place to place. - Why is it taking so long?
- Maybe they decided to grab a bite - girl joked. - Thinking is tired.
Sharpeye and Skyfall snort a little under their breath, but her father was far less willing to jokes.
- They decide about your fate. You should take more seriously to this - he growled, pausing.
- And they do not come up with anything more, than we already know, because they have already arrived here with this opinion: that I'm not worth more, than the food... So, why unnecessarily stressed.
- I think it's a good sign - Skyfall said calmly. - This means that they do not agree on the verdict... And nervous walking will not speed this - said teasingly.
The officer gave the younger Wraith unpleasant look. He walked over to him. They were similar nonunion, so calmly looked him straight in the eye.
- You would not been so calm if it were about your daughter - he snapped.
- I do not want to offend you - he said humbly. - I just think, that you should keep a sober mind in case...
He did not finish.
Room door opened, and in the threshold stood Nightwind, looking for her daughter.
She was brought under control. Her face betrayed nothing.
- Come - she said haughtily.
The girl sighed heavily and went on her way.
- Only she - said the Queen, when three Wraith wanted to follow her.
Moonlight looked at them over her shoulder and crossed the threshold of the throne room. The door closed behind her. She was alone. Only she... and death squad, she thought maliciously, trying to improve herself mood.
But she knew that the meeting alone with the Grey Council is a bad sign.
She looked at them one by one. The last time she could have a good look at the faces of her ... executioners.
- Come here, young - ordered Nightstorm.
The girl approached, becoming once again the circle of light. She looked at her mother. She not joined to the other Queens, but she stood behind her... She did not know why.
And then she looked back to her grandmother. Her green eyes were cold and stony face expressed nothing… beyond contempt for the poor being what she was.
- Moonlight, the second daughter the Nightwind from Nightwatchers Clan - began Whiteraven haughty but neutral tone of voice. - We, the Grey Council of Wraith, gathered here to arrange your fate on account of your… disability... we decided as follows: as, that you are the first female Wraith who is not able to perform the duties of Queen, our votes were divided. We put great hopes in you, which is why this matter greatly saddened us. Some of us even believe, that more humanity would be to kill you. Other are curious your case, whose observation can teach us a lot. Therefore, we reached as a result of a compromise. By the end of your days you will remain in the service of your mother hives, under your present name, as information to others who you are. You will be treated like any other member of the crew, using your knowledge and intelligence for the good of the Wraith. If it will be necessary, you will be help your mother in the creation of the new soldiers… However, you can't have your own offspring, under the penalty of
death. - Queen clearly highlighted last words. - Attached you will be have a Keeper, who will be inform us about your doings... Our gesture is very generous, considering what you've become, so do not waste it. Remember, that we will closely observe you and at any time we may change our mind about your fate... Do you understand?
The last question was more rhetorical formal, but she nodded.
The Queen looked somewhere behind her
- From now she belongs to you, Nightwind. We do not forbid you still call her your daughter... if you want. But you can't treat her better, than the other Wraith... Do you understand?
- Yes, Milady.
- I think this deliberations to closed - she said momentous and added tartly: - Finally.
Then all the Queens accused back their hoods on their heads and get up to leave the room, turn the side door.
Moonlight not watched after them. She turned to her mother, just waiting.
She looked at her intently for a moment.
- You can stay here or go back with your father - she said. - Still, I would prefer if you had been here... at least on the beginning.
- Yes, My Queen - bowed formally girl.
The Queen smiled corner of her mouth and walked closer, and she raise her daughter's chin.
- I do not renounce you, Mo. I still think you my daughter, and you still can call me mother - she said calmly. - But form now I must treat you like any others.
The girl smiled.
- Yes... Mom.
The Queen shook her head in exasperation given to.
- On your human terminology, we would have to do some work - she said and stretched a strand of her hair between fingers. - Let's go tell your father about the verdict of the Council, because he is able get a heart attack - she said and turned on his heel, walked towards a door.
- Did you just joking? - girl asked a little irony.
- Queen never joke - she said.
Mo chuckled under her breath..."
.
...Now, standing on the Atlantis gallery gate room, she glanced toward the room where, behind closed doors, still took a meeting on the issue of stopping her in the base. But for her this was not more matter. If they do not agree, she will go away and find some place for herself in this galaxy. Two hundred years ago, the situation was different - rejects her own nation. But these humans for her do not matter anything, and she had not paid attention to their decisions.
Of course, more comfortable and safer it would be for her to remain on Atlantis, but other than, nothing else her is not kept here.
- I'm going to walk - she threw at last to Amelia. - If they finished talk, I have a handset - she said and moved toward the stairs, leading down, and then further into the tower.
She was not a specific purpose, she just walked slowly corridors, until she reached the hangar, which became jumpers.
The room was empty, shrouded in darkness.
She went to one of them, stroking hand the metallic surface. Since six years ago, she heard about the New Lanteans and their machines, she wanted to see them up close, touch and explore thoroughly. Now she will have the opportunity to do... as long as they allow her to stay here.
She smiled to herself. When after the end of the previous deliberations as to her fate, she ended up in the hangar of fighters to some tinkering with her own, suddenly came to her grandmother…
.
"…Moonlight did not notice her right away, she even not sensed her presence, too busy burying the vehicle drive systems.
- Your mother was right, the picture of father - said Nightstorm the royal tone.
Young female looked up.
The Queen kept her hands behind her back, following a peaceful but stalked toward her granddaughter. She bowed formally.
- I thought that you flew away, Milady.
- I not. I wanted to talk with you yet - she said, looking at her intently. - Probably a good thing that you
were not Queen. Such behavior would not be acceptable.
- It calms me - girl said calmly. - It allows me to take my mind off... other things.
Nightstorm measured, her stern look for a moment, and then suddenly her face softened and she smiled slightly, putting his hand on the girl's cheek.
- You speak just like she - she said mysteriously, with a hint of nostalgia.
- Like who? - asked Moonlight, furrowing brow.
- Like my mother... she also liked that things... You are very similar to her, Mo. Not only in appearance, but also in the nature.
The Queen stroked her cheek, still watching her closely, but this time with sadness in her eyes. Young female had never seen her grandmother on this page. She was always proud and amounted more than any other known to her Queens... Although sometimes more forgiving.
- But you have eyes for my father - she added. - Not only the color, but the same look. Proud, but also gentle to your loved ones... They would be proud of you, Mo. Because that's what they imagined future generations of the Wraith.
- I regret that I can't get to know them - she said, a bit confused behavior her grandmothers.
- Unfortunately most the First and Second Generation were killed during the war with Lanteans - she explained. -... I am a Second Generation, but I very well remember the First. They were very similar to you, Mo. Curious about everything, willing to learn new things, versatile... They must be familiar with a lot of things in order to survive... Later generations have become comfortable, I'd say even... lazy - she smiled corner of his mouth. - Individual Wraith began to specialize in only one area. Currently, there are few, like your father or Skyfall. They are good at what they do, but are able to re-orientate. They have extensive knowledge, and I'm glad that they gave it to you - she suggested a finger under her chin, lifting girl head a little up. - Do not change, Moonlight. Be yourself. Be proud of the First Wraith... Because they would be proud of you.
Again, she smiled slightly, and then walked away without saying a word.
The girl looked behind her with consternation. She did not know what to think about this conversation. Her always harsh grandmother was to have a different face... completely different.
Someone stood next to her, breaking her thoughts.
She looked to the right. It was Sharpeye. He watched with great interest by the outgoing the Queen, holding his hands behind his back. She has long said that his name suits him perfectly: he was a very careful observer.
- Are you all right? - he asked finally.
- Yes - she said. - A small, family chat.
He smiled corner of his mouth, and his double beard twitched.
Moonlight again looked in the direction in which left Nightstorm. Queen just entered into transporter.
- You get dirty - Sharpeye suddenly dropped and raised a hand to her cheek, but hesitated at the last moment.
- As always - she snapped and rubbed cheek her fingers.
- Not here... below - he said and this time gently rubbed his thumb grubby spot.
She looked at him.
He was slightly taller than her, but she could calmly look at his eyes. They was golden, as in most of the Wraith, but now she was so close that she was able to see these small, greyish reflections.
Sharpeye looked into her eyes. He seemed to be a little confused about the situation. They stood there for a moment, when their ears came sound marching soldiers.
- I have to finish this - said girl, pointing with her thumb on the fighter.
- Yes... I too have something to do - said Wraith, and throwing her last look, walked slowly in his direction…"