Chapter 29.
Reconciliation.
Larrin kept her word. Her people still watched Moonlight, wherever she would go.
It did not matter whether she helps McKay in repairs or she was alone - always guarded her at least two armed soldiers Travelers.
But she ignored them. They were like a shadow. They were not bothered, so she ignored their presence. Besides her mind, and so still was immersed in memories of sixty years ago. And conversation with Woolsey recalled significantly more memories of those events, than her admitting of Starwalkers to do what she did.
The Atlantis Commander asked her at the end why the Grey Council allowed her mother give birth to a second daughter, since it was forbidden.
- We do not accept such thing as abortion, Mr. Woolsey - she said calmly. - The child can't be responsible for the actions of parents. Besides, there are exceptions to this rule, such as… deficit of females - she joked. - Maybe we can live forever, but we are not invincible… However, in any case, the decision lies with the Council… You know what would have happened if the Wraith reproduce in an uncontrolled way? - she smiled faintly.
- Yes. It would not be enough food for you - he almost muttered. - Like now.
- Exactly. And it would have ended badly for both sides… That is why from the beginning, we have introduced some principles which later were written in The Code... and therefore initially punishment for my mother was going to be putting me at my birth in the care of another Queen. My parents could not afford to see me, or tell me who they are, unless I myself began ask about that... But when was learned about the prophecy, Grey Council considered that this would be enough punishment for my mother for breach of The Code - she explained.
A man does not have asked for anything more.
But for Mo was not the end of memories. She remembered how, after left her mother, Skyfall came back to give her the Gift of Life. She did not like it, but she knew it was the quickest way to put her on her feet…
.
"…The officer tried to hide it, but she still took in that short while his thoughts and all the sadness associated with the death of Icestorm... and remorse, that he could not save him from this fate.
At some point he realized that she has access to these thoughts, because he paused transfer of her life force.
He seemed embarrassed by what she felt, but she just smiled, and then suddenly clung tightly to him.
- Stop blaming yourself - she said, without releasing the hug. - And remember, you will always be very important to me... no matter what.
A little surprised by her behavior, at first he did not know whether he should also to hug her. In truth, she sometimes giving away by similar gestures, but they usually have a quick hug of thanks. But this time she was still close, cuddled up to him, and he can felt the warmth of her body and heartbeat.
Finally he hug her, slowly at first, as if he feared he could hurt her, and after a while harder. He felt like she trembles slightly, crying. Gently stroked her hair. For a moment he forgot, that if her mother saw it, she could recognize, that he allows himself too much.
That is why anyone who dared to look at her... unseemly... his fate would be sealed.
Even him a few times gently reminded, that one day Moonlight will be the First Commander of the fleet her mother, and thus his superior. That is why no one, even he, should not treat her too... freely. And all the Wraith on hiveships owned by Nightwind should get used to this.
I that is why now, when she sat on the floor of cell, cuddled up him, and he allowed himself to such an emotional show her compassion, he risk a lot of. Maybe even his life, which he miraculously saved on that planet.
But at the moment it did not matter. At this time, he was glad, that nothing has changed their relationship. That Mo still trusts him... and that she is here.
When he finally walked her to her quarters, was waiting there for her Lyli, to prepare her for an official meeting with the Queen.
Later that same day Moonlight swore an oath of loyalty, which officially make good her deeds and words. But it meant, that from now on it will apply her the same law as other Wraith. So, every like deed she can even pay with her own head. Since then, the Queen can no longer treat her condescendingly.
She was also gentle praised for attack on Hyanivis.
It was a rich harvest, which provided them food for a long time - so says her mother.
She was proud of her. This attack was speaking to her advantage...
But Mo not feel proud. Though her heart still was filled with anger... even hatred, for what humans have done with her father... that despite it now she felt only disgust to herself.
She often took part in the harvest. Although, she does not to feed on humans, however she still considered herself a Wraith... and other Wraith humans life forces were essential to life.
Besides, she could not be a hypocrite. If not for her small genetic "defect", she would also have to feed on humans to survive.
But this time it was not the harvest. She not guided by the desire to provide her brothers food. She guided pure desire for revenge. Therefore, this time her conscience was gripped... and she will be have to live with this burden... probably even for many centuries.
However, what happened next, surprised everyone: Nightwind officially gave her daughter the command of the research unit. Skyfall still would remain her Keeper and the First Officer, until she will be able to fully take over the entrusted to her responsibilities. Then she will decide, whether the officer will remain on her hive.
Mo looked at the Wraith and smiled slightly. She had no doubt, that in this situation his further service on the Invention is indisputable. It's like a job a lifetime... unless he agrees to it.
When Queen ended the ceremony, others came to congratulate the young female promotion. But she did not feel happy about it. It was not to look like it... not in these circumstances she would take over Command...
She looked at her mother. She smiled gently to her, but her eyes were full of sadness. And then she went away to her chambers.
Moonlight went behind her, leaving everyone in the throne room.
Nightwind sat in the dark, on a bench by the window, looking at the shimmering in the distance a small nebula. She did not even paid attention when her daughter came to the quarters, so the girl just sat down beside her on the floor, and rested her head on her knee.
Only then the Queen looked at her and put hand on her head.
She does not remember how long they sat like this, in silence, looking at the nebula.
Then, time has stopped for them.
Mattered was only, that they were together... mourning the death of the most important Wraith in their lives..."
.
…Still having that picture before her eyes, Mo stopped at the door of the backup enginehouse.
Richard Woolsey moved his hand in front of the control panel and two panels slid open.
Colonel Sheppard's team looked at them. They entered, followed by her two shadows.
Dr. McKay has repaired damaged systems, along with others who came from Atlantis, including colonel Carter, with whom he was arguing about something. But both were silent on the view Woolsey and Mo, and on Rodney's face appeared the same wince, as always when he seen her, noticed the Wraith.
- I bring back her to you - said the balding man. - Unfortunately I still waiting for a meeting with the Council of Travelers - he smiled and walked away.
- Apparently you pretty well know on this technology - Carter said, walking over to her.
- Yes. I had the opportunity a little familiar with it - she said with a slight smile.
- We did not have a chance to talk yet, so maybe now we will be able to catch up.
- She did not come here for the womanly gossip, just to repair the ship, so let she takes to work - said the scientist.
- McKay - scolded him Sam.
But he ignored it and pointed to the female what she should do, and then he returned to his job.
Mo not understand why, from the beginning, he treated her so coldly. After all she was not rude or she done to him anything. But the scientist clearly had a aversion to her.
Unfortunately, no one on Atlantis had no idea why, and try to pull this information out of his mind was a fiasco - a man could well block his mind, so any major interference was be as soon noticed by him. And this would even more spoil the already tense atmosphere.
- I'm sorry for him - Carter added.
- It's OK - Mo said calmly. - I got used - she said, and began to repair, which ordered her Rodney, back thinking to the events of sixty years ago, when, after many hours spent in the silence with her mother, she returned to her hive...
.
"…Her hive, she thought then.
Her new home.
It sounded so... absurdly.
She always more treat this ship as a place of work and rest, and the hive of her mother as a home. But from now it Invention will be her new home.
Will pass many years before she will be fully able to self-command, but already now she should start to tame with the thought… that it was her own hive.
It's funny, she thought, but then she felt like a young Queen, who received her own hiveship. She was upset and puzzled at the same time, how will be now look her life. Since then the others will expect for her support, not vice versa... and this thought overwhelmed her then.
Wandering the corridors, she did not even realized, when she stopped at the door of one of the quarters... her father's quarters.
At first she hesitated before opening the door, but then she took a step forward, sending telepathically appropriate command. Doors wing slid open, to reveal a room... and standing there, in the dark, thoughtful woman. Her fiery hair immediately betrayed Moonlight who she is.
- Mia? - she said, a little surprised, and came into the room.
The door slid shut behind her, and the lights slowly brightened the interior.
The woman looked at her, clearly torn from her thoughts and she smiled brightly... although in her eyes could see sadness.
- Mo, my child - she said, and walked over to her with outstretched arms to hug her tightly. - I'm so happy... Skall told me everything... Your father would be happy - she said, backing away.
- Probably - she almost muttered. - What are you doing here? - she asked, trying to change the subject.
- I came to say goodbye... - she said, glancing around the room.
- To say goodbye? - she was surprised. - Why?
Minarea smiled gently and put her hand on his cheek her ward.
- I'm leaving, baby... I can not... this place and memories - she did not know how to say it. - You know, I loved your father... But he loved only your mother... He always treated me very well, but I was for him only a friend. Nevertheless, I could not go. Life away from him would be more painful, than living next to him, even if only as a trustee... But now, when he is gone... I want to go back to the Sated, in my homeland, and try to move on. And here I will live only memories.
Moonlight smiled.
- I understand... I do not want you to go away... but I understand you - she almost whispered, but her eyes misted over.
She just lose another close to her person.
Mia again hugged her tightly, and Mo closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
She wanted to remember her smell. Beating of her heart.
Minarea has always been to her someone more, than just a Keeper. She was a friend of hers she could confide the deepest secrets. She was her support... Her second mother. And now she is leaving.
And with her ongoing almost two centuries bond.
It was not look like it.
Not that she'd imagined it... "
.
…A tear, which fell on her hand, pulled her out of her thoughts.
She even did not notice when McKay stood beside her, looking at what she managed to do it. Only when he moved his hand closer to change the data displayed on the screen, she winced, realizing his presence.
- I think you really know at this - he said. - In the few minutes you've done more than the rest of the hour.
She looked at him, surprised. For the first time, since she went to Atlantis, he told her praise, though she had often helped with repairs.
- My father taught me everything what I know about Lanteans technology - she said with a hint of nostalgia. - And he from his father, before the Great War.
- Your father was born before the war? - interested in Rodney, with a twinkle in his eye. - So, he had to know the Avatars.
It was more a statement, than a question, she thought.
- He told you about them?
Moonlight slightly wrinkled brow.
- How did you know about the Avatars? - she was surprised.
McKay looked at her for a moment with a strange expression on his face, as if carefully chose his words to answer. But his mind was shut down before Mo. For some reason she could not look at him, and each deeper scan he was just sensed.
- Never mind - he said finally. - Check other systems - she suddenly changed the subject and went back to his panel, which became his laptop.
Female hesitated at first, but then she came to him.
- Do I offended you something, that you do not like me? - she said. - If so, I apologize, but I did it unconsciously... Even Ronon does not treat me as harshly as you do, and he has the most reason to hate the Wraith - she said, but he was silent, seeming to ignore her presence. - ... I really do not understand what I did wrong, that you hate me so much right from the beginning...
- I do not hate you - he said. - ... I just... You too much remind me someone - he muttered under his breath, all the while focusing on a laptop screen.
- Me? - she was surprised. She did not know what to say. - Kind of like?
Rodney sighed, and after a moment he looked at the female.
- You're very good at what you do... like she… I saw on Atlantis, as you quickly work out the device on which my people has puzzled several hours. As if you after same seeing it knew what it does... She also could like it... She was a genius... especially if it was a different devices.
- She was?... She's dead? - she asked cautiously.
- ... I do not know... I hope that not - he said after a moment's thought, and again returned to his work. - Check out these systems, so maybe, with a little luck, we finished in a few hours - he added.
- Everything is all right, Rodney? - Sheppard asked suddenly.
The scientist looked at him.
- Yes... We just wonder with Mo which system check first - he lied, even though she had no idea why.
His response was to her now as much a mystery as before his behavior.
.
.
Starburst came to the bridge of his hive, and immediately looked at his First Officer.
- Do you have any news from Atlantis?
- No. No one - said Shadowmist.
The Wraith growled under his breath.
- It's taking too long. We're wasting precious time... I should not have let them go.
- I have to get in touch with Atlantis?
Commander thought for a moment.
- No... not yet. We'll wait... But you put me through to Nightstorm. I'll take it in my quarters - he said and left the bridge.
He had to find out how much time is left for the meeting of the Council and, and if necessary, to speed up learning Teyla. He could not risk, that she will be call not being properly prepared for this meeting. Moonlight was right, that this time it's different, than a meeting with one Queen. This time, there will be ten of them, the oldest and the most powerful of mind. And if it came to light who is Steelflower... it would have been considered as treason. And Wraith punish treason in only one way: by death. There would be no force in this galaxy, which saved them from this fate.
Chased to them every Wraith.
So, he had to be prepared.
Teyla had to be prepared and this take time, which they did not have.
The door his quarters slid open before him, and before he could come to his desk, from the ceiling ran down wall of fog, with the image - the face Shadowmist.
- I have a connection whit Nemesis - he said.
- Connect me - told Starburst and took a deep breath.
The holographic image of his First Officer was gone, and in his place came face Nightstorm.
- Have you missed me? - she asked with a note of irony.
- Welcome, mother - he said he nodded slightly. - I wanted to ask you, whether the Council has already set up a meeting? My Queen is a bit... upset this meeting - he said and basically he did not lie.
The Queen smiled.
- I have a feeling, that not only she - she said. - I see, that she is talking with you.
- ... You could say that... she... at first she was angry, that by me awaited her meeting with the Council, but then she wanted to know what should be expected.
- Tell her it's not your fault. And so we planned to meet her - said calmly Nightstorm. - Her story... intrigued us. We wonder how she is doing in the role of the Queen, after ten years of living among humans... Though given, how quickly she took place Solarwind, I conclude, however, that was not so hard to her adapt to the new role… Unless it was your idea? - she growled, giving him a nasty look. Starburst until stopped breath. - ... You even not answer - she immediately stressed. - I prefer not to know - she almost muttered. - As for the meeting, we already sent to her Tracker with the message. And so he wanted to talk with her. Very interested him her history.
The Wraith held his breath again.
Tracker, one of the First Male and the brother of his Foremother, Guide.
Great tactician and one of the first scouts of the Wraith. He learned Mo father everything what he could... But why he was interested Steelflower history?
Had he suspected something?
As Commander of Intelligence the Grey Council, he could want to check personally presented them version.
- Tracker? He will come here? - he said, clearly worried.
- Do not be so nervous - she said, amused. - This is not a formal visit. He arrives on his own request, not the order of the Council... He just is interesting her story... You know him, always intrigued him such... surprises.
And it was the most feared Starburst.
Tracker was very inquisitive... It was his task: to investigate, verify, observe. That is why he could find out the truth.
Although, long time ago he was friends with his father.. but that was a long time ago… and now Wraith was not sure if he could trust him.
That is why he will have to be very careful.
Everyone will have.
And pray, that Tracker the flew away as soon as possible.
- I do not get nervous - he lied, but he hoped that convincingly. - When he come?
- Should be soon... But be careful, before flying took him to the memories, so he can begin to torment you stories about his escapades with your father - she said. - I know, that as a child you loved these stories... but I think he forgot that it was ten thousand years ago - she joked a bit - so be lenient to him.
- Of course, mother - he said calmly.
If only that was the biggest problem for this visit, he would be happy, he thought.
- And Burst - she said, and he looked at her. She had long not call him in that way. - Please, be careful in what you do - she said with concern. - The events of recent times neatly shaken us all, but be careful and do not do anything stupid. I've already lost a daughter... I do not want to lose you too.
Her words surprised him. He already could not remember, when she just in a few words give to him so much warmth. Even her eyes were full of concern for him.
- I promise you, mother.
She smiled faintly... and brightly. Like long ago, thousands of years ago, when he was a child. He liked her smile then, who always added him encouragement... and he still liked it.
- I'm glad to hear it - she said and hung up.
Again, he was alone in his quarters.
For a moment he forgot the meeting of the Council and the Tracker. About all the troubles. For a moment he relished the memory of his mother smile. She was often rough and challenging... but sometimes she uncover her other face, full of warmth and support for her children.
Nightwind was to her in this very similar, he thought.
Nightwind, his younger sister. In truth, he was only her adoptive brother, but she never drew attention on this. She always treated him as her full-blood, older brother.
He remembered, how he was angry when, as a child, she was walked behind him everywhere, like a shadow. And imitated in everything.
Mother was angry, that the future Queen should not act like a young male. And father reassured her, that she grow out of it... And she really did, but it took her more time than he thought, wistful mentioned Starburst, because when she grew up, she still wandered with him and his friends... and with them she packed up in trouble.
Unfortunately, they were not too good times for juvenile adventure.
There was a war, in which they fought for their survival.
Just like now...
With thoughts interrupted him sound of communicator. He turned on him.
- Commander, Tracker arrived - said the Second.
- Yes, I know - he said. - I'll come to the dock - he said and hung up.
Yet, for a moment he looked at the distant stars, wandering thoughts upon remote past, and then he left his quarters.
He had to focus on meeting with tracker. On careful matching of each word in order not to arouse his suspicions. And it required a lot of concentration, so he could now afford on wistful memories.
Freighter was already on the platform, when Starburst reached the hangar, and on his gangplank tall, slim Wraith with short cut hair. On the back of his head hung a few long, thin braids, now slung over his shoulder. His outfit was the jacket and pants made of black and dark brown leather, and high boots with a number of silver buckles on the front.
- Burst! - he said and walked toward him with a broad smile to pat him on the shoulder in greeting. - The picture of grandfather - he said, looking at him for a moment. - I think Steelwolf would be proud of you.
- You tell that to my mother - he grunted.
- Oh, you do not pay attention to it - he consoled him. - You know, that she always require a lot from you
two. Those were hard times, so she wanted that you and your sister were able to cope with any situation... Besides, if they did not look, I knew him better than she did - he said jokingly and tapped him on the shoulder stronger. - Come on, I'm willingly see your ship. Apparently he was not in the best condition after a challenge with Behemoth?
- It's true - he admitted reluctantly, when they moved into the corridors. - But luckily we were able to fix it... Unfortunately we lost those feeding ground.
- This civil war is the biggest nonsense I have ever seen for thousands of years - he almost growled. - Fortunately, the Council fails join to us more and more hive. This split should never have happened... The arrival and actions of those New Lanteans, seriously shaken our society… But enough about politics - he said cheerfully. - Tell me about this young Queen... before I meet her - he changed the subject.
- Yees... it's a small problem.
- What is it?
- She went to inspect one of our hive - he lied.
That was the first thing that occurred to him, that justifies the absence of the Queen.
- It is all right. I'll wait - he said calmly, and smiled broadly. - We will be have more time for friendly talk - he said cheerfully, and again immediately tapped him on the shoulder.
Commander smiled a bit.
Yes, friendly talk, he thought. The best way to "accidentally" pull the information out of someone.
He sighed.
Everything started sneaking out of control.
He hated that feeling.