Chapter 37.
Secrets... all time those secrets...
Moonlight was sitting on the steps her sister throne, playing with her dagger.
The others go away a long time ago, leaving her alone.
Starburst wanted to prepare Teyla for the ceremony takeover Nightflower fleet, Alabaster returned to her hive, and Skyfall back on the Invention to regenerate himself.
Only she did not know what to do with herself... History Blackout was so improbable, that if he told her it in other circumstances, she would not believed him. But and so she still could not believe, that her sister was a female clone of captured by the humans male Wraith.
This was so simple: with a female human ovum remove all genetic material and replace it with the genetic material of the Wraith. And then "force" the embryo to take a proper sex... How had to be far advanced the Lunarians civilization, that they was able to do this, by growing their creations in artificial uteri, she thought? Probably higher, than New Lanteans, which achievements and so are amazing, in compared with the peoples inhabiting the Pegasus galaxy...
Nightflower clone... it's funny, she thought, but it still does not matter to her. She was still her older half-sister, usually fierce and downright rude... but sometimes having some good moments... And she was a good mother for her daughter - no one will be able to challenge it. And if he try, he will be dealing with her, she thought, wandering thoughts to the memories of the first meeting with her sister.
She was only four years. Her father took her to a scientific Wraiths base lying high in the mountains. That was also the first time, when she met Skyrim. He was older from her only three years, and was initially reluctant to play... with the child, as he then nicely described, when his father told him to watch her - she remembered with amusement. But when it turned out that this... child, is bigger prankster than he, he quickly changed his mind…
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"…They has just bustled around the nearly empty engine room, when road replaced them slim figure in a long black coat with red lining. They both looked upwards to see the raw face Nightflower.
- What are you doing here? - she asked dryly.
- We... just... - Moonlight began slowly, still looking at her with opened mouth.
Then she seemed so majestic and dignified... like their mother.
- They help me, Milady - said unexpectedly on the side calm male voice.
All three of them looked at him, to see serene face Silentwind, who bowed deeply female and humbly presented her telepathically. The Queen looked at him closely.
- Yes, my mother mentioned, that this little disgrace likes such things - she said after a moment, haughtily.
- What mean: disgrace? - Mo asked curiously.
- It's you - almost snapped Queen. - I'm Nightflower...
- You are my sister! - she exclaimed, and she overjoyed hugged tight her legs. - Mom said, that you'll visit us - she said and pulled away from her. - You look as described you grandmother... You have great hair... Tomorrow we go on our feeding grounds. You will fly with us? My mother and grandmother said, that you very well fight.
Nightflower looked at her with a strange expression, as if a little disgusted, while Silentwind watched this scene a bit amused.
- You're awfully chatty - she said finally.
- Mo is very spontaneous child... and very interesting - said Wraith.
- I can see - she said and looked at him. - Your mother mentioned, that you are a very good engineer, and I need a new one. So, I suggested her, to she moved you on my hive... But she told me ask you about your opinion - she almost muttered. - Strange rules... But I understand, that it is from a time before the Great War - she said.
- Yes, my mother is guided by some of the old rules - he admitted. - Although, I have only three thousand years, Milady.
- Oh... That's all the more strange - she said. - Well, but Icesea is like most of the Queens from the Council... so I should not be quite as surprising.
- I would be honored, Milady, being able to join the crew of your hive - Silentwind said, putting a hand on his chest and bowing to her.
Nightflower face seemed to soften. Appeared on her even small smile of satisfaction.
- Very well - she said, pleased. - We're flying tomorrow - she said and looked at Mo. - Mother is looking for you - she said, already somewhat harsher tone. - You better hurry, before you get angry her - she warned and turned on her heel, walked towards the exit.
Wraith looked behind her, as she goes with gracefully, as long, as she do not disappear behind the door.
- She do you like? - Mo was surprised. - She is impolite.
These words seemed to be treated for a scientist like a bucket of cold water. He looked at her a bit confused.
- How... Why do you think so? - he said.
- You send thoughts on the half galaxy - she murmured, as if disgusted, and also headed for the exit.
The officer had forgotten, that this little one has exceptional talent... telepathic mind so strong, that perhaps in the future equals the mind of her grandmother - as thought Icesea.
He glanced at Skyrim, but he just shrugged indifferently, and caught up with his little friend... "
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...Moonlight smiled to herself at the memory of those moments. Now it seemed to her it was funny, but then a long time she could not understand what Silentwind sees in her surly sister.
She sighed softly and stood up, to slide the dagger in the back side of the throne.
And then she looked at this place... the place of death her sister…
"You won... Protheu" - these were some of the last words, what Flo said to her, when she died in her arms.
"I do not. I lose... Because again, I am losing someone close to me" - she said, barely holding back tears.
"Remember: you never show weakness..." - the voice in her mind was already very weak. - "You make sure, that my daughter always will be remember about this... Save her, Mo".
"Steelflower would never hurt your daughter... It's against her rules... You have my word" - she assured her, feeling like Nightflower handshake unabated.
The last emotion, which she received from her sister, there was something in the shape sigh of relief.
And then silence... and darkness.
Body became completely limp, and gaze fixed somewhere in the top.
Heartbeat stopped, and the hand grip slowed.
The world froze in that moment for Moonlight, with the last breath of her sister.
They have never been able to reach an agreement, even if Mo give way. Then Flo the more felt satisfied with this small victory.
But now, in the last minute of Nightflower life, young female felt, that this rivalry no longer had meaning for the proud Queen. Her mind was calm as ever before.
And just this moment Moonlight wanted most to keep in her mind.
This moment she has decided to cultivate, as a remembrance of her older sister...
The door throne room slid open, snatching her from the thoughts, and to inside walked high Wraith, holding by the hand a little girl. Her dark hair was clipped partly on back of the head in a ponytail, and the dress was a light brown tunic and tights.
Sunshine was a quiet, cheerful and very smart child - like her father... fortunately, as always has said Nightstorm... But only now, those words took for Mo matter. Probably all insiders was pray, that this little one inherited as little as possible features from her mother. Particularly in terms of psychological, she thought.
The girl smiled brightly at the sight of the female and ran forward.
- Mo! - she exclaimed delightedly and running to her, she threw her arms on her neck, when she knelt in front of her with outstretched arms.
- Welcome, Sunny.
- Dad said, that you came to visit us - she said and pulled away. - You will be longer? - she whispered. - Grandma sent my mom on a mission, and she will not be for some time.
Moonlight smiled, amused by her words and was about to reply, when the door flew open again, letting Steelflower in accompanied by her officers.
Young female get up and girl clung to her, tightly her hand gripping. Mo could sense her fear... and she understood it. The presence of a unknown Queen's on the hive was a rarity. And knowing Nightflower, she probably explained it a little one as a threat.
Silentwind bowed formally, when the group stopped.
- Milady.
Teyla nodded her head slightly and looked at the girl, smiling.
- You must be Sunshine - she said gently.
- Yes - she said, still clinging to her aunt.
- Mo told me many about you - said Teyla.
Little girl looked up, and Moonlight smiled at her.
- This is my friend, Steelflower - she explained. - You introduce her nicely.
Sunshine straightened up and suddenly she curtsied slightly awkwardly, at the same time sending a telepathic message to Emmagan. She raised an eyebrow, a little surprised... and she answered the same.
The girl smiled brightly, be happy, that the adult female presented to the full version of her name.
- You very nicely present yourself - praised her aloud Steelflower.
- My mother taught me - she said proudly.
- Really? ... In that case, you should also praise your mother - she said, and glanced at Silentwind. - And, do I could, for a moment, to talk to your father? - she asked.
Sunshine did not know what to say, surprised at the request of the Queen. Not this she was learned by her mother. Again she again looked at the Mo, and she shook her finger, to a female bent down.
- Why she asking me? - she whispered quietly as she could.
- Because it's your hive... when it is not your mother's here - Teyla said, slightly amused by her reaction - ...that's why I'm asking you for permission.
- Oh ... You have my permission - she said, with every word confident, remembering quickly, as always in such a situation said Nightflower.
- Thank you - Teyla said with a slight nod her head and smile.
Sunshine's face lit up again, when the girl proudly played the role of the Queen, happy that the older Queen treated her so seriously.
- Come on, let they will talk about adult matters, and you show me your room - Mo said, pulling to her hand.
- My dad brought me a new toys - she said happily, grabbing her by the hand and pull for herself.
I suddenly she stopped, remembering the label, to which her mother always applied a great importance. She turned to the audience to curtsy again. Two Wraith and the Queen nodded they head slightly, and the little girl moved on, with her aunt, happy.
- She's lovely - said Steelflower and looked at science officer. - Before we start the ceremony, I wanted to tell you, that this hive will still belong to your daughter...
- My Queen... - began Starburst.
- Silence - she scolded him briefly, and she asked the Wraith officer: - Do you think, that the current Commander will be loyal to Sunshine?
- ...Yes - he said, completely confused. - But... I do not understand...
- In such a case, he remain on his position - continued Steelflower. - When Sunshine grows up, and will be ready to be a Queen, she will assume the leadership of the Starscreamer.
Confused Silentwind glanced quickly at her again, and then on the other two Wraith.
- I do not understand... Milady...
- What happened here, should not have place - she said calmly. - A little girl just lost her mother in a completely senseless way. I will not let, that she also lost her hive. The only home as she know... And I do not care, that others consider it by... human weakness - she added, glancing pointedly at Starburst. - That I was raised, and I still appreciate the teachings of my human father... This is my final decision - she finished decisively, again glancing pointedly at the Commander.
Science officer looked at her for a moment, still surprised by her words... and then suddenly he knelt before her on one knee.
- My life belongs to you... My Queen - he said, putting one hand on his chest and the other pulling toward her.
- Take care of your daughter and raise her on the wise Queen... that's enough - she said. - I'm also mother... and I know well, what it means to fear for the life of child - she added.
Silentwind stood up and bowed low. She nodded her head and moved in the direction of thrones, to sit on it. Only then she noticed, that in the meantime entered the room one more person - Alabaster.
She stood in the distance, but she could hear everything. She smiled and nodded Steelflower. Teyla replied the same.
"I am proud, that I belong to your Alliance" - said Alabaster. "You are the Queen, of which I only heard of the stories my grandmother... Queen from the times before the Great War... The real Queen, wise and fair, as First Mothers... And anyone who would challenge your wisdom, is a fool."
"The only adversary of my decision, which bothers me, it's Grey Council" - she said.
"No reason... They all, though crude, are guided by the Old Code... They will be happy with your decision" - she assured her calmly.
"May you was right" - Teyla was less convinced.
But it Alabaster was the one which very well knew of all the Queens of the Wraith Council. And two of them were her grandmothers. So, she was knew what she says... and Teyla has hoped, that this time she also knows.
The thought of killing a child, only because she once could claim the hive, which belonged to her mother, was too scary for her... and absurd... though, as told her later John, this practice is not so far away people behaviors, as it might seem.
On Earth, in ancient times, it was often practiced. The new ruler ordered kill of his predecessor's offspring, especially sons, to they, in the future, not try to regain the throne…
Chamber quickly filled up crew Starscreamer, which was to be a witness to take an oath of loyalty by their Commander and his First Officer of the new Queen.
Those Wraith had no choice. Nightflower not killed while fighting with another hive, which would give them the opportunity to choose a new Queen, which they wish to serve.
Unfortunately, she was killed in a duel with another Queen, and it automatically made a winner of her successor. So, oath of loyalty was only formality. And if anyone would try to refuse the service of the new Queen, he risking even the loss of his life, because it could be understood as an attempt to treason.
In the throne room also appeared Skyfall, along with some of his officers.
Moonlight joined to them at the last moment, when the Commander and First Officer of Starscreamer starring in the first row, and came to Steelflower.
Mo looked with amusement at the Starburst and Skywalker standing on the sides of the throne, like her guards.
Two officers of hive bowed formally, and then they knelt on one knee in front of Teyla. The first of them put one hand on his chest, and the other pulled in the direction of the Queen.
- I, Snowcrust, the second son of Darkwater from the Winternight Clan, Hivemaster the Starscreamer, on behalf of myself and my crew, I swear to you my loyalty as a legitimate Queen, and entrust our lives in your hands, from now until the end of our days.
- I accept your gift, Snowcrust from Winternight Clan - Steelflower said and looked at the other Wraith.
This has made the same gesture as his predecessor.
- I, Wildmoon, the first son of Solarwind from the Starguardians Clan, First Officer the Starscreamer... - he began the same formula.
At first Teyla froze, hearing whose Queen son is this Wraith, ceasing for a moment to pay attention to his next words. But as the Queen could not show her emotions, and much less any concern.
So, she control quickly herself, and then she reply officer the same formula, as before his Commander.
The two Wraith stood up, and bowed their new Queen. She answered the slight nod.
Then they went back to the first line.
Emmagan looked at the others, and she was to say something, when from the crowd suddenly emerged Skyfall.
In the room fell dead silent, when the officer stopped in front of the throne and knelt.
However, the most surprised of all was Athozian women. She had not expected, that the Wraith so officially submits her oath of loyalty, before so many witnesses. She thought rather, that it will remain more the fact contractual between them, purely theoretical, so that the Council fully accepted the new statute of Mo.
That's why his behavior completely confused her.
But he seemed to be calm, performing the same gesture as his predecessors.
- I, Skyfall, the son of Sunrise from the Starwalkers Clan, First Officer of the Invention, on behalf of myself and my crew, I swear to you my loyalty, as a legitimate Queen and entrust our lives in your hands, from now until the end of our days.
For a few seconds the room was silent again.
- ...I accept your gift, Skyfall with Starwalkers Clan - Steelflower said, still unable to understand his behavior.
Wraith stood up and bowed formally, and she nodded her head slightly. She said nothing, even, when he returned to his friends.
- …My Queen? - Commander whispered.
Teyla glanced at him, then at the other, and grunted softly to begin her speech, which told her to announce Todd…
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Major Marks looked at the readings from the computer, and then at his Commander.
- Sir, I just picked up a transmission from Atlantis - informed.
Colonel Caldwell broke off the conversation with one of his officers and walked over to him.
- That's not reasonable, taking into account where we are - he muttered, glancing at the large window, for which stretched a view of the blue planet and its green continents.
But much more worried him floating on its orbit Wraiths ships, both cruisers and several hiveships... the same, as this one in the shade which they was concealed all the time, undercover, in case needs to teleport from planet Sheppard and Teyla.
- They gave frequency, which gave us Todd - said calmly Marks.
- So, officially the recipient is his hive… OK... Let's hear what's going on - he said.
The officer nodded his head, and introduced to the computer appropriate command.
- "Colonel Caldwell, please tell Colonel Sheppard, that after the completion of the mission on the planet of the Wraiths, he immediately went to Vallen - said a Woolsey voice from the speakers. - He will know where it is... After talking with the local people, Dr. Jackson learned, that in the mountains is an artifact before the Great War, depicting the arrival of the Avatar... Team Colonel Carter and are already there. Maybe this will bring to us the mystery of these beings... and let the colonel take Mo with you. Apparently artifact is covered by letter similar to the Wraiths writhing, so her presence can be useful... Woolsey out."
- It's getting interesting. I wonder what today we visit - he muttered again. - Tell ship Todd, I want to talk with Sheppard when he gets back from the surface.
- Yes, sir - said the Major, and re-introduced into the computer appropriate commands.
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When the freighter settled in the hangar, Moonlight looked straight at her Commander.
- I have a question - she said, when Skyfall get up from the bench.
He looked at her, as if a little surprised... just like the others.
- In private - she added a little harder, seeing that the other three very reluctant leave the transport.
So, they moved slowly to the exit, with not very satisfied faces, and she closed the door behind them to make sure, that they do not will eavesdrop.
Standing still at the exit, female again looked at the Wraith.
- What are you playing? - she asked.
- I do not understand? - he pretended, that he not to know about what she says.
- Why you officially swear Teyla loyalty?
He smiled corner of his mouth.
- No... Officially, I took the oath Queen Steelflower, Primary the Alliance Starguardians Clan - he corrected her.
- You know what I mean - she said, slightly annoyed. - I do not understand your behavior. After all, you know, that Steelflower is just a cover for Teyla. So I thought, that you will be negotiating with her, to your oath also remain only in the sphere of contractual. So, you really do not have to do that
The officer walked up to her, still calm and he slight a smile.
She had to look up, to be able look at his face.
- So, you thought wrong - he said.
- That's why I'm asking: what are you playing? - she insisted.
- In nothing... For others, including the Council, it would not matter, if my oath would be a fiction, or not. For them it will be true, so, in this case I and so would be obliged to compliance her.
- But for you it would be a fiction... so, you could easily bend it. And now... You're honorable, as not many Wraiths, which I know. And I know, that if you swore loyalty, you will keep her... Is why I still do not understand, why you did it - she said, more calmly.
- I trust you... and you obviously trust her... Besides, what she did for Sunshine... It seems to me, that she is a honorable human... and she likes you, so she do not do anything, what could endanger you. And this gives us a much better position in dealing with her, and the other New Lanteans, than Starburst - he said. - So, when my mother mentioned about oath, which you have to give which of the Queens, I knew immediately, that Steelflower is at the forefront of your list... This is a logical choice... and probably the best for us, what we now have.
- And if she asks for in return for access to our research?
Skyfall smiled mockingly suspiciously.
- Then we can ask them the same thing - he said calmly and opened the door to enter the freighter gangplank. - Besides, what mean the length of human life, in comparison with our - he added, glancing at her with a smirk. - Somehow I survived this few decades of her governments - he quipped mischievously and moved on.
Moonlight looked at him, confused, and then at the three Wraiths officers, standing still on the platform, which landed their ship.
She growled under her breath, annoyed by their intrusive behavior, and also went out on the gangplank.
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Bullseye looked at his Commander, when he came to the hive bridge along with the other.
The ceremony has already been completed, and the Council fully accepted the new title of Moonlight, so there was no reason to they have to stay longer on the planet orbit.
- Daedalus wants to talk with Colonel Sheppard - said Second Officer.
- Connect - Commander instructed, and looked at the main screen.
After a moment, on the organic tarp, was showed face the colonel's Coldwell.
Still disguised as a Skywalker, colonel Sheppard come closer. On his view officer smiled, amused.
- How lovely you look, Colonel - he snorted.
- Next time from you we will do the Wraith - he retorted. - Let's see how you will be looks.
- Thanks, but I will not use - he said, still amused. - I got a message from Atlantis to take you on the planet... Vallen?... So it probably called.
- This small town in which lived Harrigan - he corrected him, puzzled. - Why there?
- Apparently Dr. Jackson decided to talk with these people about this woman, and it turned out, that in the nearby mountains, from ten thousand years is an artifact, which supposedly represents this whole Avatar... What she apparently forgot to mention us.
- It is relievo, showing Avatar arrival. The only one, that survived the Great War - broke them Starburst, and they looked at him surprised. He smiled corners of his mouth. - Amazingly consistent with this, how Kate Harrigan appear on this planet.
- Avatars are ascending - Teyla said. - A Kate is... mortal.
- From what I know you also met Lantean female pretending to be mortal - he said. - Maybe she does the same.
Skywalker shook his head.
- She do not. Beckett examined Kate several times - he interjected. - He is sure, that she is the same as we... Apart from these her ability - he said, gesturing with his hand.
- In any case, I have to deliver you there - said Caldwell. - Team Colonel Carter already is there, along with the rest of your people... And you have take Mo with you. She has read a text from the bas-relief, similar to the Wraiths writing.
- OK... But maybe for now we let's fly away... before someone accidentally detect you - John said.
- I'll meet you at the assembly point - Caldwell said and hung up.
- It's getting more and more interesting - colonel muttered and looked at the Starburst. - Tell Mo that they was flying behind us.
- Well... But I'm going too - said Commander, clearly startled colonel. - I'm curious what you discover there - he said calmly and looked at his First Officer. - Tell Invention, that we fly away.
Shadowmist just nodded and entered to the computer the appropriate command to send a message to the second hive.
Then he introduced the appropriate coordinates, and when hyperspace window opened up, they jump, leaving the Grey Council planet behind them.
Moments later this same do the second hiveship.
Alabaster calmly watched on this view from the bridge of her hive, and when two ships disappeared, she looked at her First Navigator.
- Do you have they coordinates? - she asked calmly.
- Yes, My Queen.
- Very good... Take us there... but stay outside the range of their sensors - she flew and smiled slightly under her breath. - Secrets... all time these secrets - she said to herself.
The officer nodded his head and after a while the ship made the jump into hyperspace.