Chapter 2: Genetics
Disclaimer: the Stargate franchise and aliens that they created are the property of MGM. This is just a fictional story made out of fun and has no profit or commercial value derived from it.
The inseparable duo looked intently at her data tablet in their laboratory. At this point, the game level was evolving into a large trap of codes. A wrong move will corner her and limit her moves. They were trying to figure out the optimal strategy which she could decode before getting cornered.
A beep from the interface alerted one to look at the readings. He hissed. The other looked up from the data tablet. The algorithm they ran on the matching genetic codes and lineages of the available crew from all ships was providing the results.
Are those about the current blade swapping program going on? I have seen a lot of new faces lately. Some familiar faces are also gone. The telepathic network feels quite different now. She queried
Not just blade swapping. Clevermen. Every available male wraith for mating has to undergo at least one transfer in his life. From his mother to his mate. Instead of a mate, it was now Queens, given the new social structure change. Both explained. To increase genetic diversity.
Why? She asked.
Inbreeding give rise to inferior genes. The Queens want to exchange blades and clevermen to help grow the hives. Having too many of similiar genetics and lineages on one hive is detrimental for breeding . There was also an added factor of a war. If one Hive was to be destroyed, then at least its genes will be preserved in others. Diversity can be preserved. Both detailed.
So you both will have to go to another Queen one day? She sulked at the thought.
No. We are sterile due to prolonged radiation poisoning of our City. Even pheromones have no effect on us. No Queen will want to do an exchange for us. We are useless for breeding. The only reason why this Queen took us in was because our foremother was known for producing clevermen. She needed our skills. Both smiled at her.
Then we will still be together. She smiled happily.
They nodded their heads. They have a lot of work to do but they did not mind if she was around. She offered them some help and the duo looked at each other with a huge grin.
Moon set. They were still trying to sort out the genetic codes and lineages amongst the available records for the more balanced genetic carriage in each hive. There were five hives last she counted from her flight in the fighter.
Ah ha. More of our foremother's line should come here. Both said excitedly. They adapted the algorithm and frowned. No, the other hive could be imbalanced. Not enough of our foremother's descendants to go around. Too many from Night and Osprey. And the genetic codes are too uneven to go around.
Are everyone's genetic codes and lineage listed in the ship, including mine? She looked up from the terminal and loaded their utility tablet with the information they told her search for. It was taking a long time. They nodded.
She found out that even Wraith worshippers have lineages and homeworlds recorded but in a separate databank. The Wraith databank recorded and identified each Wraith in her Hive with sigils to representing their telepathic signature. The most unforgetable sigil was Numb skull and there was a comment that said 'Transfer away at all cost. Offer cocooned prey, if necessary. Lineage: (if his does not match the request of the other hive, make up one which will). Do same with genetic code.' She roared with laughter. The duo read her thoughts and started laughing. There was an explanation.
Apparently, this Wraith blade with the sigils of Numb skull was very difficult to communicate with. Any one who tried to communicate with him, found his logic and reasoning numbingly stupid. Yet he was always argumentative. He also used his skull on his opponents' skulls during fights. The Hivemaster made the request before the Queen actually noticed Numb skull's existence. The lineage was not spectacular too. Inbreeding was a known problem in those with his lineage in his City. His birthing mother could be his grandmother.
She was looking for her sigils when her data tablet beeped. There was a new message from the player.
/Incoming: Busy? Was waiting for your move on game.
She typed in her reply.
/Outgoing: Busy helping clevermen. They need to balance genetics in Hive ships. Movement for productive males. Algorithm not helpful.
/Incoming: Ask them if they would like me to look at the Algorithm. Seldom clevermen associate with blades. My assumption is that they are liberal.
She showed the inseparable duo his message. Any help was worth taking now. The Queen has given a deadline.
/Outgoing: Standby Algorithm transmitting.
They were sorting for a while until an incoming message beeped .
/Incoming : Transmitting modified Algorithm now. Minor calculation on genetic errors hindered. I start my duties now. Remember to move on game.
The inseparable duo faces lit up as they analysed the new algorithm. It was elegant yet simple. The errors were even highlighted with explanations. Recursive errors with genetic codes and lineage were the main problem. They ran it on their interface as the matching process started. The duo might tweak it to pull this mysterious cleverman over to their ship.
Genetics . So much fun.