Chapter 6: Technology
Author's note: This Chapter is filled with my speculation on Wraith tech. Plenty of technobabble here incorporated into the story.
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 Hive fleet was travelling through relatively peaceful region of space until the next system which was many cycles away. The hyperdrives could not be engaged for long due to radiation damage to the hull. As a precaution, the ships were using sublight engines to move through space. In between planets, the fleet often asked approval from the wraith factions to replenish their stock.
Most were tolerant and permission was often given on conditions of using only restricted populated areas and limit on the numbers they could have. In return, the Hive fleet provided the access to any technological advancement or research to the lead cleverman of the owning faction. It was a fair exchange, considering that some of the refugees in the fleet were scientists who had worked closely with their former Lantean/Ancient masters. That was the only advantage that their moving fleet have. Occasionally, a faction had a piece of technology of their enemies and invited those scientists from the fleet to examine it for information sharing.
The Queen took the advantage of the temporary peace. She had ordered survivors or newcomers who had little or no experience to undergo scheduled sessions on the technology. The group leaders of clevermen were present at her Meeting Chamber for selections of their potential trainees. There was around nine wraith blades who came from ravaged worlds. Plus one hybrid, herself. There was not a single cleverman. It was due to the fact that clevermen tend to retain genetic memories of their forebearers. Hence their ability to process their specialised area came as natural as breathing.
The seven group leaders were there to interview interested candidates. The choices fell within three main discipines: Planetary science, Biological, Algorithms. The inseparable duo were group leaders of one discipline. They were also granted first choice of one candidate. It was a reward for the work they did in the Hive exchange of wraiths.
She was their first choice. The inseparable duo noticed the Biological group leader's eye on her. He seemed more interested in her as a specimen than as a candidate. He growled in disappointment but the Queen's order had to be followed. She had encountered him a few times when she was ordered to test her pheromone levels. He was not at all a pleasant wraith.
The inseparable duo's area was multidisciplinary as the mainstay was more on programming and coding just about anything organic and inorganic. Unlike the others, analysis could be on the internal organic programming of the transport beam to the enhancement of sensor array algorithms. Biological group collaborated closely with them when required. It was easy since they were in the same area of the ship.
Two blades were interested and interviewed by the duo on their general knowledge. One was selected. The selected blade was older than the inseparable duo but had a morbid sense of humor despite his serious looking demeanor. And a constant grin when he cracked jokes at her expense. He was careful not to crack food jokes. She respected that. He had a curved tattoo on his left cheek signifying a battle he fought on and his telepathic signature was sharp like a dagger.
The Planetary science group leader was the most popular. There was a distinct advantage for a blade to learn from them since it was essential to know how to deal with spatial abnormalities and deciding on landing ground offered a combat advantage. He nearly got swamped by seven blades immediately when the Queen left.
She stole a glance at the silent young cleverman examining a schematic diagram at his station. He had not sent her any further messages after finding out that she was the mystery 'blade'. The game ceased. She was disappointed at first. She did enjoy the strategy game with him but she found replacements of blades who were easier to beat. Winning was the desired end result. She was satisfied with that thought.
A loud growl turn her attention to the older blade who was pinching his nose in frustration. He had problems understanding the principles of organic cold fusion reaction. They were studying power generation together but she found that he processed information slower than she did. It was not his fault. She had worked under and associated with clevermen. He did not. He was a former hunter in his world but he was keen on learning. However this topic was also difficult for her.
As she was explaining her understanding of basic theory to the increasingly agitated blade, the young cleverman watched her intermittently. He just did not know what to say to her. He wondered why she never sent him a message again. Perhaps he was wrongly assuming that she was inculcated in the Wraith ways. Perhaps he could talk to a worshipper about human culture. She did behave like one when he met her the first time.
The inseparable duo were busy discussing the transport beam issue with the Lead Cleverman. He inspected the detailed reports on the other interface terminal. They had experimented the beam again on a permitted culling. It improved from a stinking lump of flesh the last time to dead creature that resembled the prey with missing parts upon rematerialising. They were getting close to solving it. The young cleverman had identified and fixed the errors on the beam's algorithm. His views on the failure of the beam indicated that the error was in the molecular calculations. An error which only the Biological group can resolve. As far as the Biological group were concerned, their calculations were perfect. Getting the Lead Cleverman involved was a tactful option of coercing Biological group to recheck. He shared their consensus after reviewing the analysis. Satisfied, the inseparable duo came over their trainees after the Lead Cleverman left.
Any questions on power generation? Their question directed at the two trainees who appear to be in disagreement.
Yes. The older blade paused. Zero point modules have better power generation. So why do we bother with cold fusion reactor cores ? The equations of cold fusion reaction show a constant flux when the same variables are entered. Stability is an issue.
This Hive is mainly powered by a Zero point module with three organic cold fusion reactor core and the auxiliary power come from other sources. However Zero point modules are limited in supply, like the enemy. So flexibility is required where power generation is concerned. If Zero point modules run out, our Hive will be frozen in space. At least with three organic cold fusion cores, it still can use sublight for propulsion The ship power generation system was created for adaptation of any power source. Both chorused in reply.
What other sources are on this hive? She asked.
The Hive is able to convert some solar energy through the hull to a certain degree. As you are aware, that form generates the least power. The inseparable duo said in firm unison.
And? Don't tell me that even feeding husks and excretions of the worshippers are used in power generation. There is a module on using unwanted materials for power. The older blade was exasperated.
Where do you think they go? Out the airlock? Do you see filthy airlocks? Or smell anything there? We don't waste anything. Both smiled at their two trainees. Teeth showing in absolute glee at their bewildered faces.
Technology. Some things should not be made known.