Ok, two chapters in one day, did not think that would happen. Anyways, hope you are enjoying!

Danger in Unexpected Places

Dear Journal,

I talked with Michael for several more days. Though the others on the hive did not dare ask me about my relationship with Michael, their stares and whispers made it obvious they had noticed. Michael had received several threats which were quickly dealt with. I did not want our relationship to be public knowledge until I had a chance to talk with the other queens. I know it will cause somewhat of an uproar, that the ruling queen would chose this odd looking, unheard of scientist would be quiet a surprise. Of course I knew, in time, that Michael would prove he was worth of his title. I hope that the council of queens would be more relieved that I had found a mate, than worried about my choice. So that is how we ended up landing on our home world…

I walk to the council chambers slowly. I despise these meetings. Though the wraith are an untied empire, we are divided into clans each of which has there own group of queens. These queens, for the most part, are devious always looking for a way to be come more powerful. They are divided into to two main groups. One believes in the military and using force to gain power. The other, are more quiet and use subtle tactics to accomplish their will. Though I side more with the second group, I always know what the militants are doing. A group of three or four queens usually make alliances to fight their rivals. The strong group currently consists of five beautiful, devious queens who have been friends since childhood. They, however; are kind enough to the others to kept an uneasy peace especial helpful during these meetings. I try not to make alliances with any particular queen, but it is a consistent battle.

I walk into the room. It is divided into two groups easily distinguished. The smaller the militants, are dressed in black and silent eyes darting from one end of the room to the other silently alert for anything. The much larger group chats among themselves quietly. They dress in all different colors except black. The hum of conversation quiets as more and more of them take notice of me, bowing their heads in respect, all but one. She stands up quickly and glares at me. She is one of the militants, and my archrival. I do not know her name and she intents to keep it this way. She says, "Why have you called us here now, Matia? You waste my time and that of my sisters. You are too young to rule. You don't know what it even means. You have never fought a battle and where are your children? I doubt you can even reproduce at all." She always starts meetings this way. The truth is that just about everyone ignores her.

I sit in my chair quietly and respond, "This is the second time we have met this year as usual. That is why we are here. As for you complaints about my rule, I admit I don't know everything but I have ruled well so far and hope to become a better ruler as time goes on. If you have any suggestions I would be happy to hear them." She sits quickly rolling her eyes. I smile. My response always quiets her. "Very well, have any of you had any encounter with the Atlanteans?"

One young queen stands saying, "I have captured one of their allies during one of the cullings. He said that the Atlanteans were having problems with the city itself. It seems that your work, my queen, has helped in more ways than expected."

"Good, I am glad to hear that, well done. Now, I would like us to make plans encase of an Atlantean attack. Hopefully a great war can be avoided this time, although we seem to be in a cold war now. Any suggestions?" I ask.

Kelata stands up. I'm glad she has decided to speak. She is one of the oldest of us and can remember the time of the Great War. "I believe we should research shield and weapon technology since our numbers are decreased by internal strife and the replicator attacks. In the Great War, we only won because of our numbers. Now this stagy will not work and I believe the Atlanteans will be perfecting their weapons as well."

"I think this is a very wise idea. In fact, my ship's scientists have developed better shields which I will be happy to share with all of you. Also I have met a new scientist who has come up with a new type of ground solider. He is here with me and I would like to show you his work now." I answer. The organic doors at the end of the room open and Michael walks in. Behind him, several guards carry his supplies. 'He's nervous.' I think to myself having learned his subtle facial expressions. 'You'll do well' I encourage him.

'I hope so.' He says back beginning the lecture. A few of the queens point and whisper among themselves obviously intrigued by his strange looks and clothing. Michael wears brown as apposed to the black leather worn by almost all males. Soon it will represent his status in the community. I only half listen to the lecture already understanding everything. I watched as the queens jumped in surprise as two of Michael's creatures, male and female, are brought in. Michael quickly assures them that they are safe. At the end of the lecture we take a short break.

Michael

I nervously walk into the room. It is hard to believe what has happened to me in the last few weeks. I have gone from quiet scientist to the most powerful wraith male! I can hardly believe the change myself. I love Matia dearly. She has been so kind. Even now she smiles at me reassuring me. I begin the lecture. The stares and giggles from the younger queens nag at me. I'm so tried at being harasses. I force back a laugh as the queens are frightened of my creatures. Though my creatures are stronger than any wraith, they are so dumb that they are always docile unless otherwise instructed. After my lecture we take a short break. Perhaps I will have a chance to talk to Matia. However, she is currently preoccupied. She signals for me to enjoy myself while she is busy. I leave the room thinking about heading back to my quarters to rest when one of the queens comes up to me. "You did a wonderful job." She says smiling.

"Thank you; I am honored to be able to meet such wonderful women." I say polity.

"You're so different from the males I know. Your hair and clothes, why are they so different?" she asks lifting her head as a sign of interest in me.

"I just felt like being different. I think I--" I am interrupted before I can finish.

"I like different men. Why don't you come with me? You could have a very high position on my ship. And I might just pay you some visits." She smiles seductively placing her hand on my shoulder.

I quickly remove it. She glares at me. "Sorry I'm already spoken for. Thank you for your offer, but I can not leave my queen." I say with a kind nod walking away. I smile seeing Matia. She smiles back at me. I love her so. I would never follow any one else.

Matia

I come out of the room to see Michael talking with another queen. I growl to myself as she puts her hand on his shoulder. He is mine. I smile though as he quickly removes it and walks towards me. "I'm proud of you." I tell him nuzzling his face, "You chose me even though you have yet to get your reward."

"I will always choose you." He says taking my hand, "I want you and no one else." I smile happy in the knowledge that Michael will always be with me.

"I think you did very well. Did you see the look on their faces?" I laugh, "Did I do that when I saw your creatures?"

"Yes," he laughs, "but you where hurt and venerable. It was right for you to be afraid."

"I'm not afraid now. I have you to protect me. You know they are going to be surprise when I tell them. I'm afraid you may not make many allies for a while." I tell him.

"I know, but you're worth it. Do you want me in there when you tell them?" he asks

"Yes, I do, but in the back so you look more like a guard, then, when I tell them come forward. I'm sorry about this. I wish we could just be together." I whisper to him.

"Curse the Atlanteans; if it wasn't for them I would be normal." He growls

"I know, of course the irony is that if it was not for them I would have died on that planet and never met you. Sometimes it is cruel the way the fates work."

"I guess. Can I get you anything?" he asks sweetly. He's always thinking about me.

"A kiss," I say playfully. He smiles kissing me sweetly. We enjoy the close contact ignoring the gasps coming from the others in the room. He is so good to me. I can not believe I found a mate this wonderful. A quiet alarm goes off and we head back to the room.

While waiting for the young stragglers, many of the queens chat with one another. Even some of the militants talk among themselves. There are many quick glances and giggles. No doubt they are discussing my relationship with Michael. Rumors spread like disease among the queens especial seemingly scandalous ones. Finally, every one arrives. I am just about to begin when my rival stands up saying, "It has come to my attention that our benevolent queen has been doing some rather scandalous things. Care to explain yourself, Matia?"

"Yes, I do. Sadly for you, it is not as scandalous as you may think. I have, after a long an extensive search chosen a mate." I answer as Michael walks forward. "This is Michael whom I have chosen." They all gasp and stare.

Finally one says, "Him! You chose this unknown, odd-looking scientist as your mate to be the most powerful male even over us, you picked this?"

"Yes I did," I answer confidently; "There is much more to Michael than you know. He is a very wise and experienced male. He has given us new wisdom. He is my mate so just except it." I lift my head showing my authority. The chatter stops and most bow their heads in respect, but my rival stands up hissing reproachfully.

"I have said from the beginning that you are unfit to rule. This decision merely proves my point. I will not stand idly by as you bring our people to ruin. It was you who provoked the Atlanteans." She growls.

"I understand your reluctance of all of you to accept my choice. I know that you have yet to get to know Michael. In time, you will see why I have chosen him. As for you, I have stood by while you taunt me for the pass five years. But I ask all of you to consider the civil war we recently fought. Was it I who said we should fight? Was I a cruel ruler who wanted to rule with an iron fist? Was it I who has brought this death to our people or was it my rival here?" I ask.

One of the militants queens, the sister of my rival, stands up and says, "Matia is right. She has ruled us well. My sister hounds her cruelly yet she is always kind and gentle in return. As I remember she was willing to give up her position to bring peace to the clans, something that sets her apart from us. Matia is our ruler for a reason. Leave her be sister."

"I can not believe you my sister." Growls my rival.

"She is right. Matia should punish you for you actions." Says another. My rival glares at me then calmly sits.

I stand to thank my supporters when a loud sound is heard and I feel an agonizing pain my back. Michael catches me as I fall. "You are weak Matia, as I have just proved." I barely hear my rival say. I hear growls and hisses as two of the queens fight. Kelata comes over to me and examines my wound.

"Your in shock." She says, "Listen to me Matia. I need you to breathe deeply. This is going to hurt." I follow her instructions tears streaming down my face. Michael holds my hand worried.

"What happened?" I ask in a daze.

"You have been shot in the back, Matia." Says Kelata gently. "I need you to take deep breaths for me."

I squeeze Michael's hand as Kelata's probing hurts more. Several others come over to assist me. Kelata gives several of them instructions. It hurts so bad. It feels like my back is on fire. Several white clad doctors rush in caring different items. The militant queen who supported me comes over. Her dress is now torn and her arm is injured. "I'm sorry for my sister's actions, my queen," she says, "But she will never hurt you again." I nod trying to hold back the tears. Suddenly I find it hard to breathe. I gasp for breathe desperately. Michael pushes the others out of the way. He reaches under my dress placing his hand on my chest. He breathes deeply giving me his strength. He sighs exhausted. I can breathe easier again and the pain is decreased. I squeeze his hand as I drift into unconsciousness.

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