A Rose in the Thorny Garden

Odette:

Once Grimweb completes his work, I have my sister brought to her old bedroom so she can awake with DIGNITY.

I set a course to a new system with promise. A new food supply..

Among other things..

Our spies scoping the new world had reported quite a lot and my confidence was at its peek with the return of my sister and our ever increasing fleet of ships.

All was coming together as it should be.

The baby kicks and I am once again distracted from my thoughts.

Now, how to explain this...

I think of my sister's reaction to the baby for a moment.

With the current state of affairs I think she will understand... maybe.... most likely not.

*Shrugs*

When I sense Rubyrose's mind awaken, I make my way to her room and tap on the door.

"Rubyrose are you awake? It is me Odette."

I introduce knowing I had grown significantly since last I saw her.

Queen Rubyrose:

I gasp for air, my last memory blood pouring from my throat after Michael-

I cast my eyes around, but calm somewhat when I see that I am on my hive, in my quarters. Not only that, but I can sense her, my only living sister.

((Odette..?))

I make my way over to the door, maintaining caution that this could be some ploy of Michael’s. He may have killed me, yet here I am. And I do doubt that he was ultimately satisfied at my demise. We both know he will never get over me (and who can blame him). But it brings me great comfort that I cannot sense him, nor any of his hybrids, on the ship. Simply other wraith.

I open the door, and get quite the shock. Odette is… older? My eyes linger on her face, taking in just how much she has grown [but also missing just how much she has grown in certain places ].

“You survived. I knew you would survive.”

I take her hands, and share with her my great pride at seeing her like this. All of my training paid off, and now she is truly worthy to take her place beside me as a Queen.

“But do tell me… how did I survive?”

Odette:

I brighten up at my sister's long awaited appearance.

Damn she looks good and even younger than me

"I did! Not to brag or anything but I think I am one of the last. Well, we both are now."

I awkwardly clear my throat at her next question.

Uh....

"Well, I mean. Uhm."

If I lie to her I am going to regret it.

"You didn't and hear me out..."

I pull out a bottle from my bag with much stronger stuff in it.

"Want a drink? Your place or mine?"

I tease.

We had alot of catching up to do and I am sure as hell not doing it anywhere public for Jean's nosey crewmembers  to snoop in on us.

Rubyrose:

Odette informs me that we are amongst the last living Queens. I admit, I do still take pride in outlasting Death. Her aims were as admirable as her methods were questionable. Even so, her downfall doomed so many Queens to becoming a part of Michael’s grotesque ‘collection’. If not for us, the galaxy may have been lost altogether.

I wait to hear her response about my continued survival. She seems uncomfortable on the matter, which hardly rouses confidence. So I accept the offer for a drink.

As I look down at the bottle I finally see that my sister is indeed upholding all of her duties as Queen! ;O

“Well, certainly none for you!”

I take the bottle from her hands before she can protest. The wraith are in dire enough straits as it is, without adding FASD to the mix. And I hardly need the few remaining wraith nicknaming my sister the rosé Queen!

I gesture for her to enter my quarters, impatient for answers. Not only to my situation, but to hers. As soon as the door shuts, I question her.

“I see you have found yourself a consort. Who’s the lucky wraith? Tell me all about him!”

Odette:

I crack a smile at my sister's observation before entering her room and taking a seat.

Just when I thought our first conversation topic couldn't be the more awkward, Rose then proceeds with bringing up my pregnancy as well.

Yikes, I really needed to give our first encounter more thought. I had a few things planned of course, then mommy brain took over and I forgot a bit then got busy and weeelllll.

"Oh well, you know.."

Shiiiitttt.....

"So let's talk about Michael."

I nose dive HARD away from the second topic and circle back to the first.

"He did kill you, I am guessing you already know how, but unfortunately not long after he got into this gross habit of cloning you every year to replay your execution."

I make a motion to take a drink but of course I had none so just awkwardly criss crossed my hands over my legs.

"Would you like to sit down?"

Rubyrose:

When I ask for the identity of Odette’s consort, the first name that crosses her lips is MICHAEL ;O Of course I have every confidence that she would never stoop so low. But I do give her quite the stare.

It soon becomes clear that she has chosen to answer my first question. I pour some wine into a crystal chalice as she talks, and take a lengthy sip as she mentions his new ‘habit’.

“Well, Lastlight mentioned more than once that he was ‘crazy about me’. I suppose some things never change.”

I make a blasé joke, partly to distract myself from pondering exactly just what happened during those executions. The one I recall was almost merciful, given the rumours regarding Vipsania’s death. Perhaps Michael was overwhelmed by my presence, and subsequently came up with more creative ideas.

“So I am a clone. Did you steal his technology and replicate the process, in order to bring me back? Or did you find a way to wipe my previous memories?”

The greater implications of what this means provide for better mental distractions than jokes. Cloning was historically frowned upon, but so much has changed these past few decades. To such an extent that I believe some of the Queens under Death were copulating with one of Michael’s aliens…

*Gets a little nervous that Odette hasn’t said who the baby-daddy is yet *

In any case, given the shortage of Queen and greater atrocities which have been justified, I doubt there are many left who would be outraged by my presence.

Having resolved that matter, I move onto the next. I take a seat, acquiescing to my sister’s wishes. With the implication that she then should respond to mine.

“Would you like to stop avoiding my question? Tell me which wraith you used to sire your child.”

Odette:

Ruby gives me quite the look.

It was horrifying and I hadn't even said anything yet.

"We ended up cloning you after taking what we needed from a few worlds."

I rub my temples in frustration when I am reminded of Bee's insolence.

Ruby circles back to the question regarding the child's father.

I had been with so many of the crew it was hard to tell.

I was not like my sister.. at least not in that way. My thoughts were set on multiplying our kind as quickly as possible for an effective counterstrike, not being tied down to a single consort and look after their emotional needs and desires and blah blah blah.

Companionship... nasty!

Now it appears I must either disappoint my sister greatly or come up with a name on the spot.

I choose the latter for if I chose the former my sister would make me find out WHO and to actually KNOW the father's identity would tie me to him and I could not have that.

"Nightwasp.."

I shrug.

Rubyrose:

I nod as Odette tells me how I came to be. It is a relief. If I am to be a clone, better to have been made by my sister than my crazy scientist ex-fiancé. It is one less thing to worry about that he made any surprise changes to my DNA.

With that matter resolved, I can focus all my attention on Odette’s situation. I take note of her nervous behaviour. However, all becomes clear when she informs me of her new consort.

“Ahhh I see, Nightwasp…”

She must have feared my reaction upon learning that she selected Michael’s brother!

However, I trust that she made her choice wisely.

“He has been loyal to us for some time. He is of suitable character for leadership – not too reckless or emotional. As for his lineage, well, I considered it worthy, so why shouldn’t you?”

I put down my glass and clasp her hands, wanting to show support in this delicate matter.

“And who knows, if the child is a girl, that could allow us to command Michael’s hybrids. Last I recall, they were engineered to respond to those with his DNA or similar. Of course, there was also something to prevent them from being controlled by wraith, but a Queen’s mind could be strong enough to overcome such an obstacle.”

I send her telepathic praise for making such a SMART decision!

Odette:

Rubyrose seems to approve of Nightwasp.

Now to figure out a way to let Nightwasp know he is a father.

Curses I should have just told the truth!

I think to myself regretting my decision and the future headache it would bring.

Ruby mentions an advantage the baby could have with its relation to Michael.

"Oh? That would be incredible wouldn't it?"

Dear god I already feel the headache coming on..

The baby kicks and I welcome the distraction.

"Here, feel this."

I place her hand over my stomach.

"We could really use your help picking a name. I am completely useless with these types of things and well.. you know Nightwasp."

I laugh at my own expense then remember I needed to fill her in on our next mission.

Rubyrose:

Odette wishes for me to feel her child’s kicks. For anyone else, I would not be so sentimental, but she is my own kin. Perhaps my only kin, until the child is born. So I do indulge.

“They feel strong. A good sign.”

Then she brings up the topic of names, and it surprises me how blasé she is on the matter.

“My help? But Odette, this is your legacy! This is not just a child, it is the start of your bloodline, your empire! Our own mother chose our names to reflect her vision of a thriving next generation, one that was to be both beautiful and dangerous. You may pay homage to that vision, or you may wish to create your own. Either way, it should come from you, and only you. Well, and perhaps Nightwasp, if you are so inclined.”

Some Queens do wish to involve the father. I recall Highcloud’s firstborn being named in honour of her union with her Consort; rain falling from a cloud creates a river. Though I do hope Odette is not so besotted with Nightwasp, such feelings can lead to terrible decision making. Queen knows Highcloud’s Consort was hardly the epitome of a respectable Commander.

“Shall I have him summoned here?”

Odette is still acting rather stressed out, and I cannot imagine that is healthy for the child. Perhaps she will not settle until this whole matter is sorted.

Odette:

Ruby was quite adamant that I name the child myself.

"Ok, ok.."

I bit my lip in thought before she mentions summoning Nightwasp.

Oh hell no...

"Actually I have something else which may interest you. Our next destination."

I stand up and pace around the room.

"Our armada, currently consisting of 5 hive ships.." - I slip in that impressive detail just for fun

"..is on route to an exciting little planet. Many humans reside there, untainted by Michael's toxins, and my spies inform me that their tech is most impressive. Should we successfully take over their world, we will have a base for further growth and reproduction."

I tap my chin in thought.

"Imagine how large we will grow uninterrupted for only a decade? With overwhelming force Michael's defeat will be inevitable and we can once again reclaim this galaxy for ourselves as it was always meant to be."

Rubyrose:

I am curious as to why Odette is so anxious over the matter of her consort? Perhaps I shall track Nightwasp down myself once we are done here, see if he provides any further clues…

However, I am distracted from such thoughts as Odette begins discussions of strategy.

Five hive ships was hardly an armada back in the golden days, yet now I presume it is the largest wraith fleet in the galaxy. In such times, I imagine it is hard for a Queen to keep more than one hive fed. And yet, it seems Odette has stumbled upon a veritable goldmine of a planet.

“This new world sounds intriguing. However, one should always be wary of things that appear too good to be true. How is it that you were able to locate this world, while Michael remains unaware?

My guess would be either it is so unremarkable as to have escaped his notice, or its inhabitants are wilier than the average Pegasus human philistine.

“You mentioned impressive technology. Do you have any information about their defence capabilities?”

I keep my questions neutral rather than doubting. I am pleased to hear my sister’s plans, and do not wish to detract from her ambitions. Yet I must also make sure we are prepared for such an attack. And more pressingly, that it is not some kingdom trap. I’m sure Michael is keen to wipe out my legacy, and I am so happy that Odette continues to deny him that pleasure.

Odette:

"A few of our crew have enlisted as spies, traveling mostly by dart and Stargate they check out new words and report their findings back to us."

I answer simply.

"Though Michael's Kingdom is still the dominating force in the galaxy, he can only manage so much sister. Don't be so shocked that he isn't aware of every daunting little planet on the galaxies edge. Especially when he spends his time throwing useless parties and cloning old friends in his lab."

I smirk.

What a nerd..

Ruby asks of their defenses.

"An excellent question. I have everything loaded in the main computer if you care to join me on the control deck for a gander?"

We should be arriving there rather soon

Rubyrose:

“Wraith? Or do you have spies of other species as well?”

How bothersome it is, to be so ignorant of our current capabilities. And the overall state of the galaxy. I try not to let it cause too much frustration, as I listen to Odette’s updates. I nod along with her reasoning, before picking up on her last sentence.

“Friends? Who else has he been cloning?” I question with a smirk.

As for the parties… I sense it is better not to ask.

I follow Odette to the control deck, bringing up another sensitive topic before we reach the rest of her crew.

((Are all matters prepared for your birth?)) She looks like she could ‘pop any day now’, as the common wraith say. ((I know we discussed certain areas when you were younger, but now you are a Queen-grown, it is essential that your drone is trained in what to do. There may be times during the process when you are… indisposed to command it well. I would also recommend having scientists present.))

How strange it will be, for my sister to have a child before me. It is certainly not the life I envisaged, for either of us.

Odette:

"Of course not sister."

I make a face of disgust trying to keep an even tone.

"Michael has tainted so much, our food supply even that of the lesser species isn't safe. Who knows what else he has corrupted."

I go on a bit of a tangent.

"We must keep exposure to those outside our immediate crew to a minimum. Should we fall victim to one of Michael's disgusting pets we may end up just like him.. a hybrid."

A fate truly worse than death!

"I have developed a personal shield of sorts that should protect us from any contaminants when exploring the new world. "

I reassure her.

My Queen sister asks who else Michael had been cloning and I could only think of one at the moment with absolute reassurance.

"Silvanus.. though I heard the last clone may have escaped."

I ponder out loud.

The subject circles back to the baby and I smile. Buttercup did such a good job last time didn't he? Perhaps he is up to the task again."

I tease.

232 amused me greatly as well, but to leave that one unsupervised with a baby would be disasterous.

'I have a few scientists that have proved their loyalty throughout the years and will of course take any of your recommendations on the subject sister."

I give my rod a playful twirl as we reach the control deck and pull up the plans, outlining the planet's defenses, on the main screen for Rubyrose to see.

"There are a couple of transmitters that will need to be taken out.".

I extend my rod into a staff and point to a nearby moon on the map.

"This is our target. The plan is to drop out of hyperspace as close to the world as our systems will allow and begin immediate fire on the planet's artificial moon. Once destroyed, the planet will be without a shield and our darts will begin their task of overtaking the surface."

I eye the general location where many city structures were located on the map our crew provided us and take a moment to consider our next steps.

"Should they put up a formidable defense, we may have to take hostages."

I anxiously pet my shielding device on my arm - a nervous tick - before proceeding with the rest of my speil.

"It will be a risk, but one worth taking. What do you think?"

I ask her.

Rubyrose:

Odette makes such an impassioned speech about remaining pure, it would even put Tiberius to shame. Meaning the spies she mentioned must have come from her crew.

"Your spies must be very skilled then. Either through subterfuge, or convincing these aliens that they could be trusted.”

Just imagine, a group of aliens believing they could be allies with our kind.

“And I agree, sister. I would rather the wraith empire fall than have my DNA twisted in such a manner.”

Not that either shall happen. My sister is everything I hoped she would become. With both of our minds combined, it is only a matter of time until the sun sets on Michael’s kingdom.

My sister informs me that one of Lastlight’s brothers was among his resurrected ‘friends’.

“Curious… We had intelligence that Michael kept cloning the Atlantis medical doctor, but never any reports of wraith. To think, he put so much effort into wiping us out, only to put even more effort into bringing us back. I suppose even the insane long for decent company, every once in a while.”

I jest, but it is a useful piece of intelligence. I doubt Silvanus could have escaped on his own… But that is something to consider after the upcoming battle.

Odette mentions Buttercup. I had meant a drone to assist in the labour process, but Odette jumps straight to the idea of a nanny drone.

“Let us see if the child is a girl first.”

There is little point wasting a good drone on a boy.

Then we get down to battle strategy. Clearly my sister has learned from the best, as she lays out an intelligent plan.

“I agree that a rapid surprise attack on the artificial moon is the best course of action. I presume you’ll be bringing the majority of your armada, to ensure a swift destruction? As for hostages, I recommend quality over quantity. Did your spies inform you of any suitable candidates? Children of the leader are always a good place to start.”

Odette:

"Why of course sister? They have been trained only by the best."

I gesture to myself playfully before giggling a bit at Rubyrose's comment regarding cloning for "decent company."

"Quite right sister, quite right."

I smirk as I did that with her quite recently

"Our hive will hold off on the initial attack. As will another. The remaining three will be the first to initiate the battle. Unfortunately we have no hostages at this point but depending how long this confrontation lasts, I will consider taking a few if necessary."

Either way, we will be targeting the main buildings of leadership as our first objective once we have boots on the ground.

Our hive soon comes to a complete stop and the first three enter hyperspace ahead of us to attack.

From the hive collective things seemed to be going quite well. Rapid fire by the hives insured the moons complete and speedy destruction.

"The shields are down."

I announce from my spot on the floor.

"Take a seat sister. It's our time to join the fray."

I smirk before our hive joins the others and the last one holds back a little bit longer for extra security.

I command all darts to make way to the planet as the four hives in orbit fire targeted shots around each settlement to scare the bastards into submission.

I waste no time opening a channel for negotiation, I wait for them to open one in surrender.

Eve:

What a terrible surprise...

I had a very busy fully scheduled day ahead and it was quite a bother. Most are used to those jealous few who TRY to gleam our luxury here and it is over quickly. No meetings or seminars are canceled for the evening as it begins. 

No one believes it to be more then it is. Coffee lines are long, hovertolleys fly up to the skyscrapers. A few of the more high end towers had personal shields and mistle seekers at the ready.

Busy busy busy

I read the stock market chart on a projection screaming across my oatmeal latte when the shield drops. I loose network. 
Now people CARE.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are sent out to target darts. At first I assume its one of Michael's as wraith were all but exstint. 
As I see a dead one thrown from its dart right into oncoming traffic I realize it is a drone.Its been a long time since I've seen them.

I run in my business suit, high heels through oncoming fire / masses running screaming.
A few have high quality top next umbrella shields popping up to protect them.

I snap mine open then find a transport pad that still had juice in it. I transport to my penthouse's lower level as the top already was taking causalities. 

All the 'good stuff' as they say is in the basement lab anyway.

The ground shakes as a wraith seeking -  big drill like space blaster comes out of the ground - called CODE GREEN and the high strung angry president is inside it like a big spaceship dome SHOOTING trying to take out the main hive. I don't know how long he'll last but he was giving it his all. Im proud I voted for him.

I use a very old earth human radio Bane gave me to call Drizzle.. since comuncatiers went down next.

"Drizzle!!" 

(Drizzle): "I really wanted out of that marketing deadline but not like this.." He replies not sounding panicked but annoyed greatly. 

"...this seems to be ... it.."

(Drizzle): "Are you sure? I mean.." I hear a sound on his end something else must have happened near by.  "Well.. I guess your right.."

There was an awkward pause and I quite want to tell him to forget it. 

He  doesn't HAVE too go up there and gas them all... we had a good time here.. pretending...

We could do it somewhere else.. possibly.

That was wishful thinking, the King was everywhere now. Trying to save this place, hold it down a little longer will ensure the rest of the sector doesn't get swept up.

If we fall so will our neighbors. 


(Drizzle): "I'll try Mom..." He sighs and hangs up before I can choke out something emotional.

**Drizzle leaves the rubble he alone suviered - all around him hands crushed, blood flowing.. after the tower fell..

 He takes off his yellow rubber ducky tie and FLIES upward up up and away to try to gas up the enemy from deep space and not be seen.* 

He grabs a dart and tosses it at another hive and proceeds to make small attempts out of practice.****

Grimwolf:

When the battle starts, I take drone duty. Controlling some of the drones in the darts and seeing what they see.

Only a small number are killed in the opening attack. But then suddenly they really start going down. I flick between their minds until I get a visual of what is causing it.

Destructive black gas…

((Hey Webster, those drugs Jean used to try and ‘cure’ herself: is there any way you could make one of them? Looks like this planet has a Starker.))

Those things are tough to take down. The only time I’ve seen one in trouble was when Jean knocked herself unconscious a few times, just before Odette took over. And if we can bag Odette a Starker, all the more reason she has to favour us.

Ha, who’d have thought it would be Jean who’d come up with a way of dealing with her own race?

Odette:

Things were going quite well until they were not.

How embarrassing..

I narrow in on the creature taking down our ships and see that it was YET ANOTHER Starker experiment.

Ugghhhhh how the HELL did one stray so far away from the Kingdom?!?!?

(To Grimweb) (( GRIMWEB!!! STARKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!))

I screech at him for extra motivation.

Grimweb:

I do not expect having to do anything till we take the planet, then I will be SO busy with all that sweet sweet alien tech...

I kick back and WATCH the fight, pretty good.. so far..

I was waiting for some sort of cool defense, mega robot or something.

I get my wish a STARKER, a male.

He takes out darts with darts and was climbing up on a hive trying to reach in and rip a hole through.

I see some good closes up of that smoke.

Bane level threat! 

Grimwolf reminds me we have to TRY here, unlike with Jean.

Ah...right..

((on it!)) I tell him as Odette screams at me much louder for... inspiration

((Yess my Queen..I...remebmer .. fallen queen Jean's...noxious toxin.."

But I wasnt paying THAT close attention so I wasnt sure ..hmmm I'll just double everything..

*scurries around trying to make the MAGIC happen*

Jean did lots of things to herself, one a month it feels. I make little misle capsules for each thing. .I THINK She made.. 
And call brother to pick them up.

Grimwolf:

I’m not good at science, but I am good at shooting things.

As soon as Webster is done making the drug, I take control of a drone and have it fly out with the missiles. While that Starker guy is busy trying to break into the hive, I shoot him in the back.

I just hope it works the same on him as on Jean. She was part wraith, I doubt that’s common

Odette:

I twist away at my rod ready to SLAUGHTER our spies for neglecting to inform us of such a detrimental piece of information when Grimweb pulls through for us.

"Well sister it seems we have our first prisoner."

(To Grimweb)((Well done, now check on the captive and make sure he is not contagious. Bring Grimwolf along if you must.))

A Starker on board this hive made me most uncomfortable. Hopefully that drug concoction Grimweb produced is strong enough to keep it down for awhile.

The armada keeps on firing on the planet's surface and I order the last remaining hive to join us to add more pressure to their surrender.

Rubyrose:

It takes much effort not to squirm in my chair.

It is not in my nature to be so passive in battle. Yet even with Odette’s brief catch up, I am hardly as informed as her when it comes to this world. Conflicting orders could cost us a sorely needed victory, so I let my sister take the lead. For now.

I do wonder if she will need my assistance when a Starker rears its ugly head. But it seems she has capable men.

“Indeed. If this planet is anything like the Kingdom, they may prove rather fragile without their favourite ‘superhero’.”

Let us hope this one is less insufferable than its sire. For some reason, thinking about Benjamin Starker makes my hackles rise.