Chapter 183 (1/2)

Pegasus galaxy, Wraith stronghold

It had taken weeks to reach their destination. Finally though, the Hive had arrived. The end destination was one long held in Wraith hands. During the Ancient/Wraith war, this world at the outer edge of the Pegasus galaxy had served as a fallback position while the Ancient fleet had advanced deeper into Wraith territory. Again this distant world served that very purpose once again.

The planet itself was barren, almost totally devoid of life. Life did exist here though, in some form. Lacking zpm's to power a growth facility like the one destroyed several years ago by the Atlantis expedition, a series of smaller scale facilities existed. While unable to produce new Wraith in numbers equaling larger facilities, the number of soldiers produced was still impressive. Neighboring these facilities on the cold and rocky terrain, Hives and cruisers were being grown to carry these new soldiers out into the stars.

In orbit above the planet stood an impressive sight; a mega space station of sorts. Like Wraith vessels, this station too was alive. Composed of organic biopolymers, the internal layout of the station was identical to that found onboard a Hive ship. This station however branched out in a star like pattern, allowing for up to twenty Hive's to dock simultaneously.

As the seat of power for the Wraith nation, it was here that the Queen known as The First kept her throne. As a nation in retreat, the remaining Queens maintained their presence here at the command of The First. In the throne room of the facility, cast in an eerie light through the dimly lit fog blanketing the cavernous throne rooms floor, sat The First. The assorted Queens and commanders who served her felt the gamut of emotions that surged through her mind. The reason for this was the moments before arrived commander and soldier that stood with bowed head before First.

”You expect me to believe that my followers are now being culled by the humans?” First demanded furiously.

”What the soldier beside me witnessed leaves no doubt that the Lantean's are doing that very thing my Queen.” The replicator infected commander replied.

”Ridiculous.” First spat with anger.

”That was my first thought as well my Queen.” The commander offered.

”If the humans are in fact doing as you say, then what is the purpose of such an affront?” First inquired carefully.

”I do not know my Queen.” The commander replied.