Chapter III: Foreign

How long is the Primary's Commander going to make me wait? I thought as I paced from one end of the room to the other.

It had been many hours since my Commander had left the Primary's Hive to return to my mother. In that time I had been left to the pleasantries of the Primary's Commander but was first made to wait within the throne chamber like some common underling.

I was not alone, however. A form stuck close to my side, like another shadow.

I quit my pacing at the low growl of White-Eye; a wraith, bone-masked guard who at that point was the closest companion I had. I knew him ever since I was a youngling and he was the only one I could trust.

A pale shaft of light, accompanied by thick mist fell upon the vast expanse of the chamber and illuminated where we stood, only a few feet away from the throne. Ancient pillars, engraved with triangular and tree-like patterns stood tall and twisted into the centre of the domed ceiling. Beyond the sanguine light, however, were sharp corners that were barely visible. The veined walls emitted no light there and simply allowed the darkness to thrive.

Fear began to carve its way into me like a blunt blade that dug deeper and deeper into my self-restraint. I had to wonder if we were simply forgotten or if our lives were, in fact, in danger. If not, then surely we were a priority.

White-Eye sharply turned his head at the sense of movement.

A shadow emerged from the darkness and the entrance creaked open. The mist completely disappeared because of it. A tall figure walked through, but there was another behind him. He was slightly shorter and skinnier, but he wore the same coal, leather coat. Obviously he was someone of higher rank, perhaps a researcher or cleverman.

"My apologies for my delay," Guide said with a bow of his head. "I had other matters to attend to and did not think they would last as long as they did."

I pursed my lips. "As did I."

"Yes, though it was necessary." A smile curved its way into his concerned frown and he took a step back. "But, let me amend that by welcoming you to my Hive. Preparations have been put in place for your ship and crew. Until then, may I introduce my second in command."

Like many others, the second in command's voice was cold-blooded, though it was a rare when it could spike some form of fear or uncertainty into another wraith, like it did me.

"Young queen," he said with a short bow. His pale hair was longer than Guide's and less tattered. There was also the unmistakable facial hair that ranged from the tip of his chin to the end.

I bowed my head in return and met Guide's gaze. "Is there a reason for this introduction?"

Guide nodded. "During your stay here, you will have to bring any matters you have to him. I'm afraid that I will be moving to another Hive, for the time being."

"I see," I muttered. "I suppose that will have to do."

"Good," Guide replied. "Well I must depart, but I will leave you in capable hands."

As he turned to leave, the second in command released one of his hands from behind his back and gestured to the door. Guide's form was but a shadow when the second in command spoke. "Please, follow me to your quarters."

I dared a glance at White-Eye before making a decision. "Lead the way."

Silence filled the air as we walked. I was used to being alone, but the thoughts of my Hive were always there it the back of my mind. Within the new Hive, I had to keep my mind closed for fear of any underling or even the Primary herself reading my thoughts. The silence between the second in command and I, though, was uncomfortable and it wasn't long before I gave into curiosity.

"What are you known as, second in command?" I asked as we turned a corner.

"Bonewhite," was his reply. It was swift and to the point.

"So you are the one in charge now, correct?"

"Yes."

"And what is expected of me here?"

He halted mid-stride and turned questionably. "Expected?"

"Yes. What am I to do while on this Hive? What places are accessible? Are there any restricted sections? And I will need to know where the feeding area is."

"Many of the places on this Hive are open to you," Bonewhite informed as he returned to pacing through the halls. "Though the dart bay and lower compartments are not. I will have a drone show you where our feeding stations are and as for what to occupy your time, as long as it does not disrupt the Hive, you may do as you see fit."

"Anything, then?" I said. "Hmm. Will I be able to accompany you?"

"For what purpose?" he asked with raised brow ridges.

"To see how this Hive works," I replied. "To know what needs to be attended to. Mission reports. Anything, I do not care what. Simply to relieve boredom and perhaps learn from the experience."

"If that is all, then I do not see why that should be a problem."

I smiled. "Good."

Further ahead was the outline of an enclosed webbed archway with two drone soldiers stood either side. As Bonewhite moved closer to them, the drones stepped away and the archway folded inward.

Coldness was the first to ghost my skin. Darkness clung to the room like an Iratus to a web, but an emerald glow from the oak-grooved walls began to brighten. My finger nails lightly traced the surface of the waist-high platform, covered in fur sheets. So, that was supposed to be the bed.

Different to the one I'm used to, I thought.

My eyes caught the flicker of a star through the branched pane that overlooked the galaxy and I inclined my head get a better view.

"My belongings?" I asked as I set my leather satchel down.

"A drone was sent to deliver everything you will need," Bonewhite replied.

"Good. Have him set everything on the table. I will take care of it from there."

"Of course."

After another glance around the room, I gave Bonewhite the option to leave. He about to when his attention focused on White-Eye, who hadn't let Bonewhite out of his sight.

"Leave," Bonewhite ordered, but the drone did not move. "You will leave," he said again, but the drone made no movement.

I blinked. "What do you think you are doing?"

Bonewhite looked over his shoulder. Wrinkles emerged into his forehead in confusion, as if he didn't know who that drone was, or belonged to. I took a step forward and lightly placed a hand on White-Eye's shoulder, though careful not to touch the jagged armour plates.

"This drone is mine and he will stay with me until I say otherwise," I said. "Is that understood, second?"

As if he had been burned or threatened by a Queen, Bonewhite deterred his gaze from mine and lowered his head. "Yes, of course. Forgive me."

My hand drifted from White-Eye's armour and landed by my side. His reaction was interesting and not what I had expected. "There's no need. You didn't know."

Bonewhite's frown deepened as he lifted his head, though either out of curiosity or bewilderment, I did not know. I waited until his heavy footsteps were but a faint echo that passed through the door's skin. When my chamber fell silent, I allowed myself to relax.

"So, this is where I'm going to be staying," I stated and lay against the bed. The blankets were surprisingly soft and clung to my form.

White-Eye nodded in agreement.

"I still do not trust these wraiths, White-Eye. It doesn't feel right. To be given such..." I narrowed my eyes, "hospitality."

My fingers slid into the confines of the satchel to where the Iratus egg laid, wrapped in tattered fabric. It had changed from the colour of moon rock to a darker shade, similar to the clearer areas of the galaxy. There were several scars, etched into it in deep, curved lines, almost like it was crafted purposefully by a sculpture.

"I wonder what you will be like when you awaken," I whispered. "I wonder if what my Commander said was true, or if you will eat me on first sight."

Vibrations hummed through the egg's casing and into my palms, almost as if it was to reassure me that there was life inside. I smiled and re-fastened the satchel until it was tightly sealed.

"Soon, we will both find out."