Re-Creator of Universes - Book 4 of Re-Forge

The Hive

Matt, SP1 and the GRAV Team waited for Adara as she entered the airlock of the SP1 spaceship. SP1 said: "Your interaction with the Bennu was recorded for historical records and as indisputable evidence of an unprovoked attack against our new allies and us. Are we setting a course for Infinity Hub?"

Adara answered: "Well, that is a decision we can't make without the NINE and the SP council. This has become personal for me. I hate bullies, and the Bennu have eliminated a gazillion lives and have stopped the process of creation. I mean, who does that without facing the consequences one day. Well, their days are numbered."

Later that day, Alex handed Matt a PC tablet and shook his head. Matt read the screen and said: "Let's not act rashly. We need a plan before we do anything, but this will have to wait, as just now, a message came from the Emissary asking for us to go to his ship. He has news of critical importance. We will discuss this after we move past our current crises."

Matt, SP1 and Adara entered the airlock of the emissary's ship and noted that it was still damaged, but the Emissary assured them that the damage was cosmetic and would not impede the ship's function. The Emissary handed each human a crystal goblet filled with the terrific tasting nectar.

Adara said: "I really need to get the complete chemical analysis of this so we can synthesise our own. It really is the nectar of the Gods."

The Emissary said: "If only we 'were' Gods. I apologise for not offering to seat you, but these were destroyed in the attack, and we cannot replace them from storage as it was reduced to atoms by a stream of antimatter that penetrated our shielding."

"The Bennu weapons are the most powerful in the multiverse. They collapsed our shields in seconds. My mind boggles at how your shields can withstand such raw power."

Matt sensed that something was very wrong, and both Adara and SP1 were in that paused state of suspense that is felt when waiting for the worst news possible. Matt was about to deflect the question about power generation, but Adara saved him the need.

Adara asked: "What is wrong, Emissary. Please tell us?"

The Emissary said: "Queen Adara, Administrator, and SP1. With your permission, I will sit in your presence. I am incredibly old, and although you have granted me an extension to my life, my spirit has been crushed, and my will to live... is gone."

Adara held the proffered limb and waited for the Emissary to speak.

When it was settled, the Emissary said: "The Bennu attack occurred simultaneously on two fronts. An overwhelming force attacked the last Emissary hive... They collapsed the Hive's shield and assassinated our Queen. There are no more queens."

"Our species intended to move on after we trained you for your new role. So, my queen delayed producing a queen until we left for our new home. Two queens of breeding age cannot live in the same hive, or the new queen will kill the old. To breed and expand at this time of trouble is to invite discovery. Alas, the Hive was discovered anyway.

Matt said: "Are you saying that your species is now extinct?"

The Emissary rubbed his limbs together as if he had no energy at all. The translator said: "That is correct, Administrator. We must now return to the Hive to die beside our queen. I ask that you accompany us. I have a request to make after we arrive."

Matt said: "Of course Emissary. We will bear witness if that is what you wish."

The Emissary said: "Ahh, that and more, Administrator." He rubbed his limbs while looking at the assistant. He went to a console and busily punched in data. The screen at the front of the bridge came to life, and strange symbols appeared, then rearranged themselves into Earth standard figures indicating specific spatial coordinates.