~Once upon a time, there were two spirits -the first spirits-. These spirits were sisters, bound together by time and space, and in their lives they cherished very different things.

  The first sister, often believed to be the elder sister, was known as Order. Order liked peace. She liked tranquillity. She liked stability. Everything had a place in the universe, and she was most content when everything was in its place. She carefully placed the stars and planets so that none outshone any others, and that none would interfere with the others.

  Her sister was known as Chaos. Chaos liked mischief. She liked change and turmoil. She liked noise and light and spins and just general entropy.

  Every day, Order would place her beloved planets, stars, moons, and rings where she liked them; the same place every time.

  And every day, Chaos would appear when her sister’s back was turned, and she would move them all over the place. She knew not where, because knowing where would be the opposite of what Chaos would want. She simply moved them; a different place every time.

  But, Order liked peace and tranquillity, and so, instead of fighting with her sister, she simply waited until Chaos became bored and went somewhere else, and Order would restore her beloved treasures to their rightful places.

  Chaos, of course, did not like to be ignored. She was Chaos; the embodiment of emotion and change, passion and love, hate and forgiveness. She worked just as hard as her sister to move all of Order’s precious toys, and still, Order paid it no mind. She simply did the same thing every day.

  And this, Chaos could not understand.

  After all, who could be content in perfect unchanging routine?

  One day, as Order was organizing her treasures, Chaos appeared. She moved a star as Order was watching, but Order said nothing. She simply returned the star to its place.

  Chaos scattered some moons away from their planets. Again, Order said nothing, and returned them to their places.

  Chaos kept trying, growing more and more frustrated. For every jewel that she moved, Order would simply return it without a word.

  Chaos couldn’t stand it. She loved her sister, and she only wanted her sister to enjoy the same things she did.

  But, in her anger, she threw one of the jewels, and it broke.

  There was a moment of silence.

  And, without a word, Order simply picked up the pieces and put them back into her jewel box.

  Chaos began to cry. “It’s not fair! I just want you to play with me! I want you to do something different!”

  Without a word, Order simply walked to her sister, knelt down beside her, and hugged her.

  After a long moment, Order said softly, “Every day, you come and you disrupt my planets, my stars, my moons, and my rings. Every day, I put them back in place so that you will come and move them. The only thing I love more than perfection is you, dear Sister.”

  And together, the two spirits, Order and Chaos, found equilibrium for the universe.~

  Rex Hancock opens his eyes. He feels like he’s in a fog. His lips are dry and cracked, and nothing makes sense. He can barely remember his own name, though he realizes, he’s extremely exhausted even still, and his fatigue is clouding his mind.

  He dreamed for a long time. He dreamt of battles where both sides fought to the last. He dreamt of creatures that towered over him, blotting out the sun as he clutched his simple human rifle. He envisioned battles in space, where he was drifting helplessly in the void. Great vessels of war were trading fire like a science fiction work. An alien with many arms begged for a future for her children, and an army of crocodiles roared in unison -cheers of joy over an innocuous act-. And, a monstrous gladiator queen demanded a sacrificial warrior for the fate of humanity.

  Rex Hancock has always been a normal nobody. He went to school, worked moderately hard, and was planning on joining the Marines. It feels like he did, but he can’t remember if he’s done anything as a Marine. With how vivid his dreams were, he’s beginning to wonder if his memories are blurring with his dreams.

  Something strange occurs, however. As the fog slowly lifts, he tries to sit up. He finds a sharp pain in his right side. He winces, suddenly remembering a spear.

  But… that can’t be. It’s just like… He touches the wound, and it’s right where he remembers. But, of course, Hancock has watched many movies and shows. He knows that sometimes, real world events can become translated into even the most fantastical of dreams. He could have associated the pain with the dreamworld battle when he fell on a piece of rebar or had an organ removed or something.

  Suddenly, a face appears in his vision, and he recoils in surprise, crying out as the pain sharpens. The face appeared to be that of an insect that is standing over him. A giant insect.

  Just… like his dream…

  Surely, though, he’s still hallucinating. Perhaps he’s on pain medications -that aren’t working- or he had a near death experience that hasn’t fully cleared out of his head. He is a regular nobody from Earth who dreamt of being a heroic soldier.

  Dreams rarely come true.

  He is pressed gently back onto his back, though the hands don’t feel like hands.

  Hancock’s mind is racing, trying to sweep the fog out and make clear where he’s at. The walls look like nothing he’s ever seen, particularly in a hospital. It’s certainly not his bedroom. He… can’t even really think what his bedroom looks like anymore. But, maybe he’s been in a coma for years. He’s heard stories of that, of course.

  He cautiously looks around. A second of the beings, pure white like a nurse’s outfit, but looking like an insect, is sitting nearby, watching him. Though, ironically, her outfit is a bronze-gold color.

  But, dreams don’t come true.

  Hancock looks at the ‘nurse’ trying to get him to relax, even without speaking, he does his best to focus on her.

  If he’s never seen creatures like this, that he can recall, and his mind won’t clear… what does that mean?

  Maybe dreams don’t come true. But, it doesn’t always stop them from matching reality.

  He feels a poke in his neck and tenses, and a cool sensation washes over him. He finds himself relaxing, and his vision clears more. He can distinctly make out syllables -deep, somewhat hummed syllables that he can at least discern-.

  An even deeper voice -deeper than most men he knows- says softly from behind him, “She’s saying the delirium should clear, Hancock.”

  He looks over his shoulder. One of the crocodiles -no, the grodrrns- is sitting behind him as the white Zarakyssn working on him checks his vitals.

  It is all starting to clarify. He has no experience with hallucinogens that he can recall, but he doubts a hallucinogen would present as clearly and rationally as now; particularly when compared to when he thought he was hallucinating.

  But, if he’s alive, and none of it was a dream, then that can mean only one thing; he failed.

  The Zarakyssn working on him hums some more grodrrn syllables, and the grodrrn behind him, Helmdraavv Khla, translates, “She is the Void Queen who wounded you. The Azure Queen ordered her to heal you.”

  “Why?” asks Hancock.

  The other Void Queen, the one in the golden dress known as Zeeannssii, replies before Khla even translates. Khla translates for Zeeannssii, “The Azure Queen demanded you speak to her. To do so, you must survive.”

  Hancock tries to sit up again, this time prepared. He grunts from pain, and the medic prepares to ease him back down if he can’t. But, he is able to make it to sitting, grunting out, “Happy to oblige, I guess. I’m her prisoner?”

  Khla translates to Zeeannssii, and Zeeannssii replies. “We don’t know. Everything ended suddenly, and the Queen retired to her quarters in anger. She hasn’t spoken to any of us since.”

  Hancock asks, “Wait, Craw; how were you captured? I thought… you were going to inform the… uh…” He trails off. He probably shouldn’t mention a word the Void Queens can recognize.

  Khla replies, “Chief Grey convinced me to wait, as a tactical response would leave no survivors, most likely. I was discovered, but I have not been treated poorly because I remained diplomatic.”

  Hancock nods, “Good.” Khla briefly explains to the Void Queens, and the one working on him hums softly. “She doesn’t understand why the Queen wants you alive.”

  Hancock scoffs, coughing as the pain shoots through his ribs. He asks, “What’s her name?”

  Khla asks, and the Void Queen hesitates. She murmurs a reply, and Khla states, “Mmnnorrynn. She is fairly young.”

  Hanock nods. “Nice to meet you, Mmnnorrynn. Thank you for healing me.” He coughs again, still smirking. “Even if you did stab me.”

  Khla translates, and Mmnnorrynn is silent. “Zeeannssii… Are, you okay?”

  Khla translates again, and she cocks her head at him. She replies quietly. “I am. Though, I am a prisoner until the Azure Queen determines what to do with me.”

  “You don’t seem particularly disturbed by that.”

  “I honored our deal, human. You honored as well. My life is and will always belong to Sister Azure.”

  Hancock nods. Mmnnorrynn hums, and Khla murmurs, “They’re coming.”

  The door to the small cell opens, and two more Void Queens are present. They grunt, and Khla translates. “Hancock. The Queen has summoned you.”

  Hancock nods. “Whelp. Guess I woke up from my eternal nap too early, huh? Wish me luck.”

  Khla nods.

  Hancock follows the two Void Queens, though one of them stays behind to say something in grodrrn to Khla, apparently.

  The Void Queens lead Hancock through the massive fortress of a building. It’s stunningly beautiful, lined with artwork that sings of many unique cultures; perhaps a grimm collection of conquered worlds. There are exquisitely formed weapons, statues and busts, totems, transparent lava-lamp-like fixtures with moving liquids, paintings of all shapes and sizes on wildly unique materials depicting just as many wildly varying scenes. Even the castle itself seems to be artistic; formed of beautiful materials in a solid and structured form. It feels safe and comfortable, rather than like the home of a werewolf or a vampire. The Azure Queen seems to pride herself on her might, and she seems to live remotely from the Horde itself. However, her Void Queens are loyal to her to a fault. It took a LOT of convincing to get Zeeannssii just to cooperate long enough to get her to the castle.

  Thankfully, someone followed Lopez’s obscure instructions and was able to make it possible -easy, even- for them to find the Polonia again. Of course, the fact that only the Polonia is present in orbit is a problem for later.

  Hancock’s primary concern is the next few minutes.

  The Void Queens open a door to an aromatic room filled with even more surprising decor. Given the seclusion of the room, and the remote location, judging by how far they walked to reach it, he’s entering the Queen’s personal quarters.

  Hancock finds the Queen sitting on a large, cushioned chair made of a shining auburn-colored material that reminds him of the texture of a jellyfish. It looks gossamer and gooey, but seems to be ultimately solid enough to support the Queen’s weight. Nyonnyss and Syretia enter behind Hancock and stand at the door. The Queen growls, and the two Void Queens seem to hesitate, protesting in concern. The Queen growls again, and they bow, walking backwards out of the room.

  The Azure Queen waits until she, Hancock, Nyonnyss and Syretia are alone. She growls, though her voice is placid and seemingly cold as she speaks. Nyonnyss says to Hancock, “I am to translate any grodrrn as if I am the Queen. All that follows will be her words.”

  Hancock nods, and the Queen buzzes fluidly in the Zarak language. Syretia says softly, “I am to translate Shining Daughter. Apologies for bad human.”

  Hancock replies, “Don’t worry about it, Syretia. Thank you both.” He faces the Queen, saying calmly, “It’s an honor to speak to you, Azure Queen. I regret that I am a prisoner, but I am thankful to be alive.”

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  Syretia translates, and the Queen cocks her head briefly, but otherwise gives no indication of her thoughts.

  She states calmly in grodrrn, and Nyonnyss translates, “You humans have intrigued me. But, the understanding is not clear yet. Before I decide, you will answer questions.”

  Hancock nods. “Very well, I’ll do my best.”

  Nyonnyss starts to translate, but the Queen cuts her off, growling. Nyonnyss is silent, and the Queen growls a little more irritatedly. Slightly confused, Nyonnyss quickly says, “I, Nyonnyss, apologize, Hancock. She stated; I understand most of his language. I do not speak his language yet. Did I give you permission to cease translation?”

  Hancock nods. He says gently to Nyonnyss, “Sorry for the inconvenience, Nyonnyss. Do your best, please.”

  She nods at him, and the Queen grumbles. Nyonnyss translates. “Why do you ask her forgiveness? She arguably owes you her life.”

  Hancock shakes his head, “I don’t feel that way, and I never will. We all work together, and the fact that Nyonnyss speaks human fluidly while I cannot speak much more than some grodrrn taunts is worthy of respect.”

  The Queen stares at him calmly. She swirls a goblet of honey-colored liquid, though it’s less viscous than honey. It’s also not lost on Hancock that she has both arms once more, as well as any bullet wounds have healed.

  She asks through Nyonnyss, “What did you do to inspire treachery in my sister, Zeeannssii?”

  “I wasn’t trying to turn her on you. I only told her the truth. We just want to live, and we’re willing to work towards common goals to do so.”

  “And, what common goal could we possibly share?”

  Hancock hesitates. He doesn’t necessarily know what the Queen is after. “We know the Void Queens are sterile. I can’t speak for scientific endeavors beyond my own capability, which isn’t much, but I know we’re willing to at least explore possibilities in however we can help. If we’re talking about the Horde at large, though, I’m not sure of what we have that we could negotiate with.”

  The Queen is silent for a moment, studying her glass. She asks, “Is that so?”

  Hancock nods. “As I know it, yes, noble Queen.”

  She reveals her other hand from behind her hip, holding something very familiar to Hancock; his damaged helmet. She studies it a moment, scraping the metal with one of her nails. “I have many curiosities. Few things are truly beyond my grasp, though. I have seen the universe for what it is, and I have carved my path through it for me and my sisters. I suspect, in ways, we share similar means and drives. Not least of which is survival.”

  Hancock nods, but before he can speak, she growls, and Nyonnyss translates. “One thing I do not understand, though, is you, specifically.”

  “Me?” asks Hancock confused.

  She narrows her eyes at him, gripping his helmet more sternly. He can hear the light crunching of the visor cracking under the pressure. “Why did you hesitate?”

  Hancock cocks his head. He feels a little tense, knowing that he’s completely at the Queen’s mercy. Neither Nyonnyss nor Syretia have the strength to resist her if she pounces towards them, meaning all three of them could be killed very quickly and easily.

  She takes a finger and extends it, deliberately scratching his helmet for the light, slow, screeching sound of her nail scraping the metal.

  Hancock replies, “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Her grip tightens on the helmet, and she snarls. She repeats, with an addition. “At the end. Why did you hesitate?”

  Hancock knows Nyonnyss is simply translating, and nervousness is in her tone. But, like watching anime with the subtitles on, the emotion is making it to Hancock. The Queen is particularly aggravated by his reply.

  “I didn’t hesitate.”

  The Queen is on her feet in a flash crushing his helmet in a swift moment, revealing how little it would have protected him if she had successfully gotten hold of him. She snarls as she storms towards him, “Do not test me human. Tell me at once.” Both Nyonnyss and Syretia back away a couple steps timidly as the apex predator storms towards them. Hancock, having come to grips with everything so far, is resolved to his fate. He was resolved to his fate the moment he snuck out of that meeting. He doesn’t try to defy her, but he does keep his gaze with hers, even as she stands before him, towering over him with rage.

  He starts to repeat, “I didn’t hesitate-...”

  No sooner does he finish ‘hesitate’ does she snap her jaws to within inches of his face, emitting a roar so powerful, it causes every nerve in his body to tingle. His hearing fades as the monstrous Queen unleashes the full volume of her lungs at the peak of her capacity at him.

  She snarls with her face inches from his, and though his ears are ringing, he can make out the syllables. He listens for Nyonnyss, who begins translating quickly, though he loses some at the beginning as his hearing recovers. “... unwise to disrespect me again, human. Answer me!”

  “I mean no disrespect. I missed on purpose, not from hesitation.”

  She storms away from him roaring in furious anger at nothing as she sways her arms and snarls. Hancock isn’t sure why he’s still alive at the moment, but she seems even less happy by that fact than of him seemingly deflecting.

  She storms back towards him, snarling. Nyonnyss timidly does her best to keep up. “D-Did you not understand that we were in battle!? That the goal was d-death of opponent!? You would disgrace me by insulting my strength so!? Are-Am I not good enough to die in battle with a worthy foe!?”

  Hancock braced himself, and he thinks carefully about what he just heard. He’s not trying to play mind games, and he doesn’t know why he’s still alive if she’s so upset.

  “I…” He hesitates. Wait… “I didn’t see an enemy trying to kill me. I saw someone with something to prove to the whole galaxy. And, I realized, in that regard, we were the same.”

  The Queen recoils in surprise. He adds, “You didn’t want to die any more than I do. You just… wanted to prove something. Your Majesty.”

  “But why? Why did you choose that at the last possible moment? You knew I would kill you if you were wrong.”

  “I… don’t know…”

  She snorts. “So fearless and confident in battle, and now you hesitate.”

  Hancock can feel a slight ease creep into him. He’s not in the clear yet, but the Queen is calming herself down.

  She begins speaking, “Do you know what the difference between a predator and a monster is, Hancock?”

  Surprised, he replies, “We have different definitions for them, assuming what you mean is translating.”

  She wanders away from him across the room, saying, “A predator is a creature that preys upon other creatures, yes?”

  Hancock confirms, and she states, “And a monster is a creature feared by thinking beings, agreed?”

  Hancock nods, “Yes to both.”

  “Good. Then you will understand. On Grodurra, the ancient grodrrns preyed upon a creature called the zyuudronny. To this day, grodrrns debate annihilating the zyuudronny for its destruction of ancient trees useful to the Fievegal or allowing the creatures to live without interference in spite of the destruction for fear of becoming monsters against nature.” She paces back to her seat, laying across it once more like a regal empress. Hancock can admit the Queen is elegant and striking, particularly for an alien, when she isn’t trying to murder him. Her coloring is like sapphires in the right light, and her posture is refined and calm.

  She continues, still translated faithfully by Nyonnyss, “The Zarakyssns became the apex predators of the homeworld, consuming all that was edible. The only creatures that remain are livestock. And, as you likely know, the Zarakyssns can eat almost any living thing.” She picks up her spilled drink, refilling it from a broad, gourd-like pitcher. She takes a drink, continuing. “Zarakyssns are predators of the universe, preying on all our reach extends to.”

  She looks at Hancock as she smirks. “Do you know what I am, Hancock?”

  He replies, “The apex predator among predators?”

  She licks her teeth, musing. “Indeed. But more than that, I am a monster. That is all a monster is; a predator that preys on thinking beings -the predator that preys on other predators-. And in their fear, they try to have it killed. Sometimes, in the order that creates the monster.”

  “Your strength is truly unmatched, your majesty.”

  She growls, and Hancock pauses. She remarks, “Humans clearly need everything explained.”

  She doesn’t elaborate, but continues on her first thought. “A once-great monster is trapped in a cell deep within my fortress. This monster ended an unchecked expansion -the spread of order via a single race of focused predators-. He stood before another monster, the one being fed by the efforts of the army of predators. There was no battle, for he was a mighty warrior and she was a commander of legions. One to one, there was no contest, and he forced her to yield. But, not before he sired the deadliest creature no amount of science could predict.”

  “An interesting way to speak about your mother and… uh… father, as we call him. But, I understand.”

  The Queen waves her hand dismissively, “I feel no pity for either. My mother granted me life, but was willing to have me destroyed. For allowing me to hatch, she was killed. And seeing this, I was too powerful, even as an infant, for them to prevent my escape. I did not know what was wrong, nor why I was being hunted and my mother killed before my eyes. But, I learned. I learned that I was a blasphemy; that my very existence was a sin against the light. And, so, I fled. I fled to the one place I must belong. If I was not a Zarakyssn, then surely, I was a Grodrrn. They, too, attempted to kill me on sight, particularly when Mrrk’lah denied my existence. And, so, I survived. Alone. I learned to hunt every kind of prey, to defeat every kind of warrior. And, when the time was right, I made every move. I planned like a Zarakyssn and laid in wait like a grodrrn. I attained an army of outcasts when I defeated a grodrrn task force meant to find the homeworld again and kill the Chosen Queen. I cast their heads before her fleet and earned my life. I conquered worlds that could not be conquered. And when I reached the pinnacle of power you see now, I sought to be reunited with Mrrk’lah and end the order brought to the Fievegal by the Saurmynnyka.”

  Hancock pauses, as does Nyonnyss. The Queen looks more directly at Nyonnyss this time. The Queen speaks to Nyonnyss for a moment, growling suddenly, and Nyonnyss quickly translates. “She said, Yes Helmdraavv. It is true.” She picks at scales on her hand, looking at Hancock. “I killed the Saurmynnyka.”

  Hancock looks at the Queen, and she locks eyes with him once more. She smirks, sipping her drink. “I found your human rockets deep in space, unattended and flying on their own. I used my ship to bring them, still in flight, to the right place at the right time, and let their momentum do the work. The Fievegal defenses had no way to react, no time to even think. And, when the dust cleared, they knew the truth.” She muses as she holds her drink up to the light, seemingly admiring the light refracting through it. “She was in a laying cycle at the time, but that’s a truth the grodrrns aren’t likely ready to hear.”

  She looks at Hancock again. “I faced him during the chaos, and I defeated him with ease. It was extremely disappointing. But, I keep him around, in case he summons the mythical strength of grodrrn Jardzens, just as yours did to rescue his beloved human.”

  Hancock is silent, but keeps an open mind. He’s hearing all of the words, and it’s piecing together well enough. “Why the mind games, then? If you crippled the Fievegal, why not invade and destroy them?”

  “Do you know why the grodrrns do not destroy the Zyuudronny, Hancock?” she asks. “Do you, Helmdraavv?”

  Hancock looks at Nyonnyss, and she shakes her head. Hancock replies, “I didn’t even know the word until today, so I don’t know. But, if the ancient grodrrns ate them, I can only assume they’re still a food source.”

  She smirks and nods. “A predator eats whatever it can. A thinking predator ensures it has food sources being farmed and bred. A monster simply feeds when there is order. When chaos will not destroy the balance. I am a loyal Zarakyssn Queen; a daughter of the Divine Shining Mother and at the service of my sisters. But, I am no zealot. My ‘sisters’ would cleanse the galaxy of natural prey until a single event wipes out the livestock and the Horde by extension. I killed the Saurmynnyka because she was a detriment to the galaxy, just as my mother was. Plus, it was a nice bit of revenge. Now look at where we are. The Helmdraavv’s egg is only just about to hatch, and she is ovulating again.” Hancock glances at Nyonnyss. The grodrrn pilot looks back at him, confused -possibly more so than him-. All of her life, she was told she will never bear a single egg -something to look forward to for her potentially thousand year lifespan or more-.

  The Queen continues speaking, and Nyonnyss translates. “To blame me only for destruction is to dishonor the good that came out of what I’ve done. I did what no one in the Fievegal dared to do. And, between me and your people, we have freed them. Who knows when I may do battle with another worthy opponent.”

  “You’ve called me worthy a couple times now, but I’m sure you are aware that you just crushed my helmet in your hands…”

  She growls again, not quite angrily, but perturbed nonetheless.

  She replies, “That did not stop you from taking our battle seriously. Nor did I take it any less than as a true and worthy battle.” She climbs to her feet again, pacing across the room. “Mmnnorrynn, in her love for me and her zealotry, ruined what was to be a truly priceless moment.”

  Hancock replies, “I pulled the shot before she interfered.”

  “You would stand up for her? She, who tried to end your life dishonorably in a battle of honor?”

  “She was loyal to you, just as many unarmed humans and grodrrns were nearly ready to fight for me.”

  The Queen stares at a spot on the wall holding a large bladed weapon of some kind. She remarks coldly, “And yet, you have not fully elaborated on why.”

  Hancock hesitates. He sighs. “I don’t know for certain. But, when I looked in your eyes, I saw something that made me hope. You probably think I’m foolish and weak.”

  She’s silent for a long time. She turns to look at him again, growling, this time in Zarakyssn.

  Syretia perks up, nervously listening until now. “I see in eyes. You ready kill. Choose no kill.”

  The Queen glances at the much younger fertile queen, and Syretia shrinks a little.

  The Azure Queen takes a deep breath and sighs. She speaks in grodrrn. “We’re not friends, I imagine, but I'm willing to offer your fleet a deal.”

  “Why... the change of heart?” asks Hancock cautiously.

  “You spared Zeeannsii, for starters. And, you never once looked away from my appearance.”

  Hancock is silent for a long time. He bows, replying gently, “You honor me greatly, Noble Queen. But, I would like to request to speak to my commanding-...”

  She huffs a sharp sound, like a dog barking almost. She grumbles, and Nyonnyss translates once more. “I do not negotiate with them. I will negotiate with you. But, not here.”

  Hancock hesitates. It’s not his call to make, is it? Can he commit the fleet to something that may or may not be possible? The Queen doesn’t seem to be the particularly forgiving kind if she’s disappointed.

  Hancock replies, “I accept, then. If I could ask for their freedom after, I will happily sacrifice my own.”

  She cocks her head. “Again, the understanding is lacking. Your fleet is free, Hancock. Yourself included. They have you to thank. We had a deal, and I will honor it. You fought valiantly. If you wish to escape the pursuit of the Horde, however, you must honor this new deal.”

  He nods, “I understand now, then. Thank you, Noble Queen.”

  She walks towards him, but doesn’t seem to be looking at him. She speaks in Zarakyssn, and Syretia starts to translate, but trails off. She listens to the Queen, and then replies in Zarakyssn. Whatever was said makes the Azure Queen go quiet for a moment.

  When she looks at Hancock, she says with a more plain tone, translated from grodrrn, “Come. I have the answers I need for now.” She walks briskly, and Hancock glances at the other two. He jogs to catch up to the Queen, saying, “If it’ll be easier, your majesty, we have a computer program that can translate rather well between Zarakyssn, grodrrn, and human.” As they walk, he notices that she’s walking rather slow for her size. It’s a pace that he can keep rather well, even with his sore ribs.

  “What would be the purpose? We have individuals that can translate.”

  “You’re right, of course. But, the computer can do both others automatically.”

  “We will not need it right now. We are to address many.” She leads to another large room. This one is occupied by many of the Void Queens, who straighten up when the Azure Queen enters. They hum greetings at her, but are quickly surprised to find the human walking alongside her.

  Hancock slows as the Queen approaches and ascends a throne. It’s similar to the seat he found her in, sort of like a large chaise lounge, but cushioned with a giant non-living jellyfish. This time, though, she sits in it more like a regular chair, momentarily favoring her own abdomen as she eases into the chair.

  She speaks casually, and Syretia translates. “I never so injured in arena. Even regenerator have limits.”

  Hancock chuckles nervously, glancing around at the Void Queens as they stare at him. They don’t say anything at first, but he can feel their insectoid gazes. They don’t seem to be outwardly aggressive towards him, but they also don’t seem particularly happy. Then again, Hancock only knows a little about them.

  The Azure Queen grunts, and she gestures her hand at Hancock. Syretia states, “Hancock, approach.”

  ***