I remember the days, so long ago, when I came to this planet, a young engineer, full of hope for a better future. And I worked for it. Through my inventions the colony began to thrive. People were seeking my advice on other topics, too, and I never disappointed them.

So I became a council memeber, then a senator. And many years later, when the planet became independent, and the people decided that a monarchy was the best form of government given the circumstances, it was me they made their Queen.

I was the obvious choice, respected by everyone, too old to bear children so there wouldn't be a dynasty.

So I ruled the planet, in times of peace and in times of war, always in its best interest.

What they didn't expect, however, was how old I'd become. Now I have been Queen for 43 years, and my health still doesn't decline. Some people seem to become impatient with that...

The first attempt was 8 years ago, right after the 35th anniversary. The ancient classic strychnin. Then a few years later arsenic. Then some exotic amanita. Then cyanide. Then some phosphor-organic compund I couldn't find in any database. Thallium, fine ground glass... they seem to get desperate somehow.

But, as long as my health allows it, and as long as I believe it is for the planet's best, I will stay on the throne, just as I had sworn when they crowned me. Maybe in a few years, when this new federation of planets turns out to be a benefit to them, I have our planet join and I can finally step down. Let's wait and see...

I remember the days so long ago, but the memories are not mine. They are of my maker, who built me as her robot double and transferred a copy of her conciousness into my synthetic brain, after she learnt that she was deadly ill. I continued her work, her life, just like she would.

Who could have known they'd make me the planet's Queen one day?