The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 5: Orchid

A few minutes were needed for me to come to terms with becoming the 'mate' of a complete species—one that existed as both countless individuals and a singular entity. At first, grasping my boon made me dismiss it as worthless. I imagined some nurse falling for me right after birth, abducting me from the maternity ward to nurture me as her destined partner.

Quite twisted. Yet my life-givers opted to conceal me, avoiding punishment from their superiors. In truth, this boon delivered an immense boon. Beyond dodging child services, I now command the devotion of a whole species, ready to furnish endless resources for any desire.

Events had cascaded swiftly, sparking visions of futures and boundless paths. Might the hivemind demand my aid in invading human realms and whatever alien worlds lay beyond? Or would it confine me eternally to its nest? Clearly spacefaring, could I venture to uncharted planets and behold fresh marvels?

This new realm I'd been thrust into—no, this vast new universe—bristled with questions demanding resolution.

As though scanning my thoughts via our wide-open psionic bond, my current carrier transmitted, "Mate-spawn, your mind energy churns with turmoil. Anything this one can clarify for you? It will strive fully to respond." The voice jolted me into a brief pause, the connection momentarily forgotten.

"Sorry, I'm a chronic worrier, unaccustomed to others sharing my mind—humans lack such links," I transmitted, then pressed on, "I remember you calling yourself a 'freethinker variant'? Is that your name, and do all freethinkers resemble you?"

"This one's designation is freethinker variant #1700354. The hive forgoes names, linked as we are, all aware of each other. No, freethinkers vary in form. This one's gene-caste bears an eye mutation that petrifies prey. As swarm commander, its frame was sculpted for lethal close combat."

"I get it, that tracks, but could I name you? Humans bond deeper knowing each other's names, and your autonomy from the hive lets you stand apart at times." Moments after posing the question, our psionic link severed, the freethinker freezing mid-stride once more. 'Huh? Did it dislike the notion?'

Five minutes ticked by amid the ruins of what had been a defense bunker just yesterday, then the link reformed, motion resuming.

"Pardon the halt, mate-spawn. The queen fully entered this one's psionic channel; your present power couldn't withstand it, and we'd never risk harming you." A subtle shift colored its speech, freer and laced with husky charm. "The hive-queen grants this one the independences of a bio-cult infiltrator, as a mating gift to you.

This renders this one as detached from the psionic web as our kind permits." "Now truly individual beyond mere autonomy, this one feels deeply honored by the host bonding rite of naming."

I pondered intensely, stunned that the hive would sever ties with one of its own just to ease my connection. 'Love wields true power.' 'Now, a fitting name... What defines this being I cling to? She's female, towers at five meters—Giganta?

No, too bland, I reflected. Mostly pale, like albedo?' Nah, too plain. I scanned what I could glimpse of her.

Her scythes evoked a stunning insect from my former world; lacking pink hues but with tan markings, this supreme hunter resembled an orchid mantis evolved to godlike extremes.'

"If the name doesn't suit, just refuse and I'll try another, but how about 'Orchid'? Your thoughts?"

"Orchid treasures her new name, mate-spawn. Orchid has a question for mate-spawn." "Go ahead, but drop the 'mate-spawn'—it creeps me out a bit." I responded.

"Orchid apologizes, mate-spawn; discomfort was never intended. My query addresses that. What name does mate bear? Orchid and the hive yearn to learn it."

"Oh, slipped my mind entirely—sorry, I'm called—" Wait, it hadn't slipped; my name eluded me completely. Strangely, I doubted I even recalled it under the blue light. How does one forget their own name? Death's aftereffect? Panic surged, but Orchid interjected before it gripped. "Mate-spawn, what troubles you?

Reluctant to share with Orchid?"

Seconds later, calm returned, panic ebbing. My old name mattered little; this fresh existence called for reinvention. Crafting a smooth reply, I said, "No, I'd gladly tell you, but in human custom, parents name their child-spawn. Mine dumped me nameless in that bin.

Heh, so as my bonding gift to you, name me instead?"

Orchid halted once more, her pattern when perplexed.

"Mate-spawn desires Orchid to select your name?"