The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 750: ’A Proper Harem’

When I opened my eyes, I discovered I was lying directly on the ground. Scanning around for my blanket, I noticed Sithrik curled up beside me, her tail's tip still brushing against me, yet with her brill shielding her eye, she slumbered deeply.

'Guess if you're not a bed-bug designed to coil around someone for hours each day, discomfort sets in fast.'

Standing up and brushing dirt from my T-shirt and trousers, I realized I'd messed up. Since Sithrik wasn't human, I'd let her sleep right next to me as if it were no issue.

She was a smart creature who'd made her interest in me crystal clear. I needed to tread carefully; I knew next to nothing about her yet, but treating her like a pet was wrong, so this nap would stay a one-time event.

I grinned at the drowsy snek before slipping on my armor, exiting the tent, and surveying the surroundings. The sun dipped low, painting the sky in pink and orange hues, though as I'd heard, days here lasted just fourteen hours.

This shorter cycle beat the endless day-night swings back on the moon, but truthfully, anything beat staring at carved cave ceilings. I cherished my Hively home, yet after eighteen years of rock, I craved variety.

I wandered the base, checking activities while reloading my minigun drums with bullets. My buy from Fergus outperformed even his wildest hopes. Those mini goobers couldn't withstand the barrage.

Then a stark realization hit as I glanced at my arm-mounted weapon. 'Damn, guns sure make slaughter feel detached... I took down hundreds of those huge brutes today and only now it sinks in... Yikes.'

I'd slain more on Bastion, but that felt different. Hive war. I aided my beloved lady's feast. To the hive, it was like a romantic meal. Here, though, it was real combat; I ought to stay mindful of the lives I ended, not just aim and unleash 'brrrrt'.

My mind turned to Zircon, chained in my Mindspace, and I smiled. Our connection stood apart. With her, I sensed every life snuffed out. Heard lungs gurgling with blood. Bones cracking under blades. Flesh parting.

It proved rawer. More brutal. Yet it kept me conscious. Ensured I grasped my actions. Confirmed this was my chosen road.

'Plus, you devoured plenty today! Excellent. We gotta bulk you up healthy for rematerialization.' I sent through Zircon's bond, and the sword thrummed with joy.

I beamed imagining Zircon reclaiming her hive queen form. Her shadow already mesmerized. That three-legged frame set her apart from Jewel's four-legged template—at least outside special mating phases—though some lacked legs entirely. I itched to see her new bio-forms if given the chance.

Thoughts of Zircon's bio-forms veered into something that stirred me deeply. Zircon and Jewel together in one space. Towering forms bonding over me... Spawning eggs or bio-forms from our shared genes...

Two hives... One Apollo...

'That's a true harem setup.' I mused with a lecherous grin.

But I'd erred by sending all that via my bond link to Zircon, who, despite her damaged state, briefly shattered her bonds, materialized beside me, and whirled around at breakneck speed, her form humming with vibration.

'Whoa, easy girl, let's not attract eyes. You're just a sword right now, remember? Calm it, and I'll hunt some oil for a thorough rub?'

Zircon halted her frenzy instantly and shoved herself into my grip. I chuckled, stroking her hilt fondly with my palm. Spotting two Phalanx on patrol, I headed their way for help when a distant shout rang out.

'Where is he?!?'

'Uh oh.' I recognized Gabrielle's voice. Better show up before her feelings surged, igniting her power.

I dashed over, apologizing to Zircon with a vow of a deep, intense rub later, then stowed her back in my Mindspace.

…

'If you knew who I was—grrr. Just fetch your commanding officer now—no—Apollo~ You're alright?!?'

Gabrielle yelled, shoving past the guard who'd stiffened at my arrival. She crushed me in a joyful hug, then yanked back quick, orbiting me. 'Some surface scratches, no breaches. Perfect.'

She planted herself before me, exhaling a huge sigh of relief. 'God, I fretted so much. Your pod veered off course; I nearly snapped for ages till comms confirmed you were safe. Then that wretched Hyllus dares send you and Nerissa off to rescue others... Unacceptable. Way off protocol.'

'Gabrielle, breathe easy, alright? I'm good. See? Minor clashes only. You'll stick by me the whole next mission, I'm sure.' I said, and tension melted from her; she nodded simply.

Then the Phalanx she'd berated shuffled up. 'Pardon us, Sentinel. Unsure of protocols with you here, but Centurion Cockburn insisted Psionic squad stay out till he scanned for... Volatiles.' He explained, shooting Gabrielle a stern look under his helm.

To avoid stirring trouble, I smiled reassuringly. 'No issue. We'll wait outside. Tell him I'll hold them back till he comes.'

He saluted sharply; I returned it limply as he hurried away.

Heading to the base's lighter-defended edge, Gabrielle clung to my arm, beaming up. 'Nerissa spilled about your Sentinel rank? What do you think?'

I shrugged honestly. 'Not sure yet. Centurion here freaked when Nerissa named me one. Fine by me if it skips dumb duties. But if parades start, I'm bolting home to hide. Hate speeches and spotlights.'

I still shuddered at posing for Royal palace photos... Never repeating that.

Gabrielle squeezed my arm tighter. 'Relax, I'll block that nonsense. I've teamed with Sentinels; usually their call. You're elite, bit outside Spartari ranks now. Truth? Your status leaked publicly before departure. Folks'll suck up to you and your allies. Tip: brush 'em off.'

I took in Gabrielle's words. Beyond her rare... flares, she thought sharp; ignoring her would be dumb.

At the base perimeter, the two earlier knights guarded the gate, pivoting toward us as one. The left one spoke.

'Sentinel Lambdason, a moment of your time, if gracious?'

I motioned for the fifteen-foot scarred armor to continue, and he did.

'The Order of the Guardians owes you an unpayable debt. We lost brave souls in today's fray, but your clutch strike against those three silver pauldron fiends and their foul horde spared my brother and me. We've relayed your fierce avenge of our fallen to the order's forge world. Hear this, Sentinel: call on us anytime.'

They bowed their war machines low, and as I moved to accept graciously—knowing humility might offend knights—Gabrielle exploded.

'HE FOUGHT WHAT!!!'