The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 796: Terraforming

"Apollo!" My name was called, and I saw Rhea and Willow, Francesca, Tamara, Gabrielle, and Lena making their way over.

It was a relief to see my friends were unharmed. As they drew closer, I anticipated Willow might rush to embrace me, considering her condition. However, to my surprise, Rhea was the one who approached and enveloped me in a tight squeeze.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have no idea how you accomplished this, but the enhanced family technique surpasses all expectations! Honestly, if you weren't currently involved with my mother, I would be kissing you right now. Speaking of which, I've given it some thought, and your new standing within the family... I couldn't be more pleased. You've done so much more for me than that imbecile Milo ever could. So, thank you, Daddy."

The use of that forbidden word sent a jolt through my neurons. I immediately broke contact with Rhea and invoked my firm will. "Do not concern yourself with it. I assist my family. Now, let us proceed to the tent. Francesca, Tamara, Gabrielle, Lena. I did not summon you, but your presence is most welcome. Your perspectives will be invaluable."

I then turned and walked back into the tent, leaving Rhea in a state of bewilderment. Noticing my abrupt shift in demeanor, she turned to the others and inquired, "Did I do something wrong?"

Lena stepped forward, placing an arm around Rhea's shoulder. "Oh, you did! Immensely! Don't fret, you were unaware. Calling Apollo 'Daddy' – it's like a switch for him. He had to suppress his emotions because you—"

"—Women, inside, now. We must strategize our defense!" I bellowed, still within earshot.

"Coming, bro!" Lena chirped back, skipping into the tent with carefree abandon. Meanwhile, a few individuals present found themselves thinking the same thought simultaneously.

’Interesting.’

...

Upon entering the tent with my companions, Centurion Cockburn, Lochagos Baldwin, and several dozen other commanders of Fort Amberrock convened within.

The war table quickly became crowded. I occupied the head position, and all eyes were fixed on me with anticipation. It would be dishonest to claim I wasn't feeling the weight of expectation. As Onyx reminded me recently, these were, for the moment, my people. I had to commit every fiber of my being to securing victory in this war.

Exhaling deeply, I began. "For those unfamiliar with me, I shall be brief. My name is Sentinel Apollo Lambdason. While I am indeed young, I am not here due to any form of nepotism, as some of you may suspect. My sole objective is not personal renown, but rather to preserve the lives of as many of you and our soldiers as possible throughout this conflict..."

I surveyed the room; those I didn't recognize seemed receptive to my words, so I continued.

"Now, I will undoubtedly step on some toes. For instance, during my recent siege on the northern front, my subordinate commanders appeared perplexed by my utilization of heavy armor in that capacity. Heavy armor. Let me make this unequivocally clear now, especially for those who do not know me. The lives of my soldiers are of paramount importance, far outweighing any monetary considerations. As a Sentinel, I hereby issue a directive: Discard any notion of frugality or political maneuvering for personal gain. I demand results. I expect your absolute best. I expect zero political interference. Is that understood?"

A wave of murmurs emanated from the Phalanx contingent in the room, while my allies offered only smiles. A moment later, Lochagos Baldwin spoke, a smile gracing his lips.

"My Lord, on behalf of your command structure present, we readily admit that this is a most welcome development. We are at your command, Lord Sentinel."

My gaze then shifted towards the tent's entrance as a familiar set of armor appeared.

"Excellent. Now, in addition to my Psionic reinforcements, I have two Allied Praetorians. To my right stands Praetorian Nerissa, and entering now is Praetorian Rhapso. I wish for this information to be disseminated throughout the local defenses. Extensive combat is anticipated here, according to the intelligence I possess. Knowing of such illustrious elites will undoubtedly serve to bolster the morale of the Phalanx."

Rhapso then approached my side and presented me with a data pad as one of the commanders interjected. "My Lord, Honored Praetorians, I assure you, with this news, morale will reach unprecedented heights."

I briefly scanned the data pad Rhapso had provided as she took her position to my left. After a short pause, I addressed the commander.

"That is encouraging to hear. Now, regarding the second matter. My allies. I will be donning my armor. I want you all to examine it, commit it to memory, and then spread word of its appearance to those under your command. Should I experience friendly fire again, I will hold the commander responsible for that sector."

With that, I activated my armor. My already imposing height of 7 feet 5 inches extended to 8 feet as the armor encased my form. I observed the astonishment not only among the newcomers but also among my allies regarding the recent modifications to my armor.

Gabrielle appeared utterly astonished; I observed nascent purple tears welling in her eyes for an unknown reason. I retracted my helmet back into the armor, and the instant she glimpsed my face, the tear stains vanished. A smile bloomed on her lips, as if relief had washed over her entirely.

I resolved to inquire about that peculiar reaction later. For the present, I turned my attention to Baldwin, who addressed me. "My lord, that armor is… unusual, to say the least. We thank you for granting us a moment to adjust to its presence. We shall relay your orders to the men, though they will undoubtedly have questions regarding its origin. What explanation shall we provide them?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but Rhapso interjected from my side. "Sentinel Lambdason is authorized to utilize adaptable, extra-galactic technology. The armor you presently behold was fashioned from a creature he vanquished – a being that myself and others of my order found exceedingly difficult to slay."

My gaze shifted to Rhapso, and I offered a frown of disapproval for her embellishment. She immediately snapped to attention. I almost let out a sigh, but after hearing the murmurs from those in attendance, I conceded that it was perhaps beneficial for them to perceive my strength as greater than it truly was.

I then proceeded to place the data pad, which Rhapso had procured for me, onto the table, activating the holographic projector. "As the situation currently stands, Lochagos, you have already established a formidable fortress. The multiple layers of trenches encircling the fort, coupled with the strategic placement of artillery and heavy weapon emplacements, are exceptionally well-conceived and sound. Therefore, instead of attempting to 'improve' perfection merely to display strategic dominance, let us build upon your existing strengths. Someone, please inform me of the current pattern of Drakoshi attacks within this region."

A sub-commander stepped forward, speaking with clarity. "Yes, my lord. While the trenches extend southward to the cliffs and northward to the subsequent fortress, the Drakoshi recognize that conquering the trenches is futile without also taking this Fort. Our presence here prevents their advance. We threaten them with rear assaults and bombardment. Furthermore, our artillery now covers a radius of nearly fifty miles, rendering any flanking maneuver from the south impossible. Consequently, they are attempting to breach our defenses directly at this location with their main force. Their previous assaults resulted in significant casualties."

I absorbed the sub-commander's report, finding her information highly valuable. Pausing thoughtfully, I rubbed my chin, contemplating aloud.

"So, their strategy centers on assaulting the fortress directly? This… this could prove advantageous… I mean-" I stopped myself, realizing my thoughts were becoming too transparent. I then surveyed the individuals around the table, my eyes briefly resting on a particular person before a smile touched my lips.

"Francesca, you appear more rested than during our last encounter. Would that assessment be accurate?"

Francesca seemed taken aback by the sudden address but responded, "Yes, Apollo. I have had the opportunity to rest."

I nodded. "Excellent. Then I shall be requiring you to utilize your formidable ability to manipulate water. Lochagos, have several APCs begin transporting water from the ocean. As much as can be practically moved. Cockburn, following our siege, I entrust you with commanding mixed-unit tactics. Designate a trusted subordinate to advance south with a substantial contingent of tanks. Lochagos, I require you to assign a similar task. I will provide you with an outline of the proposed formations and troop deployment shortly."

"Certainly, Lord Sentinel," Cockburn agreed without a moment's hesitation.

"Immediately, my lord. Though, may I inquire about the necessity of the water?" Lochagos asked, his question echoing the thoughts of others present. I glanced momentarily between Francesca and Rhapso before turning back to the Lochagos, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.

"You are most welcome to inquire. The answer, after all, is quite straightforward. I have determined that the current state of the fortress's eastern approach displeases me. I intend to alter its appearance somewhat by the time our unwelcome guests make their return. For that purpose, some… terraforming is required."