Previously on The hivemind is conquering for me?...
The Drakoshi forces have been routed, and the Sentinel's squad is assembling for a new mission. With new recruits Rhea and Morrgan joining, they move out to track the retreating enemy. They discover the Drakoshi have a unique method of troop augmentation and find a massive enemy outpost.
We maintained our observation of the outpost for a duration, endeavoring to glean any possible intelligence from our vantage point. While we did acquire some information, it was not substantial.
Firstly, the sheer number of Drakoshi present was beyond counting. We witnessed thousands departing the camp to join other sectors of the warfront, yet their departure made barely a dent in the overwhelming numbers.
Secondly, despite the outpost lacking traditional walls, imposing blue energy shields encircled the entire base. These shields appeared significantly larger and more robust, leading me to doubt our ability to breach them...
"Hey, Ness..." I began. However, it seemed she had already divined my thoughts.
"No, I cannot conjure another one. I require knowledge of the blueprints or a perfect understanding of its operational mechanics. My memory of its precise manufacturing process is hazy. I previously created one solely through my Psionics, which then revealed its location, allowing me to bring it here. I cannot replicate that feat. Furthermore, the shields would absorb the vast majority of any such blast. It's not a viable option." Ness replied.
"What are you talking about?" Tamara inquired. This prompted Rhapso to interject.
"That is classified information," he stated.
Upon hearing this, I directed my gaze skyward. "I presume orbital bombardment is also unfeasible?"
Gabrielle nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Our naval fleets are evenly matched in power, creating a perfect stalemate. Currently, neither side can advance. Any attempt to break through results in the majority of the attacking force being neutralized, much like we just observed. If the Syracusias were to move within range for an orbital bombardment, it could potentially shift the balance. They are unwilling to take that risk."
Rhea and Willow began scanning their surroundings, their attention not fixed on the camp itself, but on the landscape beyond. Noticing their focus, I inquired, "Ladies, have you observed something of note?"
Without turning towards me, Rhea gestured forward. "No, but that's precisely the point. The Drakoshi tend to establish their outposts and similar structures in low-lying areas adjacent to elevated terrain to counter artillery fire and the like. However, this strategic placement leaves them vulnerable to one specific weakness."
"A restricted line of sight," Willow continued. "Given the difficulties in assaulting that outpost directly, we must adopt a long-term strategy. Interdicting supply lines, targeting scouts, and generally disrupting their operations. We are looking at prolonged irregular warfare, involving hit-and-run tactics. I would wager that if we remain inactive, they will assault the fort again within a week. But if we can create disruptions, that timeline might be extended, which means..."
"More time for reinforcements to reach the fort and for defenses to be bolstered..." I concluded her thought, nodding.
I then affirmed, "Alright. This particular type of engagement is outside my primary expertise. My strengths lie in larger-scale conflicts. I am receptive to any suggestions on how we should proceed."
Expecting either Rhea or Willow to voice their strategy first, I was surprised when Morrgan suddenly spoke up.
"We will divide into pairs, pairing the strongest with the weakest to ensure balanced teams. Our objective will be to scout the surrounding twenty-mile radius, identifying potential hideouts, cave systems, and strategic locations that could be advantageous for evading Drakoshi detection. Should we encounter Drakoshi in a particular area, we will pause to observe their activities: their purpose, duration, and any potential vulnerabilities. If an opportunity for disruption presents itself, we will act, but only after securing a reliable fallback position. We must avoid being caught exposed. I propose the following pairings: Apollo and myself, along with the snake entity. Praetorian Nerissa with Willow. Praetorian Rhapso with Rhea. And Gabrielle with Tamara. Each pair will diverge from this point in a different cardinal direction and reconvene in twenty-four hours with all gathered intelligence. Does this proposal meet with your approval?" he concluded, seeking confirmation.
I could sense a few eyebrows were raised, but not in disapproval. "Um, yes. What he said," Rhea confirmed, shaking off her momentary surprise. "Excellent thinking, Morrgan was it? I find that strategy to be logically sound. Let us commence."
...
We immediately put the plan into action. Morrgan Sithrik and I set off eastward to conduct our reconnaissance. Our route would take us past the enemy outpost, increasing the likelihood of encountering Drakoshi, thus necessitating extreme caution.
Approximately forty minutes into our journey, after a period of swift travel and slithering, we reached a small, charred woodland. The three of us reduced our pace to carefully survey the area. Sithrik, sensing something amiss, slithered ahead, and I granted her permission to investigate while Morrgan and I explored elsewhere.
After several minutes of searching, Morrgan approached me.
"Hey. I just wanted to ensure I didn't overstep earlier. You hold the leadership position, after all. I simply-"
I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you mentioned wanting to prove yourself, and that was some impressive quick thinking. You handled it well."
A smile spread across his face. "Okay, thanks. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't overstepping any boundaries. Although we've shared a few combat missions already, I don't know much about you. I mean, the other elites talk, but a lot of it is becoming rather difficult to believe."
"Oh?" I responded, genuinely intrigued. "I was aware that the Phalanx had begun circulating some rumors about me, but the Psionic squad? That sounds particularly interesting. What exactly are they saying?"
Morrgan ran a hand over the back of his head, replying, "Oh, well not so much rumors, more merely attempting to fill in the blanks about who you are. We don’t know much. You are a first-year with a dispensation for gene enhancement, then you become a sentinel at eighteen. You are clearly well-adapted to war and leadership. Plus, you have a harem of female elites who-"
"Pause right there, my good man," I interjected, raising a hand. "I don’t have a harem of warrior elites on this planet. It is purely a coincidence that my friends and allies are all women. Now, I’m not blind; they are all attractive, yes, but that is not the reason they are around me. It’s not the reason any are on this mission. Every single one is capable. Do you understand this?"
The man offered a smile. "Yes, of course, Sentinel. I thought as much anyway. It’s mostly the other men being jealous. Still, they all hold you in high esteem. I hope you knowing that they are talking about you doesn’t bother you."
"No. It doesn’t bother me. At all. They are allowed to speak their minds freely. I’m not a dictator... Though, if I may ask, are you not also jealous like the rest of them?"
Morrgan suddenly chuckled. "No, I’m not. I’m more fluid with my attractions. I don’t prefer male or female; I like personality. Actions. A person’s mind. A person’s looks fall in afterwards... Though if someone is cute or I find them hot to look at, you will catch me staring..." He said, his gaze now fixed directly on my face.
Catching his smirk from my peripheral vision, I simply chose to look ahead. Morrgan then continued.
"How about you? What’s your type? Though I am sure I already have the answer."
Choosing my next words with care, as the guy had been pleasant, I replied.
"I am similar to you. I go for personality first. But I am attracted to female forms only... Well, kind of. I don’t think I’d have a problem with androgynous characteristics and agender traits. Again, it’s all about personality."
Morrgan nodded his head. "Ah, I see. So this is doing nothing for you, huh?" He asked, gesturing to his shirtless body. He possessed a leaner frame than I did, but his physique was in peak condition. He was also not unattractive. A good facial structure and long black hair added to his charismatic appearance, but...
"No. While I can objectively state you are a good-looking individual, I’m not attracted to male presentation at all. Sorry."
The man shrugged. "Hey, no bother. We both know what we like. Nothing to apologize for... Anyways, this talk has been enlightening. Allowing me to get to know our powerful leader in a more grounded way. So, thanks."
I smiled at the man and patted his shoulder once more. "Happy to do so. To be honest, I’m a bit socially awkward, so I don’t really know what constitutes a normal conversation. If you are enjoying this and I’ve had a positive influence on you, I’m happy."
The man remained silent, merely continuing to smile at me as we scouted through the woodlands for a few more minutes before he spoke again.
"Hey, Apollo. Can I show you something interesting? I think you will-"
"-Apollo, my darling! I found something!" Sithrik suddenly exclaimed, slithering rapidly towards me.
"What is it?" I inquired with curiosity, but she shook her serpentine head.
"Come Sssee. You will not be disappointed." Sithrik wasted no time. Using her head, she nudged my back, propelling me forward.
Morrgan stood there for a moment, shaking his head as he reflected internally.
’You two are unbelievable! First waving at him like an excited child every time he looks over when we are supposed to be undercover, and now touching him and asking about his sexual preferences. We are lucky he is adorably clueless, or he would have figured it out by now!’
’But he is our friend now! He gave us some strength back!’
’Plus, he is hot, and it’s good to know more about his preferences.’
Morrgan sighed internally.
’Just behave before we get caught.’
Morrgan then proceeded to follow behind, also curious about what the snake had discovered.
