The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 809: Neo-Human?

Hours melted into the ongoing conversation with Onyx, and the revelation of an egg existing on this planet struck me as incredibly amusing; I couldn't wait to playfully tease Jewel about it during our next encounter. Eventually, Nerissa released me from my guard duty.

After a few hours dedicated to a much-needed mental reset, I awoke and convened a meeting in the kitchen.

Based on the intelligence gathered from our reconnaissance the previous day, we identified several targets. Deciding against a broad approach that could spread us too thin, we opted to focus on two objectives for the day: the water supplies and the ammunition dumps.

Either of these actions would significantly impair the region. While the impact on the ammo dumps wouldn't be as drastic as in the north, their clan's presence in the south facilitated more efficient logistics. However, restricting access to clean drinking water would undoubtedly complicate matters for them, potentially pushing back their deadlines. This was precisely the objective of this guerrilla warfare: to grant Spartari and Fort Amberrock as much valuable time as possible for reinforcing the area.

I divided our forces, aiming for the most balanced distribution of strengths possible.

Nerissa, Tamara, Willow, and Morrgan formed one contingent, while Rhapso, Sithrik, Rhea, and Gabrielle comprised the other.

My intention was to remain positioned away from either group, as both targets for the day were situated in the same general direction. My role would be to provide reinforcement should events escalate unexpectedly; similar to Onyx and Sapphire, these additional assets could prove crucial in a tight spot.

"Assigning specific leaders to each group would be redundant. Each of you possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, so operate as a cohesive unit. I have complete confidence in your ability to manage. Furthermore, should unforeseen circumstances arise, we have these new gauss weapons at our disposal; it would be prudent to utilize them if necessary. I will follow approximately an hour after you depart, once I've ensured our bunker remains undiscovered. You are dismissed, and I wish you the best of luck."

Every individual present was a seasoned warrior, or possessed equivalent combat experience. There were no signs of apprehension or hesitation; they received their orders and departed with swift efficiency.

Once I found myself alone, I sank into a chair and released a long, exasperated sigh. Mentally, I was not a unified entity. While I could adopt my new 'Sentinel' persona, the act of leadership felt incredibly draining.

I then vocalized my thoughts. "Ultimately, Onyx, this is your doing. Having been coddled my entire life, I'm expected to be a king, yet it feels so completely unlike me."

Onyx materialized beside me instantly. "And you absolutely deserve every bit of pampering the universe can offer, my king. We will never apologize for spoiling you; you have earned it."

She then settled onto my lap, straddling me. My hands instinctively found her hips, seemingly locked in place. "See, this is precisely my point. How can a person like me possibly be a leader? Given the way I've been raised, I'm astonished I haven't turned into some simpering young master, completely entitled and just begging for a slap."

Onyx tilted her head slightly, a flicker of confusion crossing her features at something I had said. She was about to voice her query when we were reminded that our conversation was not entirely private.

"Query. Apollo, from where did Onyx materialize? My scanners detected no indication of her entering the room," Astra inquired, drawing Onyx's and my attention towards the food synthesizer.

Before I could formulate a response, Onyx sprang from my lap and darted towards the synthesizer. "You can generate biomass from nothing? Show me!" she exclaimed with evident eagerness.

"Correction. I possess the capability to transmute biomass from one state to another through a process known as energy transmutation. I am fundamentally incapable of creating something from absolute nothingness. I do not wield the reality-bending psionics that Apollo demonstrated earlier," Astra clarified.

From my seated position, I interjected to address Onyx's question. "Simply put, she utilized psionics to appear beside me. Don't trouble your circuits over the specifics. I trust Onyx implicitly, more than anyone else here. In fact, I grant her the second-highest clearance level, immediately following my own."

"Understood, Apollo. Granting Onyx, Species Unknown, secondary ownership role," Astra stated calmly. However, Onyx and I exchanged a surprised glance for a moment before she turned back to the synthesizer, posing another question.

"What do you mean by 'Species Unknown?' Can your scan not determine my identity?"

"Processing... Your biological makeup appears analogous to humans, yet a deep scan indicates your body is infused with a potential energy unlike any I have encountered. It's almost as if the physical form before me is not your true, intended state."

'Uh oh,' I thought, before blurting out, "She's a neo-human, just like me. Designate her as such and please, never mention that observation to anyone else, understood?"

"Confirmed. Onyx, secondary owner, has been classified as neo-human," Astra declared.

"Okay... What exactly is a neo-human?" Onyx inquired, turning to face me and scrutinizing me closely with a curious gaze. I simply offered a noncommittal shrug.

"I suspect Astra has human biology within its database. Since neither of us fits the standard definition of 'human' – me with my genetic enhancements, and you being... well, you – we are classified as something different."

"Confirmation, that was the method for your genome adaptations' naming," Astra stated. It felt peculiar to have a third consciousness present without a physical form. One might think I'd grow accustomed to conversing with entities within my Mindspace, yet this felt distinct.

Onyx did not dwell on this matter for long, either because she perceived something with her unique vision or simply disregarded the implications of technology knowing her secret. Turning to the synthesizer, she made a request: "Shrimp. Can you prepare shrimp for me?"

A brief silence ensued before a small flash of light materialized, presenting a plate with six shrimp from the Synthesizer. Onyx, without hesitation, consumed them all in mere seconds. "Mmm~ If I hadn't eaten earlier, I would be ordering five hundred of these right now..."

Her attention then shifted abruptly as she turned back towards me, beginning to circle me like a predator sizing up its prey.

"Thirty-six, by the way," she whispered near my ear.

I attempted to face her, but she skillfully evaded my line of sight. "Come again?" I inquired, conceding defeat in my attempt to see her.

"You bestowed a tally upon me. One minute of uninterrupted affection for every Drakoshi exceeding twelve feet that I vanquish during the siege defense. I eliminated thirty-six before my focus wavered~ Perhaps we could seek out a secluded spot where I can receive my recompense? I am quite eager~"

I then felt her breath on the nape of my neck, her finger tracing a path across my shoulder. The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew intensely quiet as my Stalker-caste beauty committed an error by attempting to make me feel like prey in her peculiar roleplay.

Slamming my fist onto the table before me, causing it to buckle and collapse. I abruptly spun around to 'attack' Onyx, but she eluded me, emitting giggles all the while. The chase was beguiling. I had ample time to see it through before I was obliged to mobilize, after all...

...

With the nail marks still tender and beginning to mend across my back, I commenced dressing myself while observing the dissipating puddle that was Onyx on the floor.

"I had not anticipated warfare to present such numerous avenues for intimate encounters. It has indeed been a surprise, yet a welcome one. Now, I shall proceed. Your task is to meticulously cleanse this area before joining me. Understood?"

"Yessh~ My Hah~" Witnessing Onyx in such an exhausted and overstimulated state provided me with profound, primal satisfaction. Her physique possessed the capacity to withstand my full strength, and I certainly took advantage of that. Moreover, the act of passion had effectively cleared my mind of the accumulated stress, leaving me feeling revitalized.

After casting a final, triumphant glance at my handiwork, I made my way to the armory. Procuring one of the Gauss rifles, I briefly surveyed the intriguing antimatter projectiles before heading towards the exit. With careful observation to ensure the path was clear upon my departure, I descended below the tree canopy and set a course eastward toward the designated Rendezvous point.

Even with the added burden of my armor's weight in my arm, upon navigating the narrow passage, my Gyrokinesis perceived it as an opportunity for enhancement, and my flight grew stable once more. I did pause periodically to engage in 'good jumps,' allowing myself to glide rather than actively fly, but the sensation of freedom and liberation was immense. Furthermore, it was now considerably faster than running.

The thought filled me with exhilaration as I moved swiftly across a world where my Gyrokinesis was already operating at a high passive level. Picturing myself soaring through the vacuum of space, weightless. The potential for such velocity was incredibly enticing.

However, my contemplation on the matter was abruptly curtailed as I reached the Rendezvous point, a small cavern identified by Morrgan and myself. Upon entering, I discovered a short-range communication device and essential equipment awaiting me.

It was time to re-engage my leadership protocols.