The hivemind is conquering for me?

King Sigismund looked out of the helm of his flag ship and smiled proudly as he looked at the planet below. He had committed to a blitz attack and sure enough as per Lady Hyllus’ information, little to no reinforcements had come to defend the planets he attacked.

The King had managed to annex a total of forty three planets in five different star systems around the anomaly black hole with minimal losses over the last four days. Truly a gigantic win for him and for Spartari.

Any good news on the war front always causes a wave of enlistment. And with the current conscription wave going through basic training, this was perfect! ”It is always good to see you smile, your grace!” A modulated voice sounded off from behind him.

”Well, I have reason to be happy for once, Jocasta. We have liberated these worlds from the alien menace and their resources can now be put to a worthwhile cause. Truly we have done the empires will these last few days” Jocasta cringed slightly at Sigismund and replied. ”My King, please stop talking like you are being interviewed. You sound ridiculous.”

King Sigismund turned around with a frown on his face and replied. ”Well I have to practice now, you know full well how the press are like. Leeches the lot of them. They will corner me at some point when I return for the victory parade and we can’t have a repeat of last time. Can we?”

Jocasta thought back to the last time and shook her head. ”No I suppose not. Moving on from the bleak subject. We should reward lady Hyllus for her intelligence. Although we already had a base understanding that the enemy’s main forces were in the galactic north, the confirmation was truly valuable during our assault.”

”Very well, I suppose it’s only right. Get her on communication now and ask what she wants.”

...

Kathrine was in her office doing work. She could concentrate again now that her slave bond to her true love had become less burdened with all of Apollo’s anxieties and was now calm. She was glad that Apollo managed to win his fight. She just hoped he was ok and would not develop any form of PTSD. He had a kind heart after all and killing could hurt him psychologically.

Just as Kathrine was about to complain about the shoddy work of her employees, again, her top desk draw suddenly started vibrating. Which was strange as she had thrown away most of her toys after Apollo ruined them for her.

Upon opening the drawer, Kathrine realised what was actually vibrating and cursed under her breath. ”Fuck me...”

Despite not wishing to talk to anyone right now, she was obligated to answer the communication crystal. As She answered. Jocasta was seen standing in the centre frame. ”Hello Jocasta, what do I owe the pleasure of this communication?” Kathrine asked formally.

”Lady Hyllus. Are you alone? I am about to discuss state secrets.” Jocasta said plainly. Kathrine looked to the side of the room, where a second desk had been set up temporarily. ”Just my mother is present with me at this time. Is she at liberty to hear what is to be said?”

Jocasta was silent for a moment before replying. ”Yes, King Sigismund is fond of your mother after all. She is also qualified to listen as the news pertains to your family.

Our assault on the Coalition worlds went off without a hitch. And thanks to your intel, we were able to proceed without worry. The King has granted me permission to reward you with a class-A request.”

Valerica sprang up at hearing this piece of information and ran over to Kathrine, pushing her out of the chair and onto the ground as she began speaking formally. ”My Dear Jocasta. I was just curious about something. Is it possible you could add on a single class-D reward onto our reward as well? If not, I am ok with owing the King a favour, as I need one in return.”

Jocasta was about to reply before the communication crystal was removed from its stationary position and swivelled around to show King Sigismund’s face. ”Valerica. You need not owe me any favors. I can tack on a class-D no Problem, what is it?”

Valerica showed a gigantic grin that actually caught King Sigismund off guard. His downstairs parts might not work due to his station, but he could admit it when he saw a beautiful smile. ”My Friend in Olympus is being a real pain in the ass about my adoption of my son. Do you remember Apollo Lambdason? Anyway, I was wondering if you could fast track it. I would love to have all the paperwork ready and signed by the time he gets back from visiting his teacher.”

Sigismund did remember the kid. Of course, he actually enjoyed talking to a noble that was not a complete fuckwit. ”Very well Valerica. I will fast track your request personally, now-” King Sigismund was cut off as he watched a fist collide with Lady Valerica before she went flying. He also heard the sound of glass breaking as Lady Kathrine returned to her seat. ’Fucking bitch.’ He heard her say under her breath, but did not comment as he found it hysterical.

”My Lady, is your mother fine?” Sigismund asked to which Kathrine, not even looking away from the screen, replied. ”She will be fine, my pavement outside however... I am going to have to call a guy to come get that fixed tomorrow. I digress. My request for my Class-A is simple. I need you to call King Dickon and convince him to let his wife out.”

”Explain.” Sigismund said gruffly, a frown appearing on his face at the mention of that imbecile. ”Well.” Kathrine began. ”I am sure you remember the attack on Ecumenopolis the other week? Well, since the queen’s vehicle was attacked by that disgusting alien, The King has kept Elaine on lockdown. She can’t even go to the restroom without a full armed escort.”

Sigismund brought his hand up to his eyebrows and began massaging them. He remembered Bellona, Dickon’s previous wife, and how miserable the woman was before her untimely death. He liked that women in the few interaction he had with her and he had a feeling Dickon’s constant attention and overbearing was the reason the woman was so fucking depressed.

”Fine. I will call Dickon after this and explain to him that he cannot keep the queen hostage in her own home. I will be there next week for the victory parade anyway so if I find out Elaine is still unable to leave, I’ll kick his ass! Oh please let me be able to kick his ass...” He muttered as he closed his eyes in wishful thinking.

Opening them once more, he noticed Kathrine smiling at him. Coughing to reset the conversation, he said. ”Are you sure there is nothing else you would rather ask for? Helping Elaine escape the overbearing shit is not much of a reward.”

”I am sure my king. I did not give you the information in exchange for a reward after all, I was simply doing my duty as a Spartari citizen. And after asking you to torture yourself by talking to King Dickon, I would not feel right asking for more.” She said, causing Sigismund to boom with laughter.

”HA HA HA! Very well Lady Hyllus. With that I will take my leave. I have a lot of planetary defence work to get done before we return. Take care and go with my favour.” The man said, hanging up. Causing a small binaric squawk to come from his companion.

”Jocasta?” He said curiously as the woman looked up at him with a frown on her face. ”I wanted to say goodbye as well.” She said cutely, causing another booming laughter from the King.

...

Meanwhile, Kathrine placed the communication crystal inside of her desk and brought out another one. A moment later, the visage of her darling niece came into view. ”Hello my lovely. I have some good news. I might have found a way to get Elaine out of there so she can come and see you.”

Hailey smiled hearing that piece of news. ”Really? Thank you aunty Kat. How did you manage to do it?” Kathrine sat back in her chair, bringing her hands behind her head. ”Oh your amazing aunt has her ways love-heart. Are you willing to tell me why you wanted her to come and see you yet?”

Hailey shook her head. ”Sorry aunty, It is a secret. I have promised not to tell anyone. I am sure you understand.” Kathrine looked at her niece with a look of love and replied. ”I understand, dear. I don’t need to know to help you. Just make sure you aren’t doing anything I wouldn’t I-Oh. I have to go, my love. Talk soon.”

After hanging up the communication, Kathrine felt like she was forgetting something important after speaking to Hailey, but she did not have time as her mother had just returned to her office.

However, the old bat did not have a frown on her face like she thought she would after she punched her out of the twentieth floor window, but she had a radiant smile as she held the side of her cheek.

”My love, have you been training more? You managed to hurt me ever so slightly! I am so proud of you!” Valerica said, the unexpected praise from her caused Kathrine to tear up slightly as it had been a while since she had gotten actual praise from her mummy.

’Yes, she definitely needs to be with me for eternity with Apollo.’ Kathrine thought to herself as she looked at her mother warmly. ”We should start training together again! If you are finally getting stronger, that means I don’t have to hold back as much as I used to and we can begin sparring properly!” Valerica decreed, causing the blood to rush out of Kathrine’s face.

’Die already you ancient bitch!’