The hivemind is conquering for me?

Savitri watched on in concealed surprise as he watched his mother and master seemingly get on like two peas in a pod. He couldn’t remember the last time he heard his mother laugh this much and honestly? It was freaking him out.

It didn’t help that he knew the master’s truth. Her realness. It still scared him how much of an act she can put on when needed. You can’t even tell she despises the species she mimics in appearance.

A pleasant rapport went back and forth for a short while until the food arrived. At which point his mother asked. ”So, Samantha. Savitri here has told me you are setting up business here? Tell me about that.”

Savitri then began choking as he accidentally inhaled a piece of his pie in surprise, prompting Zorina to scold. ”Slow down when eating. No one is going to steal your food if you take your time.” She then turned to Samantha. ”This happens quite a bit.”

Samantha then smiled ’sweetly’ at Savitri. ”I don’t mind, it is a little cute. Anyway, like I was about to say. ”I am still working on the foundation, but I have enough funds that I can wait for the right time so I don’t need to rush. I plan on setting up on every reef, but I am starting on this reef first. I will be distributing some... Exotic produce among other things. I also plan on investing into some passive money makers myself, but my silent partner and I’s product is niche and I know we will have a market once we start shipping here.”

Zorina smiled hearing this. Exotic. Here on Atlantis that meant one thing. Something illegal. This was good to hear. It meant Samantha wasn’t a pushover. It meant that the possibility of bringing her into the family wouldn’t create weakness, but perhaps strengthen it. Especially if the family can benefit from whatever she was selling.

Her train of thought was then cut short when Samantha asked. ”So, on our way here, Savitri told me your family was rather large and that you live on a private reef near the surface? That must be exciting, being all close together like that?”

Zorina smiled and nodded her head. ”Yes. Skolde tradition. Not all of our family is the centre family. There are many offshoots, but we are stronger under one banner so we create a syndicate together. Becoming one large family. There are other ways to join of course, through loyalty or marriage for example... If that is what others are interested in.”

Samantha then looked up from her meal, subtly glancing at Savitri, who became shocked by the submissive look in her eye, but played it cool and smiled back. She then looked back to her food, blushing slightly.

Zorina’s eyes became hungry after seeing that exchange of longing glances. They seemed to really care for one another. ”*Ahem* That sounds interesting. I am sure anyone that joins your family would feel honoured beyond belief. From what Savitri has told me, despite there being some competition, it seems everyone loves and cares for each other.”

Zorina then turned to her son with a raised eyebrow. ”My Savitri said that? Hmm.” She was enjoying this happier, more confident side of her son who seemed proud to be in the family, even with the rest of the family still looking down on him for his mistake.

Savitri just kept his mouth full so he didn’t have to speak, he felt like a grape between two vices. Any more pressure from the two women and he would burst. Fortunately, respite came as Zorina said.

”I have to use the restroom and make a quick call. I’ll let the two of you have a quick chat without mama being present hmm?” She then kissed Savitri on the cheek who proclaimed his disapproval before she walked off with a laugh.

Samantha continued to eat casually for a moment, before she spoke with a quiet, but authoritative tone without looking in Savitri’s direction. ”Progress report.”

”Yes, master. It’s going rather slow, but I have already entered my mothers good graces, more than just her love for me. She is trusting me with some small tasks after my ’change.’ It is still going to take a while before I am in any decent position.”

He then paused for a moment, in case Samantha wanted to say anything. With her just continuing to eat casually, he continued. ”I also keep going to that café in the reef daily at midday for thirty minutes to become a regular. No one has reached out yet for anything.”

”Good.” Samantha declared. ”This means everything is going smoothly... I can feel your emotions Savitri, come out with what you want to say and stop clouding my thoughts.”

”R-Right. Forgive me master. I just. It’s just... Are you sure you don’t need my help for anything down in the black? I can be useful. I swear. I know I was a fuckup before meeting you, but I swear, I can do better now.”

Samantha sighed. ”Savitri, give me your hand.” Savitri did what was asked without question. Samantha then placed her own hand over his and rested them on the table before speaking. ”Your job here is important. Being a part of our family is that sometimes you are doing a less lavish job, but for the greater good of our goals. Your job right now is to continue growing your influence while sitting at that café everyday in case someone reaches out. That is all that is required. It might seem simple. But it is imperative it is done, do you understand?”

Savitri nodded. He just wanted to be helpful, knowing that he is, even though his current task isn’t ’high risk’ Knowing he was aiding the family’s growth was enough. However, what Samantha said next confused him.

”Now, tell me I am beautiful.” He replied solely in reflex as he was beyond confused. ”You are beautiful?”

”Oh that was sweet, Savitri! Though I suppose it’s true. She is very beautiful.” Zorina said as she emerged from behind and watched as Samantha retracted her hand from her sons in embarrassment. The sight made her happy. ”Oh to be young and in love again~”

”Mother!” Savitri said mortified, while Samantha continued to blush in ’embarrassment.’ ”What? She is. Very beautiful. I am tempted to have a bite all for myself hahaha.” Samantha then looked up and replied. ”T-The feeling is mutual, Miss Zorina.”

Zorina stopped laughing hearing this before looking Samantha up and down, differently to before. ”Hmmm?” The look quickly ended and proceeded to grab Savitri by the shoulder. ”Forgive me Samantha, I have to cut this date short, Savitri and I have family work we need to attend to. The bill has been paid for. I enjoyed your company and hope to see you again.”

”Likewise, Miss Zorina.” Samantha said heartfully before turning to Savitri and blushing once more. ”Savitri... Call me again soon.” Savitri nodded and slightly bowed. ”Of course, my lady. I would be a fool not to.

...

Samantha sat there for a little while after they left and continued to eat her food. ’This tastes awful.’ She couldn’t help thinking. After having a fresher diet the last few days, this cooked food just didn’t sit well in her palette. Still, biomass was biomass.

After a few more minutes, Samantha reached into her purse and pulled out a communicator. She had a feeling now was a good time for a test for the other rat of that family after Savitri relayed the reason why they just left.

...

Wendy extended a finger out in front of her as she answered her communicator. ”Yes? R-Really? Right now? Ok. Will do.” Wendy gulped after doing what she just did in front of who she just did it to.

”Wendy? What was that? Did you just... Shush me to go on your phone?” Wendy looked up at her dad that was holding a small vial that once held her favourite beverage... She had been careless and left it out and her father spotted it and naturally, and correctly, assumed she was taking drugs as these were the type of vials they came in.

”Daddy, I have to go and-” ”-You aren’t going anywhere, girl. You are waiting till your mother gets back from her reconnaissance of the uggo your fuckwit of a brother is apparently with, we are having a family intervention about this little indulgence of yours, at which point you will tell us who gave it to you and they will be killed.”

”Daddy, I have to go and-” ”-No. Not until you tell me what the fuck you are thinking taking drugs in this house- ”-DADDY I HAVE TO TAKE A SHIT! Or would you prefer if you opened your mouth and I let my business go in there? Huh? Will you let me up or are you opening up?”

Her Father’s mouth then hung open, shocked, before standing to the side... His little girl had never yelled at him before... He was bewildered. ”Y-Yes sweetie, but afterwards we will talk about this. Ok?”

Wendy then looked at her daddy sweetly. ”Of course~ It’s all a misunderstanding anyway, I just couldn’t say as you wouldn’t let me talk. be right back. I love you~”

”He-Hehehe. I love you too sweetie. Good luck in there!”

Wendy rolled her eyes and left her room, walking down the hall to her bathroom. Once inside, she locked the door behind her and got to work. Her bath had a panel that she could take off if needed. Taking it off, inside was a kit she prepared after she got her friend killed the other day.

Inside was a wet suit, a rebreather and a hand held water glider. Once dressed and suited up, she reached for two more things. A needler, a harpoon and the glass breaker. She was going to get in so much shit for doing this, but Samantha was adamant. When she receives the call to come, she comes. No questions asked.

Walking over to the small reinforced window. She sighed, before placing the glass breaker against it. All the water that was about to rush in was going to hit her hard, but she had to do what she had to do.