The procession made its way into the depths of the ship to the “Administrator’s Brig”, which was specifically designed to hold high-ranking individuals who were awaiting full trial. It was one of the more comfortable prisons that existed within the Hive, and could be considered more of sabbatical than a prison. The vessel sent a constant stream of cosmic energy to the chamber, making it a decent cultivation cave. Someone like Junior Administrator would have a spatial storage device of some kind and would have plenty to do if they so desired. However, as the doors opened to the chamber, it became apparent that Junior Administrator had taken to the paid and comfy leave similar to how a young child approaches bedtime–with a tantrum. The walls and floors were scorched, evidence of their boredom and anger. A large pile of waste lay in the corner, just two feet from where it should be properly disposed of. System Administrator took a long look and felt sick inside, more than anything, the feeling was due to the lack of growth shown by their subordinate, they thought they would have learned something over the time serving together.
“Bi’Jhove! This is how they have kept you, cousin, in this squalor?” Sector Assimilator cried out, his outrage palpable.
System Administrator gulped as he glanced around at the destroyed space that many on the Hive’s outskirts would kill for the opportunity to use. Apparently this wasn’t going to fall in their favor either. Blast it, they are actual cousins? These accursed young pupachs are bent on taking everything away that has taken a lifetime to acquire. Nothing is safe in the face of their entitlement.
“It is the standard room and conditions under the Code.” They heard their voice saying, even as they groaned internally about how much worse this conversation would make everything.
“Oh, is it really? It is in the code to deprive an officer and member of the Hive’s third ring basic necessities like a servant?” Sector Assimilator said, voice growing louder with every word. “Well you are the veteran, so I suppose you would know. But I happen to think that there are many back home who would bury you for this.”
System Administrator sputtered, Do I really need to point out the disposal system that is only feet away from where they have piled their trash? They only stopped themselves by realizing that pointing that out in this particular moment would likely make Junior Administrator feel embarrassed and would lead to more anger from Sector Assimilator.
“Do I even dare ask what you have been feeding my cousin? Is it even worth it to–..”
Beep!
Beep!
Beep!
Red lights started flashing as the alarm sounded from the cockpit and viewing room, cutting of Sector Assimilator mid-rant and causing everyone to turn an run towards the main cabin.
“Status–”
“Status report!” Sector Assimilator yelled loudly, overpowering System Administrator’s question with the unnecessary volume while shooting them a glare.
“The anomaly has manually upgraded a skill using only energy provided by killing monsters.” An automated voice replied. “This could be considered a step towards cultivation. Initiating Phase 4 recommended.”
System Administrator didn’t know whether to feel relieved or frustrated. Phase 4 represented a loss of actual resources beyond just cosmic energy. The anomaly had become strong, and there were several skill fractals worth acquiring that were higher leveled than was normal for an integration. On the other hand, the anomaly continued to caused headaches for System Administrator, and the idea of not having to worry about him anymore was very appealing.
“Recommendation received and denied.” Sector Assimilator announced and System Administrator had to hold in their groan of annoyance. “We will not be breaching any part of the Accords while on my watch unless we have to.”
They paused briefly before continuing, “System, replay events on the main screen.”
The crew was silent as they watched the anomaly dodge the much higher leveled creatures, though he earned a few grunts of respect when he took the attacking birds head on, killing three of them. The grunts turned to full on murmurs as they witnessed him containing the energy that had flooded his channels–it was enough to kill many of the crew members, and each present understood the truth: the anomaly’s ability to fight through that pain had nothing to do with the System’s influence, and everything to do with the individuals willpower.
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Just our luck that we find an anomaly who would be a prodigy if they had been raised in any faction of the multiverse. System Administrator thought.
Just when it seemed that the anomaly would burst apart, their skill and body cracking with the energy, a change seemed to occur. The glow began dimming, until, over the course of several minutes, it dimmed completely and the anomaly lay gasping on the ground.
“Replay that last part and turn Characteristic Display on.” Sector Assimilator commanded.
This time, it became apparent that the anomaly had survived only due to increasing Intelligence, not simply through pure willpower, and several sighs of relief were heard.
“There, that settles it. There is no need for Phase 4. The anomaly may have managed some very minor cultivation, but our hold on them has gotten stronger for it.”
System Administrator mentally debated whether or not to say anything, knowing that the consequences would be severe, but ultimately their devotion was towards the Hive Queen, and it would be against their own identity to not speak up.
“With respect, I believe this is a mistake.”
The room was silent, all eyes trained on the two competing officers. Seeing that they had room to speak, System Administrator continued, “That anomaly has proven to have resiliency without peer, and it is exactly for reasons like this that Phase 4 exists. We believe it likely that if we don’t enact Phase 4 now, we will be forced to enact it later.”
When Sector Assimilator was still silent, System Administrator felt the momentum was building and finished their thought, “If we stop this now, we may lose some face, but if things get worse and we have to initiate Phase 5, all will be lost for this ship. Your father will understand.”
Their final words caused Sector Assimilator’s face to contort in anger. That had been the wrong tactic.
“No, I am the leader of this mission. I have the final say. You will not sway me with your cowardice.” Many of the crew gasped at the insult. Cowardice was the trait most despised in the Hive, and younglings had it beaten out of them. To accuse one as decorated as System Administrator of cowardice was reproachful. But rather than putting out Sector Assimilator’s anger, the reaction of the crew only seemed to stoke it further.
“No, we cannot allow this attitude to permeate the vessel. And for that reason, I hereby put you under arrest, pending trial upon returning to the Hive.” Sector Assimilator leaned in and whispered at a pitch only the two of them could hear “If you even survive that long.”
“Guards, see to it!”
As the guards stepped forward, taking System Administrator gently on each side with slight nods of apology, Sector Assimilator began speaking again, “In the meantime, Junior Administrator will take over the management of this vessel.”
System Administrator stood in a daze, missing the congratulatory speech that was given, the awkward cheering of only Sector Assimilator’s lackeys, and the hug given from one cousin to another. It was only as they began to be lead out of the room that System Administrator breathed deeply through their gills, found the strength to remain calm and departed the room with dignity. By the time they had taken two steps into the hallway, they were already plotting their next move. There were those loyal to them, and all of their cards were not yet on the table. They were loath to play some of them, but as things stood, they didn’t see any other choice. Better to be banished than to die or support corruption.
Sector Assimilator’s words echoed from the viewing chamber as System Administrator was guided around the corner by the guards and led towards the Administrator’s Brig, “Now that that is all settled, let’s move over to checking on our fledgling wraith. I’m very interested in how the assimilant is progressing. We may have stumbled upon a goldmine with this integration.”
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Brent’s face smiled at the notification:
[Congratulations! For forcing your jaw to stretch to double its normal capacity, you have unlocked a new skill.
New Skill Unlocked: Maxilla Proten
While painful, you can now stretch your jaw three times its normal width.
Continue pushing the limits to increase this skill further.]
Brent used his facial ligaments to push his jaw wide open before closing it again. Repeating the process multiple times.
“The pain is manageable. And if I keep it open, I think it is actually negligible.” he concluded, before eyeing a patch of moss that was outside of his abilities only moments before.
“Let’s see if you can give me some nourishment, little one.” He said as he crouched down and laid prone near the moss before stretching his mouth open til it could fit in an entire softball.