Into the Hive

Chapter 2: The Captain and the Queen

"The Long Annals tell the history of our people, of the centuries of conflict after the fall of the Eschatonic Empress, Queens ruled hives and small dynasties, fighting in brutal conflicts across the stars. Peace seemed unattainable to most. That is when the rule of the Grand Council emerged. The Queens making up the council elected three leaders, who in turn sought peace with the multitude of rogue domains. By diplomacy, or conquest, peace was attained. Many rebels fled to the endless void, where their holdings remain beyond the sight of the Council. Thus peace fell. But even in our long watch, we have never met any life who walked, talked, and strode the stars" -- The Long Annals, Tablet 3785, the peace of our times

Deep on the bowels of the Hive ship, a group of naked and exhausted humans lay haphazardly about the floor of a makeshift prison, under the watchful eyes of the guards. Annabelle was unsure how long she'd been laying on the floor. The interrogation felt like days, but perhaps it had only been hours. Everyone else within the cell was equally exhausted, lying on the warm flesh-floor, confused, bewildered, and lost. Every once in a while, she'd here a muffled yelp. She caught one out the corner of her eye as Saleh was dragged from the room. It finally came her turn. A warrior came and grabbed her, dragging her in its arm. Her feet barely touched the floor, as she was carried through strange halls and noisy demesnes, before being pulled into a chamber.

It was a large circular chamber, with several of the grub type or warrior type insects about the floor, watching her. The roof top was tall and vaulted, with several concentric rings, where she could make out several shapes, seemingly moving and watching. She was lowered into a cradle at the centre of the room, where her arms and legs were locked into bony manacles. Dozens more tentacles came alive, springing forth from the floor beneath her. A pinprick bit into her neck as a long needle jabbed her neck and pumped a bright fluid. With a gasp it felt like her entire body rebooted, coming alive like a lightning bolt. The exhaustion and tiredness left her and she felt very alert, as if she'd just downed the strongest energy drink legally allowed on her ship, in a single sip. Numerous tentacles probed her body with intrigue, gliding across her skin. She gasped as many began to probe intimate places. One thick one rubbed against the lips of her sex, another one rubbed between her cheeks. A trio played about her head, waving in front of her face. Still more slithered across her body, buzzing with the sensation of weak electric shocks and vibrations. One curious one pressed to her nipple and buzzed, prompting an energetic reaction from her that caused her whole body to rock. Suddenly they grew more interested, swirling about her chest, and squeezing. Smaller ones snaked free and began to tease her nipples. Another choking gasp as she tried to shake them free to no avail. The one pressed between her legs gentle wormed its way in, prompting a desperate cry, and then a exclamation of surprise as one pressed to her behind. Opening her mouth to protest, three shot in with speed, exploring her mouth first, then pressing further. The two thinnest ones fought their way down her oesophagus while another lay in her airways. Choking a moment as her gag reflex battled them, the one in her airway began to pump air into her. Her relief was short lived as her sphincter clamped down on the invader that corkscrewed in, pressing into her and exploring about, seemingly prodding her insides. The one pressing to her pussy repeated the same motion, thick knobs of nerve tissue rubbing her clit as she strained her body. Trying to bite down on her oral invaders found four tentacles locking her jaw open.

Both lower invaders pressed in, exploring, and vibrating keenly as they did. Her body shook under the exploration, and along with the teasing and explorations, she could hardly contain herself. She gasped and shuddered in her restraints, trying to suppress what was coming. Both tentacles within her pressed further, before retreating, and then repeating the experiment. They each began to bump both her holes with seemingly disinterest, both vibrated as they went, causing her body to rock. The delivery of warm water into her stomach as this went caused her further distraction. The two tentacles pumped harder and faster, rocking her voluptuous body until she came with a shuddering, gagged scream. Annabelle climaxed, her mind flushed with strong feeling of embarrassment, shame, horror, and fulfilment. No longer an interesting source of data, she was returned back to the cells, where several were more animate, but unwilling to discuss their experiences. This cycle continued, for... however long. She couldn't tell. The later experiments became more invasive. She could feel those hair thin needles even past their attempts at anaesthetic. She could feel them probe her bones, her organs, her head. They always left no mark, but she still felt it. She tried to talk with a few of the others, but each time one of the bugs, the ones they called warrior bugs, interfered, separating them.

--

These creatures were enormously interesting to her. Humans, they called themselves. Two genders, 23 pairs of chromosomes, a double DNA helix strand, and hundreds of millions of DNA combinations. They birthed live young, fed them milk, they created social structures, used metallic machinery and silicon computers, and produced a varied culture. No live experiments yet, just theoretical, but their brain structures, nervous system, it seemed very compatible with their own biosystems. She was eager to integrate one of them into her ship. Soon enough. They were still 2 days out from Nexus. But, she had something to show. With careful consideration, she'd moved them from group storage to individual stasis. Each one was held in a construct that kept them fed, and watered, and dealt with waste. It also kept them placated, so they could not hurt themselves or resist.

Her senses flickered over to her impromptu examination rooms. She had three running at a time, scientists in attendance. One of their tough warrior castes, one of the pilot subtypes, and an attendant were in at this time. Two males and a female. The tentacles probed, the ultrasonic external ones producing detail and live-stream images of their internals, how they functioned, how they reacted. Non-invasive hairline probes were spreading throughout their body, and through their cranium, watching how their body reacted to external stimuli. Observing the activity, she marvelled as their brain and endocrine system awakened like fire when breeding was simulated, or the subject was engaged in pre-breeding ceremonies. These creatures were easily controllable through pleasure centres and sexual reactions, she found. Such advantages could not be ignored.

But now, she was ready for the next step. The genevault had produced a new construct from her living flesh. It looked like a emaciated, bipedal drone, but the changes allowed communication with her new subjects. She felt the captain would be the best subject. The translator doll stood still, plugged directly in to her.

And right on schedule, the captive captain arrived. A larger construct, an eight legged scuttling creature arrived, with the large clamshell prison upon its back. These were more efficient for prisoner transport. The shell opened, long glistening strands of ichor dripping, and revealing the captain within. She was in a sitting position within the spongy interior, trapped in place by restraining tentacles, with her faced locked onto a feeding tube, and her breeding and excrement passages suitably plugged and utilised for management of waste and pleasure. She woke up with a startle as the mobile prisoner transport tipped up and disgorged its passenger with a wet sound. The creature had arrived in strange coverings, though she had failed to understand if they were decorative or protective. The captain remained on her knees, arms across her chest glands, looking up to her with fear. They seemed to reactively cover parts of their bodies too. A strange habit she would investigate.

The translation doll stepped forward, and it croaked out in the strange, garbled noises humans made.

--

Annabelle had been taken from her solitary confinement and deposited roughly into the massive chamber. The room was exceedingly busy with a variety of aliens travelling about, seemingly attending what she assumed was machine consoles, or an biological equivalent. But the thing in the centre caught her attention. It looked like a queen ant, massive and swollen in size, but radiating a strange majesty.

Recovering her sense of shame, she covered her self and remained sitting, looking with fear and awe at this creature.

"Welcome, Annabelle Van Vorne" came a grating tone from a bipedal creature besides the ant queen. The voice was feminine, but had multiple overlapping voices, some more effeminate, others more masculine.

She gasped in shock and looked at it, and tracing the pipes from its body to the creature behind.

"This unit is a mouth piece for me. I am Solesh Keber Qeb Siellan Khulix-Shaar XXXIV, war Queen of the void vessel Wayspinner, forward consul of the Anterior Exploratory Fleet"

Annabelle, feeling something rising in her chest stood up, still covering herself with one hand, but saluted the other.

"I am Captain Annabelle Van Vorne, of the USS Journeyman, of the third explorer corps."

"You may release yourself of those titles. I have been dismantling your ship for sometime. It ceases to exist"

Her breathe caught a moment before she returned "But I am still a captain of my navy. I wish to reach out and extend my apology for the unfortun-"

"SILENCE" the voice boomed in deep tones "I have already reviewed your memories of the incident. I have saw the inciting matter. Your poorly controlled drone. A failure in your leadership. It matters not. The fact I have deigned to use your name is a small courtesy that will not last. You now belong to the Grand Hive. I have claimed you as battle-spoils. You will be taken to our capital and judged. I have recommended you and your fellows be reserved for experimentation and hive integration"

Annabelle quailed in fear at this "As lab rats?! And integration?"

"My recommendation is non-invasive experimentation. Compatibility testing with out technology, genetic modulation, cross-breeding, and controlled breeding"

She gasped at this, indignant and horrified at the prospects of her future.

"And integration. You will become productive members of my hive, or another. Perhaps as direct servants. Warriors, workers, perhaps breeders" Khulix responded in a sonorous tone.

"And... when you are satisfied, will we be freed?" she asked hesitantly.

"NO" came the flat answer "You have entered our sovereign space, and attacked us. You will obey by our laws. The failed hive is integrated into the victorious hive. You will join us. Your descendants will be part of my hive legacy"

Annabelle found her courage and planted an open palm to her chest "I am the one to blame. Keep me. Release my crew"

"You are not in a position to bargain. And these are all recommendations. The grand council may choose to vivisect all of you. You may be put to death. I will promise nothing"

The now former captain looked down, utterly broken by this.

"If my recommendations are accepted, you will not be treated cruelly. All drones live in service to the hive, and as the War Queen I serve all drones"

Annabelle's eyes burned with tears, before straightening up and looking her new master in the face... faces? Eyes?

"What can I do to ensure your recommendation is accepted and my crew is protected?" she said, face set with resolution.

The creature made an interesting noise, like roiling water. Was it laughing?

"I like you Annabelle. I am glad I preserved you and your people. I will tell you in the coming days. But I want you to pick others, you think may be amenable, to come here and present themselves"

She fidgeted on the spot "Do I bow, prostrate myself, call you master?"

"None of that is necessary yet. You will be tutored on the appropriate behaviour soon"

Annabelle nodded her head in resignation.

"Each drone must be appropriately designated. Your designation is Solesh Afur Shem Khulix-Khulix I. I do not care if your birth name is used within the ship, but for all official functions, this is your new designation."

Her face betrayed more confusion and concern as she looked up at the Hive Queen.

"There is no precedent, as you are the first aliens integrated into a hive. The hive may choose to change your name later. For now you bear my name as I own your genetic legacy"

As she looked down at her feet, something touched her shoulder and head. One of the creatures massive tendrils reached out and patted her, almost, reassuringly.

"Do not think of this as an ending. Think of it as a new beginning"

She looked up at Siellan, and nodded, forcing herself more than anything.

"You will be transferred to a cell. Use this time to handpick those you think will best serve to vouch for your people" the tendril guided her back to her prison bug, Annabelle climbing in some some reluctant. She sat down, the shell closing as the sustainment features returned to place.

Darkness enclosed her, and she felt the invasion of things into private places. She nonetheless did not resist further, being taken back to think on her new place in the universe.

--

She was unsure exactly how much time had passed, but being regurgitated back into the throne room of Khulix-Shaar XXXIV. She lay on the floor a moment, before rising to her feet, still covering herself as she had done in the previous meeting.

"I... have thought, on your proposition. I have three recommendations" she uttered.

"Most excellent Khulix-Khulix I. Please tell me" Siellan said in soft feminine tones.

"Matthieu Gerard, the ship's chief medical officer"

"A most excellent choice. I learned much of your biology through the mind interface with him"

"Professor Evelina Rundstrom... a civilian scientist"

"Indeed, her perspectives on xenobiology are most interesting!" Siellan almost seemed excited.

"And Major Travers Leoni" she said at last.

There was silence, before she resumed "He killed several of my best void warriors... and I killed several of his warriors in turn. It is a fair matter"

Annabelle rose to her feet "We don't have long do we. Please... show me what I must do"

"Quite correct drone. I must prepare you on things ingrained in me by genetic memory, so I will do my best to translate these for you"

She stepped forward, and looked to Siellan. A warrior drone scuttled up besides her, and glanced over, then back to Siellan.

"This is Solesh Nesir Hol Daarsh Khulix-Vashi CXVI. He is a product of my genetic legacy and from the matrilineal Vashi genetic legacy. He is a senior warrior aboard the ship, and will be your..." Siellan mulled the words for a second "Your commander"

Another translator doll, identical to the one connected to the Queen walked behind the warrior drone.

"Welcome genebrood" it thrummed in a human voice "I will be responsible for bringing you into our glorious hive"

Annabelle nodded as the creature seemingly chirped. The upper half looked almost human in places, with each arm ended in three fingers and a thumb. The head featured a vertical jaw, and six eyes in two sets of three, rotating about to view her. From the thorax down any vague similarity to a human ended. It had a longer abdomen, with four powerful legs, each ending in a claw. It also sported a smaller pair of arms, which tucked close to its torso. Daarsh turned to the Queen, and dropped its two front legs flat, elevated the rear two, and raised the back of its abdomen, while planting its thorax parallel to the ground, hands and forearms flat to the ground and head touching down.

"We see and honour you, mother" Daarsh said.

Raising back up, he turned to Annabelle, and nodded "We bow to show our deference to a Queen, lower your thorax, and raise your abdomen" he ordered

Annabelle slowly tried to mirror the motion, but initially had difficulty. Daarsh guided her both through the speaking drone barking responses, and by talking his clawed hands to manoeuvre her body into position. She struggled, eventually holding the position. It felt more like a yoga pose, with her chest to the ground, a difficult prospect given her buxom figure, and raised her ass in the air, spreading her legs. With a shiver, she remembering her nakedness, and thanked that no human stood behind her to view her nethers on display. Her face burned red the entire time, as clawed hands touched her flesh in unwelcome and sensitive ways.

"Good, good child. Now, release and sit."

The drone besides her, setting down on the spot, his legs kneeling underneath him. His mottled grey-brown carapace was pockmarked by old damage and wounds. She followed his example, kneeling. Desperately covering her shame, she moved her hands back to covering her body.

"Mother" the warrior croaked "Will she be assigned to my Drift?"

"Yes, she will. She is considered a moultling, as far as you are concerned"

"Of course, mother"

Annabelle looked with confusion. They seemingly picked up on this quite quickly.

"All within our hive refer to her as mother. Our hive has multiple Queens, and as they share a genetic legacy, all would be mother" Daarsh spoke through the translator doll "If you are presented with any other Queens, they will be referred to as Eminence"

Annabelle nodded, holding some understanding from her own social and familial bonds.

Daarsh turned back to mother, and spoke "And her blessing?"

"I did give her to you as genesire. You may pronounce a blessing"

"A blessing?" Annabelle asked, eyes darting from each.

"Your name. Each member of the hive, from mighty Queen to lowly worker drone has an assigned designator"

"Yes, mine is... Solesh Afur Shem Khulix-Khulix I" she repeated, taking her time to pronounce.

"Yes. You are of hive Solesh. Your geneline is null, Afur. You are unblessed, Shem, and have no binding name. And for now, I have assigned your maternal and paternal bloodline as both my own. You are first of this geneline. All will likely change in future"

"Then... your name means?"

"Of hive Solesh. My geneline is Keber, a form of war Queen chosen for their adaptive war fighting capabilities. My genesire blessed me as Qeb, something that may translate as stars, or starlight. It is a blessing he wished for me. I have the binding name of Siellan given to me when I was born into the hive to affirm my service to the hive. Then my mother was Khulix, my father's mother is Sekril. I am the 34th of my line"

This was dizzying. She took it all in.

"Mother, I give her the blessing of Sih. Hope for the future"

Sih. She mulled the word over "Then, that is my new given name?"

"Hardly" mother snorted "There are more than 387,000 individual drones on this ship. 3,600 are blessed as Sih"

She hung her head a moment. It was all felt so impersonal. Like she was a single drone in an ant hive... because that's exactly what was happening.

"Take heart, Solesh Afur Sih Khulix-Khulix I. You are the first of your name, a proud duty for any drone"

She puffed up her chest, a strange sense of pride in that.

"You will attend your genesire today. He will fulfil your education, as if you were a newly moulted adult. He commands in my absence"

"Yes, mother" she responded.

Her attention was drawn by sudden chittering, as three prison beetles entered. With her breath catching in her throat, each disgorged their prison. Closest was professor Evelina Rundstrom, the tall and slim body slicked with sweat and slime, her normally impeccably styled blonde hair tangled over her face. Besides her was the medical officer, struggling to return to his feet. He was older, and well toned, his brown hair having been mussed but remained short. The final person was the marine, Major Travers Leoni. With all marines, he had a powerful physique, with tattoos marking his skin, and scars showing where he'd earned honours fighting pirates and rebels. His dirty blonde hair was short enough it barely looked a mess.