Intergalactic conquest with an AI

<< Everyone, please pay attention. We are now beginning the second event of the cruise: a camping adventure on the beautiful protected planet below us! As you may have noticed, you've been placed into teams of five for safety purposes.

Carlos's face fell. "Five-person teams? Of course it had to be five," he muttered bitterly, glancing at the "fifth person" on their team: Sharon, who was sitting next to Ys with an air of elegance that seemed wildly out of place for a camping trip.

She caught Carlos's eye again and gave him another warm smile. He quickly looked away.

Rex stifled a laugh and gave Carlos a teasing nudge. "Cheer up. At least she doesn't seem angry about last night. If anything, she looks like she's having fun."

Carlos groaned. "I'll trade you places. You take my seat, my problems, and my team."

"No deal," Rex replied with a grin.

<< Your transport ship has been equipped with enough resources and tools to last five days, though you will only be staying for three nights and two days. Should you feel unwell or unable to continue, you may contact us using the communicator onboard, and we will arrange for your immediate return.

The announcer paused for a moment before continuing.

<< With that said, please enjoy the trip. We hope this will be a relaxing and memorable experience for all of you!

The moment the announcement ended, the transport ship's autopilot engaged, and a soft hum filled the cabin as the ship began its descent. Outside the windows, the vibrant blue-green planet grew larger as they approached. It was breathtaking, with sprawling forests, shimmering rivers, and mountain ranges bathed in golden sunlight.

Carlos leaned back in his seat, staring out the window. "I just need to get through this trip without dying. That's all I'm asking for," he muttered.

Rex smirked, leaning closer to whisper. "You'll be fine. Just think of it as a bonding experience."

Carlos glanced at him, deadpan. "If I survive this, you owe me so many drinks."

"Deal," Rex said with a grin.

Across the aisle, Ys and Cleo were deep in conversation, though Ys's sharp hearing meant she was likely eavesdropping on Rex and Carlos. She turned to Sharon with a playful smirk. "So, Sharon, are you excited about camping? I'm sure Carlos will be thrilled to help you set up your tent."

Sharon giggled, her feline ears twitching slightly. "Oh, I wouldn't want to trouble him too much. But he does seem like a dependable sort of man, don't you think?"

They glanced at Carlos, who was pretending not to hear them but was clearly sweating bullets. She smirked. "Oh, definitely. You should rely on him as much as you want."

Cleo shot Ys a warning glance. "Don't encourage her, Ys. We're here to enjoy the event, not cause unnecessary drama."

"Oh, come on, Cleo," Ys replied, leaning back with a mischievous grin. "A little drama makes everything more fun."

Rex glanced between the girls and Carlos, who looked like he was actively praying for the ship to land so he could escape. Rex shakes his head, chuckling softly.

The transport ship gently touched down on the lush surface of the planet, its engines humming softly before powering down. The artificial breeze created by its descent rustled the strange crystalline trees nearby, sending tiny motes of light scattering like fireflies.

As the doors opened, the warm, earthy smell of the forest greeted them, mixed with the faint metallic tang of the alien environment.

The announcer's voice chimed through the transport's speakers one last time.

<< You will begin your journey approximately two kilometers from the designated camping spot. This short trek is designed to enhance your immersion and allow you to fully experience the natural beauty of the area. Please follow the coordinates on your arm devices to reach your site safely. Have fun, and enjoy the adventure!>>

Carlos groaned, already feeling the weight of the trek ahead. "Two kilometers? Did we really need the extra hike? Couldn't they have just dropped us on the spot?"

Rex ignored his whining and moved to the transport's cargo chest, opening it to grab their camping supplies. "Quit complaining and help me get this stuff. We're carrying the food and water, so make yourself useful."

"Fine, fine," Carlos said, reluctantly stepping forward to help as Rex dragged out a heavy chest filled with supplies.

Rex glanced at the girls, who were chatting nearby. "Alright, you two," he called out. "You'll be carrying the camping gear and that thing." He gestured toward a bundle of collapsible tents and a strange cylindrical device that looked like a high-tech generator.

Cleo raised an eyebrow at the mention of "that thing." "The atmospheric regulator?" she asked, her tone sharp.

"Yeah, that thing," Rex said casually, already hauling the food crate onto his shoulder.

Cleo sighed but didn't argue, instead motioning for Ys to help her secure the gear. Ys, of course, looked less than thrilled about carrying anything but complied after a small grumble.

"Alright," Rex said once everyone was loaded up. "Let's move. The sooner we get to the site, the sooner we can set up camp."

The team began their trek through the alien forest, following the glowing path displayed on their arm devices. The world around them was breathtakingly beautiful, almost otherworldly in its perfection.

The crystalline trees glowed faintly, their leaves refracting the sunlight into delicate rainbows that danced across the forest floor. Patches of bioluminescent fungi grew in clusters at the base of the trees, emitting a soft blue-green glow.

Above them, the twin moons hung in the vibrant sky, their reflections shimmering faintly in a nearby river. The river itself was mesmerizing, a liquid that looked like molten mercury, faintly shimmering and reflecting the light in strange patterns.

The air was fresh and cool, carrying a faint floral scent mixed with the earthy smell of the forest.

Carlos whistled as he looked around, his earlier complaints forgotten. "Man, this place is incredible. If it looks this good during the day, I can't even imagine how it'll look at night."

Sharon, who had been quietly taking in the scenery, moved closer to Carlos and gently slipped her arm around his. "It truly is breathtaking," she said, her soft voice tinged with wonder. "I've been to many beautiful places in my life, but this might be one of the most enchanting."

Carlos, already nervous from what he'd learned about Sharon's identity, tensed as her arm wrapped around his. But all his rational thoughts quickly melted away when he realized her ample chest was pressing against his arm.

The warmth of her touch and her proximity completely short-circuited his brain, leaving him staring dumbly at her for a moment.

"Uh… yeah," he stammered, trying to regain control of his thoughts. "It's, um, really nice. We can, um, check it out together later tonight... if you want to."

Sharon let out a soft, melodic giggle, her green cat-like eyes sparkling as she rested her head lightly on his shoulder. "Well, that sounds like a lovely proposition," she said, her voice carrying just a hint of playful teasing.

Behind them, Rex watched the entire interaction unfold with a mix of amusement and disbelief. Carrying the heavy food cage on his shoulder, he sighed and shook his head. "This guy," Rex muttered to himself, unable to stop a small smirk from creeping onto his face. "He's completely done for."

Cleo, walking beside Rex, glanced at him briefly. "Do you think he realizes the precarious situation he's put himself in?" She asked in her usual calm tone, though there was a faint hint of judgment in her voice.

Rex snorted. "Not even a little. His brain's clearly been hijacked by... other priorities." He nodded toward Sharon, who was still clinging to Carlos's arm.

Cleo frowned slightly, her icy golden eyes narrowing. "This will likely end badly if he doesn't proceed with caution. Sharon is not an ordinary woman."

"No kidding," Rex replied, shifting the weight of the food crate. "But hey, maybe this is all part of Carlos's master plan to sabotage Nexum Dynamics from the inside."

Cleo gave him a flat look. "I highly doubt Carlos is capable of formulating a 'master plan.' He's acting on pure instinct. Or rather… recklessness."

Rex chuckled. "You're probably right. Still, let's give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he'll surprise us."

"Or he'll get us all killed," Cleo muttered under her breath.

Ys, who had been eavesdropping with her enhanced hearing, smirked and called back over her shoulder. "You two really should give Carlos a little more credit. Who knows? Maybe he's charming enough to pull this off."

Rex and Cleo exchanged skeptical looks but said nothing more as the group continued their trek.

As they neared the designated camping site, the alien forest began to open up, revealing a clearing surrounded by crystalline trees and a sparkling stream. The coordinates on their arm devices confirmed that they had arrived.

Alright, let's get to work," Rex said, setting down the heavy food crate with a relieved sigh. "Carlos, you set up the fire pit. I'll handle the supplies. Cleo and Ys, you two take care of the tents and the atmospheric regulator."

"And what about Sharon?" Carlos asked, glancing nervously at her.

Rex smirked. "She's your responsibility, buddy. Good luck."

Carlos groaned, rubbing his temples. "Great. Just great."

Sharon, meanwhile, watched the group with a serene smile, clearly enjoying the dynamic. "Don't worry, Carlos," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure you'll do wonderfully."

As the group began setting up camp, Rex couldn't help but glance back at Carlos and Sharon every so often, shaking his head with a mix of pity and amusement.

This is going to be one hell of a camping trip, Rex thought.Nôv(el)B\\jnn