With my now human subordinates dealt with, I decided to turn my attention back toward figuring out what to do from here. Or, at least, I tried. Despite my best efforts, I still wasn't entirely sure what to do with my subordinates. Additionally, I was unsure as to why they had chosen human bodies for their avatars. While I had chosen one out of a desire to regain some senses I had lost, and partially because I liked having a fleshy body, I had no idea why they would want one - they could easily generate one that was far tougher than a normal human, and could also make one that trumped up one that was heavily gene-modded and given lots of E-DNA splicing. My technology was advanced enough that they could also use synthesize all five senses to a degree that would be indistinguishable from normal humans, and probably exceed us in several areas as well. So why go human - wait, why is this file about S.H.I.V.s being pulled up?

...okay, so Sigurd had been reading it, but that didn't explain why it was impor - now parts of the file are being highlighted? What are those?

Well, I might as well read them.

'While we have been able to design SHIVs that can fly, acting cover for our troops, and, in general, assist our forces in the field, we have unfortunately not been able to address their weakness to psionics. Although they can not being mind controlled or confused, psionic powers that directly damage their targets have...catastrophic affects on our machines. A possible reason for this may be that innate psychic powers present in all humans allows them to fend off these attacks, while machines lack this ability. We will continue our efforts to develop and find a way to eliminate this shortcoming, but I am unsure we will be able to do so.' - XCOM archives.

...Ok, that might explain some things. My forces might have wanted some protection against psionic foes. That was...actually very long-sighted of them. Good job, my creations.

...Now that I thought about it, my creations were surprisingly creative and far-thinking once they became sapient. Additionally, some of them (Sigurd, to use an obvious example), had also displayed a surprising amount of initiative. All of these were valuable traits for people given positions of command. Perhaps I could 'promote' them? While I was unwilling to give them access to a commander chasis, I did have the schematics for the Colonel Sub-commander, and it wouldn't be too hard to upload my subordinates personalities into said chasis. Perhaps it was time for me to start creating a chain of command?

...Well, maybe not just yet. I did make a note to consider it, though - it would probably be beneficial to do so for the future.

Now, what else to do-and Tylos just sent a request for me to talk to him.

Well, I better answer it.

XXXXXXXXXX

[INITIATING COMMUNICATION]

[PARTICIPANTS: CMDR FLAMEAL15k AND TYL0S]

T: Greetings, Great One.

F: Greetings. What do you wish to discuss.

T: It is in regards to our...temporary...friends.

F: Okay, what of it?

T: Well, while we are working with them, should we not attempt to foster better relations with them? It is prudent to show our allies that we support them.

F:...Um, well...

T: You seem uncomfortable about assisting our newfound ally. Why?

F:...You know how I said that I had my powers taken from me by another being higher than me?

T:Yes, I remember it well.

F: The leader of the Illuminate - she's the one who took them.

T: I see. In that case, I would still encourage you to open up trade with her forces.

F:...WHAT?

T: Also, my compatriots suggest that you attempt to convince her to allow war games between our forces and her own, and I agree whole-heartedly with them.

F: Why?!

T: She's not openly antagonistic with you, so it would be best to try and foster friendship with her, if only to keep her from attempting to exploit you further. More importantly, if she does attempt to take action against you once more in the future, she would likely use her own forces to oppose ours. Therefore, we should take any opportunity we can to learn about her strategies and tactics, lest we be caught unawares when she chooses to strike.

F...You make several very good points. Very well, I will broach the subject with the Sovereign of the Illuminate. I cannot guarantee she will agree, though.

T: That is all we ask.

F: Understood. Farewell.

[COMMUNICATION TERMINATED]

XXXXXXX

The minute my conversation with Tylos was over, I sighed. While I was willing to broach the topic to Melissa, there was no way she would say yes to it...

XXXXX

"I'm fine with that."

...or maybe not.

"...Seriously? You're okay with that?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, what exactly is there that I can give you through trading that you cannot make for yourself?"

"A lot of things. Art, food, entertainment, the like."

"...point taken."

"And as for the war games...my subordinates were asking me to propose having them with you."

"...what?"

"My creations are growing bored. They may fight for me, but I do not wish for the people who serve me to die in my name, so I use organic monstrosities to fight my battles for me, such as the 'slime demon', as you've taken to calling it. They are alive, yes, but they are merely animals, unable to make great works. The fight and die so that others may live."

"Petroglyph might call copyright issues with that.

"Ha. Ha. In all seriousness, though, the intelligent beings I created do actually desire to assist me in my battles, and are growing tired of being kept on the sidelines. They are yearning to be turned loose. I believe a little bit of conflict with you will satisfy them, at least for now."

"I see. So you have a military force of your creations? What do you use them for, if not battle?"

"Policing the lands I conquer - they provide a face of sorts for my actions, and most are approachable enough to help make my conquests feel less oppressive.

Actually, why don't you ever use your creations as police units? All the Spore races you created still possess intact militaries that you could utilize for that purpose, and it would make you seem more...human, if you wish to use the word."

...That could actually work. And it would make me appear less oppressive.

"...I never really thought about it. Too interested in keeping my subordinates safe."

"I can understand. So, anything else you desire?"

"No. I guess I'm done."

"Then please, be off."

XXXXXXXXXXX

Yeah, that went easier than expected.

Was this, perhaps, the beginning of a long and prosperous partnership?

...like I'm telling that to you guys right now. HA HA!

XXXXXXXXXXXX

AN: Read and Review! This is Flameal15k, signing off!