Victory against the Megapithecus provided us more Tekgrams and element, while also providing us with some breathing room. Granted, we didn't really need the breathing room (most of the tribes on The Island had either become our allies or been subsumed by us, while those who had proven too immoral had been dealt with for the time being), but rest was rest. Also, I think Lelouch and Nunnally needed some therapy.

Needless to say, there was a great feast after our successful hunt, though that was hardly all that was on my mind. When your mind is spread out across a giant army of robots, you learn to multitask like all hell.

XXXXX

"We have received the new engrams and are analyzing them now, Commander. While I can't be sure how effective all of them will be, the Tek Saddles are much appreciated. And look awesome."

"We're a Commander based force - rule of cool or bust. By the way, how is the research into element going, Fide?"

"Progressing at moderate speed. We've managed to determine forms of energy that could repel element, though an examination of the ARK itself may provide us with a concrete way to eradicate the substance rapidly and efficiently."

The Commander raised an eyebrow in the digital landscape they were occupying, clearly confused by her request. "How so?"

"Your body contains nanotechnology within its bloodstream that could be reconfigured to perform scans on the obelisks aboard the ARK. I suggest that you try and find a way to land on the side of the obelisk and then touch the giant floating pillar - I can arrange some of the nanites to exit your body and remain on your skin to allow for a scan."

"I suppose I could get a pterosaur to land me there."

"Excellent."

"Thanks. Oh, and how is my tower doing?"

Fide thought about that for a moment. The Tower (which was more of a placeholder name until her superior could decide what to actually call it) was, for the most part, complete, though excavations below the structure were still underway. This wasn't to expand the tower, though - the Commander had wanted his personal domicile to be able to go into a sort of protective mode so that, should it be attacked, it would be difficult to topple. Fide had decided to do this via making the tower a sort of pyramid/nesting doll hybrid, albeit with a unique method to maximize space usage when not in defensive mode. Explaining it would be difficult to anyone not aware of how progenitor technology worked, though, so Fide had only really run it by those who would understand. So far, they all liked the idea.

Of course, the tower itself was a weird structure. Take the level she was on, dedicated to organic technological development. Where there were pipes in other parts of the facility, fleshy veins instead moved fluids where they wre needed. Refining forges were replaced by digestion sacs that could easily be described as stomachs, while most of the computers literally grew out of the walls, with certain components being able to move and socket themselves into different positions as needed. In one area, circuitry was placed in pods where flesh grew around it, producing strange bio-robots to carry out tasks inside the building. Fleshy tendrils moved materials where they were needed, which eliminated the need for robotic staff in this part of the tower.

Most people seeing this would probably start to get nauseous. Most people in the hub...had probably seen weirder.

"All is well, sir. Also, I can report that the quarantined subjects are doing well. The ones in the tank, the one known as Lucius, the one who looks like M4's sister, and The Admiral have had no noted behavior changes from when quarantine was enacted. They should be given a clear health pass soon, since no dangerous pathogens were detected on them."

"Hooray. All that I wish to discuss is now finished, you may return to your duties. And please, find some time to relax - you are my subordinate, not my slave."

"Thank you, sir!"

As the transmission ended, Fider froze up - technically, she was now on break time, as she had finished all tasks for the day. But what to do now?

XXXXX

Leal raised an eyebrow at his equivalent among the commanders forces. "Could you say that again?"

"I just wanted to ask, were there any universes that your superior planned to send my commander to had she remained his superior?"

"Well, of course."

"I see. And what universes were those?"

"Being honest, mostly magic ones - Dragon Age, Night Caster, the one with those four heroes with special weapons, the one where humans could kill gods and get awesome powers, and so on."

"I see. Was Westeros among them?"

"Yeah, but much later down the line. However much Vivian enjoys making your Commander Squirm, she knows that he shouldn't go there without experience. Even she is depressed by the sorry state of that world."

"I see. Well, I guess I have some reading and tv watching to do."

"...Did you just ask me about a bunch of universes because you wanted to find stuff to look at to alleviate boredom?"

"Yes."

Leal felt like groaning. "And is there anything else you want?"

"Someone to sit next to and share snacks with."

Leal's stomach decided at that moment to growl.

"...I'll join you in a moment."

XXXXX

Silently, the Overseer examined additionaly candidates for who to send to the ARK now. It knew that time was running out - soon, the apex tribe on this ARK would move to challenge it, so that they could seek an escape from this ARK. That was fine with the observer - if they could overcome its avatar on this station, then they stood a chance of defeating the Element Corruption. However, stacking the deck in their favor was always a good thing.

Its intelligence soon zeroed in on several subjects. Two were from the same universe as the purple-eyed children - one a fiery, red haired girl, the other a more empathic orange haired girl. Both seemed to have a future linked to the purple-eyed boy. After examining the girls' potential futures, the overseer accepted the one with the red hair - the orange haired girl suffered too much when she grew close to the purple-eyed boy. Plus the red head was a talented warrior in her own right.

One other subject stood out to interest the Overseer...well, two to be exact. A couple from a land versed in myth and legend, cradling the myths that many societies held dear. Living in a realm filled with other sentients, these people seemed perfect for the ARK. They would never amount to much in the stories told after they died, but if they came to the ARK...

Well, it would see what would happen.

And if they were joined by a few other sentients they shared their lands with?

More fun for everyone.

XXXXX

AN: Short chapter, want to get things progressing. Characters mentioned Fide's narration are from Far From Home, an RP I have set in the same universe as this story.

Read and Review! This is Flamea15k, signing off!