The world outside the ship was nothing like I expected.
Walking through the terrain a thick mist curled around the landscape, dense and shifting. The air was heavy, almost syrupy, clinging to my skin with an unnatural warmth. Strange, jagged rock formations jutted from the ground, glowing faintly with a bioluminescent pulse. The sky above was a dull, swirling violet, thick clouds rolling across the horizon in sluggish waves.
I took a breath. My ribs still ached from the impact, but my body was still holding together, Thanks to the pressurized bandage kept me from bleeding out. My missing arm throbbed with every heartbeat and I needed a real fix, and fast.
The Meeseeks moved with self-assuredness, securing the perimeter and scanning the around our perimeter. Their red forms flickered in and out of view as they spread across the area. The Captain stepped up beside me, blaster no longer fanning the area.
"All clear, sir. No immediate threats detected. and cargo is secure."
I nodded, shifting my weight. "Good. Stay sharp. We don't know what kind of reception we'll be getting."
A chime echoed from the walkie on the Captains chest, it was the ship's interface. The onboard AI flickered to life. "Incoming communication. Local transmission detected. Source: Beta-Seven Hive Mind."
I stiffened. Beta-Seven. I needed to stay alert I hadn't realized we'd landed on their world. I shouldn't have a bad relationship with them since we are trade partners and I know the value of trade when it came to them or rather the singular entity, they needed it to maintain the planets in habitants. The only problem was I had never spoken to Beta-Seven directly, only through my Meeseeks and arrived on the planet unannounced . This was uncharted territory.
"Patch it through," I ordered.
A distorted, layered voice filled the air. "Unidentified vessel, you have entered Beta-Seven territory. State your purpose or be removed."
I exhaled. "This is Morty Smith, Morty Arms CEO. My crew and I are in need of medical aid supplies. We're willing to trade."
A pause. The air itself seemed to vibrate as the hive mind processed my words.
"Morty Arms. Your name is recognized. You have engaged in prior dealings through proxy. Direct interaction was not anticipated."
"Yeah, well, surprise," I muttered. "We've had a rough landing. Were here for more than just galactic credits this time, we just need medical supplies.
Another pause. The mist around us thickened, pulsing with faint light. Then, the voice returned.
"Your value must be assessed. What do you offer in exchange?"
I frowned. This wasn't as smooth as I'd hoped. "Weapons. Ship parts. Intel."
"Your ship is damaged. Your value is reduced."
I smirked, forcing confidence into my voice. "My ship's broken, not useless. You could salvage what you need. Plus, I've got information on Rick Sanchez. That's worth something."
The air pulsed again. The hive mind was considering. For a moment, I thought they might refuse. Then, the drone's voice returned, more measured.
"Proceed to designated coordinates. Assistance will be provided. Further discussion required for extended arrangements. Any deviation will be considered hostile."
The connection cut.
I sighed, rolling my shoulder. "Well, that could've gone worse."
The Captain gave a firm nod. "Orders, sir?"
"We move. Stay in formation, weapons low but ready."
Another pause. The mist around us thickened, pulsing with faint light. Then, the voice returned.
"Your request aligns with existing agreements. Proceed to designated coordinates for standard trade. Any deviation will be considered hostile."
The connection cut.
I sighed, rolling my shoulder. "Well, at least that part was easy."
The Captain gave a firm nod. "Orders, sir?"
"We move. Standard formation. No sudden movements."
The Meeseeks fell into step behind me as we followed the coordinates. The terrain shifted beneath our boots, the glowing ground firm yet strangely soft. Small creatures skittered in the mist, their bodies semi-transparent, their eyes watching with cautious curiosity.
It wasn't long before structures emerged in the haze.
Beta-Seven's settlement wasn't like a normal city. It was organic, shifting. The buildings pulsed, their forms adjusting as if breathing. The air here carried a faint hum, a constant presence of the hive's collective consciousness.
As we reached the entrance, figures emerged.
Beta-Seven's drones stood tall, their humanoid forms smooth and featureless. Their skin shimmered with iridescent hues, their movements perfectly synchronized. One of them stepped forward, voice layered with countless tones.
"You seek aid. Standard agreements allow for this. What additional request do you bring?"
I met its gaze, unblinking. "I need a place to stay. A nearby system, under your protection."
The drone tilted its head. "This is beyond our existing arrangement. Justification is required."
I took a slow breath. "I need time. A safe place to lay low."
The air pulsed, a sign of Beta-Seven's consideration. "Protection requires certainty of value. You have yet to prove sufficient worth."
I clenched my jaw. "I have resources, and trade connections. just check our cargo."
Another pause. Then, the drone gave a measured response. "Assistance will be granted in the immediate. Extended protection is contingent upon further evaluation. Terms to be discussed."
I exhaled, a mix of relief and frustration at being dragged around the planet. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
They led us inside. The walls of the structure flexed, shifting as we moved. The air was no longer thick with smoke but the sensation of being watched. I kept my expression neutral, but inside, I was already planning my next step.
Beta-Seven was strong, but they weren't my endgame.
Unity was.
I needed to stay close to power, to allies who could protect me from the unknown that was undoubtably coming. I needed an army. And beta-seven? This was just the beginning.
As the drones guided me toward a medical station, I tightened my grip on the strap of my gear. I had made it this far. I wasn't going back.
No matter what it took.