Intergalactic conquest with an AI

Meanwhile, far above in the trading station, Rex stood in his quarters, deep in thought. On the table in front of him were two holo screens displaying swimsuits. One was a sleek, sexy design that would highlight Cleo's every curve. The other was a more modest but elegant piece that left a little more to the imagination.

Rex let out a heavy sigh, scratching the back of his head.

"This is impossible,"

he muttered.

"If I pick the sexy one, I'll have to deal with everyone ogling her and probably fighting half the passengers by the end of the day."

He frowned, leaning closer to the screens. "

But if I pick the modest one, she'll just call me boring and pick the sexy one anyway. Damn it. Why is this so complicated?"

Behind him, Cleo's holographic form flickered into view. She tilted her head, watching him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Rex, are you really stressing over a swimsuit? You've fought wars, survived impossible odds, and commanded armies. But this?"

Rex spun around, startled

. "Cleo! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

Cleo smirked, crossing her arms.

"You're lucky I didn't record this and send it to Carlos. He'd never let you live it down."

Rex groaned, covering his face with one hand.

"Just… don't. I've got enough problems already."

Cleo stepped closer, her smirk softening into something more playful.

"Relax, Rex. Just pick the one you like best. It's not that complicated."

Rex glanced at the holo screens again, then back at Cleo. A slow grin spread across his face.

"You're right,"

he said, his tone suddenly mischievous.

"But I think I'll just make you pick for me."

Cleo's smirk vanished, replaced by a look of mild alarm

. "Wait... what? No! That's cheating!"

But Rex was already walking out of the room, laughing to himself. "

Your problem now, Cleo!"

After days of preparation, everything was finally set. Cleo had booked a one-week trip on one of the most luxurious cruisers in the sector.

The first two days of the journey would be spent aboard the cruiser itself, indulging in its vast array of entertainment like casinos, pools, nightclubs, gyms, event rooms, everything one could imagine.

On the third day, they would visit a naturally protected world, staying there for two days and three nights to enjoy its pristine landscapes. Finally, they would end their vacation on an oceanic world renowned for its hunting games, where thrill-seekers could hunt massive beasts while others relaxed or spectated.

When the day finally arrived, Rex and his crew approached the cruiser discreetly. Instead of arriving aboard the

Cleopatra

and drawing unnecessary attention, they opted for a more subtle approach, traveling in a standard tourist transport ship.

To ensure their safety, several Wraith-class fighters escorted them in stealth mode, their presence completely undetectable to civilian systems.

From the observation window of the station, Rex stood with Cleo, staring at the massive luxury cruiser docked ahead of them. Its sleek white hull gleamed under the station's lights, its curved design exuding sophistication and elegance.

Massive viewports ran along its sides, offering glimpses of opulent interiors bustling with activity.

"So, we're finally here!"

Rex said, his tone more cautious than excited. He crossed his arms, his golden eyes narrowing as he studied the cruiser.

"I know this whole trip was my idea, but... just how safe is this thing? I mean, it's a luxury cruiser. No defenses, no mounted cannons... not even an escort?"

Cleo stood beside him, her black hair catching the light. This time, she wasn't in her holographic form; she had chosen to travel in her physical body, a rare occurrence. Her calm, confident demeanor hadn't faltered since they left.

She glanced at Rex, her golden eyes glinting with amusement.

"They're perfectly safe. Don't let the lack of visible defenses fool you. While they aren't armed, cruisers like this come equipped with military-grade shield generators, and they've got squadrons of powerful fighters docked inside to deal with smaller threats. Pirates won't bother them."

Rex frowned, unconvinced.

"Won't it bother them? You've seen what pirates are like. Some of those guys have frigates or cruisers of their own. I've seen ships like that punch right through so-called'military-grade shields. If one of those shows up, it could end badly... fast."

Cleo smiled softly, letting out a quiet giggle. She turned to him, her gaze meeting his.

"Rex, you worry too much. These cruisers are high-value assets. Do you know why? They're filled with rich individuals and nobles. That makes them extremely profitable for planet administrators and megacorps alike. No one's stupid enough to attack one. The backlash would be... unpleasant."

Rex arched a brow, waiting for her to elaborate.

Cleo continued, her tone patient and reassuring.

"If anyone tried to attack, the cruiser would send out a distress signal. Within minutes, the area would be swarmed by patrol fleets from every nearby megacorp. The pirates wouldn't stand a chance. Their entire operation would be wiped out before they could even fire a second volley."

Rex rubbed his chin, still staring at the cruiser.

"Hmm. You sound pretty sure about this."

"Because I am,"

Cleo replied, her smile growing slightly.

"Trust me. These cruises are among the safest modes of travel in the galaxy. The megacorps make sure of that."

Rex finally sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

"Alright, I'll take your word for it. But if pirates do show up, don't blame me for saying, I told you so.'"

Cleo chuckled softly.

"Duly noted."

At that moment, Carlos and Ys returned, maneuvering a small electric cart piled high with luggage. Carlos was driving, wearing an exasperated expression as Ys lounged casually on the cart's passenger seat, flipping through a datapad.

A single bag sat in her lap while the rest were crammed haphazardly into the back.

"Here we are!"

Carlos called, parking the cart next to Rex and Cleo. "

You guys pack enough stuff? It looks like we're relocating to a whole new planet instead of just going on vacation."

Ys didn't even glance up from her datapad.

"If you didn't spend all your time in that bulky battle suit, maybe you'd know the value of traveling with style. Some of us like options."

Carlos rolled his eyes, hopping off the cart.

"Yeah, well, some of us like to travel light. You know, in case we have to run from trouble."

Ys smirked, her emerald eyes gleaming mischievously as she finally looked up.

"If trouble shows up, Carlos, I'll make sure you have plenty of time to run... while I deal with it myself."

"Yeah, yeah, keep dreaming,"

Carlos grumbled, grabbing one of the suitcases and slinging it over his shoulder. He turned to Rex. "

So, boss, are we finally ready to board this thing? Or are you still busy inspecting it like you're some safety inspector?"

Rex smirked, shooting Carlos a sidelong glance. "

I'm just making sure we're not about to walk into a death trap. You've seen what our luck's like."

Carlos shrugged.

"Fair point. But honestly, if pirates show up, I'll just let Ys deal with them. She's been itching for a fight ever since she lost to me at poker."

Ys scoffed, crossing her arms. "

You didn't win. I let you have that game to spare your fragile ego."

Carlos grinned, clearly enjoying her irritation. Continue reading on empire

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, princess."

"Enough, you two,"

Cleo said, her voice calm but firm.

"Save the banter for later. Let's get our things loaded before we miss the boarding call."

Carlos and Ys both muttered under their breaths but complied, unloading the rest of the luggage from the cart. Rex shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips as he watched them bicker.

As they approached the boarding ramp, Rex glanced back at the cruiser one last time. Its sleek design and bustling interiors still didn't entirely put him at ease, but Cleo's confidence was reassuring.

For once, it seemed like they might actually get to relax, no battles, no pirates, no intergalactic crises.

(Hopefully,)

Rex thought,

(this vacation won't turn into another disaster.

)

As Rex, Cleo, Carlos, and Ys stepped into the cruiser, they were immediately struck by its grandeur. The main lobby was a dazzling display of luxury, blending vintage elegance with cutting-edge technology.

Intricate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their crystalline designs refracting light in every direction, while the walls were adorned with expensive art pieces that seemed straight out of an intergalactic museum.

Under their feet, the marble-like flooring gleamed with subtle energy lines that pulsed faintly, guiding passengers to their destinations.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

High-tech touches were seamlessly integrated into the aesthetic: sleek holo-terminals hovered near the walls, offering information and entertainment options, while tiny drones floated gracefully through the air, assisting passengers or delivering refreshments.

The fusion of old-world luxury and futuristic design was breathtaking.

"Woah,

" Carlos said, his jaw dropping as he turned in circles, trying to take everything in.

"Yeah,"

Rex muttered, equally stunned as he gazed at the opulent surroundings.

"I wasn't expecting this. It's like stepping into another world."

Carlos, however, wasn't focused on the decorations for long. His eyes shifted to the crowd milling about the lobby. Elegantly dressed passengers walked by, their expensive outfits practically screaming wealth and status.

Among them were countless stunning women, their polished appearances turning the heads of almost every man in the room.

Carlos grinned like a kid in a candy store.

"I know what you mean! Look at this place! I wasn't expecting to see so many high-end butts walking around either. Damn, look at all those beauties."

Rex turned to him, his brows furrowing.

"What are you—"