The hivemind is conquering for me? - Chapter 279

Chapter 279: The News
“It is day six of the out of season heatwaves all across the core world’s of Spartari. The collective governments have issued a stay at home warning to all non essential workers. Scientists have a working theory for the unexpected weather event, coming to you live is Blake Harvey, Blake?”

“Thank you Amanda. I am standing here today on Ecumenopolis six at the Spartari Institute of science. Standing here with me today is Noble Doctor Miranda Atropa, chief astrophysicist of the core world’s solar system. Miranda, what do you and your team know about the sudden heatwave?” He asked, turning his recording device towards the woman who appeared to be in her late fifties.

“Well Blake, the truth is that Helios has suddenly increased its temperature by 0.5%. This may not seem like a lot, but it has increased in a single week with no plausible cause and there seems to be no end in sight. We know Helios is not going supernova, but the increase is still an issue for if it continues, the black body temperature of all our planets could change and have dire effects on all ecologies.” She replied like a seasoned veteran, with no over the top emotion or arm movements that indicated panic.

“That sounds serious. Tell me Miranda, what is Spartari currently doing to prevent any further damage? Reports say that wildfires have been popping up everywhere on our wonderful Ecumenopolis’ one and two. Surely we cannot allow our pride home world to continue burning.”

Miranda smiled upon hearing that. This will be the perfect PR stunt for her family. “And to that I say this. My family has donated a large amount of our wealth to this cause and are currently working in tandem with the local military to create what is essentially a large UV catcher that will orbit our habited planets and moons. The last time we had to build these devices was when a series of dangerous solar flares occurred roughly two thousand years ago and are the progenitors to what we now use on a smaller scale on harsh condition planets for habitation domes. With my family’s money and the military’s unrestricted access to resources, the first of these enormous contraptions will be completed and be in orbit of Ecumenopolis one by the end of the day, with the other planets and moons shortly following.”

Blake put on a professional smile and nodded to the camera, supposedly impressed. “Wow, that is terrific news for all parties to hear! Though I have one final question. You say you have no plausible cause for Helios’ sudden temperature increase, but what do you personally think could be the reason?”

Miranda froze for a moment as she tried to keep in her rage. She had a burning hatred for Psionic energy and Psionic wielders. That even extended to her own flesh and blood, her nephew, the bleeding heart of the family. She hated Psionics because they go against the very nature of Science. It was wrong. The universe worked in a very practical, beautiful way, to be able to change the laws of nature; it knocked her sick to say the least.

Gritting her teeth, she put on an attractive smile and said. “The working theory some of our top scientists have put out there is that Helios’ increase in temperature is a natural Psionic event. I know a lot of people get worried when people hear Psionics, but do not fret. I will do everything in my power to fully get to the bottom of this once the UV catchers are up and functioning and every citizen is once again safe.”

Blake turned away from Miranda at that point and looked directly into the camera. “Powerful words from a powerful woman. You heard it here folks, a Solution to beat the heat is in the works. For now, stay indoors as much as possible and find a way to stay cool. Back to you Amanda.”

Back in the newsroom Amanda was smiling with her back ramrod straight. “Thank you as always Blake. In local news, the south hemisphere of Ecumenopolis 4 has now been declared a high risk zone by the planetary defence leader, Adrianna Hepetia. Active gang activity has risen by up to 300% in some areas, while talks of a gang war taking place are beginning to seem like less of a rumour by the day. We here at News4you strongly advise you not travel into the southern hemisphere unless it is absolutely necessary and for those currently living in the south to find somewhere safe, away from the horror of gang crime.”

“In other news, Two days ago, Military King Sigismund released a press conference stating that the traitorous coalition had betrayed the ceasefire by attacking a poor helpless neutral human world a short while ago. Our glorious king could not and would not take that standing and has been mustering troops for war once more. Enlistment and conscription is currently being held across all planets in Spartari with very respectable wages and benefits for those that enlist. Also-”

“Oh brother.” I said aloud, shocked at the obviousness of the situation. “What is it?” Hailey said as she looked away from the tv. “It is so apparent that the timing of that news was put there after fear mongering about the south. I bet Enlistment will skyrocket now.” I replied, causing her to nod her head.

Just as they were about to respond, Valerica planted herself next to me and brought me in for a cuddle as she said. “Yes my baby, that is how they get you. Throw the fear out, subtly hint at conscription while saying how great enlistment is. It is the best way to get the idiots running to the recruitment stations.”

“But isn’t it a bit too on the nose? Surely people realise what is actually happening?” I asked, causing Valerica and Hailey to look at each other with a knowing look. “See the thing is Apollo.” Hailey started. “The standard Spartari Civilian is not… they aren’t…

“They are idiots, plain and simple.” Kathrine said as she walked over and passed me a drink. “Most of the idiots believe every single thing the media tells them as that is what they have been told to believe. To them, the news is basically scripture, they will believe and defend vehemently everything and anything it says.”

“So they are brainwashed?” I asked curiously. Hailey then replied calmly. “Sort of Apollo. But when an empire controls a quarter of a galaxy with trillions of civilians, they do need to be controlled somewhat. Otherwise, there would be civil unrest everywhere and with all our outward threats, Noble bickering, sabotage and assassination attempts, that is the last thing this empire needs.”

From the corner of the room a voice popped up to add her thoughts. “This way of life has been ongoing for the common folk for over ten thousand years. It simply just is the way of life for them. They don’t know any better and it’s not like the news actually lies to them, they just push some agendas onto them, especially in war time.” Nerissa said in a way that suggested that Spartari had a peace time.

From the knowledge I have garnered, Spartari has only had true peace for a collective total of fifty years since the so called founders disappeared. ‘And from the looks of it, that number will never go up with my gorgeous taking a nibble here and there.’

After spending a certain amount of time with the worriers, who had actually been really caring and supportive all week in regards to my body’s condition, I stood up and said. “Right lovely ladies, I will leave you for a bit. Janine is finally back from her missions and I want to go check in.”

“Are you sure you are going to be ok? I could go with you if you want? To make sure you don’t suddenly get injured by that mercenary?” Hailey asked, feeling slightly jealous that a woman gets one on one time with her husband candidate, even if that woman was a ‘muff muncher’ as her aunt so elegantly put it.

“No I will be fine, thank you though, I appreciate your concern. I will only be there a short while, after that we can all go down to the leaving party.” I said, causing Kathrine to smile in response. “Ok handsome, see you soon.”

After leaving through the elevator, Valerica and Hailey pouted, upset about tomorrow. “I can’t believe my baby is leaving me after only having him for such a short time! It is not fair.” She then snapped to Kathrine. “Kathrine! If chicken shit here fails in her long con seduction, you better get to marrying that boy for real, or I will! I just love him so much already. I did not know you could love a child this much! He is just Urrgh” Valerica grunted in glee, unable to find the word to express her excitement.

“Gee, thanks mommy.” Kathrine said at the unintentional jab her mother just threw at her. “Oh please, you are biologically mine, I love you unconditionally, I chose my Apollo though, so the love just oozes out of me.” She felt the need to explain, so Kathrine won’t get jealous. Valerica then turned to Hailey and frowned.

“And why are you pouting? You get two days of space travel with him before you say your goodbyes.”

Suddenly Hailey recalled that piece of information and smiled joyfully.

“Oh yes, I forgot about that. I wonder if gazing out into the void of space together is considered romantic?”