Intergalactic conquest with an AI

After Rex was kicked out of the room, Cleo let out a shaky breath, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. She could still feel the warmth of Rex's hand on her. Well, she didn't want to dwell on that. Clearing her mind, she straightened up just as Emilia's voice broke the silence.

"

Lady Cleo, we have brought the dress you ordered from the city. Shall we assist you in dressing?

" Emilia stood at the side of the bed, while two robot maids held up a gown of flowing white fabric, embroidered with intricate gold patterns.

Cleo nodded, hoping the busy work of dressing would distract her from the lingering heat in her cheeks. She focused on each careful movement as the maids began slipping the gown over her shoulders, adjusting layers, and fastening clasps. Almost two imperial hours later, she was finally ready.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Rex was sprawled on a sofa, his head tipped back as he fought off boredom and the temptation to fall asleep. He'd been waiting for ages, and the stillness of the room was starting to lull him. Just as his eyelids drooped, he heard the steady rhythm of marching footsteps.

Rex cracked one eye open, but when the doors swung wide and Cleo entered, his other eye snapped open too, his jaw nearly hitting the floor. A squad of Aegis Sentinels filed in first, but they were nothing compared to the vision that followed.

Cleo entered the room, making direct eye contact with Rex. She wore a flowing white dress accented with shimmering gold that caught the light with each step.

Her long black hair was adorned with delicate golden pins that glowed softly, the tech symbols etched on them casting a faint light. But most striking of all were her wings, huge, pristine, folded elegantly behind her back. She looked like something out of a dream... an ethereal beauty come to life.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Cleo stood there, and Rex sat frozen on the sofa, at a complete loss for words.

Emilia cleared her throat, breaking the silence. Rex snapped out of his daze, practically stumbling off the sofa as he approached her.

"You look... wow. You look beautiful, Cleo,"

he said, his voice catching slightly as he tried to hold back a goofy grin.

Cleo's cheeks turned a shade pinker, and she looked away.

"Oh... thanks. I suppose."

Watching them, Emilia smiled to herself and, with a discreet clap of her hands, signaled everyone to leave the room. The Aegis Units filed out, and Emilia gave instructions for the door to be closed behind them. Within moments, Rex and Cleo were alone.

Rex finally collected himself enough to speak.

"So, uh, what's the plan for today?"

Cleo waved her hand, and several holographic screens appeared in front of her.

"Well, we have a few stops. First, we're going to inspect the assembly factory to check on the construction of the new unit. And later tonight...

" she gave him a small, mischievous smile, "

we'll be attending an auction at the underground black market."

Rex's eyebrows shot up.

"Wait... there's a black market here? Since when?"

Cleo's expression was calm, almost amusing.

"Since tonight, actually. This auction is the main event to launch the black market. Their representative approached me and asked permission to open it here, asking for security. In return, they'll treat us as VIPs and give us 20% of their profits."

Rex whistled, giving her an impressed look.

"Well, damn, Cleo. Didn't peg you for the cutthroat business type. Does that mean you're, uh... rich?"

She tilted her head, her golden eyes gleaming as she met his gaze.

"Rex, you have no idea how much a single month of maintenance costs on this estate. 'Rich' is a relative term when most of it goes right back into a black hole."

Rex chuckled, scratching his head. "

Right, the never-ending maintenance bills. Good thing you're good at making deals. So... we're going to look all fancy and mysterious tonight at this auction, huh?"

Cleo allowed herself a small smile.

"Yes, and try to keep your mouth shut for once. I don't want our VIP status revoked because you couldn't resist a rude comment."

Rex grinned, feigning offense.

"Me? Rude? Never."

She raised an eyebrow, and he chuckled, holding up his hands in surrender.

"Alright, alright. I'll be on my best behavior... for you."

"So... may I have the honor of escorting you, my lovely lady, to the absurdly expensive, tacky-looking ship waiting for us?"

Rex said with a playful smirk, giving her a slight bow and extending his hand.

Cleo looked at his hand for a moment, her expression unreadable, before placing her gloved hand in his. Rex's smirk widened as he closed his hand over hers, giving it a gentle but firm squeeze.

"Well then, let's be off,"

he said, leading her forward, his steps slow and deliberate as they walked side by side. Cleo was unusually quiet, and he couldn't help but glance at her now and then, amused by her uncharacteristic silence.

They arrived at the civilian transport ship Rex had used before, an ostentatious vessel that looked like it belonged to a rich, slightly clueless tourist. It was flanked by several Aegis units standing at attention, with four sleek Wraith-class fighters parked nearby, their metallic frames gleaming under the city's lights.

Once they boarded, the ship lifted off smoothly, the four fighters taking formation around them. As they ascended from the 5th floor of the city to the 3rd, Rex couldn't help but gaze out the window, watching the lights of the sprawling city below.

The commercial district stretched out beneath them, pulsing with activity as they headed toward the assembly factory.

And there it was, impossible to miss. The factory loomed at the far end of the district, dwarfing every building around it. Like most of the structures of Cleo desing, it was a gleaming monument of white and gold, but this one was heavily fortified to an almost ridiculous degree. Rex couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the sheer level of security.

"Subtle,"

he muttered, unable to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.

The factory bristled with turrets of every kind, missile launchers, laser cannons, and plasma turrets, all shielded by layers of energy barriers. Squads of Aegis units patrolled every side of the facility and the surrounding streets, moving with cold precision.

In the air above, hundreds of drones buzzed around in a well-coordinated dance, some carrying cargo, others armed for combat. Even a few Wraith fighters circled overhead, their engines humming as they kept a vigilant watch over the city's.

Rex let out a low whistle.

"You know, I'm starting to feel a little underdressed. Do they really need all this just to make some machines?"

Cleo gave him a sideways glance, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

"In my empire, we believe in... thorough security."

"Clearly,"

Rex replied, chuckling. He glanced out at the swarming drones and the heavy weaponry dotting the factory's perimeter.

"Remind me not to jaywalk around here. I'd probably get vaporized on the spot."

Cleo shook her head, a hint of exasperation in her eyes, but she didn't respond. Rex could see, though, that the corner of her mouth was twitching, almost as if she were fighting back a smile.

As the ship descended and they prepared to land, Rex leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice

. "So, do they roll out this kind of welcome for all the VIPs, or is it just me?"

Cleo gave him a cool, amused look.

"Just you, Rex. I thought you might enjoy the extra attention."

He laughed, giving her hand a light squeeze before letting go. "

Flattery will get you everywhere, your Majesty."

They touched down smoothly, the ship settling on the landing platform just outside the assembly factory. Rex straightened his jacket, casting one last glance at the fortress-like structure before stepping out of the ship, wondering what other surprises Cleo's empire had in store for him.

They stepped into the factory, Rex still escorting Cleo with a certain swagger in his step. Inside, the place buzzed with mechanical life. The assembly lines stretched as far as he could see, each one busy constructing sleek Aegis units in perfect synchronicity.

Robotic arms whirred and sparks flew as the machines worked tirelessly, piecing together hundreds of the deadly sentinels.

"Wow,"

Rex murmured, taking in the sight. "

You don't mess around, do you? So, are there more floors?"

"Indeed,"

Cleo replied, a hint of pride in her voice.

"The upper levels are dedicated to producing ammunition of every type imaginable, for the turrets, the Aegis units, and other troops."

Rex raised an eyebrow, impressed.

"Efficient. So... where's the special project? You know, the new unit you've been working on?"

Cleo gave him a pointed look.

"Please, Rex. I wouldn't leave a private project like that out in the open for anyone curious enough to wander by."

She brought up a holographic screen, displaying a detailed blueprint of the factory.

She pointed to a section at the very bottom

. "My lab is on the lower floors. There are only two underground levels at the moment. The first is where we assemble Wraith-class fighters. Right now, production is at about two units per month. And the second level...

" Her golden eyes sparkled.

"That's where I'm building the new unit."

"

Of course, hidden away in your secret lair,"

Rex said with a grin.

"Why am I not surprised?"

She ignored his teasing and gestured down a hallway.

"This way. I'll show you."

They made their way deeper into the factory, passing rows of meticulously organized components and rows of Aegis units in various stages of assembly.

Rex watched as mechanical arms attached weapon systems to freshly built frames, each piece fitting together with the precision of a puzzle. He could feel the hum of energy in the air, a testament to the sheer power and resources Cleo poured into this facility.

Finally, they reached a secure elevator that took them down to the lower levels, where Cleo led him through a series of heavily guarded corridors.

She gave him a brief tour of the fighter assembly area, then finally showed him the new unit in progress. But it was clear she was keeping most of the details close to her chest, only allowing him to see what she wanted him to see.