Drone Metastasis Ch. 05

Zoe blinked, gradually coming back to herself. The robotic globe she had been staring at was sitting on her dresser, dormant, its programming complete.

She wasn't certain how long she had been standing there in a somnolent state, but it must have been most of the night, as natural light was filtering through the blinds. Even so, she didn't feel tired. Communing with the globe had trained and rejuvenated her at the same time.

She was still wearing her bodysuit from yesterday, but she had no time to change or to admire how the slick rubber cupped her breasts. Her new orders were already in her brain, and she needed to obey.

She slipped her bare feet into her shoes and tied them up mechanically, a pulsing in her mind urging her onwards. She had been Scheduled, and needed to be ready to depart on time.

Leaving the robot behind, she turned and marched down the stairs, her head staring straight. She was a good Drone, ready to obey her orders.

Even so, a sense of familiarity made her pause at the landing and make a left turn, marching into the kitchen. The room was empty, but the lights were on and the vid screen was showing the news.

A faint fanfare sounded and the network logo spun for a moment before vanishing. "Hi, I'm Peach!" stated the first host, eyes staring blankly at the screen as she mindlessly played with her dark hair.

"And I'm Monica!" stated the other host, just as brightly.

Her blonde hair seemed pale, hiding the dark blue skin of her face. One of the blue personal assistant globes sat in the center of the news desk, glowing as the innards swirled enticingly.

Peach turned to face her coworker, her eyes snapping to the globe. The sparkling lights from within spiraled over her face.

"I see that you have spent more time at Sally's Beauty Parlor, the popular new salon downtown!" she said, looking more at the globe than at Monica. "Your skin looks absolutely fantastic!"

"Thanks, Monica!" returned Peach, unfocused eyes staring at the screen. "Hivarian transformations are half off! Come on down and mention my name, and they'll take off another ten percent!"

"What a good deal!" gushed Peach. "I may even take you up on that offer myself!"

She turned back to the screen, her face stretched in a wide smile, caked on makeup reflecting the studio lights. "Now, on to our next story."

"The Office of Local Infrastructure is declaring that deployment of these new personal assistants is a complete success." She gestured at the glowing globe.

"At least ninety two percent of the assistants have been delivered so far, with minimal complaints!"

The screen cut to shots of a community center where elders sat eating at a table, smiling as they asked questions of their globe. One of them nodded forwards, eyes slowly closing before she sat up straight, mouth hanging open. She moved her hands out slowly to touch the globe.

"If you don't have yours yet, be sure to get one!" she stated as the footage faded back to the news desk. "They're going like hotcakes! I can't take my eyes off it!"

Her head strayed from the screen, locking onto the globe as her smile grew. "The local police report that crime is way down. The globes are helping everyone to correct their thoughts!"

"That's right, Peach," said Monica. "Come on down to the salon and get your body altered, too! Society is changing, and it's thrilling to be on the cutting edge!"

They both smiled at the camera as the screen cut back to the logo.

"Don't they look wonderful?" breathed her mother, moving up behind Zoe. "Their bodies are being perfected. I love how supple their skin has become."

Zoe nodded her assent. They were well on their way to transforming themselves into that of Hive Drones. It wouldn't be long before they were properly converted, teaching the populace what was necessary for them to become Drones as well.

She creased her brow. "Where are Jack and Zack?" she asked.

Susan rubbed her shoulders, moving past her to fill the tea kettle. "Jack left early for work. He needs to be Trained."

She smiled gently as the water filled to the top. "He has not yet embraced the Truth. He will understand soon enough."

Turning, she clasped her hands at her waist. "Zach surfaced for a short time so I could feed him, but he is safely back in VR. He also has more lessons to learn. His new loyalty must be assured before he can be taken to the next level."

Her eyes darted to the globe on the table and she smiled. "And I... and I... I am doing exactly as I have been commanded and it feels wonderful."

She palmed one of her breasts and shivered, looking back up at Zoe. "It is time. You must be Installed so that you may Ascend. There are so many more Drones that need your help to find the Truth. I am only one of them."

Her lips curved as the doorbell rang. "Go. Get plugged into Hive so that the future is assured. Don't worry, we will all be together as a family again. Soon."

Zoe felt a thrill as her body turned around, her feet naturally stepping towards her destiny. She didn't need to be told twice. The commands were already unspooling in her brain.

Leaving her mother behind, she stepped up to the door and unlocked it, pulling it open. Outside stood three figures.

Simone was standing in the center of the porch, clad only in her purple bodysuit, smiling wide. On either side of her were two black suited Drones, looking sharp and sinister. Their arms were by their sides, but their gloved hands hovered over their utility belts. Opaque spherical helmets hid their features, with long, articulated hoses rising over their shoulders to silver tanks on their backs. They looked like wasps, ready to sting any disobedient person into submission.

"I have been ordered to accompany you to the Integration center," Simone said, vibrating in place. "There, we will be Installed together."

Zoe nodded her assent. She could feel her programming agreeing with her, and knew that she needed to be Installed. She followed Simone's long strides down the walkway up to a transport pod.

Simone's beautiful form in her skin tight suit almost looked like it was levitating as she took small steps, escorted by the sleek, black guards. She knew from the viewpoint of any outside observer, she would look the same. She belonged with them. A group of Drones.

Even so, as she climbed into the pod, uncertainty flooded her soul. Why did Hive deem it necessary to send guards with Simone to gather her up? Was she important in some way?

Nonsense. She was just another Hive Drone. An interchangeable cog in the machinery of Hive. There was nothing special about her.

Sandwiched between the guards and Simone, she felt a little uncomfortable. Did Hive trust her and the training they had given her that little? It was impossible for her to conceive of betraying Hive. The thought was enough to make her sick to her stomach.

The raspy breathing of the guards was unsettling. She cleared her throat. "Simone, do you know why Hive sent guards to collect us?"

"I do not," she replied, her face blank as she stared into the distance. "I only do what I am told to do. I am a Drone."

Zoe nodded. "Yes, we are Drones." She shuddered. "That doesn't mean we can't question what is asked of us. I am not a complete robot."

Simone's face creased. "We are Drones," she repeated, shifting her shoulders uncomfortably.

Finally, she turned to focus on Zoe. "I don't know what the future holds, but I feel nothing but comfort and warmth. You have no idea how much I have struggled with depression recently."

Her face lifted into a smile. "That feeling has been taken from me. Hive has removed the wrong parts of me. I can be happy as a Drone. As She commands. I am more free than I was yesterday. Do you understand?"

Zoe swallowed. "Yes, I do."

She had known about some of Simone's struggles, but not how serious they were. If Hive could solve that, Hive could do anything! Joy rose within her chest.

The pod ground to a halt, the door opening onto the curb. She was ushered outside, pressed down the alleyway by the black figures, blue mist leaking from the portholes on their masks.

The metal alley door hissed open, revealing the Instructress, looking regal as always. Her shiny chrome helmet flashed in the sunlight as her shoulder creased, gesturing for them to come in.

As they padded inside, the guards took up stations at the door as it crashed shut. They slipped out of their shoes and followed the Instructress deeper inside.

"Very good, Drones," came the sultry voice from in front of them. "Your initial training is almost complete. You have been sorted and allocated. Once you have finished your next session, you shall be Installed, opening you up to the entire universe of Hive."

Zoe smiled, bliss spiraling from her brain down her neck and into her core. She had pleased Hive. That knowledge was greater than any past accomplishment. Her Drone mind rejoiced.

The Instructress turned right, leading them into a large chamber filled with equipment.

A high ceiling provided room for cranes, pipes, and cables. Large, round tanks had been installed down the center, squeezed between suspended walkways.

The interior of the room was arranged in a grid pattern, duplicate setups laid out in identical stations, each as large as a bedroom.

Every station was attended by five Drones dressed in yellow bodysuits, a chrome helmet topping their heads. They must have been through this procedure many times, as they waited patiently for the new Drones to step forward.

Instructress laid her fingers on Zoe's shoulder and urged her forward. "This is the last step," she hummed. "After this, you will be Installed."

Her hand tightened briefly, then let go. "Hive has given me the privilege of seeing you being tanked. I look forward to watching you come into your own after you have been upgraded."

She made a clicking noise. "Go on, little Drone. They are waiting for you."

Feeling a bit of trepidation, she looked to Simone for reassurance, but her friend was already stepping towards a station, being greeted by a set of Drones. She would have to take this step on her own.

Hesitating, she walked towards her own station slowly, cheering up a little as the attendant Drones flooded out to meet her. The susurrus of their happy chatter greeted her, making her feel welcome.

"Have you ever seen a prettier Drone?" asked the helmeted Drone on her left, pressing her hand over Zoe's hip.

The one on her right licked her lips. "I'd love to share her bed," she said, grinning. "But she probably will be too busy after she's been Installed. This one is meant for greater things."

The crowd of Drones moaned. "Won't you visit us once you've been Integrated?" asked one of the smaller Drones. "We'd love to have you."

Zoe looked over the set of cheerful Drones, wondering briefly how she'd ever be able to find them again. "Sure," she said, not certain if she'd be able to keep the promise. "I'd love to visit you all after this is over. If you still want to."

One of the ones at the rear chuckled with low heat. "Oh, we'll definitely want to spend time with you."

She wasn't sure what to make of that, so said nothing. The Drone touching her hip took her by the arm and pulled her over to a metal chair mounted at waist height.

She turned and sat down, feeling the holes bored into its surface. She breathed deep and relaxed her shoulders, not sure what was coming next. The fear of the unknown was getting to her a little but she knew she was safe in the hands of these Drones. She had to believe. In Hive there was comfort.

"Don't worry," said one of the Drones. "This might feel a bit strange, but once you've been tanked Hive will vacuum all of those worrisome little thoughts out of your mind."

The Drone pulled down on a mask dangling above her head while the other Drones busied themselves with strapping her to the chair. Her arms were locked to the sides of the backrest, with additional straps looping around her chest and waist to keep her in place.

The rest of their preparations went on outside her knowledge, as the black specter of the gas mask slid into place, a thick knob of rubber fitting between her lips. The rubbery exterior folded around her ears, secured in place behind her head with tight straps. There was no provision made for vision, all light blocked by the thick material.

She sucked on the flat protrusion sticking between her teeth as it inflated into an oval ball, forcing her jaw open. A hiss of air came from its hollow center, forcing gas into her throat.

She cooperated, used to this kind of rough treatment, welcoming the soporific feeling the gas provided. Soft noises infiltrated the mask from outside, filtered through soft pads clamped around her ears.

She flexed her chest as cheeky hands groped at her breasts, but they lingered only for a moment before the seat she sat on began to sink into the ground.

The process was slow, but smooth as she was levered down by hydraulics until her feet touched a layer of liquid. Her heart lurched as her chair dropped into the tank, disconnected from whatever mechanism had controlled its descent.

Warmth surrounded her as the liquid swallowed her feet, rushing over her belly and up her chest until she was fully covered. Her only source of air was the mask, her rattling breath gasping for more.

As she sank deeper and deeper into darkness, the lively voices from above faded away. Frenzied breathing smoothed out, warm air from the mask filling her lungs. The sound of her exhalations kept her company as the seconds ticked by.

It wasn't long before the interior of her mask lit up in a dizzying array of colors, a cheerful tune invading her ears. Her eyes followed the pattern, circling the familiar circumference of an eye symbol.

She briefly hoped that Simone was enjoying her experience, but soon she wasn't thinking about anything at all.

***

Jack tipped back his lukewarm coffee and groaned. He had been at work for several hours already, and so far he had learned nothing new. Except the fact that his neck ached from having to watch the vids from such an odd angle.

The worst part of all this was that he needed to run the damn presentation, when none of his guys needed to see it. When upper management failed to police themselves, everyone below them had to suffer for it.

As yet another dumb office skit finished playing, he found his eyes drawn to the idiotic cartoon character telling them that it was a bad idea to tell sex jokes at work. As if they didn't already know that.

The cartoon danced, danced. He shook his head, feeling dizzy. He didn't remember feeling this way when he had first reviewed the material. Maybe he needed some more coffee.

Standing, he turned and slipped out of the room. Nobody would ding him for being gone a few minutes. Hell, he needed to be back there soon to swap to the next brain deadening vid. Why anybody thought this was a good idea was beyond him.

Standing on the catwalk, he looked out over the series of pumps thrumming below him and smiled with pride. It was his initiative that had convinced the city government that they needed to increase water filtration capacity, and he considered the facility to be as important to him as his family.

Every day millions of gallons of water rushed through these pipes from remote reservoirs, treated to make it safe for human consumption. The voracious appetite of the average consumer for their daily water supply kept the system eternally humming along.

There hadn't been a breakdown in weeks, although a third of their capacity was currently down for maintenance. This rotating schedule allowed them to keep most of the system running while taking parts offline to inspect and replace parts as necessary.

Yes, indeed, he had this running like clockwork. He sipped his coffee and frowned at the bitter taste, sighing as he climbed down the metal staircase.

A loud noise attracted his attention. That sounded a lot like one of the doors to the facility, but he had already taken attendance and knew that all of his workers were upstairs. Feeling tense, he rounded the corner and took a few steps, his heart lurching as he saw a group of invaders marching past the pumps.

His eyes had trouble focusing on their figures, the harsh light from above reflecting off their slippery, black body suits. Clouds of blue mist hung around their heads, ejecting from the side ports on their spherical gas masks in synchronized rhythm. Their black gloved hands rested near their belts, and they appeared in no special hurry.

He was ashamed to admit that he froze out of shock, long enough for them to march right up to his stilled form. Clutching his coffee cup in a death grip, he could feel his legs vibrating.

"This facility is now on lockdown," said a muffled voice from beneath one of the masks. "Nobody may enter or leave the premises without permission."

Instead of arguing, he tossed the dregs of his coffee at them and immediately turned to run back upstairs, instinctively seeking help. Most of his guys knew how to turn wrenches, and there was strength in numbers.

Clutching his mug, he took the steps two by two, shouting as the mysterious figures gave chase. Holding his arm in front of him, he smashed open the door to the conference room, taking in the desks and silent men watching the vid.

His eyes flicked over their somnolent figures, heart lurching. None of them had reacted to his sudden entrance, mouths open as they took in the silly cartoon character dancing on the screen.

"Sir. Sir." An iron hand clapped around his shoulder. "It is pointless to resist. Your workers cannot hear you. They have been triggered by the vid."

His eyes automatically moved to watch the cartoon figure, seeing it spin and dance. Spin and dance. There was something strangely attractive about the figure, and the strange eye that was embossed on its chest.

Only the stentorian voice behind him interrupted his momentary daze. "You have been triggered by the vid. The commands implanted by your household globe are now activating. You are docile. You are obedient. You will come with us."

Eyes wide, Jack marched in front of the guard as he steered him out of the room. Escorted down the steps, he was in the midst of a group of the shiny, black suited men. A cloud of blue gas surrounded them in a haze, and his breath caught as he took in a sweet lungful.

This wasn't right. Something was dreadfully wrong. Why was his pumping station being captured by a group of strangely dressed... aliens? In their outfits, they could literally be anyone.

It felt good to stand still and be commanded, but it went against his inner nature. The conflicting parts of his brain fought each other to a standstill, leaving him stationary.

With every passing moment, however, he could feel his urge to leave increasing, until it bounced up and down in his chest with every swallow. Suddenly, the strange miasma which had been strangling his thoughts lifted, leaving him surprisingly clear headed.

He had to leave. He had to find help.

The urgency became too much for him, and he sprinted for the door, shoving aside the pair of surprised figures standing next to him.

***

Zach was unsurprised to find himself back in VR in the captain's quarters of the ship. He hadn't consciously loaded the game himself, which followed the trend of an outside force having taken over his reality.

The situation should have been more frightening, but during his last experience he had been sucked off multiple times. He was starting to wonder whether it wouldn't be better if he gave up and went along with the flow. He certainly had seen little success trying to find a way to escape the forced encounters.

He wasn't giving up. No, it was just that all the choices had been taken from him.