Intergalactic conquest with an AI

Chapter 134 New plans.

"Wait... the Rex?!"

someone blurted out.

"The Immortal Titan? The guy who fought off the Khryssari invasion seven years ago?"

"The very same,"

the young man replied, smirking. "

And if you're wondering why she's so beat up, it's because Rex doesn't just sit around polishing his medals. Wherever he goes, trouble follows."

The crowd leaned closer to the window, their awe intensifying as they studied the ship's elegant, damaged form.

One of the merchants, an older man with a heavy coat and a cigar tucked behind his ear, let out a low whistle.

"I heard stories about that guy. They say he's not even human anymore. More like a walking weapon."

The engineer shrugged.

"Depends who you ask. But I'll tell you one thing: if he's here, it means something big is about to go down."

The station intercom cracked to life, interrupting the growing buzz of conversation

. [This is trading station control. Vessel Cleopatra, you are cleared for docking in Bay Alpha-One. Please proceed at reduced speed.]

The

Cleopatra

began its slow approach, its engines humming like the low growl of a predator. As the ship neared the station, the damage it had sustained became even more apparent, with gashes along its hull, exposed wiring, and scorch marks that told a story of intense battle.

And yet, it moved with purpose, unbothered by its injuries, like a warrior returning home after a hard-fought victory.

As the ship disappeared into the docking bay, the young engineer pushed off the railing and stretched.

"Well, I'd better get back to work. I'm sure the Cleopatra's crew will need all the help they can get fixing her up. You lot better pay attention; this station might be busy, but it's about to get a lot more interesting."

The crowd lingered at the observation window, their eyes still glued to where the

Cleopatra

had vanished. They spoke in hushed tones now, as if afraid to disturb the gravity of what they'd just witnessed.

Inside the station, Rex stepped off the

Cleopatra

's ramp, his heavy boots clanging against the metal floor. He glanced around, his sharp golden eyes scanning the bustling hangar. Behind him, Cleo's holographic form flickered into existence, perched on a nearby support beam.

"Quite the welcoming committee,"

Cleo said, her voice dripping with dry humor.

"They're staring at us like we're celebrities."

Rex snorted.

"Let them stare all they want."

"By the way, what about Carlos and Ys? Have they made it back yet?"

Rex asked, his deep voice breaking the quiet hum of the trading station's corridors.

He strode toward his temporary quarters, his armored boots thudding lightly against the metallic floor. The glow of repair drones in the distance cast fleeting shadows across his broad frame.

Mini Cleo perched playfully on Rex's head like an energetic pixie, folded her legs, and leaned forward. Her translucent figure flickered slightly as she processed his question.

"The last report I got said that the Liberator sustained significant damage to the communications, engines, and hull. They're coming back slowly, making several warp jumps while Ys's vessel escorts them."

Rex sighed, rolling his neck as if trying to shake off the weight of the news.

"So, they're crawling home. Typical Carlos. Bet he's cracking jokes to keep everyone's spirits up while Ys pretends she isn't annoyed.

"

He smirked faintly at the thought, but it quickly faded.

"And here I was thinking I'd be busy cleaning up after him. Guess that means we're stuck with nothing to do, huh?"

Mini Cleo hopped down from his head and floated alongside him at eye level, her hands clasped behind her back. "Affirmative. All scheduled tasks were suspended after the enemy engagement. For the next few days, the original AI will be busy handling upgrades and repairs."

Rex scratched his chin thoughtfully.

"Free time, huh? Feels… weird. We've been fighting so long, I don't even know what to do with it."

His golden eyes brightened as an idea struck him.

"Mmm, wait. What if we take a vacation? Somewhere fancy. Somewhere we can kick back, drink something fruity, and pretend war doesn't exist for a few days."

Mini Cleo tilted her head, intrigued.

"A vacation? That's uncharacteristically indulgent of you."

"Indulgent? Please. It's called'stress management, and it's long overdue."

Rex grinned and threw his arms up dramatically.

"Mini Cleo, search for the best pleasure cruisers nearby! None of that budget-tier nonsense, VIP treatment only. Five stars. No, make it six stars if it exists!"

Mini Cleo giggled, her tiny figure zipping around him like an excited assistant.

"Searching… Done! I've found several high-end luxury cruisers within range. Displaying options now."

She conjured four holographic screens that floated in front of him, each one showcasing opulent vessels with glittering destinations: a paradise planet with crystal beaches, a skycity orbiting a gas giant, and even a private space station with simulated gravity pools.

"Mmm, nice. Let me take a closer look... wait."

Rex paused as they approached his temporary quarters.

"Before I pick, I need to wake up Cleo. She'll want in on this."

The entrance slid open, revealing a modest but well-furnished apartment. Standing guard outside were a line of Aegis Royal Guards, their golden capes fluttering slightly as they shifted their weight.

Each one was an imposing figure, their armored forms brimming with energy shields, enhanced reflexes, and enough firepower to take down small armies. Their glowing visors turned to acknowledge Rex as he passed, but they remained silent.

Inside the room, Cleo's body lay on a sleek recovery platform, her features serene, almost doll-like in their perfection. She appeared to be sleeping, her black hair cascading around her bare shoulders like liquid.

Mini Cleo floated to the edge of the platform, tilting her head curiously.

"She always looks so peaceful when she's in standby mode. Almost like she doesn't spend half her time yelling at people to follow protocol."

Rex chuckled, stepping closer. "

Yeah, peaceful. Except she refuses to wear clothes when she's out of her body."

He sighed, shaking his head.

"She says it's for 'technical efficiency, but we both know she just likes messing with me."

He reached out, gently pressing a finger to Cleo's forehead.

The moment his finger made contact, intricate tech markings lit up along his hand and her skin, glowing softly as they spread across her body like circuitry coming to life. A faint hum filled the room as her systems powered up. Within seconds, her vibrant golden eyes opened, their clarity like the surface of a calm ocean.

"Welcome back, my cute wife,"

Rex teased, handing her a robe before she could sit up.

"How's the Cleopatra looking?"

Cleo blinked a few times, then rolled her eyes at his comment.

"You're still calling me that, huh? And the ship's stable for now, though it'll take days to finish all the repairs. We're lucky the core didn't destabilize after that last hit.

"

She pulled the robe over her shoulders, tying it loosely as she sat up.

"So, what's this about you waking me up? Don't tell me another pirate fleet showed up."

Rex smirked.

"No pirates. No emergencies. For once, I woke you up for something fun. We're taking a vacation."

Cleo raised an eyebrow; her expression caught somewhere between amusement and disbelief.

"A vacation? You? Are you feeling alright? Should I run a diagnostic on your brain?"

"I'm serious,"

Rex said, crossing his arms. "

We've been fighting non-stop. We've earned some downtime, and now that we've got the credits, we're going big. Luxury cruiser, five stars, VIP treatment, and that stuff. Mini Cleo's already pulled up the options."

Cleo glanced at the hovering screens, her expression softening slightly. For a moment, the corner of her mouth quirked up in a faint smile.

"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to take a break. Even I need to rest once in a while."

She paused, her voice dropping into a teasing tone.

"Though I'm guessing this is less about stress relief and more about you wanting to sip cocktails while pretending to be the galaxy's most eligible bachelor."

Rex laughed. "

Hey, if the galaxy sees me that way, who am I to argue?"

Cleo rolled her eyes again but stepped closer to one of the screens. Her holographic twin perched on her shoulder, giving an excited thumbs-up. " Find exclusive stories on empire

Alright, let's see what you've picked. But if we're doing this, I'm choosing the destination. You'll just pick the one with the biggest bar."

"Deal,"

Rex said, grinning.

As Cleo scanned the options, Rex leaned back against the wall, watching her with a faint smile. For all the chaos they'd been through, moments like this reminded him that he remembers that Cleo isn't just a weapon; she's something even more human than him.

"By the way,"

Cleo said without looking up,

"if you try to cheap out on the trip, I'll reprogram your bed to simulate turbulence for the next month."

"Noted,"

Rex replied with a chuckle.

"VIP all the way, I promise."

While Rex and Cleo were engrossed in scanning through the holo screens, debating the merits of one luxury cruiser over another, Cleo suddenly stopped speaking mid-sentence.

Her gaze drifted away from the display, locking onto the far wall as if she were staring at something invisible. Her normally vibrant expression shifted into something sharper, more calculating.

Rex immediately noticed the change.

"Mmm? What's the matter, Cleo?"

he asked, his tone a mixture of curiosity and caution. He leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms as he watched her.

Cleo remained silent for a moment, her holographic twin, Mini Cleo, flickering into view on Rex's shoulder as if equally curious.

Then Cleo blinked, as if snapping back to the present. She turned toward him, summoning a holo screen in front of them with a wave of her hand. The swirling image of space distorted by a warp jump appeared, rippling like a stone dropped into still water.