I do have some places in mind already, but it is better if I go and collect those ores and crystals myself, as I can use the opportunity to scout out the Hive just in case my relationship with the Queen becomes less than expected.
More reasons to why I should not kill her trapped children just yet. Or at all.
They might be an eyesore to the Queen, but they can become an asset to me. Even a piece of shit can be made useful let alone those who are already capable enough to catch my attention.
"I do have some drop points in mind," I reply, as I cannot request to come to the Hive and collect those items directly.
Even if I can come up with a good reason to, Nessa will outright refuse me. She isn't stupid enough to allow an enigma to enter her Hive and get dangerous close to her. Sure, I might have given her intellect too much credits, but it is better safe than sorry.
"But your highness, may I know how many ores and crystals you are willing to relinquish to me?" I add with a hint of puzzlement.
The Queen takes a moment to query the Hive Mind. Or her attention is elsewhere. It really hard to tell what she is doing when she closes her eyes. "How much do you need, Merchant?"
Such a fucking shifty bitch for never answering my questions as they are, but I can play at that game.
"I am unsure, your highness. I will have to ask those under me for the exact amount we need. It might also be useful if we have a sample of each ores and crystals," I response respectfully. "If you can drop it at this location, one of my people will pick the samples."
The Queen nods. "I will have it arranged."
"Please notify me when it is done," I reply and close the connection. I let out a heavy sigh afterwards and access the Intercom to talk to Alex.
"Yes, I know, give me a second," I tell him. He had sent me a message via the Party System while I was talking to the Queen, and I believe it is in regard to the Caravan, as that has reached its destination. It is now waiting for new orders.
The Caravan is parked directly above the formerly abandoned Subway Station, and since it is that close to an Establishment, I can use the Transfer function to teleport everything within the Caravan straight into the Subway Station.
"No worry, I am just chilling here. Oh, by the way, what should I tell the others about my disappearance from before?" Alex questions. "I assume you want to keep your – our – powers a secret?"
Alex must have realized the implication of the changes in the timeline, and that is one less thing I have to convince him. Even if he has all the qualities of a generic hero, he isn't naïve in his thinking process.
"Yes, we should keep our abilities a secret. Or spin up some sort of logical explanation," I tell Alex and try to come up with a good explanation for Alex. Then I realize, none of them really need to know. "Do we need to explain anything at all?"
"I guess not," Alex agrees. "But if they really insist, I will just blame it on someone else."
I chuckle. "Yes, blame it on our mysterious boss."