I'm curious about the mechanics of the hive mind.
Is it telepathic or is the group coordination based on sounds/gestures?
If it's telepathic, what's the range?
I'm wondering how they react to being separated by the main body for a length of time.
Is there a critical mass number that's needed for them to function?
This is the effect in game: ___ Hivemind (15 SP) no pop upkeep figured; not normally subject to any form of civil unrest; +30% against hostile espionage attempts; 100% retreat level for all ground units; ground units cannot surrender; colonies cannot be conquered but only exterminated or driven into the hills and have a -10% to all RP's spent on Tech Levels. Cannot make use of Commanders or training levels other than trained.
But as to their background, I see it operating in pods. By that I mean each individual is self-aware, but when in the presence of others they gain a bonus to their intellect. But it is limited in scope and ability. The most they can have in a 'network' is 500 individuals, which is why their battalions are 500 individuals, and the departments in their Capital Ships, aka engineering etc. etc., are no larger than 500. So their Mega-Cap Ships will prolly have more than one engineering department.
But if you are looking to make a hivemind like in the Starfire books and games you are gonna need to take further Species advantages that Hivemind opens up.
Cheers, Thor