“I can feel you looking at me.”
“I like the view.”
“You have a terrible sense of humor. Has anyone ever told you that?”
“Many times.”
“Of course they have. You’re a caveman.”
“Then it is a good thing you like cave males.”
“You’re the first.” She huffed. “And there you go again, winning an argument. I’m going to have to work on my strategy.” Her sigh was audible. “But then, there are all the orgasms. Gives you a massive advantage.”
I laughed again, shocked at how one small, sassy female could so completely change my life. I did not laugh. I did not play games. I did not speak to females outside my duties to my legion. Abby was changing everything. “I will be back, Abby, once I know it is safe. Do not fear and do not move from this place.”
“Ten thousand? You’re crazy, you know that?”
Once Abby disappeared from view, I turned back and closed the distance to the abandoned structure. The base was in worse condition than I’d thought. Up close, it was easy to see the distinctive markings on the Hive structures. They made everything in patterns, usually multiples of three. Even the walls were etched with their odd geometric designs. Massive boot prints covered the ground, some so large only an Atlan in beast mode could have made them.
Had there been a battle here? Perhaps the Hive had held off the Coalition forces just long enough to escape? Or maybe they had decided the base was of no use and abandoned it by choice.
I approached the doors, shocked when the doors slid open to allow me entrance. Blaster in hand, I stepped into darkness. The built-in lights on my suit cut rays of white through the shadows.
Same set of footprints in here. Some Atlan sized, others not. None of this made any sense.
I moved to the control panel and thanked the gods I had scavenged enough Hive tech to recognize some of the switches and scanners. I turned on life support to the room, enabled the shield on the front doors and waited until I heard the telltale hiss of fresh air being pumped into the room from the atmospheric generators. The Hive were a mindless horde, but they were extremely good at keeping their new puppets alive.
In just a few minutes, I had scanned the entire base for movement, energy or anything that would indicate activity. Nothing.
Satisfied it would be safe for Abby, I ran back to where I had left her.
“Abby, it is safe.”
Her head popped out from under the rock. “Nine thousand, nine hundred and thirty-six.”
I reached down and pulled her out of her hiding spot. “Found you.”
“Nine thousand, nine hundred and thirty-seven.”
“Abby.”
“I’m on a roll here. I’ve never counted this high before.”
“Do you wish to continue? I will wait.”
“No. My brain is tired of numbers. Took you long enough.”
“My apologies, mate. I had to ensure the Hive base was truly abandoned.”
“The Hive?”
“Yes.”
“Oh shit.” Abby bent over, her hands resting on her knees as she took several deep breaths. “The Hive. That’s so not cool.”
“You are safe with me.”
“I know.” She held out one of her hands toward me, and I ignored it, choosing instead to lift her into my arms once more. “Doesn’t mean I won’t be totally freaked out.”