By the time Ryan returned from the bunker, I felt hopeful for the next day.
“The deserters are all settled in,” he reported.
“Were the fish still alive?” I asked.
“A few were. I think they were eating each other. They’ll be fine now, though. The group was pretty excited that they were there. They weren’t happy about the radio going, though. But after seeing the cameras and the power sources they were getting, they didn’t complain too much.”
“They shouldn’t,” I said. “It was a decent place to hole up. However, we should check on them every now and again.”
“I already told them we would, but I also told them not to expect supplies from us. They chose to be on their own.”
While he talked, a fey came in with the radio and the supplies.
“We can probably go back to the base and dismantle one of the towers. We’d get better range than what we’ll have now,” Matt said, removing parts from the bin and setting them up next to his existing radio.
I looked around his house as I leaned into Tor.
“Matt, you need to make some changes, too.”
He glanced up at me in question.
“Well, I’m sending the message that fey are great, and everyone should have one. But I think you need to be the other side of the coin. Did you lose someone in all of this?”
He messed around with some wires and connections for a bit.
“I did,” he said finally. “I’m not sure I…there’s a lot going on here. Romantic distractions aren’t something I can afford right now.”
I studied the man as he turned on the radio. The familiar sound sent me back to the bunker for a moment and the loneliness I’d felt there.
“We’ve all lost people, Matt. I’m sure that’s why many of the women aren’t willing to consider a fey. But in order to move forward, we also need to move on.”
He sighed heavily.
“I know you’re right. I’ll talk to Emily.”
“Nope. Emily needs to stay focused on her current projects. You’ll be Tor’s project.”
Tor grunted.
“What type of female do you want? One with big breasts and wide hips? One with a sad smile? I saw one with purple hair. She scowls like you do.”
Matt shot me a worried look, and I smiled.
“You’ll be in good hands. Trust me. Tor knows what he’s doing, and he knows how to be subtle.”
“…comprised. The eastern barrier is gone. There are no lines to hold. Relay on all channels.”
We all turned to look at the radio.
“God help us all,” the voice said. “Is anyone out there?”
Matt got on the radio.
“This is Matt Davis from the Tenacity settlement. Please repeat the message.”
“Holy shit,” the voice said. “I’m glad to hear your voice. The guy that sent the message isn’t on the channel anymore. That was more than a week ago.”
“What’s the message?” Matt asked.