The Last Mission of the Living (The Last Bastion #2)(106)

“Well, they’re all programmed to speak, but usually just pre-recorded threats. I gave this little guy a little boost with an A.I. program I’ve been toying with, so he can answer rudimentary questions and carry on short conversations.”

“I am smart,” the aerial drone informed Torran.

Lindsey flashed a proud smile. “Isn’t it cute?”

Torran winced. The electronic hum of the drone’s voice was disconcerting. “Oh yeah, the giant mechanical bug is adorable.”

Picking up Franklin’s helmet, Lindsey handed it to the hovering drone. “You know what to do.”

“Yes, Mother.” The drone’s many claw-like hands gripped it tightly.

“What do you do when you’re done?”

“Return to you in victory.”

“Does it have to be a smart ass like you, Linds?”

“Yes, Father,” the drone replied.

“Hey! None of that!”

“Call him Mr. MacDonald. He’s obviously not very friendly.” Lindsey patted the drone’s metal carapace.

“Give it another name other than ‘Baby’, okay?” Torran gave them both a disapproving look. He was convinced the drone’s many small cameras at the end of tentacle-like stalks all swiveled toward him to glower.

“Like what?”

“Uh... hell if I know.”

Lindsey stared up at the aerial drone thoughtfully. “Teeny, that’s your name.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“I’d really rather it didn’t call you that,” Torran grumbled.

“You’re just jealous that I have a new thing to love,” Lindsey teased. She waved her hand at the drone. “Off you go. Do your job, Teeny.”

“Yes, Mother.”

The aerial drone shifted its rotors and lifted out of the hub. The overhead hatch clanged shut.

“You’re so strange sometimes,” Torran decided, but he was amused by her interaction with the drone. Lindsey almost glowed with delight whenever she was indulging in her passion for tech.

“And things are about to get stranger.” Sliding her arms around his waist, she gazed up at him, her expression altering to a more somber one. “One last kiss before we go?”

“Not a last kiss. Just one to hold us over until the next,” Torran answered. Clutching her close, he tucked his lips over hers and kissed her until they were both nearly breathless.

With great reluctance, Lindsey slid from his arms, her hand clutching his for a few more seconds.

“We’ll be okay,” Torran said, though he knew they probably wouldn’t be unless fate was very kind.

With a small smile, Lindsey picked up his helmet and tossed it to him before donning her own. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Clad in their armor, they were ready for their departure. Both wore backpacks and carried multiple weapons. Torran had decided to carry the remote generator even though it was low on power and it added extra weight to his pack. Lindsey’s was filled with food, water, and additional ammunition.

A few seconds after Torran connected his helmet to his armor, the feed sputtered on. It was truncated as it was only scrolling information from his armor, Lindsey’s suit, and Teeny. Since the drone had more than one camera, it was broadcasting multiple feeds at once.

It was a little dizzying to watch Teeny skimming over the Scrags and being completely ignored.

The Scrags were definitely still obsessed with the Rescue Hub and the prey within.

According to old reports, once the Scrags knew the location of humans, they did not leave the area unless distracted by new prey. Even if Lindsey and Torran waited until the Scrags fell into torpor, once the Rescue Hub returned to its station, the vicious beings would waken and become an instant threat. Therefore, a plan to lure them away had been concocted.

Torran and Lindsey walked somberly to the exit and leaned against the wall while watching the drone’s feed. Teeny finished surfing over the herd and dropped to street level to hover just outside the doorway of a glass-walled dress shop. A thick blanket of fresh snow adorned the building’s roof. Extending several of its arms, the drone pried the doors open and slipped inside.

“If this works...” Torran said to Lindsey.

“It will work.” She pouted. “Don’t doubt me.”

“I don’t. It’s just such a long shot.”

“Maybe, but we have to try.”

Teeny whirred over to a mannequin that was sporting a bright red evening gown.

“I told it to find a bright color,” Lindsey explained.

The drone deftly set the helmet on the mannequin’s head. Its pincher-like fingers slid under the helmet and activated the stealth. On the feed it looked the head of the mannequin vanished.

Lindsey twisted her lips to one side while watching the feed on her faceplate. It was an endearing habit that Torran hoped he’d continue to observe for a very long time.

“Okay, Teeny, activate the secondary program.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Again the drone made adjustments. It was disconcerting to see a recorded projection of Lindsey’s head appear on the helmet.

“I guess my new hairdo does look okay,” Lindsey observed. “Teeny, go get the baddies now.”

“Yes, Mother.”