Allistor resisted contemplating that visual as he responded, “I saw a tub in one of the bathrooms.  Might feel better to soak a while.”

She clapped her hands and grinned at him.  “I’ll do both!”

When they reached his quarters the doors opened as he approached, the biometric scanners recognizing him.  Once inside, he was relieved to see her split off and head across the main floor area for one of the bathrooms that had previously been a public restroom, rather than his ‘master suite’.  She grabbed her bag and the clean clothes she had claimed the day before, calling over her shoulder, “See you in an hour!”

Left to himself, Allistor opened his interface and found Fuzzy’s Companion tab.   The first thing he noticed was that his bear cub had a new level now.  He was in fact level six already.  The fights with the snake, the creepers, and maybe Twitch and his guys had granted him some experience.  Out of curiosity, he tried adding Fuzzy to the Stronghold’s authorized list.  The System let him add his pet’s name, much to his delight.

“Okay, buddy, you can let yourself in and out now.  No waking me up or sticking your nose into the shower if you need to go out.  You just go take care of business.”

Clearly understanding his words, the bear cub ambled toward the exit and let himself out.  Allistor felt a strange sense of pride at this.  “My little guy is growing up so fast!” he muttered to himself.   Turning toward his quarters, he went to hit the shower.

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

What Happens in the Silo…

The next morning, after the group had a nice breakfast together, Allistor and Helen set off with Andrea and Fuzzy to see about the base.   Helen rode in back with the bear cub, scratching his belly as Andrea navigated for Allistor.   She brought them through the front gate and across the base, pointing out buildings like the motor pool, commissary, and the med clinic.  A few minutes later they were parked before a low mound of concrete and earth, a single metal pedestal mounted out front.

Andrea tried the radio first.   She tuned it to a specific channel, then keyed the microphone.  “Redwing One, this is Tech Sergeant Miller, do you copy?”  After a short pause, she added, “Redwing One, please respond.  Hippopotamus can fly, over.”

Helen snorted behind her.  “Nice one.”

A voice came over the radio.  “Sarge, is that really you?”

Andrea smiled at the microphone.  “Jenkins!  Of course it’s me!  For the ALLIANCE!” she shouted.

“For the Horde!”  Jenkins’ voice came back.  “Damn I’m glad to hear from you.” Then his voice grew suspicious.  “I see folks in that truck with you.  Is there a problem?”