Michael could see right away that he had Kaine’s attention. The Tangent had probably come expecting many things, but not this. Michael had never hidden the fact that he hated the man.

For Michael, it was a no-brainer, though. Weber and the VNS were up to something terrible, and Kaine was the only one powerful enough to stop them. Michael just had to make sure he used him in the right way.

Kaine finally spoke. “I’ll admit, you’ve surprised me.”

“I figured I would.”

“I’ve wanted you to work with me from the beginning,” the Tangent said. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted. There’s a reason you were the first to be chosen for the Mortality Doctrine. And there’s a reason I’ve come to you on more than one occasion asking you for help. Why, after everything that’s happened, have you suddenly decided to take me up on my offer?”

“I know about the Hive,” Michael said. “I know about the connection between the bodies stolen by the Tangents and the consciousness taken from those bodies and stored there. I know they need each other to coexist.”

If Kaine was surprised, he hid it well. “And?”

“And now the VNS thinks the solution to the problem you created is to sever those connections and let both sides die. I’m not going to let that happen. That’s why I need your help.”

Kaine shifted in the beanbag and rested his hands in his lap, his gaze fixed on Michael. Michael had no idea what was going on in the Tangent’s mind.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Kaine finally said.

Michael couldn’t hide his exasperation. “Yes, I’m serious.”

Kaine held his hands up. “It’s just…a bit of a relief to see you come to your senses.”

“So?” Michael urged. “What do you know about the VNS? What are they trying to accomplish?”

Kaine shifted again, then let out a frustrated sigh. “I’m sorry, but this won’t do. Can we please sit in the chairs at the table?”

The table was small, the chairs smaller. But if that was what it took for Kaine to continue this meeting, then so be it.

“Fine,” Michael said. A few seconds later, they were settled and facing each other.

Kaine leaned forward with a very serious look on his face. “Let me start by saying that yes, I agree with you regarding the VNS. They’ve gone far, far past…decency. Let me ask you, though, Michael—why the Hive? Why would I go to all the trouble to create, maintain, and secure that massively complex program?”

Michael worried he could be walking into a trap, but knew he had to answer honestly. “Because there has to be that connection. To keep the Tangents alive in their human hosts.”