Chapter 33
Keep six feet apart to avoid impregnation…
The pace was slow, as expected, but Petrov didn't mind. What did bother him was that Pierce and the alien had agreed, behind his back, to allow his captain to go on patrol when she was still recovering.
They were a fair distance away from the hotel now, but the structure was still within eyesight. Even so, if anything went wrong, it would be an unpleasant trek back. Especially if they had to carry someone. The snow, though light, was still falling; and it was deep and loosely packed. Katja was sinking above her knee in some spots.
"Katyusha? Sweetheart?" Petrov spoke as he helped her out of a particularly large drift. "I got you something."
"What's that?" she asked, her helmet sliding down a little on her forehead.
He grabbed the knife from his vest and held it out to her, handle first. "Found this in the emergency duffle in Alexander's room. Not military grade, but at least it's something. I know you lost yours saving me."
Her face brightened. Normally the expression he got from girls when he'd given them flowers, not weaponry. "Perfect. Thank you." She took it and stashed it in her own vest.
"Also," he rushed, reverting to Russian so Adrien wouldn't overhear, "if you're feeling well enough tomorrow morning, I wondered if you'd like to have breakfast with me. Well, I'm making enough to save for everyone, but… I…" He was stumbling, and badly. Why was this so difficult? He felt like a teenager again.
"Breakfast?" she repeated. "Together?"
"Yes, and I found this guest room with huge windows and a beautiful view of the mountains, and I want to share it with you over tea and breakfast. I want to make you happy."
Instead, what came out of his mouth was, "Yes, I promised Pierce syrniki, remember?"
"Oh, yes, you did. Sure, it's a date. I'll never say no to time with you."
Petrov took a deep breath, ready to continue with what he meant to say, but the American fell back and butted in.
"Watcha guys talking about?"
"Food," Katja responded shortly. "Hey, where's Blue?"
Not seeming to notice her less than forthcoming reply, Adrien stopped and scanned the trees.
"There," he pointed. It took some squinting, but Petrov saw the telltale distortion in the air.
How Pierce got so good at spotting these things while they were invisible was something of a mystery to Petrov. The American had the eyes of a hawk.
Katja gave the alien a sheepish wave, to which the hunter replied with… flashing eyes? Whatever that meant.
"So, did you guys have a big bachelor party while I was sick?" Katja asked.
"Do you always talk this much on patrol? Also, who's getting married? Blue?" Adrien whispered.
"I meant; I saw you playing poker. Was just one big boys club while I was out?" Katja clarified.
"Not exactly. We were all a little nervous to leave you. Even when we had to go out, it was nerve wracking to wonder if we'd return and find out you passed," Petrov said. Despite her making light of things, the days hadn't been fun and games for them.
"It was fun while it lasted. Now we have to be responsible again, or risk your scorn," Adrien joked.
Petrov took notice of Katja's breathing, which was only now beginning to moderately increase. He was impressed. Her stamina was getting noticeably better. Still, her strain was audible, and he knew what that meant.
When Pierce glanced back, likely because he heard it too, Petrov gave him an agreed upon hand symbol. It basically meant Katja was pushing herself too hard, and one of them needed to fake a break so as not to offend her.
"Mind stopping a moment? I need a drink," Adrien asked.
"Ok," Katja agreed immediately. They found a downed log under some trees, which was better than standing around while it snowed.
A moment later, there was a feathery impact noise. Blue had joined them and de-cloaked. The alien was also aware of the signal and what it meant.
"Water?" Adrien handed the big guy a bottle.
Petrov himself took one and began cranking on the lid. No go. The thing was sealed tight. Removing his gloves, he got a tighter grip and torqued. Nothing.
"Having some trouble there, lieutenant?" Adrien laughed. The alien was doing his 'laugh' too.
Deciding to be a good sport for the gentle ribbing, Petrov smiled. "It's really on there."
"Here, let me see. And go to the hotel gym when we get back, jeez," Adrien said as he took the bottle. Pierce attempted to undo the seal, also to no avail, which earned him laughter from all present.
"Alright, show us how superior you are Blue," Adrien handed the bottle over to hunter.
The hunter gave a dismissive chuff, as if to say, 'I've got this'. But even his massive biceps weren't enough to loosen it.
Things got real when the hunter activated his wrist blades and motioned that he wanted to cut the top off.
"Isn't it a little early for us to start cheating?" Petrov asked.
"He's right, we are better than this," Adrien agreed. So, the three of them passed the bottle around and came up with ever inventive ways to increase grip. Still, it wouldn't give.
"May I?" Katja cut in with a giggle.
"This ought to be good," Adrien said as he tossed her the bottle. They all watched as in one swift hand motion, she undid the lid with no effort.
"What the shit?" Adrien blinked.
"What the shit?" Blue immediately repeated Adrien's voice clip.
"My brother and I, we shared my first beer together. When I struggled opening it, he taught me the secret to opening any lid," Katja explained.
"Which is?" promoted Adrien.
"A secret," Katja reiterated with a gorgeous, devilish smirk. It caused Petrov to swallow hard.
"I think we just loosened it," Adrien stuck his chin in the air pridefully, likely just to put everyone at ease. Petrov had learned Adrien was doing his best to keep everyone optimistic, even at his own expense. And Maksim found it was extremely contagious.
"I suppose we should finish up and get back before Alexei worries," Petrov stood with a stretch.
"Yes, because that's what I first consider before any action I take. How Alexei will feel," Adrien said, dryly enough that Petrov knew he was still joking. "I suppose you're right, though. Getting cold."
The three humans then began walking when the American Captain stopped and turned around. "Blue, what are you doing? Let's go," Adrien prompted.
"Mask problem, fixing," Blue answered shortly as he fiddled with the inside of it.
"Fix it back at the hotel, I don't like sitting out in the open like this," Adrien urged nervously, looking about.
"Patience, human," Blue broadcasted.
"Tell that to the serpents or Weyland. C'mon, move your ass. We can cut the patrol short and go back now, if you prefer," Adrien pressed harder. Though Petrov agreed that their current position wasn't very defensible, he saw nothing nearby. What was making the American so anxious?
Blue just hissed at him this time. Clearly a 'Shut up and let me finish' statement.
That's when it happened.
One of the scorpion/spider things jumped out from underneath the snow, its tail making several loops around the alien hunter's neck in the blink of an eye.
Blue gave a roar, and it sounded surprised and a bit distressed to Petrov. He knew the feeling, having suffered a similar attack just days ago.
"Shit!" Adrien exclaimed as he took off, Katja in tow, and Petrov broke his trance to join them.
They arrived just as the hunter gained enough sense back to get his wrist blades out. "Blue! No! You'll splash acid all over yourself!" Katja exclaimed as she grabbed his forearm to stop him. The alien thankfully did, lest he make a mess of them all.
"Petrov, help me get this off him!" Adrien requested urgently as he struggled to keep the disgusting impregnator at bay. Between himself, Pierce, and the alien, they managed to at least keep it away from his face; but the thing was surprisingly strong and had too firm of a grip around the hunter's neck.
"Stop! Stop! You're choking him!" Katja cried. Petrov noted Blue's noises had been reduced to pathetic squeaks from lack of airflow.
"Get that goddamn tail off his neck!" Adrien motioned, and Katja went to work.
"No good!" Katja advised. Either the thing was too strong, or she was too weakened from her convalescence. Or a combination of both. Clearly, it wasn't coming off by un-looping it.
"Ok, ok, pull it out as far as you can!" Adrien ordered. They all joined in stretching the impregnator out away from Blue's face. The downside was watching the hunter's eyes slowly roll back into his skull as the tail tightened, the creature refusing to give up its mark.
Maksim watched as Katja let go and pulled out the knife he had just given her.
"No, no!" Adrien shouted. "It's too small! I have something better! Let me use mine!"
Katja resumed her hold, and Adrien drew his large multi tool knife with the strange squared-off end, rather than a traditional pointy tip.
Using it as a hacking device, the American sliced the tail right where it met the body, farthest away from their alien ally. Pierce didn't even bother holding onto the tool, letting it drop as soon as he chopped the tail off. Acidic blood and the knife spattering the snow.
Petrov and Katja now held the tailless scorpion as it panicked and turned its attention to them. "What the hell do we do now?" Petrov asked. The acid blood was spattering everywhere with its flailing.
Katja suddenly let go and drew her Glock.
"Throw it!" she yelled.
Petrov didn't need any more prompting than that as he tossed it as hard as he could. As it rotated in the air, Katja led it, then fired.
Petrov's jaw dropped as the bullet connected, and the creature fell, limp and lifeless on the ground.
Damn.
She was a good shot.
Katja stood there with her arm extended, still aiming at the spider corpse. She was shaking violently, from shock, from sickness, from adrenaline. It was Adrien's voice that brought her back.
"Blue! Buddy! Wake up!"
She turned and saw him crouched over the unresponsive hunter, smacking the side of his cheeks… mandibles, whatever. The tail off his neck, finally. Holstering the gun, she came over opposite Adrien.
"I feel a pulse," Petrov announced, two fingers on Blue's wrist. A moment later, the hunter's sunken, teal eyes opened up.
"Thank God," Katja murmured.
Adrien immediately went to check the hunter's neck, which earned him a very weak snarl.
"Blue, I gotta check that injury. Your trachea may be damaged, and you won't be able to breathe soon," Adrien urged. Katja shuddered. She had performed a tracheotomy only once, and it had made her knees weak doing it.
Still, the hunter wouldn't let him look at it, defensively covering his throat with his hand. The neck was an extremely vulnerable spot. He did have an armored brace around his throat, generally. Maybe they were sensitive to letting anyone close to it. Maybe he was simply feeling too vulnerable at the moment, overall.
"Ok, what if Katja looks at it instead?" Adrien suggested calmly. The hunter's eyes shifted between herself and Adrien before he reluctantly nodded.
"You know what you are looking for?" Adrien asked Katja.
"Been awhile, and he's a different species; but yes, I think I can do it," Katja answered with a nod.
"Petrov, let's cover the area. I don't want another ambush," Adrien ordered.
"Got it," Petrov acknowledged, and they both turned away, guns at the ready.
To really be able to get close enough and see the whole spot at once, Katja was forced to climb on and straddle the hunter's chest. He was just so damn big, there was no other way.
"Can you remove this for me?" Katja tapped his neck guard. Blue made some weak protesting noises, but undid the guard. He was now doing a steady low growl in warning. It reminded her of trying to give Mishka pills.
Lord, his mandibles were big. And sharp. If he lashed out, she'd be dead before she could even try and move…
Steadying her shaking, Katja moved her fingers slowly so as not to spook him, massaging around the neck and feeling out the damage. The… 'skin' was so much finer around the neck than the rest him. Maybe that was why he didn't want it touched.
Occasionally, she'd touch a spot, and he'd make a pained wince. Bruising that hadn't made itself visible, most likely. She wasn't entirely sure, since he wasn't human, but the injury seemed mostly superficial. It would hurt for a time, but no tracheotomy would be needed.
"Adrien," Katja called. She could hear the man turn and drop to his knees beside her. Petrov did not make to join them, but continued to cover the area. "It's hard to tell, since he's not human, but the general throat structure seems close to ours. I think he's going to be ok."
"That's a relief. How do you feel?" Adrien questioned.
"Hammered shit," a voice clip, likely from military guys he'd hunted in the past, played from Blue's wrist device.
"Petrov, go get that truck your former commander was using. Should still be right outside the hotel. I don't want these guys walking," Adrien ordered.
These…
It suddenly occurred to her that Adrien meant herself, as well. For the last few minutes, she had forgotten she was half-invalid herself.
"Got it," Petrov answered, and began a run back to the hotel.
Raking her braid over her shoulder, Katja watched him depart. She hated the idea of him going alone, but what choice did they have? She and Blue were liabilities at this point. Why, why had she stupidly insisted on going out? "Be careful, Maksim!" she called after him.
"I'll be alright," he promised over his shoulder.
With a sigh, Katja rolled off Blue and plopped down in the snow next to him. Adrien joined them shortly after. The adrenaline was wearing off and fatigue was setting in. Even for the big guy, it seemed.
"Adrien…" Katja began.
"Yeah?" Adrien blew out a breath.
She meant to apologize, but didn't want a whole debate on culpability. So, she went a different direction. "If serpents come out of humans… what comes out of hunters?" It might be a little insensitive to ask so soon after the attack, but she had to know.
"I don't know. I don't like hunters, and I don't like serpents. But I most definitely do not like the idea of a hunter-serpent," Adrien answered.
"Abomination," Blue said with his own voice. It sounded even worse than before.
"Don't do that! You may damage your voice! Use your computer!" Katja scolded worriedly.
He seemed to be doing something in his mask with his fingers. Ah, now the extra face appendages made sense. He could control the mask with touch settings, but instead of a finger, he used a mandible.
A moment later, he offered her the mask. She looked at him, confused, but he motioned for her to put it up to her face. So, she did. It smelled… odd inside – not bad, just alien.
On the screen, she saw what he wanted her to see. A serpent with the distinguishable features of Blue's species.
Based on the fact that this was likely a picture from the perspective of Blue or another hunter, it was stunning how big the hybrid was. Whoever took it was clearly looking up at it, and Blue himself had to be around 2.5 meters.
"Can I show Adrien?" Katja requested. Her alien friend dipped his head to indicate that she had his consent.
Adrien took the mask and peered inside. "My God, what the hell is that thing?" he asked as he handed it over to its owner.
"Hybrid. Abomination," Blue repeated.
"I noticed human buildings. Where was that taken?" Adrien asked.
"Humans call it, Colorado?" Blue posed, purposely adding the question inflection to the computer voice.
"Colorado?" Adrien repeated.
Katja recalled Adrien mentioning a hunter sighting in Colorado. It was all coming together.
"Yes," Blue affirmed.
"When was this?" Adrien asked, his brows furrowing. Blue seemed to be considering the question.
"Seventeen years ago, by human measurement," the alien finally answered.
"Did you take this picture?" Katja asked.
Blue shook his head. "Another hunter. A specialist. Abominations are uncommon."
"Let's keep it that way," Adrien stated definitively as he picked up what was left of his knife. "You owe me a new knife, by the way," he joked as he held up the handle minus the blade.
The alien must've taken it seriously, as he removed the knife from his boot and offered it to Adrien.
"Uh, thanks. But it was just a joke. Why don't you hang onto it for now, and we can renegotiate later?" Adrien laughed. Blue just returned the knife to its sheath.
And that was when Petrov approached with the vehicle. It took some doing, but with the seats moved up as far they could go, Blue was able to fit in the back seats if he slouched. Katja was forced to more or less sit in his lap because Adrien or Petrov wouldn't fit back there with him.
Mercifully, the ride was short as Blue absently stroked her hair. Maybe to reassure himself, or a way to come off the adrenaline high. Either way, she was pretty sure it was for his benefit and not hers; though it didn't feel bad either. He may not have even been doing it consciously.
It wasn't the worst way to end the trip, anyway…
Vai'dqouulth climbed out of the human transport. He felt ridiculous being driven back when he was perfectly capable of walking, but Adrien had been adamant and upset, so he thought it best to just go along with it. He was too, admittedly. Such a youngblood's mistake.
Among the Yautja, he'd be ridiculed. As a matter of fact, he'd ridicule any hunter that had been in that same situation. It was an ultimate dishonor for a Yautja to get impregnated by the hard meats.
Thankfully, his mask hadn't been recording during the attack, and he wasn't going to volunteer the information unless explicitly asked. No female would have him for a significant passage of time for that debacle.
Female… shit. What must Katja think of this dishonor?
The humans just seemed upset and concerned with his well-being; but maybe after things settled, they'd make fun of him. He was just embarrassed, and he hadn't been truly embarrassed in a long time. Well… maybe just before this patrol when he talked with Adrien wasn't that long ago.
His neck certainly hurt, but he hadn't been keen on a prey species inspecting such a critical body point. They were insistent, however, and the compromise was the human he trusted most would take a look. Even then, he gave her a steady warning to discourage any attacks.
He hadn't needed to worry, as it turned out. Katja had massaged his neck tenderly, assessing the damage as best as one who was unfamiliar with his biology could. It made him feel like even more of a fool, growling at someone trying to render aid. Yautja tended to act with too much instinct, and he was no exception.
They trudged their way back to the dwelling in silence, with the exception of the lesser warrior grabbing some medical items on the way. When they did enter, the little runt of a human was in far too good of a mood, and Vai'dqouulth barked harshly in annoyance, scaring him off before going sullenly to his sleeping pallet. That vocal projection had hurt though, even if he didn't react.
"Both of you rest. That's a military order and a doctor's order," Adrien pushed Katja into the room after him.
To encourage Katja's restlessness to recover, Vai'dqouulth nodded, though he wasn't happy about it either.
"Been a long day, and a little too much excitement for us all," Adrien finished.
"I'll take another look at him before we go," Katja assured. It seemed she wasn't going to fight this for once.
"Alright, here. Petrov grabbed an ice pack and a heating pad. I think Blue should use those," Adrien said as he handed the items over.
Katja took them. "Thanks," she answered simply.
"I want you two to actually sleep, not just lay there in a perpetual hyper state. What happened today was nobody's fault. The good news is, nobody got killed either," Adrien said.
The male was awfully forgiving. He had made a mistake, and Adrien was denying it as such. In front of a female, no less. His closest hunt brothers wouldn't even do that.
"Promise," Katja said.
Adrien paused as he slowly closed the door. "That was a hell of a shot, kid," he told the female. "Skeet shooting that thing with a pistol? While sick?"
"Dumb luck," she shrugged. "Didn't aim so much as prayed. Adiòs, American."
"Roger, Russian." Adrien finally closed the door.
Katja then turned to Vai'dqouulth. "My poor big guy." She came over and embraced him. He had not expected that. And she was laying claim to him with her words. That, he would not argue.
"My big brave beautiful tough trophy hunter," she cooed. What was this nonsense? He had never observed this behavior in any humans. But her words were certainly not unwelcome. It made him feel worthy again.
Suddenly, he felt a wetness on his chest. He pulled her back and observed that she was crying again.
The action still made him uncomfortable, as he didn't really know what to do about it. He had never seen another Yautja do it. Not even sucklings, since he wasn't allowed around them, like all other males.
He knew it was a symptom of a negative emotion, which humans were less in control of. But what was she so upset about?
"Why do?" he asked her. The only thing he thought might resolve this was talking to her.
"Because you almost died. And it's my job to see everyone through this safely. Even you," Katja answered.
Now Vai'dqouulth felt a different kind of uncomfortable. She had fully overlooked his foolish mistake, something no one of his kind would do, and was telling him she would be upset if he met with the black hunter.
Yautja weren't like that. There is a certain level of solemnness when another passed, but nothing like what Katja was telling him. The only times he had been even close to the description of upset, was the manner of death when it came to a fellow hunter. Specifically, when a bad blood killed them. Generally, in a cowardly way.
"Life not your responsibility," Vai'dqouulth tried to assure her. That had been a mistake, as she got more upset.
"Of course your life is my responsibility. I was sent here to evacuate people to safety. You are here, in my area of operation. You need to be evacuated to safety, even if you are too prideful to admit it. You are, therefore, my responsibility," she huffed in frustration. "Just as much as Maksim and Alexei and Adrien are."
He'd be insulted by her words, but the tone and emotion she had communicated with suggested there had been no ill-intent. Instead, he lowered his head submissively and gave her a simulated purr through a growl. He knew she did not like the effects of the real thing, but felt the need to reassure her. He did not like her in this state. It made him feel unworthy and powerless.
Truly, she was worthy of a lifemate title. Overlooking his mistakes, sharing resources essential to his survival, trying to treat him medically, fighting as a true warrior, and now, the best part of her to date. Loyalty. Who cared what species she was?
Yautja weren't disloyal by any means, but there was a certain expectation of making it on your own in the universe. It was somewhat of a shock she cared about his death to the point of sadness. It was even a welcome feeling.
As he thought more on it, this wasn't even unique to Katja. All present had come to his aid and removed the impregnator. All seemed very upset about it as well. Other Yautja would've expected him to free himself of the embarrassing situation – or just plain scorned him for getting caught in the first place.
The humans, it seemed, were a loyal bunch. Pack oriented. Coming to help him without stipulation, even. Odd, because plenty were not. He knew Adrien still did not like him, but he hadn't let him die either. That was a testament to their value.
When the time came, he would appeal to the elders that they were worth sparing for their loyalty alone. Perhaps they could even find a use for them.
For now, he decided it was best to soothe things over with Katja. "Am alive. Very appreciative of all the humans' efforts. Concede your right that I am your responsibility. You are also mine in return," Vai'dqouulth spoke through computer. And it was true; it was his responsibility to save the humans at the end of this.
"Ok. C'mon, I suppose we should rest like we promised. Let me brush my teeth and then I'll take another look at your injury," Katja shook her head, clearly trying to rid herself of current feelings.
Tooth maintenance. This was by far his most favorite human ritual. It wasn't something Yautja did or needed to do, but watching Katja polish and maintain those front four sharper fangs was a delight.
He followed her into the hygienic refresher room and took a seat. Vai'dqouulth watched as she spread a substance onto a brush before running it under water. Katja brought the brush into her mouth and made small circle motions, touching every tooth.
It was hard not to just up and take over for her. In his mind, he had a technique that would be far superior. Maybe if he could acquire her as his own, he could convince her to hand the task over to him.
Further still, if he could get those fangs sharpened significantly, she might have a chance of breaking his hide during–
"Ready?" Katja cut into his thoughts. Shaking out of his fantasy, he cocked his head in inquiry.
"To check your wound and then sleep," she clarified. Ah, yes, they still needed to do that. Standing, he went to the main room.
Laying on the bed, he waited for her to approach. "I can't access your neck from this angle. Why are you so damn big?" She laughed as she climbed on him once more. He was excited by that. While he generally didn't like a female on top of him, his mind wasn't bothered by Katja doing it – even when he had positioned her in the cave. Probably because he still held the power to remove her anytime.
And he hadn't been able to enjoy it outside earlier.
Really, this was a big gesture, submitting to a female in the pallet. He just hoped she noticed this grand offering, if only to show that he was willing to yield to her in matters.
"Queen's getting wise. That little bastard's tunnel runs under the snow for a fair distance. She knew to hide from Blue's vision," Adrien stated to Petrov as he walked in from outside once more.
"Alarming, to be sure. Think she learned that trick from you?" Petrov asked.
"No matter how she learned it, it's most worrisome that she does learn," Adrien stated.
A brief pause ensued while Adrien thought. Petrov must've been thinking that, too, as he seemed to be staring off into the void.
"We need to hit that hive," Adrien concluded. "She knows where we are and she's getting creative."
"I don't mean to be negative, but we are down a person… and our tank. I think we go for the parts so Blue can get us help," Petrov pointed out.
"That's a big maybe. We start physical therapy later today. We'll create a makeshift range, or something." Adrien said, leaving no room for argument.
"Adrien…" Petrov protested. "Katja's–"
"It's my call." Adrien cut him off.
"Ok," Petrov said stiffly.
"…Wanna go check out the garage?" Adrien began, trying to shift focus so a fight didn't ensue.
"Why not?" Petrov answered, clearly working to bury some resentment.
After a quick stop in Alexander's room for a keycard to the garage, Adrien stepped inside and flipped on the light. Petrov was right behind him.
The space was… very sterile for a garage. Pristine white all over. His, by comparison, had fluid spills and crap all over a cracked concrete floor.
Looking around the rows of bright sports cars and even some motorcycles, only one stood out. A black convertible; specifically, a Lamborghini Aventador. Unlike the generic plates of the other cars, its license plate said 'Bucephalus'.
"I don't get it," Adrien said, gesturing to the plate.
Petrov studied it for a second, then groaned. "I know what it means. See, during training exercises, Katja would always set aside about thirty minutes to study famous – or infamous – military leaders with her men. One time, the topic was a famous Greek… or Macedonian… conqueror that I'm sure you heard of. And his horse was named Bucephalus."
"Good god," Adrien winced as he realized who Petrov was referring to. "Alexander…"
"The Great," Petrov confirmed.
"Just when I thought he had hit peak douchebag status. Gotta be honest, I'm pretty sure he only loves himself." Adrien observed.
"No arguments here," Petrov nodded.
"I suppose we should look for parts while we're down here," Adrien gestured.
"What about the cars? Most modern ones have GPS, right?" Petrov suggested.
"Good idea," Adrien said and made his way over to a car. Where the GPS computer would be however, was an empty spot in the dashboard. It looked like a unit could slide in. All the cars were like that. A security precaution? That was all he could figure. Either way, no parts.
"Great," Petrov stated grimly.
"Chin up; there's still Weyland's camp," Adrien encouraged.
Popping open a lockbox on the wall, Adrien found it was full of keys. Oh. Oh. He knew how to cheer the man up.
"Hey Petrov," Adrien called.
"Hm?" Petrov turned.
"Ever wanted to drive a rich asshole's Lambo across an icy lake?" Adrien asked as he held out a set of keys and jingled them tantalizingly.
Katja awoke to the sound of a motor revving somewhere outside. At some point during her nap, her subconscious had decided it was a good idea to completely plaster her body to Blue's. Possibly for warmth. He certainly made some interesting noises while he slept.
Slipping out of the bed, she crept to the glass doors that led to the balcony and opened them as quietly as she could, not wanting to wake the hunter during any part of that process.
Stepping barefoot into the snow that had built up on the balcony, which was smaller than the one in Alexander's suite, she winced. This may not have been her best idea, but when she had heard the engine, she had immediately wondered if Weyland had found them.
But no.
Down on the frozen lake, which had been cleared of snow – probably by that 'automatic Zamboni' Alexander had once bragged to her about – Adrien was behind the wheel of Alexander's prized Lambo, Maksim as his passenger, and they were skidding and sliding across the icy surface.
She had always freaking hated that car. Alexander spent more of his time with it than her.
Both of the men were whooping and shouting delightedly as Adrien pushed the car faster, causing a brief spinout. Once Adrien got it straightened out, they were off again, yelling delightedly.
Katja leaned her elbow against the railing and smiled, the cold in her feet forgotten. Despite the circumstances, they seemed to be having fun. Not that she blamed them. It was probably a once in a lifetime opportunity.
She suddenly felt a heat source behind her.
The alien was awake and had decided to see what all the commotion was. Blue clicked softly as he watched the proceedings below.
"Wanna crash it?" she heard Adrien shout suddenly, over the roar of the overpowered engine.
"Fuck it up!" Maksim yelled back, and Adrien drifted toward a snowbank.
Katja cringed a little as the Lambo hit the snow firmly, but Adrien had been clever. He hadn't aimed for a head-on or bodily injuring collision; instead, he'd done just enough to make the airbags deploy so the vehicle would remain totaled and unusable.
Petty? Yes.
Was she pleased?
Maybe a little.
Stepping out, Adrien happened to look up at her and offer a wink, a complete shit-eating grin on his face. He tossed the keys carelessly onto the windshield.
"Remember where we parked," he addressed Petrov before calling up to her. "Hope you weren't attached, KitKat."
"You kidding? He wouldn't even let me ride in it, lest I 'ruin the leather'. He dropped me in a chauffeured vehicle when he'd 'pick me up'," Katja answered back.
"Blue, if you feel like target practice later, there's this and a whole garage full of this shit I can show you. Unless you like the guy that wants to dissect you," Adrien pointed to the trashed car.
Giving a snort, the three laser designators came on and fell on the car, and Blue fired from that cannon on his shoulder a moment later to show his disdain.
Later that day, as the sun was setting, Adrien led them all outside to a makeshift shooting range he'd put together. No explanation, but Katja wasn't going to complain. She was itching to be up and about, especially after the afternoon 'nap' she was supposed to have taken that hadn't resulted in very much sleep.
Blue, though, had truly rested, and seemed much better. Even his vocalizations seemed far less raspy and weak. His healing abilities must be much better than humans. No surprise there.
Alexei hopped up and down in the snow, maybe trying to warm himself. "Why do I have to be out here?" he questioned.
"Because you could use some practice with shooting," Petrov told him as he was helping Adrien load some magazines. "Not to mention some fresh air."
"Katja?" Alexei pleaded, looking at her hopefully. "Can I go sit in the hot tub instead? I'm so cold."
"No, Alexei," Katja replied. "Not today. Maksim is right. You need to be able to defend yourself if one of us can't." She pulled on her gloves, looking over the range and how she wanted to approach it when it was her turn.
Adrien and Petrov had used serpent corpses, maybe from patrols or killed by other Spetsnaz units, as targets. They were set up at different distances and posed in various positions, like scarecrows – only ten times creepier. There was some sort of obstacle course too, made with wall partitions used to split out ballrooms. Adrien hadn't let anyone peek at that, though. Likely, it was used to simulate the nest raid coming up.
Blue, too, was measuring up the range. Or at least Katja thought he was. It was still sometimes difficult to interpret his intentions, especially when he was wearing his mask.
"Okay, I think we're ready. Alexei, you're going first," Adrien ordered, holding out a pair of headphones. They were from the gift shop and therefore not shooting muffs, but they were noise-cancelling to a degree, at least according to the package.
"Fiiiiiiiiine," Alexei drawled, putting on the headphones. "Call of Duty multiplayer skills, don't fail me now."
Petrov had left a Weyland G36C on a fold out table right near the shooter's position, and Alexei just stared at it for several seconds before Adrien prompted him to pick it up. She wondered why Weyland still used them after it came out that the manufacturer had improperly heated treated the barrels, causing accuracy issues as they were used.
"We'll start with your form," Adrien told the kid. "Feet apart, rifle tight to your shoulder. Front sight, rear sight, I don't want to see you spraying from the hip like an action hero." Adrien continued.
Alexei seemed to try to obey. He just wasn't a fighter. "Breathe and depress the trigger slowly. A second later, there was a singular shot and Petrov confirmed a hit from the spotting scope. She assumed that was a capture from Weyland too.
"Good, good," Adrien nodded. Alexei spun around with a grin on his face, likely trying to gauge reactions from others, making his lack of gun safety became apparent again. Thankfully, Adrien had caught the hand guard before he brought it around fully on them.
Adrien didn't speak words, he just angrily looked at Alexei. Katja felt this had been more effective than the punishment Petrov had given him on base for safety failure.
"Back on the line," Adrien ordered finally. For some time, Alexei shot and Adrien taught until Katja felt that he had earned a break.
"Okay, that's enough," Katja finally said.
"Thank god," Alexei moaned, ready to drop the gun in the snow.
"Don't you do it," Adrien immediately warned, and Alexei carefully set the weapon on the table instead. "Good boy. Who's next?"
"I'll go," Petrov volunteered after a pause, and stepped forward, lowering into a crouch on his knee. He brought up his gun and began to target the first prop, and he looked so serious and determined, Katja felt a rare moment of playfulness.
Normally, it would not be safe range behavior; but everybody was well behind him, and she completely trusted he wouldn't do a 180 and fire if she startled him.
Approaching him from behind, she placed her hands on his shoulders and began to slide them lightly down his back, then leaned close enough that her mouth was just brushing his ear.
"Stay on target," she whispered.
He shivered, and his shot went easily a meter wide. "That… wasn't fair," he muttered, glancing back at her.
She shrugged. "On the battlefield, it's easy to lose focus. Gotta be prepared," she teased, but stepped back so he could continue.
"Female speaks truth," Blue reinforced; she could always count on him,
When Petrov had finished, his final hit total wasn't too bad, considering the start. Blue, however, grunted, as if unimpressed.
"All right, range is cold. Kat, why don't you have a go?" invited Adrien.
"You should go next, Adrien," Katja insisted.
"I do this recreationally in the states. Really, it's fine, I don't need the practice," Adrien waved.
"Now I want to see what I'm up against," Katja teased.
"Fine, fine," Adrien said with exasperation as he grabbed a rifle. Unlike Alexei and Petrov, who focused on one target, Adrien swapped between them all; firing in controlled bursts, executing reloads smoothly. She was impressed. Half her men hadn't been able to shoot that well.
As Adrien returned, Blue gave what sounded like an approving rumble. "Not bad," Katja clapped.
"That's all I get?" Adrien smiled. She just gave him a shrug. "Fine, your turn," he challenged.
Katja strolled over and found her AK-105, but… something had been done to it.
"What did you do to my rifle?" she asked, pointing to the device strapped to the underside of the weapon.
"Oh, the Captain who captured you had it. It's some sort of jerry-rigged flamethrower. Thought maybe he knew something we didn't," Adrien shrugged.
"Did you tape it there?" she asked with raised eyebrows.
"I used zip-ties, thank you," Adrien corrected.
"Not sure I understand it, but I won't say no to more firepower," Katja said.
"Well? Show us how it's done," Adrien gestured.
"Can I try the course?" Katja asked.
"Sure," Adrien gestured to its entrance.
Katja walked to the entrance and breathed a few times. The men went to a higher spot – to watch and judge her, no doubt. "Go," Adrien alerted while starting a stopwatch on his phone.
She clicked the safety off and ran, rounding the first corner where a serpent prop waited. Putting two rounds into it, she sprinted to the next spot, a more open 'room' with three serpents.
A few bursts into each of those and she was moving again. The next 'hall' had two more that she fired into.
Knowing she was on the clock, Katja grabbed her sidearm rather than reloading. The next 'room' had another three targets that where really spread out.
Still, she was able to 'drop' all three very quickly.
Katja sprinted, but when she rounded the final doorway, there was one more serpent that gave her a bit of a jump. She was able to prevent it from stumbling her, and simulated knifing it before reaching the end.
"How'd I do?" Katja asked. If she didn't know any better, the speechlessness and open mouths suggested she did well. Adrien showed them all her time, but he didn't tell her.
"Again," Blue requested.
"Ok?" Katja sorta mumbled uncomfortably. She reloaded everything and got into position once more. On Adrien's go, she ran it again, this time, with some knowledge of the course, she made different choices, including some very smooth reloads even she was proud of.
This time, Adrien did tell her the stopwatch time.
"29 seconds. Damn kid, you weren't kidding. You can shoot." Adrien pointed to her hits. Center mass on them all. And she had done it fast, accurately, while moving, and with a high heart rate.
"It's nothing; others are better. Plus, these are static targets. The real thing moves much faster," Katja mumbled, embarrassed.
"Excellent skill," Blue voiced.
"I'll say," Petrov agreed.
"Is it weird if I tell you I'm a little turned on?" Adrien joked.
"Mm, a little," she pinched her fingers to visually show the amount.
"Blue, you wanna have a go? Make us humans look bad?" Adrien asked.
Surprisingly, the alien shook his crested head.
"Need to train differently. Generally, use holograms, artificial intelligence, and fellow hunters. This would not hone skills," Blue answered. She didn't get the impression he was insulting them, either. He had many melee weapons over ranged, and static opponents probably would do no good.
"Sorry pal, I don't think we'd be able to compete at your level," Petrov said.
"Simulate human hunt?" Blue requested.
"How? We don't have anything to make it a challenge, but still not hurt you," Petrov pointed out.
Katja, however, looked at Adrien, who seemed to have an extremely pensive look. He had something.
"Adrien?" she prompted. Everyone looked at him.
"That's not entirely accurate, Petrov…" he finally answered.
Been a whole year since we started posting this!
