Page 58 of A Mate For Matrix
“The CPU ships all have a prototype shielding that makes the ships virtually invisible,” he acknowledged.
“CPU?” Seal asked.
Matrix hesitated, glancing at Jana who was listening in silence. She squeezed his thigh in encouragement. His gaze moved from his arm to Seal. It wasn’t like the other man wouldn’t know.
“Cyborg Protection Unit,” he explained, lifting his arm and flexing his fingers. “It appears it was the early version of cloning.”
Seal nodded in understanding.
“What did you discover?” Matrix asked.
Bulldog fingered his cup of tea with one of his hands and frowned with concentration. “I saw a planet built of metal and warships similar to what you described. A long time later, after I got out of the military, I visited that area again and caught one of the little bastard’s ships alone. They aren’t good fighters when they're alone, but it was still a challenge. I brought his fighter home, reverse-engineered the technology, and became a very rich man for my efforts. I was hoping I’d never see those damn creatures again. I discovered not only are they still around, but it looks like scientists have been messing with their DNA a lot longer than even the Confederation will admit,” Bulldog said in a gruff tone, looking pointedly at Matrix.
Matrix stared down at the metal tabletop, his heart pounding.
He couldn’t stay silent anymore.
He lifted his gaze. “I need to tell you something.”
Seal’s eyes sharpened. Bulldog tilted his head, alert.
Matrix hesitated. Then spoke.
“I encountered something… someone… a few hours ago, during the energy disruption.”
He didn’t mention Elaine Brim. Or the Queen’s words. Or the bone-deep dread that still lived under his skin.
Instead, he gave them the surface details—the Hive-like species, the shared consciousness, the Queen’s psychic reach.
Seal swore. Out loud this time.
Jana jumped. Bulldog growled low.
“You’ve been touched by the Hive,” Seal said slowly. “It’s how they infect.”
Matrix shook his head. “No. She said I connected, but she couldn’t control me. I broke that connection, to me and to K-Nine. I had to shut him down so she couldn’t access his systems. She knows who I am and that I’m not alone, but she isn’t sure where I am.”
Seal’s jaw tightened. His gaze flicked to Jana—still pressed close to Matrix, petting Butter with trembling fingers.
Matrix didn’t hesitate. He sent a sharp, clear warning along the mental link:
Do not threaten her. Do not scare her. If you upset her, you’ll have more than the Hive to deal with.
Seal’s expression remained unreadable, but Matrix saw the message land.
“As long as you don’t jeopardize this mission,” Seal replied coolly, “there won’t be a problem.”
Bulldog rose to his full, terrifying height.
“It’s time to go home,” he said. “The Confederation must be warned. At least we know how the damn creatures are entering the star system for sure now. Rorrak, Kordon Jefe, Krac—they all need to hear this.”
Matrix looked down at Jana. Her face was pale, her eyes searching his. She leaned into him, and he wrapped his arm around her.
For the first time in hours, she looked afraid.
He took her hand, threading their fingers together.
He might not know this new galaxy. This time.
