Page 1 of Cyborgs' Origins

Chapter 1—Simone

THE SHUTTLE HUMMEDwith a steady thrum as it cut through the inky blackness of space. Simone gazed out the viewport, mesmerized by the brilliant tapestry of stars that stretched endlessly before her. A sense of wonder and anticipation filled her, tempered by a tinge of melancholy for the life she was leaving behind.

Turning away from the viewport, her gaze fell on Izzy, who sat across from her, engrossed in the data streaming across her tablet. Izzy’s brow furrowed in concentration, her nimble fingers tapping away at the screen. Simone smiled at the sight of her oldest friend, a constant companion through the twists and turns of their academic journey.

“You know, we’re supposed to be enjoying the view, not working,” Simone teased, her voice tinged with affection.

Izzy glanced up, her expressive brown eyes sparkling behind her rectangular glasses. “Just reviewing the latest schematics for the neural interface. I want to hit the ground running when we arrive.” She set aside the tablet, a wry smile playing on her lips. “But you’re right. We should savor the moment.”

Simone nodded, her thoughts drifting to the ambitious endeavor that awaited them on Durmox C7—her father’s legacy, and now hers to steward. “I can’t believe we’re finally here, on the cusp of realizing my father’s dream.”

Izzy’s expression softened. “He’d be proud of you, Simone. You’ve poured your heart and soul into this project, just as he did.”

A pang of nostalgia tugged at her heart as she thought of her father, the brilliant scientist, whose passion for discovery had inspired her own. “I wish he could see what we’re about to accomplish,” she said wistfully.

Izzy reached across the aisle, giving Simone’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “He’s not here physically, but his spirit lives on in this endeavor. We’ll make him proud.”

Simone returned the gentle pressure, drawing strength from her friend. “You’re right, and we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us to push the boundaries of what’s possible and to unlock the secrets of the human mind and body through cybernetics. Just imagine the possibilities, Izzy. Restoring lost limbs, enhancing cognitive abilities, and even extending the human lifespan. We’re on the precipice of a revolution that could change everything.”

Izzy nodded, her expression mirroring Simone’s enthusiasm. “And to think, we’ll be doing it all on a virgin planet, free from the constraints and bureaucracy that plagued our work back home.”

Simone’s lips curved into a smile. “Exactly. No more red tape and no more fighting for funding or resources. Just us, our team, and the freedom to explore the depths of human potential.”

She leaned back in her seat, allowing the weight of their mission to settle over her. “Of course, there will be challenges. It won’t be easy, but if we can do it.”

Izzy chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “If anyone can pull it off, it’s you. I’m just along for the ride, making sure you don’t get too caught up in your experiments to remember to eat and sleep.”

Simone laughed, the sound ringing out in the confines of the shuttle. “Fair point. I’ll need you to keep me grounded, as always.”

As the shuttle drew nearer to their destination, a surge of anticipation coursed through her veins. This was the beginning of a new chapter, a chance to forge a legacy that would echo through the ages. With Izzy by her side and a world of possibilities awaiting them, she was ready to embrace the unknown and unlock the secrets of the human mind, one groundbreaking discovery at a time.

The shuttle’s descent through Durmox C7’s atmosphere was smooth, the viewports offering tantalizing glimpses of the verdant world that would soon become Simone’s new home. As the craft broke through the cloud cover, her breath caught at the lush tapestry of emerald forests stretching as far as the eye could see, punctuated by towering mountain ranges and shimmering bodies of water.

Izzy leaned closer, her nose nearly pressed against the viewport. “It’s even more beautiful than the simulations,” she said, clearly awestruck.

Simone could only nod in agreement, her heart swelling with excitement. This was it—the culmination of years of planning and preparation. A world untouched by human hands, a blank canvas upon which they would paint the future of scientific discovery.

The shuttle touched down with a gentle thump, and Simone rose from her seat, smoothing her hands over the crisp lines of her utilitarian jumpsuit. Izzy fell into step beside her as the hatch hissed open, and they descended the ramp, their boots crunching against the reddish soil.

A small contingent awaited them, a group of figures clad in combat gear—the mercenary team her father had hired to provide security for the fledgling colony. Simone’s gaze was immediately drawn to the towering figure at the forefront, a man whose very presence seemed to command respect and attention.

He stepped forward, his movements fluid and purposeful, and offered a crisp salute. “Dr. Wiley, welcome to Durmox C7. I’m Tiberius Peña, commander of the Iron Wolves mercenary team.”

Simone was momentarily tongue-tied, captivated by the man’s rugged features and piercing gaze. She cleared her throat, willing herself to maintain her composure. “Commander Peña, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Her voice emerged steadier than she had anticipated, much to her relief.

Tiberius gestured to the others assembled behind him. “Allow me to introduce my team.” One by one, he called out their names and roles, each mercenary offering a respectful nod or salute in greeting.

As the introductions concluded, Tiberius turned his attention back to Simone. “We’ve established a temporary base camp to the east, but our primary objective has been securing the perimeter and ensuring the area is safe for your research endeavors.” His expression grew somber. “I won’t mince words, Dr. Wiley. This planet is untamed and far from uninhabited. We’ve encountered several hostile lifeforms, some of which possess formidable defensive capabilities.”

Simone’s brow furrowed with concern. “What sort of lifeforms are we dealing with?”

Tiberius gestured for one of his team members to step forward—a wiry man with a shock of fiery red hair. “Kian, if you would?”

The mercenary nodded, launching into a detailed account of the various creatures they had encountered thus far, complete with vivid descriptions and strategic assessments. Simone was hanging on his every word, her mind already whirring with potential scientific applications and avenues for further study.

As Kian’s accounting drew to a close, Tiberius fixed Simone with an intense gaze. “I trust you understand the risks, Dr.Wiley. This planet may hold boundless potential, but it’s also rife with dangers we’re prepared to face head-on.”

Simone met his stare, her jaw set. “I appreciate your candor, Commander, and rest assured, I have no intention of underestimating the challenges that lie ahead.” She paused, her gaze sweeping over the assembled mercenaries. “With a team like yours at our side, I’m confident we can overcome any obstacle.”

---