Page 18 of Cyborgs' Origins

Later that day, Simone guided him through cognitive exercises, testing the limits of his parallel processing capabilities. “Multitask these simulations while we discuss the fusion reactor schematics.”

Tiberius nodded, his mind effortlessly dividing its focus. He absorbed the complex data streams while conversing with Simone, his thoughts flowing with crystalline clarity.

“Remarkable,” she said, her eyes alight with wonder. “You’re processing information at a rate I’ve never witnessed before.”

Tiberius felt a swell of pride, tempered by a lingering unease. This newfound power was intoxicating, but it also felt alien, a departure from the man he once was.

Late one night, as they pored over the latest test results, Simone sensed his disquiet. “What troubles you, Tiberius?”

He hesitated, grappling with the words. “I feel...disconnected from my former self. As if the man I was is slipping away, replaced by this enhanced being.”

Simone’s expression softened with understanding. “You’re still that man. These enhancements are tools, just extensions of your true self. They don’t define you.”

Her words were comforting. As their gazes locked, he saw her love for him shining there and knew, no matter how drastically his physical form had changed, his essence remained intact.

THE COLONY BUSTLEDwith activity as the mercs and civilians worked tirelessly to fortify their defenses after the unexpected previous invasion. Tiberius strode through the corridors, hiscybernetic enhancements thrumming with power, his gaze sweeping over the flurry of preparations. Everything came so much easier now that he could do a hundred tasks at once and give each the necessary attention.

In the armory, Lance supervised the distribution of munitions, his brow furrowed in concentration. As Tiberius approached, his friend’s expression brightened. “Commander. It’s good to have you back on duty.”

Tiberius nodded, his synthetic muscles rippling beneath his combat gear. “Status report.”

“Perimeter defenses are at eighty percent and rising. We’ve reinforced the outer walls and set up a network of automated turrets.” Lance’s hazel eyes gleamed with determination. “If those Sventian bastards show their faces again, we’ll be ready.”

A slight smirk tugged at Tiberius’s lips. “Excellent work, Major.” He clasped Lance’s shoulder, the biocircuit interface pulsing with energy at the contact. “I’ll need you to oversee the final preparations. I have a meeting with Sim...Dr. Wiley.”

Lance’s expression shifted, awe and envy flickering across his features. “About your...enhancements?”

Tiberius arched an eyebrow, his heightened senses detecting the subtle shift in his friend’s demeanor. “Among other things.”

“I’ve been thinking...” Lance hesitated, his gaze dropping momentarily before locking with Tiberius’s. “If the opportunity arises, I want to undergo the procedure too.”

A weighted silence stretched between them, charged with unspoken implications. Finally, Tiberius inclined his head. “We’ll discuss it later. For now, focus on securing the colony.”

With a curt nod, Lance turned back to the armory, barking orders to the mercs as they loaded crates of ammunition onto hovercarts.

Tiberius made his way to the command center, his footfalls silent on the polished floors. As he entered, he caught Simone’seye, her gaze lingering on the intricate circuitry patterns that now adorned his skin.

“Tiberius,” she said, her voice warm yet laced with a hint of professionalism. “I trust Dr. Valeria has cleared you for active duty?”

“She has.” He stepped closer, his enhanced senses attuned to the subtle floral notes of her shampoo. “Though I suspect her medical expertise will be unnecessary, given my new...resilience.”

A faint smile curved Simone’s lips. “Even so, I’d prefer to err on the side of caution. Your integration was a success, but there’s still so much to learn.”

Tiberius nodded, his gaze holding hers. “Then I’m fortunate to have such a brilliant teacher.”

A slight flush crept into Simone’s cheeks, but before she could respond, Izzy’s voice cut through the command center. “Oi, lovebirds. We’ve got work to do.”

Simone shot Izzy a playful glare, but her expression quickly sobered as she turned back to Tiberius. “Let’s get to it, then.”

As they pored over the schematics and defensive strategies, Tiberius was acutely aware of Simone’s presence. The way she leaned closer to point out a detail, the subtle scent of her perfume, and the warmth of her breath all seemed amplified by his enhanced senses.

Hours later, as twilight descended over the colony, he was in the courtyard, overseeing the final touches on the perimeter defenses. A familiar figure approached, and he turned to find Lance striding toward him. “Everything’s in place, Commander. We’re as ready as we’ll ever be.”

Tiberius nodded, his synthetic muscles coiling with anticipation. “Good. The Sventian Scourge will face formidable resistance this time.”

Lance’s gaze flickered over Tiberius’s cybernetic enhancements, a hint of longing in his eyes. “I meant what I said earlier about undergoing the procedure.”

Tiberius studied his friend, weighing his request. “It’s a significant transformation, Lance. Are you prepared for the consequences?”

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