Page 22 of Cyborgs' Origins

“Power transfer commencing,” said Izzy. “Fusion reactor output at fifteen percent and rising.”

A low thrum filled the air, the vibrations resonating in Simone’s bones as the reactor poured its energy into the neural interfaces. Readouts flickered across the monitors, data streaming in a dizzying cascade of numbers and waveforms.

Simone held her breath, every fiber of her being focused on the intricate dance of technology and biology unfolding before her. This was the moment, the culmination of years of research and countless sleepless nights.

“Reactor output at fifty percent,” called out Izzy, her voice taut with concentration. “Biocircuit integration holding steady.”

Tiberius moved closer, his gaze locked on the monitors and his expression inscrutable. Simone was drawn to him, his presence anchoring her amidst the maelstrom of data and energy.

“Eighty percent and rising,” said Izzy.

Simone’s fingers tightened around the railing, her knuckles whitening with the strain. The thrum built to a crescendo, the air itself seeming to vibrate with the sheer power coursing through the biocircuit interfaces. Her heart paused for a full beat as her every sense attuned to the events unfolding.

In a blinding surge of energy, the fusion reactor reached its peak output, flooding the neural interfaces with its boundless power. For a breathless moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. Tiberius stumbled slightly, clearly getting a full jolt of the power. It had been hovering around eighty percent for him until now, after Izzy made some refinements during their preparations.

With a series of soft chimes, the monitors practically spat out data, displaying a dizzying array that spoke of seamless integration and optimal functionality.

“It worked...” Izzy’s voice was a reverent whisper, her eyes wide with awe. “They’re online and at max power.”

Simone exhaled a shuddering breath, sagging with relief and exhilaration. She turned to Tiberius, her eyes shining with unshed tears of joy and triumph.

He grinned at her. “It’s a helluva a rush, love.”

She laughed at that as the Iron Wolves stirred, their eyes flickering open with clarity and purpose. Simone allowed herself a moment to bask in the achievement. They had taken the first step into a bold, new frontier, and the path ahead promised untold wonders and challenges, but for now, they had made history.

THE PROCEDURE HAD GONEflawlessly for Brick, Lancer, and Doc, but as Simone turned her attention to Hawk, who’d arrived moments before with the last-minute decision to upgrade, a sense of unease rippled through her. The lithe sniper lay motionless on the bio-bed, her features etched with a tension that belied the serene environment of the med-bay.

Simone moved closer, her steps quiet on the sterile floor. “Hawk?” She kept her voice low, mindful of the other mercenaries, who were still acclimating to their new abilities. “Are you ready?”

Hawk’s gray eyes flicked open, revealing apprehension, uncertainty, and a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability rarely seen in the unflappable warrior. With a slow exhalation, Hawk gave a curt nod. “Do it.”

Simone felt Tiberius move to her side, his presence reassuring. She drew strength from his proximity, allowing it to steady her as she initiated the neural integration sequence.

The air hummed with energy as the delicate tendrils extended, breaching Hawk’s skull with surgical precision. Simone watched enthralled, certain she’d never get tired of watching this process. Her breath caught in her throat as theneural interface established its connection, weaving itself into the intricate tapestry of Hawk’s mind.

For a moment, all was still, the only sound the soft beeping of the monitors. Then, Hawk’s body went rigid, her back arching as a strangled gasp tore from her lips.

“Hawk?” Tiberius’s voice was a low rumble of concern as he moved closer.

Hawk’s eyes flew open, wide and wild, her gaze darting around the room with a feral intensity. Her chest heaved, each breath coming in ragged gasps as her fingers clenched the edges of the bio-bed.

“Easy, soldier,” said Tiberius, his tone carrying a gentle authority. “You’re safe. Just breathe.”

Hawk seemed not to hear him, trembling as a low, keening whine escaped her lips. Simone’s chest constricted as she recognized the signs of a panic attack taking hold. “Izzy, abort the procedure,” she said with urgency.

Izzy’s fingers flew over the controls, but before she could initiate the abort sequence, Hawk’s body went rigid once more. A guttural cry tore from her lips, raw and primal, as the neural interface completed its integration.

The monitors flickered to life, streaming data across the displays in a dizzying cascade of numbers and waveforms. Simone took a deep breath as she watched the readouts, her mind struggling to process what she was seeing.

“Simone...” Izzy’s voice was hushed, tinged with awe and trepidation. “Her neural integration is off the charts. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“I’m not surprised. She’s only the fifth person...” She trailed off, moving closer to the soldier still on the biobed.

Hawk’s body thrashed, her muscles straining against invisible bonds as a low, guttural growl rumbled in her throat.Tiberius moved closer, looking frightened, but Simone held up a hand, halting him in his tracks.

“Wait...” She kept her voice low, her eyes locked on the wildly fluctuating readouts. “Something’s happening, and we might kill her if we disrupt the process.”

For a moment, he seemed poised to separate Hawk from the equipment anyway, but then he took a step back. The world seemed to hold its breath as, with a final, bone-rattling shudder, Hawk’s body went still.

---