Page 6 of Cyborgs' Origins

TIBERIUS STRODE THROUGHthe colony’s central courtyard, his combat boots crunching on the gravel path. The warm sunlight filtered through the protective bio-dome, a current necessity until terraforming finished creating the ideal living conditions for human life, casting a gentle glow over the lush vegetation that lined the walkways. Despite the tranquil surroundings, his senses remained on high alert, ever vigilant for potential threats.

As he approached the far end of the courtyard, a commotion caught his attention. Izzy’s voice rang out, laced with urgency. “Commander. Over here, quickly.”

Tiberius quickened his pace, rounding the corner to find Izzy crouched behind a cluster of bushes, her eyes wide with alarm.Simone stood beside her, clutching a data pad tightly against her chest.

“What’s the situation?” he demanded, his hand instinctively moving to the plasma rifle slung across his back.

Izzy motioned for him to keep his voice down. “We were conducting a routine survey of the local flora when a pack of kra’va emerged from the undergrowth.” She pointed to a nearby clearing where several large, ostrich-like creatures prowled, their sharp beaks and lethal talons glinting in the sunlight.

Tiberius narrowed his eyes, assessing the threat. The kra’va were known for their aggressively territorial behavior, and their formidable claws could easily disembowel an unwary human. He turned to Simone, his jaw set in a grim line. “How many?”

“Six,” she whispered, her knuckles whitening as she gripped the data pad tighter. “We managed to retreat without drawing their attention, but they’re blocking the path back to the colony.”

Nodding curtly, Tiberius unclipped his rifle and chambered a round.

She frowned. “Don’t shoot them.”

He shook his head. “Wasn’t planning to, Simone. Stay behind me and move swiftly. We’ll create a diversion and make a break for the main entrance.” His gaze locked with hers as he tried to relay his insistence that she follow his commands. “Do exactly as I say please.”

Simone’s eyes widened slightly, but she gave a nod.

Tiberius motioned for Izzy to take the lead, keeping Simone safely between them. With a flick of his wrist, he activated his comlink, broadcasting a silent alert to the rest of the Iron Wolves. Within seconds, Lance’s voice crackled in his earpiece.

“Sitrep, Commander?”

“Kra’va pack in the central courtyard,” Tiberius said. “Preparing to engage and extract the civilians. Converge on myposition for backup. Our goal is to avoid engagement. If we must, strive for nonlethal. This was their home first.”

“Copy that. Brick and I are en route. Hawk’s providing overwatch from the north tower.”

Tiberius acknowledged the response with a curt nod, his focus shifting back to the task at hand. He raised his rifle, sighting down the barrel as he assessed the best angle of approach. With a subtle hand signal, he motioned for Izzy and Simone to follow, leading them in a wide arc around the clearing.

As they neared the edge of the vegetation, one of the kra’va raised its head, its beady eyes locking onto their movement. It let out a shrill, warbling cry, alerting the rest of the pack.

“Move,” Tiberius shouted, breaking into a sprint.

Izzy and Simone followed closely behind, their footfalls muffled by the soft earth as they raced toward the colony’s entrance. The kra’va gave chase, their powerful legs propelling them forward with surprising speed.

Tiberius risked a glance over his shoulder, his finger tightening on the trigger of his rifle. With a series of controlled bursts, he unleashed a volley of plasma bolts, forcing the kra’va to scatter momentarily without injuring any.

The main entrance loomed ahead, its reinforced doors standing open, beckoning them to safety. Tiberius ushered Izzy and Simone through, turning to face the approaching kra’va as Lance and Brick rounded the corner, weapons raised.

“Get them inside.” Tiberius took up a defensive position.

Lance and Brick laid down a blistering hail of fire, driving the kra’va back. One of the creatures, its hide scorched by plasma burns, broke through the barrage, charging toward Tiberius with its razor-sharp beak extended.

Time seemed to slow as Tiberius tracked the creature’s movements, his finger squeezing the trigger in a smooth,controlled motion, suppressing regret that the confrontation had come to this. A single, well-placed shot caught the kra’va in its exposed throat, dropping it to the ground in a thrashing heap.

The rest of the pack retreated, their warbling cries fading into the distance as they disappeared into the dense foliage.

Tiberius lowered his rifle, his chest rising and falling with measured breaths. He turned to find Simone watching him, her expression awe and concern.

“Is everyone all right?” he asked, his gaze sweeping over the group.

Simone nodded, her eyes still locked on his. “Thanks to you,” she said, her voice shaking in a way that sent an unfamiliar tremor through Tiberius’s battle-hardened frame.

As the adrenaline of the encounter ebbed, he was captivated by Simone’s courage in the face of danger. Clearing his throat, he gestured toward the fallen kra’va. “We should retrieve the carcass. No sense in letting it go to waste.”

Lance arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his hazel eyes. “Dinner and a show, eh, Commander?”

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