Page 19 of Human Reclaimed
“Has she?” Helix’s tone carried a note of skepticism that made my spine stiffen. “And you’re ready to implement these changes without consultation?”
“With all due respect, Commander,” I countered, surprising myself with my boldness, “the vulnerabilities exist whether we acknowledge them or not. Delay only exposes our people to unnecessary risk.”
“I’m not suggesting we ignore them,” Helix said, her voice cooling. “I’m suggesting we exercise appropriate caution with advice from someone who was our enemy just days ago.”
“Amateur thinking,” Talia muttered under her breath, and though it was barely audible, I felt a surge of pride at her boldness.
Aeon’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Care to elaborate, Captain?”
Talia straightened, meeting Helix’s gaze directly. “Strategies aren’t loyal or disloyal. They’re either effective or ineffective. Your current defenses have critical weaknesses. That’s not an opinion or a play. It’s a mathematical certainty.”
“I trust her judgment,” I declared, my voice carrying more force than intended. “And I’m willing to take full responsibility for implementing her recommendations and strategies.”
The chamber fell silent. Helix and Aeon exchanged a long look.
“Very well,” Helix finally said. “Captain Reed will have conditional authority to direct security improvements and strategies, under your direct supervision, Commander.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “You’re to work side by side with her every step of the way.”
I nodded, trying not to reveal how perfectly that arrangement suited me. “Understood.”
NINE
TALIA
A warm sensation expanded in my chest at how vehemently Rune had defended me. Not just defended—championed. I’d spent fifteen years in the military having to fight for every scrap of respect, yet here was this man—this cyborg—standing up for my expertise without hesitation.
His words from earlier echoed in my mind: “You’re the most capable strategist I’ve ever met. I’d be a fool not to listen to you.”
Something about his unwavering confidence in me kindled a forgotten ember of pride that I hadn’t felt since leading tactical operations for the Eastern Joint Command. Why did his opinion matter so much? Why did his belief in me feel more significant than any commanding officer I’d ever served under?
As the meeting concluded and we stepped outside the council chamber into the fading sunlight of the settlement, I couldn’t stop stealing glances at his profile. The hard line of his jaw softened slightly when he turned to me.
“Hungry?” he asked, those piercing blue eyes somehow both intense and gentle.
My stomach answered with an embarrassing growl before I could. “Starving, actually.”
“The marketplace has good food.” A hint of a smile touched his lips. “At least, I think it’s good. Your human taste buds might disagree.”
“Is this where you tell me it’s all made of bugs?” I raised an eyebrow.
He laughed, a rich sound that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. “Nothing so exotic. Synthesized proteins and hydroponic produce, mostly.”
As we walked along the stone pathways winding between the structures built from the odd marriage of salvaged spacecraft and native materials, I found myself studying this strange settlement with new eyes. I no longer viewed it as my prison but as something these people had built from nothing—something they were fighting to protect.
The marketplace bustled with activity as we approached. Modular structures covered in climbing vines formed a semicircle around an open plaza. The scent of unfamiliar spices hung in the humid air.
“Fair warning—everything here is a bit more potent than Earth food,” Rune said as we approached a small stall.
He exchanged words with the vendor—Nexus, he called him—and returned with two bowls of something that resembled a colorful stew.
“Trust me?” He offered one bowl with a challenging smile.
I took it, meeting his gaze. “On food choices? Maybe. On security strategies? Definitely.”
We found a small table on a raised platform overlooking the place where the settlement merged with the jungle. The twin moons had begun their rise, casting silvery light across the vibrant green canopy.
I took a cautious bite and was pleasantly surprised by the rich, complex flavors. “Not bad. Reminds me of Thai food, but… different.”
“You’ve had quite a long day.” Rune’s voice softened as he watched me eat. “Thank you again for helping us, even though you didn’t ask to be here.”
