Page 24 of Human Reclaimed
“Yes,” Olivia answered. “Both cyborg mothers and human-cyborg hybrid babies. The maternity ward is just through here.”
As we walked through the curved corridor, the lighting adjusted to our presence. I found myself walking closer to Talia than strictly necessary, drawn to her like a magnetic field I couldn’t resist.
“I didn’t realize up until yesterday,” Talia said softly, “that cyborgs could have children.”
“Many were designed with fully functional reproductive systems,” I explained, feeling oddly proud of this fact. “CyberEvolution intended us to be completely human in every biological sense.”
“Just with enhanced capabilities and programmed loyalty,” Aeon added with a hint of bitterness.
“Until you broke free,” Talia finished, glancing at me with something like respect.
We entered a softly lit room where three transparent cribs held tiny infants. A cyborg woman with copper-colored hair sat in a rocking chair, cradling a fourth baby against her chest.
Talia’s breath caught audibly. “They’re so small.”
“This is Vera,” Olivia said, gesturing to the mother. “She delivered twin girls three days ago. Completely healthy.”
Vera looked up with tired but radiant eyes. “Would you like to hold one?”
I was about to intervene—surely that was too much to ask of Talia—but before I could speak, she stepped forward, her hands already outstretched.
“I’d love to.”
Something twisted in me as I watched Vera place the tiny bundle in Talia’s arms. The fierce army strategist transformed before my eyes, her expression softening as she gazed down at the infant. She cradled the baby with practiced ease, swaying gently from side to side.
“You’ve done this before,” I observed, unable to hide my surprise.
Talia nodded without looking up. “My sister had twins. I helped for a short time after they were born.”
The baby made a soft, cooing sound, and Talia’s entire face illuminated with a smile that knocked the breath from my lungs. I’d never seen her look so unguarded and so genuine.
“They’re targeting these innocent babies,” she said softly, her voice hardening even as her touch remained gentle. “Those pirates we saw in the footage yesterday.”
“Yes,” I confirmed, stepping closer to her. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
She looked up at me then, and the fierce determination in her eyes made my heart race. This wasn’t the reluctant captive anymore—this was Captain Talia Reed, tactical genius and protector.
“I won’t let that happen,” she said, steel in her voice. “We’re going to fix your defenses, Rune. Every last weak point.”
At that moment, with her holding a cyborg newborn while planning battle strategies, I realized I was in serious trouble. The pull I felt toward her wasn’t just physical attraction or admiration for her skills. It was something deeper and far more dangerous—something I hadn’t dared name yet.
“I know you will,” I said, my voice rough with unexpected emotion.
ELEVEN
TALIA
I handed the tiny bundle back to Vera with reluctance. The weight of that small life had shifted something fundamental inside me. In those moments holding the infant, all my preconceived notions about cyborgs crumbled completely.
“They’re beautiful,” I said, my voice husky with emotion. “And they deserve to be safe.”
As we left the maternity ward, memories flooded back—that fateful day two and half years ago when I’d opened the unmarked file on my military-issued laptop. The footage had been grainy but unmistakable. CyberEvolution scientists in sterile white labs with cyborgs strapped to metal tables. The cyborgs writhed in agony as the “doctors” performed procedures that could only be described as torture.
I shuddered, drawing Rune’s attention. His intense blue eyes fixed on my face with concern.
“You okay?” His deep voice was gentle, a stark contrast to his imposing physique. The early morning sunlight filtering through the corridor’s windows caught his auburn hair, highlighting the golden strands in the longer hair on top.
“Just remembering.” I swallowed hard. “Two and a half years ago, someone sent me classified footage of CyberEvolution conducting experiments on cyborgs. Not just routine maintenance or upgrades—barbaric tests. They were trying to modify them for some purpose beyond combat.” My hands clenched into fists. “I reported it up the chain of command, and two days later, I was honorably discharged. No explanation given.”
