Page 37 of Human Reclaimed
Helix measured us both with her gaze before nodding sharply. “Fine. Operation Eclipse is fully approved. Aeon, mobilize the construction teams. I want those bunkers habitable in three days.”
As we left the council chamber, I suddenly felt a fierce loyalty blooming in me—not just to the mission, but to these people. To Rune. This colony, carved from the wilderness, had started feeling like somewhere I belonged.
Rune took my hand as we walked toward the eastern sector to survey the cavern site. “You were magnificent in there.”
I squeezed his hand. “We make a good team.”
His eyes darkened with something I was starting to recognize—a mixture of desire and something deeper and more terrifying. “Yes, we do.”
Standing beside this man, planning to defend a colony of people I barely knew three days ago, I felt more invigorated than I had in years. The strategist in me knew this was dangerous. Attachments clouded judgment. But another part, a part I thought had died with Travis and Meredith on that mountain, recognized this moment for what it was.
This was purpose. This was belonging. This was where I wanted to be.
SIXTEEN
RUNE
My eyes darkened as they held hers, this sensation becoming more familiar with every hour I spent in her company—that dangerous mixture of pure desire and something deeper, something that upended every logical circuit in my mind.
We soon pushed deeper into the jungle, following the freshly carved pathways our teams had been clearing for the past three days. The vegetation here grew dense and vibrant, a riot of emerald shades punctuated by exotic flowering plants that released heavy, sweet scents into the humid air. Beads of sweat formed along Talia’s hairline, and I fought the urge to brush them away.
“Aeon’s already mobilizing,” I said, checking my wrist communicator as we walked. “He’s got the first construction crews assembling at the cavern entrance now.”
“He works fast.” Talia ducked under a low-hanging branch heavy with purple blossoms.
I nodded. “That’s why he’s the second-in-command of Planet Alpha. He’s the best commander I could ask for. Before Helix appointed me as security commander six months ago, I was floundering for purpose. Aeon saw potential in me that I couldn’t see myself.”
“Sounds familiar,” Talia said with a knowing smile that caused my heart to race. “You did the same for me, you know. Trusting me with your colony’s defense when you had every reason to be skeptical.”
The path widened as we approached the eastern sector. Ahead, I could already see Aeon directing teams of workers, his tall frame moving with purpose as he pointed toward the cavern entrance. The sound of machinery hummed against the jungle’s natural symphony.
“We need to prioritize structural integrity over comfort,” Talia said as we approached. “These bunkers need to withstand potential shock waves if the pirates breach our outer defenses.”
“Agreed,” I responded, admiring her tactical mind once again. “But we also need to ensure they can house all two hundred colonists if necessary.”
Aeon spotted us and strode over, his face set in determined lines. “I’ve got the first crew cutting reinforcement beams. The inner cavern system is stable but needs ventilation infrastructure.”
“Good.” I nodded, scanning the site. “What’s our timeline looking like?”
“If we work round the clock in shifts, three days is achievable but demanding.” Aeon’s eyes flicked to Talia. “Your evacuation schematic is impressive, Captain. Simple but effective.”
Talia acknowledged the compliment with a nod. “It won’t matter how good the plan is if people don’t know what to do when the alarm sounds. We should call an emergency meeting—one representative from each family unit at minimum. Everyone needs to understand the evacuation protocol.”
Her suggestion triggered a wave of respect and warmth that washed through me. She wasn’t just thinking about structures and defenses. She was thinking about people. Our people.
“She’s right,” I told Aeon. “Set it up for tonight at 1700 hours in the central plaza. We’ll need to explain Operation Eclipse to everyone.”
As Aeon moved away to make the arrangements, I turned back to Talia, struck by the intensity in her eyes as she surveyed the worksite.
“What?” she asked, catching my stare.
“Nothing. Just…” I paused, struggling to articulate the emotions churning inside me. “Three days ago, you were our captive. Now you’re fighting to save us like we’re your own people.”
A soft smile played at the corners of her mouth. “Well, maybe you’re rubbing off on me, too, Commander.”
I wanted to kiss her right there, surrounded by workers and machinery, but I restrained myself. Instead, I guided her toward the cavern entrance. “Let’s see what we’re working with.”
As we entered through the natural stone archway, I wondered if she would still want to stay when this crisis passed—if she might consider Planet Alpha her home and me her… what? Partner? Mate? The word felt both primitive and perfect.
