Page 65 of Human Reclaimed
My heart pounded as I waited. The thought of Talia not only staying permanently but of building something lasting together here on Planet Alpha filled me with a potent mixture of hope and longing I’d never experienced before.
“I support the nomination,” Aeon said finally.
Helix studied Talia for a long moment before nodding. “As do I. Welcome to Planet Alpha’s leadership, Commander Reed.”
The pride that surged through me was overwhelming. I turned to Talia, not bothering to hide my smile. “Looks like you’re stuck with me now.”
TWENTY-NINE
TALIA
The next afternoon, I stood at the edge of the central plaza, my pulse racing. Sunlight broke through the thick jungle canopy, casting dancing shadows across the gathering crowd. I smoothed my hands over my new uniform—fitted black tactical pants and a black T-shirt emblazoned with Planet Alpha’s emblem, a stylized alpha symbol overlaid with the planet. My fingers traced the embroidery unconsciously, still not quite believing this was real.
“Nervous?” Rune asked beside me, his voice low enough that only I could hear. He wore an identical uniform, the fabric stretched across his broad shoulders in a way that still made my heart race.
“A little,” I admitted. “I’ve commanded troops before, but never… this.”
His eyes softened as he looked at me. “You’ve already earned their respect, Talia. This is just making it official.”
Before I could respond, Commander Helix stepped onto the raised platform at the plaza’s center. The crowd’s murmur quieted immediately. Aeon followed, his tall frame casting a long shadow in the afternoon light.
“It’s time,” Rune said, his hand settling on my back. The touch was brief but reassuring as we made our way through the crowd.
All around us, faces turned—some curious, others openly smiling. I recognized many of them now: workers from the hydroponics gardens, members of Rune’s brigade, and the young mother who’d delivered a baby during the pirate attack. These weren’t strangers anymore. They were people I’d fought to protect.
We ascended the platform, and I felt all two hundred sets of eyes on me. Just two weeks ago, I’d been a prisoner here. Now…
Helix stepped forward. “Colonists of Planet Alpha, we gather today to recognize a historic milestone in our community’s evolution.”
The crowd hushed further.
“Three days ago, we faced an unprecedented threat from those who would destroy what we’ve built. Thanks to the strategic brilliance and courage of Captain Talia Reed, we not only survived. We prevailed.”
A cheer went up, surprising in its intensity. I felt my cheeks warm.
Rune stepped forward then, his presence commanding immediate attention. “When I brought Talia Reed to Planet Alpha, I expected a tactician,” he said, his voice lifting above the plaza. “What I found was a warrior whose loyalty, once earned, becomes unbreakable.”
He turned to me, and I saw something fierce and proud in his eyes that made my breath hitch.
“This morning, Captain Reed took a sacred oath to defend our colony and our future. Now, I am honored to introduce her as strategic commander of Planet Alpha’s defense forces.”
The crowd erupted into applause and cheers, the sound washing over me like a wave. I’d received commendations before, medals and promotions throughout my military career, but nothing had ever felt like this—pure acceptance, gratitude, and belonging.
Rune continued, his voice strong with conviction. “I hereby pledge, before all of you, that my brigade will train under Commander Reed’s doctrine. I vow to implement any and all defensive strategies she develops to protect our home.”
He reached for my hand, his warm fingers entwining with mine. Slowly, deliberately, he raised our joined hands above our heads. The gesture was simple but powerful—a symbol of unity and strength forged between us.
“Together,” he declared, “we will ensure Planet Alpha remains a sanctuary for all who seek peace.”
The colonists roared their approval. I looked out at them—humans and cyborgs standing side by side, applauding not just Rune but me. A human who’d once fought alongside cyborgs in a war, viewing them only as weapons, now sworn to protect them.
As we descended from the platform, colonists surged forward, their hands extending in congratulations.
“Thank you for protecting my daughter,” a woman said, clasping my hand between both of hers.
“Your defense grid adjustments kept our home safe,” said an older man, nodding respectfully.
Sage pushed through, her blonde ponytail bouncing. “About time you got proper recognition,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “Though I’m warning you now… I expect special treatment in the security center.”
