Page 66 of Human Reclaimed
I laughed. “Not a chance.”
Olivia was next, her green eyes warm. “Welcome to the family, officially,” she said, embracing me tightly. “Aeon and I are having a small get-together tonight. You and Rune should join us.”
“We’d love to,” I said, surprised at how natural it felt to answer for both of us.
Even Tegan approached, his usually stoic expression softened slightly. “Your tactics were… impressive, Commander,” he said, offering a firm handshake. “I look forward to our collaboration on security protocols.”
Throughout it all, Rune remained close, his hand occasionally finding my back, my shoulder, and my own hand—small touches that grounded me in this new reality.
“How does it feel?” he asked later, as the crowd began to disperse.
I looked around at the central plaza, at the colony stretching out beyond it—buildings seamlessly integrated with the jungle, pathways winding between ancient trees, and gardens flourishing in the spaces between. I thought of Earth, and of the veterans’ facility where I’d been hiding rather than living. This place that had started as my prison had become something else entirely.
“It feels like home,” I answered truthfully. “A home worth protecting.”
His smile lit his entire face. “That’s exactly what I hoped you’d say.”
The security center soon buzzed with what I could only describe as Planet Alpha joy. Someone had brought in a crate of fermented fruit juice from the hydroponics dome, and Sage had programmed the tactical display screens to flash celebratory messages. My new title—Strategic Commander—scrolled across one screen in pulsing blue letters.
“To Commander Reed,” Rune announced, raising a glass of the sweet-smelling purple liquid. His eyes locked with mine across the small gathering, pride emanating from him like heat. “Who saved our colony and proved that humans and cyborgs are stronger together than apart.”
“To Commander Reed!” the security team echoed, and I felt my face flush with unexpected pleasure.
“I just did what any decent strategist would,” I said, but I couldn’t help smiling. The black uniform with Planet Alpha’s emblem fit me perfectly, as if I’d been born to wear it. Funny how quickly life changes—from captive to commander in two weeks.
Rune made his way to me through the small crowd and handed me a glass of the fruit juice.
“You did what only one other human woman has ever done for us,” he said softly, his voice meant only for me. “You chose us.”
Before I could say anything, Tegan’s voice cut through the chatter. “Incoming transmission from Earth. It’s Dr. Naomi West.”
The room fell silent as the main viewscreen flickered to life, revealing the familiar face of Earth’s liaison to CyberEvolution. My stomach tightened instinctively.
“Commander Rune, Captain Reed,” Naomi greeted, her eyes widening slightly at my new uniform. “I have an update regarding the recent… incident.”
Rune stepped forward, his hand coming to rest on my shoulder. The gesture was subtle but spoke volumes. We were a united front now.
“Admiral Voss has been taken into custody,” Naomi continued. “The evidence provided by your team was irrefutable. He will face military tribunal for the unauthorized operations against Planet Alpha and other peaceful colonies.”
Relief washed through me. “So CyberEvolution had nothing to do with the attack?” I asked, unable to keep the skepticism from my voice.
“CE has fully disavowed Voss’s actions,” she said smoothly. “Which brings me to my next point.” Her gaze shifted directly to me. “Captain Reed, in light of your extraordinary service, Earth’s Joint Command is offering you a full reinstatement. With promotion to strategic operations director upon your return.”
The room went deathly quiet. I felt Rune stiffen beside me, though his face betrayed nothing.
Something snapped inside me. It was the perfect moment—all eyes on me, the communication channel wide open to Earth. I took a deliberate step forward.
“I appreciate the offer, Dr. West, but I must decline.” I squared my shoulders. “In fact, I have some information to share that may explain my decision.”
I could sense Rune’s questioning gaze, but I kept my eyes on Naomi.
“Two and a half years ago, I received classified intelligence about CyberEvolution’s experimental programs. A zip file documenting forced modifications on unwilling cyborgs—neural tampering without consent and planned obsolescence coding.”
Naomi’s expression froze. “Captain Reed, this channel is?—”
“Public? I’m counting on it,” I continued, my heart hammering. “Three days ago, when the pirate captain, Delia, had me on her ship, she confirmed what I’d suspected. CyberEvolution wasn’t just building soldiers. They were engineering a species they could control. The pirates were contracted to bring back hybrid babies for CE’s next phase—a new breed designed for galactic dominance.”
Naomi’s face had gone pale. “These are serious allegations without?—”
