Page 22 of Human Reform
And that’s where I stayed, long past any reasonable security protocol would require, finding increasingly thin excuses to remain in her orbit.I offered insights on system architecture, clarified colony protocols, and even fetched refreshments when she needed them.
As the twin suns began their descent, casting her office in amber and violet light, I realized I’d spent the entire day simply being near her, and it was the most content I’d felt since arriving on Planet Alpha.
“The sunset is beautiful,” she commented, finally leaning back in her chair and stretching her arms above her head, drawing my gaze to the curve of her body.
“Yes,” I agreed, though I wasn’t looking at the view outside.“Simply beautiful.”
NINE
ALORA
As the twosuns started setting outside my new private office window in the security center, I realized that Daxon had spent nearly the entire day being next to me, and it was the most content I’d felt in over a decade, maybe ever.The realization caught me off guard, sending a flutter of something warm through my chest.For years, I’d convinced myself solitude was my sanctuary, but now…
His gaze was fixed on me, intense and unabashed.Heat rushed to my cheeks as understanding dawned.No one had ever looked at me like that—with open appreciation that bordered on reverence.The fitted black T-shirt stretched across his broad chest as he shifted in his chair, the Planet Alpha emblem catching the dying sunlight.For a cyborg who claimed logic as his foundation, his eyes conveyed emotions I couldn’t fully decipher.
“Are you hungry?”he asked, his voice breaking the charged silence between us.
My stomach answered before I could, letting out an embarrassing growl.I laughed, tucking a loose strand of hair that had escaped my braid behind my ear.
“Famished, actually.I didn’t realize how much time had passed.”
“Time functions differently when you’re engaged in purpose,” he replied, standing in one fluid motion that emphasized his towering height.
I nodded and carefully logged out of my private workspace, double-checking the security protocols.Even knowing my biometric scan protected access, paranoia from years of corporate espionage at CyberEvolution died hard.
“No one will access it,” Daxon said, reading my thoughts with unnerving accuracy.“The security measures are… excessive.”
“In my experience, there’s no such thing as excessive security,” I countered, finally satisfied with the shutdown sequence.
His mouth quirked upward.“Then we are aligned on that point.”He extended his hand and helped me out of my office chair.He then gently placed his hand on my elbow and guided me out of my private office and into the curved corridor.
“The night marketplace is open,” he said as we walked out of the security center.A cool evening breeze kissed my skin, carrying scents of unfamiliar flowers and cooking food.“There’s a vendor who makes something similar to sandwiches.They’ve recently perfected a protein synthesis that’s more palatable for humans.”
“Lead the way,” I said, suddenly aware of how his hand had found its customary place at my lower back, guiding me along the stone pathways that wound between the unique buildings.
The marketplace glowed with soft lights strung between the stalls, illuminating the faces of both human and cyborg colonists as they browsed and bartered.Children—hybrid children—darted between adults, playing some game that involved much giggling.It was so utterly… normal.Peaceful.Nothing like the war propaganda had portrayed cyborg society.
“Here,” Daxon said, steering me toward a small stall where a man with copper-tinted skin was assembling food with practiced precision.
“Two please, Nexus,” he requested, his hand never leaving my back.“One with mild seasoning.”
“For the Earth woman?”Nexus looked at me with friendly curiosity.“I heard you’re helping with the glitch problem.”
“Trying to,” I admitted, surprised by my openness.
“We appreciate it,” he said simply, handing us each a wrapped bundle.“More than you know.”
Daxon guided me to a small table situated on a raised platform that overlooked where the settlement’s edge met the jungle.The twin moons had begun their rise, casting silvery light across the canopy.
“Try it,” he encouraged, watching intently as I unwrapped my dinner.
I took a tentative bite, expecting the bland, utilitarian food I’d eaten in the medical bay.Instead, my taste buds exploded with flavors—savory, slightly sweet, with hints of something like cilantro but more complex.
“Oh my god,” I mumbled around the bite.“This is incredible.”
Pride flickered across Daxon’s face, as though my enjoyment was somehow his personal accomplishment.“I thought you might like it.Better than trout and venison, I imagine.”
“How did you know that’s what I—” I began and then rolled my eyes.“Right.You researched me thoroughly before kidnapping me.”
