“Thank you for helping her,” he added, his large hand gently adjusting Serena’s pillow.
The gratitude in his voice was unmistakable, as was the relief in his expression when the monitor showed improving readings. I had never imagined a cyborg could display such genuine concern—such humanity.
As I continued monitoring Serena, I couldn’t help wondering what else I might have wrong about Aeon and his people.
When Serena’s vital signs completely stabilized, Aeon beckoned one of his medical staff to take over monitoring duties. I watched as he gave specific instructions, noting how his broad shoulders tensed when he mentioned potential complications to look for. Not the cold efficiency I had expected from a former military cyborg medic, but the concerned vigilance of a healer.
“She’ll be fine now,” I said, removing my gloves. “But she needs complete rest for at least forty-eight hours.”
Aeon nodded, his blue eyes lingering on my face. “You’ve done good work here today. Commander Helix wants to meet you now.”
“The commander?” My heart skipped a beat. “Is that who ordered my kidnapping?”
A muscle twitched in his jaw. “It was a collective decision. And I would appreciate it if you accompanied me now to meet her.”
I hesitated, but curiosity won out. What kind of leader commanded these people? “Fine. Lead the way.”
We exited the medical bay into the late afternoon light. Planet Alpha’s twin suns cast a golden-violet glow across the settlement, illuminating structures that seemed to merge technology with the surrounding jungle. The air smelled sweet—like jasmine and something else I couldn’t identify.
“Our council chamber is ahead,” Aeon said, his stride shortening to match mine. “Commander Helix leads our governing body.”
“And they’re all...like you?” I asked, instantly regretting how that sounded.
He gave me a sideways glance. “If you mean formerly enslaved beings finding our own way, then yes.”
Heat rose to my cheeks. “I didn’t mean?—”
“I know what you meant.” His voice softened unexpectedly. “And no, we’re not all identical battle units. We were designed for different purposes. Helix was a tactical strategist.”
We approached a circular building with a spiraling roof that caught the sunlight. Two guards nodded respectfully as Aeon escorted me inside, his hand hovering near the small of my back without actually touching me. The warmth radiating from his body reminded me that despite his origins, nothing was synthetic about him.
The chamber within was bathed in natural light from skylight panels. Three figures stood in conversation around a holographic display that vanished as we entered. The central figure—clearly the commander—turned to face us. She was strikingly beautiful, with blonde hair and a commanding presence. And unmistakably pregnant.
“Dr. Parker,” she said, her voice rich and authoritative. “I’m Commander Helix.”
I managed a nod, suddenly hyper-aware of my rumpled appearance after tending to Serena.
“This is Councilor Mira.” Helix gestured to a tall woman with cropped red hair who was also unmistakably very pregnant, “and Councilor Dayton.” A man with kind eyes and dark skin inclined his head.
“Aeon tells us you assisted one of our expectant mothers,” Mira said, studying me with unnerving intensity.
“Simple case of uterine irritability,” I replied, falling into the comfortable rhythm of medical reporting. “Though your gestational monitoring technology is... quite impressive.”
“But not sufficient without proper expertise,” Dayton observed. “Which is why you’re here.”
Helix stepped forward, one hand resting on her belly. “Dr. Parker, what you did today for Serena—this is exactly why we need you. Our first generation of naturally conceived children is our future, and we lack the specialized knowledge and experience to ensure their safe delivery and survival.”
Looking at her, pregnant and vulnerable despite her authority, I felt my certainty about their kind waver. These weren’t the cold killers I had been taught to fear and doubt. They were a community struggling to build something new, something extremely fragile.
“I understand your need,” I admitted, “but kidnapping me wasn’t your only option.”
“Wasn’t it?” Helix’s eyes flashed. “Would Earth have willingly sent their doctors to help the ‘killing machines’?”
I had no answer for that. She was right, and we both knew it.
“Your assistance with Serena has earned our gratitude,” Dayton said into the silence. “You have a gift, Doctor.”
I glanced at Aeon, who watched me with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. What was I supposed to do with this? They were grateful, sincere even, but I remained their prisoner, regardless of how comfortable my cage was.
