“No matter what happens Theo, remember that you are the bravest and fiercest cyborg I know.” His blue eyes grew wide at the compliment. “And I know a lot of cyborgs,” I added, enjoying the way he straightened his shoulders and beamed with pride.
“So touching. Really warms the heart. Well, if I had one.” The doctor’s voice cut through the moment like a knife. A sharp, deadly knife. Hatred burned in my system for her intrusion. More hatred flooded my processors when a red cyborg grabbed Theo’s arms and dragged him away from me. I fought the chains, swinging wildly, my arms slamming hard into the wall behind me.
The metal cuffs reverberated against the wall and pain exploded in my wrists. It didn’t matter. That red bastard had my son.
“Don’t fight,” Theo pleaded. “You’ll hurt yourself.” Theo didn’t struggle. He simply stood in front of the Medical Model allowing him to hold onto his arms. The Medical Model hadn’t hurt him-yet.
The doctor hissed. “Ugg. Get it out of here. I can’t take any more of this!” I could only watch as the red cyborg led Theo away.
“Come on, little one,” he whispered the words so softly I was sure the doctor couldn’t have heard them. Could this be the same red cyborg from Aria’s nightmare? The one she told me I couldn’t kill because he had saved her from certain death?
Medical Models had been a common model of cyborgs. Humans were far more fragile and required frequent healing. Not to mention all the rich humans who wished to change their looks and sought procedures to make themselves more attractive. Military and Medical Models had been produced in larger quantities than other model types. Military Models because they had to be replaced for the dangerous combat they were forced to engage in. Medical because they were sought after to fill hospitals and clinics.
For all I knew, the red one could be different than the one who had saved Aria. The doctor hadn’t been keen to share how many cyborgs she had imprisoned and forced to work for her.
Cyborgs didn’t believe in a god. When you were created by the hands of man and popped out from a vat, God was an illogical concept. Now, I wasn’t so sure. I had been given a female of my own. Theo was a miracle that defied even Dr. Shaw and Dax. Maybe there was something bigger out there. If there was, I silently prayed it would help watch over my son while I could not.
Chapter Forty-One
Aria
I let go of my friends and pushed myself up from the floor. I looked at Dax. I knew what I had to do. “I need your formula, Dax.” Every set of eyes turned to me. “Look, we can sit here and wallow or we can go get my cyborgs back. I refuse to give up. Reaper and Theo need us. They are counting on us to bring them home, even if...” I refused to finish the sentence. “Reaper would never give up on any of you in this room nor those here within our walls.” I took a breath, trusting in the cyborg I had given my heart to guide me.
I could freely admit I was in over my head. I didn’t lead, I followed the familiar, taking the safe path until a certain cyborg threatened to put me over his knee and spank me. Until I met someone like Dash who had followed my best friend into hell to save me even though I had been a complete asshole. Until I became best friends with Dax, honored by Brone, and helped Axios find a name and place to belong.
Until a little cyborg had been put in my cell; with one look, I knew he was mine. “A smart cyborg once told me that Reaper shows he cares with violence.” I smiled at Dax. “He told me it’s in Reaper’s programming to protect and Military Models do it best by hurting those that threaten what they care about. Let’s show Reaper we care in the way he understands—with violence. Let’s make sure that bitch never hurts any of us ever again.”
Dax huffed. “I’m not smart. I’m brilliant.”
“Did someone say violence? I’m in!” Viper smirked.
“Reaper already welcomed me to the cyborg rebellion, so let’s do this.” Caia gleefully chimed in. “Just don’t give me a gun. Aiming isn’t my thing.”
“Let’s not give any of the humans guns.” Iris added. “As for me, I wanted to kill that bitch months ago, and I know my blueberry would agree. We’re in.”
“Count me in, too,” Axios said. “I refuse to stand by and watch her hurt my friends.”
“I haven’t killed anybody in years! I mean, the ones that deserved it that is. Threaten my family and I will cut you happily.” Dr. Shaw spit out with more venom in her voice than I ever thought possible. Especially from someone who seemed so much like a grandmother. There were definitely things we did not know about Dr. Shaw.
I turned to the Science Model. “So, Dax, how about that upgrade?”
“What upgrade?” Caia asked.
“The kind that makes humans like part-superhero. The whole bigger, faster, stronger thing. Watch this—hit me, Viper. Go on. Hit me.” Iris invited.
“I don’t think...I mean I really shouldn’t. Dash wouldn’t approve,” the purple cyborg stuttered.
“That’s your excuse? Come on! “Iris taunted.
Finally, the Technology Model relented. “Fine. But you will tell Dash I objected if he finds out.”
“Done.” Iris chimed.
Viper curled his hand into a fist, lifted it and swung. Iris ducked the blow in a blur of speed, catching his arm and twisting it behind his back. He struggled in her grip, but he couldn’t free his arm from her grasp.
“Missed me.” Iris laughed and then let go.
Caia’s eyes went wide. “I think I want an upgrade too!”
“What you saw is the pro. The con is the whole reshaping your organs, feeling like your whole body is on fire as you gasp for air like a fish out of water. Dying hurt less.” Iris searched my face. “Are you sure about this?”
I nodded. Average human Aria wouldn’t be able to save Theo and Reaper. I needed the ungraded version.
Caia gave a small shudder. “Maybe I don’t want it.”
Dax blinked at me, hesitation and worry on his face. “You could die, Aria. Iris is the only human I have tried it on and only because she was dying and there was no other choice. It stresses the human body to limits that you might not be able to withstand.” He shifted from foot to foot, a clear sign he wasn’t telling me something. He was nervous. Dax had a tell and I knew it.
I gripped his chin, forcing him to look at me. “There is something you are not telling me Dax. Spill it, Science Model.”
“Reaper made me promise if you ever asked for it that I would refuse to give to you.”
“He what?” Shock raced through me. Without it, I’d be condemned to a human’s lifespan. I’d grow old and die, leaving him and Theo alone to face centuries without me.
“Reaper’s not here and this is my choice.” I looked around the room. “I fully understand the risks. If anything happens to me, promise me you’ll give that bitch hell and bring my cyborgs home.”
One by one, they all nodded except for Dax. He stared at me, his emerald eyes flashing, fear locking him to the spot as he swallowed hard. Every line in his green neck strained with tension. He didn’t want to do it, but he was smart enough to know that it needed to be done.
“Dax,” I moved towards him, calm and focused, my jaw set, my chin high. “You know this is the only way.” I grasped his hand and his eyes softened. “Have I ever told you that I’m so glad it was you who came to our door that morning? You didn’t demand anything of Theo and me. You let us simply hang out with you, and for the first time, I felt like I could breathe. Next to Theo and Reaper, you are the cyborg I am closest to. In the cyborg category, you are my best friend.” I let my words sink in. I wanted him to know how I felt. He deserved to know.
“And you are mine.” Dax agreed. “It is why I hesitate to do this. If something happens to you, it will be my fault. I couldn’t bear it.”
“Any of us could die on this mission, but I know I will for sure if I don’t do this. This is my chance.”
Dax sighed, leaning his forehead against mine. “For a time, I hoped you would pick me, but Reaper is the cyborg who
claimed your heart.”
I sighed. Damn Science Model. I didn’t deserve him. Really. Some female was going to love the fuck out of Dax. Head over heels, rattle that big scientific brain of his as she fucking loved the shit out of him. I planned to be around to watch.
He pulled back, releasing another sigh. “Fine. I will get it. But you will not die. Reaper isn’t here to give the order, so I am.” His green eyes blazed. “Do not die, Aria.”
I clicked my heels together and gave him a salute. He was acting like a Military Model. I couldn’t help it.
Dax smirked as he walked away and returned, carting a vial containing a swirling, silver liquid. His other hand held a wickedly sharp-looking needle.
I had forgotten about my near panic-inducing fear of needles. Whoops! My heartbeat sped up and my hands grew clammy. I brushed them down the front of pants.
Dax raised an eyebrow. “Are you okay?”
“Yep. Just peachy.” Under my breath I hissed, “Get it together. You’re dating the leader of the cyborg rebellion. A Military Model who carries an axe strapped to his back. I love sharp things, remember?”
A purple hand slapped me on the back. “You got this, human.” Viper had touched me. He touched me. He sure picked a great time to befriend another dirty human.
“Thanks, Viper.” I replied weakly.
Dax plunged the needle into the vial. Silver fluid began to slowly fill the syringe and I choked back a whimper. My bravery seemed to pussy-out on me when needles were involved.
I inhaled and exhaled slowly. Two hands suddenly found my back. Iris and Caia had each taken a shoulder. Axios put his red hand gently on my arm. I waited for memories to overtake me, but my brain stayed silent. Strangely, I felt comforted by his red hand instead of terrified. An ache formed in the pit of my belly. The red cyborg should be home where he belonged. We would free him too.
I smiled, and every bit of fear vanished. “I’m ready.”
Dax quickly brushed my hair to one side. I opened my mouth to ask why, but he lifted the needle towards the side of my exposed neck. Are you kidding me? My inner voice squeaked in alarm. Why couldn’t it have gone in an ass cheek? Seriously! I would have dropped my pants right here in front of everyone. Hell, most of them had seen my ass anyway. I took another breath then tilted my head so Dax had a better view of my neck. He moved the tip closer and I slammed my eyes shut. I waited and waited and nothing. My eyes popped open.
“I can’t,” Dax stammered.
I held out my hand, surprised when it remained steady. “Give it to me.”
Dax placed the syringe in my waiting hand. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Can I just jam it in there or is there a trick to it?” Next to me, Iris repressed a giggle.
I rolled my eyes at Iris. “Shut it. Not the time.”
Dax didn’t appear to get the joke, so he simply shook his head and said, “No trick. Just jam it in there.”
Iris couldn’t help herself; a giggle escaped her lips and Caia followed with on her own.
Dax frowned. “Why are they laughing? This is no time for it! “He huffed.
“I’ll explain it to you later.” If I’m not dead, I silently added in my head. Quickly, before I lost my nerve, I plunged the needle into my neck, the sharp sting caused me to wince. Depressing the contents in one fast push of the plunger, I then pulled it free, clutching the empty syringe in my palm.
“That wasn’t so ba-” The words died on my lips. I was engulfed in a raging rush of fire and pain. It felt like a thousand needles were piercing my skin all at once while my insides began to feel like taffy pulled violently back and forth between a set of paddles.
My knees buckled, the needle fell from my hand to clatter on the floor. My muscles spasmed, my spine brutally launched itself forward off the ground. The dim rush of shouts echoed somewhere off in the distance. They were drowned out by the scream pouring from my mouth. When blackness came, I happily let it take me.
Chapter Forty-Two
Reaper
While Theo was led away, the doctor turned to me. A cruel smile spread across her face. “Now that it’s gone, I can finally play.” A blood-red tipped nail poked my cheek roughly. “I’ve never fucked a Military Model before.” Her hand cupped my cock through my pants. It shriveled in retreat. My cock wanted nothing to do with crazy.
She frowned at what I assumed was my limp state. “Seems your cock is as useless as the rest of you. Nothing but a dumb expendable piece of muscle. I should have known.” She sighed. “Oh, well. I have other ways to play.” She poked my cheek again, this time digging her nail in as deep as it would go. “Plan B is going to take more time than I have at the moment. Pity.” She caressed my cheek. “My experiment is more important than a washed-up Military Model. Why don’t you get comfortable in your chains, and I’ll be back later.”
I lunged, planning on tearing her fucking throat but she reared back, missing my gnashing teeth by an mere inch.
“To slow.” She cackled with laughter. “I’ll be back. Don’t worry I’ll tell...what did you call it again? Theo? I’ll tell Theo you said hi.”
I pushed against the chains, my chest straining with the effort to get free... “Don’t fucking touch him!” I howled, the sound low and filled with rage and pain. Fucking useless. That’s how I felt. The face of every cyborg I had failed flooded my processors. It didn’t matter how hard I fought or that I was the best. I had failed. Aria’s face flashed in my brain. She had trusted me to follow Theo. No doubt had lingered in her eyes. She believed in me. Believed that I would bring him back safe and unharmed.
“I’ll do whatever I want, Military Model,” she hissed between clenched teeth. She walked to the door of the cell. “See you soon.” Then she was gone, leaving me alone with my failure. I let my head fall forward; my arms sagged in the chains. Fluid gathered in my eyes. Military Models didn’t cry, yet here I was. My head hung in shame, my eyes wet and glossy.
MY PROCESSORS COUNTED the minutes. Two hours, thirty-six minutes and four seconds had lapsed since they took Theo. The skin on my wrists rubbed to my metal frame in my continued desperate attempt to get free. Sparks shot from my wrists as metal slid against metal. I would wear them down to wires if need be.
The door opened. My head snapped up. The Medical Model carried Theo in his arms. Theo didn’t move. His small frame was limp in the red cyborg’s arms. My chest drew tight, my form vibrated with rage. Every circuit lit up as I roared and shook in the chains. “You hurt your own kind! A child! Fucking traitor!” I spit, fluid spraying from my lips to strike the floor. I imagined I looked like a rabid dog foaming at the mouth. I didn’t fucking care. My hands curled into fists at the end of my cuffs. “Step closer, asshole. Pick on someone your own size for once.”
“Not asshole,”a voice croaked.
“Theo?” Hearing Theo’s voice caused my rage to shift to desperate need. “Bring him here. Lay him by my feet,” I ordered.
The Medical Model hesitated then took a few steps forward and placed Theo on the floor in front of my boots, then the red cyborg backed away quickly, his frame hitting the wall as he tried to put as much distance between us as possible. His ruby eyes found mine briefly before he lowered his gaze. “None of the tests did permanent damage. I also gave him something for the pain. He will be sleepy, but otherwise, he will be fine.”
I looked at Theo huddled on the floor. His blue eyes were glassy. His gray lips pressed into a line as his head lolled to one side. “Fine? Does he look fine?” Accusation dripped from every word. My breathing became irregular as I stared at Theo. “No, permanent damage? Should I thank you for that?” Fire blazed from my eyes. If looks could kill, the Medical Model would be dead right now.
The cyborg frantically shook his head. He opened his mouth to reply but his lips clamped shut.
The doctor breezed in, her gaze pinned the red cyborg to the wall. “My orders were to drop it and go.” The cyborg ran for the door without another word.
“
It’s impossible to find good help these days.” The doctor laughed at her own joke. Maneuvering around Theo so she could reach around my back, her fingers sought my off switch. I swung from side to side trying to fight her off, but she raised her foot and placed it directly on Theo’s neck. She pressed down causing Theo let out a whimper. I ceased my struggle immediately.
Reaching out, she patted my head. “Good boy.” With a quick flick of her finger, everything went dark.
Chapter Forty-Three
Aria
I came to, laid out on an exam table; a crowd of cyborgs, plus Iris and Caia, staring at me. I felt like a zoo exhibit. I sat up causing the entire crowd to shift backwards, allowing me some space. “Not dead,” I offered the crowd a reassuring smile. I hopped from the table and stretched, marveling at how good I felt—after experiencing the worst pain of my life. I thought I would feel like rewarmed dog shit but nope. I felt ready to fly. A faint buzz moved through my veins, making every part of my body hum with power.
I looked at Iris and grinned. “Upgrade? More like taping into a freaking live wire. Painful as fuck, but worth it. I feel good.” I drew out the last word, rolling my shoulders before planting a quick kiss to Dax’s cheek. “You really are brilliant, my friend. This stuff is incredible.”
His cheeks darkened to a deeper shade of green. “You’re welcome. Thanks for not dying.”
Every single set of eyes were still on me like they were waiting for something. Fuck me. I guess I had become the leader of the cyborg rebellion. I took a deep breath. I could do this. “First thing we need to do is check Axios and make sure the doctor from Hell didn’t send him off with a parting gift.” I looked at Axios. He dipped his chin in agreement.
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