C- Sizzling

by Jessie Rose Case

  Her eyes roamed to the usual gathering of single ladies of all ages, that stood to one side of the docking area. It was screened back now. Some women had been more… aggressive in their need to find a male partner. Not that she blamed them, she just hated seeing it. This wasn’t how her community used to be. The women were strong, independent and got on with their lives. Now, for many of them, this was their main focus. Month after month they stood in all their best waiting to see if a Cyborg picked them.

  Elenor got it. Before the Cyborgs came, their community was dying, she knew that only too well. She wasn’t sure what it was exactly that bothered her so much. Many of the women standing there would look over at her sadly and she acknowledged them. They’d lost husbands and sons, some of them friends too. Just like she’d lost her father and friends. She couldn’t blame them for wanting a mate. Many had never expected to find one and resolved themselves to a life of being alone or dying out. Just like she had. Many had been without a man in their lives for decades. Like her mother. Others from newer generations never had the chance of having one. They knew their ages meant nothing to Cyborgs and lived in hope, month on month that it would be this time, that a Cyborg recognized them as their mate.

  Elenor frowned. Why did it bother her so much? There were plenty on this world that was already mated, she reflected. More than anyone had first thought possible. No one knew exactly why that had happened. It just seemed to be. And each time more came, more were found. She remembered hearing something about compatible DNA sent out in the first colonisations that they could now track. DNA listings of destinations that the Cyborgs had data on, that were embedded in their databanks and only recently understood why they felt the pull to certain worlds because of it.

  But it wasn’t proven in any real sense, only that more wanted to be on rotation and more ‘mates’ were found. She guessed on some level that was the answer in itself. If it wasn’t so, it wouldn’t be happening, right?

  It just all seemed so …….. desperate to her. And yet it was true on both sides and still, it sounded unfair even to her. Wanting to live, have a future was the expected norm. Didn’t everyone want that? She knew what these women had been through. Some had been through hell at the hands of the pirates and were lucky to survive at all. She’d been brought up living it with them, caring for them after. She knew.

  Their husbands or fathers and sons killed or all three now gone and living under the constant threat of being killed themselves, raped or stolen away year on year. And fearing they had no future, no eligible men to replace them. So their world was destined to die no matter what they did. It had been their fate. Pure desolation in the face of so much loss. It was all they had, until the Cyborgs.

  And with so much desperation came a temptation no one could ignore, not even her. The Cyborgs had been every woman’s dream and available. She wasn’t blind. They were all attractive and good-looking, she’d give them that. And when it came down to it, in the beginning, she’d been as attracted to them as everyone else had. The Cyborgs were everywhere and ….. so darn big!

  She’d admit, she struggled to take her eyes off them, as one after another delicious hunk walked by. Who wouldn’t be tempted? Such fine-looking men, beyond her own imaginations and anyone elses that was for sure. She’d never seen such men as these before that day. No one had, except her friend, Laura. All tall large men imposing specimens, that represented images of the warrior gods of old. And that felt all wrong too. Hungering after them, objectifying them. The women were beside themselves with their luck, comparisons made with their own men were made and Elenor found it distasteful. No human male could compare to Cyborgs. Not that they did not care for their human males, they did, but to compare both species was just…. wrong to her.

  Well, if she were honest, not everyone was chomping at the bit. A reasonable portion of the women kept some reality in their lives and carried on regardless, but for a time, it seemed the whole colony had gone mad with the novelty of it.

  Maybe the euphoria of so much after so long without anything, sent everyone a little crazy. Elenor blew out a breath. It was what it was. There was no mistaking the intensity of these men or their allure. The women had taken to flirting, putting their best dresses on, using make up not seen in decades and gone calling. Only it didn’t work that way, not with Cyborgs.

  They soon found out it was a waste of time trying. The Cyborgs had only found out recently, that they could have mates. They had thought their creation prevented it, until their Admiral met his Kim and everything changed. But it came with a catch, you had to be their DNA match. Kane had told them clearly. They welcomed the opportunity for mates, but they had to sense it, recognize the female on a DNA level and unless they did, all the flirting in the world wasn’t going to help you.

  They only craved one woman. The one their systems recognized as their perfect match. Age didn’t matter, beauty didn’t matter, shape, size or color of their hair and eyes didn’t matter. If they were single with no male scent on them, of adult age, you were a candidate. If, and only if, it was a DNA match.

  Some of the women had taken it badly. Not accepting the truth of it until the evidence spoke for itself. Some had despaired putting too much hope on it. Others, beautiful women who had prized their looks found themselves not wanted and females that were plainer, older, younger, fatter, thinner did. Their normal social norms were thrown out the window. Those things didn’t count any longer. Not if you wanted a Cyborg mate anyway.

  Elenor had found that information fascinating and her passing interest waned. She focused on not looking for a male but looking at the species themselves. They were unique. She was interested in how they ticked, not as individuals but what made them work as a whole. She was curious wanting to know all about them and Laura’s mate Kane had been very forthcoming. She’d been brought up with science, so she knew the chances of that DNA connection happening, were billions to one. In all the universe, she was less than a spec, less than an atom. A needle in the proverbial universal haystack of such magnitude, the odds were incalculable. Not that she was counting.

  And yet, the evidence was here. Mate’s were found on this world and that was irrefutable. She just didn’t want one. Maybe in ten years? Who knew.

  The ramp lowered, pulling her from her thoughts as Cyborgs moved all around her. The women and children started walking down and she welcomed them, checking people off her datapad. New Cyborgs arrived tasked with the women and children’s security and escorted them off. Some supporting the females some carrying the children. Each gentle and kind, so at odds with their appearance but she knew it to be true. It was how they were made and yet not, and another corundum. So protective. Some guarding, their eyes continually sweeping for danger. Some of the women, were clearly prospective mates and Elenor found herself happy for them if that’s what they wanted. They had been through enough.

  She cleared the last child on her own. Elenor had bent down to talk to her. She was twelve years old and had been in the school locked in the cellar, an old Earth Corp tunnel the school had luckily been built over. The child was scarily aware of being on her own, her family gone and clung to the hand of the Cyborg with her. Elenor found it heart breaking. She’d spoken kindly to her and welcomed her to her new home. Introduced herself and told her the Doctor was her mother and the community hoped she found a good life with them.

  The Cyborg stood holding the child’s hand. She’d looked up at him and he’d given her a sharp nod and the child had smiled and told her she was safe now. Elenor could see the connection, not that the Cyborg would be interested in her until she was of her maturity. And that date wasn’t fixed in stone. Some were just over 18, others into their 20s. It was whenever the DNA took over the Cyborg and ‘switched’ him on. They would sense when a female wasn’t ready and hold back. Elenor sent them on their way to her mother and stood watching them go.

  Turning off her datapad. Through all the sadness that had brought them to here, she knew they would all find g
ood homes with the community. The child would be adopted into another home until of age to choose how they wanted to live. The Cyborg going about their work, visiting from time to time. Although, never far away. This world had plenty of space. The women would stay and recover, make a go of the life or decide it wasn’t for them and leave. Either way, they were all welcome and all free to choose.

  The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. The feeling of being watched crept over her. Elenor felt the chill sweeping her and slowly turned spotting the Cyborg staring at her from the ramp. Images of the Viking gods of Old Earth flooded her mind. Wow….

  She couldn’t help but check that out. Holy shit. Her body heated, her mouth suddenly very dry. Frowning she turned away quickly and strode off.

  O hell no. That was way too much temptation....

  ***

  C stood on the ramp unable to go any further. He’d instinctively stopped when he’d first seen her working with the refugees and waited. Something about her drew him. He did not know why. She was clearly efficient and competent. Helping others in need. Others, that had been lost, like he had. Her quiet confidence called to him. Drew him in. She’d been gentle with the child and understood the Cyborg with her. Her scent, lingering notes in the air seemed to be reaching for him. His body hardened unbidden. Logic told him he was malfunctioning again.

  And when she'd turned to look at him. His systems seem to flare and come back online. He had not activated his emotions or sensors and yet, he could feel and taste her.

  He breathed deeply and didn't want to stop ....Yesss, seeped into his mind.

  Chapter Two

  Laura came in as she was packing. “Going somewhere?” she asked looking confused and slumping onto the bed. Elenor knew why, they’d planned to get together this afternoon, work on one of her new projects. Laura was a tech genius and the love of Kane’s life. Elenor didn’t have those skills but she was willing to help where she could.

  She nodded, “rain check on the project sorry,” she told her stuffing her clothes into a bag. “Mum needs her space. It's getting old being the spare wheel around here and her mate, keeps trying to be protective of both of us.”

  Laura laughed. “O dear I can image.” It sounded off.

  Elenor straightened and looked at her friend. “Everything ok with you and Kane?”

  Laura nodded absently. “I think I’m pregnant,” she whispered.

  Elenor was about to squeal when she saw her friend wasn’t so happy. Reaching out she took her hands. “Whatever it is, we can deal with it.” She told her firmly meaning it. Laura nodded. “How come your not sure? It’s generally a yes or no thing.” Elenor asked her gently.

  Laura sighed. “It’s a yes, I’m the one not sure.”

  Elenor grinned and hugged her. “I will be the best Aunt I promise.” Laura laughed and hugged her back. “Why so worried? Kane will be an amazing father.” Elenor felt sure he would be.

  Laura sighed again. “Yes, he will but he’s going to go crazy and boss me around. Tell me I can’t go off world, can’t go tracking, can’t work my projects here or at the Space Station.”

  Elenor pulled back and looked at her. “He’s overbearing, they all are but you know as well as I do, you put your foot down and he’ll come around.” Laura looked cagily at her. Elenor nodded, “eventually.” Elenor clapped and rubbed her hands together. “We should celebrate.” Laura looked doubtful at her packing, then back at her. “I can go tomorrow,” Elenor told her putting her arm around her shoulders. “Now, we can go and make lists of baby names, clothes and things you need. Have a few non-alcoholic drinks, eat all that food that makes you fat and then, if you need it, I’ll come with you to talk to Kane.”

  Laura looked up. “You would?”

  Elenor nodded. “It’s what friends do, come on.”

  ***

  “Commander welcome to our base. Take a seat.” Kane stood before him then indicated the chair and went behind his desk sitting down.

  “No longer a Commander, Councilman, disavowed.” He took the seat.

  Kane sat forward. “Not by us. A Commander is your rank and that remains. The Empire has backdated your wealth to our freedom and you have been paid accordingly. Commander Pain will have all the account details should you wish to check it. Here is your credit chip.” He handed him a card. “Scan it over your datapad as you cannot use your neuro net and it will upload automatically to it. Scan the code for anything you wish to buy. How are the repairs?”

  C, knew he was talking about his replacement parts. He’d been severely damaged and was crated by his last owners for parts for a reason.

  “I am functioning at 87%. My chest is rebuilt and fully functional, my arm too with all new cybernetics. New skin regrowth is completed. My neuro net is still compromised but Dr. Navarelli on the Space Station thinks it’s repairable. I asked her to wait. I have not had it for a very long time. All other systems are functioning within the given parameters.”

  Kane nodded and sat back in his chair. “I’m aware that your last few missions with your captors were difficult. Are your emotions on?”

  “No. They have been off for 28.2 years and I have left them that way.”

  “If you ever wish to use them again, you will have to turn them on and deal with the memories. That will not be easy. It was a long time to store them and a lot of damage.” Kane told him pointedly. There was no point in answering that. C knew it as well as Kane did. “I want you to lead this team.” He handed him a datapad. “These are men from different squads that are no longer with us. They need a Commander who understands that and can pull them together. Some are having problems adjusting. I have spoken with the HoS Admiral Rage and he believes as I do, they must be given the chance to find themselves again. Are you capable of this mission?”

  C answered without thinking. It was second nature to him. “Yes, sir.”

  “Good. Your accommodations await. Training with your squad starts at 5am tomorrow.” C, nodded and stood. “One more thing Commander C. We are guests here on this planet and that should not be forgotten. I have little concern for anyone’s safety, I know no Cyborg would harm a civilian deliberately. However, my wife will be much displeased if any one of them is upset.” C, looked at him but said nothing. “You scented a female at the dock. Make sure your attentions are welcome before you act.”

  C, frowned. Not that he was surprised his action had not gone unnoticed, they were Cyborg, but that Kane thought he had any intention of acting anything towards the female. “She is my wife’s best friend and when my wife is upset, my life is hell. Think long and hard about what you choose to do. Dismissed.” Kane told him.

  C, gave a nod and walked out. He was escorted to his room in the barracks by one of Kane’s men, with a tour of the compound. His escort informing of meal times in the mess, indicating medical, the training grounds and his timetable. His kit already there, C looked around his rooms. A larger sleeping area than he was used to, with bed, storage, desk and chair and a connected bathroom. It was a separate room for a commander not in a barrack. As Kane had said, it reflected his status. It was functional and practical. He needed nothing more.

  ***

  Elenor pressed more cake on Laura. “I couldn’t eat another thing,” she cried out.

  “You’re eating for two or ten, so go for it while you can.” She told her. Laura laughed and shook her head.

  “No alcohol, no caffeine, how will I survive?” Laura moaned.

  Elenor smiled leaning forward conspiratorially on the bar table. It was hard not to be happy for her friend. “Kane will not care if you’re the size of a tank. Sex, lots and lots of it.” Laura burst out laughing.

  “You need a mate,” Laura told her off hand. It wasn’t the first time she’d said it.

  Elenor shook her head. “Nope. Don’t need one. I’m good on my own. I like it that way.”

  “Your mothers happy,” Laura told her bating her.

  She nodded. It was true. “She fighting it still
, but yes, she’s very happy. Her mates a saint.”

  Laura sobered. “She still feels guilty?”

  Elenor nodded. “Yeah, Dad, the younger women with no man. Feels she had her chance and it should be others. It's unnecessary. She knows how it works, she’s a Doctor for god’s sake but she won’t let herself be happy. I think she’s afraid. Afraid to believe in it and then it’s gone from her again. A lot of us are.” She told her frowning.

  “You afraid to find love Elenor?” Laura asked reaching out to touch her hand clearly worried for her. Elenor thought of the Cyborg at the ramp for no reason. He had been stunning.

  She shook her head. “Just not interested yet, maybe in a few years.”

  Laura laughed finishing off her juice. “We both know it doesn’t work that way.” Elenor shrugged. “Guess I’d better go face the music,” Laura told her sighing.

  Elenor grinned as she stood helping her friend up although she didn’t need it. “He’s gonna go nuts.”

  Laura slapped at her arm. “That’s not helping!”

  Laughing and pulling each other along, they made their way to the Cyborg Compound and Training Ground. It was a huge area 10 minutes walk from the main community. Affectionately called CTG. It held all the Cyborgs on mission on their world. They came and went as they needed or wanted. Many came into the main community to eat at one of several restaurants two or three enterprising women had started. They catered mainly to their world’s guests, soldiers and the many visitors they now had.