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“She gets fed the same government bullshit that the news broadcasts for other Earthers.” Sky straightened in his seat. “What is my punishment? How long are you grounding me for? Am I moving my things out of my home or have you already transferred us to a new one?”
Zorus crossed his arms over his chest. “We need you, Sky—and you always count on that when you break the rules. Don’t think we’re not aware of your tactics.”
“This had nothing to do with me thinking I’m too invaluable. This was about saving Mick from death.”
Blackie cleared his throat. “I understand. Here’s the situation. The council is angry and feels you disrespected them. They want you downgraded…but Zorus and I argued that the stress of your job puts you at risk of dealing with too many emotions. Emotions most cyborgs don’t often deal with. But it’s a required part of your skills, in order to be an effective human specialist.” The cyborg studied Mick. “It also gave you the opportunity to take an Earther wife, since you’d been talking and had grown a bond with her.”
Zorus took over. “We held a vote, and most of us agreed that your instability could be considered a hazard of your job. You aren’t being downgraded in status, but your wife is to remain with you at all times, be it on Garden or on future assignments. Basically, she’s your security risk, and you’re fully responsible for her actions.” Zorus rolled his eyes. “Some of the council felt that was punishment enough, since they can’t understand wanting to join a family unit with an Earther.”
Sky nodded. “Good. I was prepared to argue that I may have rescued Mick, but I still helped figure out what’s going on with the Markus Models. That’s proof enough that I can do my job well, even while breaking the rules. I should also get credit for masterminding the fake footage sent to Earth. They’ll see pirates pretending to be cyborgs, which you have to admit was brilliant.”
Zorus snorted. “Yes, Sky. We’re all in agreement that it will make Earth Government leery of believing any future reports about our kind. You did your job well.” He paused. “You still shouldn’t have broken the rules, though.”
“No regrets. I have Mick.”
“Don’t become cocky,” Zorus snapped. “You’re going to be working your ass off. That’s your punishment, especially when you’ll want to spend all your time with your female, instead.”
“I plan to either way.” Sky took a deep breath and blew it out.
“We sent the Bridden back out to search for large groupings of pirate ships and spy on them. You are being shuttled back to the Star in a few days. It will keep you mobile to continue your work, but far from Garden. You need to keep in coms with all the stations and listen for any reports of Markus Models or pirate swarm activity,” Blackie added. “We have a lot to learn about the new threat. Understood?”
“Yes, Blackie. I do.” Sky smiled.
Mick relaxed in her chair. Sky appeared happy, and it had gone far better than she’d hoped. No one had put her in chains or taken her away from Sky, her worst fear.
“May we go now? I’d like to show Mick my home and order her some decent clothes before we must return to space. She’s been wearing my clothing and what we could replicate on the Star.”
“Go.” Zorus stood. “Don’t push the council again, Sky. Even they have limits. Try to remember that.” He left the room without another word.
The other cyborg, Blackie, sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. “You were fortunate, Sky. The council needs you too much right now, and we’re all worried about what the Markus Models are planning to do with the pirates. Find those bastards. Markus Models seem to excel at manipulation beyond our expectations. It’s worrisome.”
“I’m aware. Thank you for siding with me.”
“You’ve been helping Gene search for Danica. He remained on the Bridden, since it’s returning to more populated human areas of space. Eve is worried the Markus Models will eventually attack a ship her sister may be on, since they’ve not only been targeting stations, but now freighters and shuttles. Off the record, ask around about any female bounty hunters when you contact those stations.”
He unfolded his arms and stood, handing over a data chip. “Here’s a list Eve made of the stations the sisters interacted with while dropping off criminals. They were among their favorite places to visit. We’re guessing Danica may tell people Eve died, if they ask about her whereabouts. Don’t blow that cover story, just in case. You’ll probably want to pretend you’re trying to avoid Danica. Eve said most criminals hated and feared them.”
Sky accepted the chip. “I can do that.”
Blackie reached up once more and removed Mick’s necklace from his chest pocket. He offered it to her. “We found nothing on here that was of interest to the council. Your android isn’t very advanced; we went over his programming. He’s outdated tech and no threat to us. You might want to upgrade, if you ever have a model rebuilt.”
Mick put her necklace back on. “I love Jorg, and don’t want an upgraded model, but thank you.”
Blackie nodded, staring at Sky. “Find those bastards, and Danica. It would make my life easier. I hate to see my wife upset every time a report comes in, thinking it might have involved her sister.”
“I’m on it.” Sky shook his hand. “Can we leave now?”
“Go.”
Sky offered Mick his hand and she took it. He pulled her out of the chair and folded her hand around his arm, leading her out of the building. None of the cyborg guards tried to stop them.
Sky chuckled. “I told you not to worry.”
“I’m with that Blackie guy. We were fortunate, weren’t we?”
“They need me. Most cyborgs have a difficult time relating to people from Earth. I speak like them. It makes it easier for me to make friends and earn their trust. Friends share information.”
“Good thing for me.”
He stopped in the street and pulled her close, planting a kiss on her lips. He grinned. “We’re so much more than friends.”
She grinned, trying to ignore the way the cyborgs nearest them had paused, openly gawking at the display of affection. It made her a little self-conscious.
Sky seemed to guess her thoughts. “Cyborgs don’t kiss just for the fun of it. You saved me from that cold shit, Mick. Let’s get you some good clothing first, and then we’ll head home.”
* * * * *
Sky watched Mick’s reaction to seeing the views from his home. It made him happy when she grinned, her expression lighting up with joy. “I’m really proud of you.”
She turned to him. “Why?”
“You endured one of my worst nightmares by being measured for clothes and picking out styles, yet you’re not even in a bad mood. I hate doing that.”
“You weren’t lying about all those clothes not costing you credits, were you?”
“Clothing is free on Garden. You can’t live in my shirts and altered pants for long, Mick. The Star’s stock of materials was outdated. What we produce on Garden is far better. You need a wardrobe of your own, with things that fit. I’m just glad they can replicate them so quickly and will deliver your new clothes before we leave. Usually there’s a two-day wait time, but you’re a priority as my wife, and because we’re being shuttled off the surface so soon. My job has some perks.” He winked.
She faced the windows again. “It’s so beautiful here.”
He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her back against his chest. He liked holding her. “We’ll return soon, and I’ll take you for that swim.”
“It’s okay. Just seeing the ocean and all that vegetation is like a dream come true after staring at dust and rocks for four years. This definitely isn’t a dead planet. The fresh air is amazing, too.”
“I’m sorry we’re having to return to space so soon.”
“I’m not,” she craned her head to peer up at him. “We’ll be together. That’s all that matters. You’re a pretty fantastic sight, too. Though I like you minus your clothes best.�
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He hugged her tighter. “We’re going to be very happy.”
“I already am.”
“Are you hungry?”
“No. I’m still adjusting to you trying to feed me at least three times a day. I’m warning you now that I’ll probably put on weight.”
“I’ll help you keep fit and healthy.” He wiggled his eyebrows and leered at her.
She laughed. “I look forward to it. Practice makes perfect, I’ve heard. Although I’ve got no complaints about us in a bedroom.” She stared back out through the windows. “I just can’t get over this view. It’s breathtaking.”
“It is. Next time we’re here, I’ll also let you see the natives. I’ll take you beyond the security walls and we’ll go to the nearby cliffs. The sea people can be spotted from a distance. Some of them hang out on the beaches below.”
“It won’t scare them?”
“They aren’t aware of us from that height. They’ve never climbed the cliffs, as far as we know. We leave them alone but we keep an eye on them. A team of cyborgs studies them without interference. One day they might be more open to becoming friendly with us. We’d like to know as much about them as we can beforehand, to avoid accidentally offending them in some way. The research team briefs me from time to time on our neighbors, since I’m the Earth expert.”
“But they aren’t human.”
He grinned. “I keep telling the team that fact, but sometimes they run behaviors they see by me, hoping it’s something I’m familiar with.”
“Like what?”
“They caught some of them dancing once.”
She peered up at him in surprise. “Really?”
He nodded. “They weren’t close enough to pick up sound, but they took vid footage, and they were dancing on the beach. Some of them appeared to have instruments. It looked like they were blowing into large shells. Cyborgs didn’t understand why they’d do that.”
“A celebration of some sort? Or a mating dance? Maybe they think they can bring rain! I read a story once about Indian tribes who used to do that in the old days on Earth. I’d love to see that vid!”
Her excitement amused him. “How would you like to work with the team, as my assistant?”
“Seriously? I’d love that.”
“Done. I’ll make sure you’re there the next time they contact me, and you can sit in on the meeting to offer your input.”
“But I’m going to need a real job eventually. Do you have any type of mining operations here?”
“No. We don’t mess with the planet.”
“That’s a good thing. I just don’t know what else to do.”
“Your ‘real’ job is being my wife, and now my assistant with the team studying our neighbors. They’ll be thrilled with a new perspective. I’m not very helpful to them. You can also listen in when I talk to space stations and help me, if you want.”
“I’d like that.”
“Me too.”
He stared over her head at Garden, seeing it as if for the first time again. Mick did that for him. He felt alive with her. A smile curved his lips. He just needed to keep her happy.
He lifted a hand and caressed her stomach, before running his fingers higher, between her breasts. He brushed her necklace with his fingertips, the only thing she had left of the android she’d loved.
It reminded him that he owed her a ring and a wedding gift for marrying him. He eased his hold on her. “I’ll be right back. I have some calls to make. Explore our home. We have four bedrooms but I’ve only furnished one, since I never have guests.”
“I think I’m just going to stand here for a while to enjoy the view.”
He went to the coms panel. First, he ordered a ring to be made for her. It was easy enough, since she’d been measured for clothing. Her ring size could be taken off the body scan done for that. He chose a matching set, knowing that’s what Earth people did, and was glad when he was told they could be delivered within hours. Cyborgs were nothing if not efficient.
Next, he contacted Brute on the Star. The male answered quickly. “How goes the project? I have access to the data chip. The council returned it.”
“I sent the model down on a shuttle. It should have been delivered to your building already. I asked that they keep it in security, since I know you want to surprise your human. Just upload the data. There might be some glitches, since I wasn’t sure of the compatibility with the programing.”
“Can you come down to install the chip?”
“They have us pretty busy up here since we’re leaving in a few days. I can’t. Sorry.”
Sky was disappointed.
“Just plug in the chip behind the neck and turn on the power. It will boot up within minutes. I kept the basic protection protocols installed, but otherwise, it’s been wiped of its original programming.”
“Thank you.”
“Just remember. The next Earth female you come across, she’s mine. I put a lot of work into this android, Sky. All of them were dusty from being kept in storage, and I had to tinker with it a bit to make it functional. You got the model you requested, the best I could find of the bunch.”
“You have my word that I’ll be on the lookout to find you an unattached female.”
Sky ended the call and sought out Mick. He found her in his bedroom, sprawled out on the bed.
“There you are. I thought you’d be on the coms longer.” She patted the mattress next to her. “Want to cuddle?”
He reached for the waist of his shirt and tugged it up. “I want to do that and so much more to you.”
She smiled. “Sounds like a plan.”
Chapter Fourteen
Mick woke and turned, wanting to snuggle into Sky. The other side of the bed was empty and morning sunlight streamed through the windows. She sat up, glancing around his large bedroom, but there was no sign of him. His side of the bed felt cool when she touched the sheets.
She slid out of bed and entered the bathroom. His home was nice. On Earth, he would have been considered wealthy for having such a large, luxurious home. It still astounded her that cyborgs didn’t use money. Their system seemed both simple and advanced…and way better than anything she’d ever heard of. A great place to live, access to free medical care, food, and clothing, all in exchange for working. Every inhabitant seemed appreciated by their ruling government—or in the cyborgs’ case, their council.
She used the toilet, took a shower, and brushed her teeth. Sky had a robe that she borrowed. It was huge, hanging on her body and falling long enough to touch the floor. She left their bedroom in search of him.
“Sky?”
He didn’t answer. A quick search revealed she was alone in their apartment, though she wasn’t concerned. Her attention was drawn to the views again. She walked to the glass and smiled. Garden was so lovely. A real haven for cyborg, and now for her. She’d never tire of looking at the ocean in the distance, all that lush vegetation, and even the city below was stunning. Cyborgs should be proud of what they’d built.
It was a shame they couldn’t stay longer, but she knew they’d be back.
She finally turned away from the windows, entering the kitchen. She’d never actually lived in a place with one, other than their quarters on the Star.
The food replicator was the best she’d ever had access to. It was paste, bars, or pills that were available on most work sites. Mars had a cafeteria, but it hadn’t served much in the way of fresh or cooked meals. It was more like rewarmed cans of food.
“I need to learn how to cook,” she sighed, taking in the counter, cupboards, and various appliances. “Crap. I wonder if cyborgs have learning vids available.” She’d have to ask Sky. The night before, he’d had someone deliver food, saying it was their honeymoon. It seemed cyborgs had a lot of food services.
She heard the doors open and walked out of the kitchen, a big smile on her lips when she saw Sky. He wore loose gray pants, a white shirt, and black shoes.
“Hi!”
H
e grinned at her. “I was hoping you were still sleeping. I have a surprise for you.” He turned to the still-open doors. “Roll it in!”
She was stunned when two large cyborgs wearing uniforms rolled in something on wheels. It was a tall box. They brought it a few feet inside and then left, the doors closing behind them. Her attention darted between the box and Sky. “What is it?”
He grinned. “Go have a seat on the couch and close your eyes. Pick one so your back is to me. No peeking.”
Mick hesitated, staring at the box. It stood as tall as Sky with the wheeled pallet under it. She tried to come up with guesses but she was clueless about what could be inside. Then she grinned excitedly. Maybe it was her new wardrobe. It hadn’t arrived yet. The fact that the box was a few feet across meant he must have ordered a lot of clothes.
She turned and took a seat on the couch, her back to Sky, and closed her eyes for good measure. “This is too much, Sky.”
“You deserve everything I can give you.”
She felt the warmth in her chest spread. Sky was amazingly loving. She had no regrets over marrying him. He never ceased to surprise her with his thoughtful gestures and kindness. He made her feel loved and appreciated.
There were popping noises, probably the box being ripped open. A few creaks confirmed it. The box had looked like thin sheets of wood. Then there was a thump. It was tempting to open her eyes and glance back, but she held still.
She heard Sky approaching, his shoes making a quiet noise as he came toward her. Then his hands touched hers.
“Open your eyes but only look at me. Nowhere else.”
She did, finding Sky crouched in front of her. “You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Mick. I want you to have no doubt about that.”
“I’m already convinced.”
His grin widened. He released one of her hands, kept hold of her left one, and raised it. He reached into the front pocket of his pants and withdrew something small. He hid it until he began to slide it onto one of her fingers.
She stared. It was a beautiful silver band with designs burned into the metal.