Page 11 of Her Alien Cyborgs
Archer held up a hand. “We’ll do that, but first I need some information. Starting with your names and why you appear to be the only two subjects still on the station.”
“I’m Seven,” the answer came automatically. Then he remembered that the circumstances had changed. “At least, that’s what our captors called me. My chosen name is Kalan. What are your names?”
“I’m Scott Archer. That is Garrett Michaels, and this is our wife, Phylomenia.” Archer made introductions and then looked at Six, who had moved close enough to rest a possessive hand on Hezza’s shoulder. “And your name?”
“I was called Six. Now I would like to be called Fyr’enth.”
Hezza turned enough to be able to smile at both of them. “Hello, Fyr’enth and Kalan.”
Kalan went still and stared at her for several seconds. It was the first time in his life he’d heard his name spoken by someone else. They’d told each other their chosen names only once and never said them aloud again.
Not until today.
The one called Garrett ended the moment with another question. “Do either of you know why you were left behind?”
He tightened his grip around Hezza’s waist before answering. “They left us here because we have no value to them.”
Now she knew the truth, he expected Hezza to pull away. Instead, she leaned back against the bars that separated them as if offering him her silent support.
“No value?” Archer asked.
“We are failed experiments,” Fyr’enth explained. “If we’re the only ones left, the others were terminated. We thought as much, but we had no way to be certain.”
The three humans shared a knowing look with each other, but Phylomenia spoke first. “Let me guess. They wanted you to be completely obedient at all times with no free will. When you resisted, they deemed you failures.”
It was not a question, but Kalan replied anyway. “Yes. How did you know that?”
“Because that’s what always happens. These people—we call them Shadows—have tried this more than once. It never worked. I guess they decided to try it with a different species this time.”
“Is that why you were surprised by our appearance, Hezza? Were none of the other cyborgs based on Vardarian DNA?”
“The others are all based on human genetics,” she said. “As far as we know, you’re the first. The empress is going to shed her scales when she hears about this.”
“That’s a future problem,” Archer said. “Let’s focus on the issues facing us in the here and now.”
Hezza nodded. “Like how to get these two off the station and away from Barrios. He’s got his own agenda, and I don’t trust him.”
“Neither do we,” Phylomenia said.
“Nor us,” Fyr’enth stated with a hint of a growl. “He wants to separate us from Hezza. That will not happen.”
“It won’t,” Hezza reassured them. “You’re staying with me until we get thissharhalthing sorted out.
Archer nodded. “As much as it pains me, I agree. As for getting you off the station? I have an idea.”
Garrett chuckled. “You’ve been waiting for a chance to use that thing.”
“Smoke and mirrors?” Phylomenia asked.
He had no idea what they were talking about. Nor did he care so long as it meant they wouldn’t have to be here much longer. After years of waiting, it was finally time for action.
“We’re really leaving,” Fyr’enth said via their link.
“We are.” He glanced down at the female still in his embrace. “And the universe has provided us with a guide.”
“I think she’s a great deal more than that, brother.”
“I do, too.” He wanted to believe that, but when had the universe ever given them anything? If this was a gift, it had to come with strings.
