Page 23

Story: Cyborg's Heart

As our small team assembled, I felt a growing sense of purpose. Despite our potential disadvantage in terms of weaponry and numbers, we held something the conspiracy lacked with the truth. And I was determined to use it to bring down their whole rotten operation.

"Alright, people," I said, once everyone had settled in. "Let's get down to business. We've got a conspiracy to unravel and not much time to do it."

We gathered around a holographic display Goernx had set up, laying out everything we knew about the plot. As we talked, theories and connections formed a web of deceit and manipulation that stretched back years.

"The neural integration protocols were never meant to foster cooperation," Goernx explained, his voice tight with barely contained anger. "They were designed as a backdoor, a way for the Cyborg High Command to exert control over both humans and cyborgs."

Dr. Chen leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "But how? The technology isn't advanced enough for that kind of direct neural control. At least, it shouldn't be."

"That's where Geneva comes in," I said, the pieces finally falling into place. "The explosion wasn't just a terrorist attack or a sabotage attempt. It was a cover-up."

Kaidan nodded grimly. "A way to destroy evidence and eliminate anyone who might have stumbled onto the truth."

As we delved deeper into the conspiracy, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. The scope of what we were uncovering was staggering. How could we possibly hope to bring down something this big, this entrenched in the very fabric of our society?

"We need hard evidence," Lorna said, voicing what we were all thinking. "Speculation and theories aren't going to be enough. We need irrefutable proof of the Cyborg High Command's involvement."

"The data crystal," Goernx said suddenly. "The one the saboteur gave me. It contains everything we need with mission logs, communication records, even details on the true nature of the neural integration protocols."

I frowned, a thought occurring to me. "But why would they give you that? It seems too convenient."

Goernx's expression darkened. "I've been thinking about that. I think it might be a test. Or a trap. Maybe both."

"What do you mean?" Kaidan asked, leaning forward.

"The files on that crystal implicate me in Geneva and other operations I have no memory of," Goernx explained. "What if this is their way of forcing my hand? Either I use the information and expose myself in the process, or I keep quiet and become complicit in their plans."

A heavy silence fell over the room as we all considered the implications. Finally, I spoke up, my voice steady despite the turmoil in my gut.

"Then we use it," I said. "All of it. We expose everything, including your involvement, Goernx. It's the only way to ensure the truth comes out."

Goernx looked at me, surprise flickering in his mismatched eyes. "You'd do that? Even knowing what it might mean for me?"

I reached out, taking his hand in mine. "We're in this together, remember? All of us. Whatever happens, we face it as a team."

A soft chime from the security system broke the moment. We all tensed, hands moving to weapons or activating defensive cybernetic enhancements.

"It's alright," Goernx said after a moment, his eye whirring as he interfaced with the system. "It's the last member of our team."

The door slid open, revealing a figure I recognized immediately as Jax Reeves, one of the most respected investigative journalists in the sector. His cybernetic eyes glowed faintly as he took in the room, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

"Well," he said, his gravelly voice filled with amusement, "looks like I'm late to one hell of a party."

As Jax settled in and we brought him up to speed, I felt a renewed sense of hope. With his connections and reputation, we might actually have a chance of getting the truth out there.

"Okay," I said, once we were all on the same page. "Here's what I'm thinking. We need to split up, hit multiple targets simultaneously. Goernx and I will go after Syntax-7 directly. Kaidan, I want you and Lorna to infiltrate the Cyborg High Command's headquarters. See if you can find any physical evidence to back up what's on that data crystal."

"And me?" Jax asked, his cybernetic eyes glinting with anticipation.

"You're our ace in the hole," I replied. "I need you to be ready to broadcast everything we find, the moment we give the signal. Can you do that?"

Jax grinned, the expression making him look years younger. "Darlin', I've been waiting my whole career for a story like this. Just say the word, and I'll make sure every sentient being in the galaxy knows what's really going on."

As we completed our plans, I felt a mix of excitement and dread. We were really doing this - taking on the most powerful organization in cyborg society, with nothing but the truth and our own determination as weapons.

"Alright, people," I said, standing up. "Get some rest. We move out at 0600."

As the others dispersed to various corners of the safe house, Goernx pulled me aside. "Clover," he said softly, his voice pitched low so only I could hear. "Are you sure about this? Once we start down this path, there's no going back."