Page 29 of Human Reclaimed (Cyborg Planet Alpha #2)

TWENTY-NINE

TALIA

The next afternoon, I stood at the edge of the central plaza, my pulse racing.

Sunlight broke through the thick jungle canopy, casting dancing shadows across the gathering crowd.

I smoothed my hands over my new uniform—fitted black tactical pants and a black T-shirt emblazoned with Planet Alpha’s emblem, a stylized alpha symbol overlaid with the planet.

My fingers traced the embroidery unconsciously, still not quite believing this was real.

“Nervous?” Rune asked beside me, his voice low enough that only I could hear. He wore an identical uniform, the fabric stretched across his broad shoulders in a way that still made my heart race.

“A little,” I admitted. “I’ve commanded troops before, but never… this.”

His eyes softened as he looked at me. “You’ve already earned their respect, Talia. This is just making it official.”

Before I could respond, Commander Helix stepped onto the raised platform at the plaza’s center. The crowd’s murmur quieted immediately. Aeon followed, his tall frame casting a long shadow in the afternoon light.

“It’s time,” Rune said, his hand settling on my back. The touch was brief but reassuring as we made our way through the crowd.

All around us, faces turned—some curious, others openly smiling.

I recognized many of them now: workers from the hydroponics gardens, members of Rune’s brigade, and the young mother who’d delivered a baby during the pirate attack.

These weren’t strangers anymore. They were people I’d fought to protect.

We ascended the platform, and I felt all two hundred sets of eyes on me. Just two weeks ago, I’d been a prisoner here. Now…

Helix stepped forward. “Colonists of Planet Alpha, we gather today to recognize a historic milestone in our community’s evolution.”

The crowd hushed further.

“Three days ago, we faced an unprecedented threat from those who would destroy what we’ve built. Thanks to the strategic brilliance and courage of Captain Talia Reed, we not only survived. We prevailed.”

A cheer went up, surprising in its intensity. I felt my cheeks warm.

Rune stepped forward then, his presence commanding immediate attention. “When I brought Talia Reed to Planet Alpha, I expected a tactician,” he said, his voice lifting above the plaza. “What I found was a warrior whose loyalty, once earned, becomes unbreakable.”

He turned to me, and I saw something fierce and proud in his eyes that made my breath hitch.

“This morning, Captain Reed took a sacred oath to defend our colony and our future. Now, I am honored to introduce her as strategic commander of Planet Alpha’s defense forces.”

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers, the sound washing over me like a wave. I’d received commendations before, medals and promotions throughout my military career, but nothing had ever felt like this—pure acceptance, gratitude, and belonging.

Rune continued, his voice strong with conviction. “I hereby pledge, before all of you, that my brigade will train under Commander Reed’s doctrine. I vow to implement any and all defensive strategies she develops to protect our home.”

He reached for my hand, his warm fingers entwining with mine. Slowly, deliberately, he raised our joined hands above our heads. The gesture was simple but powerful—a symbol of unity and strength forged between us.

“Together,” he declared, “we will ensure Planet Alpha remains a sanctuary for all who seek peace.”

The colonists roared their approval. I looked out at them—humans and cyborgs standing side by side, applauding not just Rune but me. A human who’d once fought alongside cyborgs in a war, viewing them only as weapons, now sworn to protect them.

As we descended from the platform, colonists surged forward, their hands extending in congratulations.

“Thank you for protecting my daughter,” a woman said, clasping my hand between both of hers.

“Your defense grid adjustments kept our home safe,” said an older man, nodding respectfully.

Sage pushed through, her blonde ponytail bouncing. “About time you got proper recognition,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “Though I’m warning you now… I expect special treatment in the security center.”

I laughed. “Not a chance.”

Olivia was next, her green eyes warm. “Welcome to the family, officially,” she said, embracing me tightly. “Aeon and I are having a small get-together tonight. You and Rune should join us.”

“We’d love to,” I said, surprised at how natural it felt to answer for both of us.

Even Tegan approached, his usually stoic expression softened slightly. “Your tactics were… impressive, Commander,” he said, offering a firm handshake. “I look forward to our collaboration on security protocols.”

Throughout it all, Rune remained close, his hand occasionally finding my back, my shoulder, and my own hand—small touches that grounded me in this new reality.

“How does it feel?” he asked later, as the crowd began to disperse.

I looked around at the central plaza, at the colony stretching out beyond it—buildings seamlessly integrated with the jungle, pathways winding between ancient trees, and gardens flourishing in the spaces between.

I thought of Earth, and of the veterans’ facility where I’d been hiding rather than living.

This place that had started as my prison had become something else entirely.

“It feels like home,” I answered truthfully. “A home worth protecting.”

His smile lit his entire face. “That’s exactly what I hoped you’d say.”

The security center soon buzzed with what I could only describe as Planet Alpha joy.

Someone had brought in a crate of fermented fruit juice from the hydroponics dome, and Sage had programmed the tactical display screens to flash celebratory messages.

My new title—Strategic Commander—scrolled across one screen in pulsing blue letters.

“To Commander Reed,” Rune announced, raising a glass of the sweet-smelling purple liquid. His eyes locked with mine across the small gathering, pride emanating from him like heat. “Who saved our colony and proved that humans and cyborgs are stronger together than apart.”

“To Commander Reed!” the security team echoed, and I felt my face flush with unexpected pleasure.

“I just did what any decent strategist would,” I said, but I couldn’t help smiling. The black uniform with Planet Alpha’s emblem fit me perfectly, as if I’d been born to wear it. Funny how quickly life changes—from captive to commander in two weeks.

Rune made his way to me through the small crowd and handed me a glass of the fruit juice.

“You did what only one other human woman has ever done for us,” he said softly, his voice meant only for me. “You chose us.”

Before I could say anything, Tegan’s voice cut through the chatter. “Incoming transmission from Earth. It’s Dr. Naomi West.”

The room fell silent as the main viewscreen flickered to life, revealing the familiar face of Earth’s liaison to CyberEvolution. My stomach tightened instinctively.

“Commander Rune, Captain Reed,” Naomi greeted, her eyes widening slightly at my new uniform. “I have an update regarding the recent… incident.”

Rune stepped forward, his hand coming to rest on my shoulder. The gesture was subtle but spoke volumes. We were a united front now.

“Admiral Voss has been taken into custody,” Naomi continued. “The evidence provided by your team was irrefutable. He will face military tribunal for the unauthorized operations against Planet Alpha and other peaceful colonies.”

Relief washed through me. “So CyberEvolution had nothing to do with the attack?” I asked, unable to keep the skepticism from my voice.

“CE has fully disavowed Voss’s actions,” she said smoothly.

“Which brings me to my next point.” Her gaze shifted directly to me.

“Captain Reed, in light of your extraordinary service, Earth’s Joint Command is offering you a full reinstatement.

With promotion to strategic operations director upon your return. ”

The room went deathly quiet. I felt Rune stiffen beside me, though his face betrayed nothing.

Something snapped inside me. It was the perfect moment—all eyes on me, the communication channel wide open to Earth. I took a deliberate step forward.

“I appreciate the offer, Dr. West, but I must decline.” I squared my shoulders. “In fact, I have some information to share that may explain my decision.”

I could sense Rune’s questioning gaze, but I kept my eyes on Naomi.

“Two and a half years ago, I received classified intelligence about CyberEvolution’s experimental programs. A zip file documenting forced modifications on unwilling cyborgs—neural tampering without consent and planned obsolescence coding.”

Naomi’s expression froze. “Captain Reed, this channel is?—”

“Public? I’m counting on it,” I continued, my heart hammering.

“Three days ago, when the pirate captain, Delia, had me on her ship, she confirmed what I’d suspected.

CyberEvolution wasn’t just building soldiers.

They were engineering a species they could control.

The pirates were contracted to bring back hybrid babies for CE’s next phase—a new breed designed for galactic dominance . ”

Naomi’s face had gone pale. “These are serious allegations without?—”

“We have the files,” I interrupted. “And I have the pirate captain’s recorded confession from her ship’s comms system. Both will be transmitted across all allied networks within the hour.”

Behind me, I heard Sage whisper, “Holy shit,” followed by the unmistakable sound of her fingers flying across her console, no doubt making my promise a reality.

Commander Helix stepped into view of the camera, her expression fierce. “Dr. West, consider this a formal notice. Any retaliation against Commander Reed or Planet Alpha will be considered a breach of our truce and an act of war.”

Naomi’s mouth formed a tight line. “This conversation isn’t over,” she said before the screen went black.

The silence lasted only a moment before the room erupted. Sage was the first to reach me, enveloping me in a tight hug.

“You just made yourself CE’s public enemy number one,” she said with a mixture of awe and concern.

“It was worth it.” I turned to find Rune watching me, his blue eyes intense with emotions I couldn’t quite name.

“You could have gone back,” he said quietly when the others gave us space. “Back to your career and your life.”

I reached up, touching his face. “This is my life now.” I glanced around at the security team—my team. “I’ve spent two years hiding from what I knew. I’m done hiding.”

His hands came to rest on my shoulders, strong and steady. “You understand what you’ve done? CE will mark you as a hostile asset.”

I smiled at him, feeling more certain than I had in three years. “Let them try. I’ve got the best security commander in the galaxy watching my back.” I pressed my palm against his chest where the Planet Alpha emblem rested. “Besides, I just got this uniform. I intend to break it in properly.”