Chapter 1—Simone

THE SHUTTLE HUMMED with a steady thrum as it cut through the inky blackness of space. Simone gazed out the viewport, mesmerized by the brilliant tapestry of stars that stretched endlessly before her. A sense of wonder and anticipation filled her, tempered by a tinge of melancholy for the life she was leaving behind.

Turning away from the viewport, her gaze fell on Izzy, who sat across from her, engrossed in the data streaming across her tablet. Izzy's brow furrowed in concentration, her nimble fingers tapping away at the screen. Simone smiled at the sight of her oldest friend, a constant companion through the twists and turns of their academic journey.

"You know, we're supposed to be enjoying the view, not working," Simone teased, her voice tinged with affection.

Izzy glanced up, her expressive brown eyes sparkling behind her rectangular glasses. "Just reviewing the latest schematics for the neural interface. I want to hit the ground running when we arrive." She set aside the tablet, a wry smile playing on her lips. "But you're right. We should savor the moment."

Simone nodded, her thoughts drifting to the ambitious endeavor that awaited them on Durmox C7—her father's legacy, and now hers to steward. "I can't believe we're finally here, on the cusp of realizing my father's dream."

Izzy's expression softened. "He'd be proud of you, Simone. You've poured your heart and soul into this project, just as he did."

A pang of nostalgia tugged at her heart as she thought of her father, the brilliant scientist, whose passion for discovery had inspired her own. "I wish he could see what we're about to accomplish," she said wistfully.

Izzy reached across the aisle, giving Simone's hand a reassuring squeeze. "He's not here physically, but his spirit lives on in this endeavor. We'll make him proud."

Simone returned the gentle pressure, drawing strength from her friend. "You're right, and we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us to push the boundaries of what's possible and to unlock the secrets of the human mind and body through cybernetics. Just imagine the possibilities, Izzy. Restoring lost limbs, enhancing cognitive abilities, and even extending the human lifespan. We're on the precipice of a revolution that could change everything."

Izzy nodded, her expression mirroring Simone's enthusiasm. "And to think, we'll be doing it all on a virgin planet, free from the constraints and bureaucracy that plagued our work back home."

Simone's lips curved into a smile. "Exactly. No more red tape and no more fighting for funding or resources. Just us, our team, and the freedom to explore the depths of human potential."

She leaned back in her seat, allowing the weight of their mission to settle over her. "Of course, there will be challenges. It won't be easy, but if we can do it."

Izzy chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "If anyone can pull it off, it's you. I'm just along for the ride, making sure you don't get too caught up in your experiments to remember to eat and sleep."

Simone laughed, the sound ringing out in the confines of the shuttle. "Fair point. I'll need you to keep me grounded, as always."

As the shuttle drew nearer to their destination, a surge of anticipation coursed through her veins. This was the beginning of a new chapter, a chance to forge a legacy that would echo through the ages. With Izzy by her side and a world of possibilities awaiting them, she was ready to embrace the unknown and unlock the secrets of the human mind, one groundbreaking discovery at a time.

The shuttle's descent through Durmox C7's atmosphere was smooth, the viewports offering tantalizing glimpses of the verdant world that would soon become Simone's new home. As the craft broke through the cloud cover, her breath caught at the lush tapestry of emerald forests stretching as far as the eye could see, punctuated by towering mountain ranges and shimmering bodies of water.

Izzy leaned closer, her nose nearly pressed against the viewport. "It's even more beautiful than the simulations," she said, clearly awestruck.

Simone could only nod in agreement, her heart swelling with excitement. This was it—the culmination of years of planning and preparation. A world untouched by human hands, a blank canvas upon which they would paint the future of scientific discovery.

The shuttle touched down with a gentle thump, and Simone rose from her seat, smoothing her hands over the crisp lines of her utilitarian jumpsuit. Izzy fell into step beside her as the hatch hissed open, and they descended the ramp, their boots crunching against the reddish soil.

A small contingent awaited them, a group of figures clad in combat gear—the mercenary team her father had hired to provide security for the fledgling colony. Simone's gaze was immediately drawn to the towering figure at the forefront, a man whose very presence seemed to command respect and attention.

He stepped forward, his movements fluid and purposeful, and offered a crisp salute. "Dr. Wiley, welcome to Durmox C7. I'm Tiberius Pe?a, commander of the Iron Wolves mercenary team."

Simone was momentarily tongue-tied, captivated by the man's rugged features and piercing gaze. She cleared her throat, willing herself to maintain her composure. "Commander Pe?a, it's a pleasure to meet you." Her voice emerged steadier than she had anticipated, much to her relief.

Tiberius gestured to the others assembled behind him. "Allow me to introduce my team." One by one, he called out their names and roles, each mercenary offering a respectful nod or salute in greeting.

As the introductions concluded, Tiberius turned his attention back to Simone. "We've established a temporary base camp to the east, but our primary objective has been securing the perimeter and ensuring the area is safe for your research endeavors." His expression grew somber. "I won't mince words, Dr. Wiley. This planet is untamed and far from uninhabited. We've encountered several hostile lifeforms, some of which possess formidable defensive capabilities."

Simone's brow furrowed with concern. "What sort of lifeforms are we dealing with?"

Tiberius gestured for one of his team members to step forward—a wiry man with a shock of fiery red hair. "Kian, if you would?"

The mercenary nodded, launching into a detailed account of the various creatures they had encountered thus far, complete with vivid descriptions and strategic assessments. Simone was hanging on his every word, her mind already whirring with potential scientific applications and avenues for further study.

As Kian's accounting drew to a close, Tiberius fixed Simone with an intense gaze. "I trust you understand the risks, Dr. Wiley. This planet may hold boundless potential, but it's also rife with dangers we're prepared to face head-on."

Simone met his stare, her jaw set. "I appreciate your candor, Commander, and rest assured, I have no intention of underestimating the challenges that lie ahead." She paused, her gaze sweeping over the assembled mercenaries. "With a team like yours at our side, I'm confident we can overcome any obstacle."

A ghost of a smile tugged at Tiberius's lips, and Simone felt an unexpected flutter in her chest—a reaction she swiftly tamped down, reminding herself of her aversion to romantic entanglements. Now was not the time for such distractions when she had a mission.

Pushing aside her wayward thoughts, she turned to Izzy, who had been observing the exchange with a knowing glint in her eye. "Shall we get to work, Dr. Chen? We have a colony to build."

Izzy grinned, her expression one of eager anticipation. "Lead the way, Dr. Wiley."

As they fell into step behind Tiberius and his team, Simone stole a glance at the mercenary commander's broad shoulders and confident stride. Despite her best efforts, she was inexplicably drawn to the man, his presence igniting a spark of intrigue she couldn't quite extinguish.

Shaking her head, she forced her attention back to the task at hand. There would be time enough to figure out Tiberius Pe?a—for now, she had a world to conquer, one groundbreaking discovery at a time.

THE CAVERNOUS CHAMBER echoed with the hum of machinery and the soft murmurs of Simone and Izzy as they worked in tandem, assembling the intricate components of their laboratory. Simone's fingers danced across the control panels, inputting a dizzying array of commands and calibrations, while Izzy deftly maneuvered the robotic arms, guiding them with practiced precision.

"Hand me the neural interface coupler, would you?" Simone's voice cut through the ambient noise, her tone clipped and focused.

Without missing a beat, Izzy plucked the requested component from the nearby workbench and passed it to Simone. Their movements were fluid, honed by years of collaboration and an almost telepathic understanding of each other's needs.

As Simone integrated the coupler into the system, her mind raced with the possibilities that lay before them. This laboratory would be the birthplace of discoveries that could reshape the very fabric of human existence.

"You know," said Izzy, her tone conversational as she monitored the data streams flickering across the holographic displays, "When we were kids, playing mad scientists in your dad's lab, I never imagined we'd end up here—on the cusp of unlocking the secrets of the human mind itself."

A wistful smile tugged at Simone's lips as she recalled those carefree days, when the world had seemed so much simpler. "Neither did I," she said, her gaze lingering on the sleek, state-of-the-art equipment that surrounded them, "But here we are, poised to make history."

Izzy chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "You always did have a flair for the dramatic, Simone."

She arched an eyebrow in mock indignation. "I prefer to think of it as a healthy sense of ambition."

The arrival of Tiberius interrupted their playful banter, his imposing figure filling the doorway. Simone's breath caught, an involuntary reaction she swiftly suppressed.

"Dr. Wiley, Dr. Chen." He greeted them with a curt nod. "I trust the laboratory setup is proceeding smoothly?"

Regaining her composure, Simone straightened, her demeanor shifting to one of professionalism. "Indeed, Commander. We're making excellent progress."

Tiberius's gaze swept over the array of equipment, his expression inscrutable. "I'm intrigued by the nature of your research. Care to enlighten me?"

Simone exchanged a glance with Izzy, silently seeking her friend's approval. At Izzy's subtle nod, she turned back to Tiberius. "Of course, Commander. Our primary focus is the integration of biological and synthetic components—a field known as cybernetics."

Tiberius's brow creased, and Simone found his attentiveness oddly endearing.

"The human body is a remarkable machine, capable of feats that defy our current understanding of biology, but it's also fragile, susceptible to injury, disease, and the ravages of time. What if we could enhance it? Augment its capabilities while preserving its essence?"

As she spoke, Simone gestured to the holographic schematics that hovered before them of intricate diagrams depicting the intricate interplay of organic and synthetic components. "Imagine a world where lost limbs could be restored, not with crude prosthetics, but with fully functional replacements, seamlessly integrated into the body's neural pathways. Where cognitive abilities could be enhanced, allowing us to process information at speeds far beyond our current limitations."

Izzy's enthusiasm mirrored Simone's. "And that's just the beginning. With the right advancements in biocompatible materials and energy sources, we could potentially extend the human lifespan indefinitely, or even achieve a form of cybernetic immortality."

Tiberius's expression remained impassive, but Simone detected a flicker of interest in his eyes. "Ambitious goals, to be sure, but what about the ethical implications? Tampering with the fundamental nature of humanity? Isn't that a line we shouldn't cross?"

Simone nodded, her expression growing somber. "A valid concern, Commander, and one we've grappled with extensively, but I would argue that our work isn't about tampering with humanity but about enhancing it and unlocking our full potential."

She gestured to the laboratory around them, her voice taking on a reverent tone. "This isn't just a place of scientific discovery. It's about our species' insatiable drive for progress. We're not seeking to create something unnatural. We're simply harnessing the tools at our disposal to push the boundaries of what it means to be human."

Tiberius remained silent for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. Finally, he inclined his head in a gesture of respect. "Your passion is admirable, Dr. Wiley. I can't claim to fully understand the intricacies of your work, but I respect your commitment to advancing the human condition."

Warmth bloomed in Simone's chest at his validation that she hadn't realized she craved until that moment. "Thank you, Commander," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

As Tiberius took his leave, she watched his retreating form, her mind whirring with a newfound appreciation for the man's depth and complexity. And his fine ass molded by his tightfitting body armor...

Izzy's voice broke through her reverie, laced with gentle teasing. "You know, for someone who claims to be averse to romantic entanglements, you're certainly making eyes at our stoic mercenary commander."

Her cheeks flushed, but she met Izzy's gaze with a defiant tilt of her chin. "Don't be ridiculous," she scoffed, though her protest lacked conviction. "I was simply appreciating his open-mindedness."

Izzy's answering grin was positively impish. "Of course, Simone. Whatever you say. I suppose his open-mindedness is stored in his ass?"

Shaking her head, Simone turned her attention back to the task at hand, determined to immerse herself in the intricacies of their work, but try as she might, a part of her couldn't quite banish the image of Tiberius's intense gaze, or the way his presence seemed to command the very air around him. With a silent sigh, she pushed aside those errant thoughts, refocusing her mind on the groundbreaking discoveries that awaited them.

IN THE DAYS THAT FOLLOWED , Simone and Izzy fell into a rhythm, their days consumed by the intricate dance of scientific exploration. The laboratory hummed with activity, a hive of intellectual curiosity and cutting-edge technology.

As they delved deeper into the intricacies of cybernetics, Simone was captivated by the sheer scope of the possibilities that lay before them. Each breakthrough, and each incremental step forward, only fueled her determination to push the boundaries of what was achievable.

"Izzy, take a look at these neural interface readings," Simone called out with excitement several weeks after their arrival.

Izzy hurried over, her eyes widening as she took in the data streaming across the holographic display. "Are those what I think they are?"

Simone nodded, barely containing a giddy laugh of triumph. "If I'm interpreting these readings correctly, we've achieved a seamless integration between the synthetic components and the brain's neural pathways."

Izzy's lips curved into a broad grin. "Do you realize what this means? We're one step closer to unlocking the full potential of cybernetic enhancements."

Simone mirrored her friend's elation, her heart pounding with the thrill of discovery. "Exactly. With this level of integration..."

As they delved into the data, dissecting each nuance and implication, Simone was transported to a realm of pure intellectual exhilaration. This was the essence of scientific exploration, the pursuit of knowledge that could reshape the very fabric of human existence.

In the midst of their fervent discussions, the door to the laboratory slid open, admitting Tiberius. Simone's stomach fluttered with anticipation, a reaction she had grown accustomed to suppressing in the mercenary commander's presence.

"Commander." She greeted him with a warm smile, her cheeks flushed with the excitement of their latest breakthrough—and his proximity. "Impeccable timing, as always."

Tiberius arched an inquisitive brow, his gaze flickering between Simone and Izzy. "I take it your research is progressing favorably?"

Izzy beamed, her enthusiasm infectious. "See for yourself, Commander." With a few deft keystrokes, she projected the neural interface readings onto the main display, the intricate data streams dancing across the holographic surface.

As Tiberius leaned in to study the information, Simone was captivated by the intensity of his focus, and the way his brow furrowed ever so slightly as he absorbed the implications of their discovery.

"Remarkable," he said.

Clearing her throat, she forced herself to maintain her composure. "We've achieved a level of integration between synthetic components and the brain's neural pathways that was previously thought impossible."

Tiberius's gaze met hers, his eyes lit with genuine interest. "And the applications of such a breakthrough?"

Simone had a surge of pride, tempered by a sense of humility in the face of the vast unknown that still lay before them. "Potentially limitless, making all the things we previously discussed possible."

A flicker of emotion passed across Tiberius's features, too fleeting for Simone to decipher. "Interesting," he said.

Before Simone could respond, Izzy spoke, her tone tinged with gentle teasing. "Simone's never been one to think small. She likes things big ."

Simone shot her friend a playful glare, but her heart wasn't truly in it. She was riding the crest of scientific discovery, and nothing could dampen her spirits.

Her cheeks flushed a moment later when Tiberius suddenly shifted, looking uncertain. Without thought, her gaze went to his front, which was amply protected against damage, thus denying her a peek to assuage her curiosity about just how big the commander might be.

When she looked up, she met his gaze. He seemed amused and aroused as he nodded to her. As Tiberius excused himself to leave them to their work, Simone watched his retreating form with appreciation. Beneath his gruff exterior, she had glimpsed a glimmer of intellectual curiosity, a hunger for knowledge that resonated deeply within her.

As if she was just interested in his mind. Even she couldn't fool herself into believing that. Despite her embargo on romance, her thoughts and attraction to the strong merc were leading her astray.

Turning back to Izzy, she was met with a knowing smirk. "What?" she asked, her tone defensive.

Izzy held up her hands in a placating gesture. "Nothing. Just observing the way you light up whenever our stoic commander graces us with his presence."

Simone scoffed, but the heat in her cheeks betrayed her. "Don't be ridiculous."

Izzy's answering grin was positively impish. "It's okay to have a fuck toy and a life outside of the lab, Sim."

Shaking her head and refusing to answer, Simone turned her attention back to the data before them, determined to lose herself in the intricacies of their research. Try as she might, she couldn't quite banish the image of Tiberius's hard body, or her curiosity about how he might taste if she kissed him.

THE SOFT GLOW OF THE evening sun filtered through the panoramic windows, casting a warm, inviting ambiance over the private dining alcove. Simone smoothed her hands over the crisp fabric of her pantsuit, an uncharacteristic flutter of nerves stirring within her. This was just a monthly debriefing and nothing more. There was no reason to feel nervous.

"You've got this, Wiley," she said under her breath, willing herself to maintain her composure.

The door slid open with a hushed hiss, and Tiberius stepped into the room, his imposing figure seeming to command the very space around him. Simone's pulse quickened. "Commander." She nodded, rising from her seat with a welcoming smile.

Tiberius inclined his head, his gaze sweeping over her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. "Dr. Wiley," he said, his voice a rich baritone that resonated to her core.

Gesturing toward the table, she fought to maintain her composure. "Please, have a seat. I took the liberty of selecting a few dishes from the synthicator. I hope you don't mind."

As Tiberius settled into the chair opposite her, Simone admired the fluid grace of his movements and the way his muscles rippled beneath the sleek lines of his combat fatigues. She wondered how he'd move in other...horizontal positions. Her mouth went dry at the thought.

"Not at all," he said, his tone betraying no hint of the effect his presence had on her. "I appreciate the effort."

Silence descended between them, thick and charged with an undercurrent of tension she found both exhilarating and unnerving. She busied herself with pouring them each a glass of wine, her fingers trembling ever so slightly as she handed one to Tiberius.

Their gazes met, and she was momentarily lost in the depths of his warm brown eyes, so intense and yet inscrutable. She cleared her throat, willing herself to regain her composure.

"I wanted to thank you again for your support, Commander," she said, her voice steadier than she had anticipated in light of the way her mind was flitting about. "Your team's presence has been invaluable for our safety and my peace of mind."

He regarded her over the rim of his glass, his expression unreadable. "It's our duty, Dr. Wiley, but I must admit, this mission has been...enlightening."

Simone arched an inquisitive brow. "Oh? How so?"

A ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, softening the hard planes of his features. "I've witnessed many scientific endeavors in my time, but none quite as ambitious—or as potentially groundbreaking—as yours."

Pride swelled within Simone's chest. "We've barely scratched the surface, Commander, but I won't deny the thrill of standing on the precipice of something truly extraordinary."

Tiberius leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table as he regarded her with an intensity that set her heart racing. "Tell me more," he said, his voice low and compelling.

Simone was drawn in by his rapt attention, her words tumbling forth in a torrent of passion and conviction. As she spoke, she gestured animatedly, lit with the fire of intellectual passion, and through it all, Tiberius remained a captive audience, his expression one of genuine interest and engagement.

When she finally fell silent, breathless and flushed with the exhilaration of her own fervor, he smiled at her.

"Your passion is inspiring, Dr. Wiley," he said, his voice smoky, and she doubted he meant her scientific passion.

A flush bloomed in her cheeks, a reaction she swiftly tamped down as she awkwardly tried to redirect. "I could say the same of you, Commander. Your dedication to your team and this mission is truly remarkable."

Tiberius's expression grew somber, his brow furrowing ever so slightly. "I won't lie to you, Dr. Wiley. My path hasn't been an easy one, but it's forged me into the man I am today, for better or worse."

Simone leaned forward, her eyes alight with curiosity. "Would you share your story with me, Commander? If you're comfortable, that is."

For a moment, he seemed to hesitate, his gaze flickering with an emotion Simone couldn't quite decipher. Then, with a barely perceptible nod, he began to speak. His voice was low and measured, each word carefully chosen as he wove the tale of his childhood on a harsh, lawless fringe planet. Simone was hanging on his every utterance, captivated by the vivid imagery he conjured, the raw honesty with which he laid bare the struggles and hardships he had endured.

As he spoke of joining the local militia, of rising through the ranks and eventually forming the Iron Wolves, Simone admired the strength that had carried him through even the darkest of times. When his tale drew to a close, Simone was regarding him with new understanding.

"You've endured more than most could ever imagine, Commander," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "And yet, here you are, full of strength and integrity."

Tiberius's gaze met hers, his expression unguarded in a way she had never witnessed before. "It's not a path I would wish upon anyone," he said, his voice tinged with vulnerability that tugged at her heartstring, "But it's shaped me into the man I am today—for better or worse."

Without thinking, she reached across the table, resting her hand atop his in a gesture of comfort and solidarity. "For better, Commander," she said firmly. "Undoubtedly, for better."

Tiberius's fingers curled around hers, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her veins. For a long moment, they remained like that, their gazes locked, the world around them fading into insignificance.

It was Tiberius who finally broke the spell, his hand slipping from hers as he cleared his throat. "Thank you, Dr. Wiley," he said, his voice thick with an emotion Simone couldn't quite place. "For listening...understanding."

Simone nodded, her heart still thundering in her chest. "Of course, Commander. I'm honored that you chose to share your story with me."

As the evening wore on, their conversation ebbed and flowed, touching on topics both profound and mundane. Simone was captivated by Tiberius's intellect, his dry wit, and the unexpected depths that lay beneath his gruff exterior.

Through it all, she was painfully aware of the undercurrent of attraction that simmered between them, a magnetic pull that grew stronger with each passing moment. She was studying the hard planes of his features, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, and the rich timbre of his voice that seemed to reverberate through her very soul and between her legs.

By the time their meal drew to a close, Simone felt as though she had glimpsed a side of Tiberius that few others had ever witnessed, igniting a spark of connection she couldn't extinguish and didn't want to.

As they rose from the table, Simone was reluctant for the evening to end, a part of her yearning to prolong their time together.

He seemed to sense her hesitation, his gaze holding hers with an intensity that sent her pulse fluttering. "Thank you for a wonderful evening, Dr. Wiley," he said, his voice low and intimate. "It's been...enlightening, to say the least."

Her cheeks flushed. "The pleasure was all mine, Commander," she said, feeling awkward.

For a heartbeat, they lingered, the air charged with an electric tension that crackled between them. Then, with a slight incline of his head, Tiberius turned and strode from the room, his departure leaving a tangible absence in his wake.

Simone remained rooted to the spot, her mind whirling with a tumult of emotions. Desire, intrigue, and a deeper curiosity than even the most interesting scientific inquiry could inspire all swirled within her, leaving her breathless and unmoored.

As she made her way back to her quarters, she was replaying the evening's events, savoring each moment, each stolen glance, and each tantalizing glimpse into Tiberius Pe?a.

She had crossed a threshold with him, and there was no turning back from the path she had set upon. For better or worse, she was inexorably drawn to the mercenary commander, her scientific curiosity blurring with a deeper, more primal yearning she could no longer deny.

As she drifted off to sleep, her dreams were filled with visions of the future, of groundbreaking discoveries and uncharted horizons, all inextricably intertwined with the image of Tiberius's intense gaze and the promise of a linking that threatened to utterly consume her.