Chapter 10—Tiberius

IN THE AFTERMATH OF the battle, Izzy and the med techs worked tirelessly to save those they could. Simone's fledgling cybernetics technology proved invaluable, allowing Izzy to stabilize the critically injured and enhance their chances of survival.

Tiberius watched in awe as they moved from one patient to the next for hours. When Simone slipped out to stand with him on the surface, he put his arm around her. "They've been employing your tech for hours to save lives."

She scowled. "You should have woken me to help." Without another word, she rushed to join the team, her hands steady and her focus unwavering. She integrated the biocircuit interface with precision, her brilliant mind guiding the delicate procedure.

Tiberius marveled at her strength and dedication before refocusing the mercs to finish triaging and then to start on the daunting task of clearing up all the debris from the battle. They would have a lot of rebuilding before them, but most of them were alive to make it happen, which was amazing considering the might of the Sventians.

AS THE HOURS STRETCHED into days, the medbay became a hive of activity, with Simone at its center. She worked tirelessly, her fingers flying over consoles and surgical tools with equal dexterity.

Tiberius was drawn to her side, offering what support he could as she and Izzy directed the operation and focused on healing everyone who was injured in order of severity. He assisted in the procedures, his enhanced strength and dexterity proving invaluable, but more than that, he provided a steadying presence.

As the last of the survivors stabilized, Tiberius, Simone, and Izzy finally allowed themselves a moment of rest. Izzy wished them well and promised to see them after sleeping for a decade, at least. In turn, they retreated to the quiet of Simone's quarters, their bodies weary but spirits unbroken.

Simone sank onto the bed, her eyes heavy with fatigue. "We did it, Tiberius. We saved as many as we could."

Tiberius settled beside her, his cybernetic arm wrapping around her shoulders. "Because of you," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Simone shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "We did it together. You and the Iron Wolves gave us the chance to fight back. Without your bravery and tactical genius, none of this would have been possible."

Tiberius tightened his embrace, drawing her closer. "Izzy did her fair share too. She seems to like being a cyborg."

Simone's eyes glistened with amusement. "I wish she'd make fewer jokes about going homicidal and enslaving the human race though."

He laughed. "She's probably joking. Right?"

She shrugged but was grinning. "Maybe."

Tiberius leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. He felt a sense of completeness, a certainty that their paths had been destined to intertwine. "I love you," he said, his heart swelling with an amount of love he had never known possible.

She laid her head against his shoulder, yawning deeply before she said, "Love you too."

As they held each other, the weight of their losses and the challenges that lay ahead seemed to fade into the background. For now, they slumped together on the bed and slept.

IN THE DAYS THAT FOLLOWED , Tiberius was swept up in the colony's renewed energy. Everywhere he turned, he witnessed the indomitable spirit of the survivors, their determination to rebuild and thrive fueling their every action.

One evening, as the twin moons of Durmox C7 cast their ethereal glow over the courtyard, Tiberius was drawn to a gathering of colonists. They sat around a crackling fire, sharing stories and laughter, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames.

As Tiberius approached, he recognized the familiar voice of Lance, one of the Iron Wolves. The mercenary was regaling the group with a tale from their days in the interstellar military, his words painting a vivid picture of a daring raid on a pirate stronghold.

"We were outnumbered ten to one, but Tiberius had a plan. A crazy, audacious plan that no sane person would have even considered."

The colonists leaned forward, enraptured by the story. Tiberius felt a pang of nostalgia, remembering the bond he had forged with his comrades in those days, a bond that had only strengthened over time.

He didn't miss the way Izzy moved closer to Lance as his second-in-command spoke, and how Lance casually took her hand. It seemed like there were all kinds of new bonds being forged, which made him smile.

Lance continued, his voice rising and falling with the cadence of a seasoned storyteller. "We infiltrated their base under the cover of darkness, moving like ghosts through their defenses, and then, just as the sun began to rise, Tiberius gave the signal."

He paused for dramatic effect, his gaze sweeping over the rapt audience. "In a blaze of plasma fire and shrapnel, we struck. The thieves never knew what hit them. By the time the smoke cleared, we had secured the base and captured their leader."

A chorus of cheers and applause erupted from the colonists, their faces aglow with admiration. Tiberius was proud, not just of the victory itself, but for the camaraderie it represented.

As the applause died down, a young colonist, her eyes wide with wonder, turned to Tiberius. "Is it true, Commander? Did you really pull off such a daring raid?"

Tiberius allowed a rare smile to tug at the corners of his mouth. "The details may have been embellished slightly," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, "But the essence of the story is true. We faced overwhelming odds, but we never lost faith in each other or in our mission."

The young colonist nodded, her expression one of reverence. "You're a hero, Commander," she said, her voice filled with admiration.

Tiberius shook his head, his expression growing solemn. "The true heroes are those who made the ultimate sacrifice," he said, his thoughts turning to his comrades and the colonists they had lost recently and over the years. "We honor their memory by continuing to fight for a better future."

A hush fell over the gathering. In that moment, they were united in celebration and solemn remembrance of those who had fallen. Tiberius felt Simone's presence before he saw her, her familiar warmth enveloping him like a gentle embrace. She stepped into the circle of firelight, her eyes shining with pride and determination.

"My father had a vision," she said, her voice carrying a quiet strength that commanded attention. "He believed this colony could be a place where science and innovation could flourish, unencumbered by the constraints and corruption of the Coalition. We have endured hardships that would have broken lesser souls, but we persevered, and in doing so, we have proven ourselves worthy of carrying on my father's legacy."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the gathered colonists. "The road ahead won't always be easy. We'll face obstacles, setbacks, and perhaps even more battles, but we'll face them together, as a united front, driven by a shared vision of a better tomorrow."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd.

Tiberius felt a surge of pride and purpose, his cybernetic enhancements thrumming with energy. As Simone's words faded into the night, the colonists erupted into thunderous applause, their spirits buoyed by her vision and their shared resolve.

He reached out to hold Simone's hand. Together, they were unstoppable—a force of nature, driven by love, courage, and commitment to create a better world.

Tiberius pulled Simone into his embrace, the warmth of her body seeping into his cybernetically-enhanced form. He claimed her in a searing kiss, conveying the depth of his love and devotion. For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, united in their shared passion and purpose.

As they parted, breathless, he gazed into her eyes. "I love you, Simone."

Simone's fingers traced the contours of his face, her touch gentle yet electrifying. "I love you, Tiberius," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

As the celebration continued around them, he was drawn into the revelry once more. He laughed and danced alongside his comrades, his cybernetic enhancements allowing him to move with a grace and fluidity that sometimes still made him stop and marvel at what he could do now.

Simone watched him with amusement and adoration, her eyes sparkling with a joy. Izzy whispered something to her before disappearing with Lance. He shared a knowing look with her, and they both grinned as he leaned closer while the celebration continued.

Through it all, Simone was by his side, her presence a constant source of strength and inspiration. In her eyes, he saw the future they were building together—a future that awed and humbled him while leaving him anxious to experience every moment of it with her.

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