Chapter 2—Tiberius

TIBERIUS STRODE PURPOSEFULLY down the corridor, his combat boots echoing against the metal floor. Two months had passed since Dr. Simone Wiley's arrival on Durmox C7, and it was time for him to provide her with another full status report on the colony's progress and the challenges they faced. They wouldn't be having that same delightful dinner meeting as two weeks ago, to his regret.

As he approached the central command hub, the automatic doors slid open, revealing Simone hunched over a console, her brow furrowed in concentration. Izzy stood beside her, gesturing animatedly as she explained something on the display.

Tiberius cleared his throat, announcing his presence. Both women turned, Simone's features relaxing into a warm smile that caused a now-familiar flutter in his chest. "Commander Pe?a, please come in."

He nodded curtly, stepping into the room. "Dr. Wiley, I'm here to update you on our situation." His gaze flickered to Izzy. "If you'd prefer to discuss this privately..."

"Not at all," said Simone, waving a dismissive hand. "Izzy is my closest confidante. Anything you share with me, she'll hear as well."

Inclining his head in acknowledgment, Tiberius launched into a detailed report, outlining the progress made in establishing the colony's infrastructure and the various challenges they'd encountered. He spoke of the scarcity of certain resources, the need for additional personnel in specific areas, and the ever-present threat of hostile encounters with the planet's indigenous lifeforms. So far, all had been primitive without apparent sentience, and they were trying to minimize interactions to reduce the need for violence.

Throughout his briefing, Simone listened intently, her piercing green eyes fixed on him, occasionally nodding or asking insightful questions. Tiberius was captivated by her keen intellect and determination, qualities he deeply admired, but that wasn't the main draw. He wanted her despite their gaping differences.

She'd grown up the pampered daughter of an intergalactic tycoon descended from obscene levels of wealth. No doubt, she'd struggled, but she'd never had that fear of an empty belly and having no idea when there would be food again. She'd never viscerally fought for survival, so what could they possibly have in common?

Sex. The word brought inevitable mental images that he tried to suppress so he could finish his report. A voice in the back of his mind insisted their connection was deeper than just physical, but he was a practical man, with no time for playing what-if or indulging in fantasies.

As he concluded, Simone leaned back, tapping her fingers against the console thoughtfully. "Thank you, Commander. Your assessment has been invaluable." She paused, a slight smile playing on her lips. "However, I think it's time we dispensed with the formalities. Please, call me Simone."

Tiberius blinked, taken aback by her request. In his line of work, maintaining a professional distance was crucial, yet something about Simone's warm demeanor made him want to acquiesce. "Very well, Simone," he said, testing the weight of her name on his tongue.

Her smile broadened, and she inclined her head. "Do you mind if I use your given name?"

"Tiberius," he said, the corners of his mouth twitching upward in a rare display of amusement.

"I'm aware, though I've only heard you called Commander or Titan."

He nodded. "That's my nickname. It's common among soldiers."

"Do you prefer Titan or Tiberius?"

He didn't have to think that over. "I like how you say my name. Real name..." Their gazes locked and held for a sizzling moment as silence lengthened.

"I'm Izzy." Izzy cleared her throat, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I'm glad we've all been properly introduced."

Simone nodded at Izzy's words and flashed Tiberius what looked like a shy smile. As he held her gaze, he was drawn to the scientist all over again. Simone threatened to undo his iron control in the best way possible, but possibly so catastrophically that he might not recognize himself when it was over.

TIBERIUS STRODE THROUGH the colony's central courtyard, his combat boots crunching on the gravel path. The warm sunlight filtered through the protective bio-dome, a current necessity until terraforming finished creating the ideal living conditions for human life, casting a gentle glow over the lush vegetation that lined the walkways. Despite the tranquil surroundings, his senses remained on high alert, ever vigilant for potential threats.

As he approached the far end of the courtyard, a commotion caught his attention. Izzy's voice rang out, laced with urgency. "Commander. Over here, quickly."

Tiberius quickened his pace, rounding the corner to find Izzy crouched behind a cluster of bushes, her eyes wide with alarm. Simone stood beside her, clutching a data pad tightly against her chest.

"What's the situation?" he demanded, his hand instinctively moving to the plasma rifle slung across his back.

Izzy motioned for him to keep his voice down. "We were conducting a routine survey of the local flora when a pack of kra'va emerged from the undergrowth." She pointed to a nearby clearing where several large, ostrich-like creatures prowled, their sharp beaks and lethal talons glinting in the sunlight.

Tiberius narrowed his eyes, assessing the threat. The kra'va were known for their aggressively territorial behavior, and their formidable claws could easily disembowel an unwary human. He turned to Simone, his jaw set in a grim line. "How many?"

"Six," she whispered, her knuckles whitening as she gripped the data pad tighter. "We managed to retreat without drawing their attention, but they're blocking the path back to the colony."

Nodding curtly, Tiberius unclipped his rifle and chambered a round.

She frowned. "Don't shoot them."

He shook his head. "Wasn't planning to, Simone. Stay behind me and move swiftly. We'll create a diversion and make a break for the main entrance." His gaze locked with hers as he tried to relay his insistence that she follow his commands. "Do exactly as I say please."

Simone's eyes widened slightly, but she gave a nod.

Tiberius motioned for Izzy to take the lead, keeping Simone safely between them. With a flick of his wrist, he activated his comlink, broadcasting a silent alert to the rest of the Iron Wolves. Within seconds, Lance's voice crackled in his earpiece.

"Sitrep, Commander?"

"Kra'va pack in the central courtyard," Tiberius said. "Preparing to engage and extract the civilians. Converge on my position for backup. Our goal is to avoid engagement. If we must, strive for nonlethal. This was their home first."

"Copy that. Brick and I are en route. Hawk's providing overwatch from the north tower."

Tiberius acknowledged the response with a curt nod, his focus shifting back to the task at hand. He raised his rifle, sighting down the barrel as he assessed the best angle of approach. With a subtle hand signal, he motioned for Izzy and Simone to follow, leading them in a wide arc around the clearing.

As they neared the edge of the vegetation, one of the kra'va raised its head, its beady eyes locking onto their movement. It let out a shrill, warbling cry, alerting the rest of the pack.

"Move," Tiberius shouted, breaking into a sprint.

Izzy and Simone followed closely behind, their footfalls muffled by the soft earth as they raced toward the colony's entrance. The kra'va gave chase, their powerful legs propelling them forward with surprising speed.

Tiberius risked a glance over his shoulder, his finger tightening on the trigger of his rifle. With a series of controlled bursts, he unleashed a volley of plasma bolts, forcing the kra'va to scatter momentarily without injuring any.

The main entrance loomed ahead, its reinforced doors standing open, beckoning them to safety. Tiberius ushered Izzy and Simone through, turning to face the approaching kra'va as Lance and Brick rounded the corner, weapons raised.

"Get them inside." Tiberius took up a defensive position.

Lance and Brick laid down a blistering hail of fire, driving the kra'va back. One of the creatures, its hide scorched by plasma burns, broke through the barrage, charging toward Tiberius with its razor-sharp beak extended.

Time seemed to slow as Tiberius tracked the creature's movements, his finger squeezing the trigger in a smooth, controlled motion, suppressing regret that the confrontation had come to this. A single, well-placed shot caught the kra'va in its exposed throat, dropping it to the ground in a thrashing heap.

The rest of the pack retreated, their warbling cries fading into the distance as they disappeared into the dense foliage.

Tiberius lowered his rifle, his chest rising and falling with measured breaths. He turned to find Simone watching him, her expression awe and concern.

"Is everyone all right?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over the group.

Simone nodded, her eyes still locked on his. "Thanks to you," she said, her voice shaking in a way that sent an unfamiliar tremor through Tiberius's battle-hardened frame.

As the adrenaline of the encounter ebbed, he was captivated by Simone's courage in the face of danger. Clearing his throat, he gestured toward the fallen kra'va. "We should retrieve the carcass. No sense in letting it go to waste."

Lance arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his hazel eyes. "Dinner and a show, eh, Commander?"

Tiberius shot his second-in-command a withering look, but the corners of his mouth twitched ever so slightly, betraying his stoic facade.

TIBERIUS WALKED DOWN the reinforced hallway, his mind still buzzing with thoughts of their run-in with the kra'va. The aroma from the feast lingered even days later, a rich blend of roasted meat and earthy herbs that had filled their makeshift dining hall. He glanced at his watch. It was nearly noon.

His comm unit buzzed to life. "Tiberius? This is Simone," she said in an excited voice.

"Dr. Wiley?" he asked as he adjusted his rifle strap instinctively while quickening his pace toward her lab.

"I need to show you something immediately," she said breathlessly. He could hear footsteps hurriedly in motion through her speaker feed before ending abruptly, and then nothing but static cut off communication midsentence.

He was nearly jogging now until reaching another steel door marked simply LAB 7, where sounds within hinted chaotic activity happening inside. He pushed open its heavy frame to reveal Simone.

Tiberius hurried to the lab, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and concern. As he pushed open the door, he found Simone hunched over a holographic interface, her eyes bright with excitement.

"Tiberius," she greeted, a wide grin spreading across her face. "I've made a breakthrough with the biocircuit. If I can figure it out, it could propel our research years ahead in just days."

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Tiberius felt a surge of pride for Simone's dedication to their shared mission. He moved closer to get a better look at the holographic schematics dancing in the air.

Simone gestured animatedly, her fingers manipulating the hologram with deft precision as she explained her findings. "The biocircuit has this remarkable adaptability, Tiberius. It can integrate seamlessly with organic matter, mimicking and enhancing its functionality. If we can harness its potential, we could revolutionize cybernetic advancements."

As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with an intensity that matched the flickering hologram before them. Tiberius marveled at her passion and brilliance, feeling a surge of admiration for her relentless pursuit of knowledge.

"Imagine the possibilities," she continued, her voice vibrant with excitement. "Enhanced prosthetics, neuro-synaptic interfaces, even advanced sensory feedback for cyborgs. This could change everything."

Tiberius nodded in agreement, his mind racing with the implications of Simone's discovery. The potential for integrating the biocircuit into their existing technology was staggering. It could redefine the capabilities of their cybernetic enhancements and offer new opportunities for collaboration between humans and cyborgs.

As Simone delved into the intricate details of her breakthrough, Tiberius marveled at her expertise and dedication to their shared cause. Her relentless pursuit of scientific advancement and her commitment to improving the lives of both humans and cyborgs left him in awe.

He was glad she was their lead researcher. Her passion and determination were good for their mission on Durmox C7, and Tiberius was deeply grateful for her dedication.

With each passing moment, as Simone's words painted a vivid picture of their future possibilities, Tiberius felt a growing sense of optimism and renewed purpose. The prospect of harnessing the biocircuit's potential to bridge the gap between humans and cyborgs ignited a spark of hope within him.

Together, they could usher in a new era of collaboration and progress, one that transcended the boundaries of fear and misunderstanding that had long divided their worlds.

As Simone continued to unravel the intricacies of her breakthrough, Tiberius was struck by the sheer magnitude of her intellect and vision. She was more than just a brilliant scientist.

Tiberius was leaning closer, his gaze locked with Simone's. Her eyes widened slightly, but she didn't pull away. The air seemed to crackle with an electric tension, drawing them together like opposite poles of a magnet.

For a fleeting moment, Tiberius allowed himself to entertain the thought of closing the distance between them. His eyes flickered to Simone's lips, full and inviting, and he imagined how they might feel against his own.

But just as quickly as the impulse arose, he tamped it down, reining in his wayward thoughts. He was a professional, a soldier, and such indulgences were unacceptable—especially with someone as important as Simone.

Clearing his throat, Tiberius took a step back, creating a respectable distance between them once more. "You should get back to your research," he said, his voice gruff but steady. "Your work is invaluable to the colony's success."

Simone blinked, as if emerging from a trance. A faint flush crept up her neck, coloring her cheeks a delicate shade of pink. "Of course," she said, her fingers toying with the edge of the data pad she still clutched.

Tiberius turned on his heel, striding toward the exit with purposeful steps. As he reached the door, he paused, his hand hovering over the control panel. Without looking back, he spoke again, his tone softer than before. "Let me know if you require any assistance, Simone."

With that, he stepped through the doorway, letting it slide shut behind him. Once in the corridor, he exhaled slowly, his shoulders sagging ever so slightly as the tension bled from his frame.

What had come over him back there? He was a seasoned warrior, hardened by years of combat and sacrifice. Yet, in Simone's presence, he was teetering on the edge of vulnerability, his carefully constructed defenses threatening to crumble.

Shaking his head, Tiberius pushed the unsettling thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand. He had a colony to protect, a mission to fulfill. Personal entanglements were a luxury he couldn't afford, no matter how alluring the temptation.

With renewed determination, he set off down the corridor, his boots echoing against the metal floor with each decisive stride.

DAYS PASSED, AND TIBERIUS was drawn back to Lab 7 time and again, each visit fueled by a different pretext. Sometimes it was to discuss security protocols or resource allocation, other times to seek Simone's input on a particular challenge they faced.

Yet, no matter the ostensible reason, Tiberius couldn't deny the undercurrent of anticipation that thrummed through his veins whenever he stepped into the lab. Simone's presence was a magnetic force, pulling him in with an intensity he couldn't quite comprehend.

On one such visit, Tiberius found Simone hunched over a workbench, her brow furrowed in concentration as she tinkered with a complex array of circuitry. Izzy hovered nearby, offering occasional commentary and handing Simone tools as needed.

"What are you working on?" Tiberius asked, his voice cutting through the comfortable silence that had settled over the lab.

Simone glanced up, her eyes brightening as she registered his presence. "Ah, Tiberius," she greeted warmly. "Come, take a look."

She beckoned him closer, and Tiberius was drawn to her side, peering over her shoulder at the intricate components laid out before her. Simone launched into an animated explanation, her words tumbling over one another in her excitement.

As she spoke, Tiberius was captivated not only by the complexity of her work but also by the passion that radiated from her every gesture, every inflection. Her hands danced across the circuitry, deftly manipulating the delicate components with a surgeon's precision.

"...and if we can integrate the biocircuit with our existing cybernetic enhancements, the potential applications are limitless," Simone concluded, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

Tiberius nodded, his mind whirring as he processed the implications of her words. "It's truly remarkable," he said, his gaze lingering on her face, taking in the sight of her infectious joy.

Simone's lips curved into a warm smile, and for a heartbeat, the world seemed to narrow to the two of them, suspended in a moment of shared wonder and possibility.

Izzy cleared her throat, shattering the fragile spell that had enveloped them. "If you'll excuse me," she said, a knowing glint in her eyes as she gathered her tools. "I'll give you two some space to discuss the finer points."

With a wink and a playful grin, Izzy slipped from the lab, leaving Tiberius and Simone alone in the sudden silence.

Tiberius shifted his weight, acutely aware of the proximity between them. He could feel the warmth of Simone's body, the subtle scent of her shampoo mingling with the crisp, sterile air of the lab.

"Izzy seems to think we require privacy," he remarked, his voice dropping to a low rumble.

Simone's cheeks flushed, but she held his gaze steadily. "Perhaps she's right," she said, her tone tinged with a hint of invitation.

The air grew thick with tension, charged with unspoken possibilities. Tiberius was leaning closer, drawn in by the magnetic pull of Simone's presence.

This time, he didn't fight the impulse.

His hand rose, calloused fingers grazing the silken curve of Simone's cheek. Her eyes fluttered closed at his touch, her lips parting ever so slightly in a silent invitation.

Tiberius's heart thundered in his chest as he closed the final distance between them, his lips capturing Simone's in a searing kiss. She melted into his embrace, her arms winding around his neck as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.

Time seemed to suspend, the world fading away until only the two of them remained, locked in a passionate embrace that shattered the boundaries between them. In that moment, Tiberius felt more alive than he had in years, his soul ignited by the fire that burned between them.

When they finally broke apart, breathless and flushed, Tiberius cradled Simone's face in his hands, his thumbs tracing the delicate curves of her cheekbones.

"Simone," he said, his voice a reverent whisper. "What are we doing?"

She met his gaze, her eyes shimmering with a kaleidoscope of emotions. "Something inevitable," she breathed, her fingers tangling in the short strands at the nape of his neck.

Tiberius searched her face, his heart swelling with a depth of feeling he hadn't dared to acknowledge until now. In that moment, he knew there was no turning back, no retreating behind the walls he had so carefully constructed.

Simone had breached his defenses, laying bare the vulnerability he had sworn to never reveal, and in her arms, he found not weakness, but a strength he had never known—the courage to embrace the beating heart that had been dormant for far too long.

With a low growl, he crushed his lips against hers once more, surrendering to the passion that consumed them both.