Chapter 7—Tiberius

THE FIRST RAYS OF DAWN filtered through the reinforced windows of the medbay. Tiberius stirred, his newly enhanced senses attuned to the subtlest changes in his environment. He took a deep breath, his synthetic right lung processing the recycled air with remarkable efficiency. He could feel a difference in performance between the right and left, which was his original human-issue.

Beside him, Simone slept fitfully in a chair, her head resting on the edge of his bed. He'd tried to coax her to lie down with him, but she'd insisted he needed to be monitored and not overly stimulated for a while. Tiberius studied her features, etched with concern even in slumber. She had refused to leave his side throughout the arduous procedure and since he woke up afterward.

Flexing his fingers, he marveled at the fluidity of the cybernetic enhancements fused with his flesh. The biocircuit interface thrummed with energy, its neural pathways seamlessly integrated into his nervous system. The power coursed through his body, a constant hum just beneath his consciousness that was soothing rather than irritating.

Simone shifted, her eyes fluttering open. "Tiberius?" She straightened, blinking away the remnants of sleep. "How are you feeling?"

"Incredible." His voice resonated with a subtle vibration, a byproduct of the enhancements. "Just like last night. I'm ready to get up."

Relief washed over her features as she reached for his hand, her fingers tracing the intricate circuitry patterns etched into his skin. "We have so much to explore. Your potential is limitless now."

Tiberius nodded, his mind already processing the myriad possibilities. Yet a part of him felt unmoored and adrift in this new reality. He had been a soldier, a protector—but what was he now? He realized he'd asked that aloud when she answered him.

Simone leaned closer. "I know this is a profound change, but you're still you, Tiberius. Your core...your heart... you ...remains unaltered."

He held her gaze. "I know that, but I'm still worried. I guess I will be until I test all my limits."

She smiled, taking his hand. "If you feel up to it, we can start testing now."

OVER THE NEXT WEEK , Tiberius immersed himself in the process of understanding his new capabilities. Each day brought fresh discoveries and challenges, but Simone's presence helped ground him.

In the training room, he learned to harness his enhanced strength and speed. Simone monitored the readouts, adjusting the parameters to push his limits. "Concentrate on the neural pathways. Feel the energy flow and let it guide your movements."

Tiberius closed his eyes, his mind syncing with the biocircuit interface. He could sense every circuit pulsing with power. With a deep exhalation, he unleashed a flurry of strikes, his fists and feet a blur of motion. The training drones struggled to keep up, their defensive algorithms overwhelmed by his newfound agility.

Simone's delighted laughter rang out. "Incredible. You're adapting faster than I anticipated."

Tiberius shared her enthusiasm, a rare grin spreading across his features. The experience and how invincible he felt were amazing.

Later that day, Simone guided him through cognitive exercises, testing the limits of his parallel processing capabilities. "Multitask these simulations while we discuss the fusion reactor schematics."

Tiberius nodded, his mind effortlessly dividing its focus. He absorbed the complex data streams while conversing with Simone, his thoughts flowing with crystalline clarity.

"Remarkable," she said, her eyes alight with wonder. "You're processing information at a rate I've never witnessed before."

Tiberius felt a swell of pride, tempered by a lingering unease. This newfound power was intoxicating, but it also felt alien, a departure from the man he once was.

Late one night, as they pored over the latest test results, Simone sensed his disquiet. "What troubles you, Tiberius?"

He hesitated, grappling with the words. "I feel...disconnected from my former self. As if the man I was is slipping away, replaced by this enhanced being."

Simone's expression softened with understanding. "You're still that man. These enhancements are tools, just extensions of your true self. They don't define you."

Her words were comforting. As their gazes locked, he saw her love for him shining there and knew, no matter how drastically his physical form had changed, his essence remained intact.

THE COLONY BUSTLED with activity as the mercs and civilians worked tirelessly to fortify their defenses after the unexpected previous invasion. Tiberius strode through the corridors, his cybernetic enhancements thrumming with power, his gaze sweeping over the flurry of preparations. Everything came so much easier now that he could do a hundred tasks at once and give each the necessary attention.

In the armory, Lance supervised the distribution of munitions, his brow furrowed in concentration. As Tiberius approached, his friend's expression brightened. "Commander. It's good to have you back on duty."

Tiberius nodded, his synthetic muscles rippling beneath his combat gear. "Status report."

"Perimeter defenses are at eighty percent and rising. We've reinforced the outer walls and set up a network of automated turrets." Lance's hazel eyes gleamed with determination. "If those Sventian bastards show their faces again, we'll be ready."

A slight smirk tugged at Tiberius's lips. "Excellent work, Major." He clasped Lance's shoulder, the biocircuit interface pulsing with energy at the contact. "I'll need you to oversee the final preparations. I have a meeting with Sim...Dr. Wiley."

Lance's expression shifted, awe and envy flickering across his features. "About your...enhancements?"

Tiberius arched an eyebrow, his heightened senses detecting the subtle shift in his friend's demeanor. "Among other things."

"I've been thinking..." Lance hesitated, his gaze dropping momentarily before locking with Tiberius's. "If the opportunity arises, I want to undergo the procedure too."

A weighted silence stretched between them, charged with unspoken implications. Finally, Tiberius inclined his head. "We'll discuss it later. For now, focus on securing the colony."

With a curt nod, Lance turned back to the armory, barking orders to the mercs as they loaded crates of ammunition onto hovercarts.

Tiberius made his way to the command center, his footfalls silent on the polished floors. As he entered, he caught Simone's eye, her gaze lingering on the intricate circuitry patterns that now adorned his skin.

"Tiberius," she said, her voice warm yet laced with a hint of professionalism. "I trust Dr. Valeria has cleared you for active duty?"

"She has." He stepped closer, his enhanced senses attuned to the subtle floral notes of her shampoo. "Though I suspect her medical expertise will be unnecessary, given my new...resilience."

A faint smile curved Simone's lips. "Even so, I'd prefer to err on the side of caution. Your integration was a success, but there's still so much to learn."

Tiberius nodded, his gaze holding hers. "Then I'm fortunate to have such a brilliant teacher."

A slight flush crept into Simone's cheeks, but before she could respond, Izzy's voice cut through the command center. "Oi, lovebirds. We've got work to do."

Simone shot Izzy a playful glare, but her expression quickly sobered as she turned back to Tiberius. "Let's get to it, then."

As they pored over the schematics and defensive strategies, Tiberius was acutely aware of Simone's presence. The way she leaned closer to point out a detail, the subtle scent of her perfume, and the warmth of her breath all seemed amplified by his enhanced senses.

Hours later, as twilight descended over the colony, he was in the courtyard, overseeing the final touches on the perimeter defenses. A familiar figure approached, and he turned to find Lance striding toward him. "Everything's in place, Commander. We're as ready as we'll ever be."

Tiberius nodded, his synthetic muscles coiling with anticipation. "Good. The Sventian Scourge will face formidable resistance this time."

Lance's gaze flickered over Tiberius's cybernetic enhancements, a hint of longing in his eyes. "I meant what I said earlier about undergoing the procedure."

Tiberius studied his friend, weighing his request. "It's a significant transformation, Lance. Are you prepared for the consequences?"

"I am." Lance's jaw tightened with resolve. "If it means protecting the colony and protecting our people, I'll do whatever it takes."

A heavy silence stretched between them, the weight of Lance's words hanging in the air. Finally, Tiberius inclined his head. "Very well. We'll discuss it with Simone."

Lance's shoulders sagged with relief, a grateful smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you, Commander. I won't let you down."

As Lance turned to rejoin the mercs, Tiberius felt a presence behind him. He pivoted, his enhanced reflexes kicking in, only to find Simone approaching.

"I overheard Lance's request."

Tiberius arched an eyebrow, his synthetic skin rippling with the subtle movement. "And your thoughts?"

Simone's expression sobered. "While I'm thrilled at the prospect of enhancing more individuals, I think it's best if we proceed cautiously. Let your integration serve as a test case for now."

Before Tiberius could respond, Simone stepped closer, grazing his arm in a light caress. "We've come so far, but there's still much to learn."

Her touch sent a jolt of electricity through Tiberius's circuits, his enhanced senses heightening the intimacy of the moment. He opened his mouth to reply, but the words caught in his throat as Simone's hand trailed lower, her fingers brushing against the small of his back.

A low, rumbling chuckle escaped her lips. "Easy there, big guy. We have work to do."

With a playful swat to his backside, Simone turned and strode away, leaving Tiberius equal parts exhilarated and bewildered by her bold gesture.

As he watched her retreating form, a smile tugged at his lips. The Sventian Scourge would face more than just fortified defenses if they were foolish enough to return. hey would confront a united front.

HE WOKE WITH A START , reaching for his laser pistol out of habit. Tiberius blinked to see Simone slipping into his bed. "Is everything okay? Are the Sventian Scourge back to attack us again?"

She shook her head, shyly slipping the strap of her nightgown off her shoulder in an enticing fashion. "I've missed you. Doc cleared you for duty, so I assume your little soldier is in top form too?" She grinned even as she blushed.

Tiberius smiled, realizing what she wanted. "Oh, yes, I'm ready for action, Doc."

Simone giggled as she crawled into bed, her naked body pressing against his. "Good, because I'm in the mood for some rough and dirty sex. Can you handle that, soldier?"

He growled as he rolled her onto her back, pinning her wrists above her head. She winced, and he realized he'd overgripped with his new cybernetic hand. "Sorry, I'm not used to my new strength. Let me make it up to you."

"Yes, please," she whispered, her eyes wide with anticipation.

He kissed her deeply, letting go of her wrists so he could explore her body with his hands. To his surprise, the only difference between his bionic hand and his own hand was he could feel her skin even better. She drew in her breath, trembling when he lightly tweaked her nipple with his cybernetic fingers. She shivered, and he asked, "Cold?"

She shrugged. "The bare metal is a little cold, but Izzy's working on synthetic skin. It won't always be possible to use it to cover enhancements, but it should work on a spot like your hand."

"That would be nice," he said, kissing her again before adding, "But I'm not sure I want to hide my hand. I'm proud of my new abilities. I can do things I never dreamed of before. I'm stronger, faster, and I have a built-in weapon. I'm a cyborg, and I'm damn proud of it." Despite his words, he had a niggle of doubt. Would she be able to accept the changes in him? Was she contrasting his current body with the one he'd had the last time they made love?

She must have sensed his doubt, because she reached down, stroking his cock, which was already hard and throbbing. "You're still the same man, and I'm not afraid of the changes. I know you'll never hurt me, and I trust you. I'm just glad I didn't lose you. I don't care if you're a cyborg, a robot, or a human. You're alive, and that's all that matters. Now, stop talking and fuck me, Tiberius."

He laughed as he grasped her wrists again. "You mentioned hard and rough?"

She moaned and wiggled against him, lightly testing his grip. "Yes, please."

He kissed her, then flipped her onto her stomach, pulling her up to her knees. He slapped her ass, and she yelped. "Harder."

He spanked her again, and she groaned. "More."

He grinned as he positioned his mouth near her ear. "I'm going to fuck you hard and fast, and I'm not going to let go of your wrists. If you need me to stop, say ‘lunar.' Do you understand?"

She nodded, her breathing heavy with excitement. "Yes, I understand. Fuck me, Tiberius. Fuck me hard."

He pressed the head of his cock against her wet opening, teasing her for a moment before thrusting deeply inside her. She cried out, her pussy clenching around him as he filled her. "Oh, god."

"Did you change your mind?" he asked near her ear again.

"No, keep going. Please, don't stop."

He thrust into her, setting a punishing pace. She was so wet and tight, and her moans and whimpers only fueled his desire. He gripped her wrists tightly, holding her in place as he fucked her. She bucked against him, matching his rhythm and begging for more.

"Please, harder. I need to feel all of you. I was so close to losing you..." Her voice trailed off, but it was thick with emotion.

He should probably stop to make sure she was in the right frame of mind, but then she clenched her inner muscles around him, and he groaned. His hips snapped forward, and he drove into her with renewed vigor. She gasped and shuddered, her body tensing as her orgasm hit. "Yes, yes, yes." Her pussy clamped down on him like a vice.

He gritted his teeth, fighting back his own release as her body trembled with pleasure. She was so beautiful, and he was so lucky to have her. His heart swelled with love for her, and he vowed to never take her for granted.

"I love you, Simone," he whispered, kissing her neck.

She turned her head to look at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I love you too, Tiberius, but you still haven't come, and I could probably come again..." She tilted her head flirtatiously while squeezing around his cock again.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You're insatiable, woman."

She smiled, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Only for you, my love. Now, give me what I want, and I'll give you what you want."

"As you wish, my lady." He pulled her ass up and entered her from behind again. She moaned, arching her back and pushing her ass against him. He thrust into her, gripping her hips and pulling her to him. She was so wet and tight, and she felt amazing.

"I'm never going to get enough of you, my love. I'm going to fuck you every day for the rest of our lives," he said, thrusting into her.

She whimpered, her body trembling as another orgasm washed over her. "Promise?"

He leaned down, nibbling her earlobe. "I promise."

He continued to thrust into her, bringing them both to the brink of ecstasy before dragging the head of his cock against her clit as he withdrew and plunged into her again, burying himself balls-deep. They came together, their bodies shuddering with pleasure as they collapsed in a heap of sweaty limbs.

He kissed the top of her head, holding her close. "I'm the luckiest man in the world to have you in my life."

She snuggled closer, sighing contentedly. "And I'm the luckiest woman in the world to have you in mine. I love you, Tiberius."

"I love you too, Simone. I always will."

They basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking. The sound of the rain pattering against the window filled the room, and the scent of sex permeated the air. It was the perfect moment, and he never wanted it to end.