The words escaped before she could pull them back. “I don’t want you to get hurt!”
His face softened. “Sweetheart, I assure you I am more than a match for any human male.”
“But you don’t know how many people were behind it.”
“And I don’t care.” Before she could continue her argument, he climbed out of bed. “Is there something I can prepare for the morning meal?”
“I usually just have a protein bar.” She gave him a rueful grin. “I still miss coffee. Winthrop didn’t care for it, so he only stocked up on tea.”
“He should have considered your needs.”
“He did,” she said automatically, then shrugged a shoulder. “But he was used to getting whatever he wanted. I think he assumed that I would do the same.”
“I will do my best to ensure you get whatever you want,” he said firmly. “I’m going to brush last night’s dust off of the solar array and do a quick check of the property. I’ll let you know before I leave.”
He disappeared without another word, but after she washed and dressed, she found a protein bar and a cup of tea waiting for her on the kitchen table. His thoughtfulness made her chest ache.
True to his word, he returned to tell her farewell, then departed on Ghost. As she watched him ride off into the distance, the homestead suddenly felt lonelier than ever before.
Don’t be ridiculous, she told herself. You’re used to being on your own.
After her check on the greenhouses—all intact and in good shape—she went to gather her lichen supplies. The powdered plant material was mixed with a nutrient liquid, then spread over the surface of the ground with a long-handled pole. It was a boring, tedious job and the constant dipping and sweeping made her back hurt but it was a requirement to own her land and she was going to make sure that she met every requirement.
Just after noon, she finally completed the section she had assigned herself for the day and trudged back to the habitat with weary steps. Just as she reached the airlock, a rumble made her look up eagerly before she remembered that Ghost wouldn’t make that much noise. Her heart sank as she recognized Quilby’s rover. The last thing she wanted was another confrontation with the man, but she couldn’t ignore him, and she would rather face him out here than have him inside her home again. With her hand on her gun, she waited by the door for him to park the rover and dismount.
“Mr. Quilby.”
He gave her a broad, insincere smile. “Ms. Lewis.”
“Why are you here?” She raised an eyebrow. “I now have a partner and the claim is entirely legal.”
The smile disappeared. “A machine is not a partner.”
“According to the Claims Office, he meets all of the requirements.”
He snorted. “And just where is this theoretical partner of yours?”
Her chin went up. “Working.”
“I’m telling you—you can’t trust those machines.” He took a step closer. “They’re dangerous. All of them. That’s what happens when you turn a killer into a robot.”
“What do you—”
She stopped but it was too late. Quilby’s eyes lit with an evil smirk.
“You mean you didn’t know? Reckon the government didn’t want it to get out at that. All of them cyborgs are killers. That’s why the government chose ‘em. They use them too. Use them to put down any humans that go against them.”
A thousand thoughts swirled in her brain, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing that he had worried her. “I have no doubts about my partner. Now, why are you here?”
“I might have been a little hasty in my first visit. Didn’t realize you were so determined on homesteading.”
“Instead of whoring myself out, you mean?”
He scratched his head and tried to look regretful. It wasn’t convincing.
“Like I said, a little hasty. Anyways, I got a client who wants to take over this claim.” He held up a hand when she started to speak. “Now that I realize you really want to homestead, we’re prepared to offer you another plot in exchange.”
“I don’t understand.” She frowned at him. “Why this one? There are millions of acres of land available on Mars.”
“Let’s just say she, I mean they, have a… sentimental attachment to this plot.”
“That’s the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.”
He shrugged. “Maybe so, but you could come out of it really well. My client is prepared to offer a triple plot in exchange.”
“Triple? That’s impossible.”
“No. You see, this wouldn’t be a claim but an outright sale. All yours right from the start.”
A triple plot? And an outright sale? She looked at Quilby, who tried to beam at her, but his smile felt just as slimy as it had the day before. As tempting as the offer sounded, she didn’t trust him as far as she could throw him.
“I would have to talk to my partner first,” she said slowly.
Anger flashed across his expression, then disappeared just as quickly. “He’s a machine. No say in this at all. I thought you wanted land?”
“I do. But I don’t mind working for it and I’ve put a lot of work into this property already.”
He scowled. “I’ll give you twenty-four hours to think about it. No more.”
“Surely a sentimental client would appreciate that it’s a difficult decision?” she said innocently.
Quilby had apparently stretched his good-natured act as much as possible. He stormed back over to his rover, pausing for one last parting shot.
“Twenty-four hours,” he said. “Or you’ll regret it.”
Chapter Nine
As M-231 mounted Ghost and rode away from the habitat, he had to force himself not to turn around. He hated leaving Hattie, especially after the closeness they had shared last night and this morning. Yes, he needed to investigate the sabotage and, yes, he needed to make arrangements to switch duties, but leaving his woman still felt wrong.
His woman? Perhaps it was just as well that he had errands to run if he already felt so possessive. In the orphanage, then on the streets, he never had anything to call his own. The military had also never encouraged the soldiers to claim personal ownership of anything. And as a cyborg? He was not even allowed to own property, let alone to marry. He needed to keep his instincts in check.
Despite his warning, he had to force his attention back to the tracks, almost missing the point where they veered off along the rocks. Between the rocky terrain and the increased dust from last night’s storm, the faint markings grew more difficult to follow and he swore when he reached the end of a small canyon only to confront a rock wall. They must have taken another path through the maze of rocks. He tried retracing his steps, but he was unable to identify another path. Reluctantly admitting defeat, he turned to head for town. In addition to arranging for a change in his duties, he intended to obtain a security system that could be used to monitor the claim. He was going to make sure that no one else interfered with her hard work.
The sun was approaching its zenith by the time he reached New Arcadia, but the town was still quiet. He headed for the cheap plastic building that served as both an office and temporary quarters for the cyborgs. C-487—Clint—was leaving just as he arrived. It still felt strange to think of the other cyborg as more than just a fellow victim of Earth Government, to think of him as a friend.
“Clint.”
“Morgan.” The other man studied him from behind the sunglasses that partially hid the red glow of his cybernetic eyes. “I hear you have moved out to a claim.”
He forced his face to remain calm. “Hattie, Mrs. Lewis, needs my help.”
“I heard her husband had died.” A brief but perceptible pause. “Is she the one?”
He found himself curiously reluctant to discuss Hattie and regretted having mentioned to Clint that there was a woman to whom he was attracted, but they were friends of a sort and Clint too had a human female to protect.
“Yes,” h
e said, then admitted, “I am concerned about her safety. Do you worry about your female?”
“All the time.” The other male gave a rueful grin. “But I can only do as much as she will let me.”
“I think Hattie may be in trouble.”
Clint’s expression turned serious. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. She was threatened with losing her claim—that’s why she agreed to take me as a partner. Then her accounts were frozen.”
“I assume you can take care of any financial needs?” They were paid a token salary and even though the majority of it was withheld in order to pay for their “improvements,” with nothing and no one on whom to spend the income, most of them had acquired a sizeable store of credits.
“Of course, although there is no immediate need for additional funds. It just seems… odd that everything is happening at once. In addition, someone tried to sabotage one of her greenhouses yesterday.”
“Sabotage?” Clint frowned at him. “That’s not exactly a common crime on Mars. Have you tracked down the culprit?”
“No. I tried following their vehicle tracks, but they disappeared into a maze of canyons. I was unable to find where they emerged, but I will search again.”
“I don’t have time today, but perhaps Josephine and I could come to visit tomorrow? My cybernetic eyes have their uses.”
“I would appreciate that,” he said sincerely.
“Of course. What are friends for?”
“Apparently to prevent you both from working,” a voice snapped, and M-231 bit back a groan as they both stood at attention.
“Sir.”
S-756 scowled at them. A weathered older man, he could have passed for human at first glance, but M-231 knew that his heart and the left side of his chest were completely cybernetic. He had held a high-ranking military position on Earth and had been placed in charge of the rangers. He also served as the chief judge for any disputes in their territory. In spite of the fact that he despised humans, his rigid sense of justice made him an impartial judge.
“Finally dragged yourself away from that human?” he sneered at Clint.
Clint’s face darkened. “Not at all. I merely came to town to file my report and pick up some additional supplies.”
“And what about you, M-231? I heard that you have fallen into the same trap.”
“I have partnered with a human female who needs my help,” he said stiffly.
S-756 snorted. “And I suppose you were only too willing to let her use you? Fools.”
“I am not a fool,” Clint snapped.
“Both of you are. You’re willing to let some human order you around as long as they need you. As soon as they’re done with you, you’ll be back out in the cold.”
To his surprise, Clint didn’t lose his temper but simply shook his head. “My Josephine is not like that.”
“Neither is Hattie.” He hoped. S-756’s words taunted him, despite the assurance he tried to project in his answer.
In response, S-756 snorted again but let the subject drop. “I suppose that means you’re here to tell me you need to switch your duties?”
“Yes. I can’t make the power station circuit.” His usual route would keep him away from Hattie for at least two weeks and he wasn’t about to leave her alone for that long. “I am required to stay on the claim.”
“You know the fucking humans won’t let you take ownership of a claim.”
“The claim will remain in her name, but I am her partner.”
“I seriously doubt that.” Before he could protest, S-756 continued, “I’ll take the power stations. You patrol the Eastern half of the valley and take your usual shift in town.”
Surprised, it took him a minute to respond. “Thank you.” After a brief hesitation, he added, “Clint and I have begun using our human names on occasion. What is yours?”
“S-756.” The older cyborg scowled at him. “I have no desire to pretend to be a fucking human.”
“We are all part human,” Clint pointed out.
“No. We are more.” S-756 turned to depart. “I’ll check in with you when I return.”
They watched in silence as he left.
“Bastard,” Clint said, scowling after him.
“It was nice of him to take my circuit.”
“Perhaps,” the other cyborg agreed reluctantly. “Maybe he just wanted more time on his own. But I have no desire to spend any more time thinking about him than necessary. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Clint grinned. “I suspect Josephine will enjoy having someone to talk to other than me.”
They parted without any additional conversation and M-231 headed for home.
He found Hattie pacing inside the main dome, muttering to herself.
“Is something wrong, sweetheart?”
“Wrong? I don’t know. Do you know Mr. Quilby?”
“The GenCon representative? Yes, I know him.” Even for a human he was a poor specimen and M-231 despised him. “Why?”
“Did I tell you that he was the one who originally told me that I was going to lose my claim?”
“No.”
“He seemed delighted to deliver the news as well. Then he showed up again today.”
Outrage vied with concern. “He was here? While you were alone? Did he bother you? I should not have left.”
“He was actually kind of polite, well for him anyway.” She shrugged. “But this is the strange thing. He offered us a triple plot as an outright purchase in return for this claim.”
His heart sank. If she could take ownership immediately then he would no longer be needed. S-756’s words rang in his ears.
“Congratulations,” he said stiffly.
“You think I should take it?”
“Why wouldn’t you?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” She stared at him. “Well, for one thing, I’ve put a lot of work into this place. For another, because we have a partnership. We’re working this claim together, remember?”
He kept his face immobile. “I would not hold you to that.”
“Are you that eager to leave?” she asked quietly. “You don’t want to stay with me?”
He took a half-step forward before coming to an abrupt halt. “Of course I want to stay with you, but this is a great opportunity for you.”
“Forget the damn opportunity. Do you really want to stay with me? Even though it means five years of work?”
“There is nothing I want more.”
She threw herself into his arms and his restraint vanished. He kissed her and as soon as her soft mouth opened to him, he was lost. Her body pressed against his and still he wanted her closer. He slid his cybernetic arm under her ass and lifted her higher into his arms. She immediately wrapped her legs around him, and he could feel the warmth of her cunt against his stomach. His enhanced senses swam with the dizzying scent of her arousal.
The hard points of her nipples pressed against his chest, but he wanted more. His hand slid under her shirt, then up to cup the small, perfect mound of her breast. She moaned and arched into his hand, the taut peak stabbing his palm. He squeezed gently and he could feel the heat between her legs increase. He let her drop back, trusting his arm to support her, so he could lower his mouth to her breast, sucking on the hard little nub through the fabric of her shirt. She reached up and for a terrible moment, he thought she was going to push him away, but instead she fumbled with her buttons.
He lifted his head long enough to rip the fabric away.
“Is that what you want, sweetheart?”
“Oh, yes.”
The small red peak had stiffened even more as the damp flesh was exposed to the air and he couldn’t resist lowering his head again, working her nipple until she was writhing against him.
“Take me to bed, Morgan. Please.”
“You’re sure?”
Her eyes fluttered open, pupils dilated with excitement, but there was no hesitation in her respons
e. “Yes, I want this. More than I’ve wanted anything for a very long time.”
He didn’t ask again. In seconds he had them both naked on the bed, but he slowed his heedless rush long enough to admire the long, slender lines of her body. Her rosy nipples were taut and swollen and the small patch of brown curls between her legs was damp with excitement. She blushed as he studied her, her hand rising to cover her breasts.
“Don’t hide from me, Hattie.” He gently moved her hand away. “You are beautiful.”
The fiery color returned to her cheeks, but she didn’t try and cover herself again. He started to caress her face, then realized he was using his cybernetic hand and hastily pulled it back. Her brows drew together but before she could question him, he kissed her until she was wiggling beneath him. Careful to use his human hand, he caressed her body, gradually working his way down until he could slide it between her legs. A wonderful slick heat met his touch and he gently urged her legs further apart, then lifted his head so that he could see the delicate pink folds glistening with excitement.
He gently traced the length of her slit and she shivered and clung to him when he swept a finger across the swollen pearl of her clit. He circled it again, barely able to believe that it was his hand touching her so intimately, then probed carefully at her small entrance. The tight channel clung to his finger as he slowly, carefully inserted it, and she cried out again.
“You’re very tight, sweetheart.”
“It’s been a long time.” Her eyes fluttered open again and she bit her lip. “My marriage was in name only.”
A feeling of triumph swept through him, although he did his best to keep his expression neutral. He knew she was meant to belong to him.
Her teeth worried her bottom lip. “Um, because of the circumstances of my marriage, I’m not on birth control.”
“Don’t worry. I can’t get you pregnant.”
Yet another thing that had been taken from him. His nanites rendered his sperm infertile. Despite his attempt to keep his voice neutral, some of his bitterness must have leaked out because she reached up and cupped his cheek.
“Mars probably isn’t the kind of place to raise kids anyway.”
The Good, the Bad, and the Cyborg Page 6