“It's a city based inside a giant planetary colonization ship, one of the originals, bought, salvaged and upgraded by its owner. It’s constantly traveling through uncharted space and only Cyborgs, with some exceptions, are privy to its coordinates. They are revoked if it’s compromised.”
“And this is its port?” She moved deeper into the cavernous space. Her body was a speck in comparison to the docked ships. There were more vessels than people and as she took in the high, arched walls and chrome interior her mouth went slack.
“This is part of the city. Each ship must remain open as decreed from the leader, it is a merchant hub where Cyborgs can buy and trade with one another and not be under the jurisdiction of any government.”
Kat walked with Bin-Three along the railway, peering into open passageways that led to other docked ships, most remained empty. There were a handful of beings around but none were close enough to talk to or discern their humanity. It was also quiet and made her want to whisper.
The lack of people reminded her of the New American Port at home. Half shut down, unused, and barricaded off; John and the tea stand.
After some distance, Kat stopped and looked back. No one followed them, no one had left Dommik’s ship.Where is he?She cared about that, she told herself it was because she would’ve liked a guide, something or someone better than her android.
My android?
She told herself that he wouldn’t mind that she left.He may leave without me.Her eyes widened in horror. But was it because she craved his company? Kat cleared her throat and kept walking toward the bowed entrance to the main ship. She looked at Bin-Three.He won't leave without one of his Bin’s.
“Will your Master be upset we left the ship?” she asked.
“He did not state the exterior as a restricted zone.”
“And you?”
“I am to ensure your safety and report to him if you try and enter a restricted zone or if you are in distress. Are you in distress, Katalina Jones?” It flashed.
Kat looked around. “Kat. No.” She kept walking, it kept following. They passed through the landing deck and...into another landing deck. She glanced between them, they were exact replicas. Lights and music streamed out from one of the passageways, on the opposite side from her. She saw a couple beings standing outside that area.
“Who runs this place?”
“I do not have that knowledge.”
“You don’t know?”
“I do not have that knowledge.”
Kat headed toward the music. Someone must have noticed them because they were headed toward her. She had met one Cyborg and had talked to another. She hadn’t offended a killing machine yet and three times were a charm, right? She eyed the man coming closer with every step and met him halfway. He blocked her path.
“Who are you?” he asked.
She looked up at the Cyborg.
He was different and so unlike any being she had ever encountered. The Cyborg had a blue-grey tint to his skin and it appeared waxen and rounded with smooth lines. No creases, no body markings, nothing.Strong features.Not handsome, not cute, but huge and encased with muscle.
“My name’s Kat and this is Bin-Three.” She introduced them.
“You’re a human.”Rude.
“I am.”
“Who are you with?” His voice rough with a warning.
Um…“I’m with...Dommik.”
“He let you wander here without his guard?”
Kat licked her lips. “Yes? And I’m with Bin-Three.” She indicated the android again. “It’s deadly impressive when it wields a knife and spews fire.”
The Cyborg looked at the android, sizing him up. Bin-Three’s face had code coursing over it. Kat looked at the man and saw the same code in his eyes.
Oh, fuck no.
