“I don’t have a choice.”
“But your work…”
The thought of abandoning her research made her flinch, but in the end, people were more important than data.
“I hope I can continue it, just… elsewhere.”
They both knew that the odds were slim, especially without a fully equipped lab, but Cass only nodded, forcing a watery smile.
“There’s always a choice.” Zach’s voice was quiet but firm. “Tell me about the cyborg contacts you mentioned.”
Alina took a shaky breath and explained—Jeb and Mattie, the discovery of the connection between cyborg nanites and Rhyx’s resurrection, the hope that the cyborg networks might offer resources and protection that she couldn’t provide alone.
Zach listened without interrupting, his enhanced eyes thoughtful.
“It’s a good plan,” he said when she finished. “The cyborg communities have resources most humans don’t know about. Safe houses, communication networks, people who know how to stay hidden from corporate surveillance.”
“You think they’ll help?”
“I think they’ll want to meet Rhyx before they commit to anything. But yes—if Jeb vouches for you, they’ll help.” He paused, something shifting in his expression. “You should know, though—they would have helped even without the cyborg connection.”
“What do you mean?”
“The cyborg communities have always protected those who need protection. It’s part of who we are.” His jaw tightened. “We know what it’s like to be hunted. To be seen as property instead of people. If your friend is in danger from GenCon, that’s reason enough.”
Alina felt tears prick at her eyes. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. You’re still going to have to convince Matthias that you’re worth the risk.”
“Matthias?”
“One of the community leaders. If Jeb’s reaching out through proper channels, Matthias is probably who he’s contacting.” Zach’s expression was unreadable. “He’s… cautious. But fair. If you tell him the truth, he’ll listen.”
Alina nodded, filing the name away.
Cass had been silent through this exchange, her green eyes bright with unshed tears. Now she stepped forward and pulled Alina into a fierce hug.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” she whispered.
“I’m going to miss you too.” Alina hugged her back, breathing in the familiar scent of her friend—dust and machine oil and the faint floral soap she favored. “I’m sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen.”
“Don’t apologize.” Cass pulled back, her hands still gripping Alina’s shoulders. “You found something incredible. Someone incredible. You’re doing the right thing by protecting him.”
“Even if it means giving up everything else?”
Cass smiled, though it was watery at the edges. “Especially then.” She glanced at Zach, something soft and certain passing between them. “Trust me—some things are worth giving up everything for.”
Alina thought of Rhyx—of his strange beauty and fierce protectiveness, of the way he held her like she was something precious, of the future they might build together if they could just survive long enough.
“Yeah,” she said quietly. “They are.”
She packed that night,moving through her quarters with mechanical efficiency.
The things that mattered fit in a single bag: data chips containing her research, a few changes of clothes, the photo of her parents she’d kept on her desk for three years. Everything else—the books, the personal touches she’d accumulated, the life she’d built on Mars—would have to stay behind.
I’ll come back,she told herself, even though she knew it was probably a lie.Someday, when it’s safe, I’ll come back.
Her tablet chimed with an incoming message.
