Loving Deviant
Page 42
in shape, before they created surgeries that could remove any excess weight and implants that make you look as if you have muscles. Its costly though, so few can afford the upkeep as they age. She glanced at his exposed arms. Those arent implants.
No. They are not.
She leaned in and surprised him with a kiss on his lips. He released her hand and she laughed as he wrapped his arms around her and easily lifted her, proving how strong he was. She straddled his lap, snuggling in close.
I think we should celebrate, she whispered against his lips. I know the perfect way.
Me too.
The door chimed.
Deviant groaned, and she could totally relate as he pulled away and lifted her once more, setting her on the bed next to him.
What do they want now? His irritation sounded in his voice as he stood, crossed the room, and slapped his hand on the pad by the door.
The door opened and Mavo pushed past him, entering the room. Are you both well? I couldnt leave Control. But Stag just relieved me of duty for the rest of the flight home. Hes furious. Mavo ran his gaze over Venice, looking relieved. He didnt take her from you.
I wouldnt have allowed it. Deviant closed the door. He was very angry.
He still is. I didnt know what was going on. He stood up in Control and told me to take his seat, then contacted me to change course away from Garden. He just returned to Control, snapped at me about how he knew I was aware of the Earthers existence, then ordered me out of his sight for the remainder of our time on the Varnish.
Im sorry, Father.
Mavo waved a hand. It doesnt matter.
My actions have resulted in Stag disciplining you.
Mavo stepped close to his son, gripped both of his arms, and held his gaze. Dont think of it that way. Do you hear me? I know you too well. I dont care about that. Stag has a reputation for being harsh with his crew. It wont affect any of my future assignments. I would consider it an honor if he writes me up for this offense. Your happiness is always my priority.
Venice really liked Deviants father. He didnt seem upset in the least that hed been chewed out by the menacing captain shed met.
Deviant gripped Mavos arms too. Thank you, Father.
Has Stag confined you to quarters?
Yes.
I am only banned from Control. Ill take care of bringing you all of your meals. We reach Garden in the morning. Stag changed course again and increased our speed. He wants the Earther off his ship as fast as possible. Thats good news for us. Well be home soon.
He really hates me, doesnt he? Venice said.
Deviant released his father and approached her, sitting close. Its not personal, Venice. Youve done nothing to deserve his ire.
Stag has always had issues with Earthers. Its common knowledge. Mavo held her gaze. He suffered major losses of the cyborgs assigned with him on an Earth battle cruiser. Some of his close friends were murdered by the crew. I was told he was one of the first batches of cyborgs produced, and saw a lot more death than most of us because of his age.
Father had it rough as well, but he met one Earther who gave him hope that not all of them meant us harm.
Mavo smiled. My Emily. She helped cyborgs escape, and now shes my daughter. We call her Cyan though. Its a long story.
Venice glanced at Deviant. You didnt tell me you had a sister. Is she from an Earther mother?
He smiled too. Its not a biological tie. Father adopted her. She was born on Earth, with health issues, but her father was the one who created cyborgs. He built her a new body to replace her failing one. It took her a long time but she found us. Shes married to Krell. Hes the cyborg I spoke of, the one for whom my father petitioned the council to force my mother to birth me, in order to ensure Krells obligation to have a child was technically met.
Venice wanted to hear more and had a lot of questions. Mavo had other ideas.
May we talk alone, Deviant? He gave an apologetic look to Venice. This isnt about you. Its about a family matter concerning his mother.
Venice stood. Ill go wash my face. Deviant wasnt allowed to leave and the only way to give them privacy was to enter the cleansing unit.
That was
No. They are not.
She leaned in and surprised him with a kiss on his lips. He released her hand and she laughed as he wrapped his arms around her and easily lifted her, proving how strong he was. She straddled his lap, snuggling in close.
I think we should celebrate, she whispered against his lips. I know the perfect way.
Me too.
The door chimed.
Deviant groaned, and she could totally relate as he pulled away and lifted her once more, setting her on the bed next to him.
What do they want now? His irritation sounded in his voice as he stood, crossed the room, and slapped his hand on the pad by the door.
The door opened and Mavo pushed past him, entering the room. Are you both well? I couldnt leave Control. But Stag just relieved me of duty for the rest of the flight home. Hes furious. Mavo ran his gaze over Venice, looking relieved. He didnt take her from you.
I wouldnt have allowed it. Deviant closed the door. He was very angry.
He still is. I didnt know what was going on. He stood up in Control and told me to take his seat, then contacted me to change course away from Garden. He just returned to Control, snapped at me about how he knew I was aware of the Earthers existence, then ordered me out of his sight for the remainder of our time on the Varnish.
Im sorry, Father.
Mavo waved a hand. It doesnt matter.
My actions have resulted in Stag disciplining you.
Mavo stepped close to his son, gripped both of his arms, and held his gaze. Dont think of it that way. Do you hear me? I know you too well. I dont care about that. Stag has a reputation for being harsh with his crew. It wont affect any of my future assignments. I would consider it an honor if he writes me up for this offense. Your happiness is always my priority.
Venice really liked Deviants father. He didnt seem upset in the least that hed been chewed out by the menacing captain shed met.
Deviant gripped Mavos arms too. Thank you, Father.
Has Stag confined you to quarters?
Yes.
I am only banned from Control. Ill take care of bringing you all of your meals. We reach Garden in the morning. Stag changed course again and increased our speed. He wants the Earther off his ship as fast as possible. Thats good news for us. Well be home soon.
He really hates me, doesnt he? Venice said.
Deviant released his father and approached her, sitting close. Its not personal, Venice. Youve done nothing to deserve his ire.
Stag has always had issues with Earthers. Its common knowledge. Mavo held her gaze. He suffered major losses of the cyborgs assigned with him on an Earth battle cruiser. Some of his close friends were murdered by the crew. I was told he was one of the first batches of cyborgs produced, and saw a lot more death than most of us because of his age.
Father had it rough as well, but he met one Earther who gave him hope that not all of them meant us harm.
Mavo smiled. My Emily. She helped cyborgs escape, and now shes my daughter. We call her Cyan though. Its a long story.
Venice glanced at Deviant. You didnt tell me you had a sister. Is she from an Earther mother?
He smiled too. Its not a biological tie. Father adopted her. She was born on Earth, with health issues, but her father was the one who created cyborgs. He built her a new body to replace her failing one. It took her a long time but she found us. Shes married to Krell. Hes the cyborg I spoke of, the one for whom my father petitioned the council to force my mother to birth me, in order to ensure Krells obligation to have a child was technically met.
Venice wanted to hear more and had a lot of questions. Mavo had other ideas.
May we talk alone, Deviant? He gave an apologetic look to Venice. This isnt about you. Its about a family matter concerning his mother.
Venice stood. Ill go wash my face. Deviant wasnt allowed to leave and the only way to give them privacy was to enter the cleansing unit.
That was
