Free Laser by Viola Grace Page B

Terran physiology?”
    “We have five pilots and bonded ships under our belts, so to speak. We have given them sight, the ability to walk, healed devastating scars and other adaptations. They gave us their bodies, and we gave them the ability to live as they wished to.”
    “Are they here?”
    “They are on their rounds. One at a time will come in for maintenance for either themselves or the ships.”
    “Could I meet them when they come in?” The idea of meeting one of the first wave of Terrans was tempting. It might help her for what was to come.
    “Of course. I have noticed that your species likes to cling together. I will make sure to let you know when one is coming in. I believe that we have Gadget due in in a week or so.”
    Lee smiled. “I look forward to meeting her. It is a her, right?”
    He chuckled. “For her mate’s sake, I hope so. Not that he couldn’t adapt and thrive.”
    “What is your name?” She bit her lip.
    “Ah, Dr. Eikanior. You can call me Dr. Icky.” He twisted his lips. “It always ends up that way anyway.”
    Lee chuckled and tried to scratch her nose. To her surprise, a silvery hand lifted and the shockingly warm metal performed the action.
    Dr. Icky grinned. “It seems we are on our way.”
     

Chapter Two
     
     
    One month later, Lee was ready for action. She had gotten control of her limbs, the installed weaponry and the framework that encased her living tissue. She had initially balked at the webbing of metal, but when it was explained that the exoskeleton would allow her to lift nine times her body weight, she accepted that she would be strong and look a little slutty.
    The most difficult part of her new look had been her hairstyle. She had access to manual triggers in case the weapons jammed, but the overrides were along her scalp. She went for tight cornrows, and the rest of her hair was brushed over to one side. Brushing her hair and braiding it was one of her exercises. Fine motor skills were something she had thought long lost, but she gained them with remarkable swiftness. The prosthetics moved with her normal reactions, and she had been informed that if her body had gotten used to the lack of limbs, the transition would have been much more difficult.
    She was taller than she remembered. They had extended her limbs to get her the best return on exertion. The extra length in her legs contained minute struts and pistons that could propel her upward with no notice. After the first few disastrous landings, she had gotten the hang of it.
    “Good morning, Lee.”
    “Morning, Icky. What is on the agenda today?”
    “There is a new arrival coming in.”
    “One of the fairies?” She looked forward to meeting more of the women and their ships.
    “No. This is your proposed partner. We need a speed team for dispatch into risky situations. Your battle suit is just what the Guardian teams need in difficult situations.”
    Lee nodded. “Right. So, what skills does he have?”
    A low rumble of a voice announced. “The ones I was born with.”
    She turned with her left arm up and her right arm drawn back. The limbs came with impulses and tactics built in.
    A row of spikes ran up his peacock-green forehead until they were hidden by inky blue hair and more spikes ran in studs down his arms. He was completely at ease in the leather straps that had been woven into a suit to create a vest and trousers that adhered faithfully to the muscle beneath.
    “Hello, Kilon.”
    “Lukar! I wasn’t expecting you until later.”
    Dr. Icky went toward the larger man, and to Lee’s surprise, they hugged.
    The larger man picked Icky up and spun him around before returning him to his feet. He set him down, and they clasped forearms, touching foreheads before parting. The newcomer was at least half a foot above Icky’s height, which made him a foot taller than Lee.
    Dr. Icky turned toward her and made the introductions. “Lee, this is my brother Lukar. Lukar, this is Lee.” He chuckled. “Lukar