Marcus 582: Book Three of Cyborgs: Mankind Redefined by Donna McDonald Page A
Authors: Donna McDonald
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cyber crimes going on with them. We could argue their conversions themselves are illegal, but I’d hate to bring that up with all the other things we need to pursue.”
“Even if the first guy who had it done now has muscles bigger than King’s?” Eric asked.
Kyra let out a breath and nodded. “Yes. Even then. Who’s the one at Norton?”
“Nathan 180, also known as Nathan Blanton,” Marcus said. “Kyra, what’s going to happen to those guys if the pulses aren’t throttled back like ours are?”
“The same thing that would happen to any man producing too much testosterone. He’d develop aggressive tendencies he’d have trouble keeping in check. In seeking an outlet for those, his heart would eventually explode from even moderate exertion after having been asked to over-perform for years. Getting such a hormonal adjustment done at twenty-five, I’d guess the first guy is just about due to hit some kind of testosterone wall. If a six-month newbie is visiting sex clubs already, the first one probably has a woman chained in his basement…or a guy. Sorry, I’m thinking too hetero.”
Peyton decided they were getting nowhere with their speculation. “Send me a list of the ones you’ve identified, Eric. I’d like to look over it. If someone is making black-market cyborgs, we’re going to want to shut the process down eventually. We can’t change the fates of the first few who got converted. Only the last few have a chance to get it reversed—depending on how badly they were hacked.”
Eric nodded. “Sure. I’ll capture it tomorrow. I need to work on that new project you gave me today anyway.” His comment drew a nod from Peyton. He’d probably start his search on Evelyn’s real name from home later. Nero had helped him set up a top of the line portable that sleekly connected to Norton without being constantly monitored.
Marcus squirmed in his chair. “If it’s alright, I’m going to keep an eye on the cyborg geek guy working at Norton. His interest in Rachel still bothers me.”
Kyra snorted. “Marcus, has Rachel told you much about what Brad did to her?”
Marcus shook his head. “No. I’m not sure I want to hear either. I figure what’s happened to us both is in the past and doesn’t matter.”
“That’s a healthy sentiment, and wise in most cases, so I’ll skip the goriest of the details. However, here’s something you do need to consider. Brad liked being in control of her. If Rachel—whom he renamed Gloria—didn’t call in to him every hour, he wirelessly shocked her as punishment. I’m surprised she’s tolerated your constant surveillance as long as she has. It has to remind her of what she’s escaped from. You were supposed to stop monitoring her months ago.”
Marcus rubbed his head. “I know. I’m not really monitoring her. I’m just protecting her.”
“From what? All of life?” Kyra demanded. “Rachel has already started lying to you just to have some time to herself. How many more ways does she need to rebel before you realize your protection is doing more harm than good?”
“Fine,” Marcus said. “I’ll back off some. I didn’t know about what he did to her.”
Kyra crossed her arms. “You also need to know that Rachel has more pressing problems to deal with than some guy’s unrequited crush on her.”
“I know, Doc. I heard her processor is dying,” Marcus reported, ignoring Eric’s warning glare.
Kyra nodded. “Yes. She’s in a dangerous place right now. We never let cyborgs get into her condition because of the risk of brain damage if the processor shorts out before it’s replaced.”
“ Brain damage? Shit. Have you told her that?” Marcus demanded.
Kyra shrugged. “Yes and I tried to tell her again today. She isn’t listening. I’m hoping Seetha has better luck getting her attention tomorrow. But if Rachel’s listening to your advice now, I suggest you try
“Even if the first guy who had it done now has muscles bigger than King’s?” Eric asked.
Kyra let out a breath and nodded. “Yes. Even then. Who’s the one at Norton?”
“Nathan 180, also known as Nathan Blanton,” Marcus said. “Kyra, what’s going to happen to those guys if the pulses aren’t throttled back like ours are?”
“The same thing that would happen to any man producing too much testosterone. He’d develop aggressive tendencies he’d have trouble keeping in check. In seeking an outlet for those, his heart would eventually explode from even moderate exertion after having been asked to over-perform for years. Getting such a hormonal adjustment done at twenty-five, I’d guess the first guy is just about due to hit some kind of testosterone wall. If a six-month newbie is visiting sex clubs already, the first one probably has a woman chained in his basement…or a guy. Sorry, I’m thinking too hetero.”
Peyton decided they were getting nowhere with their speculation. “Send me a list of the ones you’ve identified, Eric. I’d like to look over it. If someone is making black-market cyborgs, we’re going to want to shut the process down eventually. We can’t change the fates of the first few who got converted. Only the last few have a chance to get it reversed—depending on how badly they were hacked.”
Eric nodded. “Sure. I’ll capture it tomorrow. I need to work on that new project you gave me today anyway.” His comment drew a nod from Peyton. He’d probably start his search on Evelyn’s real name from home later. Nero had helped him set up a top of the line portable that sleekly connected to Norton without being constantly monitored.
Marcus squirmed in his chair. “If it’s alright, I’m going to keep an eye on the cyborg geek guy working at Norton. His interest in Rachel still bothers me.”
Kyra snorted. “Marcus, has Rachel told you much about what Brad did to her?”
Marcus shook his head. “No. I’m not sure I want to hear either. I figure what’s happened to us both is in the past and doesn’t matter.”
“That’s a healthy sentiment, and wise in most cases, so I’ll skip the goriest of the details. However, here’s something you do need to consider. Brad liked being in control of her. If Rachel—whom he renamed Gloria—didn’t call in to him every hour, he wirelessly shocked her as punishment. I’m surprised she’s tolerated your constant surveillance as long as she has. It has to remind her of what she’s escaped from. You were supposed to stop monitoring her months ago.”
Marcus rubbed his head. “I know. I’m not really monitoring her. I’m just protecting her.”
“From what? All of life?” Kyra demanded. “Rachel has already started lying to you just to have some time to herself. How many more ways does she need to rebel before you realize your protection is doing more harm than good?”
“Fine,” Marcus said. “I’ll back off some. I didn’t know about what he did to her.”
Kyra crossed her arms. “You also need to know that Rachel has more pressing problems to deal with than some guy’s unrequited crush on her.”
“I know, Doc. I heard her processor is dying,” Marcus reported, ignoring Eric’s warning glare.
Kyra nodded. “Yes. She’s in a dangerous place right now. We never let cyborgs get into her condition because of the risk of brain damage if the processor shorts out before it’s replaced.”
“ Brain damage? Shit. Have you told her that?” Marcus demanded.
Kyra shrugged. “Yes and I tried to tell her again today. She isn’t listening. I’m hoping Seetha has better luck getting her attention tomorrow. But if Rachel’s listening to your advice now, I suggest you try
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