Silbyonite

by J_V_I_

Chapter 1

Tempus fugit

The Cybernetic Implant Building recreation floor had an spectacular view of the city. Glazed all the walls and half of its roof, gave the impression of being outdoors. Its protective screen prevented the rays of the red dwarf that gave life to the planet Blhekj to reheat the metal prostheses, which allowed Sheemha and Kmjarz to enjoy their lunch hour. Both women also took advantage of it to chat animatedly.

When Kmjarz removed the lid of the dessert bowl, her metallic fingers seemed to vibrate with a buzz, make her winced.

" I will have to advance maintenance, these buzzes are quite painful. When is yours? We could go together. "

" I did it last month, they gave me five years from now for the next, luckily mine don't give me troubles, " Sheemha replied, changing immediately to a serious expression.

" Surely you are thinking about Xjiert, you should stop worrying so much about him, that's affecting you emotionally. "

" I'm sorry, but I don't believe that his spinal cordlitys* prevents him from treating his implants. It's unfair that he must die so young! " She dropped a tear from her unique biological eye.

*Spinal cord illness condition, which prevents reconnection of cyber prosthesis and degenerates painfully over time when used, until death.

" He had bad luck having such a rare condition, but we can't do anything for him. Although maybe you do, you have to tell him what you really feel, " suggested Kmjarz.

Sheemha rested her face on her silver palm, the buzzing of the prostheses of the remaining diners scattered on the floor broke the silence. A particular sound then caught her attention, was the unmistakable drag of Xjiert's foot. She quickly wiped the tear from her face before turning her eyes.

The inability to improve Xjiert's leg prostheses made him walk this way. Although he was not prevented, the stiffness of his right leg made him move very slowly. Sheemha forced herself to change to a cheerful expression welcoming him. Kmjarz invited him to sit with them.

" I figured you'd be having lunch here. "

" You should come more often, " Sheemha invited.

" The truth is, I would not be very comfortable listening to girls conversations, " he smiled.

" We haven't seen each other for a long time, " Kmjarz said, " since I don't have Sheemha's luck to work with you, I don't know how your implant improvement research continues. "

" Despite being so many hours a day working together I think I'm not very aware of your progress either, " Sheemha observed.

" It's not fair to say that, Sheemha! " he complained, " your help in what I investigate is really important. Although I confess to being guilty of being too reserved. "

" You should take advantage of reversing that, and tell Sheemha more beautiful things. "

" ¡Kmjarz! " Sheemha complained.

"Maybe that's why I decided to come here, although it is not something very nice what I have to say. "

" What do you mean? " Sheemha asked worriedly.

"As of today, from now on, I will be assigned to a secret research project. That will take me a while and I will swap location to a new laboratory. "

The news fell like a bucket of cold water on both women.

"It is not possible... " Sheemha stammered, " and our investigation? What will become of you if we stop advancing it? You know we are trying to remedy... "

Xjiert raised his metal arm, interrupting her.

"I am aware of this, and the remaining time I probably have. I can only say that this could also help me. Now, it is my greatest hope. You can continue our work, but it's really just an excuse for you to stay in my area. "

" Understood Captain! " Sheemha said cheerfully.

" I'm not your captain" Xjiert complained, " I'm not even a captain! "

" How not? " Kmjarz was surprised, " Didn't you buy that spaceship last year, collecting dust all this time? "

" That was more of a whim, I don't think I can use it sometime. Although I must say that I like to occasionally address it and sit at the helm. "

" That's what makes you a real captain," Sheemha smiled.

Chapter 2

Life is not short

The laboratory looked deserted at that time of night. The hum of the central deodorizer every so often broke the silence, and scented the atmosphere with green meadows flavours. Sheemha's glass desk reflected the images of holographic documents with a faint glow on her face and hair that hung sideways. She left it long enough to comb it sideways, falling on the side metal plate of her head.

Surprisingly the door opened giving way to Kmjarz, who looked at her severely as soon as she entered. She put her hands to her waist, strong enough to emit a noise of metallic shock between the surfaces of her hands and silver hip.

" What are you doing at this time here! " She exclaimed.

" I think you can imagine it. "

Kmjarz approached menacingly.

" You have to rest! You can't be struggling until midnight with your research! "

" You don't understand," Sheemha lamented, "If I don't continue this work for both of us, we won't have positive results on time. "

Sighing, Kmjarz relaxed the tension.

" Does he know what you do on your own? "

" No, five months ago he asked me to stop reviewing our joint work. He said it no longer made sense " when she said the latter she broke into tears.

" Hey, don't get like this. It may not be what you think it means. "

" What else should I think! Since then he didn't communicate with me anymore! Day after day I try to find the solution, hoping not to receive the news that is too late! I don't want to think it's too late for him! "

Kmjarz went to the vending machine on the wall, which she had requested bottle of water while a was approaching through the mental network connection. That gave time to Sheemha release tension, who had diminished crying when returning with her.

" Why don't you ask to see him again? "

" I can't press him that way. I think it is best to try to solve his problem. If we achieve that we will have much more time ahead. "

" Don't you think it would be better for him to see you? "

" You already know that he avoids getting involved with anyone, all the time he is thinking of not harming others. He firmly believes that if he is involved with someone, he can hurt them without remedy the day he has to leave. "

" We all have to leave sooner or later. It is silly to isolate yourself for something like that. No one has life assured forever. "

" I know Kmjarz, I know that. An accident, an unforeseen event, can happen to any of us. "

" Worst of all, what you don't want to happen is already happening. "

" What do you mean? "

" Well, look at you. You think it is not related to you, but you spend it suffering for him, all the time. It is not fair, neither for you, nor for him. "

" I can't avoid it ..."

" I know, I understand that feeling. But as your friend I worry that pain destroys your life. Please leave this at once, find a limit that does not drag you with him to the worst. At least leave it for today, go rest. Take care of yourself, be selfish for your sake. "

" I appreciate your concern. But you know I couldn't sleep peacefully thinking that I could be doing something else for him. Even if I listened to you and retired, I couldn't sleep thinking about it. All I can do is follow as much as I can, until I get tired, and sleep when I have no choice. But at least that way I know that I really do my best. "

Chapter 3

Science response

The afternoon bathed with red the Sheema's livingroom. The window had a privileged view of the mountainous sector, and the reflections of the red dwarf painted them in impossible colors. That was her day off, although she seriously thought if once again she should go to the laboratory. Although the state of disorder she had there indicated that it was time to do something to continue living in that place.

The call took her by surprise. She wondered if was her friend, and connected her artificial eye with a wave of her hand. She could see that a hooded figure was in front of her apartment door. When he introduced himself, she guessed from the voice that it was Xjiert.

With a mental command she opened immediately, and pounced on the figure almost without letting him in. Suppressing the emotion contained in such a long time, barely babbling a welcome with a slight nod. Although inside it burst with joy.

Xjiert greeted shyly, and throw the hood back leting his head free. Paralyzed by surprise, Sheemha noticed that her right hand, which should be an implant, now looked like a normal hand. Not only that, upon discovering his head, the metallic device that covered both parietals was now common skin. It looked a little more golden than normal, but there was no doubt that it was skin.

Taking advantage of the surprise it generated, Xjiert walked in, something he did by taking normal steps. He did not drag his leg, and the movement was fluid and agile.

" I am very happy to see you again, Sheemha. "

" I ... also, " she hesitated " I'm sorry! I'm really happy, but I'm surprised to see so many changes on you. "

" I understand, guess I should explain you, first of all. "

While Sheema was looking for a cup of coffee, she didn't need to ask him since she knew her taste for this infusion, Xjiert took off her cloak, and showed that her limbs were normal, and she had no metal prostheses in sight.

" I guess that you somehow replaced your prostheses, but you look so ... strange. But if this means that you found a cure for you, it would be the best news you can give me! "

" It's true, I replaced all the prostheses. I was finally able to find the solution to the problems of my condition, instead of trying to overcome it I dedicated myself to investigate an alternative to prostheses. In fact I have no cure, I gave up finding it, it was impossible to achieve spinal cord regeneration in the time I had left. So I decided to follow on another direction. The idea was that if I could not prevent the degeneration of the spine by the use of cybernetic prostheses, what I had to find was an alternative to the same prostheses. "

" Are not cybernetic prostheses? " Sheemha asked surprised.

" No, these aren't. I discovered an alternative, an element that would replace the metal. "

" But that would not make difference, in fact it was tried before, but alternative metals always gave weight or pollution problems. Could you find something alternative? That is a geniality! "

Xjiert took the compliment seriously, looking away, he continued explaining.

" I found that silicon was the most natural solution, the one that would best adapt to the organism. "

" But that was not tried before? Silicon fibers were ideal, but produced a lung disease that made them impossible to implement. "

" It's that I don't mean fibers or derivatives, but improved silicon chain structures. "

" Silicon chains? Do you talk about molecular structures, such as carbon do? "

" In fact yes, but mixed with carbon. I discovered how to make biological elements based on silicon and carbon DNA. I called it Silbyonite. "

" DNA chains based on silicon! No one managed to do them so far! "

" Surely my need led me to find this alternative. When I thought of it as an alternative to the prosthesis, I did not study them as isolated from living organisms, but rather by complementing them. Therefore, in order to successfully implant it in organisms, I mixed it with carbon, and achieved some compatibility. All I wear now is that kind of prosthesis, and they work very well. "

Sheemha dropped down sitting on a sofa, and began to cry for her only biological eye.

" What happen! " Xjiert asked alarmed.

" It's nothing, I just cry for happiness for you, you found the solution for yourself! And I couldn't do anything to help you! "

" Don't say that, you were always very helpful, I always thought of you every day that I wasn't here! "

" Why didn't you tell me? Rather, I guess it was a secret. But at least you would have let me know that you were fine during all these months! "

" I could not do it! I was isolated by the BCC*, they didn't allow me any kind of communication. For the little time I had left, they isolated me, and even allowed me to be the test subject myself, to gain even more time. Now that we succeed, I have a little more freedom to move. So the first thing I did was come to see you, to tell you in person that I am fine now. And also tell you that I need you for what is coming. "

*Blhekj Central Coordinator, similar to a world government.

" Do you need to continue researching? Is there a new problem with your prostheses? "

" No, nothing like that. But you are the person I trust most, and I know you could help me. Despite having abandoned you all this time, would you do something like that for me? "

Sheemha wiped her tears, which slid crystalline through her metal fingers, and responded smiling.

" Of course, my Captain! "

" I am not your captain! "

Chapter 4

Satellite storm

The day was perfectly clear. From the recreation room, the turquoise sky could be seen without a single cloud. That left bare the major satellite of the planet Blhekj, which occupied a good sector of the sky in its crescent quarter. Sitting in front of her lunch, Sheemha let her sight wander over the satellite clouded surface, where lightnings violently crossed her dark surface.

" You were always attracted to the storms of Jhocos," Kmjarz distracted her, " although the settlers there shouldn't be having a good time."

" You can't deny that those rays look spectacular, too bad we can't hear them. They say the ground trembles with every thunder loud burst. "

" I don't envy them at all. But at least now you look carefree and enjoying. It seems that Xjiert's return completely changed your mood. "

" I'm happy! It's as if they had given us a new life to both of us. "

" That makes me happy for you. I just hope you both seize the time from now on. There are no more excuses. "

Sheemha played with her chopsticks in the food, thoughtful.

" I guess you're right, but I don't think it's good to rush things. We spent almost a year without seeing each other, we have to re-oil certain issues. "

Almost angrily, Kmjarz looked at her severely.

" What kind of new excuses are you looking now? That year I got tired of seeing you depressed and not knowing what to do. It's okay to take some time to adapt to the new situation, but don't overdo it! "

" It's not easy, I don't know how to explain it. You don't work with him. "

" I understand that now it looks different with those strange implants. In fact, seeing a person without apparent implants is almost a circus attraction. On another day Gtwarla's son was born. Do you remember her? My section partner. "

" Yes! I have not seen her in a long time. I didn't know she was expecting a baby. "

" Well, it doesn't surprise me with the mood you were carrying at the time. The point is that the son had no arms nor an eye, but the organism was functional so he was born without problems. They got rented implants to spend the first months, and will get some subsidized by the BCC for their first year. "

"Excellent news then! I'm glad everything went well. "

" What I say, is that it would be an extraordinary rarity to see a baby, who arrives at this world without the need for cyber implants. It is abnormal! That's why seeing Xjiert now, without implants, almost naked. I don't know, I don't get used to it. That's why I think I understand your doubts, but if your feelings for him are strong, you should declare yourself. It doesn't matter that it looks ugly, as well as taken out of a prehistory book showing how the ancient humans were. "

Sheemha looked at her angrily.

" I would never discriminate him because of how looks! That is a very cruel way of thinking about others, it would never have occurred to me to look at it in less, that way! "

" Well said! But then I don't understand what happens to you.

" You know I don't like to doubt. I always go straight to what I want, without looking for excuses. But this doesn't depend only on me, beyond what I want we are two involved. I must know how to respect that. "

" With that way of thinking, no one will ever dare to take a single step forward. "

" I do dare. "

Kmjarz paused before asking worried.

" Don't tell me... did he rejected you? "

" No, I didn't say anything until now! But there was no opportunity to do so. It is that now it is different. He is different, and I don't mean the physical. His way of being is not the same as before, he may have reached his goal of surviving his illness, leaving him in a kind of limbo that does not allow him to continue. I think he is now overwhelmed by the prospect of being able to move forward with his life, and that limits him to know how to act forward. If I will try to change our working relationship right now, I think it would confuse it even more. The truth is that I don't have the courage to do it. My head is a storm of feelings right now. I am afraid of doing something wrong. I'm afraid of losing him. "

Chapter 5

Unexpected improvement

The city night from the laboratory saw as an spectacle of lights and towers. Despite all having retired, Sheemha preferred to continue reviewing the new researches results. She opened some electronic documents on hier ergonomic glass table, but won by exhaustion before looking at them she went to the vending machine to pick up a coffee. A full-image holographic call from Kmjarz was presented in front of her while serving the cup.

" What are you doing working at this time! Again I have to go get you out of there! "

" Hey, stop worrying so much about me! "

" If I don't do it, who else would do it! That dumb of Xjiert? "

" Don't tell him dumb! "

" How should I tell him then, if he is not there with you? "

" I didn't let him know that I would wait for the test results, he doesn't know I'm here. "

" Ah, okay, then I will! "

" Don't you dare to interfere with us! " Sheemha became annoyed towards her desk, while the figure of Kmjarz was still floating.

"If nobody gives you a push you both will never do anything! "

Looking sideways at the open documentation, something caught Sheemha's attention. Her expression suddenly changed.

"Excuse me, I have to interrupt the call, " she said seriously.

" What happen? " Kmjarz asked with concern.

" I saw the latest results, it's not what I expected, I have to cross data. I will call you later. "

"Hey, no, wait, what happens ...! "

The image of Kmjarz suddenly vanished when the call was interrupted.

Quickly moving open documents on the glass screen, Sheemha began comparing information and relating the value tables of the new results. With each new display of data, its expression alternated between worry and surprise.

The image of Kmjarz reappeared.

" Finally you answer, do not dare to hang me again! "

" This is serious, it is more than I can handle! "

" Now you worry me, could you explain yourself better? "

" I think we should switch to an encrypted channel. "

" Those things never turn out, if the matter is so serious, I better go there. "

While waiting for the arrival of her friend, Sheemha kept collating data. Finally she dropped onto the ergonomic chair, which settled to receive it, and stared blankly into the void. In that state Kmjarz found her upon arrival.

She approached her friend, who seemed to look at her from a catatonic state. Kmjarz leaned over and pointed her cybernetic hand at her. Her finger fire a small ray of light that threw intermittently towards Sheemha's cyber eye.

" What do you think you're doing? That light is really annoying! "

" I'm trying to see if you react, your biological eye looks dead. "

" It's not for less, I'm more than confused. "

Approaching another chair Kmjarz sat in front of her.

" Do you want to tell me what happens to you? "

" The latest tests on Silbyonite, I just received them. These new prostheses are very different from what I expected. "

" I imagine so, they are not cybernetic components like ours anyway. "

" Beyond that, these resemble biological tissues, there are very notable differences with the materials. We have been seeing that despite being five times lighter than aluminum, these tissues are two hundred times stronger than steel. "

" Doesn't that resemble basic carbon fibers? Likewise, our implants are usually very hard and resist efforts, even if they are not as hard as you say. "

" In a way, yes, but being biological tissue and not fiber is what makes the difference. The Silbyonite implant is interwoven with the biological parts of the person. That not only manages to adapt, but also continues to develop and grow. It ends up being as a biological component in all aspects. "

" If that is true, an implant of this type would last much longer than ours, without needing maintenance. "

" Not only would it last longer, but they would be for a lifetime. "

" That is incredible, it would be a revolution in cybernetics! "

" I know, some of this I could imagine from before, but there is something else. Watch this. "

By launching a mental command, she projected a kind of graphic from her desk extended with the silhouette of a human, with differentiated zones of color.

" This is an study of the composition of Xjiert's body. The areas highlighted in orange show the implants received in his head, hands and legs. "

" Yes, it is true," said Kmjarz. "But there are also spots outside those areas, this test doesn't seem very clean. "

" Conversely, it shows exactly what is happening with Xjiert's body today. The spots scattered throughout his body are Silbyonite. DNA chains reproduce not only locally, but by blood flow they disperse and begin to replace native tissues. "

" What an horror, it's like a metastasis! "

" No, is not that. It is not an invasion, just a conversion of his body that will eventually become only Silbyonite. And probably completely in a couple more years. "

" I don't want to scare myself in vain. If I understand correctly, the DNA chains will only go from being carbon to silicon, but the behavior would be the same. The change should not affect its functions. "

" It's true, the biological component change would be perfectly replaced without altering its organic performance. But do not forget that the duration of Silbyonite is much longer. Once the tissue transformation is complete, the aging of the organism would be much slower. "

" Are you telling me that the life perspective of such a body would be longer than normal? "

Sheemha nodded.

" If I am not mistaken, it would quintuple. If our average life expectancy is one hundred years, with this type of body I would live at least five hundred. "

Kmjarz was confused.

" Shouldn't this make us happy for Xjiert? He would go from a certain death in a short time, to live half a millennium in a privileged way. "

" We should celebrate it, of course," Sheemha doubted. "But you know what makes me very sad at the same time, because I just understood what happens to him. What happens between us. "

" Do you think he supposed something like this? "

" I'm sure of it. That's why he sent for this study, he wanted to confirm what he knew beforehand. The same reason he is so reserved and far from me. Don't you realize? The papers were reversed, now I am the one who will live much less than he does in comparison. There is no way we can share a normal life in common. "

Chapter 6

Basic incompatibility

Kmjarz returned with two coffees from the vending machine. Dejected, Sheemha could not move from her place.

" Let us think that all is not lost," proposed Kmjarz, "at least they could live a normal life, no matter if you live less. Before this situation, you didn't hesitate to spend your life with him, even if he didn't have much time. Why should it be different now? "

" Everything is different. Please think that if we relate emotionally, what kind of life could I leave him, having four hundred years ahead after I die? "

" What I think is you are exaggerating, you just have to sincerely speak and clarify the situation. I have no doubt he wants to be with you anyway. Surely what you imagine isn't the underlying problem. "

" Don't you think the difference in our lives duration is a basic incompatibility? "

" What I think doesn't matter. What really matters is what you believe. If you can be happy together, it is worth a try. "

" We can be together for about seventy years, watching me grow old at his side. Deteriorating me, my skin becoming wrinkled, and losing my graying hair, while he will continue to look like now. That's not what I want to give it, it's not the way to enjoy our lives together. As a woman I am sure that long before that, ours would let it work. I don't want to get to that instance, I want to have a normal life with him! "

The noise of the door opening prevented her from continuing to speak. Through the entrance they saw Xjiert who stopped surprised to see both women inside. He approached silently, looking at the image of the silhouette that was still displayed. Looking down, he said resignedly.

" How much do you already know about this? "

" What we see right there," said Kmjarz, "why did you hide it? "

" I didn't hide it, I just needed to confirm it. I see you did it for me, Sheemha. As you always do everything for me. "

" Of course I did, my Captain. "

" I am not your captain. "

" So, does it true your body will become completely Silbyonite? " Asked Kmjarz.

" Seeing this image I have no doubts. That's why I come from a BCC meeting right now. "

" A meeting, on this subject? " Kmjarz asked confused.

" I will take advantage of your two are here to explain it, it will also cease to be a secret soon. "

" Another secret? " Sheemha complained.

" Okay, you are absolutely right to get angry. Just let me give you a coffee while I'm looking another for me. "

Sheemha got up quickly.

" Let me go for it, I want to feel that I can move since I am still young. I also know your coffee tastes, more than you do about mine. "

" Hey Sheemha," warned Kmjarz "this is not the best way to clarify the situation... "

" Don't worry," Xjiert reassured, "In a way I deserve this deal. "

" They could both stop being so pathetic and try to find some solution together! "

" Together ..." Xjiert sighed as he fell on the floating chair that Sheemha pushed behind him.

" Sit down and have your coffee," she said, offering the cup, " Tell us what happened at that meeting and poor of you if hide something more about it! "

" I will not hide anything. What will happen affects us all equally and we have to prepare. Silbyonite implants were successful from my experience, and the support of the BCC was essential in achieving this progress in such a short time. Not everything was my merit, I had unlimited resources to solve this problem. But in view of the positive results, now the BCC appropiated of this new biotechnology and planned a step further that takes us to a crossroads, where they will make hard and hopeless choices. "

" That sounds worrying," said Sheemha.

" I think it is not a secret if now I say that Silbyonite replaces common organic tissues. "

" We just noticed it," said Kmjarz.

" And also that it extends normal life? "

" We deduced it," Sheemha replied.

" Now the BCC wants to extend this process to all Helkjians* "

*demonym of planet Blhekj inhabitants. Don't ask why it writes like that.

Sheemha crossed an excited look with Kmjarz, who shook her steel fist in the air in triumph gesture.

" Let's see if I understand correctly," Sheemha asked cautiously, " Are you saying that they will approve this procedure to replace our cybernetic prostheses with Silbyonite, for all of us? "

" Then we can all live five hundred years! " Exclaimed Kmjarz.

" This is fantastic! " Sheemha celebrated.

Without waiting, the two women jumped out of their seats and merged into an excited hug. Xjiert hid his face in his hands.

" There is nothing to celebrate! " He exclaimed.

Sheemha and Kmjarz were dismayed, looking at him without understanding.

" Please, take a seat and keep listening," Xjiert continued. "This is not as simple as a prosthetic change, it represents much more than that. Change all our DNA, basically we will become a different organism than we are today. The BCC interpreted it, and they agreed with me that we are facing a real artificial evolutionary leap. "

" What the hell are you talking about? " Sheemha got angry, adding while hitting the metal of her arm, " are we not artificial enough now? "

" It's not that, those are no longer simple prostheses. Will change our organism, we will live five more times, we will not even know how our psyche will be affected. In any case, this evolution will only be allowed on this planet, we will be for the next millennium the quarantine place to study the evolution of what is in fact a new species. "

" It's not that I'm going to miss traveling through the galaxy," said Kmjarz, "I can be fine with that. You can't choose, but I imagine that Sheemha won't have problems either. Conversely, she will be more than happy that it is so. Why do you look so downcast? "

" I have long imagined this possibility of taking Silbyonite to all new implants, long before returning here. I analyzed the possibility with the DNA bank that keeps the BCC of all of us, so I found a basic incompatibility that makes this procedure unfeasible to half of the population. "

" Incompatibility? " Sheemha repeated.

" That's right, not everyone can accept Silbyonite, rejection leads to death quickly. I took the liberty of analyzing your DNA, and I knew you are not compatible, Sheemha. It hurts to say it, it hurts a lot the way that things turn. Of all the people, I would have given up my life so you could continue with this change. But I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I can't get your body to accept it! "

Without showing his face, there was no doubt that Xjiert hid his tears as he could. It was the first time they had seen him in such a sorry state. Sheemha approached him, and placing the biological hand on his shoulder tried to comfort him. Although she also let out a tear.

Chapter 7

Emigration

Preparing her suitcases, Sheema paused and headed for the window in her room. With a mental command she annulled the opacity and let her eyes wander in the snowy coordinates. She tried to retain the last images of that world she would leave at night, with uncertain destiny. First stop the orbital station, and from there then she would think where to go.

She answered the call of Kmjarz, the holographic image appeared immediately next to her.

" Can I know where you've been? I can't believe you're missing your job, just you, the most fanatical of the Institute. "

" Can't I get sick? "

" Not only do you not look sick, but you would have called me like all the other times you got sick to help you. What happens with you? "

" You call me first, I thought to call you also, so that you would accompany me tonight to the Central Station. "

" Central Station? " Kmjarz repeated without understanding at all" You are going to leave! "

" Please, don't make a fuss, that's why I avoided telling you in advance... "

" How not to make a fuss! What are you trying to do, where will you go? "

" I don't know where to go... "

" You're running away, just you...! "

" I am not running away! "

" What do you call this then? Holidays are not. "

Sheemha paused, not knowing what to answer.

" Will you come to wave off me? "

" I'm going to do something better than that, I'll call Xjiert to take over a good time. "

" Do you think he is not aware? " She asked.

" Of course he's not know it, he wouldn't let you go just like that. "

" Wait! Don't call him please. "

" Convince me of it! "

Bringing her biological hand to her forehead, Sheemha concentrated looking for ideas.

" I could not explain him why I do this, for sure words would not come out to me. If I really want to make him happy, it is best to get away from him. Avoid the temptation to start something we know will end badly sooner or later. I prefer that from now on that he have a new life, wishing him a long and prosperous one, he can build it from now on with people who can be by his side as he deserve. "

" He deserves to be with you, and you should know that too. What you say is ridiculous, like everyone thinking how long they will live to allow themselves to have a relationship. We all do them believing that we will live forever! You have to stop thinking so much and do what you want. Escape as you do now is not what you really want ".

" No, it's not what I want, but I can't be selfish. "

" Conversely, you are being selfish with this! You leave to not deal with your own aging, as if that were so important just now. Forget about it, allow yourself to be irresponsible at least in this. "

" I appreciate how you care about me, but I can't do it. Can I at least count on you to accompany me tonight at the flight station? "

" Do not even dream about it! I will not let you go just like that. Right now I will report you for theft, so they prevent you from leaving! "

" You are crazy! What will you say I stole from you? They will never believe you such a hoax. "

" I will accuse you of... of... stealing my common sense! That is! That is why I will be making the complaint! "

Sheemha laughed nervously.

" Hey Kmjarz, you never really had common sense. "

" Don't be so cruel to me! Okay, that won't work but I'll think about something. I will not allow you to get away with it! I only ask you one more thing. Don't leave without talking to Xjiert one last time, right now. Do not miss more time. If you do, I promise to accompany you tonight. Don't call me again if you don't talk to him before. "

The image of Kmjarz faded when the call was interrupted. Sheemha looked at her half-packed suitcase. She looked down, and called Xjiert. His image soon appeared.

" Hi Sheemha, you have me worried! How's your health going? "

" Better, thanks. "

" Great to hear that! I was surprised that you didn't answer my messages today. Don't think I'm recriminating you, it's just that it worried me."

" I appreciate you worrying about me, today I didn't read the messages that came to me so I apologize for it. "

" Ah... I understand... so let's do something then, if you're really better let me invite you to dinner. I would like to take you to a restaurant recently opened and someone recommended me. "

Sheemha was speechless. The invitation took her by surprise, she would never have expected Xjiert to ever do something like that. Having no answer, Xjiert continued to speaking somewhat ashamed.

" I understand that my invitation is somewhat abrupt, I was thinking about it last days. Although we never did something like this before, surely because we always work together and see each other for hours. After these days you weren't there, we didn't see each other... it seemed like a good idea to me. Although if you have something else to do... "

" Is not that! "Sheemha interrupted." Sorry if I was hesitant, you took me by surprise. The truth would be nice to do something different, I would like to accept your proposal. "

" Fantastic! Then accept the appointment with the data I send you, so we reserve the time and do not bother us. I'll pick you up at that time then! "

" Understood, my Captain! "

" I am not your captain! "

The image faded, and a calendar appointment floated, with the accept and reject buttons in green and red respectively.

Crossed her arms, Sheemha began to walk nervously in front of the card, looking at it sideways at times. She went to the suitcase, and rested her hand on the raised edge of the open lid. After a few seconds she turned and opened communication with Kmjarz, who showed her image, with hands on her waist, and rhythmically hitting the ground with her metalic foot.

" Kmjarz, there is a change of plans," Sheemha said as she pressed the accept button on the floating invitation.

Chapter 8

False Crossroads

On Cybernetic Implant Building top, Jhocos satellite covered half of the glazed roof over the recreation room slightly darkening the interior. The dimmable lights compensated for this effect allowing guests to enjoy as always. As usual at noon, Sheema had lunch with Kmjarz.

" Are you checking your messages? " Sheemha asked.

" How did you guess? "

Those with cyber eyes, like both women had, could display virtual screens as if they were really in front of. That way they could check the messaging without needing additional devices.

" The diaphragm of your eye vibrates endlessly when you do it. "

" It's good to know, to prevent anybody else catch me off guard. Although only someone who knows me too much like you could notice something similar. "

" Actually the vibration is in microns order, no one with a normal eye could notice. "

" What other wonders does your eye do? I start to worry about my privacy. "

Sheemha laughed.

" I don't know anyone more carefree than you in that regard. Are you rejecting suitors again? "

" This goes beyond your eye, I think you know me too much. But it's not my fault that they last so little. I don't quite understand why I end up getting bored soon. We better talk about you, I think you go slower but progress more than me. "

" Not so much, we barely make some outings for dinner or shows. But I think it's good, it's a rhythm that doesn't bother us and allows me not to get too involved. In addition that gives us time to continue investigating, still doesn't give up to resolve the basic incompatibility issue. "

" Hopefully your can do it, now that they are both in the same matter, I don't doubt that they will come to fruition at some point. Nothing would be better to be able to bring these new implants to all people. Besides that would eliminate the problem that torments you so much... "

Kmjarz's face darkened unexpectedly, interrupting what he said.

" What happen? " Sheemha asked with concern.

" I just received the compatibility results from the BCC, they are sending them to everyone today as they had anticipated. "

" But you already knew in advance that you are compatible," Sheemha was surprised, "It should say that. If not, there might be an error... "

" It's not that, they confirm compatibility, but there is a questionnaire too. Apparently they are giving a choice whether to do the implants or not. "

" We also imagined that. It would not be good to force those who do not want to do it. "

The room enviroment suddenly changed. It could tell everyone was starting to check the messages. Those who had cyber eyes were focused on them, or those who helped with devices began to check the messages they received massively. In seconds there was a sepulchral silence, Sheemha looked surprised around her, noticing the general faces of concern.

" What happen? " she asked.

" I can't believe it, better check your messages. "

" I hate doing this when I'm with someone," Sheema complained.

With an active mental command her eye and project the messages received. She found the notification of the BCC, and read it to herself.

" The Blhekj Central Coordinator notifies: As previously reported, we proceed to deliver the Helkjians compatibility results to receive the implants with the new Silbyonite technology. We also added a form for voluntary choice of intervention and implant renewal.

For best consideration, we emphasize once again that this intervention is completely irreversible. The organic changes introduced have the immediate effect of lengthening life expectancy up to five hundred years on average. As this is a selective advantage that imposes inequality of conditions among the Helkjians in the immediate future, the Blhekj Central Coordinator with the Galactic Bureau resolves:

1) Those who opt for intervention will be held in the Blhekj planetary system, through a quarantine process that will cover two generations. That is to say, the planet and its satellite will be isolated from the rest of the Galaxy. The quarantine process is initially projected to a millennium, with probabilities of extension according to results.

2) Those who give up their right to intervention must necessarily migrate to alternative planetary systems. The Central Coordinator, together with the Galactic Bureau, will pay the relocation expenses, agreeing on the destinations of choice.

3) Unsupported Helkjians will not have the right to choose, being included in point two, and must necessarily migrate. "

The message had more information to consider, but at that point Sheemha was extremely confused. When she had barely accepted her destiny, and tried to take advantage of her precious time with Xjiert, now she will be forced to leave the planet. Worst of all is that Xjiert had no choice, being implanted with Silbyonite should necessarily remain in quarantine at their planet. The separation between them was a fact. Sheemha looked at her friend, with her mouth open and not knowing what to say. Around her, suddenly everyone moved again, many conversed, raising their voices, others began to make calls, and a great majority rose nervously and left the room.

" Please, don't despair! " Kmjarz told her, " This must be a mistake, they cannot take this decision for us! "

" No, they don't," Sheemha replied in anguish. "The decision is left to others. "

" I have an accept or reject button, I can choose but that doesn't make me happy at all. I have my life and family here, I can't believe they are going to destroy all this, all our lives. You are wrong, nobody can choose what they want, they only give us a choice between two paths with no return that condemns us in one way or another. And it all depends on whether or not I press that accept button. "

Sheemha looked sad.

"My message has no accept button. "

Chapter 9

Farewell

The night closed while Sheemha checked notes at the laboratory, the week before leaving for another planetary system she preferred to occupy it in ordering her work. She wondered who would take her job, and if they could continue on working with Xjiert. She was really wondering who could take her place from now on.

The door opened and Xjiert entered, there was no one left in the laboratory. He looked for coffee, and offered a cup to Sheemha, who thanked him with a smile.

" Is it true that we look ugly with these Silbyonite implants? I think I got used to seeing myself like that and I don't realize it. "

" You look strange, I don't think it's ugly. Why do you ask? "

" As implants are now public, I encouraged to move without the cape. I can't help but noticed how they look at me strangely while I went through public places. Some children I crossed began to shout treating me as ugly, and they projected holograms on my face making mustaches and notes to embarrass me. "

" I think everyone is very nervous about the migration. Once those who accepted the intervention remain, everything will probably return to tranquility. There will be a period of one year to renew for the new implants, it will be a gradual change. "

" Do you think that everything will really be so quiet? "

" I would like to think it will be like that. In any case I will not be here to see it, " she added sadly.

" I talked to my acquaintances at the BCC, I asked them to have an exception with you. But there was no case, I have nothing to negotiate with. In any case I never asked you before, but would you dare to stay here, in this situation? "

" We took it for granted that I should leave, that's why I never told you. But I don't really disagree. Being on a planet of evolved beings, I would be a rarity of the past. "

" I never thought that biological implants would have this consequence. If I had known I would never have done the research... "

" Please don't say something like that! You know what would happen to you if you didn't do it, don't regret it! If in all this situation there is something I will never regret, it is that you have found the solution to your problem. "

Xjiert turned his cup thoughtfully.

" I promise you that I will continue investigating, I feel responsible for the suffering of half the planet. In fact, I think it is the suffering of all the inhabitants, nobody is completely happy with this. "

" I have no doubt that you will continue working on it," Sheemha smiled, "I know you will not give up. "

" But I feel more responsible for how this situation affects us. To both. I never told you before... "

" It's not necessary," Sheemha interrupted, "I understand you, maybe more than you think. Do not feel responsible, the course of events surpasses us both. The best we can do is accept reality and try to move on. If you ever manage to resolve the incompatibility, the first thing you should do is let me know. Then we can continue this conversation. "

" Tomorrow will be your last day at laboratory. When will you leave on a trip? "

" This weekend. "

" We can go to dinner before that, maybe we would see some show... "

" I think it's not a good idea," Sheemha interrupted.

" Will you let me accompany you to the orbital station at least? "

" No, definitely not. I don't want us to have a farewell, so I refuse to do that. Even going out to dinner would be a sad thing, what mood do you think we would be spending the evening with? "

" Is there nothing I can do for you? "

Sheemha shook her head. She could not say anything else.

" You know there will be no more opportunities to speak. When I insisted on you at the BCC they showed that they would isolate us completely from the Galaxy, it won't be long before they interrupt any kind of personal communication outside this planetary system. Quarantine will be almost like erasing us from the Galaxy. "

" So much madness can they unleash, they have no limits or consideration? "

" It's a security issue, they don't want two different human species to coexist. In fact, they don't want them to compete with the original species. Although the possibility of prolonging life is tempting, fear for those who cannot do so is stronger. Blhekj will in fact become a prison for us, they will study us for one or two millennia, if there is no change in mentality before that. "

" What do you fear will happen? "

" The truth is that many things can happen, while for us it will only be about two or three generations, the fifteen human generations that will follow at the same time can constantly change ideas. Sometimes they will look at us as oddities, sometimes with envy, they may even make more drastic decisions according to the madness of the day. Not to mention that for the Helkjians our isolated future can also lead us to quite critical situations. It is much harder to try to predict what will become of us. "

" You're right, you always see beyond what we have now. Conversly, I only manage thinking about solving the immediate. "

" You don't believe that yourself," Xjiert tried to smile.

" I see that I can't fool you. "

" It's been many years of getting to know each other. "

" So what will you do from now on? "

Xjiert leaned back in his chair, looking up as he played rotating his coffee cup.

" I think I will redecorate the interior of my ship. "

" You still think about that! " Sheemha laughed.

" Although I can never fly it on, it's still mine. I will enjoy sitting in the cockpit, drinking coffee, and watching movies on the screen of all the planets that I can no longer visit. "

" Another ruined dream? "

" I do not know. I think I'm getting tired of all of this. "

Chapter 10

An uncertain destination

The orbital station had an elliptical orbit, which left the planet Blhekj inside in one focus, while the giant Jhocos satellite occupied the other. Generally, ship departures stopped while the satellite eclipsed the main planet, since double control of incoming and outgoing flights could not be monitored from the surface. It was a redundant security system, which allowed to save any failure of the orbital station that could endanger the spaceships.

In general terms, the closure duration for departures lasted about three hours, after which the station was again visible to the planet Blhekj. On this situation was the station, while Sheemha waited for the order to board, accompanied by Kmjarz. Both sat facing each other, mute as they looked at each other, and let the tears run openly. The floating suitcase was in between, separating them like a fence

" Will you let me hug you before you leave? " Asked Kmjarz.

" You know that the noise of our crashing metals is annoying, besides you give electric shocks. "

" It is not true! That is only the fault of the static of your metal plates. "

" Anyway, I don't want to cry anymore. If I hug you I think I will activate the anchoring of my arm so as not to let you go, and I can't take you with me. "

" You know I will miss you so much! "

" I will also feel lonely, having lunch without having you around, nor seeing your hologram chasing me even in the shower. "

"If you're going to recriminate that to me," Kmjarz complained, "I also remember those sleepless nights when you woke me up in the middle of the night with your worries. "

" I will miss all that. I'm going to miss you too! "

Kmjarz began to check her pockets, and suddenly she took out a small gender bag, knotted with a sliding bow. It was no bigger than the palm of her hand.

" I know you can't be overweight, but at least I think you can carry this memory. "

" A gift! " Sheemha was surprised, " what is it about? "

She opened the small bag and flipped the contents into the palm of her biological hand. Two small rings with lighting surface rolled over her palm. The glow was striking but not bright enough to be annoying to the eyes.

" Rings? " Sheemha was surprised.

" Yes, in the culture of the planet Gkyhkjm these are used to declare love to the person you love most, and are used while you are with your partner. "

" Are you declaring with me? " She asked surprised.

" No you fool! That is done when each of the two uses the ring. "

" They are very beautiful, and they must be expensive because of their weirdness. Why do you think you give me something like that, to me that I go alone? "

" Just pay attention to me, and take them with you," said Kmjarz as she stood up and took Sheemha's floating suitcase.

" Where are you going with that? You don't see that there is still much time left to board. "

" Don't worry and just follow me" she replied imperatively.

In order not to lose sight of her among the people at the station, Sheemha got up and followed her as she could.

" Hey you, wait, it's not over there! "

Ignoring her, at a rapid pace, Kmjarz continued to the sector of private boarding ramps.

" Stop!, I tell you it's not there! " Sheemha almost shouts.

Upon reaching gate 71, it burst open and Kmjarz disappeared through it.

" What do you think you're doing...! " Sheemha exclaimed following her inside, but interrupting herself without completing the sentence.

Inside the ramp, next to Kmjarz was Xjiert smiling.

" What kind of joke is this? " Sheemha said surprised.

" I'm sorry we did this in secret," said Xjiert, "but there was no way to let you know without being discovered. You were always watched for my cause. "

" What are you talking about, more important than that, why are you here when I asked you not to come? "

Approaching Sheemha, Xjiert gently took her biological hand.

" All my direct contacts were always monitored by the BCC, the only way to fix this was thanks to your friend. "

" Can I say goodbye to her? " Said Kmjarz, and without asking she took her by the shoulders and gave her the biggest hug of her life. "

" Won't you explain what this is about? " Sheemha whispered as she hugged her back.

" Don't worry, you'll have a lot of time with Xjiert so he can tell you all the details. "

Releasing her unexpectedly, she turned Sheema by the shoulders and pushed her to Xjiert.

" You better pay me this favor by taking care of it with your life!

Xjiert caught the confused Sheemha with his arms, and held her lovingly, while Kmjarz went out the hatch back to the station. Holding her hand, Xjiert practically dragged Sheema, with the floating suitcase following behind, and crossed the boarding gate to the cabin of her spaceship. Once inside, Sheemha could see through the hatch screens the profile of the orbital station to which they were attached, and on the other side an impressive view of the Jhocos satellite, where another of its imposing electrical storms was unleashed. "

" Is this your spaceship? " Sheemha asked shyly.

" That's right, isn't it beautiful? "

" You never brought me to view it before. "

" Officially I don't have any spaceship, that's why I didn't show it to you before. "

Sheemha looked surprised.

" Are you driving this ship illegally? I would never have imagined something like that about you! "

Xjiert led Sheemha to a crew seat and offered to sit with a gesture.

" I think then I will be committing two serious crimes. "

" Two! " Sheemha exclaimed " What is the other one? "

While he sat at the helm, he replied smiling.

" The other crime is kidnapping you, of course! "

Sheemha laughed openly.

" Does my opinion not count in all this? "

The ship shook a little and separated from the orbital station. Xjiert typed on helm control skillfully, while responding.

" It's because I need your opinion that I do this, I need you to help me in my research. No, I will be clearer, I need you with me. I want to resolve the incompatibility so you can have the implant as soon as possible. But while I look for the solution I need you by my side, I can't stand the idea of ​​seeing you leave and disappear from my life. You can hate me all you want for what I am doing and leave me behind whenever you want, but at least I will know that I did my best. I have everything I need here on board for us to continue investigating, and even a regenerable provision of Silbyonite for testing " he accompany the latter with a gesture touching his arm.

" Aren't you afraid there is no solution? " Sheemha asked seriously.

" If you are with me nothing else matters, just by trying I feel satisfied. "

" If we can't find a solution, I'll get elder and ugly, and I'll leave long before you. Don't you think any of that matters? "

" I am already ugly now, even children are scared to see me, and I don't care. The time that we take advantage of being together is what is best. Life is not short, we make it short by wasting it on things that do not enrich us. If you are with me, no matter how long it lasts, while we enjoy it together it will be the most precious thing we will have. "

Sheema took the rings out of her pocket and looked at them excitedly in her palm. Closing both hands on, the biological and the mechanical, she pressed them against her chest whispering "thank you."

"While we are in Blhekj's blind spot we must leave as soon as possible, it will not be easy for them to notice our departure until they collate the data from the orbital station. By then we will be far away, " said Xjiert.

" As always you have everything studied. "

" Are you ready for the superluminal jump? "

" Yes, my captain! " Sheemha exclaimed with joy.

Xjiert made an automatic gesture to reply to her, but stopped thoughtfully. Coming back to the controls just commented.

" I think that from now on I should get used you calling me that. "