Chapter Eight

Natasha knew plenty about cyborgs when it came to their physiology. She could help them learn to fine-tune their motor skills, understand what a cold or a bout of the flu was doing to their bodies, and recommend physical therapy for those who wanted to keep their bodies conditioned. But when they needed help beyond what she could give them, Natasha referred them to other departments at the Cyborg Rehabilitation Center. The CRC offered psychological support and assisted with employment. They even offered classes on shopping, cooking, housekeeping, yard maintenance, and other routine skills the former soldiers needed to survive.

When they had problems with their biochips, Natasha referred them to the Tech Department. The personnel there, many of whom were former Cyborg Sector employees, knew all about the tiny implants. They could help a cyborg learn how to switch between using his computer interface and normal vision, how to understand where the information came from, and how to fix degrading biochips.

Despite the propaganda Cyborg Sector spread about cyborg durability, it was becoming apparent that the chips were beginning to dissolve in the saline environment of the human body. The problems started with the first cyborgs and were spreading to later models.

Natasha didn’t know Fury’s creation date or anything about his biochip. But she knew someone who would. She scooped her phone off the table and dialed the CRC. It was a Saturday, but the Rehabilitation Center was open seven days a week. There had to be someplace for cyborgs to go when they malfunctioned, no matter what day it was.

“Hi, Brittney. It’s Natasha.”

“What are you doing calling here, girl? Aren’t you at your dad’s funeral today?” Natasha could hear the background noise of patients checking in and out.

“I’m finished now. Today has been exhausting, but I was wondering if you could help me out with something.” Now that Natasha was on the phone, she felt foolish. Brittney was her friend, but there were some things she wouldn’t be able to share without sounding crazy. She hoped she wouldn’t have to overexplain herself.

“Of course. What do you need?”

Natasha bit her lip. “You know John down in Tech, right?”

The sound of a pen clicking against the desk came through the receiver. Brittney always did that when she was thinking. “I think so. Tall guy, brown hair, glasses, kind of adorable?”

The nurse gave a laugh. “Yeah, that’s the one. Do you know if he’s working today? I need to talk to him, but I don’t have his number.”

Brittney paused for a moment before she spoke again. “I could transfer you, but first I want to know why. You aren’t already looking for a rebound, are you?”

“No, it’s nothing like that.” Natasha racked her brain for a good excuse. She couldn’t possibly tell Brittney about Fury, especially not over the phone. “I bought a new TV, and I need someone to come help me set it up with Internet and everything. I heard he does some contracting work on the side.”

There was another pause at the end of the line. “Are you okay? You aren’t talking to me in code, are you? Am I supposed to call 911?”

“No. Why?” Natasha was getting frustrated. She had thought the hardest part would be talking to John. Apparently it was difficult just getting hold of him.

“You sound pretty calm considering what you went through today,” the receptionist replied. “I wouldn’t think you gave two shits about a television right now.”

She could always count on Brittney to be honest. “It was my consolation prize.”

“Okay. Just make sure you’re taking care of yourself, all right? Call me if you need anything. Oh, and the girls are planning to go out to the Mexican place on Tuesday. Half-price margaritas. Are you in?”

Natasha couldn’t remember the last time she had gone out with the girls from the office. It wasn’t that she hadn’t wanted to, but married life had changed her. She had always felt like she needed to be at home with Nick after work, even if he was barely awake enough to do more than say hi to her.

“Yes. Definitely.”

“Good. Then I’ll transfer you to John right now. See you Tuesday!”

The line clicked, went silent for a moment, then clicked again. “Tech Department, this is John.”

“Hi John, it’s Natasha.” She knew it was unnecessary to identify herself by her department or give her last name. Anyone who had thought about making her the main character in a book was going to recognize her voice.

“Oh, hey. How are you?”

“I’m doing okay, all things considered. Look, I was wondering if I could ask you a favor. I bought a new television, and I need some help getting it set up and integrated with my other devices. Do you think that’s something you can give me a hand with?” The impromptu excuse she had given to Brittney sounded like a good ploy to rope in John as well.

“Sure. I’m free tomorrow, or even tonight if that’s better for you.”

Natasha didn’t feel like she needed to sound desperate. Besides, she wanted a little more time by herself to search her father’s laptop. “Tomorrow will be perfect.”

As she ended the call, Natasha suddenly wondered what John thought about the situation. Did he feel that this was an excuse to get him into her bedroom? Natasha knew he liked her. She didn’t want him to think she was using him.

Natasha shrugged; everything would work itself out. If he thought she wanted more than help with a TV, he was right. She turned back to the laptop and started looking through a new file.