Implantation by Da'el

"No." Doors' answered coldly, "The risk is too great. The new implant has not yet been thoroughly tested, and besides you are not prepared for this kind of assignment."

"You know that such opportunities do not present themselves every day! In our current situation we simply cannot afford not to act on this!" Via replied.

"Besides, since Zo'or has made me this offer, refusing may not be an option. You know that I am right," she quietly added.

Doors did not answer. He just stared into space. Than he sat himself down and covered his face with his hands. Quickly regaining his composure, he nodded in agreement and added in a heavy voice, "very well..."

Via turned to Doctor Belman. Dr. brought up the simulation to the screen and began to explain: "The new series is a modified version of the previous implant. But it will last almost three times as long. It will also provide some enhancement in sensory abilities, but nothing too dramatic. However, the implantation process for this new prototype is different. The restructuring of the brain is very radical, so to aid it, temporary implants will be injected into your body, so your nervous system will be restructured to accommodate your modified brain. One of the reasons the previous implants were burning out so fast, is that the brain had to work extra-hard to sustain the body with a nervous system it was barely compatible with. With these modifications the implant should be more stable... If you survive the first hour, that is."

Doors bit his lip but said nothing.

"I understand. I have made my choice and will give my answer to Zo'or today."

"Today?!" repeated Doors.

Via walked over to him and put her hands on his shoulders. She wanted to say something to her old mentor, but could not find the words.

Juliana explained "I am assigned to new research project starting Monday, so the implantation must be performed before that or I will not be the one doing it. You understand if it is done by a Taelon, the motivational imperative will be functional. We do not have much time."

Via could hear only their dampened steps on the organic floor as agent Sandoval was escorting her to the bridge. Only few implants were in what seemed to be the endless corridor striped with dimmed purple lighting. In spite of her self-control she could not help but feel an awe of this Taelon creation. The mothership's size was beyond anything she has ever seen before.

As they stepped on the bridge, Via saw Zo'or. He was sitting like a statue in his elevated chair with his eyes closed, and only the fingers moving. As they approached he opened his eyes and sharply turned his head. They stopped before him.

Zo'or looked at two humans below. "I take it you have accepted my offer?" he inquired without a greeting.

"Yes, Zo'or" replied Via.

The satisfaction was clearly visible on Zo'or's face.

"You will report to the lab in 12 earth hours. Agent Sandoval will escort you," Zo'or turned the chair away letting them know that the audience was over.

Via came to the lab only to find Zo'or already there. "Detective Volnoff," he greeted her this time. As Sandoval stood beside Zo'or, Via saw that she had no hope of talking to Juliana once more before the procedure.

"Everything is ready," stated Dr Bellman. She managed to give Via reassuring glance while her back was turned to Zo'or. "Lay down please."

Via sat on the table and took a deep breath. Then she slowly laid herself down.

"I have to strap you down," said Dr Bellman "the procedure is painful… you may not be in control of movements and it is necessary..." the stress in her voice was evident.

"I understand," said Via, but could not hide her nervousness.

Dr Bellman placed restraints on Via's head. Sandoval approached the table and strapped her shoulders, legs and both arms quickly and efficiently, as if he had done it many times before. In spite of all the rationalizations she repeated to herself in the last 12 hours, Via felt fear rising in her. No longer able to move an inch, she saw the robotic arm with the elongated organic needle and guessed its purpose. She moved her eyes so she wouldn't see it, and her gaze fell on Zo'or. He was looking at her intently as if trying to see everything she was feeling.

"You can wait in the observation room," Juliana told the Taelon and his implant.

"I will remain here, " Zo'or stated sharply. He was going to get his own implant, and he was going to be present at her creation.

The mechanical arm slowly moved towards Via. In a moment she felt the cold needle enter her jaw and move further into her brain. Than it stopped. Suddenly she felt something piercing her arms and going deep into her veins. It was alive and slightly moving. She was not even able to turn her head to see what it was. Slow waves of pain came radiating through the implants in her arms. It was straining her every muscle. At that moment the needle in her head started releasing the cyber virus. After the second of light tingling, blinding pain struck her entire being. The pain from her head was connecting with the implants from in her arms. Soon her entire body became one raw nerve. She jerked violently but the restraints held her tight.

Zo'or was looking down at the human. This being was obviously suffering. He could not help but wonder what she felt. What was it like for her to feel her brain restructuring? What did she think? She has chosen to be here, to become his implant. It was necessary. He looked as sleek needle-like implants were removed from her body. She gasped for air. Her wide-open eyes expressed such pain that it made Zo'or uneasy. Unexpectedly he moved closer and placed his arm on her forehead. It seemed to comfort her. Soon the pain subsided. The human looked confused and disoriented. In few seconds she groaned in pain and her body began convulsing. Zo'or removed his hand and turned away. His gaze fell on the agent beside him on whose face few muscles betrayed the tension under the reserved facade.

"How long will it continue?" the Taelon finally asked Dr Bellman.

"I don't know," replied distressed doctor.

Suddenly it stopped. Via closed her eyes and was no longer moving. Zo'or blushed blue.

Juliana looked at the monitor "She will be OK," Bellman finally pronounced.

Zo'or put his hand on her forehead again. Via opened her eyes and saw his face. "Zo'or," she breathed out. She looked at him in awe, like on a god. His face showed his satisfaction and he blushed deeply.

"Rest now," he said uncharacteristically softly. "Tomorrow you will receive your skrill."

Then he turned and walked out of the room.

"Are you all right?" asked Bellman worriedly.

"Yes. It is incredible. Such clarity…"

"For a moment here I wondered if I did something wrong and you received a full implant!" tried to joke Juliana.

"Do not worry," Via smiled weakly.

Part 2 of Implantation Other Stories by Da'el