Under Strain And Joining Cadet’s Team
By the time we meet up with Cadet in Containing Malice, the leader of the Rebel Cyborgs and her warriors have rescued thousands of their cyborg brethren.
There ARE other rescue teams at this point in time. As ships are obtained, more rescue teams are formed. That expediates the retrievals of their trapped brethren.
But there’s only one team led by Cadet. It was the first of its kind and it is perceived as the best. Every warrior on the team has a special connection to its leader.
In Under Strain, we find out why Strain, a fairly new member of the team, was chosen for a coveted role on Cadet’s team. He reminds her of someone she dearly loves.
Cadet has a soft spot for the severely damaged warrior. She believes he’s skilled. She wouldn’t place the rest of her team in danger by adding someone who wasn’t skilled. But she also cares for him.
As she cares for every member of her team.
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Under Strain
A damaged cyborg warrior is hunted by a peace-loving human female.
***
Strain is severely malfunctioning. The D Model cyborg was the sole survivor after a horrific decision was made by his cruel manufacturers. He hates all humans, and when he attacks one who is under his cyborg leader’s protection, he is reprimanded, stripped of his weapons, and told to watch and not actively participate in the next mission.
That mission takes place on a small remote planet. Its lush terrain should only be inhabited by the cyborgs they were sent to rescue, but Strain senses another presence on the surface. She is watching him, tracking him, hunting him.
A fully operational cyborg would end her lifespan.
Strain wants to claim her. Forever.
Kamyelle is the only one left of her kind. Warriors have killed the other nonviolent human inhabitants of her planet. She survived…barely…by hiding in the trees, observing her enemies, and covering herself with lifeform scan-concealing mud.
When a handsome, gray-skinned, brilliant-blue-eyed male arrives, surrounded by weapon-carrying warriors, she has to save him. Warriors harm and they kill. That is what they do.
She won’t allow them to hurt Strain.
***
Under Strain is a STANDALONE Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It features a broken warrior, a human female who thinks he’s perfect, and velociraptor-like dinosaurs who view them both as light, tasty snacks.
Buy Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08R322L7S
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/under-strain/id1545957749
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-strain-cynthia-sax/1138505613
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/under-strain
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/10602
Topics: Story Insights | Comments Off on Under Strain And Joining Cadet’s Team
Release Day For Under Strain!
Woot! Under Strain, the second story in the Rebel Cyborgs series, releases today!
I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
As always, if you have any questions or issues, I’m here for you. Simply send me an email!
Under Strain
A damaged cyborg warrior is hunted by a peace-loving human female.
***
Strain is severely malfunctioning. The D Model cyborg was the sole survivor after a horrific decision was made by his cruel manufacturers. He hates all humans, and when he attacks one who is under his cyborg leader’s protection, he is reprimanded, stripped of his weapons, and told to watch and not actively participate in the next mission.
That mission takes place on a small remote planet. Its lush terrain should only be inhabited by the cyborgs they were sent to rescue, but Strain senses another presence on the surface. She is watching him, tracking him, hunting him.
A fully operational cyborg would end her lifespan.
Strain wants to claim her. Forever.
Kamyelle is the only one left of her kind. Warriors have killed the other nonviolent human inhabitants of her planet. She survived…barely…by hiding in the trees, observing her enemies, and covering herself with lifeform scan-concealing mud.
When a handsome, gray-skinned, brilliant-blue-eyed male arrives, surrounded by weapon-carrying warriors, she has to save him. Warriors harm and they kill. That is what they do.
She won’t allow them to hurt Strain.
***
Under Strain is a STANDALONE Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It features a broken warrior, a human female who thinks he’s perfect, and velociraptor-like dinosaurs who view them both as light, tasty snacks.
Buy Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08R322L7S
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/under-strain/id1545957749
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-strain-cynthia-sax/1138505613
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/under-strain
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/10602
Topics: New Releases | Comments Off on Release Day For Under Strain!
Under Strain – Why You Should Pre-order
Under Strain, the 2nd standalone story in the Rebel Cyborg series, releases tomorrow (tonight if you’ve pre-ordered)! Woot! I’m so excited for you to read this romance!
You might be wondering why I’m posting about pre-ordering it today.
Well… for one, if you pre-order Under Strain, you receive it tonight. You could be one of the first readers in the world to read it and that’s super cool.
But the biggest reason is to avoid spoilers. There WILL be spoilers posted. Likely as reviews on bookseller sites. Pre-ordering allows you to more easily avoid those.
When you DO read Under Strain, remember that I’m just an email away if you have any questions or comment. (tackle hugs) There is always more about the story and about characters in my head than I could ever capture on the page so beware! You could receive a very long email back!
Woot!
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Under Strain
A damaged cyborg warrior is hunted by a peace-loving human female.
***
Strain is severely malfunctioning. The D Model cyborg was the sole survivor after a horrific decision was made by his cruel manufacturers. He hates all humans, and when he attacks one who is under his cyborg leader’s protection, he is reprimanded, stripped of his weapons, and told to watch and not actively participate in the next mission.
That mission takes place on a small remote planet. Its lush terrain should only be inhabited by the cyborgs they were sent to rescue, but Strain senses another presence on the surface. She is watching him, tracking him, hunting him.
A fully operational cyborg would end her lifespan.
Strain wants to claim her. Forever.
Kamyelle is the only one left of her kind. Warriors have killed the other nonviolent human inhabitants of her planet. She survived…barely…by hiding in the trees, observing her enemies, and covering herself with lifeform scan-concealing mud.
When a handsome, gray-skinned, brilliant-blue-eyed male arrives, surrounded by weapon-carrying warriors, she has to save him. Warriors harm and they kill. That is what they do.
She won’t allow them to hurt Strain.
***
Under Strain is a STANDALONE Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It features a broken warrior, a human female who thinks he’s perfect, and velociraptor-like dinosaurs who view them both as light, tasty snacks.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08R322L7S
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/under-strain/id1545957749
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-strain-cynthia-sax/1138505613
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/under-strain
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/10602
Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Under Strain – Why You Should Pre-order
Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – May 9th
I have loaded the Big Cat Shifters collection to booksellers! Woot! It will be releasing under C.S. Sax on June 8th. I really love these stories and I hope you will love them also.
This upcoming week, I’m officially starting B Free, the fourth story in the Rebel Cyborgs series (likely releasing in November). This features B, an early B Model cyborg. He believes himself to be the last of his kind and his plight already pulls on my heartstrings. The male has his brethren and, of course, Cadet, but he is a bit isolated and so very lonely.
Under Strain, the second story in the Rebel Cyborgs series, also releases this week! Another woot! I am super excited to share this standalone romance with you. I love Strain, the hero. I love Kamyelle, the heroine. And I love Rohini 9, the dinosaur planet Kamyelle calls home. I hope you’ll enjoy this story!
Have a great week, my friends. Be kind to yourself. Find some joy. Read some great romances.
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Under Strain
A damaged cyborg warrior is hunted by a peace-loving human female.
***
Strain is severely malfunctioning. The D Model cyborg was the sole survivor after a horrific decision was made by his cruel manufacturers. He hates all humans, and when he attacks one who is under his cyborg leader’s protection, he is reprimanded, stripped of his weapons, and told to watch and not actively participate in the next mission.
That mission takes place on a small remote planet. Its lush terrain should only be inhabited by the cyborgs they were sent to rescue, but Strain senses another presence on the surface. She is watching him, tracking him, hunting him.
A fully operational cyborg would end her lifespan.
Strain wants to claim her. Forever.
Kamyelle is the only one left of her kind. Warriors have killed the other nonviolent human inhabitants of her planet. She survived…barely…by hiding in the trees, observing her enemies, and covering herself with lifeform scan-concealing mud.
When a handsome, gray-skinned, brilliant-blue-eyed male arrives, surrounded by weapon-carrying warriors, she has to save him. Warriors harm and they kill. That is what they do.
She won’t allow them to hurt Strain.
***
Under Strain is a STANDALONE Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It features a broken warrior, a human female who thinks he’s perfect, and velociraptor-like dinosaurs who view them both as light, tasty snacks.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08R322L7S
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/under-strain/id1545957749
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-strain-cynthia-sax/1138505613
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/under-strain
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/10602
Topics: Cynthia Sax Weekly Update | Comments Off on Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – May 9th
Under Strain And Stories To Re-Read
Under Strain, releasing on Tuesday, can be read on its own. It is a standalone cyborg romance. But I know many of us, myself included, like to re-read stories before a release.
Containing Malice is, of course, a great story to re-read before Under Strain releases. It is the first story in the series and we meet Strain in it. His attack on Malice’s female in Containing Malice drives some of the decisions and actions in Under Strain.
Ghost Of A Machine is also a great story to re-read. Ghost and Lethe make a super brief appearance in Under Strain but they are mentioned a few more times during the story. Again, we don’t have to know their story to enjoy Under Strain but readers who have read it will have more insights on some discussions.
Stars. I’m so excited about sharing Under Strain with you!
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Under Strain
A damaged cyborg warrior is hunted by a peace-loving human female.
***
Strain is severely malfunctioning. The D Model cyborg was the sole survivor after a horrific decision was made by his cruel manufacturers. He hates all humans, and when he attacks one who is under his cyborg leader’s protection, he is reprimanded, stripped of his weapons, and told to watch and not actively participate in the next mission.
That mission takes place on a small remote planet. Its lush terrain should only be inhabited by the cyborgs they were sent to rescue, but Strain senses another presence on the surface. She is watching him, tracking him, hunting him.
A fully operational cyborg would end her lifespan.
Strain wants to claim her. Forever.
Kamyelle is the only one left of her kind. Warriors have killed the other nonviolent human inhabitants of her planet. She survived…barely…by hiding in the trees, observing her enemies, and covering herself with lifeform scan-concealing mud.
When a handsome, gray-skinned, brilliant-blue-eyed male arrives, surrounded by weapon-carrying warriors, she has to save him. Warriors harm and they kill. That is what they do.
She won’t allow them to hurt Strain.
***
Under Strain is a STANDALONE Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It features a broken warrior, a human female who thinks he’s perfect, and velociraptor-like dinosaurs who view them both as light, tasty snacks.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08R322L7S
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/under-strain/id1545957749
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-strain-cynthia-sax/1138505613
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/under-strain
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/10602
Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Under Strain And Stories To Re-Read
Talking Dinosaur Planets With Delilah Devlin
Woot! I’m talking about Under Strain and dinosaur planets on Delilah Devlin’s online home!
Here’s a snippet…
“I LOVE dinosaurs. As a kid, I had dinosaur toys and I read every book I could find on them. I’ve been on touristy dinosaur digs. I am glued to the TV whenever any of the Jurassic Park/World movies are shown. Once there’s a dinosaur featured, I’m captured.”
Read the entire post here…
https://www.delilahdevlin.com/blog/2021/05/05/cynthia-sax-under-strain-and-dinosaur-planets/
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Under Strain
A damaged cyborg warrior is hunted by a peace-loving human female.
***
Strain is severely malfunctioning. The D Model cyborg was the sole survivor after a horrific decision was made by his cruel manufacturers. He hates all humans, and when he attacks one who is under his cyborg leader’s protection, he is reprimanded, stripped of his weapons, and told to watch and not actively participate in the next mission.
That mission takes place on a small remote planet. Its lush terrain should only be inhabited by the cyborgs they were sent to rescue, but Strain senses another presence on the surface. She is watching him, tracking him, hunting him.
A fully operational cyborg would end her lifespan.
Strain wants to claim her. Forever.
Kamyelle is the only one left of her kind. Warriors have killed the other nonviolent human inhabitants of her planet. She survived…barely…by hiding in the trees, observing her enemies, and covering herself with lifeform scan-concealing mud.
When a handsome, gray-skinned, brilliant-blue-eyed male arrives, surrounded by weapon-carrying warriors, she has to save him. Warriors harm and they kill. That is what they do.
She won’t allow them to hurt Strain.
***
Under Strain is a STANDALONE Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It features a broken warrior, a human female who thinks he’s perfect, and velociraptor-like dinosaurs who view them both as light, tasty snacks.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08R322L7S
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/under-strain/id1545957749
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-strain-cynthia-sax/1138505613
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/under-strain
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/10602
Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Talking Dinosaur Planets With Delilah Devlin
Throwback Thursday – North Bound
North Bound makes me smile so wide. Myrina the Magnificent is an absolute hoot. She is so over the top, intentionally so, is the WWF wrestling-like star on her planet.
It is a planet ruled by Steve, an equally dramatic male-eating plant. He doesn’t speak yet communicates his feelings and wishes clearly.
North, the Captain’s extremely honorable second-in-command, is dropped into the chaos. This cyborg not only manages the anarchy he finds there surprisingly well but he seems to thrive on it.
North Bound
A mission-focused cyborg battles a captivating and dramatic distraction.
***
North, the second-in-command of a cyborg crew, has two priorities—he has to explore and collect data on Balazoid Minor, a small planet in their sector, and he must bring his three-being team back to the ship alive and fully functional.
When he encounters his brash, bravado-wielding female, the one being genetically designed for him, he recognizes her for what she is—a distraction that might get him and his brethren killed. He WILL claim her, but only on his terms, when his mission is complete and everyone he is responsible for protecting is safe.
Myrina the Magnificent is the best warrior on her planet and possibly the universe. She has captured an unparalleled fourteen males for her all-female tribe. Once she has secured the fifteenth male, she will be a legend. Her name will live forever. She’ll earn the undying adoration of her sisters. Glory will be hers.
The male in her sights—and in her snare—is a huge, gray-skinned, blue-eyed cyborg with a skill for war and lips designed for kissing. One emotionally charged battle is all it takes for Myrina to realize she wants North for herself. She won’t share his caresses with anyone.
Their forbidden love might be destined to be, but it won’t be easy to maintain. Myrina will have to fight her sisters, an all-powerful male-eating plant, and her cyborg’s unbending will to make North hers and hers alone.
***
North Bound is a STANDALONE Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It is the fifth of six core stories in the Cyborg Space Exploration Series.
Book 1: Choosing Chuckles
Book 2: Doc’s Orders
Book 3: Dominance And Dissent
Book 4: Passion Surge
Book 5: North Bound
Book 6: Testing Truth
Buy Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0853DFY1B
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0853DFY1B
Amazon Australia:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0853DFY1B
Apple/iTunes:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/north-bound/id1500291657
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/north-bound-cynthia-sax/1136528667
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/north-bound
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1006230
Topics: Throwback Thursday | Comments Off on Throwback Thursday – North Bound
Cynthia Sax Interviewed By Helle Gade
Woot! I was interviewed by Helle Gade, was asked some super fun questions.
Here is a snippet…
“Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?
All we can really control about this wonderful career is our happiness levels. Write stories that feed your soul, that make you feel good about yourself.
Those stories can be marketable. That’s often best. We can feed our stomachs as well as our souls. If you have a list of 10 story ideas and 1 of those ideas involve, say, a vampire, and vampires are all the rage in Romancelandia, consider writing that vampire story next.”
You can read the full answer and the entire interview here
https://hellegade.com/2021/05/03/author-cynthia-sax-interview/
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Under Strain
A damaged cyborg warrior is hunted by a peace-loving human female.
***
Strain is severely malfunctioning. The D Model cyborg was the sole survivor after a horrific decision was made by his cruel manufacturers. He hates all humans, and when he attacks one who is under his cyborg leader’s protection, he is reprimanded, stripped of his weapons, and told to watch and not actively participate in the next mission.
That mission takes place on a small remote planet. Its lush terrain should only be inhabited by the cyborgs they were sent to rescue, but Strain senses another presence on the surface. She is watching him, tracking him, hunting him.
A fully operational cyborg would end her lifespan.
Strain wants to claim her. Forever.
Kamyelle is the only one left of her kind. Warriors have killed the other nonviolent human inhabitants of her planet. She survived…barely…by hiding in the trees, observing her enemies, and covering herself with lifeform scan-concealing mud.
When a handsome, gray-skinned, brilliant-blue-eyed male arrives, surrounded by weapon-carrying warriors, she has to save him. Warriors harm and they kill. That is what they do.
She won’t allow them to hurt Strain.
***
Under Strain is a STANDALONE Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It features a broken warrior, a human female who thinks he’s perfect, and velociraptor-like dinosaurs who view them both as light, tasty snacks.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08R322L7S
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/under-strain/id1545957749
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-strain-cynthia-sax/1138505613
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/under-strain
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/10602
Topics: Author Interviews | Comments Off on Cynthia Sax Interviewed By Helle Gade
May The Fourth Be With You
Today is Star Wars Day, one of my favorite days of the year!
I love the ever-expanding Star Wars world. I also love the Star Trek world. I see no issues with loving both. They are different worlds and focus on different things and I think that’s awesome.
The Mos Eisley cantina scene in the very first Star Wars movie has always been an inspirational scene for me. I strive to, someday, write a scene similar to it except I would like reading buddies to already know the background of every participant in that scene. That would require writing numerous stories featuring a variety of aliens and cyborgs and other types of species.
That will take decades but I hope to do it!
When the Dear Wonderful Hubby and I visited the Yoda Guy exhibit in St Maarten a few years ago, Nick Maley, the man who helped craft Yoda for Empire Strikes Back, was sculpting a Yoda head. I thought that was so fraggin’ awesome.
What is your favorite Star Wars memory?
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Under Strain
A damaged cyborg warrior is hunted by a peace-loving human female.
***
Strain is severely malfunctioning. The D Model cyborg was the sole survivor after a horrific decision was made by his cruel manufacturers. He hates all humans, and when he attacks one who is under his cyborg leader’s protection, he is reprimanded, stripped of his weapons, and told to watch and not actively participate in the next mission.
That mission takes place on a small remote planet. Its lush terrain should only be inhabited by the cyborgs they were sent to rescue, but Strain senses another presence on the surface. She is watching him, tracking him, hunting him.
A fully operational cyborg would end her lifespan.
Strain wants to claim her. Forever.
Kamyelle is the only one left of her kind. Warriors have killed the other nonviolent human inhabitants of her planet. She survived…barely…by hiding in the trees, observing her enemies, and covering herself with lifeform scan-concealing mud.
When a handsome, gray-skinned, brilliant-blue-eyed male arrives, surrounded by weapon-carrying warriors, she has to save him. Warriors harm and they kill. That is what they do.
She won’t allow them to hurt Strain.
***
Under Strain is a STANDALONE Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It features a broken warrior, a human female who thinks he’s perfect, and velociraptor-like dinosaurs who view them both as light, tasty snacks.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08R322L7S
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08R322L7S
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/under-strain/id1545957749
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-strain-cynthia-sax/1138505613
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/under-strain
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/10602
Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on May The Fourth Be With You
Under Strain – Final Scene Of The First Chapter
Under Strain releases next week! Woot!
This week, I’m sharing the fourth and final scene in its first chapter.
You can read the first scene from the first chapter of Under Strain here:
***
“Grudge also believes I wasn’t wrong to make an exception for you.” Cadet surprised him with that information.
The warrior had seen him almost repeat the attack on the human female.
Yet the male believed he belonged on their team, had vouched for his inclusion.
Strain’s resolve solidified. He would repair himself, wouldn’t fail them again.
“He has volunteered to train you.” Cadet met his gaze. “You will shadow him on the next five missions. After the fifth mission is completed, you’ll be evaluated. The entire team will decide if you are worthy of your role.”
Strain lifted his chin. He would be worthy.
“During those five missions, you won’t utilize, carry, or touch any weapons.” The female cyborg glided her right hand over the hilt of a gun strapped to her body armor. She was as armed as he was, as all cyborgs preferred to be. “That will remove the temptation to utilize them.”
Strain didn’t require a weapon to kill a being. He could end a human’s lifespan with his bare hands. His lips flattened. Humans were fragile. They wouldn’t have lasted a planet rotation on the death planet alone.
“We’re leaving for the first of those missions in one shift.” Cadet looked around her. The chamber was fully stocked and spotless, ready to be inhabited by whomever they rescued. She shouldn’t find fault with it. “Twenty-three warriors were locked in storage, left behind, and forgotten when the Humanoid Alliance abandoned the planet.” She blew out her breath. “They would have to be E Models.”
The female cyborg didn’t like that model type. Strain projected that was because Power, the self-appointed leader of the Cyborg Council and her greatest nemesis, was an E Model.
Power was unaware Cadet had given herself the mission of rescuing warriors left behind during the mass rebellion. The arrogant male wouldn’t approve of her actions.
He could sit on a dagger and rotate. Strain widened his stance. The male hadn’t sent any warriors to help him, hadn’t even replied to his messages.
If his fate had been placed in the E Model’s hands, Strain would still be on that blasted death planet. All his loyalty belonged to Cadet. She and her team, the team he was now part of, had saved him.
“We’ll need more outlets and cords. The E Models will require energy boosts.” Cadet paced around the perimeter of the chamber. “They’ll need nourishment bars for their organic sides. Stars.” She stopped. Her eyes widened. “There couldn’t have been much to eat in their storage chamber.”
There hadn’t been much to eat on the death planet either. He’d survived on rodents and insects.
“Stock extra nourishment bars.” Cadet resumed walking. “I’ll warn Patch they might require repairs.”
Patch, a J Model, was the medic on the team. His repairing skills weren’t often needed with cyborgs. Their kind’s nanocybotics restored them to full functionality.
Physically.
Strain’s nanocybotics hadn’t stopped the death planet footage from replaying. They hadn’t repaired that glitch. Nothing he had implemented had done that. All he’d managed to do, thus far, was temporarily fade it, push it to the background.
He had to learn how to keep it there permanently if he wished to remain on the team.
“You might project you process more about these warriors than I do, than Grudge does.” The female cyborg continued talking to him. “Their condition will be similar to yours when you were retrieved.”
Their condition would not be similar to his. Strain scrubbed the emotion from his countenance, giving her the blank mask he and his brethren would always offer the Humanoid Alliance.
There were twenty-three of the E Models. They had each other for companionship, for emotional support.
He had been completely alone.
“But you are a trainee on this mission.” Cadet reminded him of his status. “You are to follow Grudge’s lead. He has more experience at this than you do. Do you understand?”
Strain nodded. He understood this was a test, that he had to assign top priority to passing it. The E Models’ functionality, their lifespans, his lifespan was of lower importance.
Cadet paused by the door. “You can do this, warrior. I process you are manufactured for the team. Grudge processes you belong with us. Prove us right.” The female left the chamber.
He would prove them right. Strain drew himself up to his full height.
No beings, not Cadet, not Grudge, not anyone on the team, would find fault with him. He would follow his assigned trainer unceasingly, would watch, listen, learn.
Battle could wage around him. His brethren could be bombed into oblivion. Human females could flay him until the skin, the flesh was removed from his frame. The screams in his processors could permanently deafen him.
He wouldn’t act on his own, wouldn’t move from Grudge’s side.
Strain squared his shoulders. He would be successful.
Nothing and no one would distract him.
***
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Under Strain
A damaged cyborg warrior is hunted by a peace-loving human female.
***
Strain is severely malfunctioning. The D Model cyborg was the sole survivor after a horrific decision was made by his cruel manufacturers. He hates all humans, and when he attacks one who is under his cyborg leader’s protection, he is reprimanded, stripped of his weapons, and told to watch and not actively participate in the next mission.
That mission takes place on a small remote planet. Its lush terrain should only be inhabited by the cyborgs they were sent to rescue, but Strain senses another presence on the surface. She is watching him, tracking him, hunting him.
A fully operational cyborg would end her lifespan.
Strain wants to claim her. Forever.
Kamyelle is the only one left of her kind. Warriors have killed the other nonviolent human inhabitants of her planet. She survived…barely…by hiding in the trees, observing her enemies, and covering herself with lifeform scan-concealing mud.
When a handsome, gray-skinned, brilliant-blue-eyed male arrives, surrounded by weapon-carrying warriors, she has to save him. Warriors harm and they kill. That is what they do.
She won’t allow them to hurt Strain.
***
Under Strain is a STANDALONE Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It features a broken warrior, a human female who thinks he’s perfect, and velociraptor-like dinosaurs who view them both as light, tasty snacks.
Pre-order Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R322L7S
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08R322L7S
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https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08R322L7S
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/under-strain/id1545957749
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https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-strain-cynthia-sax/1138505613
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https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/under-strain
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https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/10602
Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Under Strain – Final Scene Of The First Chapter
