In a future where the United States is slowly rebuilding itself, Omega Travis Danten is a big city cop sent to a seemingly desolate city on the edge of the Waste. This desert is full of undesirables, and it’s only a matter of time before they wreak havoc. But, Omegas are always assigned Alphas, and his new partner’s job is to protect him.<br><br>But SdAI Alpha Virgil is not at all amused with the partner who chose him. Travis is willful and naive to the dangers a homicide detective faces here, and it makes Virgil’s job that much harder. And Travis, of course, is human and develops feelings, feelings that go beyond the rules about Omega/Alpha partnerships.<br><br>Travis and Virgil have to find common ground, find a killer, and find space for each other in their own hearts, even if one is artificial.

Artificial Heart

“Over here, gentlemen.” They crowded close around the desk the dark woman sat, and for a second, Travis thought she might have been the one they were supposed to report to. Her brown eyes flashed as she held out a hand to a shake, her movements too clean. “I’m Awanyu, Hoya’s partner. He’s at his physical, so I will be laying out your new duties. Have a seat.”


“Travis Danten and my new partner, Virgil,” he supplied perfunctorily, though it was obvious the AI already knew Virgil.


Travis plopped down in the chair she indicated, but Virgil didn’t sit. He moved behind Travis’ chair instead and became a silent sentinel, almost like a mantling hawk to warn others away. All that was missing were wings and Travis smiled, inadvertently touched by the protective gesture.


Awanyu cleared her throat. “So, Danten, I understand that you’re new to the program we’ve got going here. Is that correct?”


“Yeah. We don’t have anything like this at my old station.”


Chapter 5