Lo and Tan stood a few feet away from their captives who were tied securely to a bulkhead. They hadn't stirred since the men had left. Lo noticed they wore a lot of gear. The one on his right had a helmet whereas the other just had a visor. He knelt beside the hostage and reached towards the head gear.
"Don't touch them!" Tan Kade hissed.
"Why not, Nibbler? If they wake up they could use the helmet to report where they are."
"Aren't they knocked out?"
"Yeah. For now."
Lo's fingers probed either side of the helmet for a release. There was an audible click and he was able to tug the piece free from the head. Once exposed the boys saw that the individual was a GenMod. His skin was a designer orange color and his eyebrows were a silver hue as was his close cropped hair. It was striking.
"Is he?"
"Yeah. This is high grade genetic modification. Very well done and very costly."
They both stared, mesmerized.
"I've never seen one before."
"I have. She had gotten light blue skin and pale yellow hair."
"Your hair is..." Tan probed even tho he knew the Lo's blue hair wasn't genetic modification.
"Follicle alteration. It's long lasting when it's done right but still temporary. It's not as involved as GenMod."
"My hair is so plain." Tan rubbed his hand over the top of his short cropped head.
"No need to be shiny if it's not your frequency. Besides, short hair really makes you look handsome."
Nibbler's face shifted to a incredulous expression.
"Look, I'm sorry for kissing you back there. I just wanted you to forget about Jev because I was a little jealous."
The cook was about to respond when one of the men before them twitched. It was the GenMod who had moved but now remained still. Tan's heart felt like it jumped to his throat, he nearly shouted he was startled so. Lo held his weapon out and watched the men warily.
