(A/N): So, I had this question bothering me: How would a clone feel in the presence of a normal 12 year old? A brief meeting between a fresh-out-off Kamino trooper and a bunch of schoolkids.
CT-4567 was your average clone trooper. Raised in the pristine facilities of Kamino, he was a model soldier, obedient, brave, and effective. Never questioning his lot in life, he spent his days training with his brothers, waiting to finally serve his purpose, not really wishing for something beyond his bunk bed, his rations and the company of his comrades. He was satisfied.
Until the day he was finally sent to his post in Fort Anaxes.
He had decided to go out during the precious little free time they were given. He had to stay within the grounds of course, but after 11 years of seclusion, he was curious to take a glimpse of the nearby city and the surrounding hills. The fort's yard was nearly empty, save for the security on the gate and a few mechanics who were heading to the hangar. CT-4567 took a hesitant step forward, and finally got outside.
Breathing the evening's fresh breeze was a shocking experience to the clone born in the controlled environment of Kamino. Entirely different from the recycled air he was used to, there was a subtle scent to it, quite pleasant nonetheless. A lush forest of native Sirpar trees, in full bloom, was scattering its fragrant blossoms in the wind. He had read about the trees while looking up Anaxes in the databases, but seeing them, so tall and colourful, was beyond any description. He spent a few minutes walking beside the fence, taking in the scenery, so untouched despite the planet's militarisation.
His chrono rang, reminding him of the evening's inspection. Feeling slightly disappointed he had to end his stroll so soon, he put his heavy, hot helmet back on. Buckets, indeed.
Turning on his heel, he was about to head back inside when a loud shriek broke the silence. Alarmed, he turned towards the noise, and spotted a bunch of school kids running behind a ball, yelling and laughing. Some dressed in expensive sporting gear, others with clothing showing their working class status, but all equally covered in sweat and dirt, the kids didn't seem to care about how close they were to the military base. Besides, they probably had been playing there long before the four-month-old base was even built.
A girl with a long braid, the group's only female, was the first to reach the ball. With a triumphant smirk, she kicked it with all the strength of her bony legs, and sent the ball flying high, crossing the wire fence, and rolling towards the clone's feet.
The younglings came to a sudden halt, finally noticing the clone standing a few meters behind the fence. They gathered close to one another, obviously nervous before the white-clad soldier. CT-4567 felt equally unnerved. After a few uneasy moments, the girl was collectively pushed forward.
Red faced with exertion and embarrassment, she took a few shy steps towards the fence.
"Can we please have the ball back, sir?"
She looked so small, and yet he bet she was older than him, if not of the same chronological age.
He took the ball and threw it back to the kids, who immediately raised their hands to catch it. A boy caught it this time, and the kids went running back to play. The girl smiled, shouted a "thank you!" and went back to her comrades, who had already run a considerable distance from the fort.
CT-4567 made his way back to the barracks, were his brothers were preparing for inspection.
"Hey, Kid, what took you so long?"
What a silly nickname. No matter how younger he appeared compared to his batchers , he never was a kid. He was wielding blasters aged four.
Pushing the thought aside, he started arranging his few possessions in his locker, trying to forget his non-existent childhood.