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'thinking'

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Clone Effect

Chapter 4

Leap of faith

I sat there holding my head in my hands. I thought of everything. I thought of Jet and Mouse. What would Jet say. Mouse wouldn't say anything; he'd just stand there all quite like, just like him. I thought about Scope and Camo. If they were still alive. I may not have liked them but that doesn't mean I wanted them to die. I thought about the sarge, Rav Bralor, what would she do if she was in this position. I had never been trained for this scenario before. But as far as we know this type of scenario shouldn't even be happening. The possibility of me being in another galaxy is impossible. But here I sit. At the desk of a man I have never met before. In a ship I've seen or heard of before. Filled with technology I've never trained on before. In a galaxy I've never traveled. Filled with species I've never encountered. Creatures I've never faced before. Environments that I may not have been trained to survive in. I was lost, unsure of what to do next. I thought of Reaper. What was he doing. I hope he hasn't gone off the deep end. My the force help anyone if he has. What would he do. What would he say. He would probably pick me up. Dust me off and tell me to keep fighting. To keep moving and that anything else means death. Then that's what I'll do. Keep fighting and to keep moving. But where do I go and who do I fight. One problem answered and another problem presents its self. The commander seems like a good person. So does the captain and Kaidan. But could I trust them. Leap of faith. Seem to be taking a lot of those recently. Guess I'll be taking another. The cabin door slid open without warning and in walked the captain. I remained sitting.

"Sorry about that." He spoke. He had a strong voice. One that commanded respect. "So, where should we start?"
"Why don't you go first and I'll try to fill in the blanks."
"Alright. Well, while you were sitting in here I made a call down to the surface. Talked to a colonel Miller. He told me a lot about you."
"Like what?"
"Like how you disarmed four marines in hand to hand combat. How you were found next to the prothean beacon. And how you were willing to help him in his time of need.
"To be fair I was already his prisoner and he offered me my freedom."
"Shall I continue?" He asked. I simply shuck my head in agreement. He flicked his wrist and his Omni tool appeared. He continued. "I also received a data packet on all the tests his scientists conducted on your equipment. The rifle like object. fired a blast plasma like substance capable of passing through our most advance available kinetic barrier. Same results for pistol like object. Unable to examine contents what appears to be a backpack like object. The object displayed green and blue marking and well as the numbers nine and seven. Unable to perform examination of armor systems as well as the operator if it is organic. Current conclusion is that subject is most likely geth. If subject is not geth, it is of unknown origin. End of report. Well I know you're not geth and you appear to be human. So where are you from?" He finished and his Omni tool disappeared. I sat there processing everything he had said. I had my suspicions from the moment I was taken prisoner and questioned by miller. But never had any solid intel to support my theory until know.

"Son, this is the part where you start talking." I looked the man in his eyes. 'leap of faith.'
"Where do you want me to start?"
"How about your name and where you are from."
"I don't want any of this to leave this room."
"Understood."
"I have no name only a number. I'm from the republic. That's the current form of government in my galaxy. It is currently at war with the separatist's. A splinter group of planets and trade federations wanting to break away from the republic. I was born on kamino, a water planet, alongside thousands of brothers who all serve in the grand army of the republic."
"What do mean by thousands of brothers. You appear to be human or have I assumed to much again?"
"No my species is human. But I am a clone. I was born in a tank. I have no mother. But I do technically have a father. They took his DNA to produce me and my brothers. But I'm not just an exact clone of my father. They modified our DNA."
"Elaborate if you will."
"They modified us in several ways. We learn extremely fast. We are more obedient to our superiors. A handful of other things. But most of all they accelerated our growth."
"Accelerated growth. What do you mean?"
"Meaning I'm only about twelve years old. I have a biological age of roughly twenty-four year old."
"So let mean to tell me you are a child soldier."
"Do I look like a child to you."
"Well no. you look to be about the same age as most marines."
"Then I am no child."
"You are twelve years old with the body of a twenty-four year old."
"Yes."
"OK I a few thing to say but I'll let you finished."
"so we grow in these tubes for about two years then we go right in to flash training. Teaching us everything we need to know. Tactics, vehicle operation, job specific training, striping down our rifle and putting it back together again, armor maintenance. Everything a solider needs to know. Ok, any questions so far?"
"Are all of these clones like you?"
"No actually. I'm a commando. Most clones are general infantry. There are clones for every job from general's aids to maintenance workers and everything in between. Ten thousands clone, me included, were trained by one hundred instructors. Most of them were mandalorians the rest were some of the best mercenaries the galaxy had to offer. We were grouped in squads of four called pods. 96, me, 98 and 99. They were my pod brothers."
"What's a mandalorian?"
"Mandalorian is a nomadic clan based culture that spans the galaxy. It has been around for thousands of years and has produced unmatched warriors. When all the clans are united under the mandalor it could conquer the whole galaxy. They have brought it to its knees a few times. It is a warrior culture deeply rooted in honor and duty. Part of being mando is teaching your children to be mandalorian. So our instructors taught us to be mandaloian. To speak the language and everything that comes with being mandalorian."
"Fascinating. So you consider yourself mandalorian."
"Only thing im missing is the armor."
"Now you said your government was at war."
"Yes, it is call the clone wars. The republic used us clone and the separatist's used a army of droids."
"An entire army of droids?"
"Yes, they are easy and fast to produce."
"Unbelievable."
"I won't blame you if think I'm crazy."
"It is a little farfetched."
"If only I could show you." 'my helmet recorder' "Actually I can." I picked up my helmet and opened on to the panel on the side to plug my helmet in to transfer data. "Do you have something that can plug into this?"
"I don't but I know somebody who will." The captain pressed a button on his desk. "Chief engineer Adams report to the captain's quarters."
"I take it he can help?"
"He should. He's my chief engineer." Moments later in walked whom I assumed to be chief engineer Adams.
"Sir, you called for me?"
"Yes, hand me your helmet 97." I handed to him. "You will either find of create a device the plugs into here that can transfer files and recording to my Omni tool understood. You will not look at any of the files and if anyone ask what you are doing tell them to come talk to me. It that understood."
"Yes sir. I think that I have something that will do just that."
"Good, dismissed." And out walked Adams. "Now, tell me about his war."
"The war began a little over two years ago. It all started on geonosis. That was the first-time republic and separatist's troops met each other on the field if battle. I don't know how many infantry we lost. But we lost 4,982 commandos'. Including two members of my original squad. 96 and 99"
"What happed to them."
"Died in combat for their brothers. Let's leave it at that."
"Fair enough. What happened after that."
"Me and 98 got reassigned to a new squad and have been with them the last two years. Up until my last mission. You know the rest and here I sit."
"Well. I don't know what to say. That's quite the story you've got there. Unfortunately, until Adams gets back with your helmet I can't do much for you." I was about to say something when there was a chime at the door. "Enter." Spoke the captain and in walked engineer Adams carrying my helmet.
"Sir, I have what you requested." Spoke Adams as he set my helmet that was connected to a circular object by a cord. "this device will allow you to access the files in his helmet."
"Thank you Adams. And remember. Not a word about this to anyone. You are dismissed."
"Sir." He saluted and walked out.
"Time to see what's on this helmet of yours." His omni tool appeared and he begain to plays the missions recorded in it. Then mission where I killed almost the target on fallen. The search and destroy mission on Kira. Then planet P. I saw Reaper again. That familiar skull painted clad soldier. Thank fully it was just a visual recording with no audio
"That's 98 with the skull on his chest."
"All right, I believe you know."
"Good, but I problem still remains."
"What would that be son? How to get home?"
"It would help if I even knew how I got here but I don't. it would appear my recorder stopped after my last mission with my brother and hasn't resumed."
"Well here's how I see it. You are as lost as it gets."
"Tell me something I don't know."
"Okay. What I see in front of me is a soldier who has single handedly fought his way through a geth attack to reach both of his objectives. I can honestly say that the only other person that I know who could do that is in a coma right now in this ships med bay. And from what I saw in those recordings you've been through a lot worse. You could make one hell of a name for yourself as a mercenary and get rich doing it. Or. You can join this crew as let's say an explosives expert. That what you are right. From what I saw in those videos that's what you were doing."
"Are you offering me a job."
"I guess I am. Ok here is the deal. In exchange for your services so long as I or you desire. You will report to me and you will follow all orders I give you. You won't officially be a part of alliance military. We can agree on a reasonable sum for your pay later. Do we have a deal?" I sat there. Then I remembered what Reaper would have said to me. To keep fighting and to keep moving. Guess I found my next move.
"We have a deal sir." I answered tying my fate to this ship and her crew.
"Good. But before this ball gets rolling to fast we need to set you up with a history in case anyone asks any questions."
"I have no knowledge of this galaxy or its history."
"Good thing I do then. The terminus systems have a lot of unexplored systems. Lot of lost colony's too. I got a story for you. You were born and raised on a colony that was wiped out by slavers, you made it out. Found youeself with a band of merchs who trained you and showed you the ropes. I'll let you work out the fine details on your own. That work for you?"
"I'll make it work."
"Good. I'll have Kaidan set you up with an ID and get you get you settled and take care of anything you may need. Now I want you to go see Dr. Chakwas for a medical examination. You will find her across the common area in the med bay. Until further notice your real Identity will remain a secret. I won't regret this will I?"
"No sir."
"Good."
"Anything else captain."
"No you are dismissed 97."
"Sir." I stood at attention and gave a crisp salute to my new commanding officer. I quickly gathered my kit and headed out the door. The door closed and I took a deep breath. I walked across the common area into med bay and was greeted by the good doctor.

"Ah, you must be 97. The latest addition to our crew." She was an older lady with salt and pepper hair and a kind voice.
"Doctor. How is the commander doing." I asked glancing over the commanders comatose body.
"Stable for now. But she has lots of rem movement and some unusual brain wave activity. Enough of that. Now on to you. Take that first table and get undressed."
"Give me a minuet to get out of my armor."
"Take your time." I did as the doctor asked and walked over to one of the tables. I began an age old ritual of removing my armor. Piece by piece until I was in my body suit. Then I removed the top half of my suit and turned to the doctor.

"Dr. Chakwas."
"Ah, good. First some basic questions. Any history of heart disease in your family?"
"My entire family?"
"Yes." That's a hell of a question.
"Not that I know of."
"Any history of diabetes's, cancer, or mental illness." 'makes me wonder about Reaper'
"No, no, and no."
"Any broken bones?"
"Fractured my wrist when I was younger."
"Tell me about your scars. Start with the one on your shoulder." And the doctor began the examination.
"First day using live rounds. Friendly fire." 'the degenerate di'kutla(1)'
"The one over your ribs on your left side."
"First day of hand to hand combat training. I also got some burn scars on my left hand too."
"And the big grouping of shrapnel scares on your right flank. The ones from your hip to just under your armpit."
"Frist day of combat."
"Anything else I should know."
"Not that I can think of. Is were turn my head and cough now?"
"Funny and no. The captain told that you are not current on your vaccines." Needles?
"I'm sure that's not necessary doctor I think I'll be fine." I blabbered out as I reached for my gear.
"Sit down trooper." I stopped cold. As much as I hated it I sat back down on that table. I guess it was a combination of a lifetime of training and the tone the doctor used. Guess I'm not the first soldier to try and run from her. Three shots later and I was done. "See. That wasn't so bad."
"Guess it wasn't. Anything else you need from me doctor?"
"Quick blood sample. Then you can get dressed." She took my blood and I put my body suit back on.
"Anything I can do for you before I leave."
"No 97 you are dismissed." With haste, I put my armor from the belt down back on along with my chest and back plates. I stashed my pauldrons and gauntlets in my pack, tucked my helmet under my arm and headed out hoping the doctor didn't need to give me any more shots. I walked outside and was surprised to find Kaidan waiting for me.

"Hey there 97. All finished."
"I am. The captain said you would help me get an Id and paperwork set up."
"Yep, he filled in on what I needed to know. But first let's get you settled. Follow me." And he turned and started walking across the room. "This is the common area. We have scheduled meals twice a day. Breakfast is at o700 hour. Dinner is at 1800 hours. Anything else is on you. We got lockers for our ground team witch you will be a part of. You can stash you gear in there. "
"Any chance I can get a foot locker for my gear."
"Don't trust us yet."
"Don't want people messing with my gear. No offence."
"None taken. Can't blame you though. We will go talk to our requisition's officer in a minuet and get you set. Ah here he go. Male personal quarters." As a pair of doors parted and we walked into a room filled with beds and lockers. "This is you. I'm on the top bunk. Here is your locker. Take care of it. Showers and the head are through that door."
"This ship doesn't exactly see built for visitors. Who's bed is it?"
"It was Jenkins. We lost him down on eden. Before we found you and Ashley."
"I'm sorry."
"It's all good. You didn't know. You can leave your pack here if you want. It will be safe I promise. Come on, let's go see the requisitions officer." I dropped my pack on the bed and followed kaidan. We walked back into the common area over to the elevator and hit the button.

"Mind if I ask you a question?"
"That depends. What has Anderson told you about me?"
"That you are a mercenary under his employment ad you are a part of the ground team."
"Then that's all you need to know. I don't mean to be rude Kaidan, it's just better that my story is nothing more than that right now."
"I get man. I know better than to stick my nose were it don't belong."
"Thanks. Why is this elevation so slow."
"Beats the hell out of me. Most advanced stealth systems in the fleet and the goddamn and the elevator takes ten minutes to go ten feet."
Ding
"Ah. Here we go."

We entered the elevator and headed for the cargo bay. Ten minutes later we arrived in the cargo bay. It wasn't a very big cargo bay. I've been in in bigger in ones. I looked over to see Ashley cleaning furiously her rifle. "Those are the team lockers by Ashley." At the sound of her name she finally looked up and saw me. Her reaction was a mix of shock and disgust.
"I didn't know you did tours for guests Alenko." There was venom in her word and she clearly didn't trust or like me.
"He's no guest Williams. He is staying until further notice." No disgust this time all shock.
"He's what?"
"You heard me. He has been assigned to the ground team. Captains orders. Don't like it take it up with him."
"I think I might." With that she stood up and got into the elevator.
"I don't think she trusts me."
"Well she has her reasons."
"What are they."
"Well you show up one day and the next almost everyone she knows gets wiped out."
"Can't say I blame her then."
"Yeah. Come on. That's the Mako. We use her when we to cove ground fast."

Kaidan showed me the in's and the outs of the Normandy's cargo hold and engineering deck. Reintroduced me to Chief Engineer Adams as well as the requisitions officer and got me set with a footlocker and some off-duty clothes. As well as some green and blue paint they just so happened to have. We dragged it all back to the barracks and I stashed the top half of my armor save for my gauntlets, as well as my pack and primary weapon. I left my sidearm in its holster.

"So how long until you get my ID finished?"
"Most of the paperwork is done. When we reach the citadel we will get everything finished up."
"Whats the citadel?"
"Whats the citadel? Have you been under a rock your whole life."
"Not exactly." I pulled out my canteen and took a swig.
"The citadel is a galactic hub and the council resides there."
"Whats the citadel or the council."
"You really don't know do you?"
"Would I be asking if I did."
"Fair point. Take it you dont have a omni tool either
"Nope. Don't suppose you have a spare one laying around do you."
"Fresh out sorry. Here." He pulled off a small band of his wrist. "Use mine until we get to the citadel and can get you your own."
"Thanks Kaidan I won't lose it."
"I'd appreciate if you didn't. Well, have fun I'm going to go check on the commander."

He walked out of the room without another word and I was left to my own devices. I attempted to activate the omni tool by flicking my wrist and was rewarded with nothing. I tried again, nothing. I tried several hand jesters and nothing. Then I tried making a fist and flicking my wrist. I was finally rewarded with holograms wrapping around my forearm and hand. I didn't waste anytime being awestruck but merely dove into its designs and features. Everything from its scanner settings to the codex. I learned everything I could. Discovery of the citadel, creation of the council, rachni war. Reaper would indeed like this. I disengaged the omni tool and reached for my foot locker. Pulled it over and opened it up. Pulled out my pack and inspected it. No damage or signs of tampering. I opened it up and checked its contents. The geth bomb was quickly hidden in the foot locker.

'97 report to the captins quarters.' spoke the captains voice over the intercom.

With haste I stashed my gear. And made my way to the captains quarters only to see gunnery chief Williams leave. She was clearly not happy. I walked up to the captains door and reached to open it only to find I did not know witch button to press. I cursed myself and made a mental note learn the schematics of the ship. I took a guess and pressed one. I was rewarded as the door slid open revealing the captain and commander Shepard. I stepped in and snapped off a crisp salute.

"Sir." I stated and stood at attention.
"At easy 97. You remember the commander?"
"Ma'am. Its good to see you have made speedy recovery." She stood up and approached me.
"Thank you 97 and for helping me and my ground team on Eden Prime." She was sizing me up. She did so before on Eden Prime, but I wasn't wearing my helmet.
"We had a common objective. It would only make sense that we work together to achieve it."
"So we did."
"I've taken the liberty of informing the commander of your situation. With you being on her ground team its best she knows all the details."
"I understand sir."
"Good you are both dismissed"
"Sir." I snapped another salute and made my exit with the commander close behind. I made attempted to make my way back to the personnel quarters but was stopped by the commander.

"97 walk with me for a minute."
"Yes ma'am." And I followed her into the elevator. She pressed the button for the bridge and the doors closed.
"Now that we are alone for a minute let's talk and don't bull shit me. Is what you told the captain true?"
"Every bit of it. I have no reason to lie. I give you my word."
"Alight then lets get something straight. If you do anything to compromise the safety of this ship or her crew and I will kill you; I give you my word and I will keep it. Do we have an agreement?"
"We do. And with all due respect commander, I'd like to see you try." Her emerald green eyes burned with intensity. I wasn't sure if it was with hate or respect that someone would challenge her like that. Must not happen often.
"I might take you up on that one day." For once the elevator was moving faster then ever. The bell rang, and we exited. "Come on time for you to see something." I followed her as we walked past the CIC and down the neck of the Normandy.
"Joker what's are eta." She asked placing a hand on the pilots chair.
"Ariving in in thirty seconds commander. Hows the head, still hard."
"Very funny joker."
"I sure do try. In five, four, three, two and one." The humorous pilot finished his count down and giant object appeared next to us. It was long and a glowing center with rings spinning around it. Its was a true spectacle, only out shadowed by the giant flower like space station in the nearby nebula. It was a beacon of hope in the darknees. I was truly mesmerized.

"What is that place?" I asked my curiosity peaking.
"That's The Citadel."

A/N

Hello everyone, I am not dead. First of all I would like to apologize my lack of inactivity. My life has been a complete roller-coaster since we last saw each other. Special thanks to Mandalor the freedom, and to Ubermorph1000 for making sure I wasn't dead. And thank you guys for you support, it means a lot. If yall would be so kind as to help me with commander shepards psych profile that would be fantastic. Don't care how just let me know what yall think. And again thank you. Until next time.

OYA!
Casturchin248