Altered Lives The Parody

by DBM

Warning! Adult/Mature situations, ACC, OOC, AU, SI, SPOILERS for Anime/Manga. The Story? 137 escape the Lab... And things aren't as you'd expect...

7. 06 House

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Altered Lives (The Parody)

Book 06 "House"

Time - Late 2016 when Shakey is 15 years old (TV episode 23 to Movies)

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Copyright Info & Disclaimer.

"Altered Lives (THE PARODY)" is Copyright (c) 2002 by DBM.  This story is an Amateur, Non-Commercial work by an Anime/Manga Fan.  This story was created in the Spirit of the Copyright Exemptions regarding Parodies & Satire.

"Neon Genesis Evangelion" is Copyright (c) 2002 by Gainax.  All OTHER material is Copyright (c) 2002 their owners.  All materials used for PARODY purposes.

If you like the story, you may keep a copy for your own personal records, but you may NOT post it on any websites/newsgroups, NOR may you include it in any printed publication for sale/public distribution.  If printing out a copy for yourself or a friend, you may reformat it (paragraph spacing, page-breaks, font & font size, borders, bold/italic, etc) to fit the paper you use, but please do not change any of the actual words or wording in the document.

Sole web-posting at FanFiction.Net - Author's E-Mail address on File.

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Censorship Info & Disclaimer.

NOT Recommended for Children.

Intended for MATURE Audiences.

There are NO 'sex scenes', but, just like the original NGE series, the story will explore the results & side effects of such activities.  Along the way, there'll be swearing, violence, drugs, Adult situations, & frank discussions of sex education/family planning information, as well as thoughts & opinions on the morals & ethics of sexual assault, dating, courtship, marriage, alternate sexualities, pregnancy, childbirth, parenthood, Family Values, etc.

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Fandom Alerts & Disclaimer.

AU Alert (Alternate Universe).

OOC Alert (Out Of Character).

ACC Alert (Author Created Character).

SI Alert (Self Insert - Author appears in the story as a character).

SPOILER Alert (May 'spoil' surprises in the Manga & Anime TV/Movies).

' ' denotes thoughts.

" " denotes speech

denotes other method of communication.

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Chapter - Study.

Glando Atari sat in his office, his attention focussed on the book he was reading.  The top of his desk was obscured by many other books & folders, with most of them book-marked, or else left open at a particular page.

A casual glance would reveal that many of the books & folders were scientific research papers.  The topics covered were wide & varied, but were mostly items dealing with Physiology & Psychology, especially as they applied to Twins.

One of Glando's phones rang.  He promptly closed his book & picked it up, "Report."

Fu2ok's dry voice answered, "We're just finishing preventative maintenance.  Final calibrations should be finished late today."

"I see.  Then we will start first thing tomorrow."

"I still have my doubts about this…  While your schedule will get through the Clones in short order, 'breakdowns' permitting, I still feel the injured may skew the overall test results…"

"We will test all of the healthy ones first.  This will give the injured time in which to recover."

"But even so," Fu2ok didn't sound convinced, "Will they have healed enough, by the time the others finish?"

"If necessary, we will conduct Secondary follow-up tests on the healthy Clones, before starting Initial tests on the injured.  There won't be any problem, the injured will have adequate time in which to heal."

"Hmmm…" Fu2ok considered Glando's plan, "Well…  It will give us more accurate data, but… it'll also extend the time needed to complete Primary testing.  The Committee won't be tolerant of any delay in getting their results…"

Glando countered smoothly, "The Committee ordered us to test all of the Clones.  We will be diligent in following their orders.  They said they wanted valid data.  We will give it to them.  No matter how long it takes."

Fu2ok sighed, "Very well then.  Should I inform Mazurka to start scheduling the Clones for the tests?"

"No.  She is to see me shortly on another matter.  I will tell her then."

"By the way, any luck with the 'paperwork' on your desk?"

Glando smirked, "Yes.  They have given me ideas for some extra tests we can conduct to verify what we suspect.  I'll discuss the details with you later."

"I'll see you then," Fu2ok hung up.

Glando hung up his phone, & picked up the book he had been reading.

The title on the book Glando held was 'Methods of Double-Blind Testing, A Sceptics Guide to Investigating & Debunking Claims of the Para-Normal'.  Written several decades ago, the book detailed various means of investigating alleged Para-Normal incidents, using scientific methods.

…As well as detailing the many methods used by frauds & fakes…

Glando resumed reading…

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Chapter - Offer.

Mazurka stood nervously outside Glando's office, trying to steel herself for their upcoming meeting.

'No doubt he wants to talk about 'those' rumours about Shakey & Rave…  He'll probably chew me out over it…'

As per Glando's 'request' the day before, Mazurka had shown up first thing in the morning.  So far, she'd only been waiting half an hour, time she'd spent going over what might happen in the meeting, & what she should do & say to them.

The appearance of a Security Agent interrupted Mazurka's musings.

"The Commander will see you now," the Agent gruffly stated, before conducting Mazurka into Glando's office.

"Good morning Major," Glando sat in his usual position, behind a desk devoid of any books or folders.

"Sir," Mazurka replied, standing at attention, & bracing herself for the 'chewing out' she expected.

Glando started by dropping a different bombshell…

"The Clones will start testing for suitability as AVE Pilots, from 08:00 AM tomorrow.  I expect you to schedule their activities accordingly."

The unexpected news caught Mazurka off-balance, by sheer mental reflex she began running the numbers automatically, 'Lets' see, 3 test plugs…  It takes several days, say a week, to do a full series of tests on someone…  So… 3 Clones a week…  137 divided by 3 is 46 weeks, or about a year, taking 'downtime' & system failures into account…  The injured will have plenty of time to heal…"

"Yes Sir," Mazurka confirmed, 'If I've got a year, things will be easy enough…'

Then Glando dropped another bombshell…

"We need to test all of them as soon as possible, so we will be running tests around the clock," Glando slowly smirked, "Systems downtime permitting…"

Mazurka re-calculated things in her head, 'If we do that…  We could get up to 8 uses of each plug per day, so that means…  8 times as many Clones in a week…  46 divided by 8 is about 6 weeks to do them all…  Oh no…  The injured…'

"B-but Sir?  Some of them are badly injured!" Mazurka protested the obvious.

"I know that Major," Glando stared at Mazurka, "I've seen the results of the medical tests conducted on the injured.  We will only test the healthy Clones, & in the time that takes, the injured will have time to regain their health."

"Y-Yes Sir," Mazurka's stammer betrayed how uneasy she was with the scheme.  She knew just how badly injured some of the Clones were, 'Regain their health?  By what definition?'

…Then Glando dropped a Nuke…

"And while I've got you here Major, I'd like to have a little talk with you concerning those rumours about my son & Rave…"

The following 'little talk' was not really a 'chewing out'.  It was more like a 'thorough discussion' of the matter.  The highlights included Glando's official appraisal about the attack on Rave…

"…and after investigating the matter personally," Glando's voice wasn't quite a smug purr, "I could only conclude, that this situation occurred because Rave was not properly integrated into Civilian Society…"

'Oh Yeah?'  Mazurka kept her sarcastic thoughts to herself, 'And just how 'integrated' were the jerks who attacked her?'

"To prevent any more incidents like this, the Clones will undergo 'Cultural Integration & Assimilation' programs, to ensure that they receive a thorough grounding in Modern Society…"

'I've got a bad feeling about this…' Mazurka's suspicions were aroused.

"Since you are their Guardian, I'll leave the curriculum up to you…"

"Yes Sir," Mazurka knew she had no choice but to accept things, "On that matter…  During the recent 'rumours' situation, I was first made aware of the level of education Rave has about the 'Facts of Life'."

Glando made no reaction.

Mazurka pressed on, "After talking to Rave, I determined that she has a very good understanding of the relevant Medical & Anatomical information, but that she is severely lacking in the Emotional & Social issues associated with such knowledge.  I believe…"

Glando quietly interrupted, "When did you find this out Major?"

Mazurka paused, trying to gauge Glando's mood, "Last night when Rave came to my apartment."

"How are things between her & my son?"

"Ah…" caught unprepared by the comment, Mazurka stumbled over the answer, "They appear to be on good terms with each other…"

"How good?"

Mazurka gulped, Glando's tone was changing subtly, "Just Friends as far as I can tell…"

"Just… Friends…" Glando slowly repeated, looking intensely at Mazurka.

"Y-Yes Sir…" Mazurka stammered, aware of the razor's edge she was standing on,  "Just Friends.  She was even helping him out with his homework the night before last when I…"

"Major," Glando suddenly took control of the conversation, "I am aware that Rave is… fond… of Shakey.  I am also aware that he is… fond… of her…"

The hairs on the back of Mazurka's neck began to stand up, a part of her mind realising, 'This is getting Dangerous…!'

Glando's attitude hardened, "I have already told Shakey, that I do not wish to be made aware of any further 'rumours' about improper relationships involving Pilots.  Let alone facts…"

"But Sir, it wasn't his fault that…"

"I realise that," Glando's voice rose in volume, "But it does not matter whose fault it was, or even IF there was any substance to the rumours!  The rumours started, & because of them, we almost had a serious incident with Rave!"

Mazurka stood silently, trying not to make things worse.

Glando paused, "I realise that what happened was not their fault…  No one can prevent the fevered imaginings of the idle & perverse, from either being created, nor from finding an audience…"

Glando looked Mazurka in the eye, "THIS time, we were lucky…  Rave was able to defend herself, even though it was six against one, & they had knives.  I hope there is not a 'next' time, because if there is, the end result may be less favourable to those… responsible…"

"What COULD have happened to Rave…" Glando glared ominously at Mazurka as he trailed off suggestively, "Has made me decide that the Clones must learn 'Self-Defence', as well as 'other' skills applicable to their lives as AVE pilots, should they prove compatible…"

"Yes Sir," Mazurka decided meek agreement was the best policy.

"To that end, I will make a deal with you Major.  You will conduct the Social aspects of the Cultural Integration & Assimilation curriculum, while other personnel will train the Clones in Self-Defence & related matters…"

"Yes Sir," was all Mazurka said, despite her suspicions, 'Why split this up?  For that matter, why train the Clones in self-defence?  Rave#3 wasn't 'trained' in the time she's been… 'alive'…  If all her knowledge came from the memory downloads, then all the other Clones should know what she does, & be able to defend themselves as she can!  Injuries permitting…'

Glando's expression softened, matching the spirit of magnanimity that seemed to be in his words, "I have no intention of over-burdening you Major, so I will oversee the other training myself."

Mazurka was openly suspicious now, she was about to speak when Glando threw a verbal hand grenade into their discussion.

"That leaves only the matter of permanent accommodation for the Clones…" once again, Glando suddenly changed the topic & off-balanced Mazurka.

"What?"

Glando ignored Mazurka's comment, "A facility has been constructed, & merely awaits final furnishing.  As their Guardian, & as the person in charge of expenditure, you will need to see to that."

"Really?" in her eagerness over the first good news she'd had all day, Mazurka shelved her other thoughts until a later time.

"The facility consists of two buildings," Glando confirmed, "One is a modern apartment block, intended to act as contemporary housing.  The other is a customised storage building, to be used for training & initial accommodation.  Both of them are Restricted Access…"

"Restricted access?" the words were out before Mazurka knew she'd said them.

Glando paused, staring at Mazurka in a way that made her feel uncomfortable, "These 'rumours' have convinced me that the Clones will be in danger if they are put out into the community.  I intend for them to have a place where they can live & train in relative safety."

"So it's a 'Half-way House' for them then, is it?" Mazurka was feeling suspicious again, but didn't know exactly why…

"You could say that…  Do you have any questions?"

"Yes sir, when can they start moving in?"

"Today."

"Today?"

"The buildings are ready, the budget is approved, as soon as you leave this office, you will move the Clones into their new lodgings."

"Even the injured Sir?"

"You need only worry about moving the Healthy Clones.  Those in the Secure Medical Facilities, will stay there for the duration of their convalescence.  They will move when their injuries permit."

"Yes Sir!  Thank You Sir!" Mazurka was enthusiastic at the prospects, 'Now I can get the girls decent accommodation, food, bedding, clothing…!'

Then Glando nonchalantly added, "As to the extra security restrictions…"

'Uh-Oh,' Mazurka's elation was suddenly shot down.

"To start with.  The Clones may only leave their compound under authorisation from myself.  While in their compound, the Clones may only contact authorised personnel.  The Clones may not reveal the existence of their compound, nor may they reveal the location of their compound.  These steps are necessary to keep the existence of the Clones a secret."

'You've got to be kidding?' Mazurka was unwilling to accept the argument, 'Lots of people already know that there are quite a few girls who look like Rave…'

Glando clarified, "I do not intend for their abode to become some cheap tourist gimmick.  Nor do I intend for it to become a lure for the curious, or for those whose intentions towards the Clones may be… unhealthy…  Do I make myself clear?"

Mazurka understood, "Yes Sir!"

Glando seemed to relax slightly, "Eventually, these restrictions will be lifted.  After the Clones have learned to live safely among our society… and they have proven it to my satisfaction…"

"Yes Sir," Mazurka played it safe.

"To assist you, I've arranged transport from dock 7.  The Catering Corps will continue to provide meals, although a Security detail will deliver the food.  If you have no further questions Major, you may assume your new duties."

"Sir?" one thing did prey on Mazurka's mind, "Will I get permanent staff?"

"No," Glando was economical with his reply.

"Sir?" Mazurka tried another tack, "May I request the temporary help of NERVIS staff on an ongoing ad hoc basis, as per operational necessity?"

Glando paused as if to consider the request, "I see no reason why not.  As long as it does not interfere with their professional duties… or Shakey's schooling…"

Glando emphasised the importance of his comment with a hard stare, making Mazurka more nervous than she had been.

"Th-thank You Sir," Mazurka saluted & gladly left the office…

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Chapter - Other Orders.

Glando sat silently for several minutes after the doors closed behind Mazurka.  Then he picked up his phone, & dialled.  It rang three times, before being picked up.

"Yes?" asked the soft voice of Rave Imanonymous #3.

"Rave," Glando stated, "Scrambler."

A scratchy noise warbled over the phone.  Satisfied, Glando activated his own scrambler unit, & the noise disappeared.

"Rave."

"Yes Sir."

"I have new orders for you.  Starting tomorrow, we will begin Pilot Suitability Testing of the Others.  Your involvement will be required.  I want you at the facility by 08:00 AM, prepped & ready."

"Yes Sir."

"Until I advise you otherwise, you are excused from School, & all other Official duties.  I will have Security pick you up around 07:00 AM.  Be ready for them."

"Yes Sir."

"One last thing.  Your part in these tests is on a 'need to know' basis.  Do not tell anyone else about the tests.  Do not discuss the matter with anyone else.  Those needing to know, will find out through official channels.  Is that Clear?"

"Yes Sir."

"Good girl.  That is all."  Glando hung up his phone, & deactivated his scrambler.  He then made another call.

"This is me," Glando stated in a low voice.

"I have new orders concerning the First Pilot.  I want Security to transport her to the test facility at 07:00 AM tomorrow morning."

Glando paused to listen.

"No.  The containment system in her apartment block is to remain armed.  The other security arrangements will remain in place.  I want the… Others… kept under high surveillance as well.  Advise me immediately of any unusual activities, or events.  Advise the 'specialists' to stand ready…"

Glando paused again.

"I'm aware of that.  You will have enough spare men, once the Others are secured in their new buildings.  Arm the containment systems before they arrive."

Another pause.

"No.  Use the Nerve Gas first.  Use of the 'full' system is a last resort option.  Authorisation for that, will need to come from 'Omega' level Command staff.  Do I make myself clear?"

Glando smiled slightly.

"Good.  That is all."

Glando hung up his phone, & made one last call.  The phone rang several times, before being picked up.

"Sub-Commander Fu2ok here, report."

"Fu2ok.  We start at 08:00 AM tomorrow.  With all of the tests…"

"I… see," Fu2ok replied guardedly, "I'll advise the relevant personnel."

Glando hung up the phone.  He then took a folder from a desk drawer, & began to read…

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Chapter - Packing.

Mazurka strode into the Clones temporary dormitory.  She stopped just inside the door, hands on her hips, & surveyed the scene.

Makeshift beds lay in neat rows, some were occupied, most weren't.  Clones performed their duties, others sat on folding chairs at tables, reading books.

"Listen UP Ladies!" Mazurka bellowed in her best 'Drill Instructor' voice.

All through the dormitory, heads swivelled in Mazurka's direction.

"We're moving OUT of this Rat Hole!  TODAY!  We've been assigned new quarters, & we need to be set up in them as soon as possible.  Why?  Because we've ALSO got orders to start Pilot testing from tomorrow at 08:00 AM, SHARP!"

"Ladies…" Mazurka took a deep breath to refuel her voice, "Your new home has some new rules as well.  You need the Commander's authorisation to leave the new premises.  You can only contact authorised personnel.  You must keep your existence a secret.  You must NOT reveal the existence, NOR the location of your new home.  Do you understand these rules?"

All of the Clones nodded.

'I'll remind them later on, just to be on the safe side,' Mazurka made a mental note before continuing, "I haven't seen the new facilities yet.  But the Commander HIMSELF, informed me that they are 'Modern'.  Even so, there will be logistical problems in moving & setting up, so I want all of you to make good use of our current facilities.  While you still can!"

Mazurka began issuing orders, "We'll move out in stages, but we won't be finished with our current facilities before lunch at the earliest.  I want all of you fed, showered & in clean clothes when you leave this Dump!  Change the dressings on the wounded, & get all of the laundry done, BEFORE we leave!"

"The first thing we'll shift, is bedding!  Pack your bed if you're not using it!  Wounded will keep using theirs until we're ready to move them.  All furniture is to be folded & packed, AFTER you finish using it for chores, & meal use.  Catering is supposed to deliver meals to us, but I want you to prepare food to take with us, something that can be eaten cold."

"Now!  I want those on the next Chores shift, to pack your beds, then assemble beside me.  You'll come with me to the new premises, & get things up & running.  The rest of you will help those currently on Chores, however you can.  Now get TO it Ladies!" Mazurka clapped her hands for emphasis.

The Dormitory became a hive of planned activity.  In short order, most of the bedding was stowed.  The wounded received bed-baths, & had their clothing changed along with their bandages.  Lines began forming for the showers, with Clones taking discarded clothes to the laundry.  Others started preparing food…

A small group of Clones quickly accumulated around Mazurka.

Mazurka quietly counted them, "Ladies, you're the next Chores shift?"

All of the Clones nodded.

"Right!  Come with me," Mazurka led the small group out of the Dormitory.  They wound their way through corridors, past several Security checkpoints, until they arrived at Loading Dock 7.

…The sight of a shabby box-bed cargo truck & two Security Agents dressed like redneck truckers was an anti-climax…

"Major Kutsarug!" the Security Agents snapped to attention & saluted Mazurka.

Mazurka blinked.  She looked at the men, then the truck, then she looked back at the men & demanded while gesturing at the truck, "What the H--L is this?  We're supposed to be moving people!"

"That's right, Ma'am!" the Agents swung the cargo box doors open, "This is a Covert Transport Model!"

A heavy curtain hung just inside the cargo box doors, adding an extra layer of security between the cargo bed & any view that might be had through the open doors.  When a Agent moved the curtain aside, Mazurka could see a single row of seats lining the walls inside the cargo bed of the truck, the inward-facing seats surrounding a tangled web of cargo nets & straps in the centre of the cargo bed.  Above the seats were numerous shelves & brackets, & disguised gunport slots.  There were no windows to the cargo box, an air vent behind the driver's cabin was the only source of fresh air other than the open cargo doors.

Muttering something under her breath, Mazurka waved the Clones into the back of the truck.  Mazurka & the Clones seated themselves as the Security agents shut the cargo doors.  A few seconds later, the truck's engine rumbled into life & the truck started moving.

It was a more pleasant ride than Mazurka had feared.  The ventilator supplied plenty of fresh tasting air, & the ride itself wasn't rough at all, but more like being in a family car.  Most surprisingly though, was how quiet it was inside the cargo box, the rumble of the truck engine being felt rather than heard, & street noise noticeable in its absence.

'Okay, so it's not a cattle car,' Mazurka grudgingly conceded…

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Chapter - Inspection.

A truck rumbled through the streets of the city, the two scruffy truckies in the cabin obviously having another boring day.  All in all, it was an unexceptional vehicle, despite its contents being very out of the ordinary…

The truck containing Mazurka & the Clones, rumbled through the streets of the city, making many twists & turns in its journey…

'Why are we making so many turns?' Mazurka was more than slightly concerned, 'Are they trying to confuse someone watching us?  Or is this just more typical Security mentality at work?'

Eventually, the truck stopped.  The engine idled to a dull throb, then it revved & the truck rolled forward.  The truck stopped again, the engine slow idling then revving again, the truck making slow turns.  Then the truck stopped again & the engine turned off completely.

'Sounds like we might be there…" Mazurka unbuckled herself in anticipation.

There was a thud as the cargo doors started opening.  Mazurka cautiously put her hand on her holstered gun.

"You can get out now," one of the Security Agents advised, "We're here…"

Mazurka breathed a sigh of relief, & withdrew her hand from her gun.  As she was already up & near the door, she was the first out of the truck & into…

…An 'industrial sized' loading dock…

Grey concrete walls & support pillars surrounded a spacious loading dock.  The monotonous grey colour scheme was only broken by the colour schemes of the various building utility systems, & by warning signs & floor markings.  At opposite ends to each other on the loading dock, were the twin doors of freight elevators & the smaller glass-fronted door of an office.  In between the two extremes were other doorways with signs warning of building services plant.

It was all a bit of a let down for Mazurka…  Then she saw the door they had evidently come in through.  It was a two-storey tall armoured 'Roller Shutter' roll down door, similar to those used on the 'Secure Entries' to the Armament Buildings.

Mazurka tilted her head back, sweat-dropping as she looked at the arrangement of armoured metal, 'When he said 'restricted access'…  If I remember correctly, Loading Docks in Armament buildings are secured by two of those things…  That must be why the truck had that odd 'stop/start' bit.  We were in the 'Secure Zone' between them…  Which means…'

Mazurka's face fell as she put two & two together, & smelled a penny pinching rat, '…we're in some sort of Armament Building?  Oh Great!  I hope this has been refurbished as a training facility, & not as housing…'

A glum Mazurka turned to one of the Security Agents, "Will you be giving us a guided tour?"

"No Ma'am," the Agent replied, "We have no idea of the layout of this place.  We also have orders not to go past this loading dock area.  However…"

The Agent handed Mazurka a bulky sealed envelope covered with Security Warnings.  The package was inscribed with the message, 'Major Kutsarug - EYES ONLY!'  Mazurka hefted the envelope, finding it rather heavy for its size.

"No Problem," Mazurka replied with as much cheer as she could muster, "We'll take over from here.  Will you wait here for us while we inspect the premises?"

"Yes Ma'am," confirmed the Agent, "We're strictly chauffeurs.  Here.  You may find these useful…" He handed over a torch, measuring tape, note pad, & pen.

"Oh Thanks!" Mazurka plastered a false smile on her face, "Well, I guess I'll see you later!"

Mazurka broke the seal on the envelope as she walked over to the freight elevators at the end of the loading dock.  Secured by a rubber band inside the envelope, were two 'Building Guide' information booklets, two sets of keys, & another sealed envelope.  Mazurka opened the second envelope & found a letter from the Commander, & a new NERVIS charge card.

"Major Kutsarug," the letter read, "Contents of envelopes are as follows.  This letter, Special Charge Card, TWO Facility Guides, TWO sets of Master keys.  Extra Guides & keys are in a Security safe in the Main Office - Loading Dock level.  Distribute as per standard 'Secure Access' guidelines.  Utilities such as Water, Power, Air Conditioning, Communication, Computer, & Security have been turned on.  All supplies, including furniture, bedding, clothing, hygiene, food, & kitchen supplies need to be requisitioned urgently by yourself.  Catering Corps will deliver meals until further notice.  Charge card is for use in supplying this Facility.  That is all - Commander Atari."

Mazurka read the note a second time, then skimmed through one of the books, 'Hmmm…  Let's see…  Standard Security B--LS--T…  No stairs from this level to the ones above…  Other levels connected by stairs & freight lifts…'

After a brief few minutes assimilating data, Mazurka turned to the Clones.

"Right," Mazurka held up the books for the others to see, "These books are about the buildings we're in.  All of you will need to know the information in them.  I'll give the books to two of you to read.  I want you to read them, & then pass them on to the others.  I'll read the books later on, so that we all know the building layouts…"

The Clones nodded.  Two of them took the books Mazurka offered, & began to read.

Mazurka jingled the keys, "I've also got two sets of keys for these buildings.  This is only temporary, until we can get a Duty roster going, but I'll keep one set, & assign the other set to one of you."

The Clones nodded, & the Clone nearest Mazurka reached out to take the keys.

"Now!" Mazurka widened her hopeless smile, "Let's go tour your new Home…"

Mazurka turned to the elevator control panel & looked over the floor guide that was printed beside the call buttons.

'Right…  No basement below this…  Ground level is Loading Dock & Building Plant, next two are General Storage, then 2 Dormitory levels, Canteen, & Training levels…  And there's no stairs, so we have to take the lift…'

"We'll start at the Canteen level first.  We might as well make sure that we can cook supper if we need to…"

'If nothing else,' Mazurka ruefully decided, 'The chance to make a hot meal for themselves will build morale…'

The inspection had mixed results…

At the Canteen level, the lift doors opened onto a poorly lit room.  Several halogen lights shone from the ceiling just outside the lift doors, lighting small spots of the chequered linoleum floor.  The rest of the floor was in darkness, the light rapidly fading off into the murk.

Mazurka strained her eyes in the gloom, 'Emergency lights?'

"First question," Mazurka mumbled to herself as she looked around, "Where are the light switches for this level?"

The Clones answered in unison, "Between the lifts, just as you exit."

Mazurka was somewhat startled, 'Are they 'speed-readers' or something?  There's no way all of them could have read those information booklets in the time we took to get here…'

"Uh…  I'll just check…" Mazurka found the light switches were right where the Clones said they would be.  A quick flick of a switch, & the lights came on, revealing the room beyond…

Instead of a lift lobby, the lifts opened directly onto a large empty hall.  The only difference between it & a Food Court in a shopping complex, was the absence of any furniture.  Despite being able to smell the newness of the linoleum, the emptiness of the room gave it an eerily deserted feel.

The wall that housed the lift doors, also had archways at the extreme ends, along with signs that indicated the presence of toilets.  The walls adjoining the wall with the lifts, were bare & empty, their only decoration a coat of cream coloured paint.

Some distance from the remaining far wall, a long stainless steel table marked the boundary between the kitchen & the empty food court.  Supported by stainless steel cabinets underneath, the table had a good ten feet of walk space between it & the walls that passed either end.  Ranks of upright fridges & freezers lined the walls on the far side of the steel table, facing 'island' benches & cook tops.  Wall ovens & benches covered the furthest wall.

A quick check revealed that the Canteen had neither food nor cooking utensils in it, although all of the appliances were modern & brand sparkling new.  The refrigerators had been turned on, & they were cold & ready to store food.

The archways led to 'hand washing areas' of mirrors & wash basins, then a row of toilet cubicles that stretched to more mirrors & wash basins beside the exit/entrance of the other archway.  The toilet cubicles were well appointed, being designed for use by the 'handicapped'.  Accordingly, all of the toilet cubicles were roomy, but strictly utilitarian.  The fact the Hot Water Systems had been turned on, was a pleasant surprise…

…The fact there were no 'Hygiene Supplies' in the toilets was not…

Mazurka took notes, 'No food, no tables, no chairs, no pots or pans, knives, forks etc…  No soap, no toilet paper, no feminine hygiene products either…  Well, we can make do with what we'll bring with us for a day or two…  But even so, we'd better get some supplies in quickly!  Stores should be able to do that without any problems, but I'd better ask Rave which ones she… I mean, they use.  No sense getting a bulk order of the wrong ones…  Hmmm…  Better find out WHEN they'll be needing the feminine hygiene products too!'

Mazurka checked the Dormitories on the lower levels next, 'The walking wounded will need their beds set up as soon as possible.  The others will need to sleep tonight as well…'

This time, the lift doors opened onto a real lobby.  Once again, lighting came from overhead halogen spotlights, their lighting reflected by a wall that ran the length of the lobby some twelve feet from the lifts.  Imitating the wall containing the lifts, the lobby wall had two wide archways at either ends.  Both of the larger archways opened onto darkness.

Mazurka turned the main lights on, dispelling the darkness beyond the arches…

Each arch opened onto a wide hallway, effectively dividing the floor into 2 dormitories.  The halls shared common toilet & shower facilities at the far end, with all of the fixtures designed for use by the 'disabled'.  When Mazurka checked, she found that the smaller archways at either ends of the lifts led to modern laundry facilities, instead of toilets like on the canteen level.

'Not bad!' Mazurka noted with approval, 'The toilets are below the Canteen area, so even if they do block up, they can't contaminate the food preparation area above with overflow…  The noisy laundry is behind the lifts, away from the beds, & the showers & toilets join both of the halls & allow for better ventilation…'

…There was no bedding, let alone any furniture other than the laundry machines, & once again, there were NO hygiene supplies…

'There better be more toilets & showers elsewhere in the building!  137 young Ladies will take up a LOT of time in the bathroom in the mornings…  Still, if the other Dorm is the same as this…  It should do…  Just!  We can get real beds in for the Girls, & arrange curtains for privacy…  Maybe even use furniture for that…  Wardrobes?  Yeah!  Get some of them, & make a physical 'wall' between the beds…  If they'll fit…'

'Let's see,' Mazurka as she jotted down some notes, 'Need beds, mattresses, the Girls can use the bedding they've got now…  Some of those 'all in one' wardrobe things, that combine hanging space with drawers…  Wait…  I'll need to get some measurements first…'

Mazurka turned to a Clone, "I need to measure this hall for placing of beds.  Hold this end of the tape measure for me, will you?"

"No need," the Clone promptly replied, "Floor measurements are in the book.  As are suggested floor plan layouts for furniture…"

'They MUST be 'speed readers'…' Mazurka sweat-dropped, "Uh…  Well…  In that case, we might as well check out the rest of the building, before deciding on any floor plans…"

The other Dorm was identical in all practical respects.

'Again, no toilet paper or soap, no feminine hy-' as Mazurka was making her notes, she suddenly realised, 'Uh oh!  Stores often take their own sweet time processing paperwork not considered 'urgent'…  I'd better deliver my order personally, so that it doesn't get 'filed' somewhere…'

The General Storage levels were next.  They were just bare concrete shells, with appropriate signs & floor markings.  As per the Canteen level layout, each of them had two 'standard' toilet cubicles behind the lift wells, along with a First Aid room & two shower cubicles.

The Training halls were empty, but had polished wood floors instead of bare concrete or checked Linoleum.  As per the General Storage levels, there were 'standard' toilet cubicles behind the lift wells, along with shower cubicles.

'Hmmm…' Mazurka noted the difference, 'The architect anticipated the presence of the wounded on the Dorm & Canteen levels, & catered for them accordingly.  But on the training & storage levels, only the healthy are expected…'

The top level of the building held radiator fins for the air conditioning, a range of communication antennas, & a retractable dome that covered a helipad.

Mazurka felt vaguely uneasy, 'That's strange…  I haven't noticed any windows anywhere on any of the levels…  Does the Commander expect them to live shut away from any source of natural light?  What about natural air?  Without the air-conditioning, this place would be stifling…'

Mazurka asked the Clone nearest her, "What do the books say about windows?"

"This is a Secure Facility.  Windows might reveal its contents, or allow the use of certain types of spy equipment."

Mazurka raised an eyebrow, 'Looks like he was serious about security…'

Mazurka persisted, "But what about ventilation?  What if there's a power blackout like we had that time?  What then?"

Another Clone answered, "Emergency Backup Generators will provide full functionality for 24 hours.  Ventilation can be switched to 'convection' mode, allowing fresh air to circulate naturally, without power."

Despite getting answers, Mazurka still felt uneasy, "By the way, where IS the air-conditioning Plant?"

A different Clone answered, "The main air conditioning plant is in the top floor.  The auxiliary plant is on the ground floor Loading Dock, along with the emergency backup generators."

"Auxiliary air-conditioning?"

"Yes.  The auxiliary air-conditioning system can supply satisfactory ventilation to the entire building for limited periods, or to any four floors indefinitely.  It is capable of selecting which floors receive ventilation, so the entire building may be continuously ventilated, by doing 4 floors at a time on an alternate basis."

Mazurka digested this, 'Makes sense, if the top floors are damaged in a battle, they've still got the emergency units in the loading dock.  In case of a normal emergency, they can still provide ongoing ventilation to four floors…  Say, canteen, both dorms, that's three, & switch the 'fourth' floor around, depending on requirements…  Hmmm, not bad!'

"Well Ladies," Mazurka's comment resulted in the Clones looked attentively at her, "We've checked this building out, what say we check out the other?  Um…  Does it say in the book if we can get to the other building from this one?"

"Yes," the Clones chorused, "There is access via the First Training level only."

"Only one access?  Why's that?"

"Security," the Clones responded.

"Oh…  Very well then…"

It was only a short trip to the first Training level again.  There, a set of blast & fireproof armoured security doors opened onto a narrow walkway some 6 feet wide.  At the end of the walkway was another set of armoured security doors.  The last set of doors opened onto a small room with a normal door.  The final door opened onto the fire escape stairwell of another building.

Mazurka inspected the access set-up with her tactical eye, 'Disguised access…  If anyone were snooping, they'd probably think this was just a storage closet.  Hmmm…  If needed, you could blow this part of the stairs, leaving a difficult job for anyone trying to get into the Secure building through this route…'

Mazurka found herself on the eighth floor of a modern twelve-floor apartment block completely unlike hers.  Instead of being open to the air, the walkways outside the apartments had high railings & opaque stained glass panelling that completely enclosed them.  A closer inspection revealed that the stained glass was not actually glass, but some sort of thick glassy plastic with a 'pebble' surface effect.  The plastic panels appeared to be double laminated, with some sort of film similar to the 'tinting' on motor vehicles between them.

Mazurka ran a critical eye over things, 'Hmmm…  Tough & probably bullet-proof…  The 'stained glass' effect lets light in, is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but prevents identification of who's behind the panel.  The 'tinting' probably gives a 'mirror' effect from the outside, further distorting any image while keeping the heat of the sun's rays out…'

Mazurka unlocked the first apartment they came to & went inside…

It was a roomy three-room apartment completely devoid of furniture.  Carpet ran throughout all of the rooms, except for ceramic tiles in the 'wet areas' of bathroom, toilet, & kitchen.  Heavy curtains shielded the few windows, which bore panels similar to the walkway panels.  There were no balconies to any of the three large double bedrooms in the apartment, or to any of the other four identical apartments on the floor.

Mazurka ran the calculations, 'Lets see… 3 rooms per Apartment, 5 Apartments per Floor is 15, by 12 floors is 180 bedrooms!  60 extra bathrooms with toilets & showers!  It should solve the problems of available bathrooms in the mornings…  Hmmm…  What about laundry facilities?'

The ground floor of the apartment block didn't have any apartments, something that spoiled Mazurka's maths regarding bedrooms & bathrooms.  What the ground floor did have, was a large communal laundry with adequate facilities for the building, & an open-plan 'Secure' parking area.  Heavy-duty security grilles secured the lowest level, also obscuring it from the outside world.

The layout of the apartments on the remaining floors only differed in that their fire escape stairs had regular janitor's closets, instead of a disguised access to the other building.

The top floor didn't have any apartments, nor did it have a Penthouse, & Mazurkas' calculations were sorely revised by the discovery.

'Okay, 10 floors by 15 bedrooms per floor is 150 bedrooms… and 50 showers…  Close enough to what we'll need…'

What the top floor did have, was a well appointed amenities area that included a wet bar (empty of course, much to Mazurka's disappointment), a full sized & fully enclosed heated swimming pool, large Sauna, a Spa/Jacuzzi, & surprisingly enough, a gymnasium area complete with exercise equipment…  As per the rest of the building, the entire top level was fully secured from any prying eyes by heavy curtains & 'stained-glass' panels.

Mazurka sighed, partly in relief at getting a better deal than she thought she would, & partly in anticipation of showing the Clones how to use the Penthouse amenities, "Well…  Looks like we've only got two things left to do…"

The Clones looked intently at Mazurka, awaiting further orders…

Mazurka grinned, "Settle in, & have a Housewarming Party!"

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Stock Options.

Built to combat Alien attacks, & thus ensure the future of the Human Race itself, it was only natural that NERVIS would have its fair share of problems.  In any one of the titanic battles NERVIS survived, even the Heroes needed help from legions of lesser beings.  While the parts played by the Little People in the Titanic struggles were often mundane, they were no less vital.

…One such part was the administration of NERVIS logistical resources…

The sheer size of NERVIS, meant that the mere act of keeping it supplied with office supplies, required the services of platoons of specially trained Clerical workers.  A breed apart, these unsung Warriors of the Warehouse dotted the i's & crossed the t's with unwavering dedication & bravado.  Not even the threat of imminent, gruesome death, could cause them to desert their posts, or deviate one inch from the procedures that had served NERVIS in the darkest of times…

…Which explained the problems Mazurka was having, trying to get her stock requisitions filled…

"LOOK!!" Mazurka thundered in exasperation, "I don't CARE about 'Forward Planning Estimates', or 'Stock Level Registers', or 'Anticipated Depreciations', or even 'Average Usage Patterns'!  I just want this requisition filled, TODAY!"

The fat, balding, & middle-aged Stock Clerk in front of Mazurka sighed deeply, then tried once again to patiently explain that, "Major…  We can deliver the bulk of the standard items within two days, but the other stuff… will HAVE to go through channels…"

"Meaning what, EXACTLY?" Mazurka's patience had already worn thin while waiting for someone to serve her, & consequently, her B--LS--T tolerance factor was dipping dangerously into the 'Red' zone.

"Well," uncaring because he was unknowing, the Clerk blathered blissfully on, "Following standard protocols - which will include a Committee to determine what relevant guidelines are involved - they'll give it to a taskforce to research what materials & quality standards are applicable…  They'll go & draft a set of acceptance guidelines, which then go to the Standards Bureau for verification before they can even advertise the contract by tender…"

"And how long will THAT take?"

"It depends," the clerk emphasized the exact professionalism of his estimate by shrugging his shoulders, "They might have the tender notices advertised within a month, or it might take longer…"

Mazurka swore, long, hard, & with a highly inventive flair.  When she calmed down, she tried another approach…

"Okay…  So I can't just waltz in here & get them from you today?"

"As I've just said, you can put an order in, but it'll need…"

Mazurka snapped, "Answer me this!  I have 'expenditure authority', DON'T I?"

"Yes…"

"That means **I** can use that 'authority', to requisition these items through you then, RIGHT?"

"Yes, as I just…"

Mazurka interrupted again, "Refresh my memory!  It ALSO means, that I don't have to requisition them through you, but that I can go out into the Civilian World & just BUY the D--N things in any shop I see them in?  RIGHT?"

"Err… well…  If it's a crisis situation, & you can't get them through normal channels within an acceptable timeframe, then…"

"BINGO!" Mazurka punched a fist in the air in Victory, "Then in that case, I WILL go & buy them!"

"B-But," the Clerk stammered, "There's no crisis at present…"

Mazurka glared at the clerk.  "Don't you worry about that!" she stated with grim certainty, "There WILL be if I don't get my requisition filled…"

"But…"

"Supply the standard items I've requested, as soon as possible," Mazurka laid her requisition on the clerk's desk, along with her verbal order, "I'll use my 'authority' & purchase the other items…  If anyone has any problems with that, they can talk to me, or better yet, Commander Atari…"

With that, Mazurka stalked off, muttering unprintable & extremely unladylike comments under her breath.  Once outside the NERVIS Q-Store, she stopped & took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself…

"Okay…  Let's reassess the situation!" Mazurka applied her Brilliant Tactical Mind to trying to reason her way out of the problem she was in, totally ignoring the fact she was talking to herself.

"Point ONE…  Hygiene supplies…  Standard items will arrive within days.  We can take supplies from the restrooms of the facility we're leaving, that'll tide us over…  H--L, we can even buy them ourselves if necessary, no problem!"

Mazurka paused in her tirade, "But…  What brands does Rave prefer?  Still got to ask her…"

"Point TWO…" Mazurka shelved point one until later, "Food…  The NERVIS catering corps will provide…  No problem!"

"Point THREE…  Furnishings…  Official Stores will take months…  BIG problem!  A Civilian supplier will only take days…  Best if I ask the Girls what sort of thing they want…  That will need planning…  Delivery will be a problem…  But nothing Security can't handle…  More planning needed there too…"

"Point FOUR…  Clothes…  Outfitting all of them with decent clothes will be expensive…  I'm not even sure of what size they take…  They may look identical, but do they all take the exact same size?"

"IN the mean time…  They're setting up their beds in the new Dorms…  I'm trying to get the things they'll need…  But as that Pencil-Pushing-Jerk pointed out…  Even trying to get simple furnishings for the Dorms is going to be a nightmare…"

"Aarrgghh!" Mazurka resorted to 'scream' therapy, repeatedly kicking the Q-Store Admin building in an effort to get in touch with her Inner Male, "There's only ONE thing I can possibly do in a situation like this!"

Mazurka put her hand under jacket and…

…pulled out her cell-phone & punched in a number…

"Pick it up, Pick it up, Pick it up," Mazurka chanted the mantra as she heard the phone ring…

…Then the phone was picked up…

"Yes?" replied the soft voice of Rave Imanonymous the Third.

"Rave?"

"Yes."

"Mazurka here, I need your help!"

"What with?"

"Shopping!  I'll pick you up shortly…"

Mazurka hung up, a grim smile on her face, 'I may not be able to get everything for them at once…  But I can start small…'

Minutes later, Mazurka pulled up in front of Rave's apartment building.  Rave was ready & waiting in the parking lot.

"Get in!" called Mazurka, opening the passenger side door.

Rave complied, & the Mazurka-Mobile screeched off.

"What are we shopping for?" Rave asked innocently.

"Supplies for the Girls."

"Was Official Stores unable to supply them?"

Mazurka snorted, "By the time they'd have gotten them in, I'd be retired…"

Rave gave Mazurka a blank look.

Mazurka noticed & clarified, "Some of the things I wanted to get would have to be put out to tender…  That would take too long…  No…  I'm just going to have to get some of the things myself…"

"Why do you need me?"

Mazurka steeled herself, "As I'm buying for the Girls, it's best I get something they like…  I can't take them shopping with me, so I thought I'd ask your opinion…  To start with, hygiene supplies…  Are there any brands you prefer?"

"No.  I use supplies from the Base."

"Really?  Including 'Feminine Protection'?" Mazurka oh-so tactfully inquired.

"I do not understand the term?" Rave replied, giving Mazurka another blank look.

"You know…  'That time of the month'?"

Rave continued to look blankly at Mazurka.

'Oh boy…' Mazurka admitted defeat, & resorted to more 'Clinical terms', "What I meant to say was, what about when you… menstruate?"

"I do not menstruate."

"You don't?"

"No."

"Rave," Mazurka asked slowly, "You know what I mean by 'menstruate', don't you?"

"Of course.  When Dr Akatlover told us about the fertility cycle of Human females, she told us that the lining of the womb renews every few weeks in preparation for impregnation.  The menstrual flow is a release of bodily fluids & discarded tissue from the womb that accompanies the renewal."

"Did the… 'Second'… ever start…?"

"No."

Mazurka was slightly confused, 'By her age, most girls have started…  Is Rave a 'late bloomer'?  No, couldn't be!  Not with her 'physical development'…  Maybe it's her training?  Top Female Athletes will often stop menstruating if their exercise regimes get hard enough…  But… surely that wouldn't apply to those in the tank?  Would it?'

Mazurka decided to confirm things, "What about those in the tank?"

"None of us have ever started."

"Okaayyy…" Mazurka drawled, her speech covering the fact she was thinking furiously, 'Something's wrong here!  The Girls appear 'developed enough' to have started, but none have?  Why not?  Some kind of 'women's problem'?  A medical condition?  Some kind of diet deficiency?'

'No…  Can't be diet, they take supplements…' almost as soon as she'd discarded the thought, a suspicious frown crossed Mazurka's face, 'What's IN those supplements anyway?  Women who have problems with their menstrual cycles, often use hormone therapy, or even just the 'contraceptive pill' to prevent menstruation…  I wonder if 'someone' decided Rave would be better off without a menstrual cycle?  If the girls are that physically developed…'

Mazurka chewed her suspicions over.  Eventually, she sighed, "Well…  We'd better get some.  If you haven't started yet, you'll probably start soon, as will the others…  Ritzy told you all about the clinical aspects of menstruation, but did she tell you what to do if you started?  What supplies you should use?"

"Yes," Rave#3 confirmed in a calm monotone, "She showed us the dispensers in the female toilets, & told us how to use the supplies to handle the menstrual flow."

"Huh," the tone of Mazurka's comment matched the contemptuous look on her face, "Personally speaking, the items you usually find in female restrooms are more functional, than they are comfortable!  Best if we find out if there's anything more… suitable… for young Ladies such as yourself & the Girls…"

"Is there much difference?" asked Rave.

"Is there ever!" Mazurka exclaimed, "Let me give you some advice, based on the personal experiences of me & my friends…  To start with…"

…There followed a lengthy, 'woman-to-woman' discussion about such things…

"…so that's why!" Mazurka concluded her storytelling…

"I see," Rave felt greatly informed by Mazurka's anecdotes…

They had arrived at the local shopping mall some time ago, but had stayed in the car while Mazurka delivered her sage advice.  Now Mazurka got out of the car, & like a mother duck with duckling in tow, she & Rave entered the shopping mall…

Rave followed Mazurka automatically, not knowing where to go, or what to do in this strange new realm of bright lights & piped muzak…  Eventually Mazurka stopped, & motioned Rave to enter a particular shop, the first of many Mazurka intended to visit.

Rave blinked in surprise at the colourful display in the shop windows.

"Come on," Mazurka coaxed with a smile, "Trust me!  It'll be fun…"

Reassured, Rave followed Mazurka into the 'Young Miss Fashion Shoppe'…

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Time Off.

At Mazurka's apartment, Shakey Atari was taking things easy.  There was no school today, & Mazurka was at work, so he had the entire apartment to himself.

'I'll be able to kick back & relax!' Shakey enthused, lazily rising from his bed, 'I can listen to the radio…  I can play my cello…  I can watch television…'

His happy state was abruptly shattered as he tripped & fell over some of the usual garbage that accumulated like magic in the apartment…

"…I can clean the place up…" he groaned, resigning himself to the inevitable.

Shakey tidied the apartment up.  He bagged all of the trash, & took it to the trash collection point outside.  Coming back, he decided to make a thorough job of cleaning the apartment.  For the next couple of hours, he did the laundry, vacuumed the carpets, & did the dishes.  He even prepared an oversized lunch…

'Mazurka will need something when she gets back,' he reasoned, before tucking into his share of it.

The chores done, Shakey finally had time to kick back & relax.

'Let's see…  What should I do first?'

After a few moments, Shakey smiled, then went to his room.  He emerged seconds later carrying his cello.  He set it up in the Living Room, & began to play…

Shakey was stiff & rusty, but he soon loosened up as the music filled him.  It took him away from his current life, to a place where his emotions could dip & soar, free to be in harmonious counterpoint to the notes he played.  He played several pieces, revelling in the joy he felt as he coaxed the music from the inanimate objects he held…

When he finally came back, he gave a satisfied sigh, 'I needed that…'

Shakey cleaned the bathroom, & then took a long relaxing bath in a clean tub.  As he lay there, he thought about his life & the recent events in it.

'Mazurka wants me to help the Clones…'

'To watch out for them…'

'I can do that…'

A pang of guilt washed over him, as he remembered how he'd handled the 'rumours' that recently circulated…

'I didn't do too good a job with the rumours…'

'Still, Mazurka said it sometimes takes more than one person to stop a rumour…'

'She wants me to tell her if anything like this happens again…'

'She won't have to worry about that…' it was a solemn promise, prompted in no small way by the memory of when he'd heard about Rave being attacked…

'I'll be glad to get help from Mazurka…  From anyone…  Just so long as it stops things from going as far as they did…'

…Other memories arose, eating away at his feeling of relaxation…

…A vision of a distraught Rave, throwing herself in front of a train…

Shakey shut his eyes & grimaced, 'Painful memories always seem to find me in the bath…  And even if that wasn't a memory, it could have been…'

The bath no longer so relaxing, Shakey got out of the tub, dripping water on the freshly clean tiles.  He was drying himself off when another thought stopped him dead, 'How IS Rave handling all this?  She seemed all right last night…  But…'

Shakey wrapped a towel around himself, & walked through the apartment.  He stopped before the telephone.

'Should I call her?'

'Mazurka said I should watch out for her…  But…  Does that include calling her?'

'Would Rave be upset if I rang?  What if she resents my calling?'

'What do I say to her if I DO call?  Hi!  How ya doing?  Just calling to see how depressed you are…'

Shakey shook his head, 'No…  That'd never do…  IF I call, I've got to say something to make her feel better…'

Shakey was not too good with words, & the task of trying to think up a witty comment that might cheer a girl up, was enough to tie him up in knots - let alone saying something to cheer up a girl who'd been the subject of unsavoury rumours, & who had been attacked because of them…

'Perhaps I could ask her if she'd like to go out & do something…'

The thought died in his head almost as it was born, 'NO!  That'd only start more rumours…  Everyone'd think we were on a date… or something…'

Shakey spent some time agonising over things.

'It's not like she'd be in danger if I didn't call…  Security would look after her, & intervene if she got too… depressed…  Like they did me…'

'Still… perhaps I should call her… even if only to say Hi…'

Shakey reached out to the phone, then chickened out & withdrew his hand without even touching it.  For the next several minutes, he endured an internal tug of war.  Part of him wanting to ring Rave & talk to her…  Another part wanting to keep away, & keep both of their privacies intact.

'Aesir was right,' Shakey finally admitted, 'I AM a wimp…  I can't even do something as simple as call someone…'

Shoulders slumped in defeat, Shakey walked away from the phone.  For the next hour, he watched television in a half-hearted manner.  Although he didn't admit it to himself, he was feeling lonely.

The ringing of the phone broke him out of his lethargy…

Shakey scrambled to answer the phone, wondering 'Who could that be?  Maybe Kantsee is back in town?'

"Hello?"

"Shakey!" Mazurka's voice came from the phone, "You doing anything right now?"

"Uh…  Not really…"

"Great!  I have a little favour to ask you…  Can you come & give me a hand?"

"Sure!  Where are you, & how do I get there?"

"That's not a problem, Security will pick you up shortly."

"Err…  Mazurka?" Shakey quavered, flinching at the thought of being collected by Security, "Am I… in trouble?"

"No," Mazurka hurried to reassure him, "It's just that you'll need them to get where we are.  Trust me on this.  Everything will be fine."

With that, Mazurka hung up.

Not quite having relieved Shakey of a vague feeling of impending doom…

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Moving In.

Shakey Atari sat nervously in the back of a windowless van.  Beside him sat two Security Agents.  Shakey didn't know how many others were in the front of the van, & he was too spooked to ask.

'This is just like when my father wanted to see me…' Shakey began sweating…

The trip was a short one, but there were several twists & turns in it that confused Shakey's sense of direction.  Eventually the van stopped, although the engine kept idling.  From outside came a muffled noise, like the familiar rattle of a roll type Garage door being opened.

The noise stopped, & the van rolled forward before stopping once again.  The roller door noise came again.  It stopped, then after a pause of a few seconds, it started again.  The van rolled forward & stopped.  Once again, there was the roller door noise.

Seconds after the sound stopped, a Security agent said, 'You can get out now.  And a word of warning, this is a secret facility.  It would be in your best interests NOT to remember anything about it.  Let alone talk about it…"

"Don't worry about that," Shakey hastened to reassure, "I don't want my father to have another 'talk' with me…"

That seemed to humour the Security Agents, as they both cracked a smirk.

Outside the van, Shakey found himself in an industrial sized loading dock.  Three trucks were pulled up to the dock, & Rave Clones were unloading things from the back of the trucks, carrying things like a line of blue-haired ants.

"Glad you could make it," Mazurka beamed at Shakey, before turning to the Security Agents & telling them, "I'll take care of him from here on…"

"Yes Ma'am," the Agents replied, before driving off in their van.

Shakey watched the Agents go, & was surprised to see that when the door rolled up, there was another one outside it.  The inner roller door came down, shutting off the sight of the van.  A few seconds later the sound of the outer roller door opening could be heard.

Shakey's attention was diverted by what Mazurka said next, "Welcome Shakey, to the Clones' new home!"

"New Home?"

"Yes!  This is the new compound that will house the Clones, & where they'll receive training & education."

"Why not send them to a local school?"

Mazurka suddenly got serious, "Your father decided that it might be safer for them to have a 'secure facility' like this instead.  He was worried that they might attract 'unwelcome attentions' out in the real world."

Shakey couldn't fault THAT logic, not after recent events.  He turned his mind to more pleasant things, asking Mazurka, "So what do you want me to help with?"

"The House warming party of course!" Mazurka's reply included a warm smile, "I need someone else to help me show the Girls how it should be done…  Whattaya say, Shakey?  Shall we show these Girls how to Party tonight or what?"

"All right," Shakey sighed while thinking, 'Same old Mazurka…'

Shakey looked around him, the number of Clones was unnerving, especially as they all looked alike despite their hairstyles & numbers, "Uh… Mazurka?"

"Yes?"

"What about Rave?  I mean… the 'third'…  Will she be coming?"

Mazurka's sudden grin made Shakey flinch.

"She's already here…" Mazurka pointed behind Shakey.

Shakey turned.  Rave, the 'third', stood quietly behind him, her hands clasped in front of her, & her gaze directed on the ground.  She was dressed in a loose fitting checker patterned halter-top dress, & a white long sleeved blouse.

…Cute was only one word for it…

Shakey stared at the swan his blue-haired friend had once again turned into…

"Well, geeee…" Mazurka drawled, "She looked so good that night in my old clothes, that I decided to get a proper outfit for her…  So what do you think?  Does she look nice?"

Shakey mumbled an affirmative.

Rave#3 blushed slightly, & she looked pleased at Shakey's reaction.

…So did the other Clones…

Mazurka grinned even wider, not having missed either of the reactions, "Can you give the Girls a hand in the kitchen?  We're kinda short handed, what with all we have to do?"

"Sure.  Where is it?"

"Rave?  Be a dear & show him where the kitchen is, will you?"

Rave#3 turned to Shakey & said, "Please follow me," before walking off.

Mazurka watched them go, a smile on her face, 'Rave needs to learn about Friendship with someone she can trust…  It's a Good thing she knows a nice boy like Shakey…'

"Mazurka?" a nearby Clone tried to attract Mazurka's attention.

"Yes?"

"Will we all get clothes like that?" the Clone pointed in the direction Rave#3 & Shakey had taken.

"Don't worry," Mazurka put an arm around the Clone's shoulders, "I'll make sure you all get something 'special' to wear…  But, unfortunately, we do have a budget to work to, so it may take a while…  In the meantime, I'll schedule some classes to help you learn about the Art of Wardrobe…"

"Wardrobe is an Art?"

"Oh Yes!  That's something every Lady learns, sooner or later…  The use of clothing to enhance your lifestyle is definitely an Art…  The secret is to have outfits that can co-ordinate with others…"

"Yes," the Clone quietly agreed, "Variety is the spice of life…"

Mazurka paused, 'That's what I told Rave when she slept over…  Has she already had a talk with the other Clones about it?'

"You could say that," Mazurka agreed.

"I just did."

Mazurka blinked, 'Did she just make a joke?'

"Um…  Yes," Mazurka rallied magnificently, "Anyway, that's something I'll talk to all of you about later…  For now though, we've got to get all of our stuff sorted out, & either set up, or stowed away…"

The Clone nodded, & went back to the line of workers moving their belongings into their new home.

Mazurka stood alone, pondering what the Clone had said.  'I'll have to start scheduling classes for them soon…  There's so much for them to learn about…  Where do I start?'

Mazurka frowned slightly as her mind churned, trying to figure out an acceptable curriculum for the innocent Clones.  'That can wait,' she finally decided, 'Of more pressing need is the schedule for the AVE Pilot compatibility tests…'

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Kitchen Hand.

The Canteen area of the Clones Compound was a hive of activity.  Mazurka had decided to have a 'Housewarming Party', & she had decided to hold it in the food court area of the Canteen.  Accordingly, the Clones had received 'party' supplies, & instructions in how to create a 'Party' atmosphere in the room…

…The sight was enough to make Shakey question reality…

Shakey stood silently in the lift & stared.  Throughout the Canteen area, Clones were blowing up coloured balloons, & trying to hang multi-coloured streamers & Christmas tree tinsel.

'This is weird', thought Shakey, as he tried to deal with the surreal sight of so many 'Raves' getting into 'Party Mode'.

…Or at least, what passed for 'Party Mode' in the Clones…

The Clones went about their task with a neutral precision.  They didn't smile, make jokes, or fool around with the balloons as normal people would.  Instead, they quietly & efficiently performed their allotted tasks.

…All of which changed when Shakey exited the lift…

The Clones paused in their tasks, & looked at Shakey.  Then they smiled faintly at him, some nodding slightly in recognition & acceptance of his presence.

"The food preparation area is over here," Rave#3 commented.

"Uh…  Right…  What do you need a hand with?"

"Everything," the Clones at the stainless steel food preparation table chorused.

A Clone with #47 on her clothes added, "How should we set things up?"

Shakey put on a business attitude, "Will you be sitting down to eat?"

"We do not know," #58 replied, "Mazurka did not say."

"Well, what sort of food are you preparing?  You can usually tell from that…"

#35 gestured towards the kitchen, inviting Shakey to see for himself.

The food was Vegetarian.  There were raw sliced pieces of fruit & vegetables, & various cooked dishes, including Vegetarian Sushi rolls & Vegetarian pastries.  Then there were the usual party foods, like cheese & tomato slices on crackers.

"Looks like typical 'stand-up-snack food' to me," Shakey gave his epicurean opinion, "I take it that all of you will be attending the party?"

"Except for those still in Hospital, yes," #29 replied.

Shakey chewed his lip, as he thought things through.  "Okay," he finally said, "What you need to do, is to put two of the tables together, in the middle of the room, & put the food on it, 'buffet style'…  You keep a wide space around them, to allow people to circulate…"

"But will they hold all of the food?" several Clones chorused.

"You don't put all of the food out at once," Shakey clarified, "You keep restocking it throughout the night, so that there's always fresh food there…"

The Clones nodded, & several started moving furniture.

Within seconds, the tables were arranged.  Shakey was surprised to see the Clones drape a genuine tablecloth over the tables.

Noticing his surprised look, #65 clarified, "Mazurka got them for us.  She thought we should learn how other people live."

Shakey merely nodded, the entire situation starting to 'over weird' him…

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Delivery.

Meanwhile, back in the basement, there was an unexpected arrival.  The Sound of the Security Shutters opening rattled throughout the Loading Dock area.  Alerting everyone that something was happening.

In the Loading Dock Office, Mazurka pushed aside the nearly completed Domestic Duty roster for the complex, & wandered outside.

The shutter rattled up, revealing two new visitors.  A small windowless van, similar to the one that had brought Shakey, & another truck.

The van pulled up to one side of the Loading Dock, giving the truck room to manoeuvre itself up to the Loading Dock.  The truck cut its motors, & a male Security Agent with a clipboard exited the Cab, & walked over to Mazurka.

"Major Kutsarug," the Security Agent began, "I have the first shipment of the standard supplies you requested this afternoon."

Mazurka was impressed, "That was quick.  When the Clerk said 'within two days', I didn't think anything would arrive before tomorrow afternoon at the earliest!"

"Yes Ma'am.  That's what normally occurs…"

Mazurka's interest was piqued, "So, how come we got things sooner?"

A smug expression came over the Security Agent's face, "Actually Ma'am, it seems that someone questioned your order!  Something about the paperwork not being supported by 'adequately estimated forward planning'…"

"They did?" Mazurka looked worried, "Will I have to re-do it?"

"Oh no, Ma'am," the Agent said with a smirk, "Seems that the paper pusher in question, got a 'little' call from the Commander himself about it…"

Mazurka WAS worried, "Oh?  Anything I should know about?"

The agent choked slightly, trying unsuccessfully to remove a sudden grin from his face, "Oh no Ma'am…  But next time you visit the Q-Store…  You shouldn't have any problems at all…  **ANY** Problems…"

"That's nice to know," Mazurka beamed happily, "So what do you have for us?"

Suddenly the Agent was all business, although traces of humour were still in his face.  "Just the standard hygiene supplies you requested, this time," he ran through the list on his clipboard, "Toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues, bath soap, liquid soap for the basin dispensers, laundry detergent, dish washing liquid, mops, & sundry general cleaning supplies…  If you'd sign here?"

Mazurka scanned the list, & then signed the form.  The Security agent tore off the top sheet & gave it to her.

"Thank you Ma'am," the Agent turned & walked off.

"Just a minute!" Mazurka asked, "Aren't you going to unload them?"

"Sorry Ma'am," the Agent replied, "But I have strict orders to only deliver things, & then leave immediately."

"But the supplies…"

"Sorry Ma'am.  But don't worry, the goods are on standard pallets, & can be 'broken up' by hand for distribution.  There's no rush to unload it.  As soon as any of the Dock bays are free, we'll make more deliveries, regardless of whether this truck is still being unpacked.  We'll just use another truck."

With that, the Agent walked over to the Van, & got inside.  It's engine revved & it rolled up to the Gate, which rattled up for it.

Mazurka was left on the Loading Dock, a slightly sour look on her face.

A dull booming noise drew her attention back to the Loading Dock.  The Clones had opened the swing doors on the cargo box of the truck, & were looking inside.

Mazurka sighed, & then her 'Command Persona' took over.  "All Right Ladies," she loudly proclaimed.

All of the Clones on the Loading Dock turned to look at her.

"We need to get the trucks unloaded as soon as possible, so that the dock can be used in case of emergency, & to receive more supplies.  The trucks with our gear are nearly empty.  They're not a problem, we'll empty them shortly!"

"This other truck though…  It contains the first lot of our supplies.  It's only hygiene & cleaning materials, but those are things we need to get distributed, as what hygiene supplies we have, will run out within a day or two."

"Now, we don't have a forklift, so we'll have to unload these supplies by hand.  This will be time consuming.  To save 'double handling', we'll put the bulk of the hygiene supplies right where they're most needed, the facilities in the Canteen, & Dorm levels.  This will be done by those currently on hygiene duty.  For now, I want you others to finish unloading these trucks.  I'm off to check our storage areas, to determine what 'warehousing system' we'll need, since our supplies are already arriving."

With that, Mazurka strode off to an elevator.

'Pity we don't have a forklift, it'd be lot faster than doing it by hand…'

As the lift doors closed behind Mazurka, she had one last thought.

'Wait a minute!  How DO you drive a forklift anyway?'

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Teamwork.

After Mazurka left, several Clones went inside the cargo box of the truck with the hygiene supplies.  They split up into pairs, & squatted down on opposite ends of the pallets, inserting their hands & forearms into the slots for the forklift blades.  Then they tensed their muscles & straightened their legs, effortlessly lifting the heavy pallets & their loads.

Another Clone opened one of the Cargo lifts.  She watched as the others walked the pallets over, & put them on the lift floor.  Tough plastic film was wrapped around the supplies on each pallet.  The Clones hooked their fingers into it, & tore it apart in one smooth motion.

The Clone who had opened the lift doors for the others, turned her head & stared upwards in the general direction of the Canteen.  She paused, then nodded slightly, apparently satisfied at something.  She then pressed the button for the Canteen level, before exiting the lift.

High above in the Canteen, Shakey was giving tips on how best to lay out the dishes on the impromptu buffet table…

"…offset the dishes, in two rows, this gives people easy access.  Put napkins between the dishes in the back row, where they won't get food dropped on them…"

The Clones around him nodded, seeing the practical functionality of his advice.

Shakey stood back & let the Clones set things up.  So far, he'd been more of an advisor than anything else.  "So," he asked, "What's next?"

The Clones looked around the room.

Thanks to Shakey's help, they'd gotten the room organised, & the preparations were well under way.  All that was left to do, was the preparation of the food.

"We will be able to handle things from here," #68 said.

"If there's anything else I can help with," offered Shakey, "Just ask me…"

"Can you help me?" a Clone asked from beside Shakey.

Shakey turned.  This Clone wore an apron with a pair of rubber gloves barely visible in the front pocket, & a badge declaring #13.  She had her head wrapped in a bandana, washerwoman style.

"Sure!  What's the problem, 13?"

"I need to stock the toilets with hygiene supplies.  I know how to fill the dispensers, but there are many of them, & I am the only one on Hygiene Duty…"

"No worries!" Shakey confirmed, "I'll take care of the Male toilets for you…"

#13 blinked.

"Actually…" #13 said in a rather quiet voice, "The toilets are communal…"

Shakey sweat-dropped.

'Oh no…' thought Shakey, 'Does that mean…  The hygiene supplies are 'both types' as well?'  He blushed.

"If this is a problem for you, I will understand," #13 softly stated, while looking at Shakey's embarrassed face.

"Uh… No, not really…" Shakey mumbled, trying to act & sound like a 'Man of the World', albeit a 15-year-old one, "I mean, if YOU'RE okay with me helping you…"

"Then we will start with the facilities on this level.  Mazurka wants it stocked first, then the ones in the Dorm areas.  Please follow me."

Shakey followed as #13 walked towards the elevators.  She stopped outside the third cargo lift.  She didn't press the button, she just stood there.  Shakey waited for her to do something.  And waited as #13 did nothing.  He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, #13 spoke.

"The supplies will arrive shortly from the Loading Dock."

"Oh…"

Seconds later, the lift doors opened, revealing pallet loads of supplies.

#13 entered the lift, & pressed the 'hold' button.  She then took a large garbage bag from her pocket & began to rapidly fill it with supplies.

Shakey saw that the supplies were only toilet rolls, paper towels, & liquid soap, 'That's a relief!  These things I can handle, no problem!'

"Here," Shakey offered, taking the full garbage bag from the Clone's hands, "I'll carry them, no sense you straining yourself…"

The Clone didn't comment.  Shakey Manfully swung the awkwardly balanced bag of bog rolls & other supplies over his shoulder, then staggered away from the lift.

"Uh, where are the toilets anyway?"

#13 pointed in the general direction, & Shakey wobbled his way over.

The toilet facilities were indeed 'communal'.  Not surprising, considering that the entire building had been designed to accommodate only the one gender.  There was no door barring entrance to the hygiene facilities, just a 90-degree bend providing any sort of privacy.

In the long room itself, washbasins grouped at either end, just inside the door, along with mirrors, hot air hand driers, paper hand towel cases, & bench mounted liquid soap dispensers.  The distance between the hand washing areas was taken up by a single row of toilet cubicles that lined the wall furthest from the kitchen.  The toilet stalls contained pedestal type toilets, with concealed cisterns, & a lever action flush mechanism.  Standard toilet roll holders were on the right hand side of the stall, while another type of dispenser Shakey had never seen, was on the left hand side.

'Heh…  No need to guess what THEY'RE for,' Shakey thought smugly, feeling like a 'Seasoned Man of the World' as realised how well he was handling the situation.

…All of which was spoiled when #13 said, "This is how you open the toilet roll holders…"

The reminder that he wasn't alone in the 'communal toilet' was bad enough.  The fact that he was there with a girl, only made it worse.  Shakey watched in embarrassed silence as #13 showed him how to open the toilet roll holders, & properly align the toilet rolls.

It was not as simple as he had thought it would be.  Opening the dispenser was easy enough, as was putting the toilet rolls in them.  What wasn't simple, was that the procedure required kneeling, or bending, to make sure the rolls were properly aligned within the holders.  Otherwise, they could 'jam' when used…

After demonstrating the procedure, #13 asked Shakey, "If you take care of the toilet rolls, I will take care of the paper towels & liquid soap."

Shakey nodded, & was soon engrossed in his task.  He went slowly at first, gradually getting quicker as he gained skill in the task.  He didn't notice the speed with which #13 worked, or the fact that she left the room.  She returned with two garbage bags worth of supplies, which she quickly stowed in the cupboards underneath the benches.

Soon the stalls were completely stocked…

The duo made their way to the lifts intending to go & supply the Dorms.  Shakey had a surprise when he entered the lift.  The supplies on the pallet, had been broken down, & placed into several large garbage bags.

'The others must have chipped in,' Shakey reasoned, unaware that #13 had done all of the work herself, while he had been restocking the toilets.

More surprises awaited Shakey in the Dorms…

The Dorms were partially occupied, mostly by those still recovering from their injuries.  They mostly lay, or sat on their bedding, expressionless.

That changed as soon as Shakey entered…

Throughout the Dorm, heads turned towards him, & faces smiled faintly at him.  The attention made Shakey self-conscious, & he felt a need to respond.

"Don't mind me," Shakey sheepishly announced, "I'm just passing through…"

The placid gazes of the injured followed Shakey, as he followed #13 through the dorm, & into the communal facilities at the end.  Which is where Shakey suddenly found himself in a room containing not only the expected toilet stalls, but also shower stalls.

…Some of which were in use…

Shakey heard splashing sounds from behind the shower stall doors, & stopped dead.  He backed quickly out of the room, eyes downcast & blushing furiously.

"Is there a problem?" #13 asked with quiet concern.

"Th-there's showers in there!"

"Yes?"

"With people in them!"

#13 blinked, then lowering her gaze as a faint blush spread over her face.  "I am sorry," she said quietly, "I should have remembered this might upset you.  Do not worry, they will stay in the shower stalls until you are gone."

Eyes firmly on the floor, Shakey worked quickly.  As soon as his task was over, he beat a hasty retreat to the lift…

The Second Dorm was easier, as none of the showers were being used.  Shakey still went about the task of stocking the toilet stalls as quickly as he could.

'I better get this over & done as quick as I can,' Shakey reasoned, 'Someone might wander in to take a shower…'

It wasn't until the toilets had been uneventfully stocked, & he was outside the communal facility, that Shakey was able to relax.

'Whew,' Shakey slumped against the wall in relief, 'I was lucky that didn't turn into a repeat of when I delivered Rave's ID Card…'

Shakey's relief was only brief, as he remembered something #13 had said, 'I should have remembered this might upset you…'

Shakey blinked, 'What did she mean by that?'

A look of horror stole over Shakey's face as he recalled something Rave#3 had said.  'We were given the memories from those who bore the name of Rave…'

"Oh Noooo," Shakey put his hands to his head & groaned.

#13 looked at him with concern.  "Are you feeling all right?"

"…yeah…" Shakey lied in a faint voice, "…i'm fine…"

"Are you sure?" pressed #13, "The last time you were that near us after we had just taken a shower, you seemed rather upset."

Shakey's eyes widened in shock as his worst fears were confirmed.  He turned to #13 beside him, & choked out, "Y-You know?"

"Yes," #13 replied nonchalantly, "We were given all of her memories."

Shakey did the only thing a 15-year-old 'Seasoned Man of the World' in his situation could possibly do.

He fainted…

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Explanations.

In the second Storage level, Mazurka was not feeling happy as she looked around the echoing reaches of the storage level.

"That tears it…" Mazurka was definitely feeling disgruntled, "No forklift on the loading dock level, & no forklift on either of the stores level…  Well, no sense crying over what we haven't got…  It'll be time consuming, but we'll unload the trucks by hand…  Better go & tell the Girls the bad news…"

A thought struck Mazurka, as she walked back to the lift.

'Should I order a forklift?  I've got enough authorisation for it…' Mazurka pressed the 'request' button on the lift panel.  She pondered that while waiting for the lift.

'No!  I've got more important things to get for the girls!  The cost of the forklift alone, could buy a wardrobe full of decent clothes…'

"But not enough for all of them…" Mazurka winced as she remembered just how expensive Rave#3's meagre new outfit of dress, blouse, socks & shoes had been.

It was an unpleasant reminder of budgetary constraints.  Since she had to stretch them, Mazurka was re-evaluating her priorities.

'The money'll go furthest, if I can clothe them cheaply…  That means, either going to a Second-Hand Clothes shop, or getting them the raw materials they need to make their own…'

A sly smile came over Mazurka's face.

'Well, Commander Atari DID say he wanted the Girls to be 'Socially Integrated'…  So he shouldn't complain, if 'Dressmaking' appears on the curriculum…'

The lift arrived, & Mazurka entered, & pressed the button for the Loading Dock.  On the brief trip down, she made plans.

"Let's see…  Sewing machine?  Quicker than hand sewing…  But the machines are expensive… and you need an overlocker for stretch fabrics…  Bulk cloth fabric?  Embroidery?  Yeah why not!  They can brighten their outfits up…  What about a screen-printing kit?  They could make up their own fabric designs that way…"

Mazurka's plans were interrupted by the lift doors opening at the end of her journey.  One of the first things she saw when she got out, was the empty cargo box of the truck that had just brought the hygiene supplies.

'They unloaded it already?' Mazurka blinked in surprise.

'Well, good for them!' a smile stole over Mazurka's face, 'It'll give them a confidence boost to handle things by themselves so successfully…  Especially since we can free up the Loading Dock for more supplies…'

"Mazurka," a nearby Clone said, "All of the Hygiene supplies have been distributed, as per your orders.  The facilities have been fully stocked, & surplus stocks have been placed in the Janitor's storage cupboards."

"That was quick," Mazurka was impressed, "Did you all pitch in to unload the truck?"

"Several Clones unloaded the truck," the Clone confirmed, leaving out the insignificant details of exactly HOW they'd done it, "Shakey helped us as well."

Mazurka felt touched, 'He really is a good boy…'

The Clone tilted her head & frowned slightly, "Shakey…  He is not feeling well…"

"What do you mean?"

"He has collapsed."

"Collapsed?"  Mazurka was alarmed.

"Yes.  He had just finished helping us to stock the Dorm levels."

"Where is he now?"

"He is being taken care of, on Dorm level 2"

Mazurka wasted no time, she ran to the open lift & jabbed the button.  A few tense seconds later, the closing lift doors concealed her worried face.

Seconds later, the other cargo lift arrived, & the Clones on the Loading Dock took the empty pallets, & put them back in the truck they had arrived in…

Mazurka hurriedly exited the lift at Dorm Level 2.  A Clone wearing a bandana & apron waved at her, & pointed to one of the Dorm Halls.

Just outside the hygiene facilities, Shakey lay unconscious on the floor…

The Clones had taken care of him after he fainted, placing him on one of their own makeshift beds, & covering him with blankets.  Several of the injured Clones sat near him, watching him intently.

Mazurka stopped a few feet from the unconscious boy, & looked at him.

"What happened to him?" Mazurka asked in a voice just above a whisper.

"I am unsure," replied the Clone in the bandanna, "He had finished helping me stock the facilities on this level, when he suddenly said 'Oh no', & grabbed his head.  When asked if he was all right, he replied 'Yeah, I'm fine.'  I asked for confirmation, & he replied, 'You know,' before collapsing."

Mazurka was puzzled, "Was he doing anything strenuous just before he collapsed?"

"No," replied #13, "Although he was stocking the toilets faster than what he had been doing in the Canteen…"

"Tell me," Mazurka asked slowly, "When stocking the toilets, was there any kneeling or bending over involved?"

"Yes," confirmed #13, "Kneeling, or bending is involved."

"That's probably it," Mazurka decided with relief, "He rushed himself, got up too fast, became light-headed, then fainted…  Err…  Did he hit his head when he fell?"

"No," replied #13, "I caught him before he hit the floor."

Shakey moaned, & started to move.  The Clones nearest him, reached out & helped him to sit up.  He sat blinking, not quite aware of his surroundings.

"Oh Shakey," Mazurka tried, but failed to keep the grin off her face, "You've GOT to stop wearing yourself out trying to help these girls…  It'll start rumours…"

Shakey blushed…  So did the Clones…

**********************************************************************

Chapter - House Warming…

The Clones first House Warming party was in full swing.

…Or at least, as close to full swing as the Clones were capable of getting…

Despite Mazurka's best efforts in supplying recorded music, the Clones tended to just stand around quietly.  They occasionally went to the food tables & took something to eat, but other than that, they just stood there.

Shakey wasn't much better.  Although, he was providing most of the conversation in the party, by talking continuously with the Clones.

…Or rather, by talking to a continuous stream of Clones…

A Clone would ask Shakey something, & he'd respond.  When he was finished, that Clone would stand aside, & let another talk to him.  It was a cycle that had been occurring ever since Mazurka had declared that the 'Operation Tadaima' party was officially 'Go'.  (NOTE 'Tadaima' is an expression Japanese people use when they return home, literally 'I'm Home'…)

…Not that Shakey was being worn out by the shy attentions of the Clones…

The Clones had thoughtfully arranged for Shakey to have a seat, in a position where he could easily be seen by every one in the room.  They also put a small table beside him, to hold his own pitcher of juice, a cup, & a plate.

Mazurka had smiled when she'd seen the arrangement, & had gladly thrown Shakey to the tender mercies of the Clones.  Mainly because it gave Mazurka a chance to finish planning the testing schedule the Clones would start the next day.

So it was, that Mazurka had left the party, & had gone down to the Loading Dock office to work.  She made good time, & had things sorted out well before suppertime.

"Finished!" Mazurka growled with satisfaction, pushing her hair out of her eyes.  She leaned backward in her chair, hearing her joints pop as she stretched.  Then she creakily rose from her chair & stumbled off to the lift.

"Now I've got THAT taken care of…  I can go back to the party…"

Things on the Canteen level, were much as they were when Mazurka had left.  The only change was that Shakey was getting hoarse from talking.

'Oh Shakey,' Mazurka shook her head in disbelief, 'There you are, the only boy at a party with lots of pretty girls who like you…  Sitting down…'

Mazurka walked over to the music player, & turned it off.  The sudden lack of music caused every head in the room to turn towards her.

Noticing that she had their complete attention, Mazurka grinned, "Well now, looks like THIS party needs livening up some!"

Shakey watched, a vague sense of doom growing within him.

"Tell me," Mazurka slyly quipped, "What does THIS tune make you think of?"  She slipped another tape into the machine, & played it.

The clones blinked, & Shakey began to sweat nervously, as they recognised the music that Shakey & Aesir had 'synchro-trained' to that time.

"Shakey!" Mazurka's exclamation was more like a polite order, "Don't just sit there!  Get up & show these girls how well you can dance!"

Shakey turned pale.  "B-But!" he croaked, "That was a long time ago!"

"And?" queried Mazurka, raising an eyebrow, "I'm sure the Girls won't hold it against you if you're a little 'rusty'…"

Shakey swallowed heavily, & not just because his throat was hoarse from talking.

Mazurka grinned, "As I recall, Aesir was a pretty good dance partner…  I'm sure any of these Girls would be more than willing to show you they are too!"

As one, the Clones turned to look expectantly at Shakey.  Shakey was trapped like a rat, with nowhere to run to, & no chance of running.

"All right…" Shakey resigned himself to his fate & rose from his seat, "Who wants to dance with me?"

"I will," **ALL** of the Clones chorused at once, surprising Shakey, & making Mazurka grin even harder…

"Well now Ladies," Mazurka was grinning from ear to ear, "Lets' do this in an fair & orderly fashion!  The Clone with the lowest number gets first dance…"

Rave#3 stepped forward.  She took up the starting position of the dance on Shakey's right hand side.  She turned her head & looked quietly at him, reassuring him, letting him know he had nothing to fear from those around him.

Without a word, the other Clones drew back, giving the pair room to dance.  Mazurka pressed 'play', & the music began.

Shakey was right, he was rusty, but neither Rave#3, or any of the other Clones he danced with that night seemed to mind.

What they DID mind, was that poor Shakey wasn't able to dance with ALL of them…

Soon enough, he was out of breath & ready to collapse.  Seeing his condition, Mazurka decided to call it a night.  Mazurka couldn't help but note though, the looks of concern & disappointment on the faces of the Clones.

"Don't worry about it!" Mazurka reassured them as she dragged the exhausted boy off home, "He'll be able to dance with the rest of you, once he recovers…"

'C-Can't run away…' thought a wheezing Shakey, '…cause I can't even stand up…'

Back at their apartment, Mazurka draped the exhausted youth over his bed.  She paused at the door after turning the bedroom light off.

"I'm glad you were able to be there tonight," Mazurka murmured in the twilight, "I know the Girls really enjoyed having you over."

Shakey wheezed incoherently from his bed.

"Shakey," Mazurka asked hesitantly, "There's… another favour I'd like from you…  The Commander wants me to teach the Girls how to be like other girls their age…"

Shakey didn't answer.

"I've already asked you to watch out for Rave," Mazurka continued, "Will you help me teach them how to be normal girls as well?"

Shakey remained silent.

"Shakey?" asked Mazurka.

"…yes…" the answer sighed out of the darkness, "…i'll help…  But please…  Do I have to dance with ALL of them?"

Mazurka smiled, "Well…  If you don't, they might feel 'left out'…  That's a sure way of hurting a girl…"

"All right then," Shakey sighed, resigning himself to his fate, "But not all at once…  I don't think I could handle going through tonight again…"

"Don't complain!" remonstrated Mazurka, "Not every young man is lucky enough to know even ONE girl, who likes him half as much as they all like you…"

"Huh…?" was all Shakey said.

"I mean it," Mazurka confirmed, "Rave & the other Girls DO care about you.  If they didn't, why would they treat you so well?"

Mazurka shut the door to Shakey's room, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

'The Clones… 'like'… me?' Shakey was incredulous.  As he remembered how the Clones, & Rave#2 in particular, had acted towards him, he began to believe.

A sense of wonder grew within him.  That & the new knowledge that others liked him, kept sleep at bay for quite a while, despite his exhaustion…

**********************************************************************

Chapter - Leftovers.

That night, the Clones dreamed, their minds merging into one…

Shakey…  He helps us…

He did not want me to strain myself…

But…  We are stronger than he is?

Does he know that?

Perhaps he thought I was one of the injured?

Perhaps it is because he cares about us?

He was upset when he knew we were using the shower…

Like he was when he delivered our ID Card…

Even though he did not see us, or touch us, this time…

Why?

Mazurka said, he is afraid his actions will be misinterpreted…

That he is afraid of making others dislike him…

Was he afraid we would misinterpret his actions?

Was he afraid that we would not want to be his friend?

He values our opinions…

Does he value our friendship as well?

He has many other friends…

Does he value our friendship, like he does theirs?

Perhaps…  He does…

He talked with us!

As he would his other friends!

He danced with us!

As he did with the Second Pilot, & the Second Rave!

He tired himself out dancing with us…

Those of us who could dance…

Mazurka said he would dance with the rest of us later…

But…  Will he tire himself out again?

We do not want to hurt him…

We will not hurt him!

We will be mindful of his health!

We will not let him tire himself out!

Not in teaching us!

Not in helping us!

Not in dancing with us!

Not in being our friend!

We will protect him, even from himself!

We WILL be a friend to him!

That night, the Clones slept very well indeed…

**********************************************************************

The END of Book 6 of 'Altered Lives'

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Offer.

"And while I've got you here Major, I'd like to have a little talk with you concerning those rumours about my son & Rave…"

"But Sir, it wasn't his fault that…"

"I realise that," Glando's voice rose in volume, "That D--N Fan Fiction Writer has obviously been watching 'Tenchi Muyo' again…"

"Really?" asked Mazurka, "I thought he'd been watching 'DNA2'?"

"Couldn't have!" Glando asserted with all the Certified Authority only a cartoon character could have, "Otherwise Shakey would've been the one to beat the LIVING C--P out of those thugs, not Rave…"

NOTE #1 'Tenchi Muyo', the story of a young man who has 6 Super-Powered Alien Females, fall in love with him…  And they're **ALL** JEALOUS as Hell too!

NOTE #2 'DNA2' or DNA Squared' is the story of a young man who turns into a Hunk with super powers.  He 'saves the day', by beating up the bad guys…

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Other Orders.

Glando sat silently for several minutes after the doors closed behind Mazurka.

"S--T!" Glando hissed irritably, "All this 'Office Work of the Evil B-----D In Charge' is getting to me!  I need to kick back & relax…"

He picked up his phone, & dialled.  It rang three times, before being picked up.

"Yes?" asked the soft voice of Rave Imanonymous #3.

"Rave," Glando stated, "Scrambler."

A scratchy noise warbled over the phone.  Satisfied, Glando activated his own scrambler unit, & the noise disappeared.

"Rave, I need to let off some steam…  We'll 'paint the town red' tonight…  Be ready by 11:00 PM, in the usual getup…"

"Yes Sir."

Later that night, an unmarked NERVIS limo deposited two strangely attired figures in one of the seedier areas of the City.  The tallest of the two, was an elderly bearded man, complete with limp, walking stick, & a transparent garbage bag, stuffed full with LARGE denomination notes.  His companion appeared to be just another brainless teenage trend follower, complete with loose socks, & run-of-the-mill 'sailor' type schoolgirl uniform.

A closer look would reveal that it was really Glando & Rave in disguise…

The two made their way into the squalor of the run-down suburb.  Glando hammed his part up, limping painfully, & cackling dementedly, loudly proclaiming…

"Who'd have thought I'd be lucky enough to win all this cash in the lottery?"

Of course, the inevitable happened…

"Hey Pops!" said a voice from the shadows, "Why doncha share some of that luck?"

Glando & Rave stopped, & looked into the gloom where the voice had spoken from.

"Yeah Old-Timer!" said a second voice behind them, "It's good luck to share…"

Glando turned slowly, a look of fear on his disguised face.

"Who's there?" Glando called out.

"Just us," said a third voice as a pack of thugs materialised from out of the gloom, "Your friendly neighbourhood tax collectors…"

"Yeah," smirked a fourth, "And we're collecting for 'Urban Renewal' tonight…"

"So fork it over, you Old B-----D," sneered a fifth, "Or your luck'll run out…"

Glando & Rave found themselves in the centre of a circle of thugs.  Glando acted like a scared old man might, gulping heavily, & waving his walking stick.

"And what if I don't WANT to share with you layabouts?" Glando cackled.

"Well then," informed one of the pack with polite arrogance, "We'll just have to find some way of… persuading you… to let us have it…"

"Yeah," confirmed the others, some looking covetously at the moneybag, others leering ominously at Rave.

"Oh, you've persuaded ME to 'let you have it', all right," Glando said on noticing the ones leering at Rave.  He turned to Rave & spoke quietly, "Rave?"

"Yes Sir?"

Glando pointed at the thugs & said one word, "MAIM…"

Rave blurred into action, wreaking carnage in the shadows to the screams of the disbelieving thugs.

"Now then," Glando said pleasantly, as he strolled over to one of the screaming injured, "You're the one who called me an 'Old B-----D', aren't you?  Rave?"

"Yes Sir?"

"He's first…  Terminate with **EXTREME** prejudice!  No need to rush…"

"Yes Sir…"

Glando sighed contentedly, a 'warm and fuzzy feeling' in his chest as he watched Rave do her bit to 'take-back-the-night', mainly by 'taking-out-the-trash'…

The Fan Fiction Writer felt a need to explain things…  The preceding OMAKE might not be what other people consider normal 'Family Time' activities for even a 'surrogate' Father & Daughter to share…  But this IS Glando we're talking about…

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Packing.

It was a more pleasant ride than Mazurka had feared.  The ventilator supplied plenty of fresh tasting air, & the ride itself wasn't rough at all, but more like being in a family car.  Most surprisingly though, was how quiet it was inside the cargo box, the rumble of the truck engine being felt rather than heard, & street noise noticeable in its absence.

'Okay, so it's not a cattle car,' Mazurka grudgingly conceded…

'But that don't mean the girls won't feel… dehumanised!'  Mazurka's brow furrowed as she tried to think up some way to improve the social atmosphere…

Inspiration Struck!  Mazurka asked the Clones, "Do any of you know the song, 'Row, Row, Row your Boat'?"

The Clones nodded, they, or rather the earlier Raves, had heard it in school.

"Well then," smiled Mazurka, "Let's have a sing-song shall we?"

The voices of the Clones chimed merrily for the rest of the trip.  Except for when they were singing songs from Mazurka's favourite 'Death Metal' Band…

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Inspection.

The truck containing Mazurka & the Clones, rumbled through the streets of the city, making many twists & turns in its journey…

'Why are we making so many turns?' Mazurka was more than slightly concerned, 'Are they trying to confuse someone watching us?  Or is this just more typical Security mentality at work?'

The answer was neither, & much more mundane, than many might think…

The battles with the Alien War-Machines had often trashed the city.  Efforts to rebuild, had often included 'upgrades', & 'modifications'…  Consequently, the road maps were constantly being rewritten, as the current layout existed for a few months, only to be obliterated in the next attack.

To facilitate efficient transport, all NERVIS vehicles were equipped with state of the art Global Positioning Satellite systems.  The GPS systems gave the driver an up-to date computerised road map, & showed them where they were on it.  It also showed all of the scheduled 'Road Works', street blockages, detours, & diversions that rebuilding required…

As well as the haphazard traffic jams that naturally resulted…

Put simply, the driver had to be 'inventive' getting from point A to Point B…

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Stock Options #1.

"Okay…  Let's reassess the situation!" Mazurka applied her Brilliant Tactical Mind to trying to reason her way out of the problem she was in, totally ignoring the fact she was talking to herself.

"Point ONE…  Hygiene supplies…  Standard items will arrive within days.  We can take supplies from the restrooms of the facility we're leaving, that'll tide us over…  H--L, we can even buy them ourselves if necessary, no problem!"

Later that day, Glando had another gruelling session with STEELY.  Afterwards, he used the 'executive washroom' attached to his office…

'At least these meetings stop me needing laxatives…' Glando smirked arrogantly as he sat down & 'expressed an opinion' about his Superiors.  When it was time to take care of the 'paperwork', Glando had an unpleasant surprise…

The toilet paper dispenser was empty…

There wasn't even a cardboard tube he could use…

Unfortunately for Glando, the sheer size of his intimidatingly large office would stop anyone from hearing him call for help.  Let alone the sound proof doors.  He began to sweat, as he considered the few unpleasant options he had…

Elsewhere, the Clones made a pile of the 'hygiene supplies' they'd scrounged…

Mazurka had failed to adequately define the limits of the 'facility' they were to take supplies from, so the Clones had 'ratted' EVERY toilet they knew of.

Including the 'executive offices'…

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Stock Options #2.

"No.  I use supplies from the Base."

"Really?  Including 'Feminine Protection'?" Mazurka oh-so tactfully inquired.

NOTE It was at this point in the Main Story, that most of the Male Readers ran away screaming…  In order to increase the readership base, the Fan Fiction Writer decided to do the OMAKE in 'Gunsmith Cats' style…  Or close enough…

"Yes," Rave replied, reaching into her skirt pocket & producing a pistol.

Mazurka blinked.

"9MM hollow points," clarified Rave, "Dr Akatlover said they were the ultimate in 'Feminine Protection'…"

Mazurka coughed, "Personally speaking, I prefer a 44 Magnum…"

"Is there much difference?" asked Rave.

"Is there ever!" Mazurka exclaimed, "Let me give you some advice, based on the personal experiences of me & my friends…  To start with…"

…There followed a lengthy, 'woman-to-woman' discussion about such things…

"…so that's why!" Mazurka concluded her storytelling…

"I see," Rave felt greatly informed by Mazurka's anecdotes…

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Time Off.

Shakey was stiff & rusty, but he soon loosened up as the music filled him.  It took him away from his current life, to a place where his emotions could dip & soar, free to be in harmonious counterpoint to the notes he played.  He played several pieces, revelling in the joy he felt as he coaxed the music from the inanimate objects he held…

When he finally came back, he gave a satisfied sigh, 'I needed that…'

It was then that he heard another musical instrument being played elsewhere in the building.  The music played, then paused, then repeated.

On a whim, Shakey began playing along to it.

Which is how the 'symphony version' of 'Duelling Banjos' got on the Soundtrack…

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Delivery.

As the lift doors closed behind Mazurka, she had one last thought.

'Wait a minute!  How DO you drive a forklift anyway?'

The Fan Fiction Writer decided to STOP RIGHT THERE…  He had **NO** intention of letting Mazurka drive a Fork Lift…  Not when he knew how she drove a car…

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Teamwork.

The placid gazes of the injured followed Shakey, as he followed #13 through the dorm, & into the communal facilities at the end.  Which is where Shakey suddenly found himself in a room containing not only the expected toilet stalls, but also shower stalls.

…Some of which were in use…

Shakey heard splashing sounds from behind the shower stall doors, & stopped dead.  He started to back quickly out of the room, eyes downcast & blushing furiously.

He wasn't fast enough…

The shower stall door suddenly opened, & it's occupant came out, naked except for a towel draped over her shoulders.

Shakey's eyes went wide with frightened shock, as he saw a writhing mass of tentacles & chitinous exoskeleton beneath the towel.

"Is there a problem?" the thing asked softly in Rave's voice.

Shakey fainted in reply.

Clone#13 'sweat dropped' as she saw the creature, Err…  Sister?  Your body?

The thing looked down at itself, S--T!  The Fan Fiction Writer must have been watching the movie 'Species' again…

NOTE 'Species', a Sci-Fi movie about…  Um…  Sorry, definite SPOILER there…  I'd like to state, that I would REALLY like to see the shower scene in NGE TV series episode #5 done with the 'other' body of the Lead lady from Species…;)

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - Explanations.

A thought struck Mazurka, as she walked back to the lift.

'Should I order a forklift?  I've got enough authorisation for it…' Mazurka pressed the 'request' button on the lift panel.  She pondered that while waiting for the lift.

For the sake of the curious, the Fan Fiction Writer decided to reveal what might happen if Mazurka DID order a forklift…

Mazurka stared in disbelief at the clerk, "What do you mean I'll have to drive it there myself?  Can't you deliver it?"

"Sorry Ma'am," replied the Stereotypical Stock Clerk, "We only deliver things on Pallets.  If it's not on a pallet, we don't deliver it.  Union Rules!"

"Ridiculous!" scoffed Mazurka, "They don't follow those rules with the AVE's…"

The clerk raised an eyebrow, "Different Union handles them Ma'am…"

Eventually, Mazurka 'bit the bullet', & drove the forklift over to the Clones' Secure Housing Facility by herself.

'Mayhem in the Streets!' screamed the headlines in the afternoon papers.

**********************************************************************

OMAKE - House Warming.

"…yes…" the answer sighed out of the darkness, "…i'll help…  But please…  Do I have to dance with ALL of them?"

"Don't complain," remonstrated Mazurka, "At least it was only the 'AVE-rena' you danced all 43 times…  It could have been something more strenuous…"

With that, she left the room, leaving Shakey alone with his thoughts…

Shakey lay there sweating nervously, as he realised the truth in her words…

'She's right,' he thought worriedly, 'What if it had been 'Paul Mercurio style' Ballroom Dancing?  Or 'Patrick Swayze style' Dirty Dancing…'

'Or…' he turned white with Primordial Fear, 'Or even the Lambada?'

"Dear Lord!  Nooooooo…" he wailed in horror as the room spun around him.

NOTE This OMAKE makes better sense if you consider that it happens in the same 'reality' as the 'Teamwork' OMAKE mentioned above…  Think about it!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -The END of the OMAKE- - - - - - - - - - - - -